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If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Are you planning to adopt a Bernedoodle in Michigan? Ethical breeders carefully select their breeding dogs through various tests to minimize the risk of puppies inheriting any serious genetic conditions. Similarly, responsible breeders will also provide health guarantees, usually for one or two years from adoption. A good health guarantee should cover any serious or life threatening hereditary illnesses that the parent dogs have been tested for. For instance, you can find plenty of customer reviews on Google, Facebook, here at Doodle Doods , Yelp, or even Reddit. To learn more about this topic, make sure you check out our full, in-depth guide on How To Choose A Responsible Breeder. They specialize in a variety of coat colors and patterns, such as tri-colors, bi-colors, but also rarer patterns like sables and merles. And once in a while, they also have solid colors available. In addition to that, they closely keep an eye on all of their puppies and evaluate their temperaments to ensure that each pup goes to the most suitable forever home. What Makes This Breeder Unique? They carefully select their breeding dogs and all of them have undergone rigorous health and genetic testing to produce the highest quality litters possible. Ready to go today. That leaves us with a lot to do in order to get her home dealt with and other things that come along with loved ones needing us. Now is just not the time to keep a pup back. I was having fun just watching them grow to see who will be the one or two! These pups are standard size and will be 65lbs or more grown. If you are ready to pickup today we can arrange that as long as we have a few hours notice. One boy is available. We do have new pricing options available for him. Our F1 Bernedoodles are bred from OFA and Genetically tested parents and are an excellent choice for those looking for a healthy and intelligent companion. OFA testing is a series of evaluations performed by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, which can help identify any potential genetic health issues. By breeding dogs that have passed these tests, we can reduce the risk of passing on inherited conditions to their offspring. Bernedoodles, a cross between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and affectionate nature, making them an ideal family pet. Choosing an F1 Bernedoodle from OFA and Genetically tested parents can increase the chances of getting a happy and healthy addition to your family. Alice and Jackson also have Genetic Panels completed by Paw Print Genetics so we know their pups will never develop any genetic diseases common to their breeds. As an added benefit and protection, all pups come with a two year health warranty as well. She loves to play catch and she is great at retrieving. She is AKC Registered. Her coat is thick and her puppies usually get this trait from her too. He is your typical Bernese, loves pet and he wants to sit on your lap at all times. He has an incredible coat, soft and so shiny. He is AKC Registered. He is the Dad of our F1 Bernedoodle puppies. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Allen Park Michigan and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!
Boston Boxer Highlights Boston Boxers are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Boston Terrier or Boxer parents. The main colors of Boston Boxers are black, brown, fawn, blue, and white. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors, like in a pied or brindle pattern. Boston Boxers are known to be a good choice for families with children. Always supervise playtime. The Boston Boxer is a highly energetic mixed breed. If left alone for too long or without any sort of stimulation, this energy can manifest in unwanted destructive behaviors. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. When it comes to other pets, Boston Boxers can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. Boston Boxer History The Boston Boxer mixed dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Boston Terriers and Boxers in the late s, likely in North America. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to keep the friendly and energetic spirit of the Boxer but in a smaller, Boston Terrier size. They continued to create Boston Boxers as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the Boston Boxer got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide the Boston Boxer is the dog for you. Be sure to check your local shelters, look up Boston Boxer or Miniature Boxer rescues, or check with breed-specific Boxer or Boston Terrier rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. Boston Boxer Size Since the Boston Boxer is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Boston Terrier and Boxer parents, you can expect your Boston Boxer to be on the small-to-medium size. Most weigh in at 22 to 55 pounds and range in height from 15 to 23 inches from the shoulder. However, many can be larger or smaller than average. The Mini Boxer can be somewhat hesitant around strangers, which is why it is very important to socialize your Boston Boxer as early as possible to make sure they are people-friendly. These dogs are prone to attaching to one particular family member, and they can become somewhat protective of them. Even with their protective tendencies, most Boston Boxer enthusiasts say their dogs are complete goofballs. The Boston Boxer is also a highly energetic mixed breed, so they are best-suited with people who can keep up with the pace. Some of the more common health problems Boston Boxer suffer from include: heart murmurs. Lifespan Sociability Boston Boxer dogs are very popular, resulting in many breeders. We recommend searching for as many as possible to find the perfect puppy before you make your decision. Always ask a breeder to show you the facilities before making any payment. In many cases, you can find a breeder that is willing to sell you a puppy at a reduced cost, but we must caution against prices that are too good to be true, as unscrupulous breeders often create these puppies in unsafe environments known as puppy mills. The best way to fight puppy mills is not to buy their puppies. You can always ask your local shelter if they have a Boxer mix that resembles the Boston Boxer. They are athletic and can run fast and jump quite high and will maintain a fast pace for extended play sessions before tiring. They quickly become attached and protective of their owners and are wary of strangers who might cause them to become aggressive and bark. However, they generally get along with other household pets and small yard animals like bunnies and squirrels. Boston Boxers are sensitive to their environment and prefer a set, predictable schedule, and they can be stubborn if you change things up too quickly. They are very intelligent and easy to train, as long as they think they are in charge. They love the company and will remain at your side most of the day. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are very friendly, energetic, and playful. They get along well with pets including, cats and other dogs. They like to play with children and will provide each other with unlimited amounts of entertainment. Boston Boxers are intelligent enough to follow orders and behave and will even learn tricks and guard the house while you are away. They will require at least one family member to take them out for long walks, though, and these are high maintenance in the exercise department, requiring at least one hour of running and jumping each day. If you live in the city, it can be challenging to find enough room, and you will likely require access to a park or trail. They are even more friendly if you socialize them early and get them used to other animals, but even so, this breed rarely gets aggressive toward another animal. This food should be high-quality without any harmful chemicals or preservatives. High-quality dog food will contain meat, vegetables, grains, and fruits, according to the American Kennel Club. You can expect to take your Boston Boxer for a long walk every day, and on some days, you may need a second walk. You can expect to walk at least eight miles a week spread out over about an hour a day, every day, for the next several years when purchasing a Boston Boxer. In most cases, you will only require patience and a bunch of treats to have your Boston Boxer impressing your friends. To train your pet, simply stand in front of them with a treat ready. Boston Boxers are smart and will know you have it. When they figure it out and sit, give them a treat. Stand them back up and repeat. After several tries, your Boston Boxer will catch on and quickly sit on command. Using the above system, you can teach your dog plenty of tricks, like shaking hands, fetch, rollover, and plenty of others. You can even teach them more complex tricks like retrieving the newspaper with a little practice. They only require occasional brushing and trimming of their nails. But there are a few problems associated with them that you should know about before you make a purchase. Minor Conditions. 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. These fun-loving dogs are great family dogs, but they are also highly loyal and supremely protective of their families, making them ideal guard dogs too — the job for which the breed was developed. With all these desirable characteristics, the Boxer has been a part of many designer breeds that are arguably just as adorable. In this article, we take a look at 20 of these designer breeds in all their glory! The 20 Popular Boxer Mixes 1. They are medium-sized dogs that need a great deal of exercise to stay happy and healthy, and they are not suitable for apartment living. That said, these dogs have the stubborn and independent nature of their Beagle parent too, and this can make training difficult for novice owners. They are strong, stocky animals that are highly athletic, making them ideal working dogs. They bond strongly with their owners and do not enjoy being left alone for long periods. Both parent breeds can be a challenge for novice owners to train, but with patience and dedication, the Box Heeler is a dependable and loyal pooch indeed. As such, little is known about the breed, although they are likely to be highly intelligent and exceedingly affectionate. Of course, both parent breeds have a stubborn streak that is likely to show itself in the Boxachi too. A Boxador! This Labrador cross is one of the most popular Boxer hybrids for many reasons. They are great family dogs, highly intelligent, and easy to train and have low grooming requirements: a near-perfect designer breed, in our opinion. These dogs are known to be a fair bit of a challenge to train because they can be stubborn at times, but their high intelligence and eager-to-please nature make up for it. They are great family dogs because they are generally docile and even-tempered and gentle with children. They typically have the medium-length, thick coat of their Chow parents but are far more muscular, stocky, and powerful, making for an intimidating dog indeed. They are easily trainable dogs, making them ideal for novice owners and families with young children. Boxerdoodle Boxer x Poodle A post shared by Andrea Dawn andreadawnworth This Poodle hybrid breed may inherit the short coat of the Boxer or the fluffy coat of the Poodle or be somewhere in between, but they are an adorable pooch either way! They are energetic pooches that will require a fair amount of daily exercise to keep them happy, but they are as loyal, lovable, and intelligent as they come. The Boxita is an extremely athletic pooch with a ton of energy, and they are known to be somewhat stubborn and challenging to train, making them a breed suited toward more experienced owners. They are known for being great family dogs, though, and are highly loyal and devoted animals. Boxmas Boxer x Mastiff A post shared by Jill Pelerine jmpelerine The Mastiff is a large, powerful dog and when combined with a Boxer , can make for an intimidating breed indeed. They are generally gentle giants, though, with a ton of devotion and affection to give. They are great family dogs, and their intimidating stature makes them excellent guard dogs. They are known for developing powerful bonds with their owners and are loyal animals. This Dalmatian hybrid is a playful, energetic pooch that needs a great deal of exercise and interaction to stay happy and healthy. They are larger than Boxers and may inherit the exuberant qualities of their Dalmatian heritage, a trait that can be problematic around small children. They are the ideal companion for active owners, though, with an almost inexhaustible reserve of energy. They are great family dogs, with a gentle and affectionate nature and staunch devotion to their owners. With their Husky heritage, these dogs can be independently minded and stubborn at times, making them difficult to train and not ideal for novice owners. They have high exercise demands and are not suited to apartment living. But if you have a large space at home and plenty of time to dedicate to regular exercise, they are a wonderful breed to own. They are playful, sweet dogs in general, but with the Rottweiler heritage, they need a firm and consistent hand in training. They are immensely powerful, with an intimidating appearance, but they are sweet and gentle-natured dogs at heart. Due to their power and strength, these dogs need early socialization and disciplined training and are not recommended for novice owners. Combining two loyal and devoted breeds, these dogs are highly affectionate and loving with their family and somewhat wary of strangers, making them great family protectors. They need plenty of socialization and a firm, consistent hand in training. Bulloxer Boxer x American Bulldog Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock The Boxer and American Bulldog are similar breeds, both with strong, sturdy frames and loyal, devoted temperaments, so the combination would naturally be a great match. They are generally sweet, friendly dogs despite their imposing appearance, and they make great family dogs that are gentle and loving with children. German Boxer Boxer x German Shepherd A post shared by BorisSV borisstarboardveracruz A somewhat unlikely mixed breed, this German Shepherd hybrid inherits the best traits of their parent breeds, making for a loving and playful yet loyal and devoted pooch. They are intelligent dogs that are highly trainable and ideal for novice dog owners, they make great family pooches, and they are as protective and loyal as they come. They are intelligent, devoted, playful, and gentle and bond strongly with their owners. They often inherit the long coat of their Retriever parents and are as adorable as they are friendly. Final Thoughts With the Boxer being such a friendly and loyal breed, any hybrid is likely to inherit these sought-after traits, and most are wonderful family dogs indeed. Some hybrids can be a challenge to train and may need far more exercise than is typical for Boxers. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement.
An empty outlined icon indicating the option to save an item Save Article play icon The triangle icon that indicates to play Any dog lover can agree that when it comes to deciding on which cuddly cutie you want to take home as your own , the options can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many different types of bulldogs — American, French, Victorian, the list goes on! You could choose to invest your time and love into one of the larger breeds see: Bullmastiff , which is likely to serve as the ultimate guard dog. Regardless of the type of bulldog you pick, know that overall, they are sociable, friendly and gentle pups that make great family pets. Get to know the different bulldogs a little more: 1 American bulldog KJG Photography, Kim Guisti These loyal and self-confident cuties have traditionally been known as work dogs. After coming to America in the s, they aided farmers and ranchers as guard dogs and catch dogs. Today you can expect these athletic and agile mid-sized dogs to get along well with children and other dogs. They are also easily trainable. Most American bulldogs weigh pounds and have a year life expectancy, according to the American Kennel Club. They are super affectionate towards children, and can grow between 77 and 83 pounds. It keeps the same loyalty as the English breed, but can be a bit taller and suffer from less breathing issues. When properly socialized and trained, they can also learn to channel their energy into work. But beware, the lovable cuties do tend to slobber. The Victorian bulldog has many of the same calm, friendly and playful characteristics as the English bulldog, but can live years longer. It also is known to get along well with children. Experts say that proper training and multiple walks a day are essential to committing to the care of a Catahoula bulldog. Though their size may be intimidating, they are actually gentle giants that are great with children and highly trainable, according to the AKC. Bullmastiffs typically weigh between and pounds. It's known to be a loyal dog that gets along great with other pups as well as children. They can weigh up to pounds, and grow to about 26 inches in height. Their ability to sense danger and weariness of strangers makes them adaptable guard dogs when they have the right training. They are great for apartment living and are super affectionate. They typically weigh between 45 and 66 pound s. Because of its gentle and loving nature, it is usually touted as a wonderful family pet, according to UKC. These adorable pups are extremely loyal and love their families. They are also the perfect small breed, weighing just about 20 to 45 pounds and standing between 12 and 16 inches tall. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping. They have a specific look, personality, and temperament that may not be for every new or previous dog owner. But if you follow a bunch of French or American bulldog accounts for their utter cuteness, then adopting a pup from one of the dozens of bulldog breeds out there is probably a dog match made in Heaven. Still, it can be a long and emotional decision process that requires time and thought, which is why we've rounded up some of the most adorable, loving , loyal, and kid-friendly types of bulldogs to help you find the best bulldog for your home. Regardless of breed, all bulldogs have that standout muscular build with a pushed in nose, small ears, and rolling gait. They have a short and smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors. Some types can even be classified as large dogs while other breeds are more of a tiny dog. Although bulldogs love curling up in your lap, they are not strictly lazy dogs and enjoy moderate exercise. That said, many can live happily in a city apartment or a countryside home with a backyard. What's important is that you give these pups the care and attention they need so they are fed a proper diet and are trained well from a young age. They should also stay in air-conditioned rooms in hot or humid weather as their short snout makes breathing difficult. Bulldogs are a popular choice for many families across the U. They may act powerful and confident, but all bulldogs still need lots of love and care. If you are considering adopting a bulldog, familiarize yourself with the following types of bulldogs before heading over to a trusted adoption site to welcome your newest cuddle buddy to the family. They have a short and soft coat in various colors. Although American Bulldogs may appear intimidating with a large head and height of 20 to 28 inches, they are actually extremely gentle and affectionate. According to Pet MD, they're known to be a "big lap dog" that loves children. They are also brave dogs; in fact, there are countless stories across the internet of American Bulldogs saving their owners from fires or other serious accidents. They have a bulldog's personality in a small dog's body — which means they are playful, alert, and totally irresistible watchdogs. They're known for their bat ears , according to the American Kennel Club. Their adorable wrinkles roll around their short nose, adding to their charming personality. Frenchies are also super adaptable which makes them a great choice for single dog owners, couples, or families. They also don't require a lot of exercise so you won't necessarily have to get up early for that morning walk and they get along great with other animals if you already have a furry family at home. They're very affectionate dogs who want to be around their humans constantly, and they're especially big fans of kids. English Bulldogs weigh around 50 pounds depending on whether they are male or female, and require moderate exercise about 20 to 40 minutes per day. It's important to note that English Bulldogs are particularly at risk for breathing problems , heart problems, and other health issues due to how they've been bred. So if you adopt an English Bulldog, make sure you stay on top of their vet visits. Like all other bulldogs, they love being part of a family and won't leave your side. They are affectionate, loyal, and intelligent dogs who weigh between 50 and 78 pounds. These bulldogs were bred to adapt to the Australian environment as their breed name suggests , which means they may be more active than their cousins but aren't the most active dog out there. They have a similar build to other bulldogs, but they're athletic and have a bit more stamina. Their ears can be perky or hanging and they have thick, powerful necks and stocky legs. They have a short coarse coat that can come in solid colors ranging from fawn to black and white. Olde English Bulldogges are loyal, protective, and docile, making them great for families but also athletic dog owners. These bulldogs also have a longer lifespan than other breeds, living up to as many as 12 yaers. That said, they are taller than English Bulldogs at about 17 to 19 inches and have a larger snout plus fewer wrinkles. This means their face isn't so squished that it inhibits their breathing. They have similar personality traits to other bulldogs such as being super loyal and protective, but very gentle and affectionate. Victorian Bulldogs demand lots of attention as they can suffer from separation anxiety, but they aren't overly active dogs — so just curling up with them at night is enough comfort. Unlike some other bulldog breeds, they are incredibly energetic and athletic, meaning they'll need quite a bit of exercise. These bulldogs are very intelligent, loyal, and protective, making them stellar watchdogs. DogTime notes that you can often find them in shelters and breed-specific rescues, and recommends generally trying to adopt a bulldog breed before shopping for one. Before the s, the English then brought over their bulldogs and mastiffs. Ca de Bous are quiet, playful, and friendly family dogs, but they won't let you down as a watchdog either thanks to their loyal, courageous, and protective traits. They do, however, need socialization and training from an early age since they were originally bred to be fighting dogs. They have a short coat and can weigh between 66 to 88 pounds. Ca de Bous also have a longer lifespan of up to 12 years. Alapaha Blue-Bloods are protective and possessive, but they are also playful and devoted dogs. With the proper training and socialization, they enjoy playing with children and love attention. Vet Street notes that they are best suited to more experienced dog owners who can train them well from a young age. These bulldogs can also be a bit indifferent towards strangers and don't necessarily get along great with other dogs so they may thrive best if they are your only household pup. Mastiffs and Bulldogs were breeded together to develop a stealthy and fast dog that could help gamekeepers stop poachers from stealing. These impressive and cunning canines protected the lives of gamekeepers and poachers. They are larger bulldogs, clocking in at to pounds and reaching 24 to 27 inches in height, but they aren't aggressive towards other dogs and can behave well around their furry friends with proper care. But don't be deceived by the breed's history, these bulldogs are huge cuddle buddies who just want to be in the same room as their owner. Since they are a larger breed, they are more susceptible to bloat which requires emergency surgery and can be fatal. They have a shorter life span, as well, at 7 to 9 years. Indeed, they are discerning and confident dogs who can be aggressive towards other dogs and animals if not trained from an early age. While they are gentle towards children, it is recommended that they receive proper training from an early age so they are more welcoming towards strangers. Red-Tiger Bulldogs thrive best with a daily long walk but can do just as well living in an apartment as at a home with a yard. Typically, they have a "mantle" coat design with at least 70 percent color and no more than 30 percent white fur. They weigh between 75 and pounds and can live up to 16 years, making them one of bulldog breeds with the longest life expectancy. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B. They have looks to swoon and sloppy kisses to give. The 13 Types of Bulldog Breeds 1. Their famous wrinkly face and stocky body have left an impression on dog lovers everywhere. These beefy canines are short but stable, weighing an average of pounds. While they may be slightly intimidating-looking because of their structure, they are quite docile and affectionate. Most are laid back and lackadaisical, making them patient and loving toward children. They serve as great companions who are highly sociable and gregarious. They get along great with other pets when properly socialized. However, they may show territorial aggression toward unfamiliar dogs. Because of their watchdog nature, they will also alert you if they sense a potential threat. The lifespan of this breed ranges between 8 and 10 years. As a result of generations of poor breeding, they suffer multiple health issues like cancer, heart failure, allergies, skinfold infections, and breathing obstructions. When full-grown, these brutes weigh between 60 and pounds. While they are friendly, they are on guard, defensive, and protective of their owners. They are alpha-minded , so it is important to show them you are boss from an early age to set the hierarchy of the household. Unlike their sluggish cousins, they are equipped with stamina, strength, and athletic abilities. They will require moderate exercise. Because they are more active, toys can ease boredom and deflect destructiveness. The lifespan of this breed ranges between 9 and 14 years. Contrary to other bull breeds , health issues remain low risk. The most commonly noted problem is hip dysplasia. French Bulldog Image Credit: Patryk Kosmider, Shutterstock These little guys have an adorably distinct look, making them instantly recognizable to most. They are one of the tiniest bull breeds with oversized pointed ears and a smooshed snout. These dogs are compact, weighing only 20—28 pounds as adults. These stout little cuties are excellent companion animals. They exhibit traits like playfulness, curiosity, and an eagerness to please. While they may not require extensive exercise, they do love to romp. They are very excitable, mouthy, and humorous. While sweet, they may be a little selfish with attention, which can cause jealous inclinations toward other pets. The lifespan of this breed ranges from 10—14 years. They are susceptible to health issues like allergies, breathing problems, and ear infections. While they carry facial similarities, such as the shorter nose and face wrinkles, they have thinner and longer frames. An adult American Bulldog weighs an average of 60— pounds. They are known to be big, goofy lapdogs who live to love you. American Bulldogs are also incredibly brave and ready to defend. They are very doting toward children and tend to get along well with other animals. They are cautious of newcomers but generally stranger-friendly. Muscular and athletically built, they are agile and high-energy. They will need appropriate exercise to accommodate their dynamic personalities. If they do not have a proper outlet, they may develop destructive tendencies. They can suffer from health conditions like cherry eye, hip dysplasia, ACL tears, and thyroid issues. It is highly intelligent, physically capable, and easily trainable. They are a well-statured dog weighing between 55 and 88 pounds. While very lovable, loyal, and nurturing towards their masters and children, they rarely share the sentiment for outsiders. They have a dominant disposition, so they must have adequate and assertive training. They were initially purposed as work dogs and should get plenty of physical activity. Because of their hardiness and adaptability to weather, many thrive as outdoor pets. The lifespan of this breed ranges from 11—14 years. They are incredibly resistant to illness or disorders. While they can suffer from many generalized problems any dog could have, they are very healthful. They maintain a closely similar look, making them nearly indistinguishable from their English cousins. Full-grown, they weigh between 50 and 75 pounds. This dog has the same happy-go-lucky personality, calm disposition, and squishy rolls of the English Bulldog. They are also just as vastly affectionate and emotionally intuitive. The lifespan of this breed is 12—14 years. Because of selective breeding, problems for them are much rarer. The only remaining concern is skin-related conditions, such as allergies and infections. They are known for their coat of many colors, intensively vivid eyes, and pleasant attitudes. The mixture produces a beautiful companion dog. They are incredibly loyal, situationally protective, and brilliant. Not only do they make fantastic family pets, but they also serve as efficient work and guard dogs. The lifespan of this breed is 13—15 years. They are prone to blindness, deafness, and hip dysplasia. They are typically very good-natured but may be a challenge for inexperienced dog owners. They are quite large, weighing 55—99 pounds. It is best to socialize them from adolescence. These animals are very loving to their owners. However, because they are so muscular, they can be hard to manage. Training them to be obedient and well-mannered is a necessity. This breed serves as an excellent watchdog. The lifespan of this breed is 12—13 years. They have the classic ailments of many bull breeds, including hip dysplasia, eye issues, deafness, and skin problems. This thick, sturdy powerhouse is known for its massive, blocky head. They are in the medium-size range and weigh up to 84 pounds. They are incredibly devoted to their families and fondly patient with children. However, because of their enormous size and keen intelligence, establishing a hierarchy in the relationship is essential. They need to respect owners and know you are the alpha. They have a very high defensiveness alert. If trained to channel this instinct properly, they are excellent watchdogs. The lifespan of this breed is 10—12 years. They are a stocky build with ears cropped inward, making them look somewhat intimidating. Full-grown, they weigh between 70 and pounds. They are lovely family pets, as they are gentle and loyal. They have an aversion toward strangers and will be suspicious of new people. They also have a very high prey drive, making them potentially dangerous to smaller animals. The lifespan of this breed is 12—16 years. While they thrive, puppies must get adequate nutrition. Mammut Bulldog Image Credit: Connie Sinteur, Shutterstock These beautiful creatures are the combined product of only bulldog bloodlines. Because of their longer snouts, they have less breathing trouble. They are also leaner and more agile than some bull breeds. These dogs are medium-sized, weighing up to 60 pounds as adults. They are kind and loving towards all people in their tight-knit families. Strangers and other animals can be a different story. They can be reserved, shy, or even aggressive toward outsiders. Due to their athleticism and breeding, they can be activity-intense in a variety of temperatures. They may be stubborn and hard to handle if not raised with discipline. The lifespan of this breed is 9—11 years. While not notably unhealthy, they can struggle with breathing and skin issues. They are quite a popular bull breed and are known for their loveable personalities. They are hefty, weighing up to pounds. They make incredible additions to families with children and other pets. Bullmastiffs are warm-hearted, devoted, and shielding. They are not inherently aggressive without proper provocation, but they do make excellent watchdogs. Because of their large size, they will need proper care to develop appropriate manners. That is manageable with proper rearing. Sadly, the lifespan of the Bullmastiff is only 7—9 years, which is not uncommon for a dog of this size. They have risks for hip dysplasia, thyroid complications, skin ailments, and bloat. Not only are their looks on par, but they also share similar personality traits. These husky canines are short in stature and weigh an average of 50—78 pounds. They are highly adaptable to many environments, making them suitable for both small and spacious living. While they may have issues with dominance, they tend to get along quite well with humans and creatures alike. They are exceedingly intelligent , charmingly spirited, and fiercely loyal. Because of their breeding, they have a reduced number of ailments. However, they are prone to heat-related issues and skin infections. Each has an exceptional array of personality, purpose, and appeal. Bull breeds will continue to develop , adding even more quality to existing bloodlines. They are everything on the spectrum from large to small, stoical to silly, and lazy to ambitious. You are sure to find one that stands out above the rest. One thing is for sure—there is no shortage of diversity here. She currently works as a relief veterinarian for various emergency and specialty hospitals. Washington recognizes the importance of education and also works as a freelance veterinary writer. Although the bulldog is the most popular bulldog type breed, several other breeds fall into the bulldog family. Most bulldog breeds are wonderful for families, including families with kids. That means no pulling on ears or tails, no attempts to ride the dog, and giving the dog personal space when it needs it. Additionally, an adult should always supervise all interactions between kids and dogs of any breed. Breed Characteristics Bulldog-type breeds vary in size, from the smallest the French bulldog to the largest the Dogue de Bordeaux with several bulldog breeds falling somewhere in between. Bulldog breeds also differ somewhat in personality, though most bulldogs tend to be a little bullheaded i. Some bulldog breeds are moderately energetic and others are couch potatoes. Bulldogs are brachycephalic , which means they have flattened faces with short muzzles. Brachycephalic breeds more easily become overheated, especially in very warm weather, so they must be kept cool and not exercised in hot temperatures. Many bulldog breeds also have droopy jowls, and underbites, which can lead to drooling. For hundreds of years the bulldog was used in England for bullbaiting, a gruesome sport that was outlawed in early s. Back then the bulldog larger and more ferocious than the mellow couch potato we know and love today. The transformation came about when breeders sought to remake the bulldog into a sweet family pet rather than a fierce fighter. The breed is a popular school mascot and family dog. They are famous for their friendships with children, making the bulldog an excellent companion for families. In the mids, some toy-sized bulldogs were being bred in England, and they were brought to France with their emigrating owners. In France, these small bulldogs were bred with other breeds, possibly pugs and small terriers, and transformed to the French bulldog we know today, a small bulldog with large bat ears and a huge personality. French bulldogs, or Frenchies as they are affectionately known, are exceptional companions, particularly with children. They are adaptable, active and playful with very steady temperaments. Back then bulldogs were much larger and taller than the short, stocky bulldogs we know today. In the New World, farmers and ranchers put these bulldogs to use as working dogs, where they were especially good at guarding the homestead, herding, catching livestock and hunting feral pigs. American Bulldogs are loyal, affectionate and known for being great with kids. The olde English bulldogge should mirror the looks of the bull baiting bulldogs of the early s. The Olde English bulldogge possesses the drive, temperament and agility to perform for sport or working purposes, but is confident, friendly and alert—never vicious. They are excellent companions for both adults and children. After the French Revolution, the dogue de Bordeaux saw yet another career change—this time being used to drive livestock. Though they may be standoffish with strangers, the dogue de Bordeaux is very affectionate with its beloved family. Most bulldog breeds are considered good with children, but this is provided the dog is well bred and well socialized and trained as a puppy and beyond. Some large, assertive breeds that resemble bulldogs are not the best choices for families with kids, including the cane Corso and dogo Argentino. The bullmastiff , which was created by breeding mastiffs with bulldogs, can be good with kids if well socialized to them, but their massive size can be intimidating for small children. They have so many different characteristics throughout the different variations of this wonderful breed. Bulldogs are well-known and loved for their iconic wrinkles, expressive faces, and cuddly stocky build. Bulldogs come in all different breeds and variations, but they all have the same distinctive muscular frame, pushed-in nose, tiny ears, and rolling gait. Below, we have listed the top 16 most popular bulldog breeds. As you will see, the variety in the breed is vast. They come in many different colors and hues, with some classified as tiny dogs and some as giant dogs. These little dogs are absolutely adorable, with their square heads and big ears. In addition to being cute , Frenchies are also known for their funny snorting noises. They can be quite a stubborn breed, especially when training them as a pup, but overall they are great companion dogs, and will quickly become a well loved member of your family. The English bulldog, so-called for its role in the bloodsport of bull baiting, appears to have been originated in the British Isles before the 13th century. The Olde English Bulldogge is a medium-sized, powerful dog with strong muscles and fluid, swift movement. They appear capable of performing without any breathing difficulties in hot or cold conditions since they are balanced and proportionate. Serious flaws in the breed include excessive wrinkles and a lack of colour around the mouth, nose, and eyes. They have a friendly temperament with a high level of alertness. They are confident, loving, courageous and strong. They are descended from the Old English Bulldog, which is supposed to have been brought to America by working-class immigrants from England as early as the 17th century. American Bulldogs are frequently exuberant, confident, outgoing, and comfortable around their families. They form close bonds with their owners and are happiest when they can receive lots of time and attention from them. This included making them both taller and with fewer health issues than the English Bulldog, yet they still have the short, round, wrinkly features that makes them a traditional Bulldog! These pups are low maintenance and make excellent family companions due to their love for people, especially children. The English Bulldog was first used for bull and bear baiting in England as far back as the s. Back then, the English Bulldog was a taller and heavier dog than it is today. Luckily, a few breeders wanted to save the English Bulldog and kept breeding and the first Bulldog breed club was formed in .It has at various points served as a military dog, a bullfighting dog, a cattle manager, a hunting dog, and a guard dog. The Alano has been employed as a military dog since the Middle Ages. Since then, like many other bulldog breeds, it has been used as a guard dog, for boar and deer hunting, and for managing cattle in pastures and slaughterhouses. With its loved ones and acquaintances, this breed is incredibly loving. It is also excellent with kids and very patient. They rarely bark and are dependable, stable, and very submissive. The Alano, however, will monitor outsiders suspiciously and will attack with very little warning when it feels threatened. These puppies, who were agile, active, and devoted, have some of the greatest traits from both of their parents. American Mastahoulas is another name for Catahoula Bulldogs. The Catahoula Bulldog has short, sleek hair and skin that is tight. While the Catahoula Bulldog is known for its placid demeanour, this breed can also show its alert side when called upon. They are very trainable, faithful, and devoted to their families. This breed is eager to please its master and responds well to consistent, early training. They are great with kids. The Catahoula Bulldog has a very expressive way of communicating through its ears. Useful as a guard or watch dog. There are times when they are employed for hunting or trapping. They are a well-balanced dog, that will think things through carefully before acting upon their instincts. Both their bark and their piercing look serve as warnings to the visitor, giving him the opportunity to flee if they so chooses. They are gentle with their masters and loves children. Strong and muscular, with a massive skull and short muzzle. They were bred in the American South to herd livestock and trap strays. Alapahas have a reputation for being attentive, sociable, and assured. They are reserved with newcomers and avoid dogs they are unfamiliar with. They make great family pets for those with the proper training and environment. It possesses a bold personality, along with the assurance and intelligence to match. It makes a good working dog, from agility to protection training and beyond. This dog is great for families and makes a wonderful pet. The breed gets along well with young ones. It is very resistant to pain. The best way for owners to handle their pets is with calm determination, consistency, and love. The dog will act stubbornly if he thinks you lack the mental fortitude to be the pack leader. As long as their owner is confident and authoritative, they make great pets. The Australian bulldog is a well-mannered dog that is also smart, affectionate, and loyal. This is a laid-back breed that gets along well with kids and enjoys playing. It is playful and aquatic, and will enjoy playing with a ball or Frisbee. Although its presence may discourage potential intruders, the dog is best used as a watchdog rather than a guard dog. This newish breed of bulldog has eyes that are set into the top of its cushioned muzzle. Nostrils are huge and well-shaded, and the nose itself is quite large. Thicker than average neck and well-developed muscles complement small ears that hang close to the head. The chests of these dogs are extremely large. Its tail is broad and thick. Tiny but sturdy legs. In general, this dog appears to be quite athletic. The Amitola is bred to have moderate wrinkling, a lot of muscle, and agility sufficient for routine sports like swimming and weight pulling as well as for withstanding the intense heat of the South and other parts of the country. Despite their devoted nature, they were not created to act as guard dogs. Multitalented, upbeat, perceptive, sociable, and devoted. They bark about as much as the normal dog and will watch out for their family instinctively, without any training. Threats will be immediately apparent to them. Kind and compassionate toward other individuals. When with his loved ones, he is extremely affectionate, but he can be hesitant to trust new people. Pleasant, funny, and devoted to its family. It came from bulldog breeds brought to Brazil by European immigrants. This breed was formerly mostly employed in slaughterhouses where it could drag pigs by the ears and tame animals. This is a far cry from what they are used for nowadays, which is as loving pets. The Serrano bulldog has a balanced temperament, who is not aggressive to people or other dogs. They do however attack and defend themselves or owner when ordered to or when provoked. They are completely loyal and submissive to its owner. The Conti is a medium-sized bulldog-type dog with a silky coat, an almost square appearance, an athletic physique, and has lot of stamina. They weigh between 20 and 30 kg and has a smaller head than other Bulldog breeds. Temperament of a Conti is attentive, confident and friendly. They are neither aggressive nor shy. General health problems Bulldogs, especially the popular English and French Bulldogs, are endearing and adorable, but are they the right choice for everyone? They are popular lapdogs and apartment pets despite their often larger size. And even steal the hearts of kids, other dogs and strangers alike. But they do come with some health problems too. Bulldog Breeds Not all Bulldog breeds are officially recognized by dog breed organizations like the American Kennel Club. Some are recognized by alternative dog breed groups and some are mixed breed Bulldog crosses. The modern English Bulldog combines that iconic physical appearance with a famously friendly, docile, and loyal temperament. The old-style English Bulldog was brought to the American colonies in the 17th century. It has retained its original appearance, living and working alongside farmers, ranchers, and hunters in the rural South. The Bully is heavier and stockier than the Standard. The head shape of the Bully is large and round, with an undershot jaw. Potential owners concerned about the health effects of brachycephaly should consider the Scott type American Bulldog, with its longer muzzle. Like many other dog breeds, the American Bulldog can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, so be sure to choose a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs. The breed made its way from England to France, where it was crossed with other small dogs like the Pug. It became a popular companion animal for city dwellers in France, and eventually in the U. The physical structure of the Frenchie makes natural reproduction and birth difficult. A large number are artificially inseminated and delivered via Cesarean section. The French Bulldog is a brachycephalic breed prone to respiratory problems and is also prone to the spinal deformity called hemivertebrae. Additionally, because the Frenchie is also a dwarf chondrodystrophic toy breed, it can suffer from health problems related to its short, curved legs and back. While adorable, the Frenchie can require a significant amount of costly veterinary care because of the many health problems associated with the breed. Potential owners are urged to resist purchasing them on impulse and to thoroughly understand the special needs of this breed before deciding on a Frenchie. Boxer Dog Breed The Boxer is descended from an ancient type of dog known as the Bullenbeisser, which was crossed with the older style English Bulldog to create the Boxer dog breed. The Boxer is a good option for potential owners seeking a Bulldog-type dog that has a lower risk for health problems associated with brachycephaly. The Boxer is classified as a brachycephalic dog, so potential owners should be aware that there is some risk for breathing difficulties, even though the head shape is less extreme than other brachycephalic breeds. In addition to BOAS, Boxers can be prone to other health problems like heart disease, cancer, and hip dysplasia. Fans of big Bulldog breeds will appreciate this majestic dog, as it has been called the largest Bulldog breed. This breed is a native Spanish Molosser-type dog. This all-American mixed breed is not recognized by the major dog breed organizations but can be a great option for Bulldog lovers seeking a healthy and less brachycephalic Bulldog-type pet. They have been used for herding, hog catching, and hunting. It is known as a working cross breed, created for utilitarian purposes rather than fashion. As a mixed breed, it may be less prone to issues related to brachycephaly, depending on the physical characteristics inherited from its Bulldog ancestors. The History of the Bulldog The Bulldog is a type of dog that was originally bred for a blood sport of the Elizabethan era called bull baiting. A similar sport called bear baiting was also very popular. A bull or a bear would be chained to a stake in a pit and then set upon by a group of large dogs. The battles between the animals would continue, often until the deaths of some of the dogs. Needless to say, this was an extremely gruesome spectacle. By then, the Bulldog and Mastiff breeds developed for these baiting sports were already long established. Bulldogs were bred for their strong, stocky bodies and large heads and mouths. They were also bred for aggression before bull and bear baiting were banned. Their temperament became milder in the years after blood sports were outlawed, and the breed was used to work with livestock or as a guardian dog. The English Bulldog always had a stocky build and flat muzzle, but over the years its appearance has gotten much more extreme. The breed has evolved over time, and has also branched off into other types of Bulldogs like the Boxer and the American Bulldog. The term for short head is brachycephaly. Brachycephalic dogs have restricted airways. However, this is not just a problem in the shortened nose. It also causes trouble in the mouth and throat because soft tissues like the tongue and palate remain large even when the skull is flattened. Many different dog breeds can show symptoms of BOAS. Albeit breeds with the shortest muzzles and widest necks experience the most severe problems. This means that the different bulldog breeds are prime candidates for these problems. Dental Problems The craniofacial structure of dogs with brachycephaly also causes them to suffer from a wide range of dental problems. Because the upper jaw is shorter than the lower jaw in English Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds, the upper teeth rub against the lower teeth and bottom of the mouth. Curly Tails Hemivertebrae is a spinal abnormality seen in dog breeds with flat faces and screw tails. This condition is especially common in the French Bulldog. Dogs with hemivertebrae have malformed spinal bones, which can cause spinal deformity, pain, loss of function in the hind legs, and incontinence. Dogs that inherit a coiled tail also inherit the spinal deformities that go along with it. Serious cases require major spinal surgery, which is not always successful, and affected dogs can become permanently paralyzed. Because puppies are born with this condition, the symptoms can appear early, often as young as 7 months of age. Symptoms can appear suddenly, often in just a few hours. Eye Issues Dogs with large eyes and brachycephaly can be prone to corneal ulcers. Veterinary experts report that brachycephalic facial and eyelid structure can lead to eye trauma, ulcers, and possibly blindness. Risk factors for corneal ulcers include prominent eyes, visible white of the eye, and folds of skin over the nose. All these physical features combine to make eye injury and ulcers more likely in Bulldogs and other breeds such as Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Pekingese.
Names for your toys Playing the Name That Toy game: This game for German Shepherds begins with only one toy if your puppy or dog is new to the game. As you play with the toy and toss it for retrieval, begin to name the toy as your dog picks up the item. You can name the toy whatever you want, but remember to always use the same name. When your puppy learns the name of one toy reliably, give the next toy a name. You can even begin to introduce new toys that you bring home with their name almost immediately when your puppy catches onto the Name That Toy game! I like to use my laundry basket and a small pile of towels. Use your treats to lure your puppy through, around, over, and under your homemade obstacle course to burn off their energy. As your puppy learns the routine, you can increase the speed to use up even more of those puppy zoomies! Even adult German Shepherds love this game, especially on a rainy or snowy day. Over time, increase the number of obstacles you create on your course, always keeping in mind your environment and staying safe with your dog. Fun Games to Play With Your German Shepherd These fun activities are also considered brain games, also known as mind games, for your German Shepherd because they challenge him to think and make mental connections. Just enjoy playing games with your German Shepherd and see where the fun takes you! These games to play with a German Shepherd also have many benefits, like: reducing boredom decreasing unwanted behaviors and keeping them busy giving you a chance to bond with your best friend and are perfect for a rainy or snowy day Every German Shepherd owner should play a few of these brain games a week, preferably at least once daily! Some puppies can even strain their necks and backs with a vigorous game of Tug-of-War. And, even my adult German Shepherd who weighs almost 90 pounds has suffered a neck pull when someone played a rough game of tug with her. Playing these common games too frequently, especially with a puppy, could tear cartilage, damage their tendons, and cause microscopic tears in the muscle which take longer to heal. Furthermore, even if you have a full-grown adult German Shepherd, the quick starts and stops of chasing a toy to Fetch place immense strain on their joints and may damage them over time. Limit your games of Fetch and Tug-of-War games to a couple of times a week, preferably for no more than minutes. Besides… Who needs a regular game when you have these awesome games to keep your German Shepherd busy? What games can I play with my German Shepherd? And these fun German Shepherd games will leave your dog begging for more! Pick several activities off the list and try them a few times a week. Which one of these fun German Shepherd Dog games will give your pet a grin a mile wide? Start with the lowest stars, especially if your dog is new to brain games or you have a puppy. Game Level of Difficulty 1 — 5 Fun Factor 1- 5. Playing Fetch Most German Shepherds love to play fetch. Trust me! The activities involved in this game are simple and effective. When you are playing fetch, you are throwing an object for your dog to chase and bring it back. GSDs naturally enjoy chasing! Playing this game allows your dog to satisfy its urge to hunt. You could use a tennis ball, light frisbee, stick, or toy to play fetch. Choose an object that travels farther to make it a great game. German Shepherds can do this for hours without getting bored! This keeps your GSD entertained and active. Reward your GSD whenever they come running to you with the object. This fun game causes your dog to spend a great amount of energy in a little time. Of Course, that means your GSD gets great physical exercise too. However, make sure to use a soft object because hard ones can damage their teeth and jaws. Furthermore, avoid quick starts and stops of chasing an object. It may cause strains on their joints. So limit playing this game daily. Learn more about the game by watching the following video: 2. Ring Stack Ahem! You must have patience to play this great game with your German Shepherd. Ring Stack is your best bet if you are looking for a game with a lot of mental stimulation. When your dog becomes bored, it is better to play a mind game. First, you must find a set of rings and a stick. Make sure to use a ring stacking toy safe for your GSD. A wooden and dye-free ring stacking toy is the best option. Your dog should know how to fetch and retrieve to play this game. It is better to start this game with only a few rings. You have to guide your dog to pick a ring first. Next, you direct them toward the ring stacker to put the ring onto it. Give your GSD a treat again. Moreover, ring stack is extra challenging, and you can play it indoors. Cool, right? Your German Shepherd will take a few weeks to understand this game. Check out the following video to find out more: 3. Agility Training Does your German Shepherd need some serious exercise to release its energy? If yes, agility training is one of the best games for GSDs to relieve their liveliness. Wait till you hear how awesome this game is! Cannot find an agility training course in your area? Do not worry! You can do this at home too. Set up your agility course by using tables, chairs, towels, poles, and a few toys. You must guide your GSD to walk through, jump over, or duck under these objects. So many exercises! After a while, you should change the agility course style and guide your dog again. This game has a variety of fun activities. It is a terrific way to keep your GSD entertained, happy, and healthy. Check out the following video to learn more about the game: 4. Alright, let the dog do obstacle training. It is an effective and fun way to make your GSD coordinate with you. Both you and your dog can enjoy this game. Now that you know about agility training, it is easier to understand how this works. You have to organize an obstacle course to play this game. The obstacles can be anything. For example, you can use chairs, wheelbarrows, pieces of wood, or piles of clothes. You can also create an indoor obstacle course if it is a bad weather day. Keep the obstacles between you and your German Shepherd. Call your dog toward you. Make sure to treat your dog to lure them through the obstacles. Make it more difficult when your dog succeeds in the first few rounds. Then, after a while, increase the number of obstacles. This game works well for both adult GSDs and puppies. Treasure Hunt If you are looking for the easiest games for German Shepherds, treasure hunt is the best choice. It is one of the mentally challenging and fun activities. Then, you have to hide them in some places. First of all, get your German Shepherd to sit and wait. Then let your dog watch the process. To begin with, hide the treats somewhere accessible for your dog to find. Next, give a command and encourage them to find it. This game is super easy for your GSD because they have a great nose. Remember to treat your dog once they have found the treat. Most dogs love this! Once your dog understands the game, keep the treats somewhere more difficult. Believe me! This game will entertain both you and your German Shepherd. Of course, your dog is going to love it! Well, your German shepherd is an intelligent dog. So they can bring you toys if you teach them. The name game is a fun way of teaching your dog about the names of the toys. It is also one of the great mind games for German Shepherds. Now give them the toy saying the name of it. Moreover, give them a treat whenever your dog takes the toy. Finally, when your dog learns the name of one toy, begin to name the next toy. Fun fact: After playing this game over a few days, your dog will be able to know the names of many toys. After a while, put the toy on the floor and ask your dog to pick it up. Your German Shepherd will do it. Now you can ask your dog to bring any toy in a single order! You are face to face with your dog throughout the game. To play Tug of War, you only need a rope with knots. First, let your dog grab one end of the rope with its teeth. Then you have to hold the other end. All you have to do is drag the rope. Of course, your dog will work harder to keep the string. When playing this game, you can give commands like take, stop, or release. Playing tug teaches your GSD to obey commands. However, this game does not involve treats. Remember, you should have great strength to play this game. Also, make sure to leave the rope and leave immediately if your dog starts biting or snapping. Watch the following video to learn about Tug of war: 8. Just like kids. You must ensure your dog obeys commands such as sit and wait before playing hide and seek. In the beginning, there should be two people to play this game. First, ask the other person to give your dog the sit and wait command. Then you can go and hide. Start by hiding in a place that is easier to find. Remember to praise your dog when they find you. After a while, make the game harder. Once your German Shepherd learns to obey the sit and wait commands. Then you can play the game with your dog alone. This game is entertaining and teaches your dog to use its senses. More importantly, it instructs your dog to be patient and obedient. Just the way you want your German Shepherd to be, right? Check out this excellent video of playing hide and seek: 9. This game is super easy and involves mental stimulation. All you need is three cups and yummy treats. To begin with, have your dog sit and wait near the cups. Place treats under one cup and leave the other two empty. First, let your dog know which cup the treats are in. After a while, shuffle the three cups. Then, let your German Shepherd try again. You have to ask your GSD to find what cup the treat is under. Give your dog a treat for each guess in the first few rounds. In the following rounds, stop giving treats if your dog guesses the wrong cup. But, it takes a few games for the dog to understand this. Your German Shepherd will learn soon. You can add more cups to make this brain game harder. This cup game will keep your dog entertained and mind excited! The following are some of the games Brain Training For Dogs includes. Target train. They are also very intelligent and need lots of mental stimulation. Many German shepherds are involved in dog sports, work in law enforcement, for the military, and other agencies. However, many more are simply family pets of those that love the breed. Playing games also fulfills another requirement of German shepherd ownership, which is spending lots of time with the dog. German shepherds require lots of socialization and companionship. As a herding dog, they were bred for their loyalty and ability to protect a herd. This characteristic causes them to form a strong bond with their owner and they do best spending time with their family. Some games that German shepherds love, will burn off some energy, and as a bonus give their brain a zap of dopamine are: 1. Fetch Although basic, German shepherds have a high prey drive and most love to play fetch. Playing fetch is also great because it burns off a lot of pent up energy. You can kick up fetch a notch by alternating toys or only using favorite toys. Try throwing a treat stuffed toy, Frisbee, plastic stick, and toys that bounce and tumble like Westpaw Zogoflex and Kongs. Hide and Seek Like the name implies, you hide a toy and your dog finds it. German Shepherds have scent receptors so they are naturally adept at this game. It is especially good for dogs that can no longer engage in high impact activities. For those that can, reward the dog by throwing the toy then hide it again. Urban Agility Urban agility is a noncompetitive fun sport that can accommodate nearly all dogs. You simply set up an obstacle course and balancing equipment in the yard and train your dog to weave, jump, balance, and more. There are urban agility trainers, books, articles, and YouTube videos to give you ideas on what your dog might enjoy. Tug Teach your dog to tug which means, tugging enthusiastically, releasing the tug toy, and bringing the tug back after you release it. Tug should be fun and exciting for both owner and dog and it can be used as a training tool, to burn off energy, as a reward, or just for fun. There is a huge variety of tugs on the market so no doubt there is a tug for all dogs. Search and Rescue This game reinforces the stay command and also challenges your dog. This game works well with more than one person who can help restrain the dog or when multiple hide. Nosework Teach your dog to find objects, food, or scents using essential oils. As your dog gains more confidence, you hide the scents in more challenging locations. You can learn more at the National Association for Canine Scent Work and there are books and videos available on the subject. This game is super rewarding because it is very mentally challenging. Pick Up Time You can teach your dog to pick up nearly any toy and drop it into any basket or box. This game is also useful for teaching your dog to pick up their own toys or other objects on command. Relatively easy to learn, this game is immediately rewarding and can continuously switch up as you teach your dog to pick up and put away new things. Have fun with these game ideas and be sure to share with your family and friends. Aug 14, Share German Shepherd Dogs GSDs are highly intelligent and athletic dogs, and they need to be both mentally and physically stimulated to stay happy and healthy. This can be achieved through regular, directed interaction with your pooch through training and games or, even better, a combination of both. While training is an essential aspect of raising a well-behaved and healthy German Shepherd, games are also vital to their overall health. From physical, athletic activities to mind games for German Shepherds, there are so many to choose from to keep your GSD stimulated. Read on for 12 of our favorite games to play with your German Shepherd! The 12 Best Games for German Shepherds 1. Frisbee Image Credit: kscholl, Pixabay Another classic game for playing outdoors, frisbee takes fetch to another level. Begin by throwing the disc short distances at first and getting your GSD to bring it back to you, and then gradually increase the distance. You can also roll the frisbee vertically on the ground for them to chase. Fetch Fetch is a classic game to play with any dog, but there is a huge variety of ways to play it. Simply throwing a ball or stick and getting your GSD to bring it back is not as easy as it seems, so it is a great opportunity for training. For younger dogs, you may need to use a treat or reward to get your dog to release the ball, and this can take practice. For large and athletic dogs like GSDs, try to use a toy that travels farther for a more extreme version of this game. Puzzle Games German Shepherds are highly intelligent animals, so mind games are important for them too. There are a ton of puzzle toys on the market, most of which involve hiding treats in closed compartments for your pooch to find. Your GSD will need to figure out how to open the various compartments to access the treat, and you can increase the difficulty as they progress. Begin on the easiest level and move up from there. The game can be played indoors or outdoors, so it is great for any living situation or age of dog. Once they catch on to the game, you can make the hiding spots more widespread and difficult. Hide and Seek Hide and seek is not only fun for kids, but it can also be an exciting game to include your GSD in! In the beginning, you may need two people, but once your GSD learns the game, you can play it just with your pooch. Begin by hiding in easy places, and give your pooch plenty of praise when they find you. Gradually find harder places to hide. This game is not only fun but will also teach your pooch patience and obedience. Even though these classes are generally worth it, you can do it at home too. By simply using common items in your home like chairs, boxes, towels, and toys, you can set up your own agility course and teach your GSD to walk through it. However, if done properly, the game will not make your dog aggressive and can be a great method for training. The game should be initiated by you only, and the toy available to your dog only during the game. Also, any skin contact, biting, or nipping ends the game straight away, and you must walk away with the toy immediately. Ring Stacking For advanced, intelligent dogs that have mastered other puzzle games, ring stacking is a great new challenge. Your dog will need to have mastered basic commands in order for them to play, and even then, it may take a while to master. Magic Cups Magic cups is a fun game to play indoors when the weather is bad. All you need are three plastic cups and a treat or a small handful of kibble. While this game is not physical in any way, it is a great way to stimulate your GSD mentally. Place the three cups upside down with treats hidden underneath one. Let your dog see which one has the treats. Once they find the treat, shuffle the cups and let your dog try again. Once your pooch gets the hang of it, you can make the game harder by not letting your dog see you shuffle the cups or by simply adding more cups into the mix. You can train your GSD to bring you individual toys on command, providing great mental stimulation for your pooch. Begin with just one toy, and toss it for your dog to retrieve while vocalizing the name of the toy. Once your dog learns the name reliably, you can add other toys into the mix. Soccer All dogs love balls, and German Shepherds are no different. Soccer is great because it uses large balls that your pooch cannot run away with and stimulates their hunting and tracking skills. You can play the game with your pooch in mid-field trying to get the ball from you or put them in front of the goalposts and teach them to stop the ball without biting it! Soccer is great exercise and an excellent training method for your GSD. Once they get this basic routine down, you can make it more challenging by making them stop mid-run or throwing the toy and making them wait for your command before running to fetch it. Final Thoughts Some games are great for exercising your German Shepherd, while others are ideal for mental stimulation. Some are great for both! Hide the treats in various locations for your dog to search and find. Remember to start out easy. You may need to place a few treats in obvious areas, like right in the open. After a few rounds of play, your GSD will use their nose to race ahead of you and find those little hidden treasures! Mental Exercise with Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys are great stimulation for puppies and seniors! Luckily, my German Shepherd went through vigorous and fun! Bubble Chase and Pop These bubbles are for eating! Do you have an energetic German Shepherd and a kid? Because both kids and dogs love this game! Have your kids or yourself blow bubbles for your dog to chase and pop while they burn off their pent-up energy outside! Instead… Treat your pup to these dog-safe peanut butter-flavored bubbles! Use Nature as an Obstacle Course Get creative outdoors. What better way to keep your German Shepherd active, fit, and mentally happy than by strapping on a small backpack and taking them to a new place to hike and explore? There are endless interesting scents your dog will smell and the varying terrain provides your German Shepherd a way to tap into their skills and increase their mental stimulation. Mother nature provides all you need for this obstacle course. Large fallen log? Have your dog walk or hop over it! Big puddle? Pile of leaves? Get ready to rumble! And they will still will enjoy the new hike with you! Do you think your German Shepherd knows every command possible? Well, think again! German Shepherds are very intelligent and eager to please their owners. This makes them prime candidates for even more mentally stimulating training. There are endless commands and tricks to teach your German Shepherd who will enjoy every minute of these challenging mental exercises with you. Sounds good, right? Provide your puppy the opportunity to play with other vaccinated puppies and dogs that you know are happy and safe around other dogs. I suggest simply sitting on a bench in an area that allows you and your German Shepherd to observe from a distance the world passing you by… literally. When they look back to you after watching another dog or object, give them a tasty treat for behaving nicely. Spice it up, then! Are you and your dog stuck in the same exercise rut? Why not switch it up and enjoy a different exorcise together? German Shepherds generally love to swim, jog, and run with their owners. Especially those that are high drive and stuck indoors most of the day. Use a training program like Couch to 5k to start off easy with your dog and work up to longer distances. Try to run on softer surfaces mostly stay away from concrete and asphalt to avoid any bone and joint damage. Too hot outside to run and jog? Do a search for ponds, creeks, or lakes nearby where you can take your dog for a walk in the evenings as the sun goes down. Always, always watch your dog around water, especially puppies since many overestimate their swimming abilities and could get hurt. Why not try one of these exercises for your German Shepherd to brighten up their day? To make this mentally stimulating enrichment box, find a larger cardboard box, some smaller boxes of various sizes, empty toilet rolls, and old newspaper or brown packing paper. Place a few treats in the toilet rolls, inside the smaller boxes, or wrap them in the newspaper and brown packing paper. Now, fill up the big box with these treat treasures! Look: You may have a mess of shredded paper and chewed boxes to clean up. Provide the Right Chew Toys Have you heard of yak milk chews? Chewing is a totally natural behavior for your dog and even has many benefits. When your dog chews for an extended period of time, it has a calming effect on the brain. Stress levels are lowered, and your dog experiences a sense of calmness. While your dog chews, it releases special endorphins, which give their brain a relaxing feeling. Looking for a tasty chew treat that takes your German Shepherd hours of chewing and naturally cleans off tartar and plaque buildup? Give your dog a Himalayan Yak Milk Dog Chew to help them release those feel-good endorphins while supporting their dental health and engaging in mental exercise. Or find the right chew toys for German Shepherds for fun and play. Try a flirt pole to entice their minds and bodies to move! Do you have an energetic German Shepherd but not a lot of space to let them run free? Enter the tail-teaser flirt pole! Simply move the attached toy around the ground for your dog to chase and catch. Instead, move the fluffy toy along the ground like a rabbit for them to hunt and chase. Why not give them a job? Why not teach your German Shepherd a job they can do at home to help you out and give them some needed mental stimulation? If your dog knows the basic training commands, then step it up a notch and give them a dog job at home. You could: Teach them to close doors Carry your mail inside. Puppies German Shepherd puppies are incredibly playful. So how do you play with a German Shepherd puppy? This article will examine the best way to play and entertain your German Shepherd puppy, providing example games to play and activities to do. The best way to play with a German Shepherd puppy is through short bursts of low-impact physical activity. This will keep their growing bones and joints safe from injury and malformation. Additionally, play games that sharpen their motors skills and hone their natural abilities. All dogs have a maximum tolerance for exercise, and playtime counts towards that limit. Most will play for as long as you allow them. Thus, you need to pay attention and keep them from overexertion, especially during activities that involve plenty of physical movement. In general, young dogs should have two sessions of exercise per day where each session is about 5 minutes per month of age. So, a German Shepherd puppy of around 2 months old should only get 10 minutes of playtime twice a day while a 6-month-old pup can tolerate two minute sessions. By the time your GSD is a year old, they should be able to tolerate hour-long sessions of play or exercise. Keep in mind, however, that these are general guidelines. You need to keep an eye on your dog and determine their own tolerance to avoid serious consequences like overheating and overexertion. Like children, individual dogs have different preferences. Use play as a means to strengthen their motor skills, nurture their sense of curiosity, and build their confidence. The best toys for young German Shepherds are interactive ones that stimulate their senses. Especially exciting are treat dispensers and squeaky toys while teething toys provide tons of comfort. They also love balls that they can grasp and chase after. They also love playing with people and other animals. Doing this often will help prove each of these commands and ensure they will obey no matter the situation. Have fun with the Obedience Shuffle by randomly asking for each command and rewarding your dog every time they obey. Make it increasingly difficult for them by adding distractions in between. Hide-and-Seek Hide-and-Seek is an excellent game to play with your German Shepherd puppy because it requires some concentration, sniffing, and running. It also primes them to think of you as the best reward. To play this, ask your dog to stay while you hide. Release them from their stay position and respond with excitement and praises when they find you. Hide in easy-to-find spots at first and find more difficult hiding places as your pup picks up on the object of the game. You can start by keeping your pup in a down position as they watch you hide the treats. When they understand the point of the game, you can make it more challenging by keeping them in another room and letting them in only when all the treats are hidden. It also requires very little space and involves more concentration and nose work. To play the shell game, take 3 cups and some treats, and sit across from your dog. Place the cups upside down on the floor and keep a treat under only one. Shuffle the cups before arranging them in a row. Turn over the first one your pup touches. If they get the right one, let them have the treat. If not, re-shuffle the cups and play again. Find-and-Retrieve Find-and-Retrieve is not just a game of obedience and concentration. This game involves teaching your dog the proper names of things, finding those things on command, and handing them over to you. To play this game, start by teaching your dog the name of one toy. Then, make the game more difficult by asking them to retrieve the ball from other places. Here are other things you can do to interact with your puppy, strengthen your bond, and help them to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally: Walking Walking can be a good way for your GSD pup to learn more about the world outside of your home. Allow young pups to walk at their own pace and try not to be too harsh on the lead. Let them stop to sniff and interact with whatever they might find interesting. This will form a huge part of their socialization. German Shepherds typically like water if they are exposed to it and learn how fun it can be. Swimming is also an excellent way to have fun with your growing dog since it is easy on the bones and joints. Being in water will also help strengthen muscles for even better skeletal development. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys for dogs are not only excellent for mental stimulation but also for independent play. Depending on the toy, it could also help prime your German Shepherd for nose work, combat boredom, and control their impulses. They can compete in these companion sports as early as 6 months old or you can simply join local clubs to engage in these activities for fun. This helps avoid issues like hip and elbow dysplasia in the future. Until your German Shepherd has developed into adulthood, you should generally avoid activities that involve plenty of jumping. Staircases and other steep angles are safe enough for regular use but not as a means to exercise. Additionally, when running or walking, opt for turf and soil rather than concrete. Final Thoughts Discovering the best ways to play with your German Shepherd puppy will help you develop a strong bond and learn to communicate with one another. These games will also help stimulate their intellect and develop a love for learning. Learning how to discipline your GSD puppy correctly will teach them to respect your leadership and stay on their best behavior. 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. Some owners have large yards and several family members that can help keep the dog busy, but it can be a struggle to keep finding something to do if there are only one or two people in your household. If this sounds like your situation, keep reading while we list several activities you can do with your German Shepherd to keep it happy and well behaved. Fetch Frisbee, ball, throwing toy Plenty of room Fetch is the most basic dog game that almost everyone knows. To play this game, all you need is a Frisbee, ball, or any toy that you can throw so your dog can chase it and bring it back. Balls and Frisbees work well because you can get a good distance with them, which will keep the dog more active. These toys can cause your dog to expend a large amount of energy in a short amount of time without you needing to put in a lot of effort. There are even accessories you can purchase to help you throw the ball further with less effort. The downside to this game is that you need a lot of room for the dog to run. To play this game, you only require a piece of rope with knots in it so you and the dog can get a grip. Many commercial ropes will work perfectly, and there are many varieties available, so you can find one that is comfortable to use. To play, let the dog grab one end with its teeth, and you take the other. It will also help your dog expend energy quickly, especially if you are in good health, and can make the dog work harder to keep the rope. It only requires a fraction of the space fetch does, but it does require considerable strength to play against a full-grown German Shepherd for more than a few minutes. Obstacle Training Obstacles Plenty of room Obstacle training can be a lot of fun for you and your dog. It will help your pet burn off excess energy quickly and sharpen your skills as a trainer. To play obstacle training, you will need plenty of room to set up obstacles. The obstacles can be anything, but we recommend starting with something simple like a piece of wood or a chair. Put the obstacle between you and the dog and call it toward you. If it jumps the barrier, give it a treat and try again. The downside to obstacle training is that it will go a lot easier for someone with experience training, and it can take up a lot of room in your yard if there are several obstacles. Wrestling Strength As strange as it may seem, wrestling is one of the best ways to bond with your German Shepherd because few other activities cause you to be in such close proximity with your attention focused on each other. The dog will climb all over you to try to get the ball, and you can flip your pup over gently to get the belly which will get it all riled up. It has a long pole that you hold. Attached to the pole is a long string that has a toy tied at the end. The toy usually squeaks, and you use it almost like a fishing pole to dangle the toy in front of the dog to get it to chase it. Our dogs get a lot of enjoyment from the Flirt Pole , and the only downside is that the dog chews them, so you will need to replace them every few weeks. Mind Games for German Shepherds 6. To get started, hide a treat in plain sight, then let your dog see you hide another behind a wall. Try a few more easy hides, and when your dog starts to catch on, you can make them a little more difficult. The easiest way to play this game is to wait until your dog is out of sight and then call them but quickly run and hide before they get there. When the dog arrives, they will be confused and begin to search for you and will usually continue looking until they find you. As the dog catches on, they will begin to check past hiding spots first, so you will need to be clever. Call your dog over and watch as they turn them over looking for the treat. As they get more skilled, they will find the treat faster, so you can add even more cups. Ring Stack Ring stacking toy If you have children or know someone that does, there is a good chance that you are familiar with the ring stacking toys for babies. You can also use these toys with your German Shepherd and learn to stack the rings in the right order with a little patience. The best way to play is to start with only a few rings and add more as your dog catches on. After some time, put the item on the floor and instruct your dog to fetch it. After several months, you will be amazed at how many items your dog knows by name. Some are extremely easy and only require the dog to step on a lever, while others are quite complex, requiring multiple steps to unlock the treat. It burns off excess energy extremely fast and helps keep your dog in top shape. The other games are all fun, but they take longer and require a bigger commitment of your time. Luckily, you can play as many games as you want, so you can play fetch every day and do some wrestling on your days off work. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this list and found the answers you need. If we have helped you keep your dog entertained, please share these eleven best games to play with your German Shepherd on Facebook and Twitter. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. The following list combines some exciting and quite fun games to add to your routine. Flirt Pole German Shepherds love to chase, so give them plenty of opportunities to do that with one simple dog training tool — the flirt pole. The flirt pole offers an element of never-ending fun to German shepherd dogs, who naturally have a high prey drive. It gives your dog physical and mental exercise, teaches coordination and impulse control, and is the perfect way to burn off extra energy. Use positive reinforcement to reward your dog with healthy treats whenever they catch the toy. Allow them to use their energy to tug on the toy, but make sure they drop it as soon as you ask them to, or you might find yourself replacing the tool every few days. Allow your dog to calm down fully before starting the process again. Also, ensure you keep switching the direction you wave the flirt pole to offer enhanced mental stimulation. Luckily, you can enjoy this fun indoor cup game with your German shepherd. Magic cups help increase the brain activity of puppies and adult dogs by stimulating their hunting and seeking skills and also works their curious mind. How to play: Place three plastic cups upside down. When they nose the cup or paw it — or, in the case of the overexcited pups, knock it over — give them the treat as a reward. Repeat the process while having your dog sit nearby, but this time shuffle the cups. You can even make the game harder by having your dog wait outside the room or by increasing the number of cups to give your dog plenty of mental stimulation. Fetch German Shepherd dogs delight in fun and frolic. It does that by stimulating thinking, enhancing mood, and offering anxiety relief. It also reduces behavior problems. Another great thing? You can play fetch with a huge variety of toys , and most dogs absolutely adore a game of fetch. However, if you have a pup, you may want to roll the toy closer to the ground. Doing so will help avoid stressing their joints, preventing long-term damage to their bones and joints. How to play: Take a frisbee or a ball. Basically, any toy that can be tossed at a huge distance will work. If your dog is new to the concept, it may take some time and lots of treats! Reward your dog with a treat every time they come back with the toy, and increase the distance of the throw bit by bit. Take breaks when you think your dog is getting tired to allow it to relax and calm itself down. Muffin Tin Game Muffin tin games are one of the best canine enrichment games. They give your German shepherd dog a safe, fun way to use their excess energy and help improve their problem-solving skills. How to play: To get your dog acquainted with the game, allow them to eat their favorite treats from the muffin tins. Now, you can conceal treats in the holes of muffin tins, then cover each hole with a muffin wrap. Your dog must learn to remove the muffin wrapper to access the treat. Then, have your dog move the tennis balls to get the treats. It can also help your pet burn off excess energy, preventing obesity and keeping them fit. It also increases endurance and strengthens their bones and joints without special training! You can play obstacle training with puppies and can also use it to entertain your fully-grown German Shepherd on a rainy day. How to play: Place a few safe objects like a pile of clothes, curtain rod, or laundry basket around the floor in a small part of the room to form your obstacle course. Once your dog gets familiar with the routine, you can place more hurdles along the way. Ring Stack Got a wee babe at home? Then, chances are, you already have a ring-stacking toy on hand. Did you know you could use it to play with your friend too? How to play: Set up your ring stacker and direct your dog towards it with the ring. Now, command your dog to drop the ring near the ring stacker stick. Repeat a couple of times. Chances are, your dog will likely drop the ring on the ring stack stick, albeit unknowingly. Cheer it on and give it a big treat for positive reinforcement. Start with a single ring, then add more as you go till your dog gets the hang of it. With time and a little encouragement, your dog can stack the rings in the order of their size! Puzzle Games Puzzle games are a great alternative to muffin tin games. It entices German Shepherds of all shapes and sizes to use their minds and bodies! It comes in levels, so you can choose one that best complements your pooch. Start with level 1, and increase the difficulty levels as your dog learns the ins and outs of it. Now, instruct your dog to find the treats. Your dog will have to learn to open the various compartments in the food dispensing toys to access the goodies. It keeps your German shepherd dog active and mentally strong; it also strengthens the bond between humans and dogs and can be played with young puppies and full-grown adults. Start with one toy and add more as you go to keep your dog entertained for longer. As they go to fetch it, give the toy a name. Make sure the name is easy to understand, so your dog can easily pick up the concept. When your dog picks the right toy twice in a row, give them a treat. And, when it shows signs of learning its name, you can take things to the next level by introducing other toys to the game. Tug of War Tug of war is a great game to play with your four-legged friend. It promotes impulse control and taps into the natural drives of the German Shepherd. This indoor agility game requires lots of energy and can challenge your dog, especially when it comes to maintaining its grip on the rope. You can indulge in these fun activities with adult German shepherd dogs and puppies that have stopped teething. How to play: Get a rope and tie lots of knots on it for grip. You can choose whichever rope variety works for you. Make your dog grab one end of the knotted rope in between its teeth. Thus, you are advised to play this game for only a couple of sessions per week, ranging from minutes. It can help you train your dog — without the use of treats. Sherlock Bones German Shepherds are known for their tracking and sniffing abilities. With this game, you can put their sense of smell to the test and give them the mental stimulation to last an entire day. In this article, we presented some of the best games to play with your German Shepherd, giving you the perfect opportunity to bond with your pup. So, which German Shepherd dog game are you most excited to try with your pup? Let us know in the comments below. Our content does not provide veterinary advice and, thus, should not be substituted for expert veterinary guidance.
Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Memphis Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Memphis? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Memphis? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We have answers. Surely not! Like tattoos and discount sushi, beware of bargains when looking for a puppy. The "cheap" pups likely come from unqualified breeders and could be prone to developing health problems. That may mean big vet bills later! Best to stick with our network's Memphis Golden Retriever breeders and businesses and the fair prices they offer. What's the difference between a purebred and a mixed-breed dog? Purebred dogs, like the Memphis Golden Retrievers for sale through Uptown, descend from a traceable ancestry and are bred to specific standards across litters. The behavioral and physical characteristics of purebreds are predictable. Mixed-breed dogs, commonly known as "mutts," have two or more breeds in their genetic makeup. Are there Golden Retriever puppies in Memphis available right now? It's possible. But that's an ever-changing answer. Any of the Golden Retrievers for sale in Memphis you see today might not be there tomorrow. That's especially true of popular pups such as Golden Retrievers. So while you should never feel rushed, a new puppy is a big decision, understand that most pups don't hang around long. Can I pick up my puppy in person? You can speak to the breeder or business about that, as most of the individual Golden Retriever breeders in Memphis have their own transportation policies. While you're chatting, they'll be happy to give you lots of other information, such as details about your puppy's health history, current diet, and milestones. How do I know for sure that the Golden Retriever puppies for sale Memphis breeders have are healthy? Because we make it a priority to ensure that they are! Each of the Golden Retriever breeders Memphis and elsewhere have can offer full comprehensive health checks. They can examine everything from your dog's ears, nose, eyes, and teeth to diagnostics of circulatory, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. You get documented proof of a healthy pup! What's a "designer dog? For example, if one were to take a Memphis Golden Retriever for sale and cross it with an Alaskan Malamute you would get an Alaskan Goldenmute. Designer dogs are increasingly popular for their uniqueness and variety. Are the Golden Retriever puppies Memphis breeders have easy to train? They're one of the easiest breeds to train! Any Golden Retriever for sale Memphis breeders may tempt you to bring home will be highly intelligent and eager to please. They often grasp commands on the first try! Training sessions work best if you keep their keen minds engaged -- so games are a good way to go. How does Uptown Puppies work? All you need to do is begin by browsing through the adorable pups on the site. Perhaps one of the Memphis Golden Retriever puppies for sale will get your attention. If so, contact its breeder, who will be happy to answer your questions and talk about transportation options. Before long, that pup will be off the site and in your loving arms! How big do Golden Retrievers get? Considered a medium-large breed, Golden Retrievers range in weight from 55 to 75 pounds. Males usually weigh from 65 to 75 pounds and stand 23 or 24 inches tall. Females weigh from 55 to 65 pounds, with heights of 21 or 22 inches. Both sexes usually reach their full sizes within a year or two. Shouldn't I first check for a Golden Retriever Memphis shelters have? We wouldn't dissuade you from that, as we applaud reputable shelters. And we offer a very different service and experience, especially when it comes to information, which is usually lacking with shelter dogs. But any Golden Retrievers for sale Memphis breeders and businesses list with us comes with a wealth of important information.
One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Miami Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Miami? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Miami? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We have answers. Miami Golden Retriever puppies are priced based on a variety of inputs such as coloring, temperament, size and sex. Cost is one of the many factors that we take into account when matching you to the right breeder or business. Are there Golden Retriever puppies for sale Miami? Yes, we do have breeders and businesses in our network if you are looking for a Golden Retriever breeder Miami. However, we are dedicated to making sure you are able to find the pup who is a perfect fit and can connect you to breeders across the nation who are able to carefully transport pups to any of the 48 continental states in the U. How do you select which breeders to partner with? We have a rigorous application and screening process that all breeders and companies we work with have gone through. We look for top notch and dedicated puppy breeders who are committed to high standards of animal welfare and ethical practices. Check our Breeder Pledge to learn more. What makes Uptown Puppies different? Uptown Puppies cares about more than profits. We take the time to get to know both the owners and breeders and businesses we work with so that all of our matches are made in heaven! How quickly can I buy Golden Retriever in Miami? Our matchmaking process is quick and we aim to have you connected with potential breeders and companies as quickly as possible, no waiting around for weeks waiting on responses. Are there purebred Golden Retriever puppies Miami Florida? You bet! Our network of breeders and companies with a Golden Retriever puppy Miami have a wide variety of puppies including purebred, various coloring, males and females, and many more options. If you specify you want a purebred during our MatchMaking process, we will take that into account along with your other specifications. How does the Uptown Puppies MatchMaker journey work? Our specialized MatchMaker process works by getting to know you and your lifestyle and then connecting you to high quality and vetted breeders and businesses throughout our network. We strive to understand the most important factors such as temperament, home size, lifestyle and more before making a match. How can I trust your company? We thrive on making happy and successful matches between loving homes and eager and waiting puppies!
An empty outlined icon indicating the option to save an item Save Article Use Arrow Keys to Navigate View Gallery 40 Slides Getty Some people like to go big or go home by adopting large dog breeds , while some prefer pint-sized pups and go for a small dog breed — but if you ask us and Goldilocks, the perfect pet is right in the middle. These medium-sized dog breeds are as cuddly as their smaller counterparts and often just as playful as larger dogs, in a more manageable package. Generally, dogs in this category weigh in at about 30—70 pounds, although some can certainly grow bigger or stay smaller than that. While they may have size in common, there's lots to choose from within the category. These breeds totally vary in activity level, trainability, coat type and temperament. Looking for low-shedding dog that won't set off your allergies? Check out the standard poodle. Need a running buddy that can go and go for miles? A German Shorthaired Pointer or Dalmatian might be just your speed. Or do you need a mold-mannered soul that'll play nice with the kids? Labrador Retrievers live up to their number-one reputation as the perfect family dogs. This list includes members from almost all of the breed groups including sporting, non-sporting, working, hounds and terriers minus the tiny toy breeds. We've included some of the most popular options we see you, Golden Retrievers but also some deep cuts you may not know, like Boykin Spaniels and Pyrenean Shepherds. Before you bring home any dog, do your homework on the cost and commitments associated with owning a pet. Always adopt animals from reputable sources , like respected animal shelters or breeders. Loyal and devoted to their owners, these dogs are wary of strangers. Weight: 40—70 pounds. Email As a member of the Etsy affiliate program and an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I absolutely love changing up my phone wallpapers by season and for the dog-crazy? What better way to show your canine-love than with a free puppy phone wallpaper? I am a huge Halloween fanatic. Plus, our summer phone wallpapers were so popular, I thought you guys might like some new ones too! Plus, I needed an excuse to draw some more of my favourite dog breeds! For the s ummer dog phone backgrounds , I drew a beagle, a corgi, and a frenchie. Newfoundland lovers take notice. I started by paying tribute to my very favourite brown newfie, Leroy. Check him out on his own blog. His Mom Jen does a great job of sharing his antics. I also decided to draw a greyhound despite never having met a greyhound in the fur. So dainty, graceful and elegant. I am a sucker for black dogs. Is there anything less spooky than a labrador? I love how fun and cheerful the labs are. I think the candy corn one is my very favourite. I was shocked. Who can recommend a good one? Last, I needed a fluffy dog and bichons are such lovely little dogs. Last year we found out that our Felix was mostly bichon and it just reaffirmed everything I love about the breed. He was the sweetest. I spent as much time on the bichon as all three other dogs combined! Download your favourite free Halloween dog lover phone wallpaper below. How to use these phone backdrops: Click on the link to the wallpaper you want to use Save the image to your phone In your settings, set the image as your wallpaper Click on any link below to be magically whisked away to the free download.
Having x-rays done of the mother dog can show you whether or not she is having any preemie puppies. It also shows you how many puppies she is having. A veterinarian will not always be able to identify a preemie puppy with an ultrasound or x-rays. However, that is a chance that he or she will. Getting x-rays done is just one part of comprehensive prenatal care. Set up an area where your dog will give birth. This area should be isolated from other dogs. It should also be warm and comfortable for the dog. It should include a "nesting box," which is usually a low-sided box with towels or cushioning inside. Show it to her several days in advance. This will give her time to adjust to space and make it her own and help her feel safe there before she delivers. The padding inside the nesting box should be a material that can be easily cleaned or disposed of. It will get soiled during labor and delivery, and will need to be replaced. You may also need a separate space where the preemie can be warmed even further. If a puppy is not warm enough it cannot digest food, so it is imperative that a preemie be kept very warm. This space can simply be a shoe box that can be warmed from the bottom and top. The bottom of the preemie can be warmed by a hot water bottle covered with towels. The top can be warmed with a heat lamp or light. Be careful with heating pads and heated blankets, though, as these may burn or overheat the new puppies. Newborn puppies need to eat every two to four hours throughout the day and night. Preemie puppies are especially prone to malnutrition, so you may need to give them extra food on top of what they get from nursing. Have the formula ready in case the puppies have a hard time nursing. If the puppy is extremely small and weak, it may not have the strength to nurse. If this is the case, you will need to give it all its nutrition. Be sure you get the right sized nipple for the bottle, too. If the hole is too small, the preemie won't be strong enough to get the formula out. If the hole is too big, the puppy could aspirate while trying to drink. Diagnosis If you find that your dog is experiencing early labor you will want to consult with your veterinarian. You will need to begin by giving your veterinarian a thorough history of your dog's health before and during pregnancy, her onset of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have brought this condition on. Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam on your dog, while being careful not to bring on any further undue stress. Standard laboratory tests may include a blood chemical profile, a complete blood count, an electrolyte panel and a urinalysis to make sure that there are no underlying diseases that are causing the premature labor symptoms. The blood tests will show whether your dog's progesterone levels are abnormally low. Ultrasound imaging will be performed to diagnose fetal death or abnormal position of fetuses, which may cause a difficult delivery. However, an ultrasound will also give your veterinarian a visual on the fetal heartbeats along with more fetal detail. If the puppies are stillborn, or if they die shortly after birth, they should be necropsied by your veterinarian to determine the cause of death. Treatment If your dog is going into labor early, immediately contact your veterinarian or call the nearest emergency veterinarian for guidance. Your dog will most probably require medical treatment, either for an illness or to remove stillborn fetuses. Living and Management If your dog is pregnant you should not expose her to other animals in the three weeks before delivery and in the three weeks after giving birth. Even animals that have been living in your own house in close proximity with your dog should be segregated from her during this vulnerable time. As much as possible, keep the dog isolated in a warm, quiet room, where she can create a nesting area for herself and her puppies. Some dogs feel the need to be alone, while others have no problems giving birth with someone nearby. Some will even feel more comfortable with a trusted human companion nearby. If you can, provide both options to your dog. Do not give your dog any medications during pregnancy without first consulting with your veterinarian. This includes flea medications and vaccinations. If your veterinarian is treating your dog for anything, make sure to tell the doctor that your dog is pregnant. For example, you may allow your veterinarian to deworm your dog while it is pregnant, as long as you inform your veterinarian about the pregnancy. Do not board your dog in a kennel or otherwise move it unless you have no other option. If your dog has bloody vaginal discharge while still preterm, call your veterinarian for advice immediately. You may want to consider taking your dog to the veterinarian for a pregnancy check-up at 30 days of pregnancy to be sure that the pregnancy is progressing as it should. Most of the same precautions regarding medicines and vaccination hold true for the time following birth, while your dog is nursing her puppies. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog anything that might make its way into her bloodstream and milk. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? She had a litter of preemie puppies and only one was still alive. She had admitted that the pup had the best chance of survival with myself and my co-breeder and asked that we please help. We agreed and did everything we could to try and save this puppy. Preemie puppies rarely survive. In this case, the first two were stillborn and a third of the average birth weight. The next two puppies had come out and faded very fast. They were also both a third of the normal birth weight, approximately 2 oz. They were about the size of your thumb with very little hair. Then this little mouse was born at 85 grams 3 oz. Average pups for this breed are to grams 6 to 7 oz. We named him Mousey. My co-breeder and I were hopeful that we could likely save this puppy, so I flew over and picked up the preemie puppy and the dam. Preemie puppies are weak, chill easily, and usually do not know how to swallow as the sucking reflex is not ready. He would not nurse and needed to be tube fed canine milk replacer and a little bit of glucose—Karo, honey or Nutri-Cal. Make sure you add in some of the dam's colostrum, retrieved by hand. A puppy needs 1 cc for every ounce of body weight every 2. But be careful not to burn him. He will need to be hydrated more because of the heat. It is OK to leave the preemie puppy in a warm box with the dam, but ONLY if she tucks him in close; otherwise he should be in a separate incubator box. The reason you need to keep the puppy warmer is the puppy is supposed to be inside the dam for another week. However, with the warmer temperature you risk the chance of dehydration. It is best to keep a puppy warm in an incubator, however if you do not have one you can also use other warm draft-free spots, such as a heating pad wrapped around a soft-sided crate. Inside are warm bean bags to hold in the heat. Taking care of a preemie puppy is a hour job, feeding and pottying every two hours nonstop. Therefore my co-breeder and I were rotating our time with the puppy. On the third night the caregiver reports: Still hanging in there. Didn't look good at 3 a. I have been giving Nutri-Cal. He has been in a very warm box by himself. This is what I did for him: I assisted him with his pooping and peeing massaging his voiding area till I got him to void when it was time for him to eat, I took him to mom she cleaned him up well I tried him on a teat and he had attempted to nurse which told me he was hungry then I tube fed him the Nutri-Cal I massaged him and if he was acting "alert" wiggling around , I tried putting him back with his mom again then back into his warm box. He seemed better at 5 a. Day 1 he was 87 grams 3 oz. Day 2 he was 97 grams Day 3 he was grams. A very good scale that weighs to the gram, or to less than an ounce, is very important and a MUST. Unfortunately this story does not have a happy ending. Mousey did not make it. He had a bad night and died in my hands. As breeders we do what we can to save the puppies. Sometimes things are beyond our and our vet's control. The vet feels this boy was 8 to 10 days preemie, and he had very low odds of survival. All you can do is throw everything at him, and hope for the best. The lungs were not developed. A pup up to five days early has a great chance at survival. A pup 5 to 7 days early needs TLC and has a good chance at survival. A pup over 10 days early will not survive. There were 8 puppies born and only 5 survived. Sadly the mother of the puppies passed away during the whelp. The pups that were born a week early were not expected to survive, but with 3 weeks of around the clock care 5 of the puppies were saved. Main Menu. Day 7 g. Was doing great, but in the afternoon suddenly bloated up and went very weak. Constant crying and gasping. Day 8 g. Seems stable, but weak, and still bloated. This syndrome is often seen in full-term puppies and referred to as fading puppy syndrome by many. Bandit is doing much better than last night, in that he is not suffering; he is comfy and content, but weak. I have heard from many breeders who say at a week or two they just lose a puppy; the tummy swells up, it gets weak and it fade away, and they do not know why. Firstly I had to get him warm, not just a little warm, but warm to the core and having him in my bra wasn't enough. I made an incubator with heat coming from below and heat coming from above. I put rice pads in it and a warm water IV bottle for him to lie on in order to simulate littermates. He cannot digest food if he is cold and he was cooling down even though I had the whelping box quite warm as I normally would. That worked for a week, but he needed it even warmer; for some reason, maybe an internal infection, he wasn't holding body heat. And I wasn't able to get any food in him as the prior feeding was still sitting there after a couple hours. The heat was like magic to comfort him. I emptied his bowels and made sure all was working with a warm enema. Started him on Clavomox antibiotic , giving. Now an unknown sore has developed. I don't think it is a wound. It was spreading and it is thickening the skin and oozing. Very strange. I am putting Polysporin on it and will have the vet look at it tomorrow. He is being fed every two to three hours with a little less than I usually give. I am adding a Nutri-Cal dab to each feeding along with. His poop is green, but his plumbing is working. I am trying to keep the wound dry. I put Polysporin on it, and he lies on his back. I think the heat lamp will help it. He is holding up his head, he has the strength to lift his head off the blanket, which he has not been able to do for 24 hours. Day 9 weight is g. Bandit the preemie puppy had a good day today. He went to the vet, but they couldn't tell me anything. He is still bloated, but not weak anymore. He is strong enough to try nursing. The last two tries he got 2 cc. This time, however, he got 6 cc. I think he MAY be on the upward road. He is crawling again too. I still have not found out what the bloating is and his belly is still very bloated. I have asked all over and many breeders have had this happen and lost a puppy at a week old, but no one knows what it is. The vet confirmed that his heart is good. Bandit the preemie puppy at ten days old He has spent a lot of time with his mom and litter today. His mom Catreeya licked his scab off. I think this is good. Separating him from mom so I could keep ointment on it helped. I also put a paper absorbent inside the open wound to help dry it. The heat lamp also helped dry it. Day Weight — g. Interesting discovery When I helped the breeder with the litter that produced a water baby or walrus baby , the vet had NO idea what it was, but I found out by going to a pediatrician. I decided to do the same thing for this preemie puppy—to ask a human baby doctor for advice. I found out about necrotizing enterocolitis NEC , which happens in premature babies typically within the first two weeks after they are born and milk feeding has begun. Preemies have immature bowels. They are prone to infection and are sensitive to changes in blood flow. They often have problems with oxygen, blood circulation and digestion. This often increases the chances of developing NEC. Preemie babies are not offered food, but fed through IV for a while introducing food slowly. Too much food is too much of a load on them. Introducing food can cause bacteria to enter the gut wall and can even burst through. Preemies do not always show a temperature drop, but still get a gut infection. The exact cause of NEC is unknown. Bacteria normally found in the intestine invade and damage the wall of the intestinal tissues. The doctor suggested to cut back on the food, and do not feed every two to three hours, but feed half as much and do subQ fluids for the other feeding times, in order to take the load off the stomach. I did not cut back much. Day 13 Weight — g. Little Preemie has taken a good turn for the better. The wound is drying up and he is very, very squirmy when I have to hold him for mom to potty him. His strength is back. His tummy is still swollen, but a little less. The last three feedings have been 8 cc, 8 cc and 10 cc, which is awesome. I can only tube 4 to 6 cc into him if I feed him by hand. Feeding Time At feeding time the larger pups find the teats and drink three times faster than the preemie. When a pup drains one teat, it moves to another, pushing the preemie away. If I want the preemie to get any natural breast milk, I have to intervene. To ensure the preemie gets some milk I have the mom crated in between feedings. For example, if I witness a feeding with letdown at 9 a. I can then let the mom out of the crate, which I have placed in a spot where she can see her puppies. I supervise and use my hand as a barricade, so the preemie can have a teat and drain it without getting pushed off. I leave the dam with all the puppies to tend to them from a. At noon I crate her, to prepare for the 1 p. If I do not do this, I may walk in at p. Day 14 Little Chance new name, changed from Bandit , or Lazarus pending name has healed well and very quickly. He has been gaining weight steadily for the last couple days. The cut on his underside has mended quite nicely. He is nursing from his mother at feeding time. At this stage I must still intervene. I am feeding every four hours at night. I usually have to tube feed him for the first morning feeding, because he hasn't eaten any milk during the night and is hungry. His littermates do not let him eat very much, if at all, when I am not there to help him. I let him have the back two teats, holding the other four puppies on the front four teats. A minute after let down I have to put my hand in to create a barricade so he does not get pushed off. Picture of him with his sister; still very small compared to his littermates. His bloat has gone down, but not completely. He still has a swollen belly and I will keep him on antibiotics for a while, but he is looking healthy. Preemie puppy at two weeks old and his brother. Preemie and his sisters at two weeks old Preemie puppy at two weeks old Preemie puppy at two and a half weeks old—little preemie eyes are starting to open. He is about four days behind the others. He is sucking well, but if I don't get up to feed him, or I go out, he gets nothing. He is taking a bottle good. Preemie puppy at two and a half weeks old with his mother and littermates Preemie puppy and littermate at three weeks old Preemie puppy and littermate at three weeks old Preemie puppy and littermates at three weeks old, nursing. At three and a half weeks the preemie pup is doing very well. Preemie puppy and his littermate at 12 weeks old Preemie puppy and his littermate at six months; these two are absolutely wonderful together. The black-and-white guy is a normal size and preemie is the smaller one. He is thriving. Courtesy of MistyTrails Havanese.
Life Span Did You Know? One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they come in many colors. Silver Labrador Retrievers, or Silver Labs, are relatively new compared to the other Lab coat colors. Contrary to their Yellow, Chocolate, and Black Lab cousins, which have recorded sightings from and before, Silver Labs have only cropped up since .There was some heated debate over their authenticity, as many breeders believed the silver tint appeared from outside the breed. A diluting factor in coat color dominance traits is responsible for the silver hue — something that is also present in Charcoal and Champagne Labs as well. At any rate, Silver Labrador Retrievers are regal, loyal, and friendly Labradors that have a lot of energy and a lot of love to give! Silver Labs are curious and playful dogs. Their curiosity will often get the better of them and they may wander off in search of adventure if they are off-leash. Labrador Retrievers are known for their gentle, friendly dispositions and good natures. Well-socialized Labs tend to get along with children, other dogs, and even other pets and strangers. Because of this they make the ideal family dog and are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. Despite being one of the most active dog breeds , Silver Labrador Retrievers are highly adaptable. They prefer bigger spaces to stretch their legs and explore. As one of the sturdy dog breeds for outdoor adventures , they will often take an outside adventure over an inside one any day. But, they will also just be happy to be spending time with you. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Silver Labs are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. They are happiest when they are spending time with their favorite humans, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Silver Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, hereditary myopathy, heart disease, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. A condition called exercise-induced collapse EIC has a genetic link and can occur in young adult Labradors. Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Silver Lab puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask 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 large, deep-chested dog breed, the Silver Labrador Retriever is at a higher risk for bloat. Silver Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds. They pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. Despite their energy and getting bored easily, they are still a great fit for dog owners of any experience level. Labrador Retrievers are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Silver Labrador Retrievers have short, water-resistant fur in two layers. Because of this dense double coat that protects them from the cold, and being one of the dog breeds that tend to love water , they may try to go for a swim regardless of the season. They shed year-round and more heavily twice a year when seasons change. Plus, your Lab will love spending the time with you. Trimming their nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Regularly checking ears and cleaning them as needed can help prevent ear infections. Proper dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, is important to prevent the tartar buildup that causes painful dental diseases later in life. Silver Labrador Retrievers need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for this dog. Although they are high-energy dogs, Silver Labs will tend to mellow out a little bit as they get older. Labrador Retrievers tend to have an extended puppyhood and maintain that puppy-like energy until they are around years old. Swimming is a great low-impact activity. Once your Lab puppy is cleared for more intense activity, you can try a lot of different activities with them. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Labs are also athletic and versatile dogs that tend to be a good fit for a wide range of activities. Fully-grown Silver Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Silver Labs generally live for years on average. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and search and rescue dogs. They are also commonly found working as police or military dogs. They are even one of the best dog breeds for farms! Featured Silver Labrador Retriever Article. Are they for real or is this some sort of AprilFools joke?! We came across LOTS of people sharing a picture of a fluff ball that looks like a silver version of a Golden Retriever on social media. Read on to find out more! This has left many people wondering: are these dogs even real Golden Retrievers? While the answer remains a mystery until the end of this post! This dilute gene is not present in Golden Retrievers, which means that Silver Goldens cannot result from crossbreeding with Silver Labradors. Detective point 1, score! Silver Labs are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities and are often used as service dogs due to their intelligence and trainability. They are a legitimate variation of the Golden Retriever breed and have been recognized by the Golden Retriever Club of America since .English Cream Golden Retrievers originated in Europe, where they were bred for their lighter coat color. They have a loyal and friendly temperament and are known for their intelligence and trainability. They make great family pets and are excellent with children. In terms of temperament and personality, English Cream Golden Retrievers are very similar to their American Golden Retriever counterparts. They are known for being gentle and loyal, making them a great family pets. They typically stand between inches at the shoulder. Coat: The Golden Retriever signature feature is its long, thick, and wavy coat. The coat is usually golden or cream-colored and sheds moderately throughout the year. Head shape: Golden Retrievers have broad and rounded skulls, with medium-sized ears that hang close to the head. Eyes: They have dark brown, medium-sized eyes that are set well apart and convey a friendly and intelligent expression. Nose: Golden Retrievers have black or brown noses that are broad and slightly curved. Tail: They have a long, muscular tail that is thick at the base and tapers to a fine point. Of course, Golden Retrievers are known for wagging their tails constantly! Personality: Golden Retrievers are friendly, intelligent, and loyal dogs. They are great with children, other dogs, and strangers, and are often used as service dogs due to their trainability. Activity level: Golden Retrievers are active dogs that require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness. They enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and swimming. Retrieving instincts: As their name suggests, Golden Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve games for hunters. They have a natural instinct for carrying and retrieving objects, which is one of the many reasons why they make great family pets. Age: Golden Retrievers typically live between years, and as they age, they may develop gray hair around their mouth and on their face. Despite the social media buzz surrounding the renowned Silver Golden as of yet, they are not considered a legitimate breed. However, this claim remains unsubstantiated and unacknowledged by any Kennel Club or breed standard and appears to just have been a social media phenome n on gone viral! Share this:. When can I pick up my puppy? That will be posted on the specific litter page. We try to have our puppy families come get them as close to 8 weeks of age as possible. Pick up day is scheduled out a week or two in advance in order of deposit received. For example, first male would come at AM, second male at AM, and so on. The schedule will also be posted to the specific litter page. Do you deliver? Delivering puppies is not a service we regularly offer. On occasion, if the situation is right, we will do our best to accommodate. This would be at the cost of the buyer which would include, but not limited to: mileage, food, and lodging reimbursements. We do deliver puppies to the Boise, Idaho airport at no cost to the buyer. Do you offer full breeding rights? All puppies go home with AKC limited registration. If the time comes where a buyer has ran the proper health screenings on the dog that was purchased through our program hips, elbows, heart, genetics and agrees to the FULL AKC contract provided by SBG, then full breeding rights will be granted. Yes, we will ship to anywhere in the United States except Hawaii. Ground shipping or air shipping, completely at the expense of the buyer. Other options to highly consider: Flight nanny - We can give you recommendations for great flight nanny services they fly in cabin with pup. Meeting you personally at the Boise, ID airport to fly in cabin with pup. Yes, we offer stud services. We have studs in every color, in multiple places throughout the Treasure Valley. We will also highly consider pick of the litter instead of stud fees. She is obsessed with people, kids, and loves to lay on them. She has a bulky bone structure with the most beautiful head! She is perfect cream in color, great pedigree full of champions, and the ideal family dog. When we were looking for a perfect dog to add to our family, and breeding program we were blessed to find Phoebe not even a mile from our house! She is spunky, sweet, naughty, hilarious, and much more. She has a great pedigree, and is the type to always keep you on your toes. Never a dull moment with this stunning girl. Absolutely wonderful temperament with a motherly insinct at a young age as she is around small pups often. He is very good with kids, other people, and is a show off of his wonderful temperament. When we took him in for some health testing, the vet raved about how relaxed and good he was. So good, that they didn't need to sedate him for the X-rays. We are so thrilled to have this big fluff in our program, and can't wait to see what his pups look like. She has come so far, loves people, kids, and playing with her other golden buddies. She has blossomed and is such a good girl! She has passed her preliminary health testing and will be bred soon. We are so happy that she is happy! Skogens Golden Ruby River Ruby Ruby is a dog I have always had my eye on, and when we got the opportunity to bring her home to our program I was thrilled. Her family had a situation change, and she fell into our lap. She has produced some of the most beautiful puppies, and she herself is a gorgeous girl. She is on the smaller side, excellent temperament with children, and great with other dogs. She is a really fun, energetic dog. She was bred a couple of times before she came here to Duke's full brother from the same litter how fun is that? She will only have a couple of more litters, and then on to retirement life! All our puppies have new homes! Be first in line for your new puppy! Call, text or email: greenvalleypupsandpaws gmail. It was apparent after taking Sebastian home that the puppies were very well socialized with people, other animals, and children. This was very important to us as we have chickens, cats, another dog, and hope to one day have children. You can tell that all the puppies were very well cared for and loved. The farm where they are raised is beautiful and my husband and I were given a tour, and introduced to the mother dog the day we took our sweet baby home. The breeder kept in touch after puppy was taken home and enjoys getting update pictures as he ages. They used a very reputable vet Dr. Shoemaker, who happens to be my personal vet for certified health checks and their first round of vaccinations. My puppy Sebastian is the sweetest and happiest dog I have ever owned. He was the perfect addition to our family and fit in great with all our other pets. Sebastian and our German Shepherd are the best of friends and are inseparable. Sebastian has a great temperament and is comfortable in any setting; he loves going paddle boarding with me, hiking with his big brother, or is perfectly content to have a quiet day at home and enjoys a nap. I would highly recommend getting a puppy from Green Puppy Pups and Paws, you wont regret it! Send Us A Message. Forever Homes My puppy Sebastian is the sweetest and happiest dog I have ever owned. We could not be any happier with the puppy we adopted from Rafael not sure what your business name is. It was apparent after taking Sebastian home that the puppies were very well socialized with people, other animals, and children. This was very important to us as we have chickens, cats, another dog, and hope to one day have children. You can tell that all the puppies were very well cared for and loved. The farm where they are raised is beautiful and my husband and I were given a tour, and introduced to the mother dog the day we took our sweet baby home. The breeder kept in touch after puppy was taken home and enjoys getting update pictures as he ages. They used a very reputable vet Dr. Shoemaker, who happens to be my personal vet for certified health checks and their first round of vaccinations. My puppy Sebastian is the sweetest and happiest dog I have ever owned. He was the perfect addition to our family and fit in great with all our other pets. Sebastian and our German Shepherd are the best of friends and are inseparable. Sebastian has a great temperament and is comfortable in any setting; he loves going paddle boarding with me, hiking with his big brother, or is perfectly content to have a quiet day at home and enjoys a nap. I would highly recommend getting a puppy from Rafael, you wont regret it! My wife and I got our beautiful chocolate lab puppy Tule from Wendy this fall. We feel so lucky to have met Wendy because we now have the sweetest dog in the world! We could not ask for a dog with a better personality, Tule is amazing. Wendy was so kind and patient and let us spend as much time as we wanted when we came to look at the puppies. She had a beautiful set-up and we even got to meet the mom dog, who is also the biggest sweetheart we have ever seen. Wendy's dogs truly do have the best personalities, and we can't imagine getting a puppy anywhere else. Thanks again Wendy! They were amazing to work with thru the whole process. We first picked him out in January and we got to visit every other week to watch him grow and get him familiar with us. He was the cutest little brown fur ball and it was fun to see him interact with all his siblings and his mom. He was also very loved and handled by their kids during the times we could not visit. He is a year old now and a very healthy and beautiful lab. He loves being outside, playing fetch, playing with his soccer ball, or being anywhere our 12 year old daughter is. He has been a great addition to our family! They really love their dogs and know how to breed healthy, well-adjusted dogs. Our Boomer loves all dogs, adults and children because of this. We are so thankful to Green Valley Pups and Paws for this whole experience! We collectively decided on getting a dog. We wanted a happy, smart, loyal breed that could fit in and grow with our kids. With those criteria we started looking for a Labrador Retriever. We soon drove to the farm to pick out our puppy. From that moment, until today, we have been so happy with our choice! Our silver lab, Rumble Rainier, has been value added to our home. He is perfect with our sons, he learned our routines quickly, and he keeps us smiling every day. Brooke Ison.
shelter golden retriever puppies - The protein will come from readily available sources such as chicken or beef, and not exotic or boutique sources like kangaroo or venison as you saw in second study mentioned above. According to the AKC , quality, regulated animal byproducts can be good for your dog. These byproducts can include organ meats or entrails, which often contain more nutrients than, say, plain chicken breast. Another misconception is that dogs should eat grain-free diets. As you saw in the second study mentioned above, that can actually be very harmful for your dog and cause DCM. But food labels can be a little vague and confusing, so below is an explanation of what some of these terms mean, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual and the AKC. There is one caveat though. For instance, flaked corn, ground corn, and kibbled corn could be sprinkled in an ingredient list and not be listed as the first few ingredients, but in reality, if you were to add them all up they are all corn, after all , you might find that this food is made mostly of corn. The same goes for chicken, chicken meal, and chicken byproduct. Meat vs. Meat Meal vs. The quality of these ingredients can vary widely, so be sure to talk to your vet about this and choose a reputable brand of food. Below are a few examples: Obesity. Golden Retrievers love food and they do have a tendency to become overweight if you let them. This problem can often affect these next two problems… Joint issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to joint issues and growing too fast because they eat too much can often make this problem worse more on this in the next section. Heart issues. Skin issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to hot spots and excess protein in their diets can be a factor that causes them. Many goldens suffer from food allergies. One cup of Brand X food may have calories per cup, while Brand Y has calories per cup. During a vet visit our veterinarian said he looked too small and lethargic for a puppy his age about 8 weeks at the time , and he recommended we feed him a little more. As far as how often to feed your puppy, this same rule applies. For us, we fed Oliver three times per day until he was a little over a year old. Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Get the gameplan for raising them right with the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Those two statements may sound random, but they are related. According to the Banfield Pet Hospital , overfeeding your Golden Retriever can cause them to grow too fast and increase their risk of hip dysplasia. You probably noticed that a raw diet was the fourth-most popular diet Golden Retriever owners feed their dog. Since puppies are growing and adults are just maintaining their weight, they have different dietary needs. And for fats, puppy food should have at least 8. As far as when to switch from puppy food to adult food, talk to your veterinarian. To see a list of other milestones your puppy will hit like when they lose their first teeth, or when their coat is fully grown check out this timeline of Golden Retriever puppy milestones. Like most of the other questions in this post, this is something to talk to your veterinarian about. Many foods will have the same vitamins that pills have already in them, but on the other hand, some breeders require that you give your puppy vitamins for their health guarantee to be valid. First, we unknowingly started him off on one of the brands listed in the graph above that is correlated with DCM. Then we switched to another brand that he just sort of liked. If we were to have another puppy, we would definitely start with the Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy food. How To Switch Food Brands The other day I was talking to someone who was complaining that her puppy was having lots of stomach issues. Dogs have sensitive stomachs so if you want to switch foods, you need to do it slowly. You should take about a week to transition from the old food to the new brand. Also consider how long the brand of food has been around, whether or not there have been any recalls of that brand, and if there is any research behind it. What do you feed your Golden Retriever puppy? Have any questions about what to feed them? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. Royal Canin makes dry food tailored explicitly to particular breeds. Its Golden food variation uses chicken and brown rice ingredients to support digestive health, strong bones, and a healthy coat. Gorgeous coats, healthy body conditions, great activity levels- perfect puppies! With a combination of healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, and more, this dry dog food will encourage healthy muscle development in your Golden Retriever as well as strong teeth, a healthy heart, and improved skin and coat texture. Looking at the ingredients makes me feel that I have purchased a quality product for my guy. With ingredients like real protein, fruits, and vegetables, this dry food increases energy, strengthens bones, improves immune strength, and neutralizes free radicals. Her coat is healthier and shiny. She even trimmed down a little as her old dog food was making her fat. They produce high-quality dog food for your Golden Retriever at an affordable price. Veterinarians recommend IAMS Proactive Health because it uses ingredients like animal protein and antioxidant-rich veggies to nourish your dog and meet their complete health needs. Highly recommend it. Good for maintaining a decent weight too. Gobbles it down! With fish as the main protein, this kibble promotes a gorgeous coat and healthy skin and improves digestive issues. He eats it enthusiastically, and it has really helped him thrive! He is energetic, has a gorgeous coat, and devours his meals! She is a much happier dog. The Save Shredded Puppy Blend includes probiotics to help ease the digestion in growing Golden Retriever puppies with sensitive stomachs. I mix it with wet food, and he loves it. He loves the chunks of shredded chicken! I highly recommend it. This large-breed dry food can help your Golden Retriever maintain a healthy coat and great skin as well as smooth digestion. All of them love this food! Their coats are shiny and soft, and their poops are small! The exclusive formula also increases energy levels! We tried another brand, and it caused all kinds of allergic reactions. We went back to Eagle Pack, and all is right again. Great product! That may be because they have a senior Golden Retriever who is struggling with dental issues or feel that dehydrated food options are healthier. This particular food contains real protein and essential nutrients that can benefit dogs of all ages. Once we got this, she became a food-crazed puppy! This food includes a combination of freeze-dried raw-coated kibble with real pieces of freeze-dried raw meat! This variety has lots of meat sources plus several strains of probiotics. In general, your dog will benefit from puppy food from about 8 weeks of age until they are six months to a year old. Check with your vet to determine the right time to switch from a puppy food to one for adult dogs, as recommendations vary based on the size of your dog. A few days later, you can begin making it a half-and-half blend. Make sure to watch for loose stool from your pup as you transition — if you notice that your Golden is struggling with the new diet, wait for a few days before increasing the blend. When in doubt, check with your vet! Most dog foods come with specific volumes listed on the side. Overfeeding your pet can lead to a variety of health concerns. To determine what food will suit your dog the best, check out 17 of the top dog foods on the market for Golden Retrievers, no matter their age. Check with your vet to determine whether your Golden will need any special dietary considerations. Foods considered toxic to Golden Retrievers are macadamia nuts, chocolate, onions, garlic cloves, grapes, raisins, walnuts, alcohol, and any foods sweetened with xylitol. Try to avoid feeding your Golden food containing any of these ingredients. Grain is an essential component to the diet of Golden Retrievers. The absence of grain has been known to lead to a deficiency in taurine, which can potentially cause heart problems for your golden. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Feeding Your Golden Feeding Your Golden With the wide array of foods available today, it can be hard to make a good choice of what to feed your golden. Goldens are particularly sensitive to dietary concerns, and feeding them a high quality diet can help boost their health and immune system. Feeding a high quality food is not necessarily more expensive. Price is misleading: cheaper foods require more volume to be fed, up to several cups at each meal. With the wide array of better foods available today, you can make a smart choice of what to feed your golden. A golden will normally eat about two cups of premium food per day. It can be adjusted a little more or less based on activity level and metabolism. Goldens are prone to skin problems, and a poor quality diet will cause skin problems which translates into costly veterinarian bills. You will need to go to the pet store to purchase your food. Grocery store brands do not offer the nutrition goldens need for good health. Do not be persuaded by fancy advertising. Many commonly hyped foods are not high quality and maybe lacking the necessary nutritional value for your dog. For example, Grain Free foods may play a major part in taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers and other large breed dogs. This deficiency can cause serious heart problems for your dog see Taurine and Grain Free information on this web page. Here are some guidelines: Look for food free of chemical preservatives. Some of these additives are suspected of causing cancer. Look for food preserved with Tocopherols Vitamins C and E as well as rosemary and other herbs. Make sure you have several months before this date. Frequent stores where there is a good turnover of food so you get a fresh bag. Always store dog food in a tight airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you only have one dog, consider buying pound bags instead of pounds bags so the food is fresher. Look for a food that has some form of meat as the first ingredient — such as lamb, chicken, or turkey. Avoid foods that have grain as the first ingredient. Also look for multiple meat proteins in the first seven ingredients. Protein from multiple sources is generally viewed as being beneficial such as lamb, chicken and fish , unless your dog is allergic to certain proteins. Dog food companies sometimes list several types of grains in the first seven ingredients. Beware of this — your dog needs animal protein in his diet! These are the intestines of the animal including what is in the intestines!! Most by-products are not desirable. By-products normally contain beaks, feet, feathers, heads and other slaughterhouse wastes — not the most nutritious part of the animal. Avoid foods that have sugars or artificial colors or flavors or a lot of added salt. Semi-moist dog foods are the worst — they usually are loaded with artificial colors and sugars. Added vitamins and minerals are beneficial only when applied after the baking process, because heat destroys vitamins. The best foods are made up of ingredients that would be suitable for human consumption. Most dog foods contain meat products that are not fit for human consumption. They can include meat from diseased livestock, condemned material from slaughterhouses such as tumors cut away from meat , and as horrible as it sounds, some pet foods include euthanized pets sold to rendering plants and even road kill. Is it any wonder why so many dogs die from cancer when they are being fed meat from these sources? Grains — many dog foods will contain some grains, for example, brown rice, barley, corn, wheat, etc. We have found that some goldens in our rescue program generally do poorly on a food that contains corn or soy. Many goldens are allergic to corn or wheat. So if your golden starts getting a lot of hot spots or skin problems — check his food. There is a big difference in quality of grain products. Look for whole rice or brown rice in the ingredients; white rice and ground brewers rice are much lower in nutrients than whole or brown rice. Often pet food companies take the sweepings off the mill floor and put it in pet food. Look for whole grains instead such as oatmeal, brown rice, barley, or whole oats. Grain Free foods. Grain Free foods have become increasingly available as food companies try to offer foods that are easier to digest with lower levels of complex carbohydrates and grains. One misconception is that grain free dog food is also low-carb, however, vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, green peas and tapioca often replace the grains in grain-free dog foods, especially in kibble foods, making them as high or higher in carbohydrates than grain-based dog foods. Studies have shown peas, beans, pea starch, legumes, potatoes and sweet potatoes that have replaced the grains in dog foods block the function of taurine. Taurine, a sulfuric acid, is essential for healthy cardiovascular function in Golden Retrievers. If left untreated, taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers can cause dilated cardiomyopathy DCM , congestive heart failure and possibly death. Read all the ingredients in the food which should include taurine and check with your veterinarian before selecting or feeding any grain free food to your dog. Detailed information on dog food ingredients and taurine can be found on this web page under Taurine and Grain Free information and at: Diet Associated Heart Disease Treats — beware of many dog treats out there. They are filled with sugars, preservatives and artificial colors. Try buying biscuits at your local dog bakery or making some yourself. The dog food companies listed below have high quality treats available for your dog. Is your dog overweight? Beware of some diet dog foods, they can be loaded with fillers that provide no added nutrition. At least green beans are healthy. You can also use canned pumpkin. Typically goldens love it! DO NOT free feed your golden; instead feed a measured amount of food twice a day. Most adult goldens will eat 1 cup of premium dog food twice a day. Is your dog too fat? You should be able to feel its ribs and your dog should have a waist. We have found that we have a different view of what constitutes a fat dog than many veterinarians. They will typically allow dogs to carry more weight than is optimal. This perhaps is because they do not want to insult their clients and risk losing business. Letting your golden get too fat is like chopping years off of its life. We also see lots of hip problems with goldens, and keeping weight in check will give your dog better mobility. Fat goldens are an epidemic from our experience. We routinely get goldens into our rescue program that have to lose 30 — 40 pounds!!! Therefore we have a lot of experience at taking the weight off! It is very discouraging and upsetting when an adoptive home will let some weight creep back on. You may think you are loving your dog by giving it too much to eat, but if you really love it you will keep it at a normal weight. Remember — Ribs and Waists! Can you feel and see them on your dog? If not, break open the cans of green beans! The bottom line is read the ingredients, consult your veterinarian and research reliable resources. Making sure your dog has the best nutritional food will help to insure he has a long and healthy life. Here, from Whole Dog Journal, are some additional links for selecting best dry dog food and the best canned dog reviews. Goldens Rescued Since .Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months.
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shelter golden retriever puppies - Vocality level 5 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament ACA delightful blend of dignity and comedy, the Pug is an amiable, playful, and confident companion. They can be stubborn and headstrong, but they are pleasant and generally willing to please. They love to cavort and show off. Upkeep The Pug needs daily exercise, either in the form of a lively game or a moderate walk. They do not do well in heat and humidity. They needs minimal coat care but daily cleaning of facial wrinkles. Their smooth coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hairs; however, the wrinkles need regular cleaning and drying to prevent skin infections. The Pug may often wheeze and snore. Health Major concerns: Pug dog encephalitis, CHD, brachycephalic syndrome Minor concerns: elongated palate, stenotic nares, patellar luxation, Legg-Perthes, entropion, KCS, skin infections, hemivertebra Occasionally seen: seizures, nerve degeneration, distichiasis, allergies, demodicosis Suggested tests: eye, hip, knee, DNA Pug dog encephalitis Life span: 12—15 years Note: The Pug cannot tolerate heat and is sensitive to anesthesia. They are prone to corneal abrasion and obesity. The Pug is somewhat of an exception in the Toy Group because they are perhaps the only one to be descended from mastiff forebears. Although their exact ancestry has been lost in antiquity, the Pug retains many mastiff characteristics. The Pug is an ancient breed, one of several miniaturized in the Orient, where they were a favorite pet of Buddhist monasteries in Tibet many centuries ago. Here they became quite popular and were recognized as the official dog of the House of Orange after one saved the life of Prince William by sounding an alarm at the approach of Spanish soldiers in .Pugs were first brought to England during Victorian times and became incredibly popular with the wealthy, displacing the King Charles Spaniel as the favored royal breed. Several Pugs were brought to England from China in .A year earlier, the breed had been recognized by the AKC. Since that time, they have remained popular a pet. Related Content. Adopt Testimonials We had an amazing experience with Pughearts! The process was thorough which I appreciated. The volunteers and organization are extremely passionate about their rescue dogs and their well being. We are so grateful for our fur babies and for Pughearts! We live out of state and Pug Hearts went above and beyond to come and inspect our home. Every step of the way all the volunteers I worked with were kind and quick to answer all my many questions through the adoption process. When I flew to Houston to meet the pug we were hoping to adopt, my flight was significantly delayed and our pug's foster mom took the next day off just so I could come meet with her! Our pug came to us in great health, fully checked by the Pug Hearts vet team, with detailed vet records for her continued care. We continue to stay in touch with the volunteers and our Pug's foster mom sending updates and sharing stories, Not only did we add the sweetest pug girl to our family, we feel like we came away with new friends! We will always adopt from Pug Hearts from now on and highly recommend them for your family too! Everyone we spoke with and worked with was very nice and answered all of our questions quickly. Ann was awesome about coming to do the home visit for us since we live in a remote location in Colorado. Karen was awesome about giving us all the information we needed and making sure our pup was all set to travel back from Houston. We would recommend Pug Hearts for anyone looking to help find a pug a forever home! I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this rescue! Our pug had been found wandering the streets , was underweight and had severe behavioral issues. His foster mother worked with him for 4 months to get him ready to come home with us. Not only did we get a new family member but I made a great friend as well. They take in pugs of any age with any medical problem and provide them with not only the medical care they need but the love they deserve. No pug is left behind. They are extremely thorough in the application process and truly care about the well-being of every single animal that they help. The organization has a wonderful group of volunteers, donors, and Fosters. The intake coordinator and the Director are absolutely wonderful to communicate with. They are very knowledgeable and caring. I have adopted three pugs from them and anytime I have questions or concerns they are quick to reply with a solution. Hands-down the best rescue in the entire world!! View more available dogs Pug Rescue of Austin typically has more than fifty available dogs at any given time. Not all available dogs are listed on our website and new dogs come in often. Once you have been approved to adopt, an adoption coordinator will review all available dogs with you to help you find the best new addition to your family. We Save Lives Our goal is to never say no to a pug or pug mix in need. Most of the pugs we rescue have been in abusive, neglectful situations. Here are some of their stories: Aug 22, Help Cole Heal Aug 22, Cole, a survivor of a car accident, needs your help to recover. He's facing major pelvic fractures and requires surgery. With feeling in his lower extremities and continence, Cole's determined to walk again. Join us in supporting his journey to healing. She was found starved, covered in infections, infested with parasites, and suffering from various health issues. We are providing her with intensive care at Westlake Animal Hospital, but her recovery will be a long and slow process. We need your support to give Pillsbury the chance to heal and live a pain-free life. Jun 26,