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Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. You can get this puppy elsewhere for a lesser price, but you want to ensure you receive a healthy dog with great genes. Should you buy a German Shepherd puppy or an older dog? The answer to this will be based on your preference and lifestyle. But there are also pros and cons to buying a puppy or an adult dog. Adopt whichever feels right to you. If you intend to buy a German Shepherd, know that the breeding of dogs is more involved than just putting a sire and dam together. Reputable breeders look into the health and genetics of the parents. When the puppies are born, they get them health-tested, too. For example, the puppies get hip x-rays, elbow x-rays, thyroid tests, cardiac tests, and a canine ophthalmologist exam. In most cases, the breeder will ensure that the puppies are up-to-date on their vaccinations before going to their new owners. Are large GSD dogs more expensive than small ones? No, because a purebred German Shepherd is a large dog and only comes in one size. Male GSDs can grow to be 24 to 26 inches 61 to 66 cm , with female GSDs being slightly smaller at 22 to 24 inches 59 to 61 cm. Do German Shepherds that train as service dogs cost more? Yes, German Shepherds that are trained as service dogs are more expensive. This is because they are selectively bred and go through special training. Bloodline affects the purchase fee. The West German Show Line is bred based on the breed standard. They make great house protectors, are social, and need a high amount of physical activity. Working line German Shepherds are fully trained with various skills and excel in obedience. Some of the most expensive German Shepherds are the ones that look different. For example, this pooch can come in a few rare coat colors. The colors may include Panda, Isabella, or Black. In addition, some German Shepherds might have one or two blue eyes. Take into account whether you want your German Shepherd as a family dog or a working protection dog. A companion will be less expensive. In addition, the litter size of German Shepherds is about 6 to 10 puppies. Therefore, the more puppies in a litter, the less the puppies will cost. When searching for a German Shepherd puppy, your best bet is to go through a reputable breeder rather than a search aid site. This is because you can get to know the breeder during the process. There is nothing wrong with being a hobby breeder, but they may have less experience than a professional one. For example, test their knowledge of the German Shepherd breed as a whole. Ask them about the family tree and the health history of the parents and the puppies. In addition, discuss the temperament and traits of the dogs as well. Finally, ask if the puppies have been crate trained and gone to the vet. The breeder should be able to answer these questions flawlessly. Alternatively, you can find a German Shepherd rescue. In addition, you might find puppies as well as adults. These factors include traits of the dog, but it also depends on where you adopt the dog as well. Age Age is one of the biggest factors in pricing a German Shepherd. A puppy is more costly than an adult dog. German Shepherd puppies aged 8 to 12 weeks will be the most expensive. This is because owners want to train the puppy to their lifestyle. Therefore, puppies older than 12 weeks will be more affordable. Adopting an adult GSD dog is less desirable, but these pups need loving, forever homes, too. Size German Shepherds are a large dog breed, growing up to 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm tall. If a breeder advertises Miniature German Shepherds, they may cost more, but there is no such thing. That pooch is most likely a mixed breed, or the purebred has dwarfism. Since purebreds are more desirable, they cost more. However, hybrids are often healthier than purebreds. Lineage and bloodlines If your puppy comes from a champion bloodline and is a show-quality German Shepherd dog, then you can expect to pay more. Breeder certifications, registration, and pedigree When it comes to looking for a reputable breeder, be sure to do your research. A responsible breeder will care about finding the puppies a loving, forever home rather than making a profit. A qualified breeder will charge their puppies higher but at a reasonable fee. Gender Believe it or not, male and female German Shepherd dogs cost about the same price. Male GSDs are stronger and have more energy. Coat Colors and Markings German Shepherds with different colored coats and markings will be more pricey. This is because they are more difficult to breed since they rely on recessive genes. Did you know this doggo can also be long-haired? You can learn more about long-haired German Shepherds here. Health screenings and medical expenses Most reputable breeders will get the puppies health screened and take care of certain medical expenses, such as their first vaccinations. If they do, then you can expect to pay more. For instance, if the breed is in high demand where the breeder is, you can expect to pay more. Other factors The litter size is another factor. For instance, if there are more puppies in a litter, the cost will decrease because the breeder has more puppies available for adoption. In addition, if the parents have a proven record of being show dogs or breeding dogs, that will increase the puppy prices. A friendly German Shepherd dog with a veterinarian Health care and veterinary bills: how much are vet expenses for GSDs? Fortunately, German Shepherds are generally healthy. This includes general physical exams, vaccinations such as rabies , and heartworm and flea prevention. GSDs also need additional vaccinations. For example, Leptospirosis if they are exposed to wildlife. Medical Expenses for German Shepherds Range. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. German Shepherds are considered healthy dogs that can live many years. You must be able to pay for these dogs every month of their lives. For the most part, providing your dog with a lot of exercise and high-quality food will prevent the dog from developing unforeseen health issues. You will need to buy a dog-safe toothpaste, dog-safe shampoo, and certain medications, such as heartworm prevention, to keep your dog healthy its entire life. Not only do you have to feed your German Shepherd a lot of food, but you want to feed your dog food that is high quality and healthy. As long as your dog does not have any known illnesses or issues, you should not have to pay monthly prices. At the minimum, you should take your German Shepherd for an annual visit, assuming it is healthy. You also need to pay for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Most of these medications last for 1 to 3 months at a time. It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to get pet insurance. If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service. If you do not want to pay for pet insurance, you can simply set up a savings account instead. So long as you have a house and a yard for your dog to play, the home environment is generally suitable for dogs. Some environmental maintenance things you will need to buy include doggie bags. You need these if you take your dog for a walk or if you have a yard that you have to maintain. You may also need to pay for carpet cleaner, deodorizer, and other items to keep the house clean, despite your heavy shedding German Shepherd. This means that your German Shepherd can help you out when you are in a pinch, but it also means that you need to provide your German Shepherd ample entertainment, or else your dog could become destructive. At the very minimum, you need to buy heavy-duty toys for your German Shepherd. German Shepherds can be really rough with their toys. So, we recommend some sort of brand specific for rough-playing dogs, such as Kong. These boxes will offer toys, treats, and more for your dog, but these boxes can be pretty expensive too. Additional Costs to Factor In In addition to initial costs and monthly payments, there are some other additional factors you need to think about. For starters, obedience training is really important for dogs of this size. Obedience training can be a bit expensive at first, but it will be worth it in the long run. You need to pay for a pet sitter or kennel whenever you go on vacations and your dog does not come with you. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy, you may also have to pay to replace or fix items the puppy damages. Think about accidents or unforeseen illnesses too. These can cost a whole lot in vet visits. Owning a German Shepherd on a Budget If you want a German Shepherd but are worried about destroying your budget, there are ways that you can own one of these wonderful dogs without spending a fortune either. Unfortunately, there is little you can change about the price of these dogs up front, but you can save on the monthly expenses. The most important tip for taking care of a German Shepherd on a budget is to know when to splurge. When it comes to dog food, make sure to select high-quality food. This will be more expensive upfront, but it will ensure that your dog is healthy for as long as possible, resulting in fewer bills. Splurging on heavy-duty toys is another great idea. These toys will cost more at first, but they should last much longer than cheap ones. For instance, there are a lot of coupons and promo codes you can use when purchasing toys, food, and other items for your German Shepherd. Even if you find coupons, only spend money on the essentials. Not to mention, buy crates and beds that are suitable for the dog as it grows. Many people make the mistake of buying crates and beds suitable for the puppy, but the puppy soon outgrows them. The initial cost primarily accounts for the dog itself and any other items required when bringing the dog home for the first time. Even after the German Shepherd has made your home its home, you will still have to pay some pretty hefty bills for the remainder of its life. Although the initial and monthly costs for this dog are a bit high, they are required for this dog to live a happy life. If you cannot afford to provide a German Shepherd the sort of life it needs and deserves, simply do not get a German Shepherd. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. Deworming Spaying or neutering If you were to add up the cost of all of these services separately, and not part of an all-inclusive adoption fee, the price tag would invariably be considerably higher. Additionally, you can also feel good about adopting a GSD puppy from a shelter, as the proceeds acquired through adoption fees are used to help support the shelter from which you adopted the puppy. This allows a shelter to continue to rescue new animals and relocate them in safe homes. One potential downside to adoption is the time and effort that it may take you to find the right pup for you. Unlike a breeder who is able to provide you with rather specific dates, there is no telling when a new GSD puppy may be available through a shelter. Additionally, purebred GSD puppies tend to be adopted out very quickly, so if you choose this option you must be very diligent and persistent. Be prepared to make lots of phone calls on a daily basis, as it is unlikely that a shelter will call you specifically when the puppy you want arrives, as many others will undoubtedly have the same request. This is because purebred dogs that are ethically raised by responsible breeders are expensive to breed in general. Also, in contrast to a purebred shelter puppy that spends a short portion of its life at the shelter prior to adoption, a breeder must pay all of the costs associated with raising an entire litter for a minimum of 8 weeks, as is mandated by law in many states. Next comes the cost of pre-breeding health checks performed on both parents, prenatal care, stud fees, shots, food, wormings, vet visits, and a host of other unexpected medical costs. You must also figure in the time and effort that it takes to socialize an entire litter, coupled with the fact that many breeders are dealing with more than one litter at a time, and it is easy to see how the costs can quickly add up. Essentially, a purebred German Shepherd puppy from a breeder will cost more because they are more expensive to raise. However, a purebred puppy from a reputable breeder will also come with health and temperament guarantees, so you do actually get what you pay for. For more detailed understanding of adopting a German Shepherd puppy from a shelter versus purchasing one from a breeder, we have an excellent article here that will answer all of your questions and remove all of the guesswork for you. The Cost of the First Year of German Shepherd Puppy Ownership While the amount of money that you spend to acquire a German Shepherd puppy will vary in accordance to the different factors that we have described above, keep in mind that acquiring the puppy is just be beginning of your financial commitment. It is important that you pay attention to these costs, as they can be significant, and may have a bearing on whether or not acquiring a GSD puppy is a good economical choice for you. While there are other related costs, the main costs that you will incur during the first year of GSD puppy ownership can be apportioned as follows: Initial Cost of Your Puppy As described above, this is entirely dependent on whether you adopt from a shelter or purchase from a breeder. This cost varies widely and can exceed several thousand dollars on the high end. Dog Food With so many different dog food brands on the market today, this cost can also vary considerably. From basic dry dog food to available gourmet raw diets, you can spend as little or as much as you choose. Grooming While you can groom your GSD puppy yourself, many people opt to take their puppy to a professional groomer. Necessities such as nail trimming can be intimidating to the first-time puppy owner and may harm the puppy if performed incorrectly. Training While it is our preference that you take the time to properly train your GSD puppy on your own, as this is a unique and irreplaceable bonding experience on many levels for you and your GSD puppy, many people opt to seek professional obedience training. Some people simply do not have the time to do this, or perhaps it is their first dog and they are unsure of where to begin. If this is the case for you, then you should plan on this expense during your first year of GSD puppy ownership. It is, however, important to understand that individually these items do not cost very much, but if you love to spoil your puppy, then costs can add up very quickly! Crate and Divider A crate is another essential item that there is just no getting around purchasing if you want your puppy to be well-trained. Be sure to not make the mistake that many people do by purchasing too small of a crate and then having to upsize as their puppy grows. It is wise to purchase a large crate as well as a crate divider. This way, you are able to place the divider so that the volume of the crate can be increased as your puppy grows in size. Veterinary Care A preliminary veterinary health check and vaccinations are essential. If you adopt from a shelter, these are likely included in the adoption fee. However, if you purchase your puppy from a breeder, you may incur these costs after bringing your puppy home. Keep in mind that you can, and should, also plan on unexpected veterinary bills. What happens when your puppy gets into something that he definitely should not have, and even worse, after veterinary office hours? It is wise to prepare and set aside some extra funds for such emergencies. Heartworms can be deadly, so heartworm preventative medication is a must. Ticks can also transmit disease that may cause severe illness, such as Canine Anaplasmosis , and fleas are wildly uncomfortable for both human and puppies alike. Table: First Year of German Shepherd Puppy Ownership Costs Now that we have gone over the basic essential expenses of GSD puppy ownership during the first year, we can get more specific as to the expenses that you may incur, depending on your own personal preferences. The table below provides a reasonable estimate of all costs associated with the first year of German Shepherd puppy ownership. Keep in mind that, while this is a reasonable estimate, it is still an estimate. There are certain services and items within the table below that are elective, such as boarding the puppy while on vacation or obedience classes. However, as discussed above, there are certain mandatory, nonnegotiable expenses such as food and veterinary care that you must take into consideration. If you are looking to buy a German Shepherd puppy, then you should find one from a reputable breeder. While these puppies are more expensive, a reputable breeder can guarantee the health and behavior of the puppy. These dogs are prone to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These health issues can be avoided by genetically testing the parents, which is something reputable breeders usually do. When improperly raised puppies might have behavioral issues and can cause a lot of damage if they bite someone. A good breeder will have their dogs pass a temperament test. German Shepherd Dog Price While most dogs in shelters are adults, adopting a German Shepherd is a great way to find a dog without supporting unethical breeding. Sometimes these hardworking shepherd dogs are given up because they are very energetic. Not everyone is able to take care of a dog that needs a lot of attention and exercise. Some people buy a German Shepherd puppy without understanding the work involved in caring for this breed. Why Are They So Expensive? Breeding a healthy and well-behaved German Shepherd puppy is not easy! It is not as simple as crossing German Shepherds together. However, if you want a puppy of good temperament that is genetically healthy, there are other costs involved in the breeding and raising. This is especially important for a German Shepherd. You do not want a puppy that grows up to be aggressive or that suffers from mobility issues due to hip and elbow dysplasia. Papers A paperless German Shepherd puppy will be the cheapest. Typically breeders invest as little as possible in these pups. You get a puppy just how it is, without knowing its pedigree or background. A puppy with health certifications, temperament test results, and registration papers costs more than this. However, those papers will be beneficial not just for you, but also the puppy. This means your puppy meets the breed standard and is a purebred dog. The last thing you want is to buy a German Shepherd wolf-mix thinking it is purebred. Veterinarian Visits Reputable breeders not only genetically health test the parents, but they will also take the puppy to see a vet before 8 weeks for a basic health check. During these visits breeders will also have the puppies vaccinated, dewormed and placed on preventatives. When you buy a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, they will offer you a health guarantee. Most will also be able to provide you proof that the puppy has passed a temperament test. Training Some breeders also take the time to socialize and train their puppies. Many experienced breeders have a specialized training program that begins the process of potty training and basic obedience. This will mean you have an easier time housetraining your puppy, but you will have to pay for their efforts! These are all good signs that the puppy you are buying is of good quality. This will mean you are more likely to avoid any temperament issues or having to pay for vet visits to diagnose and treat hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloodlines Breeders who focus on breeding championship bloodlines will charge more for their puppies. A family might not need such a high-quality German Shepherd. All they need is a healthy and well-behaved puppy that will bring them years of happiness. However, there are many people who need a working dog or show dog. The most expensive dogs are those that are bred to be champions or protective and hard-working. Some breeders spend thousands of dollars just training a world class service dog. A family friendly guard dog with a protective temperament is not easy to breed consistently. Breeders have to factor in not just the genetics, but also the temperament and training. Origin The most expensive types of German Shepherds are those that are imported directly from Germany. Breeders must pay to stud and import these dogs which is not cheap. Since the German Shepherd breed originated in Germany, breeders in the US import dogs from Germany to breed puppies with a purebred lineage. Breeding in Europe is more regulated so the bloodlines are better protected. These puppies are known as European German Shepherds and are slightly different. They are smaller, have straighter backs and brighter coat colors. Some people think they look similar to a belgian malinois. Most European dogs are bred to be working dogs, while American dogs are more frequently bred for companionship. This is the same for American and German Rottweilers and American vs. European Dobermans. All of these breeder will be able to provide: Pedigree and kennel club registration. Documents that certify the puppy is free of any disease and has been checked by a veterinarian. A health warranty. Health records that guarantee the parents are genetically healthy and will not pass on elbow or hip dysplasia. These German Shepherd breeders all breed their puppies in accordance with the breed standard. None of them will sell puppies that are not registered with the American Kennel Club. Another good place to start looking for breeders is the American Kennel Club marketplace. Many of these puppies are bred to be family dogs and come with their papers. As you start looking into more well-known breeders or those that produce dogs of championship or working bloodlines, then the price of a German Shepherd starts to increase. Julia was a German Shepherd bred by the Harrison K-9 facility, highly trained in protection. She could also understand commands in three different languages. Her intelligence, as well as her ability to protect, were why she was priced so highly. Julia was bought by a billionaire businessman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rarest coat color is panda, which is why it is also the most expensive. These German Shepherds are black and white. It is a piebald pattern where the black coat is splotched with large patches of white. Some puppies can have other colors like tan, instead of white. Panda dogs are purebred, but the rarity of this mutation makes them very hard to find. There are very few breeders that sell the panda color. And he actually cost nothing! By the end of his life, Rin Tin Tin had appeared in 27 Hollywood films. Rin Tin Tin most notably helped Warner Bros. But these dogs come in more than just this classic color! There are 11 colors that are recognized by the breed standard. Check out the table below for some German Shepherd prices based on coat color. The tan color covers the chest, belly and legs. White A white puppy has a furry coat that is entirely white, allowing it to blend in with the snow. Its eyes and nose are black as coal. Black A black German Shepherd has a coat that is entirely black. Any other color would classify them as a bi-color. Blue A blue German Shepherd is not literally blue, but has a gray color with a bluish hue. Sable The sable color is one of the most common colors, but is a bit more interesting than the black and tan. The hairs of these dogs have bands of tan and black, giving them a very unique coloring. Some of the factors that contribute to this cost are: Food. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

At what age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? As larger dogs, Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to reach their full weight. Most Golden Retrievers will be close to their adult height and weight around a year of age but may need one more year to fill out their chest fully. A six-month-old male Golden Retriever will weigh between 35 to 45 pounds, while their female counterpart will weigh around 30 to 35 pounds at the same age. As for their height, most Golden Retrievers will still need another three to six months to reach their adult height. At this age, they will likely be a few inches away from their adult height, which ranges from .Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on bonding with your pet, puppy-proofing your home, training, microchips, and more! How much bigger will my Golden Retriever get? There are a few ways you can estimate how much bigger your Golden Retriever will get. If they are less than a year old, they still need more time to reach their full adult size. Many Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to completely fill out, though their weight at one year old is usually close to their full adult weight. A puppy is rarely larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you a general idea of their maximum weight. If their paws still look large or oversized next to their body and legs, they are probably still filling out and have some growing left to do, as this is a classic sign of adolescence in canines. What is the size of a full-grown Golden Retriever? As adults, Golden Retrievers will appear overall symmetrical and have a powerful body hidden beneath beautiful, golden fur. Golden Retrievers are stunning, sunny dogs that easily steal our hearts. Unfortunately, as a purebred dog breed, they are more susceptible to genetic diseases, which can compromise their lifespan and quality of life. However, many genetic disorders can be treated or prevented with regular veterinary care. Remember that prevention is almost always easier and less expensive than treatment. Your veterinarian may recommend a large-breed growth food to your Golden Retriever puppy to support their growth rate which can help prevent or decrease the severity of hip dysplasia in adulthood. According to the Veterinary Centers of America , Golden Retrievers are also more prone to gaining excess weight. Golden Retrievers are also susceptible to various genetic health disorders, such as oral tumors and aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is most commonly found in large, purebred dogs, including Golden Retrievers, and occurs when the aortic valves to the heart narrow. Aortic stenosis causes the body to struggle to pump blood through the valve, creating additional stress on the body. If untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to muscle failure and even fatality. However, veterinarians can treat many genetic diseases like aortic stenosis and oral tumors through surgery and medication. Even with proper prevention and wellness care, necessary veterinary visits can be expensive, with many treatments costing thousands of dollars. Out of over 20, pet parents surveyed , only .The last thing you should be focused on when the worst happens is how to finance a needed surgery or treatment for your beloved pet. This is where pet insurance comes in. Just like people, dogs are living longer lives and will need additional veterinary care to maintain a happy quality of life. Let pet insurance help you with these costs should the worst happen to your dog. Wellness plans are also available as an add-on to help with the ongoing costs of regular veterinary care , like x-rays and exams. Act now and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your Golden Retriever is covered should anything happen. Compare top Golden Retriever pet insurance plans side-by-side with Pawlicy Advisor today! Key Takeaways On average, male Golden Retrievers weigh pounds and females weigh pounds. At full height, Goldens stand between .Although puppies groww extremely fast, the Golden Retriever breed can take as long as 2 years to reach full maturity. Owners should keep an eye on their Golden Retriever's diet because they are very prone to obesity. Pet insurance helps cover the cost of care necessary to give your Goldie a happy, healthy life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. However, avoid retractable leashes whenever possible: Although they seem easier during walks, retractable leashes are actually dangerous, especially for young puppies who are still getting the hang of walking on a leash. Keep your puppy on a regular leash with a maximum of six feet of space between you both. Snowy Pines recommends slip leads: Slip leads are what puppies are taught to walk on from a young age at Snowy Pines, since they give you as the walker more control over the puppy as he gets the hang of normal walks. You can also opt for an embroidered collar if your puppy seems bothered by the noise or extra weight of the dog tags. Many puppy owners choose embroidered collars since dog tags should be removed when the puppy is left alone as they can pose a hazard. You can stick with a small food and water bowl. Puppy Food Your puppy will need high-quality food to grow strong! In most cases, this means his own dog crate. A good dog crate should be large enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. You can choose a crate that expands as it grows to save money in the long run. Most of our puppies at Snowy Pines will do well in a inch wire kennel with a divider that you can remove once he gets bigger. Be sure to check out our dog bed reviews too! Remember that most toys should not be left alone with your puppy since unsupervised playtime can lead to a choking or blockage incident. Image Source Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys keep your pup mentally stimulated while they also have fun. Additionally, these interactive toys provide help with weight management, satisfy natural hunting instincts, and even relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. These toys can easily become a comfort item and help curb any potential anxiety as well. Chase Toys Golden puppies need to have regular exercise. Chase toys are simple things you can buy at any pet store, like ropes and balls, but some interactive chew toys are designed to add a little zing to your daily play routines. So, for example, if your puppy just woke up from his nap and pottied, but you need to do laundry and load the dishwasher, the exercise pen is a perfect solution. It enables your pup to enjoy safe solo playtime. Training Treats Food is a powerful reinforcer , so treats are incredibly beneficial in the early stages of puppy training. Try offering him a treat when he potties outside or uses a chew toy. Quick Tip: The treat should be small and chewy so that he can eat it fast and keep his attention on you! With the proper carpet cleaner and enzyme spray, you can quickly combat any potty mistakes anywhere in the house. Dog Shampoo and Conditioner The Retriever family has a unique, double-layered coat designed to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. It also dries quickly after becoming wet. It is such an impressive coat that it is essentially self-cleaning when it comes to dirt and debris. Pooper Scooper and Poop Bags A pooper scooper is a handy tool that many homeowners with yards find essential. Instead of bending down every time your pup goes, you can use a pooper scooper to clutch onto the waste and quickly throw it in your outside garbage bin. They are also expected as a common courtesy to other people outside. So before your English Cream Golden puppy comes home, be sure that your home, backyard, and car are puppy-safe and puppy-proofed. In the Home: Image Source Keep the toilet lid closed. Believe it or not, open toilet lids have the potential to be drowning hazards. Secure medicine and cleaning products. Keep these products high up or use childproof locks and latches on lower cabinets. Garbage should be kept lidded and secure. Lidded, secured bins are the best type of garbage cans you can have with a young puppy. Not only do you want to avoid spilled garbage, but a locked lid will prevent your puppy from getting into any potential hazards. Hide electrical cords and blind cords. Exposed electrical cords and long blind cords can prove to be fatal for curious puppies. Keep electrical cords hidden away, buy cord wraps to keep them safely covered, and be sure that your blind cords are tied high and inaccessible. Invest in a pet or baby gate. Gates can be used for doorways or staircases to keep your puppy away from certain areas of the house. In the Backyard: Be careful of plants and landscaping that may be poisonous or dangerous. Many plants are toxic to dogs , so be sure to triple-check if any are growing in your yard. Secure your yard with fencing and add gates around bodies of water. If you plan to let your puppy roam freely in your backyard, you should have complete fencing with no puppy-sized gaps around the perimeter of the property. If you have any ponds or pools, block them off with appropriate fencing to avoid accidental drowning. Keep your yard landscaped and manicured. Long grass and brushy areas can invite ticks, which can be extremely dangerous if any potential bites are not discovered early on. Generally speaking, your grass should not be higher than a couple of inches and potentially even shorter while your puppy is still young. In the Car: Image Source Move any chewable items and lock loose items in the glovebox. Confine your puppy in one area of the vehicle, like the backseat. Keeping your puppy confined to one area of the car is safe for everyone. Many puppy parents choose harness seat belts and car seats for younger dogs, while older dogs are big enough to safely sit in the back seat or trunk with cargo barriers. As your Golden Retriever gets older, you may find yourself opting for different barrier methods that will better suit his size. Kennel your puppy while in the car. Crating your puppy is the safest mode of transportation while in the car. Deciding on a Daily Routine Like children, puppies thrive on a fixed routine because an orderly one instills structure and confidence. Sticking to a schedule can also help reinforce potty training and prevent behavioral issues , like separation anxiety and barking or whining. Think of a schedule that works best for your puppy, which should include: Feeding: Pick out regular meal times and stick to them as closely as possible. Golden Retriever puppies will need three daily feedings until they are six months old. After that, stick to feeding twice a day at the same time each day. Fixed meal times will help you predict when your puppy needs to potty each day, which better ensures easier potty training. Scheduled potty breaks: Take your puppy out to the yard or on a walk to potty immediately after a meal and after they wake up to enforce a schedule that will help with house training. Playtime and exercise: Playing and mental stimulation are key to a happy puppyhood. Even though they will mellow out in personality as they become adults, Retriever puppies are high energy! Place the dog crate in a quiet part of the house since we kennel train at Snowy Pines, and it helps ensure their safety and comfort. And now is the exciting part: Your puppy is finally home! But now what? Puppy Socialization Socialization is vital for young puppies, especially between 8 to 16 weeks of age: A well-socialized puppy will grow into a happy and confident adult that feels secure in various situations. You can also invite friends and family over to meet the puppy. In this case, more is always merrier! To help your puppy feel comfortable around humans in general, expose him to different types of people when he is still young. We also recommend holding off on public settings like dog parks until your puppy is settled into his new home and routine so as to not overwhelm him. Once your puppy is vaccinated, you can consider signing him up for puppy socialization classes. These classes, alongside training courses, can help prepare your pup for a long walk or a day at doggy day camp. Training Techniques Training is just as essential as early socialization. He may become disruptive and exhibit poor behaviors like jumping on visitors, chewing on furniture, and barking incessantly, among other frustrating challenges. Your puppy may also struggle with separation anxiety. They will comprehend basic commands and learn things such as his name, housebreaking, and early manners. They will be able to take on more advanced training and commands, and they should understand what good dog manners are. This age is essential when it comes to instilling how you want him to behave through adolescence. Puppies will begin teething at this point. Your new puppy might use anything possible to exercise his teeth, so you must start teaching him not to use your hand or furniture as chew toys. Anytime your puppy chews on something undesirable, have a toy nearby to put in his mouth instead. You can also try using bitter apple spray to deter biting and chewing on household items. Be firm but loving with clear, consistent commands and minute training sessions each day. Quick Tip: Keep in mind that at this age, this is when the key socialization period ends for your puppy: From this point forward, everything your puppy has learned will influence the way he behaves around people and other animals. While this is good, this age will also be a challenge because he will try to determine his ranking in the household, which can be frustrating when hormones play a role! Although spaying and neutering are standard for most breeds around six months old, studies have found that doing so for Golden Retrievers can actually increase the risk for joint disorders. Therefore, the standard for this breed has recently changed, and many vets suggest waiting to spay or neuter until 12 to 24 months. Training can be an overwhelming process, which is why many Golden puppy owners opt for working with a dog trainer or enrolling in training classes. Snowy Pines offers three levels of training when adopting one of their golden retrievers, which can save you tons of time and frustration in the long run. At your first checkup, you can also ask about getting your puppy microchipped! The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. 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. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. Best Starter Foods for Golden Retriever Newborn month old : After your Golden Retriever puppy completes 1 month, they should be introduced to a good starter dog food which is an ideal transition from maternal milk to solid foods. These foods meet both the energy and dietary needs of the pups during their weaning phase. The starter foods can also be served to lactating mothers, fulfilling their high energy demands during the nursing period. Here are a few starter food options: 1 Royal Canin Maxi Starter Imperial Royal Canin Maxi Starter is healthfully complete starter nourishment meant exclusively for a large breed dog like Golden Retriever. It has all the significant components for keeping great wellbeing in both the lactating bitch and her little puppies. The benefits of Royal Canin Maxi Starter: The kibble rehydrates rapidly into porridge-like consistency, making it very delicious. Supports excellent digestive health. Strengthens the natural defence of both the mother and pups. Contains essential vitamins and minerals which improve cellular health and immunity. Prebiotics and probiotics in the diet assist gentle and healthy digestion. Contains lean proteins to build strong muscle mass. Consists of natural ingredients that support a higher nutrient absorption and a healthy bowel activity. Consequently, they should be fed at least three times each day. A typical Golden Retriever Puppy consumes around calories a day. Nutritional Requirements of Golden Retriever Puppy 1. Having a good measure of fats in their diet gives them a consolidated energy source for keeping up a functioning way of life. The unsaturated fats too help to brace their skin health. Omega Fatty Acids: Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids are vital elements in their diet for keeping strong bones and joints. It also offers good anti-inflammatory effect, that reduces pain and swelling in the joints. The kibble size and shape perfectly adapts to the jaws of a puppy Golden Retriever. Consists of natural fibres to promote excellent digestion in pups. Anti-oxidants build a strong defence mechanism in the pups. The benefits of Orijen Puppy Large Breed: Biologically appropriate food that maintains supreme health and wellbeing in pups. Infusions of freeze-dried chicken and turkey liver make the food highly palatable. Natural sources of Glucosamine and Chondroitin keep strong muscles and joints. Clinically proven anti-oxidants maintain a strong immunity in puppies. Unlike puppies, most grown up Golden Retrievers are satisfied with 2 meals per day. Taurine keeps good cardiac function and also healthy eyesight in the dogs. Contains dietary fibres that keep healthy gut and excellent digestive functioning. Extensive protein content to enhance muscle mass and strength. High quality meat and rice offering greater taste and nutritional value. The low glycemic index of the food eliminates obesity and diabetes in the dogs. Pumpkin as an ingredient regulates intestinal motility. They become less active and therefore a little vulnerable to obesity. It is critical to nourish them with low-calorie sustenance as it keeps an ideal body weight and consequently puts less pressure on the joints. Also owing to their low exercise requirements, they only consume around Calories daily. Low Carbohydrate Content: A diet that has low carbs keeps a healthy blood sugar level in the dog, thus eliminating diabetes and obesity. High Fibre Content: Nature Fibres are essential for Senior Golden Retrievers for keeping an ideal body weight and excellent digestive health. Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Having traces of Glucosamine and Chondrotin in the diet of a senior Golden Retriever, alleviate pain produced in bones and joints. Best Foods For Senior Golden Retrievers 1 Orijen Senior Food In case you are searching for organically proper sustenance that has a low glycemic record that keeps diabetes and obesity at bay in your senior Golden Retrievers, you can have Orijen Senior Food which is effectively the best eating regimen for senior Golden Retrievers. A low carb content keeps an ideal weight and a healthy blood sugar level. Highly delicious meal having fresh Free Run Chicken and Turkey tempts the fussiest of eaters. It comprises of edible protein supporting pure osmosis of supplements and furthermore has L-Carnitine which consumes the abundance of fat stores in the body. The ideal ratio of Omega 3 and Omega 6 controls blood clotting and maintains the health and sheen of the coat. Essential vitamins and minerals keep a robust immune system. Below are some of the foods that should not be given to a Golden Retriever: 1. Raw Eggs.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Cairnoodle Highlights The Cairnoodle loves to play, but at the end of a long day they make a great lap dog, too. The Cairnoodle is a fairly easy breed to train. Consistency is key when training this breed. Daily training sessions that last minutes any longer can cause disinterest and backfire as far as creating progress are key to helping this breed retain good manners and stay on track. Basic obedience classes may help if you are a first-time dog parent. The Cairnoodle is usually a good fit for beginner dog parents. Without proper stimulation, the Eskipoo will grow bored and frustrated, regardless of how much love there is for them. Additionally, this breed can develop separation anxiety. Dog parents who are frequently home or able to bring pups to work are a good match for this breed, although not a requirement. This breed still craves mental stimulation they can find through training, scentwork activities, and other forms of enrichment. These breeds can be prone to behaviors humans find frustrating, like excessive barking and chewing. When understimulated, they will make it endlessly clear they are bored. Cairnoodle History The Cairn Terrier is descended from ancient breed of Scotch Terrier that was only developed as a separate breed in the 19th century. At the time, they were primarily distinguished from their Scotch Terrier brothers by their coat color. In the s, the Cairn Terrier was established as a wire-haired small Terrier of the Skye group in various colors, with the exception of white, which was designated for the West Highland Terrier. The Cairn is often confused for the Scottish Terrier, but the Scottie holds a more diverse genetic makeup, having a large gene pool history. The Cairn Terrier was limited to the Isle of Skye. The Poodle is one of the oldest breeds developed specifically for hunting waterfowl. Most historians agree that the Poodle originated in Germany, but developed into their own breed in France. Many believe that the breed is the result of crosses between several European water dogs, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Hungarian, and Russian water dogs. Although the Standard was used for duck hunting, the smaller varieties had use as well — while many kept them as lapdogs, they were also talented truffle hunters. The Poodle Club of America was founded in , but disbanded shortly thereafter. Poodle enthusiasts reestablished the club in .Cairnoodle Size The Cairnoodle is a small-sized mixed breed. They have no breed standard, so their coats may be found in a variation of colors from their combination of parent breeds. They will usually have a thick but curly-haired coat, along with floppy, curly-haired ears. Some individuals may favor their Cairn Terrier parent and have less curls, more of a wiry texture. They will often be — tan, brown, or black, but they may appear in other colors. Without exposure, this devoted breed has the potential to become reactive to perceived threats. Training any dog consistently when young will ultimately improve their quality of life and yours as an adult. Cairnoodle Health If the Cairnoodle originates from a responsible breeder, they are often healthy. However, there are some genetic predispositions towards health issues to be aware of with this crossbreed. Hip Dysplasia. Lifespan Sociability Cairnoodles are energetic dogs. However, most of them inherit the laidback nature of the Poodle, requiring little exercise. On a scale of , the Cairnoodle gets a respectable score for energy. This dog inherits their intelligence from both of their parent breeds, making them easy to train. However, house training these dogs can be challenging for many owners. The lifespan of the Cairnoodle is slightly above the average lifespan of most dogs. This is mostly because Cairnoodles are quite healthy. Being designer dogs, they suffer fewer health complications than purebreds. They also come from a relatively healthy lineage, as their parent breeds are not prone to many diseases. For these reasons, the Cairnoodle scores well for lifespan and health. Cairnoodles are affectionate. However, they like being the center of attention and exhibit an interesting mix of sensitivity and stubbornness, inherited from the Poodle and Terrier, respectively. These traits give them an excellent score for sociability. They have an alias. The Cairnoodle is also known as the Poocan. They have ancient history. The Poodle, the other parent of the Cairnoodle, has ancestors that date back thousands of years. Poodles are sweet, sensitive, and demand attention. Poodle owners need to stimulate their dogs mentally and physically because these dogs are known for being extremely intelligent and agile. They get along well with children and other pets. On the other hand, the Cairn Terrier is feisty and a bit stubborn. They have an instinct to burrow into the ground, and if they are not trained well as a puppy, they will exhibit these traits in adulthood. The Terrier does not get along well with other dogs. With mixed breeds, it is difficult or near impossible to predict temperament even with dogs of the same litter. That said, most Cairnoodle dogs exhibit a healthy mix of the two parents. If your Cairnoodle leans more toward their Terrier side, training them will require you to be firm. If they lean more toward their sensitive Poodle parent, training should be positive , or else they will withdraw from you and exhibit negative behavior. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are prone to separation anxiety , and when bored, they will get destructive. Chewing on upholstery and pooping in shoes are common examples, but their intelligence can inspire even more devious deeds. However, their gentle temperament allows them to get along well with kids and family members. Their small size makes it unlikely that they will knock over children or elderly relatives. However, your Cairnoodle will get along well with your other pet because it has no natural prey instinct. A post shared by ECHO life. Diet, exercise, grooming, and training will influence the lifespan of your pet. One and a half cups of food, split into two or three servings a day, will be enough even for the most active of dogs. But you must keep an eye on their weight. Obesity can bring a host of health issues for your dog that include diabetes, decreased liver function, and damaged joints. If you are unsure of what to feed your dog, visit the vet. They will instruct you on the right diet and when to feed your pet. As a mixed breed , their behavior is difficult to predict. If your Cairnoodle takes after the Poodle, they might be mellow and laidback, requiring only moderate exercise and mental stimulation. If they take after the Cairn Terrier, they will enjoy being outdoors and will require at least an hour of exercise every day. Chew toys will also keep your dog entertained indoors. Most Cairnoodles do not inherit the stubbornness of the Cairn Terrier, but the trainer still needs to be firm and consistent to effectively train the dog. As with all other dogs, the sooner training is done, the easier it will be and the better the results will be. However, their fur needs to be brushed daily to avoid matting and tangling. Do not bathe your dog unless you deem it necessary, and even then, use a gentle dog shampoo. Also, make a point of taking them to the groomer once every six weeks. Minor Conditions. Poocan Description The Cairnoodle is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Cairn Terrier and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She was named Bryn after her brindle coloring, which has changed from a darker grey when I first got her, to a very light grey, and now she is getting some cream to her coat. Her coat is very soft, I expected her to be more wire haired. She is four months old and weighs 7 lbs. I am expecting her to get to be about 12 lbs. She has a personality and a mind of her own! She isn't afraid of anything. She is curious about everything, always trying to get into things and find out what she is missing out on. Her favorite thing to do is to learn new tricks; she is incredibly smart. She is only four months old and already knows how to sit, lie down, dance, shake, give kisses, and to walk on two legs. She's learning how to crawl, play dead and sit pretty currently. I take her on walks every day , just to get some of that energy out! She excels in her puppy training class, which has certainly calmed her down. She is always ready to play, even if she's exhausted! She loves playing with other dogs, no matter what size they are and loves children, esp. I'm pretty sure the milk on their chins lures her in. She pretty much loves anything that moves. Her favorite toy is actually a cat toy, which had batteries that she can chase around. Overall she is a very lovable, well behaved, but very mischievous puppy. I am SO happy that I found her. My life has completely changed because of this little one! She is extremely independent, but does love to be around people all the time. She has the stubborn terrier personality and she loves attention. She is very intelligent and has been a wonderful addition to our family. The first picture was taken when she was about 3 months and the second was taken at 6 months. She is very smart and has lots of energy. We are in training right now to be a therapy dog. It originated in the s and has been growing in popularity due to its ability to adapt to a wide range of living situations. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. However, the Poodle parent breed can get quite expensive, and you may need to pay more depending on availability. You will also most likely need to get your dog spayed or neutered and will need to pay for regular vet visits to keep your dog healthy. You will also need to purchase food, treats, toys, and plenty of accessories to keep your pet healthy and happy, which can cost quite a bit over time. It has plenty of energy and likes to play and go for walks. It tends to dig, so you will need to designate an area of your yard, or you will find holes everywhere. The Cairnoodle is intelligent and will pick up on your habits and routines quickly. Are These Dogs Good for Families? It can help keep family members entertained for several hours with its clowning and desire to keep your attention. Yes, the Cairnoodle gets along well with other dog breeds and will even befriend cats if they allow it. However, it will likely chase after any rodent pets you have, so it may not be the best choice if you own mice, ferrets, or even rabbits.

We are a small, family owned breeder of imported English Cream Golden Retrievers in Lexington, SC, with a passion for dogs and a focus on providing the very best bred golden retrievers in the country. Puppies are delivered and whelped in the comfort of our home, with complete attention and gentle care. All of our beautiful english cream golden retrievers are imported directly from Europe, where breeding standards are premium. Each of our dogs were carefully chosen from direct lineage of highly prized champion parents to preserve breed standards and to promote better bloodlines here in the states. Each is health cleared by dna and excellent OFA certifications of hips and elbows. This ensures our our dogs will live an active and rewarding lifestyle with our family for years to come. Much of the summer months are filled with fun filled lake days. Camellia and Ivy find there is no better way to play in the heat than with the wind in their face and splashing around with the family. Not only do they enjoy this time with our human family, but their poodle family is in tow as well. When the lake is not an option, we frequently find our golden girls a little less golden. They seem to find every opportunity for a cooling mud spa. They enjoy the freedom of running on our family farm as well as exploring through the natural fern covered acreage high on Fern Ridge. Most recently, both Camellia and Ivy have earned themselves a well deserving title in the show ring. Each girl has outstanding conformation, as has followed in the direct paths of their champion parents and ancestry. Camellia and Ivy received the upmost praise by highly world re-known judges, and each brought home International Champion titles in .Our dogs are completely clear of genetic health mutations, and we only breed with studs of equally excellent dna health clearances. This means each litter will be health cleared by parentage, and we can guarantee your puppy of any genetic health abnormalities. They are known for their kind disposition and admired for being the most loyal companions. Most excell in the field, enjoying the natural urge to hunt and retrieve with their companions. Their tender, meek temperament makes them some of the easiest to train, and many golden retrievers are known to help the lives around them by becoming certified service dogs. Whatever your reason for adding a golden to your family, know you will be rewarded, as you and your companion dog exchange a lifetime of love. Frequently Asked Questions What is the process for puppy adoption? The process for puppy adoption starts with an inquiry for a puppy application. This is to ensure our Fern Ridge Golden Retriever puppies are being adopted by a loving and pet friendly family, who will take care and dedication for providing a safe and nurturing life for our goldens for yet to come. Do you take reservations on upcoming liters? Yes, we do take reservations for pups on litters once pregnancy is confirmed, and encourage doing so due to high demand of our puppies. Your place in line for selection is determined upon your place in making a deposit. You may choose to transfer your deposit to a future litter if you do not find a suitable puppy in the litter in which you reserve Will my puppy come with AKC registration? Will my puppy have its first shots? Yes, each puppy will have been dewormed and you will be given a record of their first shots on puppy pick up day. Do you offer puppy training? Yes, we offer a 4 week puppy academy. Your puppy stays with us during weeks of age, as we hold 3 short and simple training sessions daily, teaching basic obedience commands As well as crate training. By week 12, your puppy will have a firm foundation in understanding basic commands as sit, stay, and come. However, our training is only as good as the training you continue after taking your pup. We will fully train you on instructions for reinforcing the commands your puppy has learned, as well as a schedule for keeping her on track. Along with love and affection, puppies are happiest when structure and schedule are predictable. This helps them to learn control, learn what to expect from behaviors, and build trust with their new families. Share 0 Shares The Golden Retriever is a great companion for many active individuals out there, and they also tend to behave very well around children and other pets. This also makes the Golden Retriever a popular choice for many families. However, it is still always important that prospective Golden Retriever breeders do their research about the breeder before they bring a Golden Retriever puppy home. Looking up some basic facts about the Golden Retriever before obtaining one is always a good idea. There are some other things such as what gender and coat color you would like your Golden Retriever puppy to have. However, the most important thing to consider when getting a Golden Retriever puppy is whether or not a breeder is reputable. Here we have compiled a list of some of our favorite Golden Retriever breeders that are perfect for those who are looking for Golden Retriever puppies in South Carolina. Of course, it is still important that you look into these breeders yourself in order to ensure that they will make a good fit for you and your family. Trinity Golden Retrievers Trinity Golden Retrievers South Carolina These Golden Retriever breeders are dedicated to bettering the Golden Retriever breed by carefully breeding their dogs to ensure that they have great temperaments and genetic health. In order to prove their lines this breeder enters their dogs into AKC-run conformation events. All of their dogs also come from established pedigrees, many of them being championship-winning. Additionally, this breeder also gets their dogs OFA health testing for the hips, elbows, eyes, and heart as is recommended for the Golden Retriever breed. Many of their dogs have also received genetic testing for the conditions that can affect Golden Retrievers. This prevents harmful genetic conditions from being passed onto their puppies. Puppies are also kept in good health with up-to-date vaccinations, deworming, and vet visits. Name of Owner. Welcome to Carolina Gilded Retrievers! We are a family-owned and operated breeder of American Kennel Club-registered golden retrievers. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Travelers Rest, SC, our state of the art kennel is situated on a 6 acre plot of land with plenty of room for our puppies to grow and develop. At Carolina Gilded Retrievers we believe that a hands-on approach to our dogs and puppies is key, and as such we built our kennel just a stone's throw away from our own house. Our dogs are our pets first and foremost. They are treated as family members and it is important that each of them receive their dedicated time with us, go on adventures, car rides, and trips. We enjoy finding each dog's desired activity whether that be agility, therapy work, or hunting. Our Values What We Breed For At Carolina Gilded Retrievers we breed our puppies for three main criteria: health, demeanor, and structure beauty , making them ideal for companionship, therapy, and service. The naturally loving temperament of the golden retriever breed is further magnified in our puppies by the hands-on love, care, and attention they are given from day one. For the first three weeks of their life they are under hour supervision. Females are all assisted during their delivery, and carefully watched prior to their delivery date. Beginning at 3 days of age, we begin our puppy curriculum which lasts until take home day. We believe it is important to set our puppies and families up for success from the beginning. Beginning at 3 days of age and continuing until 16 days of age, we engage our puppies in Early Neurological Stimulation exercises. We follow the Empowered Breeder puppy curriculum which begins at 3 weeks of age, as well as, the potty training process. From week we begin to have various novelty and exposure activities in the whelping pen. From weeks , the puppies have their own dedicated "puppy bowl" room and astro turf play area, where we offer the puppies a wide variety of exposure activities, objects and textures. Think wagon and stroller rides, to ball pit and tunnel fun, to a variety of toys that are different shapes and sizes. In addition, we begin sound desensitizing and the puppies are exposed to a wide variety of sounds such as fireworks, train noises, clapping etc. At 7 weeks of age we perform the Volhard Aptitude test. Our Commitment To You Carolina Gilded Retrievers is committed first and foremost to the health and well-being of our dogs and puppies, but we also take great joy in helping our clients find the perfect puppy for their needs. We go above and beyond for our puppies and their new families at every turn. Our extended puppy family is ever-expanding, and for us this business is a genuine labor of love. Happy Customers Testimonials Bonnie is the sweetest and most gentle girl. She has been great with our two young kids and anyone she meets. Truly the BEST girl. I am so happy we found Henne Goldens and found our girl! Never had a single health problem with her unless you count eating everything in sight. He loves everyone and they love him. She just turned 4 and has so much energy! She is the fluffiest and prettiest girl around. She has my heart! She is always hungry for a treat and ready to snuggle whenever you need her. I would not trade this pup for the world! Thank you Henne Goldens for my best furry friend! Katelyn Rider Recently we were featured at a Charleston Riverdogs baseball game. We had a blast and the dogs sure soaked up all of the attention. What a great way to get some socialization in. Thank you everyone that came out!! Bag Give your puppy the nutritional building blocks they need for healthy growth and development with Purina Pro Plan puppy formulas. Each high-quality dry formula features outstanding, specially targeted puppy nutrition and real meat, poultry, or salmon as the 1 ingredient. Plus, a variety of wet formulas are also available with high-quality nutrition and great tastes and textures puppies love. So no matter which Pro Plan Development formula you choose, you can rest assured your puppy will have the specialized nutrition they need to be their best. Provides a wholesome, complete diet for adult dogs and puppies with hypoallergenic, highly-digestible formula. With superfoods Atlantic kelp, spinach, basil, astralagus, blue-green algae, gingko biloba, ginger and primrose oil. Source of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from salmon and sunflower oils, probiotics, and CoQ10 to support heart health. They are all started in a training program which includes good puppy manners, listening, and following, crate and beginning house training. This method of training has been a proven success. Helpful Links.

Puppy pads Create a Schedule German Shepherd pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. Still, it would be best to prepare yourself for loud noises when your pet is asleep. Moderate Training German Shepherds are highly trainable. It simply means they respond well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. We operate out of the Omaha-Lincoln, Nebraska area. Our focus is to save German Shepherd dogs at risk of being euthanized in shelters or other dire situations. We also help Australian Cattle Dogs and other herding breeds and mixes in need, as much as we are able to. Many are sick or injured. And these adorable, forgotten pups couldn't be more needy or deserving of our compassion and help. You can help too by opening your heart and fostering, adopting or donating. Our Mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and place the dogs we rescue in permanent, loving homes. German Shepherds are highly intelligent, yet sensitive and intuitive dogs. We firmly believe that they respond best to positive reinforcement and a firm but always kind hand. German Shepherds thrive on structure, consistency, and mutual respect. They respond very well to reward-based training treats, praise. Being heavy-handed, rough, or using force or inappropriate training tools is not only unkind, but it can often lead to distrust and can result in behavioral issues. We do not have a shelter facility. The dogs we rescue stay with our volunteer foster families until the time of their adoption. We provide necessary veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, love, training and socialization to ready our dogs for their forever home. Our greatest need is for foster families. Our ability to save a dog's life is most often determined by whether we have an open foster home for that dog to go in. There are many ways that you can help. We always need volunteers to help transport, process applications, and do home visits. Cannot foster or volunteer? Donations are much appreciated! Adoption fees do not begin to cover the foster dogs' expenses, which include dog food, preventative, vetting, boarding, and in many cases high-cost medical bills. Many of the dogs we help, arrive with no prior vetting whatsoever, and are sick or injured, which can be very costly to a small, all-volunteer rescue like ours. We are very thankful for our supporters' generosity, as we rely on fundraisers and donations to continue helping dogs in need! Your donation is tax deductible. If you would like a receipt for your donation, please let us know. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and allow us to save more dogs. Highlighted Events. We operate out of the Omaha-Lincoln, Nebraska area. Our focus is to save German Shepherd dogs at risk of being euthanized in shelters or other dire situations. We also try to help other German Shepherds and mixes in need, as we are able to. While our focus is on purebred German Shepherds, after the plight of the stray dogs living in the SD reservations came to our attention we made it our mission to also help these dogs as much as possible too. These poor, forgotten pups lead extremely harsh lives, often dying due to the lack of shelter in extreme weather, the lack of food, and due to illness and injuries. Many of them are Shepherd mixes. Many are sick or injured. And these adorable pups couldn't be more needy or deserving of our compassion and help. You can help too by opening your heart and fostering, adopting or donating. Our Mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and place the dogs we rescue in permanent, loving homes. We do not have a shelter facility. The dogs we rescue stay with our volunteer foster families until the time of their adoption. Adoption Policy -As part of the application process, we ask that you provide references to include a veterinarian , and a home visit is required. That is why we look for experienced dog-owners, with a proven history of great vet care and dedication to their dogs, regardless of medical or behavioral issues. There is no guarantee that applicants will be approved to adopt a specific dog, or that a specific dog will still be available by the time that your application is approved. Applications are valid for 6 months from the time of submission. After 6 months, you may be asked to re-apply. Thank you for your understanding. Receiving a phone interview or Home Visit does not guarantee approval. The adoptions team can approve or deny the application at any time during the process. Meet and greets are scheduled by appointment only for approved adopters. For example, some dogs will not be a good fit in a home with cats, or a home with other dogs. As an additional example, some dogs will need a very active home, while others may need a more calm and relaxed environment. All adoption fees go back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs.

Country Life June 21, This picture could only be improved if the puppies were using their paws to cover ears, eyes and mouth respectively.But, well, you can't have everything. Credit: Alamy If you're after a labrador — aka 'the world's favourite dog' — you'll need to take some expert advice. It is one of the most versatile breeds, capable of working in search and rescue, as a guide dog, in medical detection, as a sniffer or assistance dog and in the theatre of war. Labrador tips from the experts Go to a specialist breeder, so that you can see the different generations of a breeding line. Make temperament, not sex, your overriding factor when choosing. As soon as your puppy wakes up, take it outside. When introducing the labrador to a lead, walk it with an older dog. A yellow Labrador puppy. Possible labrador problems to look out for Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, causing the abnormal development of the hip socket, resulting in pain and lameness. Listen for a popping sound when the dog walks, and look for reluctance to use stairs, as well as sensitivity when you touch the hindquarters. Labradors can also be prone to retinal dysplasia, an inherited condition that affects labradors used for field work, and results in their developing blind spots. Generally, the dog can work around this by changing head position. Reputable breeders will be able to show certification that the dog has no eye conditions, which you should ask to see when buying a dog. Head and skull: Skull broad with defined stop; clean-cut without fleshy cheeks. Jaws of medium length, powerful not snippy. Nose wide, nostrils well developed. Eyes: Medium size, expressing intelligence; brown or hazel. Ears: Not large or heavy, hanging close to head and set rather far back. Mouth: Jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Coat: Distinctive feature, short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch; weather-resistant undercoat. No need to scroll down: we can confirm that the Golden Retriever is indeed on the list below. Credit: Alamy Which is the more popular spaniel, the springer or the cocker? Shooting Times's David Tomlinson weighs up the pros and Close up of dog. Credit: Getty Images With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its Credit: Getty As the dog world prepares for Crufts , we take a look at the breed of dog which has been A sprocker spaniel Picture: Alamy Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged Related. Your breeder should be concerned with breeding healthy dogs, rather than focused primarily on selling them. Visit a potential breeder and observe his interactions with his dogs; they should be friendly and relaxed. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Look for breeders who are registered with national organizations such as the American Kennel Club [3] X Research source or with breed-specific organizations such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Ask the breeder why these two particular dogs were bred. If they have had other litters, ask for references from people who bought those puppies. If you want a gun dog, don't choose a breeder who primarily raises cuddly pets or award-winning show dogs. These breeders will be able to assess puppies more accurately for the qualities you're seeking. Look for quantifiable measures. For example, select breeders with litters from parents who have hunt test or field trial scores if you want a puppy who will grow into a good hunting dog. These are organizations that work to find homes for Labradors who need a good home. While these organizations often have many adult and even senior dogs who need homes, they also place puppies. Charities or non-profits may offer Labrador puppies for auction as a means of raising funds. Because these auctions are often conducted without appropriate legal oversight and because they encourage rash decisions about pet ownership, they are opposed by groups such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. I am new to this forum so should introduce myself. As you can imagine its left an uneasy quietness to the house so we are looking for her successor In our home its my wife, myself and our 8 yr old daughter and 6 yr old son. He says he breeds only for good disposition only as any good breeder should and our quick meeting with parents it looked to be accurate. The dad was in a large outdoor kennel and looked to be very friendly. She did a quick snarl when we first got near which I have to give a pass as i'm sure she's just being protective, right? After the breeder told her its OK she calmed right down. Anyways, there are 4 females that we get first pick of when we go back. Of course training and exercise play a huge role in this so that we'll have covered. Does it still hold true that when you are looking at the liter to see which ones come to you and let you hold them on their back and settle after a short period to determine good nature rather than overly squirmy? Such a big decision i just wanted to make sure we do this right. We were so spoiled with our last pup its hard to compare! Tweet on Twitter Getting a healthy, pedigree Labrador puppy requires planning. In this article we are going to share with you 8 steps that you can follow to ensure that you are buying a healthy Labrador puppy. There are potential problems that many new puppy buyers are not aware of. The litter of puppies next door, or in your local newspaper, might not be the right one for you. So you need to be cautious as you set out on this exciting journey! Plan in advance Good breeders do not usually struggle to get puppy buyers. On the contrary, they often have waiting lists. So, if a litter of eight week old puppies is still unsold, be wary. It pays to plan in advance. Six to twelve months ahead of when you want your puppy is not too soon. The structured approach below is designed to help those with no contacts in the dog breeding world, find the right puppy. Step 1. Those bred for the show ring or as pets, and those bred for work as gundogs. You can read about these two types of Labrador, and their characteristics in this article: which Labrador is right for you? In the UK we call these two strains working type or field type and show type. They look and are, very different dogs. In the USA, working bred Labradors are often referred to as field type or American and show bred gun dogs as bench type or English. The split is the same in both countries, whatever they are called. And you need to know which is which and which you prefer. Step 2. This article looks at all the different places and ways in which you can buy puppies and explains the pros and cons of each. Finding a reputable breeder if you have no contacts in the doggy world, is not as easy as walking into a pet shop, but it is worth every bit of the effort that goes into it. One way to start your search, is by looking at your local Labrador breed club. This will lead you to some experienced breeders. You will then need to do some further checks to find out whether or not the breeders meets the standards you are looking for. Many people that are involved in the committee of their breed club are themselves breeders. If they no longer breed, they will be able to put you in touch with someone that does. One will be labelled FT secretary. The FT stands for Field Trial and suggests that this person is involved with working type labradors. If someone is showing their dogs, the dogs themselves are more likely to be show type rather than true working type. Step 3. Contact some Labrador breeders Make a list of contacts to approach, you can then phone them or email them. Let them know that you found them on the Kennel Club website, and are looking for a pedigree Labrador puppy. Tell them which type work or show you are interested in. Have a separate list ready, to enter details of any litters. So the second question is often the best way of getting a puppy from one of her dogs. If you have a colour preference, let the breeder know. He or she will ask you plenty of questions later if you want one of their puppies. Step 4. For several reasons. They may not have any puppies at the moment, or they may not meet the criteria you have set for the breeder of your puppy. They will however, be able to give you more contacts to add to your list. What you are aiming to do, is to make a list of half a dozen or so litters of puppies that you can then check out and narrow down. One of the best ways to find a litter of puppies, either before or after they are born, is to find a nice stud dog, and track down all the female dogs he has been mated to over the last month or two. A reputable breeder will be happy to email you photos and may even let you visit her stud dog, so that you can decide if you like him. This trail will also lead you to some smaller, less experienced breeders so you will need to do your homework carefully to make sure that the mother of your puppies has the right credentials. Checking those out is our next step Step 5. Checking credentials It is up to you to check the credentials of the litter. This is something that people are often unaware of. A pedigree does not guarantee very much at all. The Kennel Club pedigree is simply a statement of ancestry and contrary to popular belief, does not imply that the puppy it belongs to or his parents have met any standards. The three credentials you need to personally check and verify are Temperament Abililty Temperament The most crucial of all credentials has to be temperament. An adult Labrador may weight in excess of 70lbs. These are large powerful dogs that everyone expects to be friendly. You cannot take any chances with poor temperament. He will inherit tendencies to friendliness or unfriendliness, nervousness or confidence etc, from both of his parents. Never buy a puppy without meeting his mother. And if you can meet the stud dog, so much the better. If you cannot meet the stud dog, make sure that someone who has met him, can vouch for his good nature. This may not be quite as crucial with a show champion as any successful show dog will have proven itself happy to be handled in the most personal manner by total strangers. Working dogs are a different matter, and occasionally dogs with poor temperaments do succeed in competition and are used at stud. Health Health credentials are essential. Follow this link to read all about inherited diseases in Labradors and read our article on health checks. I cannot stress this too much. You must physically check certificates or copies of certificates way in advance of collecting your puppy. It is very hard to turn down a puppy once he is in your arms. Ability Ability is important if you have an activity in mind for your dog. If your aim is to compete in working trials, you might want to choose a puppy whose ancestors have been successful in that sport. Choosing a litter Narrowing down your choice to a single litter can be tough. Unless you have your heart set on a puppy from a particular dog, you may find it difficult to decide. In many cases though, there are not that many litters that meet the right criteria. You can narrow down your choice further by looking again at the breeder. How friendly and helpful is she? Do you think she will be supportive if you get into difficulties with your puppy? Has she offered to take the puppy back at any point in his life if you cannot cope? If you can answer yes to all three, then that is a real bonus point for that litter. This person is important and you need to feel that you can trust her. A breeder with a lot of dogs may have her pups in an outdoor kennel, but they should still spend lots of time with the family. Check out this article: How to spot a good breeder , and this one How to spot a bad breeder for more information. It pays to be picky. Step 7. Choosing gender Should you buy a dog or a female dog? Some people simply prefer one gender over another. And it is very hard to generalise about the sexes. Male Labradors are no more difficult to train or control than female dogs. And though entire males may be more likely to roam if not supervised in an unfenced property, female dogs can do this too. Females come into season twice a year at which time they may need to be confined to washable floors. They will also need to be kept separate from entire males with vigilance for a period of around three weeks. Neutering a female is more expensive than neutering a male. And older, un-neutered female dogs are prone to a serious and potentially deadly condition called pyometra. These are all things to consider. But overall, it often just boils down to personal preference. Step 8. Choosing your puppy And now for the final and most exciting step Choosing your puppy. Which one of these gorgeous bundles of Labrador loveliness should you take home? One of the very best things you can do when choosing a puppy from a litter, is to take someone experienced with you. Another good reason to choose an experienced and dependable person well in advance. If there is a choice, a good breeder will be able to guide you in this. All they can tell you is what you can hope for from the pedigree, and that the puppy seems OK physically. Check out this article: Choosing the right dog for more information. To make sure all is well, you will need to have your new puppy checked over by your own vet, within a day or two of bringing him home. Health and temperament problems in a large dog can be devastating. Now available in most countries, the handbook is already a bestseller in the UK. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. That sweet ball of fluff who will be your walking buddy, later snuggling up on the couch together. After all, your pup will probably be with you for a dozen years or more. So he has to be a great fit. It should never be a hasty decision. But it should also be FUN! That brings us to the question: how to choose the perfect puppy? Read on! You picture fun romps in the field, playing frisbee, and showing little Max off to all of your friends. But before getting a puppy, there are so many practical things to review in deciding whether to even get a puppy. My first dog as an adult was a shih tzu named Cuddles. My husband and I had discussed getting a dog for a while. We both worked and knew that the pup would take up a lot of time. Not to mention the expenses associated with a dog. But I saw the little gold and white week-old ball of fluff and was smitten. Luckily, I had a family member who could take her out to potty and exercise her during the day. In choosing your new pup, the following considerations are important. Are You Active or a Couch Potato? Can You Afford a Puppy? A puppy is more than the initial purchase. That can be a drop in the bucket compared with the lifetime costs of owning a dog. There are bills for: food and treats; chews; vets; crates ; beds; collars, harnesses, and leashes; training classes; dog walkers; dog daycare; pet insurance; enzymatic cleaners ; grooming—and more. These can really add up. You may decide not to get pet health insurance and not need pet walkers or doggie daycare, but expenses can really add up over the years. Do You Have Children? Children and pets can be a great match. You want to make sure that you choose the right canine. A toy breed may not be the right choice for a toddler. A tiny dog may inadvertently be injured by such a young child. We raised puppies for years before we had kids so we had a good idea of expectations for our puppy. If you have very young kids a rambunctious Lab may not be the right choice. Do You Have Other Pets? You need to take into consideration any other pets you have. If you have a senior dog, for example, a young puppy may not be a great choice. Are you gone too many hours to take care of a puppy? A friend of mine who works hour days decided not to get a puppy. The pup would have been alone too long. A puppy needs attention and potty breaks. Of course we need to work. You may be able to have someone come in and exercise, feed, and potty the pup. And give him attention during the day. As I discussed, you may need help with the new puppy. If you have reliable relatives or friends who can regularly help out, it can make getting a puppy much more realistic. Or you can hire pet sitters or walkers to help out. If you live in small quarters, a large, rambunctious breed may not be best. As young puppies, goldens can be wild, even inside. Of course, with a sufficient amount of mental stimulation and physical exercise, you can make it work. After Dalmations came out, everyone wanted one. Dalmations are high-drive, independent dogs. I was called to work with a family who got a Dalmation puppy that was wrecking their house. The minute walk the pup was getting was just a warm-up for the dog. We set up an exercise and training program for the puppy and the family was able to keep him. Do your research. The American Kennel Club lists purebred dogs and their needs and health profiles. Before choosing a certain breed, consider the following. Large or Small? You should have an idea what size dog you want. Conversely, if you want a frisbee or jogging partner, a chihuahua would be a bad choice. Why Do You Want a Dog? This may seem like a silly question. Most people want a dog for companionship. But you may have additional things in mind. You may want a jogging partner. Or a dog to do therapy work with. Or to show in obedience. Grooming Needs Would you love spending time every day brushing and combing a dog? Exercise Needs As you know, some breeds need a lot of exercise. We also do obedience training and she plays with puzzle toys. Lifespan Of course we want our pups to live forever. But some breeds generally live longer than others. Generally, larger—especially giant breeds—have shorter lives than their smaller counterparts. Friendliness or Independence Of course within any breed and litter you can have a wide array of personalities. But there are certain breed characteristics that can help guide your choice of which breed you want. I have dogs at both ends of the spectrum. My golden retriever Riley loves everyone and would do great in any setting. But my Lhasa apso Ralphie—true to breed—is more discriminating when making friends. So Riley would be great with well-behaved children and would love to be hugged by them. Health Problems Any dog can have unforeseeable health problems. But some breeds are likely to have more health problems than others. For example, bulldogs, pekingese, and pugs are among the breeds that are more likely to have breathing problems and overheat. Breed Types Of course there are many breeds and mixes to choose from. If you get your dog from a breeder, consider what lines your puppy comes from. If from working lines, the dog will likely be more intense than if from show lines. All of the below classes of dogs can make great companions in the right setting. Herding dogs were bred to herd, of course. Popular examples are border collies, Australian shepherds, and Shetland sheepdogs. Generally, they require more exercise than some breeds like toy breeds. And they may become destructive if left to their own devices. Also, some bark excessively and may not be good in an apartment setting. Sporting dogs were bred to hunt. They have a lot of energy and need regular, invigorating exercise. Popular examples are golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, and cocker spaniels. Just like other working-type dogs, hounds have almost limitless energy. So attention to you may be an issue. Also, some bay when excited. Popular examples are beagles, dachshunds, and greyhounds. Dogs from the working group are alert, intelligent, strong, and bred to work with people to perform various tasks. Some were bred to guard property, to pull sleds, or to perform water rescue. Some popular examples are Doberman pinschers, huskies, and rottweilers. They require not only exercise and precise training so that their natural instincts are kept in check. Terriers are feisty and energetic and vary greatly in size. They were bred to hunt and kill vermin, So a squirrel they see on their walk will be very alluring to them—and, without training, they may almost pull you off your feet trying to get to it. Some popular examples are Parson Russell terriers, Staffordshire terriers, or West Highland whirte terriers. Pit bulls which is a generic name for many types of terriers are also in this group. Toy breeds were generally bred as amiable companions. They may make great lap dogs and have big personalities despite their small stature. Shih tzus, Maltese, Yorkshire terriers, and chihuahuas are some very popular examples. Nonsporting group dogs are a catch-all group with various sizes and personalities. Some popular examples are bulldogs, French bulldogs, bichon frise. There are so many options. You may want a certain breed. So a breeder or rescue of that breed should meet your needs. Just make sure that the breeder is a good one. Good breeders do so to improve their breed. Bad ones care only about making money. They do any necessary health certifications. They put a lot of time into their litters socializing them to new experiences and people. Good breeders are invested in their litters and will help you choose the right puppy for you. They stand behind their dogs for life and will readily answer your questions and take the dog back if you need to give him up. You can get referrals to such breeders through breed clubs, dog clubs, and resources such as the American Kennel Club. A reputable, good breeder also will have questions for you regarding your family, work, home, activity level, and reason why you want a dog or their breed. The pups will also have been checked by a veterinarian and been given the appropriate vaccinations for their age. There are also breed rescues that rehome dogs of their chosen breed. However, they rarely have puppies. Shelters and rescue groups can also be great places to get a puppy. Many use foster homes, where a puppy or litter of puppies are located. Foster parents get to know the puppies and can help determine whether any particular puppy is a good fit for you. Many rescue groups try to place a puppy in the best home possible. When I adopted my Aussie mix puppy Mille, the rescue group would adopt her out only to people who had experience with herding breeds. Many shelters are first come-first served. In order to place as many dogs as possible, they will adopt out a puppy to the first person who wants him—barring any obvious reason not to. How to Choose a Puppy from a Litter There are many tests that can be given to determine whether a puppy is a good fit. This assumes you have a litter to choose from. There is a range of temperaments and personalities in each litter, No puppy may perfectly meet every test below. But look at the big picture. So, in addition to your own observations, you can bring a friend along to have another opinion about the litter. Or you could hire a trainer to help you choose. Overall, as a companion, a middle-of-the-road dog usually works out best. Also, a reputable breeder or good rescue group or shelter who knows the puppy can help guide you in making your decision. See the Mother and Littermates If you can, watch the puppy and his littermates and mother interact. The puppy you choose should be able to take a proper correction and back off then re-engage. The breeder should have the mother available. Check Out the Puppy The puppy should look healthy and alert, not lethargic. Inspect his coat and skin. He should be well-fed with a little fat around his rib cage. The pup should run and walk normally, without a limp. A puppy should engage with people and be curious, not slink away or cower. A scared puppy will probably be more difficult to socialize and train. Will he follow you if you walk away? Clap your hands and make a kiss sound. Will he come towards you or run for the hills? Hold Puppy on His Back Hold him on his back for about 30 seconds. Ideally, he should briefly struggle and relax. When I had two sheltie puppies to choose from and one fought constantly when held and the other struggled briefly, then settled, I chose the latter. I had already gotten another dog from this great breeder. I wanted a dog who was a companion but who I also wanted to show in competitive obedience. My choice turned out to be the right one. Duffy was a great dog to live with and became a nationally-ranked obedience dog. He also did agility for fun and was a therapy dog who visited a hospital on a weekly basis. Hold the puppy and touch and gently open his mouth. Look in and gently rub his ears. .Gently touch each paw, even putting slight pressure on them. The puppy should be comfortable with these activities. He may slightly struggle. But a puppy who really fights against such touching, even to the point of mouthing or growling may turn out to be difficult to groom, handle, and pet. Pet the dog calmly from head to toe. He should enjoy it and relax. Pick the Puppies Up If you hold each puppy around the middle, ideally he would be relaxed and not struggle. Also, cradle the puppy up against you. Ideally, he should relax and like the attention. He may startle at first but should rebound and even go and check out what made the noise. Social Dominance Fall to the ground at least a few feet away from the puppy. He should want to come over and see what happened. Even if you like the look of a certain puppy, he may not be the right puppy for you. Consider the above factors as well as the following when choosing a puppy. The dogs live in rabbit-type hutches or dark barns. They receive no proper socialization, vet care, or human contact. There are also small back-yard breeders which, essentially, are puppy mills on a smaller scale. The mothers are bred at each heat and have horrible lives. Dogs sold in pet shops and through the internet usually come from them. Of course, do your own research because no one will admit they are a puppy mill. But two puppies may bond too much with each other. And to train, socialize, and exercise each puppy requires a lot of time, energy, and money. The dogs in shows have been highly trained and specially selected for their jobs. Then pick a great breeder, rescue, or shelter. Final Thoughts Getting a new puppy is such an exciting time! Do you have a puppy? How did you decide to choose him? Please let us know in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. I had wanted a female red lab, none were available. A trainer near me was getting a second dog from a renowned breeder in Ireland and she asked if he had a puppy for diabetic service dog work. Both her pup and my pup flew over from Ireland together. A pup with a desire to work, a willingness to please, and a calm demeaner. I received a cute ball of fluff, a male yellow lab pup with red ears and red highlights. A good breeder is able to match you with a dog that will meet your needs, give them all the information you can. I never met the breeder, but my pup arrived at 10 weeks old already already on his way to being well socialized, exposed to sounds, not nervous, liked the vacuum, fireworks are not a problem, loves the motorcycle sounds, handled all sorts of traffic noise at 3 months. We started his public training at 3 months old and he handled it like a champ. I had to buy a motorcycle with a sidecar as he always wanted to go out when the bikes were started up, so at 9 months he was in the sidecar with Rex Specs goggles. Did I mention he loves to travel and meet me people, when his tail wags which is all the time his whole body wags. Selecting Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Selecting your puppy Try to restrain your emotions when you are selecting our pup. Remember that the breeder has been with the pup from day 1 to selection day at 5 weeks. At Pawlinglabs, we will ask you to forward a list of the characteristics that your are hoping for, prior to selection. When you come to select, we will ask you to observe the litter before entering and handling the pups. Labrador pups are very cute and cuddly, but when it comes time to select the right one for you there is plenty to consider. Carefully observe Labrador Retriever puppies before buying them, ensuring that the pup you select looks healthy and is to breed standard. There are some basic points to note about Labrador Retriever standards. The coat of a Labrador is their most distinctive feature. Labs have two coats, the water resistant undercoat which is unseen, and the top coat which is dense, straight and short. There is might be a slight wave in their coat, however the coat should feel rough to the touch. Labrador puppies come in three different coat colors: yellow light cream to red fox , chocolate liver and black. There must not be any other colours in the coat. Labs have a broad skull and a well defined stop. Their head is quite large but the features on the head, such as the ears, look proportioned. The ears of a Labrador should be set far back from the face. The inside skin of the ears should be a pale pink and soft without any scabs or discoloration. There shouldn't be any odour coming from them. The eyes of a Lab pup are round, either deep brown or hazel with black rims. The eyes should be friendly and express intelligence. The Labrador Retriever has a wide black and well developed nose with distinguished nostrils. The nose should be clean and without discharge. Be aware that a wet nose is not an indication that the Lab is healthy, nor does a dry nose indicate he is unwell. The teeth should be set square to the jaws with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom. Labrador puppies have fewer teeth than adults and they will lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in. Labs have a well developed and strong chest. It has good depth and width. Their barreled ribs are well sprung and their back is level. Their loins are wide and strong. The skin of a Lab should be without scabs or bumps. It is normal for Labrador puppies to have extra skin at the back of their neck; this is how their mother picks them up. The skin color of a lab is usually pale pink but it can also be brown or even spotted. The tail of a Labrador is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. The tail is a moderate length and has no feathering. It is as smooth like the rest of the coat with a rounded appearance. The tails is even with the back or slightly upwards. It should never be carried over the back or hang down. Labrador have long and sloping shoulders that connect to the strong front legs. The hind legs are developed well and have a turned stifle. Both the front and hind legs should be straight. The feet of Labrador pups are compact and perfectly round. Their toes are arched and pads well developed. Feet should be straight, not turned inwards or outwards. The gait of a Labrador should be carefree. Labs take long strides and walk straight. Observe your puppies as he walk. Make sure it is not favoring any leg or paw. This can be a sign of a current or future health issue. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. No doubt, selection of the right pup to meet one's particular expectations is extremely important. Making a correct choice can improve the odds of producing an excellent retriever with the least amount of frustration and perhaps even avoid disappointment. The first and most important point to consider is that one must approach puppy acquisition as a genetic selection process rather than trying to utilize methods to select a promising prospect from a particular litter. Focus not so much on picking a pup, rather pick litters. The way to pick potentially successful liters is to pick a breeder who has proven brood stock and a credible reputation for producing healthy pups genetically predisposed to perform in a manner you desire. Carefully consider your expectations for your future gundog. What are the desirable traits? What will the dog's primary functions include? What breeds interest you and why? Once you decide on a breed and the desired traits are defined based upon your intended uses, then seek a reputable breeder who has experience producing pups which exemplify the traits that best suit your purposes. Genes determine the reaction of the dog to its environment, as well as, confirmation and soundness. Genes are the building blocks of heredity and are passed from parents to offspring in a predictable manner. The topic of genetics can quickly progress into a lengthy discussion unsuitable for this article but one can count on knowing this-like begets like. Total outcrosses, matings of unrelated genetics, may produce the occasionally exceptional offspring, but this is an unpredictable undertaking. The only way to gain predictability of traits is to seek an experienced breeder with proven bloodlines which produce successful progeny. This will usually involve some form of line breeding. The mating of similar genetic relationships line breeding is conducted to intensify qualities within the line and to improve upon the predictable traits within litters. Line breeding is successfully practiced in all forms of livestock. Line breeding itself produces nothing, good or bad, it merely intensifies what is genetically there in the bloodline. Most professional breeders use some form of line breeding as soon as they find a successful combination. In other words, outcrosses, random matings, despite the parents' apparent abilities and or titles, will not assure that the traits of the parents will be passed to the offspring. Only line breeding can offer this possibility. Consider, too, there is often as much difference between litter mates in ability, temperament, and tractability as one might find between separate litters within a breed. The chance factor remains, but the odds improve if the buyer: 1. Buys from established, reputable breeders who know their business. Buys pups from breeders who specialize in producing the type retriever they desire. Buys pups produced by excellent gundog parents who have produced proven progeny from previous matings. Select litters with strong mother lines. Dams should be trained hunting dogs and she should possess the qualities you desire in your dog, not just in the sire. Dams project more influence on the litter than the sire. Good bitches are seldom mated to poor dogs, yet the opposite frequently occurs. A poor bitch is unlikely to produce good pups despite the virtues of the sire. Look closely for desirable traits and strength in the trailing bottom line of the pedigree That is the dam, granddam, great granddam, etc. Excellent mothers are important. Don't pick litters based solely on the number of titles in the pedigree. These are impressive achievements to be sure, but they are not indicators of natural tractability, temperament, and gamefinding ability. Nor do titles indicate whether the traits may be passed successfully to the offspring. Evaluate parents of pups based upon gundog standards important to your needs and their demonstrated ability to produce good pups. Seek out sires, dams and grandparents that project strong genetic traits that can be passed through to their offspring. Research has indicated grandsires and granddams prove to have more genetic influence upon the litter than the sire and dam. Genetics can influence natural gifts, such as: calm temperament. Normally Lab puppies travel well, find more on this here. For many people it can be stressful not knowing how to pick or why you should pick any specific puppy. We will try to clear things up here so that you have a few criteria to select with. For the most part, the genetics of the purebred Lab puppies in the litter are set once the parents mate. When we choose to keep parents to breed we are choosing the best specimens and mating them with the hope that we are going to be creating even better puppies through the combination of their genes. Improving on weak areas with each litter is what professional breeding is all about. Now that you understand the genetic potential is set, you will work within your litter to try to narrow down the puppy who goes home with you. Keep in mind, that all of the puppies in the litter are of high quality. So, standing over the puppy box containing the puppies have a look without saying anything or doing anything. The puppies will either have different colored collars or different colored ribbons on them to identify them. Each different color corresponds to a unique microchip number implanted in that puppy. What are you looking for? Well, observe which puppies are the most active and the least active. Observe which puppy is bossy and more of a leader, and, which is more of a follower. Are there any outgoing puppies? Are there any shy ones? Please understand that puppies and all dogs for that matter will feed off of the energy of the animals and the humans around them. So, if you bring your children and they are full of energy, talking loudly, excited, etc… then the puppies will pick up on that and imitate their behavior to an extent. We love to see the kids! The vet bills, training, the poop cleaning, nail clipping, taking out to go pee at 6 am, trips to the vet, and so on are yours. All yours! So unless you feel your children have better skills to choose the puppy than you, try to leave them out of it. You want to use the criteria here to select the lab puppy that fits your family the closest. Ok, there are a couple of things I need to say first. On your pick up day and depending on how many puppies are in the litter, your puppies may be sleeping. The good news to this issue is that there will not be a bad puppy in the litter. As professional Labrador Retriever Breeders our primary goal is to create better Labrador Retriever puppies with each litter we produce. Depending on what the issue was with the puppy we would care for them or home them with a person who fully understood any issue present and was willing to care for them. Getting back to selecting your puppy. As you watch over the litter try to narrow it down to two puppies you are interested in and watch them. Look for any excitement, playfulness, shyness, active or lying around, or differences in color, size, or other physical attributes such as tail size, ear size, forehead and snout size, etc…. This means that these dogs are super smart, even tempered, loving and willing to please all because of the Labrador Retriever breed and the selections we make in our breeding program. Training is key to having a well behaved Purebred Lab Retriever puppy. On the day you pick up your puppy it will be normal for the puppies to be on the shy side. Though they have been socialized by 5 or 6 of us they get use to us. So the new sights, smells, sounds etc… that you bring will all be a brand new thing for them. At 8 weeks old they are unsure if these new stimuli are safe and they may be cautious coming to you. Again, all normal. On the other hand, a puppy who comes right up to you with no apprehension may be the one you want. Especially if you are a hunter and you need your dog to work to retrieve game. You should also know that if a puppy runs from its pack to see you it is not choosing you! It could be the more dominant or most curious puppy and it would approach anyone coming to see the litter not just you. Can we pick your lab puppy? Sure we can! The latest research we have read on the topic indicates that how a puppy behaves at 8 weeks old when with its litter has no bearing on the puppy it becomes after you train it properly. This means that for most people the training and socialization you provide is much more important than which puppy you choose. We always suggest picking the most easily trainable puppy and we will be happy to do this for you. For the best explanation on setting yourself up properly to lead your puppy to becoming a well behaved dog, please sign up for the www. A generous discount is available for our clients to help you understand how to use positive reinforcement to train your puppy. So we are happy to offer advice and can absolutely choose your puppy in the event you cannot make it, but doing so on your own would be the best scenario. Another method we frown on is the breeder evaluating a puppy with a tool to grade their personality and then comparing that to a marking tool that you complete to grade yourself. Remember when I said puppies respond differently to different people? Well they have basic emotions similar to that of a two year old. If you are not in the room, and I am evaluating the puppy remember my experience with puppies and your lack of , then how can a score sheet be used to match the two of you together effectively? You need to see the puppy behave with you. So you have it narrowed down to two puppies, compare similar personality traits and physical features as I mentioned earlier. Toss in the fact that they have medium energy and poof! Please understand what you see the puppies doing on pick up day are not how they are going to act for the rest of their lives. Puppies are not born with any knowledge of these things and rather need to be trained to understand your boundaries. For this reason we have focused on breeding smarter puppies generation after generation. At least you have some guidelines to use when you arrive. For example, the largest puppy is not necessarily going to be the biggest one when full grown. At 8 weeks old the biggest puppy has been the one who is the pushiest at the food bowl and eats the most at feedings. This is why 8 weeks is the best time for your Lab puppy to go to bond with their human family. As some puppies get larger in size they can push the other smaller puppies around so size then becomes another factor in the development of your puppy. Take your puppy home at 8 weeks old and you have provided them time with their litter to learn puppy to puppy manners weeks 4 to 8 and you have eliminated the possibility of them being bullied by the larger pups after week 8. The larger pups also will not learn to become overly dominant because there are not smaller ones around them to boss around. What about people who want the runt? The first group feel that because the runt is smaller they will listen better when truly listening is a skill learned through training. And the second group feel that a smaller puppy is sick and weak and will not thrive. Again this is not the case as smaller puppies simply do not have as strong of a food drive than their siblings. The larger issue surrounding the runt is this. Professional Lab Retriever Breeders breed for consistency. It is this consistency in our breeding program that ensures the first picked puppy is of the same high quality as the last picked. So before you arrive to choose your Purebred Lab Puppy, have a couple behavioral qualities in mind and a couple physical qualities. Observe quietly and try not to bring too many people with you so that the puppies only pick up your energy and not the energy of the group. This is the best way to truly observe how the puppy will react to you alone. Narrow it down to a couple and compare them together measuring them against your list of traits. If you make a choice to not train you have to be ready to deal with whatever your Lab decided to become. And one final note. Some people have heard to wipe a blanket where the puppy sleeps or on the mother because the scent will calm the puppy in your home. Think of it this way, if your puppy smells the mother or one of its littermates what does it do next? So a blanket with this scent on it will cue your puppy to look for someone who is likely not coming back. Imagine the frustration of a puppy newly separated from its litter being able to smell them but not find them. We suggest you do not do this to your puppy. Our suggestion to help settle the puppy only if you need to is to put a t shirt into the crate with the scent of the person who they bonded the most to. This is their new pack. Get them accustom to their new pack and the quicker they forget their old pack the easier it will be for them. Love them, set clear guidelines, and enjoy them for years to come. Chocolate Lab with pumpkin.

Lifespan Sociability The Maltipug is a popular dog breed, especially because it is small and friendly and does not have excessive exercise requirements. When choosing a breeder, you should avoid the temptation of finding the cheapest. Although a low price does not guarantee that a breeder offers poor-quality dogs, there is a chance that their breeding parents are overbred which can lead to behavioral and physical problems with the puppies. Consult with your local kennel club or hybrid club and ask for recommendations. Ask your local vets, or any owners of similar breeds that you know, and look at reviews and ratings online to help you find breeders with a good reputation and with a history of offering healthy and well-adjusted puppies. There are also groups of owners and fans of the breed, and group members will usually have a very good idea of the breeders that do good work and those that you should avoid. When you do find a breeder, determine whether they have had the puppies screened or, at the very least, that the parents have been screened for common health concerns associated with the breed. This can save a lot of heartache in the long run and help ensure that you get a healthy dog with a lower propensity for genetic illnesses. Try to meet the parents of the dog. It is still a good idea to brush and groom them every week because this can help prevent knots and matting, and a lot of owners like to take their Maltese to a professional groomer to control the hair around their face. Their long hair does mean, however, that Maltese can be prone to sunburn in the area where their hair parts on their back. This is part of the Dalmatia region, where the Dalmatian breed also originates. It is believed that the breed actually originates from the Spitz-type dog of the region, although having been bred to be smaller. There is no recorded link to Malta whatsoever. The Wrinkles Were Bred into The Pug The Pug, which was bred as a lapdog for Chinese royalty, is meant to have the distinctive wrinkles on his head and face. It is said that these were bred into the Pug and were meant to represent the Chinese symbol for a prince. If the folds are not cleaned regularly and properly, it can lead to infection and a disease called skin fold dermatitis. In most cases, the Malti Pug has the long hair of the Maltese and avoids the wrinkles of the Pug. As such, he is a loyal and loving companion dog. While he might only be quite small, he is a vocal protector of his human parent. If your Malti Pug takes after his Maltese parent, he may be a little snappy around young children, especially if he has been spoiled by his owner. If he takes after the Pug, it is more likely that he will be loving and will dote on people of any age. The Pug is known for being a comedian and enjoys showing off. Are These Dogs Good for Families? This is because most hybrid breeds have little history behind them, and also because the parent breeds can have a big influence on how your new dog will act and react. In this case, the Maltese is considered a good companion dog but is usually preferred by the older owner. He will not normally get along very well with children, and this problem is magnified if he has been spoiled by his owner. He can be yappy and even a little bit snappy with young children. With that said, his size means that he should not be left alone with young children because he can get accidentally hurt. On the other hand, the Pug is known to love children because he enjoys showing off and is always up for some troublemaking. Thus, it can be a bit of a lottery whether you get a dog that mixes well with young children or should be kept away from them. The Pug is likely to stick his tongue out and charge towards anything that looks exciting. The Maltese might be a little more reserved in his approach, but inwardly he is just as excited at the prospect of making a new four-legged friend. Socialization is a good idea with this breed, especially because a lot of people will instinctively try and pick up a Pug or Maltese when seeing them. If your dog is emotionally and physically well adjusted, they will appreciate the affection, will not back away, and they will not usually bark except in excitement. However, before buying one, you should consider the following factors to determine whether this is the right breed for you and your circumstances. You will likely only need to feed your dog one cup of good quality food every day. Obesity is a major problem for dogs, and especially because he will not want to go on long walks to help walk off the calories. Despite this temperament, though, they do not have high energy requirements at all, which is one of the reasons that they are so good for apartment living and why they are so popular with older owners looking for a companion. They will be content with one or two short walks a day and will be happy if you augment these walks with some active playtime during the day. With that said, the Maltese does do well in agility and training classes, and you might find that your new puppy enjoys these kinds of activities as well. But they do have a bit of a stubborn streak so they will only really do what you want if this happens to align with what they want. With that said, a consistent trainer that is heavy on positive training methods can enjoy very good results with this breed. Training should be considered important because the breed can develop small dog syndrome. They will believe that they run the house, especially if they are overly protected by their owners. They tend to be allowed to get away with bad behavior, and it is difficult to train bad behavior away. Therefore, early and ongoing training will help in this regard because it prevents the bad behavior before it occurs, which is much easier than having to try and discourage bad behavior that has become a routine. You should brush this breed every day because it will get rid of the loose hair, which can become uncomfortable when it is matted and knotted. It can also help prevent the shed hair from building up in the home. It is usually easier to brush your dog while he sits on your lap than it is to repeatedly brush the floor. Maltese and Pugs can develop weepy eyes. You can keep their eyes clean by regularly wiping the tears away but do so carefully. This helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can cause serious discomfort in a dog and may prevent them from eating. Because your Malti Pug does not get a lot of walks, his nails will get long and require trimming. Get a good quality trimmer , get your puppy used to having his nails trimmed at a young age, and consider having his professionally groomed if you are unable to clip them yourself. The following are some of the conditions that are closely associated with the two parent breeds and that should be closely monitored. Minor Conditions. A mixed-breed can inherit any combination of traits from their parents. Should a Pug Mix take after their Pug parent, they will be an affectionate, social dog that loves their families. A Pug tends to be playful, social, friendly, and gentle. They thrive on attention and affection and tend to get along well with children, other pets, and other dogs. As long as they are well-socialized, they also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. They can be prone to barking and it can become a nuisance behavior if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you can expect the same from a Pug Mix. You still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed as they will likely introduce their own potential quirks. You can also meet the mother in person to get a sense of her temperament and see the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. Although the breeder should have started socialization and training, it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Pugs are moderately adaptable dogs. Although they do well in apartments as well as larger homes, they are particularly sensitive to heat and cold as a snub-nosed dog breed. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you should be able to expect the same from a Pug Mix. The other parent breed could still introduce some traits that affect adaptability, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. Mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs, but it is not a guarantee. They can inherit none, some, or all of the conditions common to their parent breeds. From the Pug side, potential health conditions to be aware of include eye problems, luxating patella , encephalitis, and hip dysplasia. As a brachycephalic, or snub-nosed, dog, they are prone to allergies and respiratory issues. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. A Pug is eager to please and tends to pick up on things quickly. They tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. The other parent breed could make a Pug Mix easy to train or more difficult, so you want to make sure you ask the breeder about them. A Pug Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should they inherit the Pug coat, it will shed a bit year-round, require weekly brushing, and the occasional bath. Cutting nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Ear checks on a weekly basis with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed are ideal dental care for dogs. Pugs tend to sit in a low to moderate energy range. Usually, daily walks and some playtime are enough to keep them happy and healthy. They may be up for more activity, but can also get easily overheated. There are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs to help make sure they get enough activity. If the other parent breed also has a low to moderate activity level, then you can expect something similar from a Pug Mix. However, if the other parent breed is a higher energy dog, then you will want to make sure you are prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog. Fully-grown Pugs are usually inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. Although it is not a guarantee, you can meet the mother in person to get an idea of what to expect in a fully-grown Pug Mix. A Pug generally lives for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, but you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Pug Mix. Featured Pug Mix Article. Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We have some terrific litters on the horizon and we look forward to working with you during this exciting process! We currently have 2 girls and 1 boy available, and they are ready to go home today! We currently have 3 girls and 2 boys available! Pups will be ready to go home on September .We currently have 2 girls and 2 boys available. This litter will be ready to go home on October 6. We currently have 2 girls and 4 boys available. This litter will also be ready to go home on October 6. This is going to be a beautiful litter. Contact us for more information! We are currently receiving deposits for this litter! We can't wait to meet their puppies! This is going to be a terrific litter! We do provide shipping with our awesome courier team! Selecting your puppy is easy. You will receive weekly updates full of information as well as pictures and videos. Selections take place at 8 weeks! Whether you are in a nearby city or multiple states away, we'll help guide you each step of the way. Some people come directly to our home and others make the selection from the convenience of their own living room with the assistance of FaceTime, Skype and plenty of conversations! At 8 weeks old, they'll be ready to join your home! Again, we wish you all the best in your journey of finding the perfect puppy. We know it's an important decision and we're here to assist in any way we can. We'd love to hear from you so feel to email us. Hello from the Orths! We are a family breeder with a huge love for English Cream Golden Retrievers located in a small town just outside of Spokane, Washington. 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. English Cream Golden Retrievers are no exception, experiencing a huge burst in popularity and demand. Also known as white Golden Retrievers and rare white European Retrievers, their coats are light cream or white color that is a stark contrast to the traditional yellow and red-gold coats. Duck and fowl hunting was a popular leisure activity for the wealthy and privileged, but the gun dogs back then were not great for both land and water. That posed an issue with hunters as Scotland is full of random marshes and bodies of water, which meant a hunter needed more than one gun dog. By crossing current types of gun dogs, Retrievers, and spaniels, Golden Retrievers were formed. Although the first real sighting of a white Golden Retriever is unknown, they most likely started showing up in litters around the s. Their natural athleticism and gentleness with handling fowl in their mouths shot them to popularity. To this day, Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds, though mostly as companion dogs than hunting dogs. In the United States, cream and white Goldens are not accepted and remain that way. Today, the only way to get a kennel-club accepted White Golden is to get a puppy from a litter of English-bloodline White Golden Retrievers. American Golden Retrievers with cream or white coats are not accepted anywhere, so make sure to ask the breeder about bloodlines. It may also be a red flag, as any experienced Golden breeder should know this. The U-EL license is applied only for the staff of the organization that holds the account. Maximum number of electronic items is unlimited applies as a total of each type of usage. This is an additional license to the rights included within the regular Royalty-Free license. Note that the other restrictions still apply. Time Limited Exclusivity This license represents an exclusive right to use the downloaded media, but such exclusivity will only last for a limited period of time. 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This license grants the buyer exclusivity so the Contributor needs to keep in mind that exclusive media is represented by concepts, models, wardrobe, and subject matter which provide a unique creative message and small variations in the image variations in camera angle, model posture or gesture, for example do not enable other files as being different. All such variations rendering the media very similar in concept and message to the one sold under SR-EL should be removed from sale as well. The photographer acknowledge and agrees to provide the buyer with full ownership for the file retrieved using the SR-EL license. ID .Why Wisteria Goldens? Here is what one family had to say about why they chose us. We look forward to getting our puppy and we are now trying to figure out what his name will be. It is a huge responsibility to ensure their physical needs, but their developmental ones, too, which requires creating a foundational program that focuses on health and includes socialization and introduction to training. Our goal is to raise and have confident secure puppies that can adjust quickly to new environments, things, people, places, etc. We use a process developed by Puppy Culture — a socialization and training program from whelping to going to their new homes, and also include our own experience for what works best for our breed and puppies. Our routine is instrumental in giving each of our English Cream Golden puppies a great foundational start to becoming the best possible member of your family. Click here to learn more about our Foundational Start Program. They are friendly, affectionate, intelligent, and have lovely, calm, mellow personalities. Our English Cream puppies come in various sizes, build, and color — something for everyone. We believe in finding that perfect puppy for you! If you have additional questions, check out our Frequently Asked Question page. Wisteria Goldens : English Cream Golden Retrievers Our puppies are raised as part of our family, until they become part of yours! Besides English Cream Golden Retriever, this breed also goes by Platinum Retriever, rare white European retriever, exquisite platinum imported golden retriever, and also simply White Retriever or White Golden Retriever. Although there is just one golden retriever breed, there are slight differences, except for the coat color, between the English and American retriever types. However, the pale platinum coat is the trait that made English creams sought-after and popular. The English cream golden retriever and golden retriever are the same dog breed. The truth is that golden retrievers come in a variety of different shades and colors. The American golden retrievers have darker coats than their European counterparts. However, all goldens come from the same original bloodline and are all, in fact, the same breed. Originally bred in the 19th century, the golden retriever hails from Scotland where it was used as a gundog to retrieve shot waterfowl. An unknown yellow-colored retriever dog and now extinct Tweed water spaniel were used to create the first-ever litter of golden retrievers. But make no mistake, all subtypes of golden retrievers are descendants of the same Scottish bloodline. The biggest difference between the American and English variations is the coat color. American goldens can range in color from golden to deep red, while English creams have a pale platinum coat. While both variations have the same standard, English cream golden retrievers have a stockier build and a slightly larger head. They also have thicker and stronger necks, slightly wider muzzles, and a stronger jaw. Their eyes are also rounder and closer together, and the ears are at the same level as the eyes Overall, the English cream retriever has a stockier and more robust appearance when compared to its American counterpart. But although all goldens are the same breed, there are clear differences in temperaments between the American and English variations. Platinum retrievers are generally calmer and more sensible than American goldens. Think of a platinum retriever as a slightly calmer version of an American golden. Highly intelligent and eager to please, the platinum golden is easy to train and excels in obedience and agility. Amiable and affectionate, this breed likes to spend time with its people and is an amazing family dog and a great companion. Due to their trusting nature, they are poor watchdogs and are more likely to greet an intruder with a wagging tail than alert you of any suspicious activity. Despite their size, platinum golden retrievers need to live indoors with their human family so they can be included in all family activities. A fenced backyard is a must if you want to keep your goldie happy and properly exercised. Health The English cream retriever is generally a healthy dog. However, like all other purebred breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. You might have heard that platinum retrievers are healthier than their dark-coated counterparts. However, there is a study that shows cancer risk in European-bred Goldens to be lower than in North American Goldens: Interestingly, cancer risk in European-bred Goldens appears to be significantly lower. A study put the mortality figure at .Although much higher than average, the incidence is substantially lower than that found in North American Goldens. The most common health problems seen in English cream golden retrievers are: Hip And Elbow Dysplasia Hip and elbow dysplasia are hereditary conditions that are commonly seen in large breed dogs. Both of these conditions become worse with age and can be extremely painful for a dog if not treated. Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye condition that causes a slow deterioration of the retina. In the first stages of this disease, dogs start to lose night vision and, as the disease progresses, they become completely blind. The good news is that most dogs adapt to complete or partial vision loss as long as their living space remains the same. Heart Problems English cream retrievers are affected by several heart problems, including dilated cardiomyopathy and subvalvular aortic stenosis. Dilated cardiomyopathy causes the heart to become enlarged and weak, and usually ends with congestive heart failure. On the other hand, subvalvular aortic stenosis is caused by the narrow connection between the aorta and the left ventricle and can be treated if diagnosed in time. Bloat Bloat is a life-threatening condition that affects many large breed dogs and is commonly seen in deep-chested breeds like goldens. Dogs who eat only one or two larger meals per day, exercise shortly after eating, or eat too fast are at the highest risk of developing bloat. The most common symptoms of bloat include drooling, lethargy, restlessness, and a rapid heartbeat. If you notice any of these symptoms or suspect your dog has bloat, call your vet right away. When not treated in time, this condition can be fatal. Exercise Needs While generally, they are calmer than their American cousins, the English cream retrievers still need a lot of exercise. As a working dog breed, your platinum golden retriever will need at least an hour of high-intensity exercise every day. Otherwise, your dog will become bored and restless and might decide to release all that pent-up energy by damaging your house and belongings. Besides regular exercise sessions, you should also spend at least 15 minutes every day playing with your dog. As a highly intelligent dog breed, your cream retriever will need a lot of different toys to stay entertained and mentally stimulated. Games such as fetch, tug-of-war, and flyball will keep your dog occupied and help him stay in good shape. Platinum golden retrievers are active dogs and as such are best suited for active families who like to spend time outdoors and can meet their high exercise needs. Training Highly intelligent and eager to please, the English cream retriever is very easy to train. They excel at obedience training and will learn commands quickly when properly motivated. Due to their calm nature and trainability, platinum retrievers are a great choice for novice owners. Although they are naturally friendly, start socializing your goldie from a young age, as you would any other dog. Try to expose your puppy to as many different people, places, sounds, and situations as soon as you bring him home. This way, you will help grow into a well-mannered and balanced dog. Nutrition The English cream retriever needs to eat high-quality kibble that contains all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Since they are the same breed, the platinum golden retriever can eat the same food as a golden retriever. You should make sure the food you are feeding contains the right balance of proteins, fats, carbs, fiber, and omega fatty acids. Since all dogs are individuals, the amount of food your dog will need will depend on his age, size, activity level, and overall health. An English cream retriever puppy will need to eat high-quality puppy food for large breeds that are formulated to support growth and development. Dog foods for large breed puppies are specially designed to prevent rapid bone growth, thus minimizing the risks of bone disorders such as elbow and hip dysplasia. Pay special note to the amount of food your cream retriever is eating, and try to offer three or more smaller meals throughout the day. This way, you will prevent overfeeding and also reduce the risk of bloat. However, platinum dogs are highly popular and there is always a higher demand for puppies with a paler coat. The English cream has a medium-length, silky, water-resistant double coat that sheds moderately all year round. This breed also goes through a heavy shed twice a year — in the spring and fall. When it comes to bathing, you can bathe your English cream once in a couple of months or more often if he gets very dirty. English Cream Golden Retrievers As Pets The English creams are excellent pets and make amazing companions to people of all ages and families with small children. Affectionate, gentle, and fun-loving, these dogs get along with everyone and like to be involved in all family activities. Please note, although they like children and are exceptionally gentle, English creams are large dogs. They can easily knock a small child in the heat of a play session accidentally. To avoid accidents of this sort, never leave young children unsupervised with your dog. Furthermore, show your children how to interact with your dog and play with him nicely. No matter how socialized and well-behaved your dog and your kids are, they should never be left unsupervised. This age always seems like the awkward not quite a puppy not quite an adult phase. What a difference two months make. Also, what a difference the lighting makes in this pic. At 10 months old he looks pretty much like the adult version of himself. Can you tell Charlie likes going to the dog beach? Yep, Goldens are mouthy dogs. Yep, Goldens can get into all kinds of mischief. Keep your eye on them. Here are just a handful from our English Cream Golden Retriever puppy archive: We pulled the puppies around the neighborhood in the wagon before they were vaccinated. We wanted them to experience some of the sights and sounds outside the house while also keeping them safe. They were about 6 weeks old in this pic. Until our puppies go to their forever homes at about 8 weeks old they spend a good amount of time in the whelping box. Our English Creams pups were about 7 weeks old in this pic. Yep, we had a litter of Christmas puppies and gathered them together for a festive photo. We used the Carlson Portable Pet Pen as an outdoor play area for our puppies so they can experience a different environment at a young age. Check out this post to see some more pics and our experiences raising English Cream Golden Retriever puppies. The platinum retriever, also known as the English cream golden retriever and rare white European retriever, is a pale-coated variety of golden retriever. While some breeders advertise platinum retrievers as a rare breed, these dogs are the same breed as regular American goldens. While similar, these two types of golden retrievers are slightly different. Platinum retrievers have a pale coat, stockier built, bigger head, and rounder eyes. They are also calmer than American golden retrievers, but no less playful or fun-loving. There are three different types of golden retrievers — American, Canadian, and English golden retrievers. Although there is only one golden retriever breed, each one of these three subtypes has its own breed standard. The platinum retrievers that are bred according to the United Kennel Club breed standard are still fairly rare and can be expensive. Conclusion Platinum golden retrievers, also known as the English cream golden retrievers, are highly intelligent, affectionate, and easily trainable companion dogs. Playful and friendly, the English cream makes a great family dog and gets along with people of all ages. So, have you decided to get an English Cream Golden Retriever? If so, tell us about your decision in the comment section below. We are constantly updating blog posts with new and relevant information. 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.

The link has been copied! The Retro Pug breed is a delightful mix of charm and personality. As dog lovers, we find this modern twist on the classic Pug breed irresistibly endearing. Let's dive deeper into understanding this breed, its unique characteristics, potential health issues, and proper care techniques. Characteristics of Retro Pugs Retro Pugs are known for their distinct characteristics. Unlike their traditional Pug counterparts, these canines have longer legs, a leaner body, and a muzzle that's more prominent. As for their temperament, they inherit the charismatic and loving nature of regular Pugs. These dogs are excellent companions, brimming with affection for their human family. They also have an adventurous streak and enjoy playful interactions. One distinctive trait of the Retro Pug is their keenness for scent work. Their enhanced muzzle length gives them a superior sense of smell compared to regular Pugs, making them natural explorers. They love sniffing around the house, the yard, and while out on walks. One of the most prevalent issues is Hip Dysplasia , a condition that affects many breeds but can be particularly challenging for a heavy dog like the Retro Pug. Another concern is their susceptibility to separation anxiety. This emotional distress can occur when the dog is left alone for extended periods. It's not uncommon for Retro Pugs to develop destructive behaviors or excessive barking when feeling anxious. Despite these concerns, the Retro Pug's health issues are less severe compared to their Pug relatives. Their elongated muzzle makes them less prone to breathing issues, a common problem in brachycephalic breeds. Exercise Needs Retro Pugs are energetic dogs that require regular exercise. Short walks, games of fetch, and even agility training are great ways to keep them active. Remember, an older dog may need less strenuous exercise. Diet Their diet should be high in protein and low in fats and sugars. Be cautious about overfeeding as these dogs can quickly gain weight, contributing to Hip Dysplasia. Grooming Retro Pugs have a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. Regular brushing can help keep their coat clean and reduce shedding. Socialization Socializing your Retro Pug is vital. This breed is naturally sociable, so meeting other dogs, people, and experiencing different environments will enhance their confidence. Training Training a Retro Pug can be a delightful experience. With their intelligent and eager-to-please demeanor, they respond well to positive reinforcement techniques. These tiny balls of fur, with their round, curious eyes and boundless energy, will undoubtedly bring an infectious joy into your home. These intelligent dogs respond well to early training and socialization. Remember, their sharp sense of smell can be directed towards sniffing games, turning a typical training session into an exciting game of scent work. Puppies need more frequent meals, but portion control is essential to avoid overfeeding. A diet rich in high-quality protein is vital for their growth and development. Introduce them to different sounds, sights, and experiences. This helps in building their confidence, and it ensures they grow into a well-rounded and well-behaved dog. Gentle walks and light play sessions can keep them physically active without straining them. Diet Changes Older Retro Pugs may have different dietary needs. Depending on their health status, they might require a diet low in calories but high in fiber and quality protein. Always consult with your vet to determine the best diet for your aging Retro Pug. Health Checks Regular vet visits become even more important as your Retro Pug ages. Frequent health check-ups can help detect any potential health issues early, ensuring your furry friend can enjoy their golden years in comfort. These charming dogs are often full of life, bringing positivity and warmth to their families. Let's delve into understanding the temperament of Retro Pugs. Affectionate Companions Retro Pugs are known for their loving nature. They form strong bonds with their families, often following their favorite human from room to room. Their affectionate nature makes them excellent companions for both individuals and families. With proper socialization, Retro Pugs can get along splendidly with children, other pets, and even strangers. Their friendly disposition makes them the life of the party, often basking in the attention they receive from others. Playful Pooches Retro Pugs love to play. Whether it's a game of fetch in the backyard or an interactive toy, these dogs love to engage in fun activities. And despite being an older dog, many retain their playful nature well into their golden years. Adaptable Pets Living in both apartments and larger homes are possible due to their adaptable nature. As long as they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation, these dogs are happy. Brave and Alert Despite their friendly nature, Retro Pugs can be quite alert and will notify their owners of anything unusual. They are brave little dogs, often forgetting their small size when standing up for their family. It involves understanding their needs and ensuring they're met. Emotional Needs Retro Pugs, like many breeds, are prone to separation anxiety. They crave companionship and do not do well when left alone for extended periods. Ensuring they have company most of the time is key to their emotional wellbeing. Mental Stimulation Retro Pugs are intelligent dogs and require mental stimulation. This can be achieved through training, games, and even interactive toys. Engaging their mind not only keeps them entertained but also strengthens your bond with them. Consistent Routine Retro Pugs thrive on consistency. A stable routine of feeding, exercise, and rest helps keep them comfortable and content. One such innovation is the Fi Dog Collar. Let's explore how this modern accessory can contribute to your Retro Pug's wellbeing and lifestyle. But how can you ensure your furry friend is getting the right amount of exercise? That's where Fi Dog Collars come in. This allows you to monitor your Retro Pug's daily activity levels and ensure they're getting the exercise they need. It's like a Fitbit for your dog, providing valuable data that can help you tailor an exercise regimen suitable for your pet, whether they're a lively puppy or an older dog. If your adventurous little friend decides to go on a solo exploration, you can easily track their location using the Fi app. This feature can provide peace of mind, knowing you can quickly locate your pet if they wander off. The collar's sound signal feature can be used as a cue during training sessions, reinforcing positive behavior and enhancing your training efforts. Combatting Separation Anxiety Recall the issue of separation anxiety we discussed? Fi Dog Collars can help here too. The Fi app allows you to monitor your dog's behavior when you're not home. If you notice signs of restlessness or anxiety, you can make necessary adjustments to their routine or environment. This helps ensure your Retro Pug feels safe and secure, even when they're home alone. They are designed to accommodate dogs of different sizes, breeds, and ages. So whether you have a young, energetic Retro Pug or an older dog enjoying their golden years, a Fi Dog Collar can cater to their specific needs. From their unique characteristics and temperament to the specific health issues they may encounter, we've dissected what makes a Retro Pug, well, a Retro Pug. Retro Pugs, with their distinctive longer legs, leaner body, and prominent muzzle, have brought a refreshing twist to the beloved classic Pug breed. Their endearing temperament, marked by affection, social skills, playfulness, adaptability, and alertness, makes them a fantastic companion for both individuals and families. We also unraveled the importance of understanding and catering to their specific health needs, with a focus on conditions such as Hip Dysplasia and separation anxiety. We explored their care needs, encompassing proper exercise, diet, grooming, socialization, and a consistent routine. Along the way, we delved into the joys and challenges of raising a Retro Pug puppy, from early training and socialization to suitable dietary requirements. Similarly, we touched on the special care requirements of an older dog, discussing modifications to exercise, diet, and health checks to ensure their golden years are comfortable and happy. One pivotal point in our journey was the introduction of the Fi Dog Collar. This modern tool, with its ability to track exercise, ensure safety, aid in training, and monitor behavior, revolutionizes the way we care for our Retro Pugs. It provides a technological solution to traditional pet care challenges, adapting to the needs of your Retro Pug, regardless of their age or lifestyle. In essence, understanding the Retro Pug is a blend of recognizing their unique features and needs and meeting them with love, care, and the right tools. With this guide, we hope to have shed some light on the joyful journey of owning a Retro Pug. Whether they're sniffing out clues in a game of scent work or wagging their tail happily in their sleep, every moment with a Retro Pug is indeed a treasured memory. And when their care is coupled with the insights provided in this guide and the benefits of a Fi Dog Collar, there's no doubt that your Retro Pug will lead a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. You might also like. Moderate less than Pugs Retro Pugs come in more colors While Pugs are only either fawn or black, Retro Pugs come in a variety of colors including but not limited to black, apricot, and silver. How much is a Retro Pug? Retro Pug price will vary based on… Your location: Retro Pugs may be more expensive in certain areas or regions, depending on supply and demand, as well as other factors. The color and pattern: Retro Pugs come in a variety of colors and patterns , and certain colors or patterns may be more rare or desirable than others, which can impact the price. The breeder you choose: The reputation and experience of the breeder can impact the price of a Retro Pug, as well as the level of care and attention the dog has received before being sold. What is the motivation behind creating the Retro Pug? Pugs are notorious for having lots of health issues —— especially breathing problems. This leads us to why the Retro Pug was created… A healthier version of the Pug The Retro Pug was bred to create a healthier version of the Pug that does not suffer from as many health issues as Purebred Pugs. Jack Russel Terriers have longer snouts and better breathing By mixing the Pug with a Jack Russel Terrier, the resulting dog is one looks like the Pug but has the longer snout of the Jack Russel. A Jack Russell Terrier The Retro Pug has been around since and continues to grow in popularity as more and more people are becoming aware of the health problems that many flat faced dogs face. Back issues — spinal issues such as intervertebral disc disease and hemivertebrae are less common in Retro Pugs. Eye issues — Pugs are prone to eye issues such as corneal ulcers, dry eye, and cherry eye; the Retro Pug is believed to be less prone to these issues. Joint problems — Pugs and Retro Pugs are at risk for Hip Dysplasia, though the risk may be a bit lower in Retro Pugs due to their longer legs and Jack Russells not being a high-risk breed. Eye problems — Just like Pugs and other flat-faced dogs, Retro Pugs have prominent eyes that are prone to irritation and injury. Dental issues — Their smaller-than-normal jaws lead to dental crowding, which can increase their risk of periodontal disease; good dental care and regular checkups are a must. Retro Pug Personality When mixing two breeds together, you generally get the traits from both breeds into one. They enjoy interacting with their owners and other people or pets. Loyal and Affectionate: They are very loyal to their owners and love to show their affection through snuggling and cuddling. Moderate Energy Level: Retro Pugs have a moderate energy level and will enjoy regular exercise and playtime. They are happy to go on walks and play fetch in the backyard but will also enjoy snuggling up on the couch to walk TV with you. Easy to Train: Retro Pugs are generally easy to train and eager to please. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. They tend not to be as stubborn Sociable: Retro Pugs are sociable dogs and love to be around their family and friends. They may be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Alert and Protective: They can be alert and protective of their owners, especially if they sense any danger or unfamiliar people or animals in their environment. Curious and Inquisitive: Retro Pugs are naturally curious and inquisitive, and they love to explore their surroundings. Retro Pugs have quickly grown in popularity, and their demand continues to rise every year. Breeders aimed to create a healthier version of the Pug with fewer health issues, particularly breathing issues and joint problems. This is because these dogs are a response to the outcry and concerns over the many health problems that Pugs face. In fact, modern Pugs suffer so many issues because of their extremely short noses, bulging eyes and related problems, that many are questioning the ethics of whether they should be bred at all. So, what is the answer? Well for some Pug lovers, the answer is to breed the modern Pug back to its original, healthier proportions that they used to have. The image below shows a painting of a Pug in , which shows a dog with longer snout and a more natural head: Compare this old fashion Pug in the painting above to a picture of a modern day pug and you may see why modern Pugs get so much criticism. Fast forward to the 16th century, and Pugs made their way to Europe, capturing the hearts of nobility, including Queen Victoria of England. Over time, Pugs went through some changes, especially in their faces. Breeding focused on creating a flatter face, which resulted in the modern Pug with its cute, squished nose and unique look. But this emphasis on appearance came with some health problems like breathing difficulties, eye issues, and trouble with overheating. Retro Pug vs. Retro Pugs come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the specific mix. When it comes to looks, Retro Pugs are a fun mix of their Pug and other breed parents. Their coat can be fawn, black, tan, silver fawn brindle, or a mix of colors. Some Retro Pugs have wrinkly faces like Pugs, while others have smoother skin. They tend to have eyes that protrude a bit like the Pug, and you may see signs of Beagle in them, like larger, floppy ears. In terms of size, Retro Pugs are generally small to medium-sized. They can weigh anywhere between 15 to 30 pounds 6. Once again, you can compare the picture below which shows a normal Pug besides a Retro Pug for reference. Help Dogs In Need Our blog posts aim to provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information on all types of dogs, helping our readers make informed choices that fit their lifestyle. We don't endorse any specific breeding practices, but advocate for ethical breeding and dog welfare. We encourage exploring adoption first. Countless wonderful dogs, from all breeds, await their forever homes in shelters. Remember, with AdoptDontShop, you can give a deserving rescue a second chance at happiness. Temperament Of A Retro Pug Dog The trainability, intelligence, and personality of a Retro Pug can vary depending on the individual dog and the mix of breeds involved. Here are some general traits associated with Retro Pugs: Retro Pugs are typically intelligent and eager to please, which can make them trainable. However, they can also be a bit stubborn at times, inheriting traits from both the Pug and the other parent breed. Positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards and treats, tend to work well in training Retro Pugs. Consistency, patience, and using short training sessions can help them stay engaged and focused. Retromops are generally considered to be moderately intelligent. They can pick up commands and learn new behaviors with proper training and guidance. However, they may not be as quick to learn as some other highly intelligent breeds. Retro Pugs often inherit a mix of personality traits from their parent breeds. They tend to be friendly, affectionate, and social dogs, just like Pugs. They enjoy being around their human family members and are known to be good with children. Retro Pugs can also exhibit some of the characteristics of the other parent breed, which may add variety to their personality traits. They can be playful, energetic, and curious, displaying a sense of adventure and exploration. They may be more prone to chasing small animals than normal Pugs, and display more alertness, with a greater tendency to bark, dig, and roam than regular Pugs. They should have less respiratory problems related to brachycephalic airway syndrome. Still, here are some common health concerns that Retro Pugs may encounter: Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome and Eye Problems: Retro Pugs may still be prone to brachycephalic ocular syndrome, which includes conditions like dry eyes, corneal ulcers, and protrusion of the eyeball. They may also be susceptible to other eye problems such as cherry eye, entropion inward rolling of the eyelids , or cataracts. Skin Problems: Retro Pugs may experience skin issues such as allergies, dermatitis, or skin infections. Any skin folds require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent infections or irritations. Obesity: Pugs, including Retro Pugs, have a tendency to gain weight easily. Obesity can lead to various health issues, including joint problems, heart disease, and respiratory difficulties. Diabetes and Hypothyroidism: Retro Pugs may be at a higher risk of developing diabetes, a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland, can also occur in Retro Pugs and may result in weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. Allergies and Skin issues: Retro Pugs may be prone to allergies, which can manifest as skin irritations, itching, hair loss, or ear infections. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can also contribute to their overall well-being. Early detection and prompt veterinary attention are crucial for addressing any health concerns that may arise. Getting to know its needs is key to keeping it happy and fit. Walks will help keep them in shape. They need at least 30 mins of daily activity, with extra playtime. Vitality They must be active due to their tendency to gain weight, breathing problems, and other health issues. Grooming Requirements Retros are low-maintenance. Brushing once or twice a week, depending on coat type, is enough. Remember that Retro Pugs still may have brachycephalic skulls so physical activity can be hard for them. Keeping them cool during exercise is essential. Also, use positive reinforcement techniques for training to keep your pet motivated. Suggested workouts: walking, swimming, playing with toys for Dental care such as rope toys. Avoid strenuous activity. To feed your Pug right, consider its body shape, body weight, age, health, and exercise level. Since Pugs can be prone to obesity, it is essential to monitor their food intake per meal. Offer only high-quality pet food that satisfies their dietary needs. Furthermore, make sure they have access to clean drinking water always. Our advice? Abstain from offering your classic Pug human food or too many treats, as this could lead to weight gain or stomach issues. Stick to pet-specific diets with an appropriate balance of protein, carbs, fats plus the necessary vitamins and minerals. Grooming and maintenance can help prevent health problems and keep them looking their best. Here are five tips for caring for your retro pug: Brush their coat using a soft-bristled brush made for dogs. Trim their nails monthly or as needed with guillotine dog nail trimmers. Clean their ears with a pad soaked in an ear-cleaning solution doggy ear wipes every week. Bathe them with a mild dog shampoo formulated for sensitive skin once a month and make sure to dry them properly. Check their teeth for signs of decay or gum disease, brushing them with canine toothpaste. Use an oral hygiene additive in their water. Retro Pugs have an average lifespan of around 10 to 15 years, similar to that of Pugs. However, individual lifespan can vary depending on various factors such as genetics, overall health, diet, exercise, and quality of care provided. Are Retro Pugs Healthy? Retro Pugs aim to reduce some health issues associated with modern Pugs, but they can still be prone to certain health problems. Common concerns include brachycephalic ocular syndrome, eye problems, skin issues, orthopedic conditions, obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, allergies, and more. Responsible breeding and proper care are crucial for their well-being. Retro Pugs have unique personalities. They can be great with other animals if trained properly. But, their socialization skills can change this. To make sure they get along, socialize them from a young age. Teach them good behavior around other animals. Supervision is important because Retro Pugs are a small breed and prone to injury. Every pet has its own character, so results may vary. Introduce them slowly and observe. Ethical breeders may ask more for their dogs due to extensive health tests and careful breeding. Dog lovers love them for their look, character, and personality. They are bred to resemble the original Pugs with longer noses and less extreme features. Although they are not yet a recognized breed, they may be the future for Pugs as a healthier option to purebreds. Tamsin De La Harpe Author Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs. Got Questions? Colors: Black, fawn, silver, apricot Suitable for: Owner looking for a constant companion Temperament: Loving, energetic, loyal, etc. Lifespan of a Retro Pug Source : pinterest Life span matters a lot for the owner who wants to own the pug breed. As a smaller dog, the retro pug has a life span that allows them to live from 12 to 15 years, jug pugs with longer snouts live for 16 years. A regular pug's life expectancy is from 12 to .In the same way, retro pugs live for 16 years or more. The life expectancy varies from pug to pug due to its longer snout that eliminates several life-threatening health issues found in flat-faced and in flat snouted pure dogs. This means that retro dogs live for longer than their ancestor families because of their snouts. However, this does not mean that retro dogs are free from health issues. By analyzing different health issues you can save their life span and make them live a healthy life. However, they also go through several health issues that need to be diagnosed properly by the owner of a pet. Here the list of common health issues of retro pugs are: Allergies Retro pugs are found with several skin allergies and sensitivity to pollen, dust mites, and pests like fleas. This creates the main cause for the itchiness and rashes on the skin that can be found on dogs. They are prone to food intolerance like gluten and dairy. Hips and Shoulder Dysplasia Dysplasia is the abnormal cell growth in the body or the abnormal formation of the joints mainly in the hip and shoulder region. With this, it creates arthritis pain and disability in dogs. Additionally, OFA publishes the statistics condition that pugs are ranked number 1 with Hip Dysplasia which causes a high risk of elbow dysplasia Skin Cancer Skin cancer is another common skin lesion problem with retro dogs. It causes mast cell tumors and oral melanoma which is skin cancer of the mouth. It is supposed that these can be created surgically by removing some types of treatable chemotherapy. Epilepsy Idolopathic eclipse is the most common issue that causes seizures in dogs which is an inherited disorder. Other causes included liver diseases and kidney diseases. Dental Problem Dental diseases in senior retro pugs are common. Due to the lack of proper dental hygiene, the risk of tartar buildup, gingivitis, and tooth decay can be seen. The caring owner should check the mouth regularly and monitor them for bad breath, bleeding gums, shrinking gum, and a reluctance to chew or eat issues. Source : pinterest Taking care of a retro pug or any dog is a difficult task that needs to be considered when owning a pug. Retro pugs can be healthier than their parents' breed but need to provide a lot of care and training. To make your life easier as an owner, here are some tips that you can follow to make your retro pugs healthy. Feed Them on Time and Quality Food It is well known to all that retro dogs are prone to obesity and may have severe complications with food insolence. As a result, it is necessary to calculate high-calorie food. It is recommended to have a pet plate food subscription package that will provide good options like beef, turkey, chicken, meal plans, etc. Some pugs can handle a high amount of protein. So, it's better to visit your vet doctor to determine the best ratio of dietary needs. Get the Supplements for Healthy Bones and Joints Joint dysplasia can be one major problem with the dog. Before its symptoms are seen, you need to put them out through these health issues. So that you can provide them with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate together for effective dietary supplements who suffer from arthritic pain. It is more effective when given with fish oil. You should also consider age on the top list as age matters with the retro pugs because if you are delayed in the diagnosis of any diseases on pugs, then providing supplements to them may cause several health issues that cannot be cured with these compound supplements. Moreover, with a healthy diet, you also need to provide some workout activities to prevent obesity in retro dogs. These dogs usually like to play, so give at least half an hour indoors or outdoors. Get properly Fitted Body Accessories It is well known that pugs have longer snouts than retro pugs. However, they are at higher risk because of breathing difficulties. So, you can consider retro dog harnesses, retro puffers, tight collars, and dog clothes to make them comfortable to move, take a breath, and play comfortably. Due to an unfitted dress, they might feel choked and stuck which may create dizziness. As a result, ensure yourself that you are providing flexible and properly fitted body accessories to your pet retro pugs. Retro Pug Grooming Tips Source : pinterest Grooming a retro is not very challenging but it should be done on a regular basic to keep them clean and healthier. To avoid issues like skin allergies, skin cancer, joint pain, and internal health issues. It is necessary to groom them frequently. This will allow you to keep your house area clean otherwise you will have hair spread, dust, and an unhealthy environment due to retro pugs. Here are some tips provided, that you can follow to groom your retro pug: Brush The Fur Weekly Brushing fur is the most important step in grooming retro pugs. In a week, once fur should be brushed which will help to get out of dirt and shed fur. If you get enough time then you can brush fur daily to keep your retro dog coat healthy. Brush The Teeth Daily You can use toothpaste and brushes that are designed specially for pugs. Through all areas of teeth, you can brush the surface of your pug's teeth. Many vet doctors recommend brushing their teeth daily to keep their teeth area clean and to avoid mouth cancer and bad smells. Trim The Nail With the clip and dog nail clipper, you can trim the nails of pugs. While trimming the nails try to provide the live part and trim only the spoiled part of the nails so, that the pug cannot get hurt by the clippers. If you accidentally clip the live part, then try to apply styptic powder to stop bleeding. Clean Ears Cleaning ears is a healthy lifestyle for any dog. So, you can use the ear solution or cotton swabs, to gently clean the ear area to prevent the growth of bacteria. While doing this, you need to have proper guidance and precautions so that it might not hurt them. Retro Pug Behaviour And Temperaments Source : pinterest If it is about the behavior and temperaments of a pug dog then both pugs and Jack Russell Terriers are very friendly and loving dogs. However, it is found that retro dogs are even more tempted and calm dogs whereas the Terriers tend to be loud and lively. So, what can be expected from the retro dog? Here, we will provide the short temperment traits of retro dogs that in inherited from their parents Jack ruseels ancestors. Intelligent The Retro pug is found to be a more intelligent pug than their resemble parents like purebred or Jack Russell. It is evident that they are intelligent If you train your retro pug in a consistent way then they will get to learn with real joy and be easily involved in learning. You only need to provide positive reinforcement award time to time so, that they can pick up whatever skill you teach. Loyal By their character, retro pugs are straightforward companion dogs who enjoy exercise more than their relative ancestor Jack Russell. They try to adapt in day to day activities and live with the human family. This makes them loyal and by inherent they are loyal. Retro pugs are almost loyal to their fault which makes them ideal for family setups. They are quite protective of their result and aggressive in nature if see anyone making a mistake. Playful Retro pugs are huge suckers for affection. They love to cuddle and get back and belly rubs and you can bet they will not be subtle in their demands for this attention. Retro Pug Trainability and Intelligence Source : pinterest With consistent training, they get to learn many things from their owner. There you only need to improve several learning skills, and technically apply skills in a talkative way which pug will catch and learn faster. Training a young Retro pug is one of the activities that owners want to have at first with these puppies. For this, house training is one of the first step and the retro pug will do well but need to be provided with the use of positive reinforcement. If you are expecting something like a military discipline learner then it's totally wrong because by inheritance they are playful. They will learn but in a smooth playful manner however, we can expect basic obedience. This is due to the fact that they are a hybrid breed. Ethical breeders may ask for a higher price for their puppies because of the considerable costs associated with conducting health tests and selective breeding. Prices for retro pugs are all over the place due to the fact that no two of these dogs are precisely the same. The general rule of thumb is that the value of a puppy rises proportionately with the length of its nose. The new owner should also be prepared to spend a significant amount of money on veterinary care due to the breed's propensity for developing health issues. Are they healthier than purebred Pugs? Some breeds, ones that never want to go for a run or fetch a ball, have this trait because they are physically unable to keep up with their canine cousins. One of the traits that sedentary pups have in common is often a flat face. History and Original Purpose The original Pug was a small dog with a substantial muzzle. But they have been selectively bred over the last century to achieve the flat-faced look they have now. Show guidelines for the breed suggest a flatter face being desirable, and this has really got out of control. The Jack Russell was designed for fitness and exercise, as expert ratters. They became family pets in more recent years due to their loving and loyal personalities, but have always been first and foremost a working farm dog. Retro Pug Appearance As a mixed breed, the appearance of the retro Pug can be quite unpredictable. Hybrid dogs can inherit any mixture of qualities from their parent breeds, which is part of the huge debate over mixed breeds vs pure breeds. You can read more about that debate here. Size The retro Pug will be a small mixed breed, as both of its parent breeds are similar sizes. Jack Russell Terriers will grow to between 10 and 15 inches tall. They will weigh between 13 and 17 pounds as a healthy adult. Pugs, on the other hand, are slightly smaller. They will grow between 9 and 12 inches tall, weighing 14 to 18 pounds as an adult. A mix of these two breeds will fall somewhere in the middle of these statistics. But, it is going to be a small breed. Face Shape Some retro Pugs will have flatter faces than others. This means, they can still suffer from the same health problems that brachycephaly causes. Not only does the mixed breed try to combat the short snout, it also tries to tackle the shallow eye sockets of brachycephalic dogs. Coat and Colors The best way to predict the color of your mixed breed is to take a look at its parents. Black and fawn are the main colors of the Pug breed. Whereas, the Jack Russell Terrier is mostly white, with black, brown, or tan markings. The amount of markings will vary from one Jack Russell to another. Pugs have a short, glossy coat. But Jack Russells have dense, double coats that are either smooth, broken, or rough. Take a look at the parents to predict what type of coat your Jack Russell Pug mix will inherit. Retro Pug Temperament This breed has a loving temperament. They are friendly with both children and adults, and generally fit in well in most homes. Their small size certainly helps! As well as being social, Pugs are also affectionate and loyal dogs that form strong bonds with their families. They are an intelligent breed that often responds well to training. They can also be quite brave and loud. Jack Russell Terriers are fearless, confident, and loyal dogs. They are active, but also often quite vocal! This breed has a lot of energy to burn each day. Not getting enough exercise can result in unwanted behaviors, such as destructive tendencies. Training and Exercising your Retro Pug Both parent breeds are intelligent dogs, so they are likely to enjoy training, and learn quickly. They will respond best to positive reinforcement training. The Jack Russell parent breed needs a lot of exercise. This is partly to reduce destructive tendencies that result from boredom. But, they also need it to keep healthy. Pugs also enjoy exercise, and need it to stay healthy. But, unfortunately, their facial structure makes it difficult. Brachycephalic breeds tend to overheat more easily than other breeds. Plus, their flat faces makes it harder for them to breathe normally, as their oxygen flow is restricted. This difficulty breathing also makes swimming quite a dangerous form of exercise. So, take care of your mix when exercising it. Some retro Pugs will have flatter faces than others. Special Care Many people believe that mixed breed dogs are healthier than purebred dogs, thanks to increased genetic diversity. However, mixed breeds can still be prone to the health conditions of their parent breeds. Responsible breeders will health test dogs they are planning to breed from to minimise the risk of passing these issues on. Pug Health The main health problem that Pugs suffer from is due to their facial structure. This breed is brachycephalic. Because of this they suffer from: Overheating. Owners looking for a constant companion Temperament: Loyal, loving, fun, daft, energetic The Retro Pug has been bred in an attempt to reproduce the positive traits of the Pug but without the negative health complaints that arise as a result of the snout and facial features of the Pug. As a result, the Retro does have a slightly longer life expectancy and tends to be healthier than the Pug. Otherwise, owners can expect the same fun-loving dog that requires a lot of attention and companionship. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. This companion breed not only needs but craves attention and companionship from its humans, and this starts from puppyhood. If you will be going out during the day, whether to work or school, and you need your puppy to get used to being alone, you should start with short sessions when they are young and build up over time. This is also the best time to start training and socializing the Retro Pug. Training a young Retro Pug means teaching it what is considered acceptable behavior and what you believe is unacceptable. House training is one of the first steps, and the Retro Pug will usually take to this well but you will need to be consistent and use positive reinforcement. This means encouraging and rewarding positive behavior while ignoring negative and unwanted behavior. This means that it can be difficult to find a Retro Pug. It also means that it is unlikely that you would find Retro Pug puppies in shelters and rescues. This mixture means that they are intelligent dogs that get along with most people and animals. But it also means that they can be a little on the independent side. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are quite robust for small dogs, so they get along with children as well as with adults. The Retro Pug has a similar disposition and it will usually get on well with all family members, as well as visitors and strangers. If your family goes out to work and school all day long, you might find that the Retro Pug exhibits signs of separation anxiety, including destructive and other unwanted behavior. It gets along with other dogs and because it is about the same size as cats, will usually get along with them, too. However, the Terrier in the Retro Pug can change this. Ensure your Retro Pug is well-socialized from a young age and, if you do want to integrate it into an existing group of animals, take introductions slowly and carefully. It can also get on with dogs and cats, although it may require more careful introductions than with a regular Pug. But, the Retro Pug needs companionship and might struggle with a family that is out of the house for long stretches. It also has some other requirements and traits that mean it might not be the best pet for all owners. This means that it will usually have a bigger appetite and it also means that you can provide more exercise to help shed the pounds and keep your Retro Pug in good shape. Expect to provide an hour of walks a day. The breed can also do well in agility and other canine sports classes, which can help provide mental and physical stimulation while building a bond between the two of you. This combination means that the Retro Pug is a little more challenging to train than the standard Pug. You will need to be very consistent with your training techniques and you should use positive reinforcement training techniques. Sign up for puppy classes as soon as possible. These not only teach some of the basic commands that you will need, but they also teach you how to train your dog, and they allow for some good, early socialization between your puppy and other dogs and people. Its coat is short and easy to look after, but you are still responsible for other grooming needs. Claws also need regular clipping, typically every 2 months. Claws may only need trimming every three months or so if the dog is regularly walked on an abrasive surface like concrete. As such, the breed is largely free of these and eye-related problems that are found in the Pug. Overall, the mixed Retro Pug is considered a healthy breed with a longer lifespan than the Pug. Minor Conditions. Their stocky build, smushed faces, huge eyes and curly tails are truly heart-warming to behold, but there are a few things you should know before you make your decision. Firstly, pugs and retro pugs are two different dog breeds. The origin of the retro pug breed As I mentioned in the introduction, retro pugs and traditional pugs are two different types. I will start with the origins of the older breed, i. The origins of the traditional pug go back hundreds, if not thousands of years to ancient China, where they were the beloved pets of the nobility and royalty. The long breeding resulted in the now familiar smushed face, which the ancient Chinese believed was very fashionable at the time. In the s, the breed was introduced to Europe and from there spread to the rest of the world. A classic pug The name retro pug, on the other hand, is very misleading, as this breed was first bred in the s by German dog breeders. To this day, the retro pug is not an official dog breed, only a designer breed, as the breed is an experiment. The original aim of the German breeders was to breed a more hardy, healthier breed than the traditional pug. For this reason, they experimented with several crosses until they finally arrived at the Jack Russell Terrier. Jack Russel Terrier Since retro pug is a designer breed, you never really know how exactly the puppies of crossing the pug and Jack Russell parents will look like. When breeding, the aim is to select individuals that inherit the longer nose of the Jack Russell Terrier, as this will prevent the respiratory diseases that are so common in pugs. Retro pug vs. Thanks to crossbreeding, the retro pug inherits several characteristics from the Jack Russell Terrier breed. The most striking difference is the size of the nose: while the traditional pug has a flat nose, the retro pug inherits the longer nose of the terrier. Their longer noses allow them to breathe more easily and thus better regulate their body temperature in extreme hot or cold weather. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email Retro pugs are a few inches bigger, have fewer wrinkles and bigger ears than classical pugs. While purebred pugs are available in only two colors fawn and black , retro pugs come in silver and peach too. Classical pugs are famous for their curved tails, but retro pugs inherit this trait to a lesser extent and have less curved tails. While purebred pugs can be described as particularly lazy, retro pugs like to run and play a lot. Is a French Bulldog.