tuxedo standard poodle puppies for sale
If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is a great way to minimize the risk of puppies inheriting any serious and life altering genetic conditions. Of course, nature works in mysterious ways and not always can genetic defects be avoided. However, health screening is the best and most sure-fire way of reducing the risks. Health guarantees cover any major genetic conditions that the parent pups have been tested for and they usually cover the first two years from adoption. Many Labradoodle breeders have listed their customer testimonials on their website, but you should also check for reviews on Google, Facebook, here at Doodle Doods , Yelp, or Reddit. Their dogs live with them inside the home to ensure that they get all the attention and love they deserve. In addition to that, their puppies are born and raised in their home, where they receive constant supervision and care. What Makes This Breeder Unique? All of their breeding dogs have gone through health and genetic testing to ensure the health of the puppies. Feel free to contact Angel Breeders for more information. They specialize in breeding healthy medium-sized Labradoodle puppies with unconventional coat colors like red or apricot brown. All the puppies have their origins in pedigree dog lines and are tested to be in good health. Both the parents are thoroughly tested as well before going ahead with the breeding process. This ensures that all the puppies are born healthy and are covered with a 3-year health guarantee. Cream Puff Details Contact: don creampufflabradoodles. She hoped to combine the amiability of the Retriever, along with the warm temperament of the Poodle. As a result, today, we have this energetic doodle who can be a wonderful family dog. Initially, they were bred with the intention of training them as guide dogs or therapy dogs. But around the late s, their joyful and gentle nature made them very popular as home pets. Types Of Labradoodle Since the Labradoodle is not an independent breed, there can be certain inconsistencies in temperament or appearance. So, their sizes can vary depending on the size of the parent Poodle. On the other hand, the parent Labrador Retriever determines the type of coat for the Labradoodle pup. The fur type can be unpredictable due to this and can vary from soft to woolly or wiry. In addition, they can also belong to four categories of breeding. People generally prefer the generation having more hereditary Poodle qualities. The dominant Poodle trait typically makes them hypoallergenic or non-shedding. Therefore, it would be beneficial to acquaint yourselves with the different types of breeding categories before adopting Labradoodle puppies in New Jersey NJ. F1 Labradoodles The F1 breed is the healthiest as it is a first-generation cross between purebred Poodles and Labrador Retrievers. These puppies possess equally dominant traits of both their parent breeds. When purebred Poodles mate with a grown Labradoodle, F1B breeds of puppies are born. They, too, have equally dominant traits of both the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever. F3 Labradoodles F3 Labradoodle puppies are the least healthy breed, as it is a cross between two F2 Labradoodles. Such a multigenerational cross is typically a backcross between multiple generations of Poodle. Labradoodles are usually dogs with high energy. Regardless of their sizes, they are not well-suited to living in small-sized apartments. They can be high-spirited jumpers and are in need of constant mental and physical stimulation to thrive. Not that you need additional solid reasons to get yourselves a furry companion. But when it comes to Labradoodle puppies, there are reasons to convince you to adopt one. We have taken all these into consideration in our curated list of the five best Labradoodle breeders in New Jersey NJ. Comfort Companions Labradoodles are known to be highly affectionate and have an upbeat personality. They were initially bred to be therapy or guide dogs, so they are extra sensitive too. Picking up on human emotions or body language is natural to them. They are the type of dogs that will try to comfort and cuddle you if they detect you are feeling sad. You can also expect them to greet you at your door after a tedious day and make you feel better with just their energy. Having a Labradoodle would mean that you will always be moving and on your toes. So, you will hardly have to feel lonely. Trainability Labradoodles are known to be pretty easy to train. They derive the intelligence traits from two very smart dog breeds, the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever. The combined genetics, therefore, makes the Labradoodle a super-dog in terms of intelligence. On the other hand, their nature makes them eager to please anyone. As a result, they will pick up all the tricks that you teach them very swiftly! Final Words It is not without reason that Labradoodle pups are such a sought-after breed for family pets. Their affectionate nature, gentle temperament, and adorable appearance will be sure to turn heads during walks at the dog park. Labradoodles can be the most amazing pets. A creditable breeder will ensure that your dog will be healthy and, in turn, live a long life. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. English Manor Labradoodles on Facebook! They are Litter mates with matching everything, most of our puppies have the same temperaments because they were specifically bred to have a specific temperament that makes the Australian Labradoodle what it is today! ONE of the only Breeds ever in history to be specifically developed for use as a Therapy dog. Calm Happy easy to train dogs, that get along with other dogs pets and children. Or great for first time dog owners that need a nice easy going option to introduce them to the world of dogs. All our Authentic Australian Labradoodles used in our breeding program continue the traditional values and qualities that were stamped in this breed since the very beginning. Diva would just light up a room, she was just a love bug her disposition and her clownish ways were always cheering us up on our worst days. SO SO incredibly intuitive of our moods she always new when to cuddle with us. We continue on now with her great Granddaughters and we see SO much her personality within them. They are very suitable for first time dog owners, children , and other pets they do not have a mean bone in there BODY. Beautiful litter of 7. This litter could go home around end of August beginning of September. Sammy is out of one of our favorite Females Tippie. Sammy stole our hearts sooo much that she is our forever dog. She has such a docile sweet demeanor and she comes up to you and pets you softly with her paw. She is everything you strive for in an emotional support dog. A great granddaughter of our Foundation Female Diva and it shines through. Her puppies will be well suited for work with children, and PTSD support she has this incredible nature to calm a person, much like her mom Tippie. We care for our pups around the clock. It's very important to us that our pups are place into a safe enviroment and a very loving home where they will contine to be cared for and nurtured. Here at English Manor we invite you to come and learn about our dogs and the Authentic Australain Labradoodles and about all the love and joy they have brought to our family , to others and hopefully to yours. We have enjoyed all the comical charisma thats she has brought to our lives and all the wonderful fun loving pups and grand pups that have come, We hope that you to will share the excitement and enjoyment as you journey down this road with us! Please provide as much information as you can when filling out the application form as I use this info to create the contract as well submit it to the microchip companies after the purchase of your pup. We are only using the information to contact you. If you would like to be informed about the breed or would like to schedule an appointment to come see the dogs please call us. We love to hear from our prospective buyers. Your personality and circumstances play a big role in your labradoodles happiness. Please feel free to call us for info about Australian labradoodle temperament, physical needs and available litters. Labradoodles for sale, labradoodles in ny, Arabian horses for sale, National Show horse for sale, Labradoodle breeding dogs and Labradoodle breeding stock Available. Australian Labradoodles only. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in New Jersey? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in New Jersey. Soft, Cuddly, Cute Australian Labradoodles are truly one of the cutest breeds, and our dogs are bred to be even more adorable than your average Doodle. Friendliest Dispositions Loved for their friendliness and patience, our Australian Labradoodles are always in the mood for whatever you feel like doing. From jogging buddies to nap-time cuddle buddies, life is always better with a Doodle by your side. Extremely Intelligent Labradoodles are super smart, which is no surprise considering they share genes with eager-to-please dogs like the Labrador Retriever and brilliant pooches like the Poodle. Training your Aussie Labradoodle is an absolute blast! The Uptown Family Our dogs are like family to us, and we want to give your family the greatest chance to succeed with your new Labradoodle. Perfect Family Pet Our Doodles get along great with just about everyone—from big families with kids and pets, to people who are looking for a companion on their solo adventures. Labradoodles are adaptable and bring joy to families of all sizes! But the best part is that you get to pick—just another benefit of working with Uptown. Premium Network of Labradoodle Breeders in New Jersey To meet the huge demand for our Doodles without sacrificing their health or happiness, we formed a premium network of breeders who share our passion and love of dogs. Highest New Jersey Labradoodle Breeder Standards Our breeders follow strict guidelines to preserve the wellbeing of our dogs. That means litter limits and breeding age restrictions for our mommy Doodles, and ensuring both parents and puppies enjoy outstanding living conditions. Hidden Springs Labradoodles creates life long memories and family members that elevate our lives. Labradoodles Originally bred to be hypoallergenic service dogs Labradoodles have become one of the most popular breeds around. Responsible Breeding Our Breeding dogs have their DNA tested and certified, Hips and elbows certified, and Eyes certified and cleared for congenital defects. Responsible Ownership Responsible pet owners treat their canine friends like family and realize it is a commitment for the life of your dog. Trainability We recommend training your puppy as much as possible. The best puppies know their boundaries and are taught what is expected with love and devotion. This is usually a Standard Poodle but smaller Poodles are sometimes used to breed a smaller dog. Generally Labradoodles are largish dogs. Temperment Temperament will vary but typically, if well socialized as puppies, the labradoodle will be a lively, good natured family pet. Hypoallergenic There is the potential for owners to less likely to be allergic to these dogs, but zero or low allergy is not guaranteed even within the same litter. Find Out More Grooming Coat type is varied. Although coat type varies, your labradoodle will need plenty of exercise and stimulation, with regular opportunities to walk off lead. Act fast because they will not last long.
So, you are already quite familiar with all the great characteristics of the German Shepherd and you are certain that you want to become an owner of this breed. We agree, and encourage you to make this decision! Also, you are now more informed about some of the best German Shepherd breeders in Alabama. What you must want to know next, is what price you can expect to pay for a German Shepherd. The price of this dog depends on many factors, but in general, it can be said that the German Shepherd is not a cheap dog, neither to buy nor to maintain. This is probably a scam! Responsible breeders invest a lot of effort, time, and money into raising top dogs. So, if the price of a dog seems high to you, you should understand that quality simply must come with a price. Also, a reliable breeder will immediately show you all the information about the health examinations and vaccinations of a dog. A breeder who offers you a German Shepherd for a low price will most likely not do the same and, if he suggests that you buy his puppy at a low price as soon as possible, you can be sure that you are dealing with an irresponsible breeder whose goal is to make money as easily as possible. Champion bloodlines: If you choose a reputable breeder, you will be sure to get a GSD with a purebred bloodline. For this reason, younger German Shepherds are significantly more expensive than adult dogs. Final Thoughts Finding a dedicated breeder is actually your first step to a happy coexistence with your future puppy. You will have already decided that the widely popular dog, the German Shepherd, is the type of dog you want for yourself and your family, and now, you will just have to set out in search of the perfect breeder. All you might know is that you want a purebred and healthy dog. This is of course a good start, but we want to warn you to concentrate as much as possible on choosing the right breeder. So, how do you do this? Contact the kennel first and make an appointment. This way, you will get to know both the breeder and the dog and be able to draw conclusions about the treatment of the dogs in this kennel. He will also offer you the option of contacting some of his previous clients and his vet, to confirm the veracity of his words. We hope that with these tips, along with our list of the 7 trusted German Shepherd breeders in Alabama, you will soon be able to welcome the perfect GSD dog into your home! Related Content. A Welcome to our website. The intelligent German Shepherd breed won our hearts with their warm, caring, and loyal temperament! Our Shepherd puppies are very friendly, good with children, incredibly social, eager to learn, and easily trained. They love to sit at your feet, go on a hike, and join in family adventures. They are loyal companion-oriented dogs tending to focus more on people than surroundings. When you buy one of our Triple S Shepherds to integrate into your family, proper care and exercise will produce a companion dog able to follow your mood and join in as part of the family. For our friends in Law enforcement and those needing protection or a GSD to participate in Schutzhund our German Shepherd dogs from our imported lines of West, East and Czech bloodlines are the answer. Our imported line shepherds will make the ideal police K9 unit for your police department. Our goal is to raise superior puppies for you. We choose our breeding stock by the individual dog's health, temperament, and also characteristics proven in work and play. We delight in raising healthy Shepherd puppies with sweet and loyal temperaments suited for the whole family. Please feel free to check out our purchase info and phone us with any questions you might have. We appreciate your interest. Thank you for the visit. German Shepherd Breeders in The Other States German Shepherds have long captured the hearts of many families for their ability to excel in many roles ranging from the family pet to working police dog. Once you decide to let a German Shepherd into your home and heart, the next step is finding a reputable breeder. Please check out our great resource on what to look for in a reputable breeder. Our guide of breeders is the key to finding the best German Shepherd puppies in Alabama. Each breeder will have a general description and information on any health guarantees they offer as well as what their adoptive families think of their dog and their experience. We have taken great care in putting this guide together, but you should always do your own research and talk with the breeder you are considering to be sure they are a good fit for you and offer the type of German Shepherd you are looking for. It is on this ranch where Lisa raises her German Shepherds alongside her cattle and horses to be superior working dogs. Ingram German Shepherd specializes in imported bloodline working dogs that closely follow the original version that began in Germany in the year .This is your go-to breeder if you are interested in a dog for protection because Lisa offers fully trained protection dogs as a part of her business. This breeder is proud to have a stud dog that is the winner of the Slovak National Championship of German Shepherds title. His name is Hugo, and he has the highest title a dog can have in tracking, obedience, and protection at the Shutzhund IGP3 level. Puppies from this breeder can be limited or full AKC registered, which is good for those who want to have breeding rights for their dog. Puppies receive age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming treatments while waiting to go to home with their new families as well as any other health care they may need. Ingram German Shepherds is held in high regard by its adoptive families. Lisa is praised again and again for her dedication to her dogs and the amazing customer service she gives her buyers. Dogs from this breeder receive the highest praise for their fantastic temperaments, intelligence, and natural protective instincts. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in Alabama? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Alabama cost? German Shepherd puppies for sale Alabama are priced differently according to a number of factors. Keep in mind that not all German Shepherds in Alabama are the same! Gender will affect price, as well as breeder or business expertise and location! Am I limited to local litters and breeders? Uptown Puppies offers you the opportunity to connect with breeders, businesses and companies that are out-of-state that have many German Shepherd pups on offer that they can get to you! How do you screen breeders? We have really strict requirements covering health, animal care, and legalities that they all have to pass. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? Uptown Puppies is really a cut above the rest! Innocent and loving families like yours often look for Alabama German Shepherd puppies for sale, and are tricked by Alabama German Shepherd breeders and businesses who advertise fake puppies online. We only deal with the best out there! What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are dark and dingy places that sell German Shepherd puppies for sale in Alabama that are not looked after in any way. Their health and nutrition needs fly out the window just so that their owners can make a quick buck off their lives. Their German Shepherd Alabama mothers simply rot away in small cages, forced to breed litter after litter, after litter.Uptown Puppies offers you a variety of German Shepherds Alabama, you just need to start your search, find the Alabama German Shepherds for sale that catches your eye, and connect with its breeder or business. The specific German Shepherd you desire will be yours! How does Uptown Puppies work? Uptown Puppies is really user friendly. Just search, click on your favorite German Shepherd for sale in Alabama and begin! How do I know I can trust you? Uptown Puppies is about connecting loving families with breeders and businesses of German Shepherds for sale in Alabama so that wonderful relationships are created for a lifetime. What is the history of German Shepherds? German Shepherds for sale Alabama originated in Germany as far back as .They were used to herd and guard sheep. The very first German Shepherd recorded in history was called Horand von Grafrath. Max von Stephanitz was the proud owner of Horand, and started breeding German Shepherds. Apparently these puppies were crossed with 4 different wolves. What kind of training is best for German Shepherds? The Alabama German Shepherd for sale is a very intelligent dog and loves all sorts of physical and mental challenges. Next comes leash training, house training, and training to obey special commands!
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Medium to large in size and full of life, the boxer Lab mix is an increasingly popular designer dog with active people and families with children. Developed by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever and a purebred boxer, this mix has a lot to offer to the right home. If you are looking for a devoted, outgoing, and smart canine companion, the boxerlab is a great choice! Energetic and playful, these dogs prefer an active lifestyle and need regular exercise to stay happy and thrive. A spacious home with a fenced backyard is ideal for this mix, but not a requirement. If you are an outdoorsy person and can keep your pooch exercised, the boxerlab will make a great apartment dweller. When left alone a lot, this mix is prone to separation anxiety and might become bored and destructive. Whether you are looking for a canine playmate for your kids or an exercise partner, the laboxer might just be the perfect dog for you! Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know about this adorable crossbreed. Boxer Lab Mix Dog Overview Size — 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder, weighs between 50 and pounds Coat — Short shiny coat, color varies Shedding — Moderate shedding Lifespan — 12 to 15 years Temperament — Energetic, eager to please, friendly, devoted Trainable — Very trainable, but might be stubborn at times Activity — Very active needs at least 30 minutes of exercise every day Best For — Active people, families with children, homes with outdoor space What Is A Boxador? The boxador dog is a crossbreed developed by mixing a purebred boxer and a purebred Labrador retriever. Although both parent breeds are officially recognized by the AKC, the boxer Lab mix has the status of a designer breed. Boxadors have several different names and are also known as laboxers, boxerlabs, and boxerdors. While some boxerlabs take more after one parent than the other, others are a perfect blend of both parent breeds. Generally speaking, most inherit a boxer-like frame but are sizably built like their Labrador retriever parents. Although their appearance is unpredictable, there are a few traits you can expect to see when it comes to size, coat, and color. Size Being a cross between a Labrador retriever and a boxer, boxerlabs tend to be medium to large size dogs. Most are between 23 and 25 inches high at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 50 to pounds when fully grown. And males tend to be larger than females. Color The Labrador retriever comes in three colors — yellow, chocolate , and black. On the other hand, the boxer also comes in three different colors — white, fawn, and brindle. Keeping this in mind, it comes as no surprise that the Lab boxer mix can come in many different coat colors. The most commonly seen colors in this mix are brown, black, brindle, and white. Coat While a Lab has a short, double water-resistant coat, the boxer is a short-haired breed with a smooth and silky single coat. Most laboxers inherit the short, silky, and smooth coat of their boxer parents; however, some can have a denser coat of a Labrador. Since your boxerlab will inherit character traits from both its parent breeds, you should meet both the Lab and the boxer parents. Since both boxers and Labrador retrievers are friendly, playful, loving, and devoted companions, chances are that their mix will be too. Although boxer Labs can act as either of their parent breeds, they are generally extremely playful and energetic. Depending on how much your mix takes after its boxer parent, they might act goofy and cheerful most of the time. Boxerlabs form strong bonds with their people and do best in large families that have the time and energy to interact and play with them several times during the day. People-oriented and loving, this mix craves companionship and tends to develop separation anxiety when left alone a lot. If they are forced to stay home alone while you are at work, boxerlabs can easily become bored and destructive. Activity Level As an offspring of two very energetic working breeds, the laboxer is a very active dog with high exercise needs. Being such an active and athletic dog, your mix will need at least 30 minutes of exercise every day in addition to two walks. Activities such as running, hiking, swimming, or agility are all great ways to keep your pooch exercised and in excellent shape. Since boxerlabs love to play, games such as fetch, flyball, Frisbee, hide and seek, and tug-of-war are ideal ways to interact with your pooch and keep them entertained and exercised at the same time. Having a securely fenced backyard can be a big bonus when owning this mix. This way, you can keep your laboxer exercised and in great shape without leaving the comforts of your home. This mix craves companionship and is happiest when involved in all family activities. But, besides love and affection, you should also pay attention to: Exercise As mentioned previously, the lab boxer mix needs at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity every day. In addition to two regular daily walks, you should take your dog for a run, hike, or swim to burn excess energy and stay in good shape. Fun-loving, playful, and goofy, this mix loves games and will enjoy having a variety of interactive dog toys that will stimulate their curious mind. Games such as fetch or hide and seek are also a form of exercise that will also keep your pooch entertained and mentally stimulated. Intellectual Stimulation In addition to being highly energetic, laboxers are also intelligent dogs that can easily become bored without mental stimulation. If left to their own devices without interactive toys, your mix will chew and rifle through your belongings just to have some fun. And when you are at home, interact and play with your pooch as much as you can to stave off boredom and encourage good behavior. Companionship True to their parent breeds, boxadors are outgoing, people-loving, and easy-going dogs that form strong bonds with their owners and families. Bred to be loving companions, laboxers are delighted when they are involved in all family activities and are best suited for large families. This mix craves affection and company and can easily develop separation anxiety and other behavioral problems if left at home alone a lot. Ideally, a boxador dog should live in a large family where they will have company at all times. Grooming Most boxerlabs have short glossy coats that are easy to keep clean and are a fairly low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Brushing your pooch once or twice a week is enough to remove loose hair and dander and keep their coat clean. In addition to regular brushing, you will also need to bathe your dog once every two months or as needed. Diet An ideal diet for a Lab boxer mix should be formulated for medium to large-sized breeds with high energy. Make sure the food you are feeding to your pooch is rich in protein and reinforced with all essential vitamins and minerals. Like their Labrador retriever parents, this mix has a tendency to gain weight easily and can become obese in no time. To prevent weight gain and all health problems associated with it, feed your dog two times a day and stick to a regular feeding schedule. Known Health Problems The boxerlab is considered a healthy breed, but they are predisposed to some of the same health problems that boxers and Labrador retrievers face. The most common health issues seen in this designer breed are: Hip and elbow dysplasia: Both boxers and Labrador retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so boxerlabs can develop it too. Allergies: Like people, dogs can develop food or environmental allergies. Itching is the most common symptom associated with allergies. However, some dogs also exhibit respiratory problems and might cough, sneeze, wheeze, or have a runny discharge from their eyes or nose. Hypothyroidism: This is a relatively common endocrine problem in dogs caused by an underactive thyroid gland. Dogs suffering from hypothyroidism usually experience symptoms of lethargy, weight gain, and changes to the skin and coat. Life Expectancy The Labrador boxer mix has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. But, when cared for properly and taken to regular veterinary check ups, this mix can live longer. Highly intelligent and eager to please, most laboxers are fairly easy to house train, and learn basic obedience. Boxerlabs, like all other dogs, react the best to positive reinforcement training techniques and reward-based training. The idea behind this approach is to reward good behavior using treats or praise and to ignore bad behavior. This type of training has been proven to give the best results and is highly effective even if you are dealing with an extremely willful dog. Besides training, laboxers can also benefit from early socialization and should be exposed to many different people, situations, sounds, and sights from a young age. Early socialization can help your laboxer puppy get used to other people and pets and grow into a friendly and well-rounded dog. Who Should Own A Boxador? Bred to be a loyal and devoted companion, the Lab boxer mix is best suited for active people and families with children. This friendly mix craves companionship and is best suited for large homes and families who can spend time and play with their dog every day. Buying A Boxer Lab Mix Puppy Spend some time researching reputable Lab boxer mix breeders before you decide to welcome a laboxer puppy into your home. Since this is a fairly new designer breed, be prepared to spend more time researching and tracking down a reputable breeder. Once you locate a breeder you like, schedule an appointment to meet the puppies and the mother and to inspect the facilities they are kept in. If by any chance the breeder refuses to show you the conditions the puppies are kept in, walk away and look for another breeder. A reputable breeder will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and will also be able to provide health certificates for both parents and all puppies. However, you may end up paying more, depending on the breeder, your location, lineage, and gender. History Of The Breeds Boxer Originating in Germany, the boxer is a medium to a large-size working dog breed that was used as a guard dog. Although they might seem intimidating, boxers are goofy and mischievous canines that make great family companions. Highly energetic, easy to groom, and loving, the boxer is a great choice if you are looking for a loyal family pet that can also double as a guard dog. Easy to train, friendly, gentle, and affectionate, Labs make great family pets and companions to people of all ages including children. Due to their amazing temperament and high trainability, Labrador retrievers are often used as service dogs for people with disabilities and make great guide dogs. Boxerlabs make amazing pets for active people or large families with children. This loyal, energetic, playful, and friendly mix forms strong bonds with its people and likes to be involved in all family activities. If you are active and have enough time to interact and play with your dog every day, the Lab boxer mix will be a great pet. Are Boxer Labs aggressive? However, they form strong bonds with their owners and are naturally suspicious of strangers. Therefore, early socialization is a must if you want your mix to grow into a friendly and well-behaved dog. Conclusion Medium to large in size and highly energetic, the boxer Lab mix is a fairly new designer breed on the block. Amiable and devoted to their people, this pooch forms strong bonds with its owners and prefers to be involved in all family activities. If so, tell us more about your pooch 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. Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats. Your vet can help you develop a care routine. Boxadors love to eat and will rapidly gain weight if they are allowed to free feed. Pick a high quality dog food and stick to a feeding schedule; two feedings per day could be ideal to keep this pooch happy. They also need an exercise schedule. A 30 minute hike, walk, or game of fetch, plus an hour of active running around a yard will help burn off pent up energy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Keeping them clean and dry is the best way to avoid doctor visits. If your dog develops a pungent aroma or is scratching their ears excessively, they may have an ear infection and will require a vet exam. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth a minimum of three times a week. Clean your dogs eyes as you would your own. You can use a cloth or your fingers to wipe away discharge or debris that collects in the corners. Boxador Feeding An ideal Boxador diet should be formulated for an active, medium- to large-sized breed. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The main colors of Boxadors are; black, brown, brindle, and white. Rarely solid, their coats typically have a blend of two or more colors. Luckily, their coats are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week will probably do. They may self groom and are considered a pretty clean dog. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any tail pulling or biting on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this pup by reading about their parent breeds, the Boxer and Labrador Retriever. Boxador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Boxadors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Boxer or Labrador Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Breed Profiles By Kate Brunotts 10 min read January 4, 4 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Looking for an exuberant best buddy? The Boxador — a cross between a boxer and Labrador retriever — is a marvelous mutt that has plenty to offer to his family members. What Is A Boxador? These canine companions are sure to love accompanying you on any adventure with a wagging tail following behind them. Most people love life with these enthusiastic and intelligent pups. The Beautiful, Bouncing Boxer These loyal, loving dogs are known for their playful personality and adorable looks. Boxers and most boxer mixes are athletic yet patient pups, who do well with all members of the family, big and small. In fact, boxers are some of the best dogs for babies in the world. Boxers want nothing more than to be around their family members and do well in active households where there is always something to keep them busy. Reaching about 65 to 80 pounds, these muscular pups need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Boxers are also known for holding onto a puppy-like spirit well into adulthood. While this is undoubtedly charming, boxer owners must be ready to put in the work with training. These pups tend to drool and snore quite a bit, though they do not shed heavily. Despite their few shortcomings, these canine clowns are sure to make you laugh and leave a pawprint on your heart. These friendly, outgoing dogs are well-loved due to their people-pleasing attitudes and playful spirits. Labrador retrievers and Lab-mixes usually make amazing companions so long as they get the exercise and mental stimulation they need to keep their tails wagging. These sweet dogs love spending time with their family members and — like boxers — do well with kids and other pets. Labs are medium sized dogs weighing between 55 to 80 pounds. Luckily, these adaptable dogs are fairly intelligent and an easy-to-train dog breed , so long as they earn a treat or two for their efforts. Labrador retrievers were originally developed to help fishermen, and they were also used as bird-hunting dogs tasked with retrieving waterfowl. With that in mind, here are some general guidelines of what you can expect from a Boxador. This outline can help you determine whether or not these designer dogs are the right fit for your family and lifestyle. Size and Shape: Boxadors are medium to large dogs usually weighing between 60 and 90 pounds. These dogs often have a boxer-like frame, but with more bulk like their Labrador retriever parents. Temperament: The energetic Boxador is always ready to play and enjoys spending as much time as he can with his family. These pooches are likely to act like permanent puppies and do well around kids as long as they are taught to understand hoe yo interact gently with little ones. The Boxador is a loyal, happy-go-lucky dog that is always ready for his next adventure. That being said, these dogs may need access to a coat throughout the colder months to keep themselves cozy while out on walks. The main coat colors of the Boxador are black, white, brindle, and brown. Occasionally, these pups have white markings along the snout and chest like their boxer parents. Intelligence: The Boxador is wickedly smart though you may not have guessed it based on his sometimes clown-like personality. With the right incentive, these dogs are sure to learn a whole range of tricks as they are eager to please their families. Training Challenges: Luckily, these pups should be fairly easy to train. That being said, these pups will shed and need a brush at least once a week. Your Boxador will love going on regular runs, hikes, or playing an engaging game of fetch or frisbee whenever he can. Ideally, Boxador homes have a large, fenced-in yard where these sweet pooches can get out some of their endless energy. Health: These pups are pretty healthy, especially for larger dogs, and they have an average canine lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, they are susceptible to health conditions shared by both parent breeds including hip dysplasia, cataracts, and diabetes. Here is a quick checklist to ensure these are the perfect pups for your family. You have a lively household. These sporty sweethearts want nothing more than to spend as much time as they can with their family members. These smart pups love staying mentally and physically engaged, so regular training sessions are a must. These pups are happy to curl up on the couch and offer lots of hugs and kisses, so long as they meet their exercise needs. You have enough time to entertain these active pups. Boxadors are not highly independent pups. These dogs thrive on action and will need owners who can fulfill that need with ample attention, exercise, and engaging activities like training sessions or using puzzle toys. These patient yet playful pups love spending time with children and adults. As long as their needs are met, these sweet pups are sure to make amazing canine companions. These dogs crave excitement and are happiest when they are with the people they love. The life-of-the-party Boxador needs an owner who understands that these intelligent, active, and social dogs need plenty of mental and physical stimulation on an everyday basis to feel their best. Tracking down a Boxador buddy can be difficult as it would be with any designer dog. That being said, you can always scour the internet for these furry friends. If you know any Boxador owners, you could ask them for their breeder or if they know of any upcoming litters. You could even message Boxador owners via social media for insight. Image from GreatDogSite. If you choose to adopt a Boxador from a rescue or shelter a great idea , make sure you spend adequate time getting to know your new furry buddy to get a sense of their personality. Similar Breeds and Breed Mixes to the Boxador Are you still deciding whether or not the Boxador is the best buddy of your dreams? Here are some other similar breeds and mutts to take into consideration. Dalmador: This Labrador retriever and Dalmation mix is known for his friendly, rambunctious personality. These spotted sweeties love spending time with other dogs, kids, and other family members though they can be protective around strangers. Briard: This ancient herding dog is loyal, hardworking, and fiercely intelligent. These confident canines are great with kids and staying active. Beagador: The comical beagador is a cross between a beagle and Labrador retriever. These playful pups are super sweet and intelligent, though they may have a stubborn streak that will require some patience. Golden Boxer: This boxer and golden retriever mix is sure to steal your heart with his adorable looks and eternal devotion to his family. These smart pups make excellent watch dogs and love spending time outdoors. These athletic dogs love to stay busy and need an owner who can provide firm and consistent training. The Catahoula leopard dog is fiercely loyal to his loved ones. Bullador: This Labrador and English bulldog mix creates an active, loving canine companion. The bullador loves meeting new people and playing whenever possible. Boweimar: The boweimar is a cross between a boxer and Weimaraner. These energetic, loving family dogs need plenty of exercise and attention to keep their tails wagging. These playful pups make amazing furry friends so long as their needs are properly met. Do you have one of these silly sweethearts at home? Does he show more of his boxer or Labrador retriever side? Like it? Share it! The boxador is an active dog who's affectionate and loyal to her entire family. As a mix of two highly intelligent breeds , she has earned a reputation for being easy to train and eager to join any family adventure. But she also comes from two high-energy breeds and needs to be kept busy. As a hybrid dog , the boxador can vary in size depending on which parent breed she takes after the most. She will likely stand about 2 feet tall and weigh between 50—80 pounds. At her best, every inch of the boxador is filled with exuberance and love. She will need an active owner who can match her endless stamina, and she will be happiest when kept close to her people. Appearance The boxador is perpetually ready to play. Her toned, muscular body is frequently in motion, often chasing a ball or trying to start a friendly game of tug-of-war. Even if she has the longer snout of the Labrador retriever, she will likely still have droopy jowls. Because of this, she might be prone to drooling —especially when she gets excited. Both of her parent breeds are large dogs , so your boxador will grow up into a big bundle of energy. The boxador is expressive with her eyes and ears, often looking at you with a longing glance and perked up ears to tell you she's ready to go for a long walk. If she takes after her boxer side, her coat will be short and won't shed much. However, because a Labrador's coat can range from short to medium in length, a boxador will likely experience seasonal shedding. The boxador can come in a mix of colors, with the dominant shades being fawn, brown, black, or brindle. And while it's not guaranteed, the boxador often has a white patch on her chest and a muzzle of black fur. This means the mixed breed is ideal for many on-the-go families, as long as you make sure you have time to play with your boxador every day. Bored dogs are not good dogs because they're going to chew on belongings. They need families that are going to be active and keep them busy. She gets along incredibly well with children and other dogs, especially if she is well-socialized as a puppy. Boxadors are motivated by praise and affection, so owners should train her using positive reinforcement training and give her plenty of attention when she does something correctly. She will be highly motivated to learn different games alongside you. Both parent dogs are known for their intelligence and ability to communicate exactly what they need with their owners. So pay attention when your boxador is whining or nudging you—that probably means she needs to go outside or just wants some more playtime. You need to get them all kinds of games and activities. Take them on a jog or play fetch, all of that good stuff. She's not going to want to entertain herself in a fenced-in yard ; she wants you to play with her. While she is a well-tempered dog, the boxador should not be left at home for hours alone. If left by herself, the boxador can be prone to make her own entertainment think: chewing decorative pillows or pulling over houseplants to keep herself entertained. Loretta Moraco, a director at Chelsea's Hope Boxer Rescue that works with boxers and boxer mixes in the Northeast, says many people don't understand the energy level these dogs bring to a household. By training your boxador that her crate is a safe, comfortable space, she will feel more secure there whenever her owners do need to leave her alone for a short period of time. Crate training can also limit undesirable behavior that can happen when boxadors get bored. The boxer side is mischievous and curious, and you don't want them eating something they shouldn't when left alone. As a general rule, boxador owners should be prepared for a dog that wants to run and play 99 percent of the time. While there are some exceptions, boxador owners need to be ready to take their new pet on long, daily walks. She is exceptionally friendly thanks to her Labrador side, and she will thrive when socializing with other humans and dogs. They need doggy daycare and activities and games outside. They're literally like a toddler for a really long time, that's the best I can describe it. Keep them busy, and don't let them get bored. It's a good idea to get her used to regular teeth brushing as a puppy because her boxer side can be prone to dental issues. If she has face folds particularly around her mouth , you'll want to keep them clean with regular bathing in order to avoid any bacteria buildup. Health A healthy boxador can live between 10—12 years, but they are likely to experience health issues in their lifetime. Owners should consider investing in pet insurance if they bring home a boxador because both breeds are prone to certain health conditions that can become expensive in their older years. A boxador's health largely depends on what genetics she inherits from her parents and grandparents. The Labrador side often experiences elbow and hip dysplasia , according to the Labrador Retriever Club. These issues can be addressed with joint supplements recommended by your veterinarian. They can also experience certain heart disorders, as well as a condition called exercise-induced collapse. The boxer parent's genes can make boxadors predisposed to cancers that often impact the brain, thyroid, or spleen, according to the American Boxer Club. They can also be at risk for hereditary heart diseases , including arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy or Aortic Stenosis. They could experience discomfort with her hindquarters later in life if they inherit the boxer's predisposition to degenerative myelopathy. The popularity of boxer hybrids including the boxer-Lab mix in recent years has actually been, in part, an effort to mitigate some of the more heartbreaking health conditions that impact the purebred dogs. They are great with kids, smart, and goofy. And a lot of people who love the boxer breed are now looking for a hybrid dog because they are hoping it eliminates some of the health issues. While many boxadors live long and healthy lives, being aware of the potential health issues is the best way to ensure she is kept comfortable and happy. History As a hybrid dog, the boxador's origin is murky. Mixed breeds are not registered by the American Kennel Club, so their history is undocumented unlike purebred dogs whose history goes back for centuries. The most likely explanation for the boxador is that breeders sought to combine the best traits of the two beloved, active breeds. Especially for owners who worry about the health issues surrounding the boxer breed, the Labrador retriever—as the nation's most popular dog—makes an optimal pairing to offset some of the boxer's health risks. While the boxador's history is largely speculation, she comes from very famous parents. The Labrador retriever originated in Canada as a loyal waterfowl dog before gaining a reputation as a loving family dog. The boxer is the product of breeders in Germany and Belgium who wanted a strong hunting dog. Eventually, the boxer became a farming dog who enjoyed spending time with her family. Because the boxador can be prone to certain health issues, it's especially important that potential owners get health records for the dog they are adopting. If you are bringing home a puppy from a boxador breeder, take steps to avoid a puppy mill scam by working with individuals who are transparent about health screenings and allow you to meet the puppy on-site so you can ensure she was raised in a good home. Fun Facts While the boxer-Labrador retriever mix is most commonly referred to as a boxador, the dogs can also be called a boxerlab or Laboxer. In , the Labrador retriever was named the most popular dog breed for the 30th year in a row. The same year, the boxer was named the 14th most popular dog breed in the United States. A rescued boxador named Wesson is the frequent star on the popular TikTok account willandwesson. Was this page helpful? Your Boxer mixed with a Lab will have very short hair that is very easy to groom and maintain. But if your dog has dominant Lab genes then expect a lot of shedding. Lab Boxer suffers from seasonal shedding, and its coat may be kept in check using regular grooming and the right kind of dog shampoo and grooming products. Since a Lab has black, chocolate or yellow coats and Boxers are either fawn or brindle with white markings; the mixed breed pup will be any of the two. A Brindle Boxer Lab dog is very common and these come with white patches. It contains lavender, sage, and mint plus many botanicals. It can treat hot spots; consequently, it is perfect for dogs that tend to over-groom. Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Dog Shampoo This dog shampoo comes with a soap-free formula using oatmeal, aloe and other natural ingredients. It is perfect for itchy and irritated skin. This dog needs regular bathing at least once every other week. Invest in a high-quality nail clipper. You may also take your dog to a groomer at least once a month. Therefore, you must have your puppy checked by a vet to rule out any health condition as soon as you take it home from a breeder or the shelter. The following are common health conditions of a Lab Boxer mix breed dog. We also warmly recommend these best dry dog food brands; but try to steer clear from the worst dry dog food that has high additive content. If you adopt a puppy, give them the healthiest possible start at life with the best puppy food brands and as they grow bigger and stronger, slowly switch them on adult food. Your pooch may even enjoy the taste of best dry dog food for small dogs, so keep an open mind, and offer them a serving of it to check. Old doggos should be fed with slightly different food, though. If you have a grandpa-dog at home, see how they like the best senior dry dog food. If your dog has allergies, then there are dog food varieties that are right for his needs. Food treats should be avoided especially when training your dog. Use positive reinforcement instead of giving food treats. The following dog food brands will work well with Boxer Lab mix breeds: Canine Formula Taste of the Wild This is considered one of the best dog foods in the market today. Wellness Complete Health Large Breed This is made with rich protein sources such as salmon meal, whitefish, and chicken. It comes with flaxseeds that contain high omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics to promote a healthy gut. It has a delicious flavor and smells that your Boxer Lab will love. Your dog will love this flavor and will be the best choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The Natural Grain-Free dog dry food is gluten-free and will never cause stomach upset. Never give the following human food. Do not feed the following Onion and chives. The Boxer Lab mix is playful, energetic, loyal and loving. Boxador puppies are known for being intelligent and enthusiastic dogs. But their spirited temperament is not right for every family setup. Watch these cute Boxer Lab mix puppies playing! The boxer lab mix, also known as the Boxador, is a hybrid of the Boxer and the Labrador Retriever breeds. Compared to its parent breeds, the Boxador mix itself is very new. But, its parents have long histories living and working alongside humans. Labs originated as working dogs, retrieving game for fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada. When they were first bred in 19th century Germany, Boxers were used as fighting dogs. Boxer Lab Mix Characteristics With cross breeds it is often hard to predict which parent a puppy will resemble. Boxers can weigh up to 80lbs and reach 25 inches tall. Labradors are similarly large. Boxador full grown tend to be between 23 and 25 inches tall and weigh up to 80lbs. Although females are smaller than males. Regardless of the mix of your genes your pup ends up with, your Boxer Lab Mix dog is likely to be a medium to large dog, active, loyal, easy to train and very fond of challenges — of both the physical and mental kind! Boxers are fawn or brindle. Often with white patches. Their offspring can be any mixture of these! The Boxador is usually brindle, and these dogs often have white markings. If you want a black Lab Boxer mix, your puppy will likely still have some white on them. Your best bet is to mix a black Lab with a dark Boxer. But, even a black Lab Boxer mix can have unpredictable coloring, despite the dominant genes for black fur. Do Boxer Lab Mixes Shed? When it comes to coat, the Boxer Lab mix usually takes after its Boxer parent. These pups typically have short, smooth hair that sheds very little and is easy to care for. However if your Boxador dog has more Labrador in its genes you might have to deal with some shedding. Thankfully this is usually seasonal and can be kept in check with regular grooming. Are Boxadors Hypoallergenic? The Boxer Lab mix might have a short coat, but it is likely to be a high shedder at least part of the time. They produce allergens in their dander and saliva, and are not suitable for dog allergy suffering owners. Boxador Temperament The Boxer Lab mix will fall somewhere between its parents. But, luckily, the Labrador and Boxer breeds have quite similar temperaments. Both Boxers and Labradors are very loving and loyal. They think nothing of climbing on their people for a cuddle, despite their large size! Both Boxers and Labradors are usually great with older children. They are considered gentle giants and will eagerly run after little ones. Although they have been known to accidentally bowl over smaller family members in their excitement. Labradors also love playing with canine companions, but Boxers are less reliable in this area. Poorly socialized Boxers can be prone to aggression towards strangers and other dogs. Boxers are instinctive guardians and proud to play the role of family protector. But you can reduce this through thorough socialization during the puppy stages and by meeting the Boxer parent and ensuring that they seem happy and confident around strangers. Even the most friendly breed, like the Labrador, will benefit. Finding them puppy friends to play with will encourage them to be calm and docile with other dogs when fully grown. Attending puppy classes is a great way to do this. But, make sure you also socialize them to unfamiliar people, children, cats, other animals, and more. This will ensure your Boxador dog is as friendly outside the home as he is inside. They require a lot of exercise and enjoy running around with the family or playing a game of fetch. This can result in unwanted behaviors like barking, digging, or chewing. But, be wary of a shorter snout in the Boxador. Boxers suffer from a conformity issue called brachycephaly, which can cause trouble breathing and overheating when exercising. Use positive reward techniques for best results. You could even take your mix to a puppy training class, or attend an online dog training class. Boxador Health and Care Genetic diversity is improved in a cross breed compared with the parent breeds and the coefficient of inbreeding COI is much lower. Put simply, the COI of any mating describes how closely related the parent dogs are. Higher COIs are associated with an increase in health problems. The risk of this happening is lower if the puppies parents are not closely related. There are however, some health issues that are not recessive and can be passed on from just one parent. And there are common ancestors in some of our dog breeds that mean some diseases are present in both breeds. For that reason it is still possible that a cross bred dog could inherit genetic health problems. Labrador Health Labradors are not without their issues. This breed can suffer from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. It can cause lameness and severe arthritic pain. Another issue to be aware of in Labs is eye disease. Retinal dysplasia was first noted in the breed in .Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a degenerative eye disease that is common in Labs. Only buy your puppy from a breeder who health tests the parents for all the potential problems their respective breeds could suffer from. Boxer Health A study found that Boxers are one of the most likely breeds to get cancer. According to Petplan, mast cell tumors are the 5th most common illness in Boxers. This breed is unfortunately also associated with heart disease. Aortic Stenosis is the most common major problem in the breed. The causes are not known but it is genetic and passed along certain bloodlines. ARVC affects males more than females and is most common in dogs older than .Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing and weight loss. Boxers can also suffer from Canine Degenerative Myelopathy. This is a neurodegenerative disease that can cause paralysis. Unfortunately more is not necessarily better and brachycephaly causes breathing difficulties and overheating It may be that being the Boxador rather than a purebred Boxer offers some protection against these diseases. It certainly reduces the skull shortening we see in brachycephalic breeds. This is a bit of a two edged coin because while the Boxer physique may benefit from a longer muzzle, the Labrador physique is unlikely to be improved with a shorter one. Reputable breeders will only breed from dogs that have been tested and cleared of these serious hereditary health problems. To give your pup a long and healthy life, make sure he gets plenty of exercise, a balanced diet and regular vet check-ups. Boxador Life Expectancy Labrador Retrievers have a lifespan of years. And, on average, Boxers live around years So in theory you can expect Boxer Labrador mix puppies to reach anywhere between 9 and 12 years old. In practice studies tend to find that crossbred dogs in general, live longer on average than most purebred dogs. But we currently have no evidence that this is the case for the Boxador in particular. Only you can decide if the Boxer Lab mix is the right fit for your home. These are large dogs with big hearts that will give as much as they take. Boxadors love being part of a family. They are great with children and enthusiastic playmates for families with school age children and up. But this cross breed needs lots of exercise. They are fiercely attached to their people and dislike being left for long periods of time. This is a dog that suits a family with an active lifestyle and lots of love to give. Boxer Lab Mix Rescue Adopting a shelter dog always comes with risk. But Boxadors in shelters need homes and rescuing puppies or older dogs can be very rewarding. Labrador and Boxer breed rescues also sometimes have crossbreeds available. Dogs from adoption centers are usually much cheaper than puppies. But, remember you may need to spend lots of time helping them work through behavioral issues from past experiences. Finding Your Boxador Puppy Never buy a dog from a puppy mill or pet store. Or from the back of a vehicle. Always visit the puppy in his own home in the presence of his mother, who should be relaxed, healthy and friendly. Sadly with any very fashionable breed, or breed mix, there are many out there who are just looking to make a quick buck. Socialize your Boxador very thoroughly, exposing him to all kinds of fun experiences and making sure that he meets many different types of people, places, machinery etc. Given Boxadors intelligent nature and working history, get started on training your dog right away. Boxador Breeders It can be challenging to find a responsible breeder of cross breeds as there is currently quite a stigma against mixed breeding in the dog world. You must ask to see those certificates — they are very important. The parent dogs must have been screened for any genetic diseases and the breeder should be very forthcoming with any questions. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxador is a designer mixed dog breed that is a cross between a Boxer and a Labrador Retriever. They are sometimes also called a Boxer Lab Mix, although Boxador tends to be a more popular term. Because this is not an established purebred dog, the Boxador is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they are still recognized by other official organizations. With mixed breed puppies, you can get any combination of the physical characteristics and character traits of the parent breeds. A Boxador puppy could take completely after their Boxer parent or their Lab parent or could be some combination of both. In general, Boxadors tend to be intelligent, friendly, energetic, and loving. Overall, these dogs tend to make a great addition to a family. Both the Boxer and the Labrador are known for their happy-go-lucky, friendly temperament. They also have a playful spirit and are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. In general, the Boxador tends to have a similar temperament. Playtime with small children should be supervised as these dogs will grow into large, energetic dogs and small children can be knocked over by their excitedly wagging tails and energetic play. They tend to be loyal, friendly, and playful and love spending time with their families. Due to the hunting instinct in the parent breeds, a Boxador may have a high prey drive and enjoy chasing things. Boxadors tend to be highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be a better fit for larger homes with a fenced-in backyard where they can run. However, as long as they receive plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well to apartment living. As with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat and can be sensitive to cold. But, overall, this dog breed does well in just about any climate. They love to be around their families and have a high energy level, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Mixed dog breeds can inherit some, all, or none of the potential health issues present in their parent breeds. When it comes to the Boxador, they are a relatively healthy breed. Some of the potential health conditions to be aware of include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cataracts, and heart conditions. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parent breeds and to see any relevant health clearances can help allay potential concerns about health you may have. Both the Boxer and the Lab are highly intelligent dog breeds that are eager to please their owners, which makes them both highly trainable. You can expect your Boxador to be highly trainable as well. These dogs respond well to positive training techniques and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Although it tends not to be necessary with this breed, enrolling in puppy training and obedience classes is an added bonus and can offer some extra opportunities for socialization. Boxadors usually have a short and dense coat. They will shed moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as the seasons change. Generally, brushing their coat a few times a week is sufficient. This will help keep your dog more comfortable and will keep some of the loose fur contained to the brush instead of all of around your house. In terms of bathing, these dogs only require the occasional bath or more often as needed if they have gotten dirty or have been swimming. Dental care for dogs is especially important. Both of the parent breeds of this designer dog breed are high-energy, so you should expect your Boxador to have a high energy level as well. In addition to regular daily walks and playtime, your Boxador may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, going hiking with you, and taking trips to the dog park. They also are a good fit for several canine sports like dock diving, agility, and more. Their joints are still developing before this age and can be damaged by strenuous exercise. A fully-grown Boxador will usually stand 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 80 pounds. A Boxador generally lives 10 to 14 years. Boxador Puppies for Sale.
They also love to play rough and follow their human parents everywhere. These enthusiastic pups easily exert themselves and often end up limping the next day because of it. Unfortunately, other, more severe conditions could also cause your French Bulldog to limp on his back legs. Today, we look at common causes of French Bulldogs limping in their back legs, from the mundane to the severe. Sprains Like most dogs, Frenchies sometimes play a bit rough. Hence, they sometimes overdo the roughhousing a bit. They could even pull a tendon or ligament when they overdo the jumping and running. Usually, this type of injury clears up in a few days. All your pup needs is some rest, a good dose of TLC, and possibly some painkillers. If you notice a sudden limp in your pup, and you know that he played quite rough the previous day, let him rest for a day or two. Change your plans if needed, to help him relax and not run around so much in that time. Giving your pup ample time to recuperate will help him recover fully and prevent further injuries. We all know that compounded injuries are typically more severe and could cause serious harm. You know, that spot in the park that has thorns or sharp twigs. Or maybe they were unlucky and found that one piece of glass on the pavement. All these could cause cuts and bruises on their tiny paws, making them limp. After all, these could be pretty painful injuries. Another related cause is broken toenails. Toenails could even break and split into the nerve endings, which is excruciating. All of these are somewhat painful, or, at the very least, uncomfortable. So, if you see your pup limping, check his trotters for scabs, bruises, or bleeding. Also, check for splinters, thorns, or other foreign objects stuck in between the cushions. They know their stuff and will pick up any related issues. Behavioral Changes If something serious is wrong, you might notice that your beloved Frenchie is suddenly lethargic, instead of his boisterous self. He might also have a decreased appetite or downright refuse his favorite treats. These in themselves are enough to prompt to call the vet. If this goes along with visible signs of swelling or limping, you should definitely have him checked out ASAP. It generally points to more severe conditions. We cover these in the next few sections. Hip Dysplasia Unfortunately, hip dysplasia is incredibly common in French Bulldogs. This condition is harrowing, and treatment typically involves surgery. Here, the entire hip must be replaced, which is horrible for both you and your fur kid. In both cases, recovery could take months due to the surgical procedures involved. Many dogs make a full recovery and enjoy a healthy, active life afterward. Dislocated Kneecap Dislocated kneecaps are another common injury for Frenchies. Shame, can these guys not get a break? Luckily, they usually make a full recovery. Bone Cancer Lucky for us, Frenchies are less prone to developing bone cancer than their large-breed counterparts. If your Chester does have bone cancer, the vet will diagnose it with a blood test. Arthritis As our pups get older, they develop all sorts of aches and pains, just like their human parents. Arthritis is common in most older dogs, and Frenchies are no exception. If your pup develops arthritis, you can make some lifestyle changes, help him along with pain medication and anti-inflammatories, and generally shower him in love and care to help him cope. Lyme Disease Yup, it affects dogs too, not just humans. This means that your pooch will only start limping way down the line. Luckily, Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics — just ask your vet. Valley Fever Valley fever is specific to the US and affects dogs of all ages and sizes. This one causes your pup to limp. Neurological Disorders Due to their genetic make-up, French Bulldogs are prone to spinal injuries. These could cause your pup to limp, or even develop lameness in their back legs. There are medical interventions that your vet could recommend, depending on the scope of the problem. Treatment is likely to take lots of time and surgery, so brace yourself for a long journey and the possibility that your pup might not recover fully. Degenerative Myelopathy A spinal nerve disease, degenerative myelopathy, causes lameness in the back legs over time. You could even see the muscles in their hind legs waste away as they become progressively weaker. Unfortunately, this is a common issue in Frenchies, especially those bred to have extremely short tails. Some lifestyle changes to accommodate your ailing pooch will make it easier for him to get on and off the couch or up and down the stairs. Your Milo will also need a very comfy bed and regular grooming. If he lies in bed for too long, he might develop bedsores, so grooming serves a dual purpose: it forces him out of bed. It also offers you the opportunity to inspect his body for sores. Another bonus is bonding time with your pup — Frenchies are social creatures, so they love being touched and cuddled. Management of degenerative myelopathy includes using kinesiology tape since this could restore some feeling and blood circulation to the affected regions. If your pup is in bad shape, a wheelchair might help him get around more easily. In Closing Frenchies are adorable and super busy, often leading to them overdoing the roughhousing. The rough play could cause your Frenchie to limp to the next day, but this usually clears up quickly. Unfortunately, Frenchies are genetically prone to severe medical conditions that could cause limping and even lameness in their back legs. It could indicate a severe condition, such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, or a neurological disorder. By Mac Daniels French Bulldogs are special dogs in so many ways, and unfortunately, not all of these are good things. One of the many ways they are different is that they are more prone to more health issues than most other dogs. An issue that is quite common with Frenchies and will happen at least once in the lifetime of most French Bulldogs is limping. Your French Bulldog limping is something worth your attention but should not make you panic. So, why is my French Bulldog Limping? Your French Bulldog is limping due to over-exertion, injuries, strain, or insect bites most probably, and other less-common causes for French Bulldog limping include hip or elbow dysplasia, broken or damaged claws, paws, or bones arthritis, Lyme disease, or bone cancer. Frenchies are not very athletic and even just 20 minutes of exercise can get them exhausted and cause their legs to start acting out and limp. The same can happen to Frenchies with overly long or in-grown claws. Strain Injuries: Although Frenchies are not particularly athletic, they love to play and sometimes they play a little too roughly, which can lead to leg injuries including ligament strains and tendon damage. Insect Stings: Insect stings on the paws or legs can be painful and can cause your Frenchie to start limping. If you see your dog chewing or licking their legs, this could probably be due to a sting. Wounds: Your Frenchie could also be limping because of a wound. Unfortunately, these ones are more serious and only your vet will be able to diagnose and pinpoint which cause is it. Torn ligaments: ligament damage may occur after your Frenchie gets their legs or paws twisted, and it can be very painful. Arhritis: Your Frenchie will get more prone to arthritis as they get older. If your dog gets arthritis, it will start off slowly and gradually as the inflammation of the legs and joints takes some time to spread. If you notice the limping starting lightly but getting more and more noticeable, it could be arthritis. Fractures, breaks, or dislocations: Frenchies tend to fall over more easily than most dogs, and if the fall is serious, such as from a high distance, on a solid ground, or down the stairs, they can dislocate, fracture, or even break a part of their leg. Lyme disease: Lyme disease is tricky in dogs as the limping never show right away, but instead shows months after being infected. Thankfully, your vet can diagnose it and treat it with antibiotics. Dislocated Kneecaps: Also called Luxating Patella, this is a common injury in French Bulldogs that can lead to limping. It requires surgery to be treated and it takes about two months after the surgery for your French Bulldog to start walking again. Valley Fever: Valley fever is a fungal disease that can make your Frenchie limp. You can learn about how dangerous stairs are on French Bulldogs here and how to train them to climb up and down stairs more safely and easily here. Why is Your French Bulldog limping on the front leg? Whilst most of the reasons listed above for the limping in the back legs can also be the cause for the limping on the front legs, there are a couple of conditions that are isolated to the front legs or paws. The most common are: Elbow dyplasia: Elbow dysplasia is common in French Bulldogs. Your Frenchie will experience a lot of pain and swelling when this happens. What to do when your French Bulldog is limping? The next step to treating the limp is to actually find out what is causing it, right? Inspect them Once your Frenchie settles down and sits down or lays somewhere, go and inspect them as long as they allow it. Check for what? Basically, anything that may cause them pain, here are some examples: Rash. Pin1 1 Shares Frenchies are a resilient breed, but they are prone to various health issues , some of which can result in limping on the back leg or front paws and lameness. The majority of the time a limp will often be the result of a soft tissue injury such as a sprain in the leg tendon or joint. In most cases these will clear up in a few days and can be helped with pain killers. However, there are other times when a Frenchie limping can be due to something more serious. In this guide I am going to explain the various causes of limping with some short advice on each one. It goes without saying that you should always consult with your vet should your French Bulldog suddenly start limping and you have any concerns. Why is my French Bulldog limping? The most common reason why your French Bulldog started limping is due to a muscle strain, ligament or tendon damage, and a soft tissue injury. Typically, these injuries will occur after running or jumping where you will see the limping starting suddenly. In most cases this can be fixed in just a few days, with many vets prescribing a special dog pain killer which is very similar to aspirin. However, you should always run a few checks first. Vets advise that you: Check for broken toe and claw nails. Check there is no visible bleeding or cuts on the paw. Check for any splinters or foreign objects in the paw. Check to see if your Frenchie is lethargic and not eating. Check for any visible signs of swelling. When you call your vet, make a note of what you see. When you should call a vet If you cannot see any visible and obvious sign why your French Bulldog is limping, for example a splinter, then I would always consult with a vet. If your French Bulldog who woke up limping or shows no sign of getting better, it could be the sign of something more serious. Here are just some of the reasons why your French Bulldog has a limping back leg or limping with their front paws. Your Frenchie might start limping after laying down or just waking up. French bulldog limping back leg: common causes These are the most common causes as described by our own vet. You can continue scrolling for more serious causes of Frenchie lameness. Strain injury: Frenchies love to play, but this can often lead to leg injuries. It can include ligament strains and tendon damage that will often be resolved with pain killers and rest. You should also check for any foreign objects that could have got stuck in the paw. Broken and damaged claws: claws can get torn and split. If the tears is near to the nerve ending it can be very painful leading to a limp. Over-exertion: the limping could be as simple as your Frenchie has overdone things. French bulldog limping back leg: more serious conditions Hopefully the limping back or front legs will right themselves and can be easily diagnosed. However, there are more serious conditions which only your vet will be able to diagnose. Breaks, fractures, and dislocations: Frenchies are busy dogs but due to their genetic make-up can easily dislocate parts of their leg. Torn ligaments: ligament damage will occur after your dog twists and jumps. It can be very painful but can be treated easily by a vet. Hip or elbow dysplasia: both of these are very common in French Bulldogs due to their genetic make-up. Hip dysplasia affects the rear legs, and elbow dysplasia the front legs and paws. It occurs on the back legs and you might see your Frenchie skipping or limping in pain. Inflammatory disease: also known as panosteitis this is common in puppies and results in inflammation on the long bones of the legs. It can cause a shifting lameness, where you see your Frenchie shift weight to limp on either leg. Bone cancer: dog bone cancer is more common in larger dog breeds but can also happen to Frenchies. It can be diagnosed with a blood test. It can be treated with surgery, and your dog could be back walking 2 months post-ACL surgery. Arthritis: most common in older French Bulldogs, limping will start off gradually and is an inflammation of the leg joints. The pain can be reduced with medicine and therapy. It can be treated with antibiotics. Valley fever: this is a fungal disease found in the United States and can either make a French Bulldog puppy limp, or an older dog. It is not age specific at all. Neurological disorders: this will often occur after damage to the spine where a disc will touch against the nerves, leading to potential lameness in your Frenchie. French Bulldog limping on front leg or paws Whilst most of the above causes of Frenchie lameness and limping can affect both the front and back legs, there are certain conditions which are isolated to the rear or front. The most common would be elbow dysplasia front legs or hip dysplasia rear legs. Elbow dysplasia front leg limping : elbow dysplasia is very common in French Bulldogs and is caused by abnormalities in the elbow joints on the front legs. It occurs when cartilage fuses to bone resulting in an out of line elbow joint. Your Frenchie will experience a lot of pain and swelling. It explains what it is, how to treat it, and when to contact your vet. How vets diagnose lameness and limping The first thing a vet will do is check your Frenchie over. Having been to the vets twice in the last two years with Claude having a limp, the vet will first do a manual check. The vet will: Extend the legs to check for discomfort. Massage and manipulating the leg areas to check for swelling. Lightly push down the back to see if the Frenchie resists. One of the more common issues can be them developing limping on the back leg or front paws or showing signs of what could be lameness. Some limping happens after sleeping and it will gradually wear off. It most commonly is going to be attributed to a soft tissue injury or bone jar. These will often clear up inside of week when combined with vet-prescribed pain killers. Because there will be times when a French Bulldog limping is something far more serious than just a strain. No matter what the situation, you should always call your own vet for professional advice if your French Bulldog suddenly starts limping. I am not a vet, but I do own a Frenchie so have been through all of this on a couple of occasions. Why is my French Bulldog limping? The most common reasons why your French Bulldog has started limping will be strains to a tendon, ligament, or muscle — this is the soft tissue injury I referred to earlier and will happen after your French Bulldog has been exerting himself; the limping will start suddenly afterwards. Given time to recuperate, rest, and trying to stop them from jumping and running, your French Bulldog should be better in just a few days. That means no walkies or indoor play! Check there is no visible bleeding or cuts on the paw. Check for any splinters or foreign objects in the paw. Check to see if your French Bulldog is lethargic and not eating. Check for any visible signs of swelling. When you call your vet, make a note of what you see, if anything. This is particular important if your French Bulldog wakes up from sleeping with a limp and shows no sign of the limp going inside of 30 minutes. Your French Bulldog might start limping after sleeping, laying down and just waking up. French Bulldog limping back leg: common causes From my own research and talking to a vet friend of mine, here are the most common causes of limping. Keep scrolling down for the more serious French Bulldog lameness symptoms. Over-exertion: Your French Bulldog could be limping after some particularly excessive exercise. French Bulldogs get worn out very easily and will be exhausted after heavy exercise of just a few minutes. The limping could be due to utter exhaustion so give them water and time to recover. Injured claws: Your French Bulldog might have broken a claw. This injury can be extremely painful, especially if the tear in the claw gets to the nerve ending. Wound to the paw or insect sting: Your French Bulldog might have a splinter in his paw making him limp. It could be an open wound, a stone, chewing gum, or even a insect bite or sting so do a thorough check. Strain or muscle injury: Your French Bulldog might have strained a leg, joint, or muscle whilst playing or even just going about his day to day business. But there are more serious health conditions that limping legs are attributed to. Breaks, fractures, and dislocations: French Bulldogs are prone to leg injuries due to their genetics and can easily hurt themselves when active. Torn ligaments: Ligament damage will occur after your French Bulldog twists and jumps. It can be very painful but can be treated easily by a vet. Hip or elbow dysplasia: French Bulldogs are prone to these health conditions, being common with brachycephalic breeds. The hip dysplasia can occur in their back leg with elbow dysplasia in the front legs and paws. Luxating patella: This is the medical for a kneecap dislocation. It occurs on the back legs and you will notice your French Bulldog skipping or limping in pain. Inflammatory disease: Also known as panosteitis, French Bulldog puppies will often have this inflammation on their leg bones. You might see your French Bulldog shifting from leg to leg to balance the weight with this lameness condition. Your vet can check for it with a simple blood test. It can be fixed with an operation surgery, and your French Bulldog might even be back and walking inside of 60 days. Arthritis: This condition is most common in older French Bulldogs, where limping is a gradual thing as the joints become more swollen over time. Vets can prescribe therapy and medication for the pain. It can be treated with antibiotics. Valley fever: This is a fungal disease found in the United States and can either make a French Bulldog puppy limp, or an older dog. It is not related to how old your dog is. Neurological disorders: This will often occur after damage to the spine where a disc will touch against the nerves, leading to potential lameness in your French Bulldog. French Bulldog limping on front leg or paws Many of the reasons I have already listed for French Bulldog lameness and limping will happen with the back and front legs. But there are some conditions which will only cause limps to one of the other. For example; elbow dysplasia front legs or hip dysplasia rear legs. Elbow dysplasia front leg limping : This is very common in French Bulldogs and happens due to bone abnormalities in the elbow joints on the front legs. It happens due to cartilage fusing to the bone resulting in an elbow joint being pushed out of place. It will be very painful to your French Bulldog, with obvious swelling. It explains what it is, how to treat it, and when to contact your vet. How vets diagnose lameness and limping Once you have booked an appointment in with your vet, they will do a manual check of your French Bulldog using just their hands. They will press and pull to see what the cause could be. The check will go something like this: Examine the paws for obvious signs of injury. Pull the legs stretched out to check for a reaction. Do gentle massage on all four legs. Lightly apply pressure to the spine to see if the French Bulldog puts up resistance. Cut or wound to part of the leg Burn i. If your dog shows any outward signs of pain, discomfort, restlessness, or swelling, he should be taken to a veterinarian. Sometimes, however, a dog will show pain and it is up to the pet parent to know the signs and symptoms. Never wait when it comes to helping a dog in dire need of medical care. Any sort of sudden movement caused her pain, which she displayed by squealing aloud. Here are a few ways to move a dog with a front leg injury or pain: Blanket Stretcher Use a blanket as a makeshift sling: If you have another person to help, this is the method that I used and recommend. Position your dog on the blanket so his entire body is supported lengthwise. Stand on opposite sides of the blanket with the dog in the middle. Prevent the dog from moving or bending as much as you can, With one person on each side of the blanket, lift the corners and pull the blanket away from one another so it is taut and supportive for the dog. If you have a harder surface, use a stretcher, but if not a blanket comes in handy. If you are alone, you may have to drag the dog on the blanket gently as far as you can. Do not drag a dog down steps. It talks about spinal injuries, but the techniques are good for front leg issues, too: Carry The Dog In Your Arms If you are able to lift the dog to get him into your arms and then a vehicle, use this method. Use A Pet Carrier If your dog can be transported in a kennel, he is likely a smaller breed. A pet carrier can be used to move the dog, but ensure a blanket or soft material is placed inside the kennel first. Canine Shoulder Injuries Dogs have shoulder blades just as humans do, but they are not connected to the skeleton. How amazing is that?! The shoulder joint is called a ball and socket joint. In a dog with four legs, the shoulder joint is composed of the scapula shoulder blade bones and the humerus, or the upper bone of the front leg. Now think of all the ligaments and tendons that connect all the different parts in that shoulder joint and the shoulder as a whole. Ligaments connect bone to bone. BLB bone-ligament-bone. Tendons connect muscle to bone. Ligament and tendon injuries can happen in the front legs of a dog. Shoulder injuries can cause a dog to exhibit front leg limping or lameness, as in our situation. Dexter sustained soft tissue damage to the shoulder and neck area. Any number of activities can cause a shoulder injury in a dog, from jumping to overuse, running to swimming. If you have a chubby pooch, those extra pounds can also make him more prone to injury. For us, the dog was startled awake, jumped up, and had an awkward landing. See that scapula area and its relationship to the front legs? Dogs with a shoulder issue will often be hesitant to put pressure on one or both front legs. Sometimes, the symptoms are intermittent. The area can also swell and his neck range of motion may be limited. Only once the emergency veterinarian pointed it out did we notice our dog was not fond of moving his neck a certain way to look at us. Ah, the dreaded shoulder injury. There are a whole host of other shoulder injuries that can cause front paw limping. Biceps brachii tenosynovitis is often seen in older and athletic dogs. The biceps brachii muscle and its tendons get inflamed. In supraspinatus tendinopathy, the tendon in this muscle tears. It sounds painful because it is. Your vet may talk about calcium deposits in this area. Finally, the infraspinatus muscle is common in athletic dogs. Think about a dog who goes from zero to mach speed without warning. This injury is more disabling than it is painful. When the muscles that support the shoulder bones are overused or injured, you may see front leg limping in your dog. He was given pain medication, Tramadol, and a muscle spasm medication, methocarbamol. By the end of the first day, he was putting pressure on his leg. By day two, he showed more improvement, and this is when I decided to try a pet-friendly CBD oil. Since quality hemp oil is a strong anti-inflammatory, I went that route. I kid you not: by day three, Dexter was no longer limping. A proper diagnosis from a veterinarian is crucial followed by rest and meds as required. The little whimper sounds are normal for Dexter — he is vocal on our walks since puppyhood. Lyme Disease and Leg Lameness Does this one surprise you? The limp can change from one leg to another and dog parents are often floored when a diagnosis of Lyme disease is made. Dogs that develop Lyme disease will do so between one and five months after being bit by the infected tick. The lameness or limping is usually sudden and long after the bite, which is why it is often not associated with the tick. You may not even know a tick infected your dog, which is what happened to us. Here are some signs of Lyme disease in a dog: Limping or lameness, sometimes changing from leg to leg Warmth of the leg joints Pain in the leg joints when the vet examines your dog Pain or reluctance to rise from a laying or seated position Stiff gait.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You need the best exercise for German Shepherd puppies to keep them healthy, fit, and, more importantly… Out of mischief! Quite the opposite is true for your fast-growing breed! German Shepherd puppies should stick to only five minutes of continuous, on-leash leisurely walking at a time, based on their age in months. So, an 8-week-old puppy can walk for 10 minutes at a time on a leash, while a 6-month-old can walk on a leash for 30 minutes at a time. However, your puppy can enjoy low-impact, gentle exercises for longer periods of time. You can play games that work on sustained growth multiple times per day safely. Instead, exercise on soft surfaces, for example: Grass Sand Dirt paths or trails Stretching of soft ligaments at too early an age, strains on young, growing joints, and carrying too much weight on their overall framework can and will harm your young puppy. This leads to problems in adulthood, which you could avoid! Remember to watch for: Panting heavily with rapid breath Lagging on their walks for longer than usual Stopping on walks and standing Lying down on their belly or side If your dog is hyperactive and displays excessive chewing and destructive behavior, they may need engaging brain stimulation to help them use their brains to engage in their environments constructively. Ideally, you also need to teach them basic commands and house manners. Start now with basic obedience training to avoid later behavioral issues. Eventually, your active, adult GSD will need at least 2 walks of 45 minutes each source. Other great ways to exercise your German Shepherd puppy include working on their balance, enjoying mental stimulation, and playing gently with toys they love. Until your vet clears your dog as having their bones fully fused this is around 12 to 18 months of age , activity should be cautious and slow-paced. Up to twelve months of age, natural free running is the best way to exercise German Shepherds. With free running, your dog is off-leash and can stop or slow as they wish. Limit and monitor on-leash walks and activity while your German Shepherd is growing. When walking on a leash, allow them to Walk at their own pace Stop and start as they please Sniff around leisurely to explore the grass, flowers, and trees Lay down, roll around, and dig in approved digging places Use a no-pull harness with a design that allows for natural shoulder movement to avoid unnatural gait development. Try this padded no-pull harness on your German Shepherd to avoid any neck injuries to her while she is young. This design also limits pulling and helps teach nice leash walking manners. The handle on the back of the no-pull harness makes it easy to grab your pup to stop them from running into a hazard or just to catch them! Read more helpful information on the benefits and disadvantages of using a harness or a collar to help you choose the right equipment for walking your new puppy. There are plenty of other ideas to try with your new baby German Shepherd. Even better? You can find so many ways to learn what your new German Shepherd puppy likes to play with for their fun and games! Keep reading for a German Shepherd puppy exercise chart and specific, step-by-step fun games to keep your new pup happy and healthy. Exercising puppies heavily too early in life may lead to joint damage. This is especially likely in large breeds with rapidly growing and heavily loaded joints, such as your GSD. High-Impact Activity to Avoid Jumping, especially from couches, furniture, or cars Twisting such as chasing a toy that wildly moves in many directions Exercising over hard or uneven ground especially sidewalks and asphalt Keep exercise short and frequent, as this is more beneficial than long, infrequent periods of activity. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? Making sure your German Shepherd gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is really important for keeping them healthy and happy. Regular exercise can not only keep them in good shape, but it can also help improve their behaviour and well-being. How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? German Shepherds are highly active dogs , originally bred for working and guarding flocks of sheep, and more recently used by military and police forces. All this means that German Shepherds are among the most high-energy dogs out there. Of course, their exercise needs can vary based on a number of factors including age, fitness level, general health, food intake and more. That said, most German Shepherds usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing. To get an exercise goal tailored to your dog, simply download the free PitPat app and enter their details. How much exercise does a German Shepherd puppy need? This is especially true for this breed since they are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia. As a rule of thumb, puppies will need five minutes of formal exercise such as walkies for every month of their age. These walks should be opportunities to explore their environment, work on training and good behaviour outdoors, and socialise with other people and dogs in a controlled manner. How much exercise does a senior German Shepherd need? You can also set your own goals manually in case they have higher or lower exercise needs. What types of exercise are best for German Shepherds? German Shepherds excel at all sorts of exercise and canine sports thanks to their working background. In addition to their daily walks, you could try:. Sep 06, Puppies need exercise to develop healthy bones, muscles and hearts. Exercise goes a long way to help curb anxiety and behavior issues related to boredom. But you may have heard that too much exercise can be harmful. How much exercise is necessary, how much is too much, and what kinds of exercise should you be doing? As a general rule, your puppy knows best. Normal puppy play is okay, and you should never feel as though you should stop your puppy from playing on its own accord. Short walks are also okay, as long as your idea of a short walk isn't 3 miles every morning! Short games of fetch and tug are also okay. Fetch is especially hard on the body because most dogs rapidly accelerate to go after the ball and rapidly decelerate once they get to it, so good throws is plenty in conjunction with other acceptable exercises. Tug is also hard on the body, so minutes is plenty in conjunction with other acceptable exercises as well. Swimming is a great, low-impact exercise. Just make sure your puppy doesn't ingest too much water while swimming. It's also recommended that you not play fetch in the water because dogs can accidentally ingest a lot of water when retrieving toys thrown into bodies of water. Examples of exercises that are too rigorous for puppies are long hikes, running steps, long games of fetch, long walks, running, jogging, weight pull and pulling carts of any kind, wearing vests with anything over a few ounces in it for anything other than a short stroll, flyball, and inappropriate amounts of agility training. All of these things are stressful on soft, growing bones and joints and can result in hip and elbow dysplasia and musculoskeletal deformities, diseases and injuries. As a rule of thumb, don't exceed 5 minutes for each month of the puppy's age of acceptable exercise no more than twice a day. For instance, 15 minutes of exercise twice a day is ideal for a 3-month-old puppy, while 20 minutes twice a day is ideal for a 4-month-old puppy. As a general rule, you can start building up puppies to adult levels of exercise once they turn 9 months of age if they're not expected to grow over 25lbs. By a year they can be exercised as an adult as long as you properly build up their stamina. For medium and large breeds, you can begin to build them up to adult levels of exercise by 15 months and it's safe to exercise them as adults once they turn 18 months old. German Shepherd dogs will naturally travel in a cantering-lope rather than a slow walk. That means that it is imperative that you train your puppy early on how to walk on a leash by your side without pulling. German Shepherds are a powerful breed and are capable of dragging handlers who aren't strong enough to hold them back. Eliminate the possibility of a physical tug of war by relying on solid training instead. Remember, exercise is also great for keeping hip and elbow joints stabilized in German Shepherd Dogs. Many large breeds are known to suffer from hip and elbow problems later in life, but dysplasia seems to unfairly target the German Shepherd. Regular exercise can help to build muscle around joints to protect them. The more muscle, the less stress on the joint. Make sure you keep your puppies lean, well hydrated, and wait an hour or two after your puppy eats before exercise. If you stick by these rules, you lessen the chances of hip and elbow dysplasia, panosteitis, strains, sprains, ligament injuries, bloat, obesity, heart disease and arthritis. Also keep the temperature in mind and watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Stop exercise if your puppy no longer wants to play or stops to rest and everything should be fine. To start running, hiking, or any other intense workout, you should wait until your dog is fully grown. Before reaching adulthood, his bones, joints, and muscles are still in development, so they are fragile. As large dogs, they can take from 24 to 36 months 2 to 3 years to be fully grown and ready for adventures! As your dog ages, his energy will slowly start decreasing. At an elderly stage, your GSD will be more prone to joint issues and injuries. Just as puppies, old dogs are too fragile for high-impact sports. Around 1 hour of low-impact activity with some mental stimulation should be enough to keep them healthy and happy. Even if German Shepherds are generally healthy, they can still be prone to several medical or physical restrictions. At the same time, you can ask him for personalized advice to exercise your dog properly. Talking to an expert is always the best way to have accurate answers to your questions. They are also helpful to determine how much exercise he needs. Weight problems, joint issues, lack of stamina, and many other aspects can influence his requirements. Energy Level. German Shepherds are definitely among the most energetic working breeds, but some are more hyper than others. If you want to prevent your GSD from boredom and keep him healthy, your ultimate goal is to spend all of his pent-up energy at the end of the day. First of all, daily walks are essential for him to stimulate his mind and body at the same time. Now the real question is about how often should you walk with him? For high-energy dog breeds, the longer they walk, the better it generally is. An adult German Shepherd in good shape has enough energy, stamina, and physical conditions to walk all day long. However, the minimum daily requirement for most GSDs is approximately 30 to 45 minutes of walking. For the distance, anywhere between 2 and 5 miles of walking per day should be fine for the average German Shepherd. Learn more about how far you can walk with your German Shepherd! With 5 to 10 minutes of daily moderate exercise requirements per month of age, walking is still important for young dogs. A puppy German Shepherd should walk around 5 minutes per day for every month of age. For instance, 20 minutes of daily walking is perfect for a 4-month-old puppy. If you enjoy endurance sports and your dog is athletic, running can be a great way to exercise together. German Shepherds are strong, tough, fast, and generally have good stamina. With proper training and preparation, they can make awesome running partners! If you want to run with your German Shepherd, I have another article to help you out! To keep him fit, healthy, and happy, you have to find other ways to exercise. Interactive Games. You can tire out your dog quite easily with nothing else than a ball or a tug rope. The German Shepherd is very social, so playing games actively with him is essential. With some energy, time, and creativity, you have everything you need to exercise your dog. Try Some Dog Sports. Another great idea to provide your German Shepherd with proper exercise is to practice sports together. Some of the best sports for German Shepherds are agility training, Schutzhund protection , canicross, bikejoring, and tracking. Smart, courageous, and active, they are generally good candidates for virtually any activity. Thus, you should always try to include your dog in your exercise routine! Quick Tip: To make an obstacle course at your home, check out this agility equipment kit on Amazon! Free Playtime. If you are not a particularly sportive person, there are many other ways to keep your German Shepherd healthy and happy. Chasing bubbles, playing with the hose, and jumping in the snow are simple ideas to exercise your pooch. Hanging out together in your backyard can be as fun and beneficial as any other physical activity. Play With Dog Toys. Keeping your GSD active and busy is probably not an easy task. Fortunately, some dog toys can help you provide him with proper exercise. Let me share with you my recommendations for such an energetic and intelligent companion. My favorite exercise equipment for hyper dogs is the Flirt Pole. If your German Shepherd has a lot of energy to spend and a high prey drive, the flirt pole is the perfect toy for him. This accessory will help you throw the ball farther, pick it up easily, and avoid getting your hands dirty. Made for him to chew and play tug-of-war safely, it might help you to entertain him! Explore The Great Outdoors. My favorite way to exercise alongside my dog is to take him on my outdoor adventures. There is nothing better than working out, getting some fresh air, and spending quality time together. Escaping real life to enjoy nature is an excellent opportunity to have fun and do some physical activity with your four-legged companion. Furthermore, German Shepherds are excellent hiking partners. Thus, you have no reason not to explore the great outdoors with your dog. With the right equipment and proper training, you will be able to head out on trails together and share unforgettable memories! Cognitive work is as important as physical activity, especially for intelligent dogs such as German Shepherds. Providing them with appropriate mental exercise is essential to prevent boredom and care for their well-being. There are certainly better ways than others, so here are some of my suggestions to keep your German Shepherd mentally satisfied. First of all, the most important mind enrichment source for dogs should be training. By learning skills, your GSD will stimulate his brain, improve his manners, and burn off a lot of mental energy. Thus, I highly recommend you to teach him obedience commands or new impressive tricks if he is already obedient. Besides training, challenging dog toys are also great for mental stimulation. You can make him work for his food with the Snuffle Mat , let him play with the Classic Kong Toy , or give him bones to chew on. To keep your German Shepherd active and mentally satisfied, dog agility and scent work are also other ideas you may consider! In this state, your German Shepherd can develop destructive behaviors. Chewing, Digging, or Barking Just put yourself in his place for two seconds; he has to entertain himself if nobody else helps him stay busy. On the other hand, your German Shepherd can also have weight issues or be hyperactive. With personal life, work, other pets, and family, you have many things to manage. Thus, you might have to prioritize his health and well-being over other tasks. If you really have no free time, I highly recommend you consider hiring a dog walker to help you out. Short-Term Signs:. Puppies Establishing an efficient exercise routine for a German Shepherd puppy is extremely important for your GSD to live a healthy lifestyle. While there is no exact science to knowing your German Shepherd puppy exercise limits, it is best to slowly ease into a routine and your puppy will gain stamina over time. Dogs are creatures of habit and love a routine. Accordingly, if you normally walk your puppy first thing in the morning, your pup will start to expect and look forward to those morning walks as soon as you roll out of bed. Try and establish an exercise routine that you can maintain long term, so your puppy can grow to learn the routine. The American Kennel Club UK recommends two exercise sessions of 5 minutes per month of age during puppyhood 1. When Allie was a puppy, I found short walks multiple times a day worked well. I started Allie with short minute walks times a day as an 8-week-old puppy. This served two purposes, to get some of her energy out, as well as getting her used to walking on a leash. Finding the Right Length of Walks for Your Puppy Although there are many recommendations as to how long to walk your German Shepherd puppy, it is best to look to your puppy for clues on its limits. Start with 10 minutes, 2 times a day. If you find your puppy is still a ball on energy increase it to 15 minutes, or you can add in a third minute walk. You want to find the walking time that is right for your individual GSD puppy as all puppies are all different and will require different amounts of exercise. Keep in mind, that it can be dangerous to push your German Shepherd puppy beyond his or her limits at a young age. If your German Shepherd puppy show signs of being tired or exhausted, stop the walk immediately and allow your pup to rest. Final Thoughts Establishing a solid exercise routine for your German Shepherd puppy is an important step in establishing the framework for a healthy lifestyle. In addition to walks, I would include short play sessions in the yard with a ball or play with toys in the house as well. The most important thing with walking a German Shepherd puppy is to start with short walks and play sessions and build on that process as your puppy grows. For the most part, you let the puppy decide his own activities at this stage. Your puppy, at this tender age, does not need exercise; he needs activity. Indoor play consists of informal activities in which you educate your German Shepherd to avoid dangerous behavior while satisfying his need to be active. At this stage, it is more about mental activity games and basic training as opposed to physical activity. This nifty little toy is excellent for young pups. Here are some low-impact games that are appropriate for a German Shepherd puppy at 8 weeks of age: Puppy the Explorer Let your GSD explore the indoors while keeping a close eye on him. This also presents an excellent opportunity to teach him to follow you. You must do this organically. Wait for him to get in his explorer mode and start walking beside him. Remember not to exceed a period of 10 minutes of exercise in the second month and stop whenever your pup shows signs of being tired. The minute mark is the maximum duration, not the minimum. Initially, your puppy will get tired after a few minutes of walking around and exploring. In each subsequent week, he will be engaged for a few more minutes. You might need to use jazz hands to get his curiosity. Once your pup starts following your palm with his head, simply tap his nose and hug him. At this point, you might be tempted to start moving your arm out of his reach to prolong the game. Follow the Wiggling Toy This is the ideal transition exercise that I would start around the tenth week of indoor play. For this, I recommend the Pacific Pups Rope Toys Set from Amazon, not just because it is budget-friendly but because you can use toys of different sizes as your German Shepherd puppy continues to grow. Once you have him sitting close to you, introduce the rope toy and place it on the floor with your hand holding onto one end. Your job then is to make sure he takes at least four steps before he catches the rope toy. Again, this is a high-engagement, low-impact exercise that builds up the foundation for medium-impact activities later on. Jaw and Bodyweight Exercises Recommended age: 3 — 4 months Maximum duration: minutes per day, twice a day Risk factor: low Things to avoid: sprints Your German Shepherd puppy is now three months old; he is building on his training according to the standard puppy training methods, and you can start to interact with him more physically. Still, his growth plates remain open, and you still need to avoid exercises that strain the joints, especially ones located around long bones like limbs. At the same time, your German Shepherd has more energy and may want to exercise more than is good for him. As a result, your role has shifted. Here, instead of letting your puppy have the toy once he follows it and grabs hold of it, you play a small tug of war with him. If your GSD is used to getting the toy after following it, he may get too defensive when you tug it. I recommended the toy set for this reason precisely. The final thing worth remembering about this game is that you always lose! You place the rope toy on the ground and let your German Shepherd puppy follow it as you move it around. Once he grabs hold of it, you use your arm strength to keep it in place. Do not try to pull it too hard. It is also essential that you gradually move up the tug of war in time and position. Gradually you can move the tug toy slightly above the ground. Throughout this, make sure your dog is on a leash because you do not want to encourage grabbing and dashing. Ultimately, you have to let your puppy win! As soon as you release the toy, he gets to have it for a while. This is also the best stage to train him to release objects on command. Make sure your GSD is on a long leash before you start this activity. Associating running with playtime is risky. A long loose leash allows you to bring him back to you gently. Be prepared to spend a lot of time negotiating with your GSD. I suggest playing tug before this because it builds trust. When you roll the ball on the floor, your puppy will get it. You cannot expect him to bring the toy to you. You simply tug the leash gently and bring him close to you. Then, you hold the ball in place. You should not pull it away. That will only cause your German Shepherd to bite down on it harder. When you have it firmly in place, your dog will try to wrestle it free but will eventually let the ball go. You can encourage this by just talking to him in a reassuring tone and using training treats. As soon as he lets go of the ball, put it on the ground and roll it. As GSDs take pleasure in high-engagement activities, the activity itself becomes a reward. In my experience, this will always be a mixed bag. Some dogs never stop giving pushback at the retrieval stage, while others let go of the ball the moment you extend your arm toward it. How much exercise does your German Shepherd puppy need? Your puppy does not need nearly the amount of exercise an adult dog does. Adult German Shepherds require two hours or more of exercise every day. And within that time, the duration of exercise depends on intensity. Your dog would not spend an entire two hours performing high-intensity exercises unless in formal training. A typical routine would include 20 to 40 minutes of rigorous exercises such as jogging, vigorous playing, or other activities. Some examples are practicing Shutzhund, preparing for herding or agility trials, or learning search and rescue. The remainder of the time dedicated to exercise, you should spend on training, ongoing socialization, and moderate- and low-intensity activities. You can include warmup and cool down in a moderate or leisurely walk. Keep in mind any puppy who is not full-grown does not need to engage in rigorous exercise for extended periods. What is the five-minute per month rule? However, one rule that makes sense as a loose guideline, is to exercise your pup for five minutes per month of age. You can do an exercise session twice a day. If you bring a GSD puppy home at ten weeks old, your exercise guideline would tell you to work with her for about .A six-month-old puppy , which you may be tempted to treat as a miniature adult, should still only get about half an hour of exercise twice a day. By 10 or 12 months , your Shepherd is up to his quota of nearly two hours split into multiple sessions during a day. However, you should still limit jumping and long-distance running until you are sure your puppy has finished growing. How do you know when your Shepherd puppy has stopped growing? This closure signifies your dog has finished growing and can engage in exercises that may be too strenuous for bones that are softer when lengthening. Once growth plates close and the joints no longer have laxity from extreme youth, you can take exercise to the next level. How can you tell if your Shepherd has stopped growing without a radiograph? According to Animalso. Use particular caution with certain working lines as they may not reach full maturity until the age of three years. Even though Czech and Eastern German lines have lower incidences of hip dysplasia than show dogs, you still need to treat their growing bones with care. Common beliefs notwithstanding, if you neuter a German Shepherd at a young age, the decrease in testosterone generally will delay growth plate closure. You will notice that neutered male German Shepherds are often taller than their unaltered counterparts. Therefore, assume if you neuter your dog, he will physically mature a little later. Mentally he will mature worlds ahead. How does hip dysplasia affect German Shepherd puppies? Hip dysplasia is a growth abnormality that affects most large-breed dogs and many small breeds as well. As you likely know, the hip is a ball and socket joint. The ball is the head of the thigh bone or femur, and the socket is the acetabulum or cup in the pelvis. In dysplasia of the joint, the femoral head grows at a different rate than the socket. Rather quickly, the femoral head no longer fits correctly or congruently within the socket, affecting function and causing scrapes across the protective cartilage, according to ACVS. Inappropriate looseness of the joint exacerbates the condition by allowing too much movement within the joint. Depending on the severity, affected puppies and dogs may show mild to life-altering symptoms. Signs of joint laxity or looseness usually occur first, although they may go unnoticed. Visible space between the head of the femur and the pelvis — Sometimes you can feel the excessive space when you cannot see it. Crying out in pain — Even if it has not progressed yet to degenerative joint disease, joint looseness can be painful. Abnormal gait — Your puppy may appear to bunny hop in the rear legs or exhibit other gait abnormalities that you would not classify as obvious lameness. Lame — Your dog will show lameness if she is in pain. Difficulty getting up or laying down — Your puppy may even show consistent reluctance to get up. Decreased interest in playing, especially if it involves running. Exercise intolerance — Your pup will play, but not for as long as you would expect. Maybe your dog seems to tire easily. Difficulty negotiating stairs — Joint looseness greatly affects the athleticism of your dog. Will not sit square — Many trainers advocate you enforce your dog sitting square as a sign of true obedience. Dogs with hip issues, they are unable to sit comfortably unless their hind legs are to one side or the other. Joint laxity can be difficult to judge in young dogs. Puppies have a greater degree of laxity than adult dogs to accommodate growth. Joint laxity should limit how long you walk a German Shepherd puppy , especially one under six months old. Joint laxity means your puppy will experience significant instability when walking, predisposing her to stumble and fall. Signs of osteoarthritis mostly manifest as pain, dysfunction of the joints, decreased range of motion, and even grinding sounds as the leg moves. Degenerative joint changes, believe it or not, can occur in puppies only several months old. German Shepherds do not typically have a problem with obesity. Although it seems counterintuitive, too much nutrition is not an ideal thing for the GSD. If a large-breed dog grows too quickly as a puppy, he can be more vulnerable to hip dysplasia if he already carries the genes. The dilemma comes with balancing exercise requirements and nutrition, so you have a happy and fit puppy who is not overweight but also does not overexert herself. How does exercise affect hip dysplasia? Although hip dysplasia has a large hereditary basis, over exercising a puppy can exacerbate the problem in a dog who might not otherwise develop any symptoms. It is important not to allow your puppy to run excessively or jump during her growing months. Moreover, if your puppy has excessively lax joints, overstretching during long and strenuous running or launching and landing for jumps can cause direct injury to the hips and surrounding soft tissue. Your puppy can also injure her growth plates. An X-ray at an early age gives you an idea if your puppy is already showing the effects of DJD or degenerative joint disease. Your veterinarian may be able to advise you further if your exercise program is too strenuous for your puppy based on any changes in the joints. How do you know your puppy overexerted himself? You may occasionally find that your puppy overdoes it. Perhaps you took him to a birthday party for his Labrador friend, and you did not have the heart to break up their play session. Most of the time, a play date that gets out of hand or a walk that runs over the anticipated time allotment will not cause any permanent damage. You can assess your pup the following day for signs of overexertion and know to take it exceptionally easy for the next day or two. Listen to your puppy Although you should leash-train your GSD at a young age, starting as soon as you first bring her home, there is much to be said about freeform exercise. The biggest benefit of your puppy exercising a good part of her time in the early month off-leash is she can self-regulate her activity. You will notice when puppies are tired or become sore, they will stop dead in their tracks. Make sure your puppy is in a safe environment, and she can engage in fairly unrestricted exercise on her own. When you are walking your puppy on a leash, under no circumstances should you push her to go beyond the point where you are dragging her, or she sits down and refuses to move on? You may have to carry her the remainder of the journey. As your German Shepherd approaches adolescence at five to seven months old, you will have to monitor his exercise more because what he can do will begin to exceed what he should do. Running over rolling terrain for miles or training strenuously for pursuit work is not ideal for an immature Shepherd and can be potentially harmful. Best length of time to walk a German Shepherd puppy: you know best! When facing the question of how long should you walk your German Shepherd, use the rough guidelines of five minutes per month of age a couple of times a day. Otherwise, allow your pup to dictate her level of tolerance for playing and romping. You can spend additional time with your puppy building a bond through affection and play, while still limiting duration. Your pup will need some time during the day to herself and sleep. This video shows the progression of a puppy and how his exercise abilities change. It perfectly illustrates how the young Shepherd dictates how much exercise he can tolerate. Notice, in the beginning, the interaction with his owner is a large part dependent on easy contact. As the puppy progresses in age, he gradually attempts more. If you watch puppies even three and four months old engaged in self-directed play, their actions are marked by frequent pauses to rest or think about the next move. Rarely will you see a German Shepherd laying still, but as in the video, puppies will take time to rest if left to their own devices. Swimming is a great form of exercise, but not all German Shepherds love water. This video shows that just because your German Shepherd puppy is not on a leash does not mean you are not walking her. Training should take up a good portion of your walks or exercise sessions, whether on- or off-leash. As much of a brilliant pupil as this puppy is, her session should not be longer than 15 minutes. Notice her yawn, which can be a sign of tension or a wandering mind, indicating the exercise should move to something else or stop. As the German Shepherd is such a fast growing breed compared to some other working breeds the opposite is actually more correct. The strain of over exercise on the skeletal make up of a youngster is often irreversible. The stretching of ligaments at too early an age, the strain on young growing joints, or the carrying of too much weight on the overall framework can and will do harm to the young puppy, and lead to problems in adulthood. Consider a young Shepherd in comparison to a 3 — 4 year old human child — certainly not ready to run a marathon even though the spirit may be willing! Should there be any chance that there is already some problem with wear on the joints of the hips and elbows, further advice would be sought as to appropriate exercise. Then, and only then, should you build the dog up to the desired level of fitness you require for whichever field you have chosen — be it show dog, trialing, agility or family companion with the adult animal — complete in growth. Up to twelve months of age, natural free running is the best form of exercise for a youngster, for a young pup, upon tiring, can easily stop when they wish, and not keep on performing because they wish to please and keep up with you! Of course you will wish to lead train and socialise your puppy, but exercise on lead should be no more than that. Maximum time walking the dog at a fast trot of a puppy up to six months of age should be barely five minutes at one instance equivalent to a short stroll around your local block or park and then rest. Puppies need plenty of rest and sleep, just like a young toddler. Certainly they can play and romp in your back yard or in their kennel run, but they will stop when they feel tired, rest and then play again. Over six months — training on lead could extend to ten minutes if you wish, but again, moderation is the best guide, and if a puppy shows an inclination to tire, then stop! Moderation and common sense are the guidelines. Allow your puppy to grow steadily and slowly, and the fun of having a companion with which you can run your kilometres upon adulthood of the dog will not be impaired by the damage you may do,by doing too much, too soon.
Check them out on Amazon here. To learn more about what to feed your golden retriever puppy, check out this article here. Brush Golden retrievers are obviously very fluffy and need to be brushed often. Check this brush out on Amazon here. Check it out on Amazon here. Chew Toy Check it out on Chewy here he had the size small. Plush Toy This is a plush, squeaky toy that will keep your puppy busy for hours. Interactive Toy Interactive toys allow you to play and bond with your puppy, and are great for teaching or reinforcing commands like drop it, sit and stay. Bonus Items The above list is for the bare necessities of what your puppy will need to get started. Below are some extra things that, although are not necessary, have come in pretty handy. Food Storage Container This is great for keeping food fresh and in a convenient place. Since we get the pound bag of food, we get this container that holds 42 pounds of food. Note that this container does not come with a scooper, so we recommend one like this that has measurements on it. Check out the storage container on Amazon here. Exercise Pen Exercise pens are great for confining your puppy to a smaller area while giving them more space to run around in than a crate. Using a combination of baby gates, exercise pens, and the crate will help you keep them safe while also keeping them from chewing up the house. Get this baby gate from Amazon here. Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook Getting everything you need will help you physically prepare for your puppy, but you also need to mentally prepare for your puppy. This book will help you know exactly what to do before you bring your puppy home, how to handle the first month which is the toughest month! Get the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook here. That means get their crate set up, have their food and water bowls in their designated places, and have a few welcome home toys set out to help your new pup have a great experience in your home right away. Find a veterinarian. Locate the nearest emergency animal hospital. Find both the nearest hospital, and the nearest 24 hour hospital. Find a puppy kindergarten class. If you ask any trainer, breeder, or veterinarian how to have a well-behaved pup, nearly all of them will recommend joining a puppy kindergarten class. The socialization aspect alone is worth it. Puppy-proof your house and yard. Get down on your hands and knees to see what your puppy will be seeing remember this: whatever can be chewed will be chewed , and make sure there are no puppy-sized holes that they could escape through in your backyard. For more tips on how to raise your new golden retriever puppy, check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Life With Your Golden Retriever Puppy Although this might seem like a pretty big list, if you have it all when you bring your puppy home with you, it will make the transition time that much easier. Take lots of pictures and videos! Have a question about any of these items? Let us know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is getting a puppy and needs to see this list, please share this with them! Related articles:. Food bowl There are endless options of food and water bowls. In addition, the bowl can prevent gagging, choking, vomiting, indigestion, bloat, GDV, and malabsorption. If you already have a dog bowl, you can simply add a slow feeder insert. Water bowl Ellie has an 8-cup YETI water bow l to keep her water cold for more extended periods and a 4-cup bowl for food. YETI allows you to customize each bowl with a name, initials, or image. Great as a gift! They help prevent your puppy from getting tangled up in the leash and provide better control. Make sure you check out their sizing guide for the appropriate fit. We added a crate pad for noise reduction and comfort. Crate training can be a lifesaver, and most dogs fall in love with having their own space. It is essential that the dog crate is never used as punishment — the crate must always be regarded as a safe and special retreat. Gates Puppies are curious creatures that often need boundaries. Use a gate to limit access to certain areas of your home and reduce unwanted chewing or house soiling. Introduce your dog to small sections of the house at a time. We prefer the walk-through gate for easy mobility through the house. Toys and Chews All dogs have slightly different preferences in toys, so I would start with various items to see what interests your puppy most. However, the last inch of a bully stick can be a choking hazard if swallowed. This safety device allows your pup to enjoy the benefits of long-term chews while reducing the risks of choking. I typically give it to her for 20 minutes, rinse it off, and store it in the refrigerator until the next day, which prevents bacteria growth. Note you probably want to keep it separate from your food. You will receive a pound of food when you pick up your puppy so that you can transition to whatever food you choose. The most important things to keep in mind are choosing a kind labeled "Puppy Food" so that it has the nutrients your puppy needs to grow well. Also check to see if the first ingredient is meat-based or plant-based. Dogs digest meat-based foods more easily than plant-based. We recommend feeding your puppy 3 times per day. This helps the puppy maintain a steady metabolism as he grows rapidly. Smaller, more frequent meals also help with house training, since dogs naturally want to relieve themselves after eating. Once your puppy is about 6 months old, you can cut back to 2 feedings per day. Sometimes a puppy may not eat much the first week because of his new environment. This is normal. Give him time and his appetite will return. Vet Appointment: We recommend scheduling an appointment with your local vet within 1 week after your puppy arrives. We will give you a copy of your puppy's vaccination and deworming schedule to take to your vet. Your vet will be able to tell you which vaccines the puppy needs next and set up a monthly deworming schedule. By Susan B. Barnes Susan B. Barnes is a lifestyle, food and travel journalist who is as comfortable bicycling through Italian olive groves and sampling fermented shark in Iceland as she is taking her dog on miles-long walks and hanging out at the dog park. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on January 28, We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Though she's happy to snuggle and cuddle up with you, she's also an active dog who enjoys being outside, be that going on walks or hikes , to the dog park , or playing fetch in a fenced-in backyard. As a good dog parent, you want to be prepared for whatever adventures await the two of you, but taking a look at all of the products out there for dogs can be overwhelming. From the right collar, leash and harness setup to grooming needs, food bowls, road trip necessities, toys to burn off all that energy, plus a few goodies for the humans, this list has everything you need to take care of the most golden part of your life. Featuring a collar, leash, and waste bag dispenser, you'll be prepared for your walks and your golden will love all the compliments on how handsome she looks. This harness, with its padded chest and belly, is fully adjustable for a perfect fit with leash clips in the front and back. It comes in a variety of colors to coordinate with your dog's leash and collar, too. The adjustable height means the serving tray can grow with your golden, and the pads on the bottom prevent slipping while she eats and drinks. Place a mat under the bowls to catch any water droplets. The stainless steel bowls can be removed and popped into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Not only will she have to slow down to find the food, but she'll essentially work out a puzzle which keeps her mentally stimulated, too. Choose to purchase just the cover and fill it yourself with old pillows, towels, sheets, or clothes, or you can opt to purchase their eco-friendly fill made from plastic bottles or their memory foam insert. The extra-large size is recommended for full-grown goldens. Not only does the shampoo leave your pup fresh and clean, but it moisturizes and conditions so that after-bath brushings are tangle-free. It's terrific for dogs with sensitive skin, too. With a dense outer coat and thick undercoat, it can take some time to brush out all the layers, but this undercoat rake makes quick work of their luscious locks. One Chewy reviewer wrote that the medium-tooth rake was "so wonderful to get my two golden retrievers' undercoat combed out. Also, the gel grip is quite easy to hold on to. The non-slip handle works for both right- and left-handed users, and ensures you maintain control to avoid any mishaps. One reviewer says: "I stumbled across these supplements while trying to find some joint relief for my golden, Sandy. After only a week I already saw some improvement in her movement and she had an easier time getting up into and out of the car, which was becoming a struggle. Her coat is also looking healthier and she seems to be less itchy. Not only does this fleece-lined coat fit snugly for maximum warmth, but it's waterproof and has reflective strips to stay safe during nighttime walks and winter hikes. They can also help older dogs find traction on slippery floors. Tip: use the printable sizing guide to measure your dog's feet before ordering to ensure a perfect fit. And send us videos of your dog trying them for the first time! This seat cover is not only comfortable for your pup, but waterproof, too. When it's time to go, simply lay the cover over the seat, loop straps around the head rests, push the anchors in, and voila—you're ready to hit the road! One way to do that is to use a harness that doubles as a seat belt: simply attach the harness to the seatbelt using a carabiner, and you'll both be on your way safely and comfortably. Fill the bottle, twist on the top that doubles as a bowl, and when your golden's ready for a drink, squeeze the bottle and water will fill the bowl. Release, and the water disappears back into the bottle. Pop some treats in the holes, cover them up, and watch your pup work her magic to figure out the puzzle and find those tasty rewards. Just like a ball you use to play fetch , this one flies through the air but when she retrieves it, she'll spend some time figuring out how to get to her favorite treats inside. When your pup drops the ball into the top of the launcher, it'll throw it 10, 25, or 40 feet; choose the "random" setting to keep her guessing. Buy Now Change up your game of fetch with this fun Frisbee alternative. This flying squirrel is made of a double canvas material that is durable enough to withstand rough play, yet still agile to spin and tumble in the air, keeping your golden guessing and enticed in play. Shop now: Chuckit! The sturdy sole ensures you'll stay on your feet, and the bone-printed liner is a fun and unexpected treat. Embroidered on percent cotton canvas, and if it gets a little dirty, simply pop it into the washing machine, air dry, and it'll be back on your furniture in no time. The rubber backing prevents slipping when your guests wipe their paws before stepping inside. It's hilarious enough to be a favorite gift for any golden lover on your list, too! Perfect for the dog park, running errands, around the house, or really anywhere you please! The design can also be used on totes, hats, and more. Read the full disclosure here. This comprehensive list covers all the essentials, plus some added extras. Food: Every dog needs food! See our puppy food guide for recommendations. Bowls: Your puppy is going to need something to eat that food from. Something to think about. Bedding: Your pup will need a comfortable bed to call their own. You can decide whether to choose a puppy-sized one or one that they can grown into. To avoid buying more than one crate, you can get one big enough to fit your adult golden and make it puppy-sized using dividers. Brushes: Get your puppy some brushes suitable for a longer-coated dog. The sooner you get pup used to being brushed, the easier it will be in the future. Toothbrush and toothpaste: These are daily essentials in your grooming routine. Be sure to choose a dog-specific toothpaste as the human stuff can be dangerous to canines. Treats: Essential for training. Pick high-value treats for when you really want to motivate your pup. Chew toys are essential to help direct chewing away from your belongings. Tug toys, balls to play fetch and treat-dispensing toys are also nice to have. Travel harness or dog guard: To keep your dog safe in the car. These are the main things you need to think about when puppy proofing your home. Put them up high or away in their proper place. Not only will it leave you out of pocket if your pup chews something expensive, many such items are also choking hazards. Be careful of plants: Make sure you remove any plants that are poisonous to dogs , both in your house and your garden. Common offenders include foxglove, wisteria and yew. Secure medicines and cleaning products: Both medicines and cleaning products can be highly toxic to dogs if ingested. Hide electrical cords: If a puppy sinks their teeth into an electrical cord, it can prove fatal. Try not to have electrical cords running across the room or out in the open where your puppy can get to them. If needs be, you can get cord concealers, cord wraps or even pvc pipes to secure them. Planning Appropriate Puppy Socialization Socialization, with both humans and other dogs plus other animals, if your new puppy is going to be around them , is one of the most important things to think about with your new puppy. A well-socialized puppy should turn into an adult dog who interacts well with all dogs and people, which makes your life so much easier as a dog-owner. It might sound a bit over the top, but it will stop your pup from getting confused or overstimulated and it sets some ground rules for the humans involved, too. Pick out regular meal times for your puppy and try to stick to them as closely as possible. Also take your puppy out into the garden on a schedule, as this will really help with toilet training. You can also schedule in training sessions, play sessions and, when your puppy is old enough, their daily walks. Learning How To Train Your Puppy You might think that training your new dog will be intuitive when you get them home, but dog training is a skill you learn, not one you just pick up as you go along. Once your puppy is old enough, group puppy training classes are an excellent idea. Not only will you learn more about training your pup, your dog will also get to socialize with other young canines. The ideal option is to have the puppy in the back seat in a car harness and have a passenger sit next to them, who can hold, pet and comfort them on the journey home. Some people forgo the harness altogether and have a passenger simply hold the puppy, wrapped in a blanket or towel. However, before you even get your puppy into the car, you should try to get them to relieve themself first , to avoid any toilet-based accidents on the journey home. Once you get your precious pup home, all that effort and preparation will have been worth it to give your new four-legged friend the best start in life. You May Also Like. 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! We use the 8mm size for our dogs. Alvalley is a high quality brand for all lengths. For an adult dog, use an 8 mm or larger. For a young puppy, an 8 mm leash works fine, but I prefer the smaller 6 mm Alvalley Snap Lead one for ease of use when working at home. This size fits easily into the outside pocket of a treat bag. If going for a walk, use a more substantial leash such as the 8 mm Alvalley leash. For at-home use, a 6 mm collar is fine. I like to attach a snap lead permanently to a martingale collar for ease of use. The collar and leash can easily be slipped off and on as needed. Puppies and even some dogs like to chew the plastic ones. At 10 weeks of age, we are using very small bowls for ease of use during training. Golden Retrievers tend to act like they are starving and eat too fast, even at their correct weight. These bowls slow them down so that they will come closer to chewing their food than inhaling it. I like to use buckets instead of bowls for water. Puppies love to dig in their water which makes a mess out of it. Hang the bucket on the outside of the crate by the handle that is on the bucket. Then attach the clip for security by using only one side of the clip to attach the handle to the crate. Leave the other end of the clip just hanging. Never put water inside a crate with a dog. I recommend the 2-quart size for one or two big dogs. This size is also a good size for a puppy. I use two snaps to stabilize the bucket. Though wire crates usually have a divider so that you can size the crate down, we recommend that you go ahead and purchase a 24 inch wire crate along with the correct size for your dog when he is grown. Most puppies can use the 24 inch crates for about 2 months after they are weeks of age. It is also helpful to have a smaller crate when traveling. If you want this option with a Summer Brook puppy, you can have a small icrate shipped to our home address for you to pick up when you get here. The best size crate for adult girls is a 36X24X27 inch wire crate. For an adult boy, use either a 42X28X30 or 36X24X27 inch wire crate. We prefer wire crates in most cases because they give more ventilation and Golden Retrievers like it to be cool. Midwest Life Stages : These are heavy duty and come in both double or single door options. I prefer the crate with the double door because you will have the opportunity to use it turned sideways with the entrance on the side as well as the end. The Icrates are also two inches shorter and two inches narrower than the Life Stages crate. They are larger at the bottom than the top so they fit better in the back of an SUV or van. They are crash tested and have excellent safety records. These crates are a bit difficult to set up and take down so we only recommend them for those that want a crate that stays in a vehicle most of the time. They are perfect for families that take their dogs with them a lot and want a somewhat permanent fixture in their vehicle. This crate is very lightweight and sets up and folds down quickly and easily. We love these crates for motels and dog shows. Wood Crate Denhaus Townhaus : I recommend this crate if looks are important to you. This crate looks just like a nice end table. Though it was expensive, mine has held up well for several years. Crate Pad Primo Pads: These are my favorite crate pads. They are made of a heavy-duty vinyl and I have yet to have a dog chew one up. The vinyl is cool so that my dogs like them even in the summer. They come in a big variety of sizes so that they will fit your crate like a glove. These pads are not sold anywhere except from the manufacturer. Order your Primo Pads here. This is a raised cot-like bed that is cool and comfortable. There is a new Kuranda Bed that we have not tried ourselves but it looks amazing. It is a raised cot like the aluminum bed that we have loved for years but it is sized to fit perfectly into a crate! We have purchased both the aluminum as well as the less-expensive PVC Kuranda beds. Our aluminum beds still look brand new but our PVC beds are starting to warp a little after a few years. We like the Ballistic Nylon fabric which has held up for us for several years. The large is the correct size for both boy and girl Goldens. We have two of them and they are as comfortable as many human beds. We have the extra-large size but a large would be plenty big enough for a girl. At first, your puppy will have to be watched almost every minute when they are out of the crate or pen in order to establish good potty habits and also to teach them not to chew. Until you teach them otherwise, some puppies will try to chew everything, including the furniture and even the woodwork on the walls so I have found the pen to be a huge help. If you get a pen, you need to begin training your puppy not to jump on the sides right away. Never pet your puppy or let him out while he is jumping. Reward him for sitting. They open and close easily and in both directions. The Richell Pens look really super nice. They also can be set up as room dividers. We own at least a dozen sets of these pens and have used them in a large number of configurations. However, like most exercise pens, many puppies will eventually learn to climb or jump out of them. Families must be on top of training their puppy not to jump on the sides. Unlike the Richell pen, most, if not all pens have doors that open in only one direction. If you get one of these pens, set your pen up so that the door opens to the outside. If you are getting your puppy from a breeder other than Summer Brook, plastic pens are a good option for a 7 to 10 week old puppy. It is easier to house train if you start off not allowing your puppy in too large of an area. It also has the added convenience of being able to be easily removed by simply pushing a button that locks it in place. However, this gate must be mounted to the wall. Baby Gates that are Mobile Regalo Extra WideSpan Walkthrough Safety Gate : This gate can span a space inches For a pressure-mounted gate, the Regalo gates do very well and are a good simple solution if you only want a gate for a few months until your puppy is house-trained and can be given the full run of the house. However, understand that many puppies cannot be totally trusted in large areas until they are over 6 months of age. It takes some until they are close to a year. Doggy Door Why to Use a Doggy Door If you are able to put a doggy door in, this is by far the easiest way to house-train a puppy. Also, it provides an ideal way to leave a dog when they have to be alone. I teach our puppies to use a doggy door before they go home. In the last days before they go home, I section off a small area inside next to our kitchen with free access to a doggy door that leads to our side yard. When I keep a puppy past 8 weeks, I gradually increase the size area of the indoor area as they show dependability. I reserve the times when they are free in the house to the 30 minutes right after they have pottied. We highly recommend it. If you have a particularly aggressive chewer then I would buy the Extreme Kong but if your dog is average then I would use a Classic Kong. Bob-a-lot : You can fill this toy with a lot of food; the dog has to work at getting the food out by pushing it around. JW Pet has other great toys too. If you have a particularly aggressive chewer then I would buy the Extreme Kong but if your dog is an average chewer then I would use a Classic Kong. Puppies love them and they keep our puppies happy in their crates. Toys for Month Old Puppies.
What happens if you breed a female Lab at a young age? As a responsible breeder, you should be patient and wait for the natural breeding age of both male and female Labradors. When you plan to breed your dogs to get Labrador puppies, you will need to have a complete understanding of the heating cycles. A brief discussion on breeding age. Male Labradors can mate within 12 months of their age. While on the other hand, you should wait for the third heat cycle of your female lab before putting her into mating. It will be good to wait for two years to let the female lab mature enough to carry a large litter. At what age can a male Labrador mate? Soon after 6 months of age, a male Labrador is mature enough to breed and start the mating phase of its life. There is the recommendation to wait until two years because, in the 12th month, Labradors are sexually mature adult dogs. What is the best age to breed a male labrador? However, several factors play a role when you are about to allow a Labrador to breed. Male dogs of the medium to large breed need to be full size, so breeders should not put them into the stud services before two years. Some heart problems, along with hip and elbow dysplasia, may take place in them. Also, for the owner of the female Labrador, there is advice to confirm the age of the male lab before allowing any breeding. At what age can a female Labrador mate? The heat cycle phase comes after the completion of six months each year until late in life. Now again, here is a tip for you to never allow breeding during the very first heat cycle of the lab; otherwise, she may suffer from complications. At this age, she is quite young, and you should not impose the pressure of lactation and pregnancy because she is still going through her growing age. Even though female Labradors may be sexually active, she is not mature physically enough to carry multiple puppies in the womb. When is a female labrador ready to mate? Since Labradors are a large dog breed they hit their proper maturity level between 18 to 24 months. This is why you need to wait until after the third heat cycle for the female lab for them to have a large and healthy litter. Critically, not all dogs and breeds are similar in their cycle; some go into the cycle once every year. Some dogs may have their cycle multiple times each year. Abrupt changes may prompt a trip to the vet to guarantee that all is going great and in excellent condition. Female labrador heat cycle The cycle itself lasts 3 to 54 weeks. When is it too late to breed Labrador? But, with their growing age, some health issues and a reduction in litter size make it too late for the lab to breed. There is a possibility that female Labradors may suffer from genetic problems. If you are allowing the female to breed later in life, there are chances of getting serious uterus infections. However, there are some different opinions; if your female lab is healthy, you can safely let her breed over her lifetime. According to the research, Labradors usually have six puppies in each litter which reduces to four with her growing age. According to the American Kennel Club, there should be no breeding or mating when the lab is more than 8 years old. Moreover, the professionals never register the older females at the time of mating. In older age, male labs may face some difficulty in mounting, and age arthritis makes the overall mating painful. Therefore, the rule of thumb for the females is to pause breeding soon after noticing a decrease in the litter size. While on the other hand, male Labradors freeze the quality semen rather than allow breeding at the 13th year of age. As discussed above breeders should wait till the third heat cycle of the bitch Labrador before putting her into the mating phase. A 6-month-old Labrador with a healthy body can feed 4 to 12 puppies. Her immune system is not fully developed to tolerate this sudden reduction of minerals and nutrients. Furthermore, your darling lab may end up dying if you are careless to allow her to breed within the first heat cycle. Depending on the laws where you live, you may need to apply for a license from your local government. To find out if you need a license, inquire with your local law enforcement or animal control office. In many places, breeders of hunting dogs are exempt from licensing. A whelping box is a large box where your female dog will birth and nurse its puppies. Your whelping box should be 2 feet 0. Your female lab and her puppies will spend the first three weeks after birth in the box. Afterwards, the puppies and mother dog will be able to move into a cage or similar enclosure. In addition to a whelping box, you'll need cages to house your grown dogs, juveniles, and any other dogs you plan to keep as breeding stock. Grown dogs will need cages that are 42 inches cm long and 30 inches 76 cm high. Juveniles and younger dogs will fit in smaller cages, but make sure to move them into large cages when they are mature. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source The dogs should be able to easily stand up, turn around, and lay stretched out in their cages. If they can't, the cages are too small. Collect towels and sheets from friends or family. If you can't get enough, you can purchase new towels or sheets to use as bedding. Then, spread them out in your whelping box and cages. This will turn the whelping box and cage into a comfortable place for your dogs. In addition to cages, your dogs -- mature and juvenile -- will need access to open space. As a result, you should create two or three at least 20 by 40 foot 6 by 12 m fenced areas in your yard. This way, you'll be able to have dogs of different sexes and ages outside at one time. When your puppies are weeks old, you need to take them to the vet for an examination and their first set of puppy shots. If you don't take them to the vet for vaccination, you could put them at risk of contracting dangerous illnesses. Ultimately, a responsible breeder will stay in touch with their vet throughout the breeding process. Go to source Advertisement. Male Labradors A male Labrador becomes fertile after six months of age and reaches his full sexual maturity once he's 12 to 15 months old. An adult male Labrador can mate at any time. If the Labrador is healthy, he may be able to keep his fertility and be sexually active until old age. It's pretty straightforward with male dogs. However, several other factors come into play when we try to breed a female Labrador. So let's talk about breeding female Labradors in detail. Female Labradors A female Labrador will have her first heat cycle after she's six months old. This is the phase in which she can get pregnant. It reoccurs around every six months until late in life. We'll talk more about the heat cycles of Labradors in the next section. You should never breed a female Labrador during her first heat cycle. She is quite young at this point, and you don't want to impose the stress of pregnancy and lactation on her as she's still growing. Even though she may be sexually active, she isn't completely mature physically. Mating during the first heat cycle increases the chance of pregnancy and other health-related complications. We shouldn't breed the female Labrador until she's physically mature. Since Labradors fall into the category of large breeds, they mature around the age of 18 to 24 months, so it's best to avoid breeding until the third heat cycle or until she's around two years old. Litter Sizes Explained Understanding Female Heat Cycles Understanding the heat cycles of your female Labrador is essential to avoid failed breeding attempts or unplanned litter of pups. When we say that a female Labrador goes into heat, we mean that her body is preparing itself for possible conception. It's your dog's reproductive cycle. Phrases such as heat cycle, breeding cycle, and periods, all refer to the same thing. A Labrador stays in the heat for around three to four weeks; there's no exact number of days, though. Although your pet may stay in the heat for up to four weeks, the days when she's most fertile begin after days into the heat cycle. This high-fertility period lasts for around five days, so you should mate the Labradors between the 10th and 14th day of the female Labrador's heat cycle. This heat cycle is divided into four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, anestrus. Let's briefly discuss each of them. Proestrus: The female dog is getting ready for pregnancy. Male dogs will start getting attracted to her, but she won't allow breeding as of yet. This stage typically lasts for nine days. You'll see physical signs such as the swollen vulva and bloody vaginal discharge. Estrus: At the beginning of this stage, the ovary releases eggs. The estrogen levels in your dog's body decline, while the progesterone levels go up. The female dog is fertile in this stage, ready to mate, and she will follow her bodily instincts and accept a male. This stage also lasts for around nine days. Diestrus: This stage lasts for two to three months or until the female Labrador gives birth if she's pregnant. She will no longer be accepting males. A bloody discharge may still be present, but it gradually stops. By the end of this stage, the hormonal levels in your dog become normal. Anestrus: This is the final stage of the heat cycle of your female dog. There's no sexual activity during this phase. Most female Labradors go into heat twice a year. The ovarian activity of a female dog starts to decline in the sixth year of her life. Most of them stop conceiving after they're seven years old. We've discussed that we should wait till the third heat cycle of a female Labrador before breeding. But what are the health concerns if a Labrador gets pregnant too early? You need to allow your Labrador's body to grow up. If the female Labrador gets pregnant before maturing physically, it'll put extra strain on her. The physical strain of carrying extra weight is a burden on the growing joints. Apart from that, pregnancy will suck out nutrients from your dog. Since the female Labrador is young, her immune system isn't fully developed. This means that she's more vulnerable to diseases and infections than an adult dog would be. Various bacteria can infect her reproductive tract, causing abortions, stillbirths, miscarriages, and even the death of the newborn puppies. Your dog may even end up dying while giving birth to the puppies. Because she hasn't fully grown, her pelvic canal may not be large enough for the puppies to fit through without endangering their own lives and the life of the mother. Here, she must go through surgery, which increases the chances of health complications for her. Since she is also not mature biologically, she is more likely to abandon her puppies than an adult mother. She may fail to care for them, which lowers their chances of survival. Performing Health Checks Before Breeding Both parent Labradors require long-term care to produce beautiful, strong puppies. They need to be physically and mentally healthy. The female Labrador should have decent muscle tone and a balanced weight before breeding. Apart from physical health, they also need to be in good mental condition. A mentally stable female Labrador will make a better mother than one that's insecure or has an unstable temperament. A month before breeding, the female Labrador should go through pre-breeding physical examinations by a vet. You need to get her checked for common health problems, such as elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and eye disorders. The vaccinations of both parent Labradors should be current, and the female Labrador should be tested for parasites as well. DNA Testing Another health check that I would highly recommend for any dog owner, but especially for one that is considering breeding, is to have DNA testing done. In recent years human DNA testing has become extremely popular with companies like 23andme emerging. People are interested in understanding their background, health sensitivities, etc. This is no different for dogs! This kit tests for over health conditions and uses over , markers to identify and build a complete genetic profile. It is simple and non-invasive. All you have to do is perform a quick oral swab and mail it in! Conclusion We've just talked about a lot of different things. Here are the important points from this article: Male Labradors reach full sexual maturity after 12 to 15 months of age. Female Labradors have their first heat cycle after six months of age. We should wait until the third heat cycle before breeding, which happens after 18 to 24 months of age. The mating should take place between the 10th and 14th day of the female Labrador's heat cycle, as she's most fertile during this period. Conception before physical maturity can cause health complications. We also need to perform pre-breeding health checks to ensure that the female Labrador is healthy and ready to conceive. Healthy female Labradors can have puppies between eight months and eight years old. When a female is around eight months old, she will experience her first heat cycle — a fertility cycle during which a dog can get pregnant. Most vets recommend waiting until your female is at least on her second heat cycle before you start breeding — this is somewhere between 18 to 24 months. Labradors experience heat cycles twice a year, and they last between two to three weeks. You will know your female Lab is entering the heat cycle when she has bloody vaginal discharge and a swollen vulva. A female will ovulate between the 10th and 14th day of the heat cycle. To ensure successful breeding, let your dogs mate after the tenth day every other day, for up to six days. Healthy male Labradors are ready to mate after 12 months of age. Males are fertile after six months old but reach full maturity between 12 to 15 months of age and are ideal for stud between those ages. However, the AKC specifies that dogs must meet certain conditions for optimum pairing and breeding. Labradors must look and behave a certain way. Breeders must strive for health, longevity, even temperament, and breed improvement. A Labrador judge or experienced breeder can help you make such an evaluation if you feel unqualified or uncomfortable. Once you can make this determination, you must take the following steps to meet the right breeding conditions: Step 1 — Whether you own the sire, dam, or both, you must evaluate the compatibility of the two mates. Both dogs could be excellent breed specimens but a terrible pairing if bred together. The objective is to improve and not weaken the bloodline. Keep in mind that genetic diversity has its advantages and disadvantages. Labrador retrievers are usually healthy but are prone to specific health issues. Health problems include elbow and hip dysplasia and retinal atrophy, so genetic testing is necessary. Though the sire and the dam may not display any symptoms of chronic diseases, they may still carry the gene, which could afflict the litter. Both owners must sign the contract to clear up any complications or ambiguity. Step 4 — Mate both dogs in a private location. No more than two people must be present. This is to ensure that the dogs are safe without being overwhelmed. If either dog is uncomfortable or the male is disinterested, wait and try another day. Step 5 — Take the dam to the veterinarian for pregnancy confirmation and develop a nutrition plan for optimal prenatal care. Step 6 — Get a decent whelping box for your female Lab; ensure the box is draft-free, clean, and large enough to accommodate puppies for several weeks of their infancy. You will require supplies such as replacement bedding, water, scissors, and floss to cut the umbilical cord. Step 7 — When the time comes to deliver the puppies, you will know the dam is entering labor because her temperature will drop below 99 degrees Fahrenheit. She will also lose her appetite, and she will begin nesting. How Often Should Labradors Breed? Reproductive experts suggest that continual breedings are better for your female dog. Skipping cycles can increase the likelihood of reproductive issues, cancer, and pyometra. With that said, the health and well-being of your dog must be at the forefront, and you must consider when is the best time to stop breeding your female. Legally, female Labs cannot have more than four litters in their lifetime. If she has produced healthy litters in the past, it can be tempting to keep breeding her, but even an incredible Labrador cannot sustain so many pregnancies. Most experts advise against breeding Labradors beyond the age of seven. Complications can arise, such as organ failure, calcified pubic region, and fewer pups. Seven may be the general cut-off point, but some female labs need to retire breeding earlier. Consider the following health problems older dogs experience: Old Age Pains And Aches As humans age, our bodies ache from wear and tear over the years, which can hurt. Pain can make dogs aggressive, and this can happen to the most mild-mannered dogs. Pregnancy is exhausting, and it can push your girl to her limits. If she is too old, one of her major organs could begin failing. Calcified Pubic Girdle The pelvic girdle is designed to help younger dogs give birth by expanding and extracting to make room for puppies. Dementia And Blindness Labradors are at high risk of having eye problems that can limit their eyesight or leave them completely blind. Miscellaneous Health Issues Aside from the issues mentioned above, there are other possible risks for your Labrador as she ages. These include miscarriage and failure to lactate. Labradors from the age of seven are considered seniors — this may seem young for many owners. You must consider that Labrador Retrievers have an average lifespan of around ten to twelve years. You may have retired your female Labrador, but she will need continued care and support to the end of her life. Consider the following ways you can support your female Lab to enjoy her life and be healthy in her senior years: Nutrition For Senior Labradors Dog foods for older dogs are formulated with fewer calories. If your dog enjoys strenuous exercise and work, there is no need to change his current diet. The best way to ensure your Labrador is on a low-calorie diet is by giving him his usual food in smaller portions. Supplements For Senior Dogs Chrondroitin and Glucosamine are supplements that show evidence of delaying joint problems, especially arthritis. You can try breaking up his exercise into two or three shorter walks. Pain Relief Pain relief is something to give your older Lab if he is in chronic pain. Final Thoughts So, what is the oldest age a female Labrador can have puppies? Labradors age quickly and become seniors almost in the blink of an eye; however, aging is unavoidable. Table Of Content. Please note that all our calls are recorded for security and training purposes. Is my dog too old to have puppies? But pregnancy carries certain health risks, especially if the pregnant pup is getting on in years. All dogs deserve to lead a happy and healthy life, but the likelihood of illness, disease and injury increases as your pet ages. When do dogs have puppies? While there are many similarities between humans and their dogs, when it comes to reproduction there are some key differences. Most human females stop being able to conceive children sometime in their early 50s, around half-way through their lives. However, animals, dogs included, are capable of conceiving and giving birth to young until much later in life. So, unless they are spayed, female dogs can continue to have heat cycles and theoretically become pregnant even into old age. However, this is associated with a lot of risk factors and should be avoided. In terms of when dogs can start to have puppies, males become fertile from around five or six months old. While females usually reach sexual maturity when they are six months old. In both cases toy and smaller breeds tend to mature earlier than large breeds. This happens at around one to two years for smaller breeds and two to three years for large breeds. Pregnancy puts a big strain on the body of a female dog. Should you let your dog have puppies? Deciding whether or not to let your female dog have puppies in the first place is an important question for any dog owner and should never be taken lightly. And your dog is healthy and strong enough to carry a pregnancy and handle puppy birth. The age of your dog will be a big factor in this calculation. Indeed, pet charity PDSA recommends getting pet dogs spayed or neutered. It says that the procedure brings a lot of health benefits for both male and female pets including: Protection from certain types of cancer. Stops female dogs from developing pyometra, a potentially fatal womb infection. Makes male dogs less territorial and aggressive. Protects female dogs from the hormonal changes and stress of going into heat cycles. The PDSA advises responsible dog owners to consider the following five points before breeding: The health of the parents Many breeds of dog carry hidden health problems that could be passed on to their young. The health of both parents needs to be checked out before breeding. This can cause difficulties during birthing. But such complications can arise with any breed. Finding a new home for the puppies Finding the right home for a puppy is a big responsibility and can even be a lifetime commitment. Would you be in a position to take back or rehome any puppies if it became necessary? The cost With all the tests, check-ups and special care, breeding from your pet can soon get very expensive. Not to mention the costs of any potential emergency treatment. Check to see whether your pet insurance for older dogs would cover this. After that age, even if the female does get pregnant, the risk of complications during pregnancy and birth rises significantly. An older dog could experience a difficult pregnancy and may even need an emergency C-section. After giving birth, nursing puppies is tough even for a younger dog in great physical shape. Even with added supplements, older females may become very weak and have difficulty producing enough milk for their pups. There are also several health issues and complications that can arise including: Canine dystocia Also known as difficult birth in dogs. This can be caused by a hormone deficiency but also the demands of milk production or inadequate feeding during pregnancy. It usually develops within a few weeks after giving birth. Mastitis A painful infection of the mammary glands. Usually caused by milk accumulation or a bacterial infection. How many times can a female dog have puppies? For example, the Kennel Club says it will refuse to register a litter if the female has already produced four litters, unless there are exceptional circumstances. They will only register such a litter if there is evidence from a vet as to the suitability of the female. And if permission had been sought before mating took place. As we know, no two dogs are exactly the same. While one may happily produce four litters with no problems, four may be far too much for another. The older the dog was, the less litters she should produce during her life. Are they capable of handling pregnancy and the birthing process multiple times? If they develop certain health conditions along the way, their breeding life will inevitably be cut short. As well as having pet insurance for older dogs, you also need to make the best decisions for your faithful friend. At what age should they stop breeding? While dogs are capable of having puppies at any age, vets advise that breeding should have stopped by the time the female dog reaches eight years old. Although many breeders stop breeding from as early as five to six years of age. Some breeds of dog are retired earlier from breeding owing to physiological issues that cause complications during pregnancy. But this is a very broad-brush approach and there are several other factors, aside from age, you need to balance when it comes to deciding when they should stop breeding. These include: Presence of genetic health conditions If you notice a health condition that could be passed on to puppies from the female dog then breeding needs to stop immediately. Many breeds suffer from such genetic conditions and the Kennel Club is a great resource for finding out about such issues. Difficult previous pregnancies Pregnancy problems in the past could well spell problems in the future. But this might need to be sooner. Prolonging breeding will lead to greater chance of stillbirth and tends to see a drop in the physical qualities of the pups. Signs your dog is too old to breed Every dog is different and you will probably be a better judge than anyone as to when your dog should stop breeding. Small litter sizes Has the litter size reduced from before? For instance, where there were previously six in a litter, now there are just three. General health Signs of declining health need to be taken very seriously when it comes to pregnancy. Particularly those medical conditions that can be made worse by pregnancy such as diabetes, hip dysplasia and reproductive issues. Read our recent blog on what the signs of diabetes are in older dogs. Complications during birth Stillbirth, miscarriage, excessive blood loss, or an unexpected C-section can arise at any time and not just because of age. However, you should consult with your vet to see if the complications could indicate she is not suited for having another litter. Other health complications These could include: distended uterus; uterine infection; inflamed mammary glands; and low blood calcium. Lengthening recovery process Pregnancy and giving birth can really take it out of your female dog. The older they get, sperm quantity and quality will be reduced. Problems to look out for with older male dogs include low conception rates, smaller litter sizes and signs of declining health. How do I know if my dog is pregnant? Look out for these telltale signals that could mean your dog has fallen pregnant: Increased appetite. One fine day you have an adorable Labrador puppy in your hand, and then the very next year, you have a fully grown muscular Labra who is nearly ready to fill your living room with more of his cute canines. But when truly is your Labrador prepared to breed? Is waiting for a specific time necessary? Or Breeding before Sexual Maturity can lead the Labrador into trouble? Well, no matter what question you have, we present answers to all of them. A Male Labrador becomes fertile as they reach the age of 1 year 12 months. Whereas a Female Labrador is fertile slightly later, around the age of 2 years 18 to 14 months. For breeding a Labrador pair, dog owners and breeders must wait until the female experiences her third heat cycle. It is when a female Labrador develops fully, especially with her reproductive organs. She, by then, has gained enough physical powers and abilities to mate, conceive and birth her little canines. What to expect as your Labrador dog sexually matures? When your Labrador starts maturing sexually, you may be able to notice several signs. When they reach their sexual maturity, male Labradors will start marking their territory. Some of them even start forgetting the basics of their behavioral training. Even the simplest things, including toilet training, potty training, or walking on a lead, may appear as heavily confusing. Male Labradors even start looking eye to eye with their owner or every human in general. They will stop enjoying the puppy privileges and will begin following female dogs from the same or even different breeds around. Female Labradors reach their sexual maturity slightly later and become reproductive not more than twice a year. It is when she is the most fertile and will probably conceive if mate. She does not bleed precisely like humans but has a red vaginal discharge for a week or 10 days. Following the smell of her vulva, male dogs often approach or even land them upon the female. Yes, even though the maximum work of reproduction is dependent on a female dog, the age ad physical health of a male dog too matters when breeding. Only male dogs who have reached their sexual maturity age and can produce sperm can breed. And unless they suffer from a very major illness, male dogs remain fertile for their entire life. They may have low quality and lower sperm count, but given the right circumstances, the male dog can impregnate a female dog regardless of their age. However, old male dogs may not have the same sexual drive as young male dogs due to their age. Male Labradors become fertile near the age of 8 to 10 months. Female Labradors reach their sexual maturity around the age of 2 years. Some might experience it near 16 to 18 months of age; however, for breeding, wait until the female dog turns at least 24 months. For many dogs, the first heat cycle usually arises at the age of 6 months. However, large dogs like Labradors may experience their first heat between the period of 9 to 12 months. Given their breed size, there have been instances when a female Labrador got her first heat at 18 months or even as late as 24 months. This delay may be a result of several factors, including environmental and, more specifically, dog genetics. Labrador Heat Cycle Chart. May 10, Jun 22, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Having a pregnant dog welcome a new litter into the world is one of the greatest things a dog owner can experience. If you are ready to experience all the joys of doggy pregnancy, you may be wondering: can dogs be too old to get pregnant, and how old can dogs still have puppies? I was very surprised to discover that dogs are never too old to have puppies! Yup, you read that right—in fact, there is no such thing as doggy menopause, and female dogs go into heat during their whole lives. Pregnancy can be tough even for young dogs that are in their prime, but older dogs are at a much higher risk of health problems and stillborn puppies. Whether you want a new puppy or you are a breeder thinking about retiring your dogs, it is important to consider the ages of your male and female dogs before breeding them! Our 1 puppy product we recommend you send home with all new puppy owners is the Calmeroos Puppy Heartbeat Toy. In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about responsible breeding and dog fertility. Knowing that your pooch is an elderly citizen will help you determine whether it is safe and appropriate for your dog to get pregnant in the first place. Most dogs enter their senior years when they are around seven years old; however, the aging process is slightly different for small and large breed dogs. A tiny Chihuahua , for example, is considered a senior when they reach 11 years of age. On the other hand, a giant breed such as a Great Dane is considered a senior by the time they are five years old. The aging difference between smaller and larger breeds is mainly due to their size. Several studies have confirmed that larger breeds tend to age much faster than their smaller counterparts. Therefore, how old is too old for a dog to have puppies is directly related to the size of that particular dog. Unlike people, female and male dogs technically remain fertile their whole lives. However, their fertility and ability to whelp healthy puppies decrease as they get older. A healthy male dog can still sire puppies until very old age. In fact, most professional breeders will retire male dogs much later than their females. According to AKC rules, you can register a litter of puppies sired by a male dog that was no more than 12 years old at the time of mating. In practice, most reputable breeders will retire their male dogs when they are between 10 and 12 years old. Age is just one of several factors that affect the ability of a male dog to sire puppies. The age at which a male dog can have puppies also depends on the quality and quantity of its sperm. So, many professional breeders will check the sperm count of their male dogs regularly, at least once a month, to see if they are still capable of siring litters. Additionally, breeders will check many other things to determine whether their male dogs are too old for breeding and ready to be retired. Low conception rate is another sign that a dog is getting too old to sire puppies regularly. This means that a male dog fails to get a female dog pregnant during ideal conditions: one mating per day and a completely healthy female. Furthermore, a breeder may decide that the male dog is too old to sire puppies if their partner continually produces smaller litters, or if the puppies are weak and sick. Our 1 pick is the Basic Whelping Kit for puppies. Check out our Whelping Supplies Checklist for more of our favorites. According to the AKC rules, a dam must not be more than 12 years of age at the time of mating, if you want to register the litter. However, a lot of breed clubs, including the UK Kennel Club, set eight years as a maximum limit for breeding female dogs. However, at this grand age most female dogs have birthing difficulties and serious complications are often seen during labor. When they become pregnant, older female dogs may have trouble giving birth, and seeing stillborn puppies in a litter is unfortunately quite common. Additionally, older dogs may have trouble producing enough milk to nurse their puppies, who often die if not bottle-fed by their human caregivers. Due to all these risks and complications, most reputable breeders decide to retire their dams when they are around five or six years old. To determine whether or not to retire a female dog from a breeding program, the breeders consider the same factors as for male dogs. Taking all of these criteria into account can give you a good idea of whether it is safe to continue breeding your female dog or not. Our Golden Retriever , Raven was a breeding dog. She was retired by her breeder when she was 6 years old at which time we officially adopted her. If you own a female dog, the most important thing to remember is that she can get pregnant at any time during her life. Although older dogs are less fertile than their younger counterparts, there is still a risk of unwanted pregnancy. Now that you know that dogs can become pregnant their entire lives, talk with your vet about the best ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies. We use these tools to help keep our dogs separate. You read that right: Your cute, fluffy puppy can have puppies of its own! Once they reach sexual maturity, male dogs can mate at any time, even every day! Females, on the other hand, can mate only when they are in heat, which usually happens twice a year. However, some dogs can go into heat up to four times a year, while others will be ready to mate once a year, depending on their size and breed. Male dogs generally become fertile earlier than their female counterparts, usually when they are around five or six months old. Toy and small breeds such as Chihuahuas become sexually mature earlier than large breeds. In most cases, you should wait until your dog is at least one year old to mate him with a female. Keep in mind that large and giant breeds need more time to fully grow, so you should wait until your pooch is 18 to 24 months old to breed him for the first time. If you decide to use your male dog for siring litters, you will first have to ensure that he is completely healthy and fertile. Your vet can help with that and provide health clearances that your dog is a qualified stud dog ready for breeding. Once a male dog reaches sexual maturity, he remains fertile his entire life. However, their sperm count tends to be low during the beginning and the end of their reproductive cycle. Unlike male dogs, who can mate literally every single day once they reach puberty, female dogs can breed only when they are in heat. Female dogs usually reach sexual maturity when they are six months old, but smaller breeds can go into heat as early as four months of age. As with male dogs, you should wait until your female is fully grown before attempting to mate her for the first time. The size and breed of your dog will determine when the best time is to mate your female for the first time. Smaller breeds reach adulthood earlier than their larger counterparts and can consequently become pregnant safely much earlier. After having their first estrus, also known as heat or season, female dogs usually go into heat every six months until they get old. However, this time frame can vary from one dog to another and can depend on the size of the dog. Generally, smaller dogs go into heat more regularly than larger breeds and can produce more litters during their lifetime. The heat cycle is divided into four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. The estrus phase also lasts around nine days, at which time the female is fertile and will allow being mounted by a male dog. In most cases, ovulation happens within the first 48 hours of the estrus phase, but this can vary greatly. This phase happens whether or not the dog has gotten pregnant, and some dogs may develop signs of false pregnancy during this stage. Lastly, the anestrus phase is the time when a female dog can no longer become pregnant and is a period without sexual activity. In most cases, this stage lasts between three to four months. Technically, both female and male dogs can have puppies their whole lives. The actual labor is also more difficult and risky for older dogs and is commonly accompanied by complications. Older dogs also may have problems producing the milk and nursing their puppies. What is the age limit for breeding a dog? Can a 9-year-old dog have puppies? A 9-year-old dog can technically get pregnant and give birth to a litter of puppies. However, an older female dog can absolutely get pregnant if mounted by a fertile male during her heat cycle. To prevent any health problems and unwanted pregnancies, keep a close eye on your dog while in heat and consider spaying her. Is it bad for a 1-year-old dog to have puppies? Small breeds reach adulthood when they are one year old and can safely have puppies if they are done growing. A one-year-old Great Dane is still a puppy, and it would be bad for a growing pup to get pregnant and have to take care of a litter of newborn puppies. Conclusion Knowing how old dogs can be to have puppies is an important piece of information if you plan to breed your dog at some point in their life. While technically dogs are fertile and can have puppies their whole lives, older female dogs are at risk of premature labor, stillborn puppies, and birthing complications. Before breeding your pooch, talk with your vet and have your dog throughout examined. Are you a breeder? Have you worked with our bought a dog from a breeder? If so, do you know how old their breeding dogs are? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. Up to which age can dogs actually get pregnant and have puppies? The quick answer is that dogs can have puppies nearly for the entire duration of their lives. Dogs as old as 12 years or older can theoretically become pregnant. However, these late pregnancies are often associated with complications for both mother and pups. Table of Contents Can a dog be too old to have puppies? Most women stop being able to conceive children sometime in their mids around halfway throughout their lives. This is unique among all animals — all other species are able to become pregnant and give birth until much later in their life. Dogs are no exception to this rule. While human women go through menopause and do not have a cycle afterwards, dogs do not experience menopause. Female dogs have heat cycles until their death or until they are spayed. While they are theoretically able to conceive puppies even beyond the age of 10 years old, this is associated with a lot of risk factors and should be avoided. At what age should a dog stop having puppies? Most kennel clubs require dams of litters to not be older than 8 or 9 years old. After that age, the risk for complications during pregnancy and birth rises drastically. Even if your female gets pregnant, she could experience: A difficult pregnancy The need for an emergency c section A singleton litter meaning only one single pup is born Stillbirths of one, several or all pups of the litter In addition, nursing a litter of puppies is tough even for a younger female in good shape. A female that is 10 years or older will become very weak even with the best supplements and probably require the owner to substitute some milk because she cannot produce enough. However, this does not mean that you should breed your female every heat cycle until she is 9 years old. If she has any kind of complications during pregnancy or birth during the first litter, you should not even breed her more than once. If you start having litters from your female dog when she is 3 years old and they are back-to-back meaning she gets pregnant in two consecutive heat cycles , then she will be too old to have more puppies by the time she is just 5 years old. Many owners are too keen on breeding their dogs and producing puppies. Keep in mind that your dog is a pet first and foremost and needs your care and attention to her wellbeing. Can a 12 year old dog get pregnant? Theoretically yes. You should always assume that if your female dog is in season, she could become pregnant if she is together with an intact male. However, if your dog has not been pregnant throughout her life, the chances of conceiving at 12 years are pretty small. If you are planning on breeding your female, you should do so much earlier. The later the first litter of a female is, the less likely it is that she will conceive. A female who had litters at 6,7 and 9 years old could become pregnant again at 10 years or above A female that has never been pregnant before is quite unlikely to have a first pregnancy at 10 years However, you should not rely on the chance that age will prevent a conception. If your dog is in season, you have to keep her away from intact males. Should I try to get my old dog pregnant? No, you should absolutely not try that! In addition, the risk for complications is very high and it is likely that not all puppies and the mother will survive in good health. The older a female is, the higher the risk for pyometra a potentially fatal uterus infection. If your female has not had a first litter until the age of about 6, you should spay her in order to prevent pyometra and other conditions associated with being intact such as ovarian cancer or mammary tumors. While dogs can get pregnant throughout their lives, like humans they have the best chances for a normal pregnancy and easy birth if they are young and healthy. There is no upside in breeding an old female — but many downsides. Do not put your girl through the physical demands and risks of a pregnancy in her senior years. An older dog should be allowed to live out her life happily and healthily, without a geriatric pregnancy. The bottom line Age is not a certain form of contraception in dogs. While it is not likely that a 10 year old female will conceive easily, it is also not impossible. Unfortunately, pregnancies late in life are associated with numerous risks in dogs. You should absolutely avoid breeding a dog older than 8 or 9 years old. If your dog has not yet had a litter, even this is too old. As soon as you decide that you do not want to breed your female again , you should have her spayed. The older a female dog is, the higher the risk of serious medical conditions of the reproductive system becomes. In addition, spaying also is the the easiest way of contraception in dogs. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly. So, you will have to make the decision as to when to stop breeding her. It can be tempting to keep breeding an incredible female—especially if she has produced wonderful litters in the past. However, there comes a time when you have to let your dog go into retirement and enjoy the golden years of her life. When should Labradors stop breeding? While there are many factors, most professionals agree that you should no longer breed a Labrador after she turns 7. Possible complications in older Labs include organ failure, fewer pups, calcified pubic region, and more. If you have questions about your specific situation, contact your vet. It is possible that you should stop sooner depending on your dogs health. Ideal window for puppies All creatures seem to have an ideal age to reproduce. It is true with humans. Just because a woman can have a baby, does not mean that you would urge her to do so. Imagine telling a year-old girl that she should get pregnant just because she can! If you want more information about when to start breeding your Labrador or Golden Retriever, check out this link. It will walk you through all of the things you have never considered when it came to your female having puppies too early. Stopping can be more difficult that being patient for that first litter—especially if you have already received two or three excellent litters. Today I am writing about all the reasons why that ideal age is no older than 7-years-old. For some dogs, the age might actually be younger. Even a silly man wins the lottery ever now and then. It just means that you got lucky. Health factors for female Labs after 7 years old Most of the concerns that deal with an older Labrador having puppies are health considerations. As your little girl gets older, you probably notice that she does not go as hard or as fast or as long as before. Well, guess what! Neither do you. Keep in mind that many of these complications are even more likely if your Labrador has never had a litter of puppies. If your dog has not had a litter of puppies by 7-years-old, then you simply should not start now! Liver and kidneys As Labradors get older, their major organs become weaker. They cannot sustain the same strain as when she was 3 or 4-years-old. A pregnancy will push your Lab to her limits. If she is too old, there is a possibility that one of these major organs could give out on her. I know that just because I have said that you should not breed your Labrador after she turns 7-years-old you may or may not follow the advice of vets from around the country. So, if you plan on still having an older Labrador bred, please pay the money and have a vet to a quick check on all her major organs Calcified pubic girdle When a younger dog gives birth, the pelvic girdle is designed to actually expand to make room for the puppies. As your Labrador gets older, calcification of the cartilage in that area rob them of the ability to expand. There are a number of problems that can arise if your Lab has this problem during a delivery. The best case scenario in this situation is a C-section with more than quadruples the cost of the delivery if your dog does not require surgery. Simple pains of old age One of the things that I have noticed about myself as I get older is that I hurt more than I used to. Old football or work injuries have come back to haunt me. Pain is one of those things that can make dogs aggressive. Have you ever wondered why your old dog just snapped at you for the first time in 9 years? It could be a result of pain and old age. If you need some more information about what might make a Retriever aggressive, check out this article. Old age is not the only thing that can cause your dog to become aggressive. Check out the other reasons as well. When it comes to taking care of a litter of puppies, your female needs to be patient and nurturing. An aggressive mother might snap at a newborn puppy and end its life. Just another reason to stop breeding older Labradors. Dementia or blindness Labradors have a higher susceptibility to eye problems that can either limit her eyesight or leave her completely blind. I think this goes hand in hand with the explanation above. In order to provide the very best possible situation for your puppies, you need to make sure that mom is able to do most of the work. Otherwise, you might find yourself bottle-feeding puppies multiple times a day. Other miscellaneous problems Aside from everything that I have already mentioned, there are other potential risks for your Lab as she starts to get older. So, you have reached the end of the article and now know why I think and thousands of vets around the country believe that Labs should stop breeding when they reach 7-years-old. The you might wonder what you should do. Well, that is still true. Your dog is no longer going to have puppies, so why does she need to equipment? I really think it is a good idea—and the vets agree—to get your female Lab spayed when you are sure that she will not have any more puppies. There are lots of benefits that come from spaying an older Lab. For a full list of the pros and cons to spaying a female Labrador or Golden Retriever, check out this article. It will explain everything you need to consider.
Are White German Shepherds Rare? There are historical reasons for that. As mentioned earlier, the white coat gene is recessive in GSDs. That made it hard for breeders to produce litters of all White German puppies. Over time, whiteness became an undesirable trait in the GSD. Any surviving White GSDs were summarily slaughtered. In the s, the American Kennel Club disallowed the participation of American White Shepherds in conformation shows. Twenty years later, the Canadian Kennel Club would do the same thing. Despite or possibly because of the restrictions on white GSDs, breeders kept the dog alive. They both have erect ears, a square-cut jaw, a curvy yet athletic body, and a long brush-like tail. Males stand between 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller at 22 to 24 inches. Eye color is usually dark brown but can be anywhere between light amber to dark mahogany. White GSDs can be long-haired or short-haired. Since they have different hair lengths, they each have their unique grooming requirements. At the very least, a White German Shepherd should be able to exercise for two hours a day. Anything that a German Shepherd can do, he can do too. And hey, you have the added bonus of turning heads whenever this dog walks down the street. When properly socialized, the White German Shepherd makes for a loyal and protective companion. In front of strangers, he can be wary. But in front of his family, he can be a total sweetheart. See, the White German Shepherd is a pack animal. Like all pack animals, he has a tendency to look to a pack leader i. Teach him the house rules once he reaches the age of 8 to 14 weeks — old enough to be weaned, young enough to be trainable. But before you make him jump through hoops literally and figuratively , be sure to master the basics first. Start with the thing that everyone loves most: The sound of their own name. Rinse and repeat until he does what you want him to do. Also, use consistent and positive reinforcement. Whenever he does something right, make sure to reward him in some way. As for the short-haired white GSD, he has the same grooming requirements as standard German Shepherds. Unlike his long-haired cousins, he has an undercoat that protects him against the elements. He also has natural oils that keep debris off his fur, so be careful not to bathe him too much and risk stripping off those oils. Both long-haired and short-haired White German Shepherds are heavy shedders, especially during the warm season. To prevent matting and tangles that could potentially cause skin infections, give your white GSD a brush at least once a week. Check his ears for smelly discharge and other signs of infection. Gently wipe any dirt around his eyes, nose and other parts of his body. Brush his teeth at least once every other day. Remember that those numbers do not include the cost of vaccinations, food, supplies, toys, training and other essentials for a healthy dog. Be aware, however, that you will get what you pay for. For example, the dog might come from an inferior lineage. Dog shelters are also great places to look for all White German Shepherd puppies. Of course, the Internet is a great source of white GSD sellers. Wherever you get your dog from, make sure you do a background check on both the seller and the puppy. Does the seller genuinely care about breeding dogs, or are they just popping out puppies for profit? Does the puppy himself have a history of aggression? These are just a few of the questions you should ask when deciding whether a dog is right for you. Is this the breed for you? Bear in mind that, while each breed has their general characteristics, every dog will have an individual personality. Your white GSD can be outgoing and lively, or shy and withdrawn. Are you a dog lover? If so, take just a moment to share this beautiful breed with others on your preferred social media platform. Our dogs have mellow, affectionate, and playful temperaments, love water, and especially children. They are living as trustworthy family members, as emotional support dogs, service dogs, and medical alert dogs around the world! Content Link Block Polarbear is our Name. Or perhaps just looking for the total package in a dog? Health and longevity remains the foundation of all we do. Take for example, the standard German Shepherd dog as seen in this photo: View fullsize …Dogs bred with these traits often end up with crippling disabilities and premature death. This is so inhumane. The focus of our kennel, on the other hand, is to produce dogs with straight backs, broad heads, and short coats, as in the photo of Polarbear's foundation sire, Shack Von Hammer below. Aside from their magnificent appearance, Polarbear White Shepherds are calm, sociable, and affectionate. They are gifted empaths and comedians at heart. Their goofy personalities and love of children make them perfect nannies for even the youngest child. They love water, retrieving frisbees, and diving into the occasional swimming pool. What kind of dogs do all that? And they are living fulfilled lives, as medical detection dogs, service dogs, and family and companion dogs in nearly every state in the United States! World Map of our Clients Before leaving, you might like to click on some of our pages. Our "Words of Warning" for those purchasing a purebred dog for the first time on the internet is a favorite. Just remember this quote…. No amount of training or special food will fix a problem dog. If you want to view videos of our dogs, check out our Youtube Channel page. If you appreciate our breeding philosophy and love what we do, do let us know by becoming a fan! Sadly, they go unanswered. We have a limited number of babies each year because we permit our mama dogs to have just one litter each year. This usually occurs sometime in the fall and spring of the year. When our litter arrives is the time we go through our applications and sell our puppies. Timing is everything! You just have to bookmark us and get to know us. We can't promise that everyone who wants one of our dogs will have the privilege of owning one, but at the very least we hope everyone becomes a fan. Take a chance and send in your application which you will find as you scroll down this page. Application The process of purchasing a Polarbear White Shepherd begins with a simple application. Answering all the questions on our application is important part of our decision-making process. Patience is key, and everyone has to go through the same process. Don't worry if you don't hear back from us right away. We know who you are. It's just how it works! If we haven't heard from us, it is likely because we did not have an available puppy this time around. Get to know us! We have to password protect our pages due to the amount of traffic we receive. When we meet, we will send them to you! Please keep reading. Then when you complete this page, you will find our application and scheduling page for an appointment. Our Puppy Test A high scoring, happy puppy, completes her puppy test! At six and eight weeks of age we start testing our puppies for intelligence and temperament. Our unique test which we formulated based upon several for the German Shepherd breed is the reason our dogs are "Rock Stars" in the dog world. Part of our philosophy is based upon the fact that virtually ALL dogs have one of three motivations; food, toys, or human motivation. To qualify as a true "Polarbear" and future parent of our puppies, our dogs must be highly human motivated. Our test evaluates and grades each puppy for stability, sociability, willingness to work, touch and sound sensitivity, and response to various incentives. Puppy results are published on each of our litters on a special "Private" page of our website for those who have already been approved for one of our puppies. Puppy Selection View fullsize Click here to see their puppy! Puppy selection begins with a video conference. Whether our clients come and meet us in person or choose to have us deliver their puppy, a video conference is required. This "Meet and Greet" interview allows our dogs to see, hear, and smell not just yet! It is amazing how this works, but it does. Our clients get to watch us demonstrate some of our testing. Think of our video conference like you would a dating service. It may be awkward at first but our clients really enjoy it and usually "fall in love" for all important bonding with their puppy. Trust is extremely important for us as it is for our clients and video conferencing helps us to accomplish that. Delivery A new owner at his puppy's first well puppy check here at Polarbear Land. Once a joint decision has been made, we begin making plans for delivery and we send our clients an electronic file which includes the puppy's pedigree, AKC registration information, contract, invoice, Polarbear Care PDF, and a copy of the health record, which is also attached to the puppy's crate upon delivery. Each puppy is required to pass a USDA health inspection after they turn eight 8 weeks of age and receive a health certificate prior to delivery, all details found on the "Private Page" for our clients. Safety: Whether clients pick up their puppy in person or have their new puppy delivered, the process is completely safe. We select direct flights on our favorite airlines, Alaska, which happens to be rated one of the best for pet travel in the travel industry. It also helps that they are headquartered near our home! We've maintained a relationship with Alaska for many years and their cargo staff provide exceptional care for our fur babies. In addition to the best of care, the calm and intelligent nature of our puppies make them ideal pet passengers. Our Polarbear puppies have no fear. .Thank you so much for taking a few minutes to read our "Polarbear Purchase Process. In any case, we love to know that you absolutely love our dogs and wish to join our unique family! Raising dogs for you and your family. Call or text .Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential White German Shepherd breed info to find out everything about the White German Shepherd. How to find White German Shepherd puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their White German Shepherd pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the White German Shepherd kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. Pets4You makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the condition of any dogs offered for sale, the standards or practices of any breeder, the quality of their canines, or the accuracy of any information contained within our site. Pets4You does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee a particular kennel, breeder or dogs listed on the Pets4You website. For Buyers.
For the complete list please see our German Shepherd resource page. Some breeders will offer a discount if you buy more than one pup at a time and others may have higher prices due to having a champion bloodline or other desirable traits that can command a higher price. Prices vary for a few reasons: some breeders may be trying to make a profit, some may have high-quality dogs with champion bloodlines, and others may have puppies that have been well-socialized from an early age. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is and you should go look for a more reputable breeder. How to Find A Responsible German Shepherd Breeder in Nebraska The first thing you should do when trying to find a German Shepherd breeder in Nebraska is to go and talk with some of the other GSD owners that you know and see if they can recommend any good breeders to you. Another way of finding a responsible German Shepherd breeder in Nebraska is by going online. There are several online forums where reputable breeders love to post information about themselves and their dogs so that people can easily get in touch with them. You can also search for German Shepherd clubs in your area which will often have listings of quality breeders who are members of the group. Finally, there are several dog breeders associations in all states which you can ask for help when trying to find a responsible German Shepherd breeder in Nebraska. In some areas, all breeders have to be members of local kennel clubs so it is important to contact these organizations and see if they have any recommendations for reputable breeders in your area that you can talk with. These resources should prove helpful when attempting to find a good German Shepherd breeder in Nebraska and help ensure that you get a healthy puppy from a caring breeder who will stand by their dogs over the years. Many breeders, even those who are well-respected and experienced, offer their puppies up for sale online so that they can reach out to people all over the country when trying to find good homes for their pups. However, it is always best when inquiring about one of these dogs to visit the breeder in person and see where the puppy was raised and socialized before making your final decision. This allows you to easily view any certificates or proof of health for both parents as well as seeing how the pups were cared for while still with their mother. Visiting the breeder will also allow you to ask them any questions about their experience with the breed, how they mate their dogs, and other important decisions that are necessary when raising German Shepherds. You can ask about what training or socialization has been done to prepare the pups for new homes and decide if this is something you feel comfortable with before moving forward. After seeing one of these reputable breeders in person and talking with them on the phone, it should be much easier to choose a breeder and see if their prices meet your budget as well as offering new families the right environment where the pup will thrive. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your German Shepherd Breeder in Nebraska When looking for a German Shepherd breeder in Nebraska to purchase your new puppy from, it is always important to ask if they have references you can contact. Many reputable breeders are happy to give you the names of people who have purchased their dogs in the past so that you can get an idea about what type of experience you may have while raising this dog. You will want to contact at least three people before making your final decision but getting firsthand information from previous owners regarding experiences with your specific breeder can be very helpful when trying to find a good place. Ask Your Nebraska German Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers If the German Shepherd breeder you are looking at purchasing a puppy from is reputable, they will more than likely allow you to meet some of their past customers. This is a great way to get an idea about what the dog is like and if it has been well-socialized. When meeting past customers, be sure to ask them lots of questions about their experience with the breeder as well as the dog itself. Meeting past customers can also help you identify any potential problems that you may encounter while raising your new puppy. A good breeder will have a veterinarian they work with frequently and who they feel is a very knowledgeable resource. They should not be afraid to give you the contact information of this veterinarian so that you can speak with them about any questions or concerns that may come up while your pup grows. If, by chance, your breeder does not have their own veterinarian in Nebraska, try to find out if they are registered with one of the established dog groups like AKC or Canine Health Foundation. These organizations maintain standards for canine health testing and care so working with these veterinarians ensures that your pup will be healthy throughout its life. You do not want to purchase a puppy from someone who cannot get it back in for regular checkups to ensure good health. A German Shepherd breeder in Nebraska should be willing to provide all of the above information to you before you make your purchase. They should also be able to provide a healthy, socialized puppy that has been raised in a clean and loving home. If the breeder cannot meet these minimum requirements, it is best to move on and find a different breeder. It is important to know the signs of an unethical German Shepherd dog breeder in Nebraska so that you can make sure you do not work with one when looking for your new pup. An unethical German Shepherd breeder will be very pushy to get you to sign the contract and pay them quickly. They should give you plenty of time to think about things before rushing into anything. Another sign of an unethical German Shepherd Dog Breeder in Nebraska is if they seem uninterested or unenthusiastic about you adopting their puppy. A good breeder wants to ensure that their pups go to good homes so they should care more than just a little bit about where their puppies end up. If the breeder cannot provide you with health certificates, registration papers, or a pedigree for the pup then they are likely not legitimate. These items are important when registering your dog and make sure that it came from healthy bloodlines. Finally, be on the lookout for breeders who have a lot of puppies available at any time of the year. This can lead to health problems so it is best to avoid these breeders in Nebraska. A good breeder will only have one or two litters available each year so they can properly care for them. A responsible breeder also does health screenings when necessary and takes their pups back when they are not sold in order to ensure that they receive proper veterinary care if anything comes up with the dog. At any rate, your new puppy should never be sick or diseased upon purchase. Taking them back to the breeder may be an option but it is still important that they remain in good hands. How to Prepare Your Home for Your German Shepherd Puppy Regardless of where you get your German Shepherd puppy, there are a few things you need to do in order to prepare your home for their arrival. The first is to set up a safe and comfortable area for the pup to sleep in. This can be a crate or an enclosed area like a small room. Make sure that there are no dangers lurking in the area such as poisonous plants, wires, or small objects that the pup could choke on. You will also want to have plenty of toys and chew items available for the pup so that they can keep themselves busy. A bored German Shepherd can get into a lot of trouble so make sure that you provide them with plenty of stimulation. Finally, start obedience training right away. This will help to ensure that your pup knows who is in charge and will help to prevent any bad behavior from developing. If you are not familiar with the method, here are some basics. Allow your pup to sleep in their crate at night and while you are gone during the day. This will help them feel secure and safe while also making it easier for them to be confined for long periods of time without having accidents on the floor. Place newspapers or puppy pads in the area that they are sleeping so that when they wake up they will have an appropriate place to go. You can also try taking them outside right before bedtime but this may not work every time. It is important that if they do have an accident you clean it immediately so that they do not get used to doing their business in the crate. This will help to reinforce good behavior and make sure that they understand what it is you are wanting them to do. Be consistent with your training and rewards and your pup should be potty trained within a few weeks. If you have any further questions about German Shepherd Dog Breeders in Nebraska, please feel free to reach out to us. We would be happy to help you in any way we can. Looking for a reputable German Shepherd breeder in Nebraska can be difficult, but there are some best German Shepherd breeders in Nebraska. Best of luck with finding your perfect furry friend. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. See real-time photos and information about dogs currently available by clicking or tapping on FETCH below. The search tool above returns a list of breeders located nearest to the zip or postal code you enter. From there you can see photos of their pups, find detailed information on their web page and contact them by e-mail, phone and even get driving directions. Detailed contact information has been omitted. Enter your zip or postal code above to access our up-to-date directory. This is a free search tool! Use the form at the top to get complete listings for breeders in your area! Important: Breeders. It is your responsibility to investigate. See How to Find a Dog. All puppies come from a home environment with other dogs, kids and are all handled daily. Both the Sire and the Dam are very even tempered, attentive, sweet and intelligent with a strong eagerness to please. These puppies are to be sold as pets and are not to be bred. We are looking for loving, stable forever homes and we do ask to see pictures of yard and ask how often dog will be left alone. We also offer puppy starter training and a sky nanny service that flies with your puppy on her lap.
tuxedo standard poodle puppies for sale - We have an impeccable reputation for providing quality dogs exclusively to peoples' homes. We begin by raising our dogs alongside us within our home. The sharing of our space with our dogs makes for social, healthy, beautiful puppies and happy adult dogs. We hold our dogs to the highest standards, with regular vet check ups and visits for all. They exercise on almost two fenced acres and receive premium foods. Care is the best available, their health and happiness is paramount to all our success. Parents are chosen to mate based on carefully selected characteristics and family lineage. Hours of study and work go into pairing the right males and females toward breeding the best together, with improving our dogs and the breed always our priority. The gestation period is 63 days. At the end of that time, puppies are born into custom designed whelping boxes built in our own bedroom so that we hear and can respond to every sound. The puppies are accompanied by their moms with an occasional visit by dad and select other females. The puppies live the early weeks of their lives with their litter mates. Content, nursing puppies can bring tears of joy to your eye Mission: To create the best of the best in puppies, choose the best of the best in families and strive for those puppies to live with their families for long, healthy lives. There is NO room for error. Our daughter, Molly, was a figure skater and our other daughter, Emma, was a dancer. Our lives were incredibly busy so I didn't think we could give a puppy the time and love he or she would deserve. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in and now that our girls are grown, I thought a dog would be a good companion for him. A golden retriever was our 1 choice - specifically an English Golden. Moon River Goldens came highly recommended from a dear friend, and immediately upon speaking with Sue, we knew we had found the right breeder. Sue spent a great deal of time getting to know us and learning about our needs as a family. It was obvious to us from the start that she loved her dogs and was careful to be sure that the puppies would be placed with loving families. Sue not only was our breeder - she became our friend! When the puppies were born, my husband, my girls and I visited Sue to meet them. I will never forget the sheer joy of seeing my husband and girls sitting in the yelping box trying to choose the perfect pup for our family! This was no easy task as all of these pups were a delight! One puppy in particular seemed to gravitate to my daughters - he circled around one daughter and jumped in the lap of the other. I was focused on another pup, and it was Sue - knowing the demeanor of the pup that was trying so desperately to get our attention - who suggested we take this little one home with us. She knew what we needed as a family, and I can honestly say that she was right. We chose "Gold" - meaning he had a gold ribbon around his neck - and it was one of the best decisions we have ever made as a family! We brought our boy home on a sunny day in April, .Henry Allan M. To say that he has changed our lives is an understatement - he has given us more love than we could have ever imagined possible. There is constant laughter in the house, in large part due to Henry and his silly antics. All the neighborhood kids ring our bell just to say hi to Henry. Everyone is greeted with love and kisses. He means the world to us, and Henry lets us know exactly what we mean to him each and every day. About Us Happy, Healthy Bloodline Happy, Healthy Bloodline More than 15 years breeding puppies in partnership with a diverse and knowledgeable veterinary team, always standing by to offer the best support. The "lineage" of Moon River Goldens lives here, with our family at our home. In our commitment to better the breed, we choose from the best of the best to create even better English Golden Retrievers. A Furever Friend Happy, Healthy Bloodline A Furever Friend We carefully make sure we mix lines and do not overwork females to make sure each litter and puppy is a healthy treasure. When our females are still young and very healthy they are retired to live a long and happy life, here at Moon River. They are not rehomed at retirement, as we return their commitment to us as a commitment to them. Sign Up For Updates Be the first to hear about new litters, availability, and helpful pet advice. A Golden Retriever is a wonderful family dog, but it needs space for playtime and exercise to lead a healthy life. You will also need time to train and socialize your dog. Here are some things to know about Golden Retrievers before bringing one home: Size Golden Retrievers are medium-sized dogs that can grow up to 22 to 24 inches. They can be between 65 and 75 lbs. These dogs need space and can also eat a lot, especially if they are active. A beautiful Golden Retriever with a bandana on his neck stands outdoors. Grooming Golden Retrievers may not need as much grooming as other dogs, but they can shed a lot and must have their coats brushed more during those times. They will shed their outer coat once or twice a year, so a daily brushing would help remove dead fur. You should also bring your dog to a groomer for regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and the occasional shower and tooth brushing. But other than that, most Golden Retrievers are not high-maintenance pets. Exercise And Training Golden Retrievers are a sporting breed, so they need a lot of exercise and activity. You need room on your property so your dog can play and run around. A Golden Retriever takes a lot of training and a healthy diet to run so fast! Early socialization is also important for sporting dogs because it makes them easier to train. Golden Retrievers are easy-going animals, but socialization makes it easier for them to adapt to any situation and makes them ideal companions for children and other animals. Finally, these dogs love the water! The breed was meant to retrieve waterfowl such as ducks and geese. Your Golden Retriever will be fond of fetching things from any body of water, whether a pool or a lake. Health And Life Expectancy Though Golden Retrievers are one of the healthiest breeds, they are also prone to health issues, including hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and heart disease. Golden Retriever standing and guards over a property. The life expectancy for the breed is 10 to 12 years, although in some rare cases where Goldens live up to 15 years. New Jersey has many breeders, but you should find a reputable one instead of landing at a puppy mill that breeds unhealthy pups and follows unethical breeding practices. Searching dog information, breeders and rescues online. Many search engines like Google have a rating and review system, so check these reviews to see what clients say about the breeder. You could also do some old-fashioned research by asking friends and neighbors where or how they got their pets. Visit a dog kennel or a veterinarian and ask them if they know ethical breeders in the area. Combining the results from your research could help you find a breeder that would fit your budget and timeline. They can help you find an ethical and responsible breeder so you can choose where to get your puppy. You can talk to them and discuss their dogs. You can ask them about the sires and dams in their kennels and how often they have a litter. Visit The Breeder Once you have a list of potential breeders, visit their facilities and see the condition of the pups and their dams. Ask about their breeding program, and check the condition of the pups and the state of their operations. Choose a breeder that makes the health of their dogs a priority, both for the dam and the puppies. These are all essential to finding healthy and well-socialized pups. They focus on the health and well-being of their puppies, so the dog litters are small. They have bred Golden Retrievers that have won in many dog shows and have excellent health certifications. Golden Retriever puppy with a ribbon on a plain background. If you want to get a puppy from them, you must submit an application to be included on their waiting list. The dogs are in a cage-free environment, allowing them to grow healthy and well-adjusted. Golden Retriever puppy eats kibbles. The dogs live in a beautiful house, and the breeder takes the time to prepare the puppies before sending them off! They highly recommend the breeder. Breeder Details:. A Private Membership Organization dedicated to the betterment of the breed animal caregiver you can trust. All health tested and excellent hips! We breed healthy English Cream Golden Retriever puppies with excellent temperament. As small home hobby breeders we are passionate about the breed and dedicated to improving the breed. Our dogs are our beloved pets, and are members of the family. These girls sleep in our beds and enjoy our pool, and are fed fresh, organic home-cooked meals, the best quality vitamins and dog food available, and live a life of luxury and love, adored by myself, my children, and the whole family. He is our Russian Prince imported with an impeccable Championship pedigree. Both parents and all grandparents have Russian titles as Champions of Russia. His mother is a champion Bird Dog as well! They are both behemoth Goldens but gentle Giants. They are large gorgeous specimens who tends to be a sweet cuddly Momma's boys and never want to be far from my lap. Both have sired the largest litters we have ever had in stature, and all these puppies have been a bunch of gentle giants much like their fathers! She has just passed all her tests as she turned two and son we welcome her in ton our breeding program. She is sweet and affectionate and has a adorable cheeky personality. She is also calm like her mother and very bright and intelligent. Her favorite activities are swimming and cuddling in bed. We excited about the opportunity to to breed her because she is absolutely perfect in every way, tall slender, magnificent face and healthy but also a shadow dog who is in every way my best friend. Check out our FB page for live videos and pictures and most up to date information on current litters!! We believe young puppies should have the opportunity to develop emotionally, socially and physically from the moment they are born. We imprint each puppy daily by touching and handling. Military for their canine training programs to give the dogs a superior advantage in life. There were five benefits observed in canines that were exposed to the stimulation exercises. Improved cardio vascular performance heart rate stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress and greater resistance to disease. Buying a genetically superior puppy meaning the most well-bred puppy will reduce the number of trips to the Veterinarian you have to make in the long run. Here, all that is raised and grown is nurtured with love. They compete in different dog sports and venues. We only breed dogs that have full health clearance. We take pride in our dogs. To consecutively produce Golden Retrievers with good instincts, who are healthy, and sound in body and mind, our deliberate breeding program is extremely selective. Health is of the utmost importance in our breeding program. Temperament and trainability is vital to our breeding program. As a family breed, a Golden should be friendly, reliable and trustworthy. We intensively train dogs for different purpose, and show them in different venues. Whether we are looking for a show prospect, a performance dog or just a companion, intelligence, sweetness and an eagerness to learn are valuable assets to success. Our carefully bred, well-nurtured puppies are purposed to be honeysweet and bright. A precious, pleasant and synergetic human-dog partnership is what we aspire to bring to our dog owners. We believe form follows function. Even tough judging dogs is subjective, an adequate, versatile dog is our preference. We strive to breed balanced, moderate, and athletic Golden Retrievers that fit the breed standard and have good gun dog instincts. Thank you for visiting our website! Please feel free to contact us for any inquries. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for New Jersey Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in New Jersey? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in New Jersey? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We have provided a large amount of land fenced in just for our Goldens to enjoy the sunshine and run and play together. English Goldens are the Ultimate family pet!!! They are very intelligent, kind, loving, fun, obedient, easy to train, and have an exceptional eagerness to please. Our Goldens are loyal and devoted companions and are particularly patient with children. You will be amazed with one of our English Golden Puppies who have a calm and mellow temperament. Goldens excel at almost everything. Being a dog breeder herself she knew exactly where to go, ask the right questions, and read the Russian Pedigrees and Health Clearances. After searching the European Goldens for some time, she found 2 English Cream Golden Puppies who came from the very best breeders in Russia. The puppies were beautiful, friendly and had the International Champion Lines we were looking for. When the time was right Sasha invited Anya to come to Russia where she attended one of the largest dog shows in the world and visited many Golden breeders. An experience Anya will never forget! Then 2 years later Anya flew back to Russia again coming home with another beautiful English Golden. We decided to stay mostly with the Russian Lines as they had the look, temperament, Champion Lines and were happy and healthy. To enhance our lines we imported a few Goldens from the Ukraine who also have the same qualities as our other English Goldens. All of our Goldens come from International Champions and International Champion Lines, also with health clearances, mostly from Russia. We spent a great deal of time in choosing our breeding dogs, not settling for the next one available. At Icewind we have made a commitment to the breed not to have any ICT affected puppies. Bringing a new puppy into the family is a financial and emotional investment. For a better understanding visit our website adult page for the links to the Genetic Veterinary Sciences. The benefits noted can be found on the Internet. All Icewind puppies receive ENS and are well socialized with grandchildren, other pets, friends and family. Also included are age appropriate Vaccines, dewormings, AKC papers, a lifetime health guarantee and lifetime breeder support. Please read through our website there is a wealth of information available. We are very proud of our testimonial page where you can read and learn experiences from other people and families who now own an Icewind English Cream Golden Retriever. There are many AKC Titles you can compete for. More information can be found at akc. We believe young puppies should have the opportunity to develop emotionally, socially and physically from the moment they are born. We imprint each puppy daily by touching and handling. Military for their canine training programs to give the dogs a superior advantage in life. There were five benefits observed in canines that were exposed to the stimulation exercises. Improved cardio vascular performance heart rate stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress and greater resistance to disease. Buying a genetically superior puppy meaning the most well-bred puppy will reduce the number of trips to the Veterinarian you have to make in the long run. Watch your puppy grow from Newborn to 8 weeks old!!! Accepting Deposits Now on our Upcoming Litters!!! New Born.
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tuxedo standard poodle puppies for sale - Loss of balance, poor coordination, stumbling, falling over Not wanting to or hesitating to stand or walk Eye shifting from side to side Deafness or difficulty hearing Causes of Head Tilting in Dogs Many cases of head tilt in dogs can be traced back to the vestibular system in the middle ear. This system is responsible for helping your dog maintain their balance, posture, and head position, and it also influences eye movement. Here are the most common causes of dog head tilt: Vestibular disease: Peripheral vestibular disease: If the ear is damaged, such as a punctured eardrum tympanum , a dog may tilt their head. This can also be caused by some antibiotics often containing aminoglycosides and ear washes, such as those containing chlorhexidine, as well as infections that affect the middle and inner ear. The central and inner ear are inflamed due to bacterial, parasitic, or other types of infection. Central vestibular disease: This is usually caused by cancer, stroke, inflammation, or infection to the brain. Idiopathic peripheral vestibular disease: Idiopathic means that the exact cause is unknown. This is common in senior dogs years old and involves the middle or inner ear. Hypothyroidism : The thyroid gland does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone, causing the metabolism to slow. Hypothyroidism can cause peripheral vestibular syndrome, accompanied by head tilting. Nutritional deficiency: Deficiencies in nutrients such as thiamine can cause dogs to tilt their heads. Depending on the suspected underlying cause, they may recommend several tests, including: Complete blood count CBC Urinalysis and electrolyte panel Nutritional status Imaging tests, such as x-rays, computed tomography CT , and magnetic resonance MRI , to determine issues within the middle ear Cerebrospinal fluid test if inflammation or infection is suspected within the brain. CSF is the watery liquid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord. Bone biopsy if a tumor or infection of the bone is suspected Treatment of Head Tilting in Dogs Head tilting in dogs is sometimes temporary and resolves on its own. However, it can be caused by a serious underlying condition and result in injury due to falling. Have your dog examined as soon as possible. Treating head tilting depends on the underlying cause, including: Treatments for stroke, cancer, or serious injury Antibiotics for an ear infection Hormone or nutritional support for hypothyroidism or poor nutrition If the cause is unknown, no treatment other than supportive care is recommended Supportive treatment depends on the severity of head tilting and its related symptoms: Hospitalization with IV fluids until head tilting and related symptoms such as disorientation or poor coordination subside. Sedatives Anti-nausea medication and drugs to counteract motion sickness, especially in mild to moderate cases. A dog with a more serious underlying disorder may not improve, or symptoms may worsen, in which case, advanced testing will be recommended. They always look down-trodden. Boxers have a perpetual face of.Even when they're really, really happy. They like to use this to their advantage, obviously. Especially after they have eaten their dinner and then stare at you wide-eyed begging for more. They have a very specific head tilt. Image: Giphy. Boxers' wrinkly, squishy faces often look at you.No breed does the head tilt better than the Boxer. But such is their level of pride. Their loyalty is unrivalled. Ask them to do something and they rarely hesitate unless it involves getting off the couch, which they are entitled to. They will show you their love every day with their slobbering licks as they climb onto you with their strong paws all around you. Side note — Dogs can tell when you're upset, and they want to help. Post continues after video. To love a Boxer is to accept their farts. No breed is perfect. Forcing everyone within a ten-metre radius to promptly remove themselves. Only for the boxer to of course follow you. They are the masters of staring. Be prepared to lose a staring competition with this furry friend. And that is the easiest part of being their owner. Do you have any other unique characteristics to add the list? Let us know in the comments section below! Related Stories.