what color are german shepherd puppies

The Ingredients The main ingredients are a mix of chicken, peas, rice, and barley, making for a solid foundation in order to maintain an ideal weight and muscle tone in small dog breeds. All of this helps provide the standard for every good brand of dry food out there with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals added in. Smaller Than The Rest The food is smaller than even its competitors, giving Pugs an even easier time consuming it, though the roundness detracts from that ease of consumption. A Bit Too Salty There are a few other problems, namely a high salt quotient, which can be quite unhealthy if given in large amounts, as well as the presence of gluten, making it less than an ideal choice for dogs with sensitive digestive tracts. Small Kibble The first thing to keep in mind is that the best dog food for Pugs is going to offer you smaller kibble bits. This makes it a lot easier for Pugs to pick the food up into their mouth, making eating enjoyable rather than a chore. Omega-3 Fatty Acids The next thing to note are Omega fatty acids and other ingredients that are beneficial to maintaining healthy canine skin and hair since one of their main problems is their wrinkled skin, which is prone to skin dermatitis. Eating food that supports better skin health will help reduce the risk of the said inflammation occurring though you should still wash your dog regularly to reduce it even further. Aside from these, there are a few more standard things to look out for. The obesity line is easily crossed in smaller dogs after all. So, avoid salty foods like spam , fried food like fish sticks , or anything spicy like wasabi paste. Some of the more expensive foods may not have what your dog may need while a cheaper variant will, even if it means lower-quality ingredients. You want to look for food that helps avoid using refined grains or other common allergens. From this list, your best choice would be the Taste of the wild dog food, but American journey comes in at a close second, if anything, for its price tag. Is wet or dry food better for Pugs? But, using it as a treat every 4th or 5th time should be alright. What Food Do Pugs Eat? In case you run out of dog food and the stores are closed, you can resort to feeding your puggy friend some boiled potatoes, soft baby carrots, various types of lean meat, green beans, or some boiled eggs. They love the stuff. Ones that are still not a year old should eat about a third of a cup of food, twice a day. Avoid food that can agitate their stomach. The most common culprits are garlic, mushrooms, onions, raw potatoes, avocado, and green tomatoes. In Conclusion Finding the best dog food for Pugs can be a challenge at times since Pugs are a breed that requires a lot of care and attention, which they reciprocate with undying loyalty and affection. With the many health issues that Pugs tend to have due to their flat face, PDE, and wrinkled skin, as well as the issues that are specific to smaller breeds in general, namely obesity, it can be difficult to find what suits your dog the best. Until next time. Post navigation. This food is made for Pugs ages 8 weeks to 10 months. On the other hand, the ingredients list for this food leaves something to be desired. It lists brewers rice as the main ingredient with the second ingredient being chicken by-product meal. For such an expensive Pug food, they sure skimped on the quality of the ingredients! Pros Supports healthy skin, digestive health, and natural defenses Specially shaped kibble is easier for brachycephalic dogs to pick up Cons Brewers rice is the main ingredient 4. It might be expensive, but if you can afford it, it could help keep your pug pup healthy and happy for the long haul. Pros Helps support healthy brain and eye development Contains omega fatty acids for improved skin and coat Lists deboned chicken as the main ingredient Cons 5. Their Wilderness Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food formula takes things even further with higher levels of protein than their original formula. The use of high-quality ingredients in high concentrations is what earns this food its rather expensive price tag. More than just healthy whole-food ingredients, this food is also fortified with healthful nutrients and supplements. Furthermore, it contains an optimal blend of essential vitamins including calcium, phosphorus, and more, to help support healthy bone growth. Pros Contains high levels of protein Uses high-quality ingredients Packed with healthful nutrients and supplements Cons More expensive than most puppy foods 6. We loved the large pound quantity you can buy it in and the relatively affordable price. Others ate the food but had difficulty digesting it. Still, dogs with sensitive stomachs, in particular, would do well to avoid this food. And the total number of dogs all breeds in the reports are .So while this is something that should be monitored and many more studies need to be done, it's important to keep in mind that this is a very small number compared to the estimated 77 million dogs in the U. The latest update is that there are no recalls at this moment that are linked to this issue. The Best Food for Pug Puppies and Adults What to Avoid: Quite a few ingredients that are found in a lot of dog food brands can be severely detrimental to a Pug and cause everything from allergic reactions itching, rashes, wheezing, running eyes, etc. Corn which includes as corn germ meal, corn gluten meal, and corn bran High grain counts which includes high levels of wheat, oats, barley, and other cereal grains which may be listed as hominy feed. Rice can be an exception; with rice, the hull, bran layer, and cereal germ is removed and for this reason, rice is often tolerated very well. By-products which are animal body parts deemed unfit for human consumption and can include brain, lungs, undeveloped eggs, and more. Generic meats or oils which can legally include roadkill and deceased zoo animals. What to Look For: All-natural preservatives; there are vitamin blends that work very well to preserve dog food and this often will show as mixed tocopherols. Natural flavoring Protein will come from wholesome animal sources including chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, bison, and beef. There will be no by-products or generic meats. If you offer grains, gluten-free grains are usually best. No other fillers or controversial additives. Helpful extras such as glucosamine and chondroitin beneficial for joint health , omega-3, 6 for healthy skin and coat , probiotics for immune health and antioxidants to help prevent disease. Some of the best food for Pugs includes: Best Formulas with Grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health for Small Breeds. The base of this kibble is turkey and oatmeal which is easy on the stomach for most Pugs. There is also salmon, brown rice, peas, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. There are excellent levels of a wide-range of vitamins and minerals, good levels of omega-3 and 6, and glucosamine and chondroitin which are extremely beneficial joint supplements for Pugs. This is made in the US. Note that this offers puppy and adult formulas as well as 'healthy weight' for Pugs that need to lose a few pounds, and a senior formula. This line of Halo offers holistic recipes. This one has non-GMO produce and meats that are antibiotic-free and hormone-free with factory-free farming. The grains in this are oatmeal and pearled barley which are generally known for being well-tolerated. This is sized ideally for Pugs, and has no artificial additives, by-products, or corn. And, this is made in the US. Best Grain-free Formulas: 1. This is one of the best grain-free kibbles for Pugs; it's really top-of-the-line. The base is chicken and turkey. There is a wide selection of vegetables and fruits compared to some other brands spinach, broccoli, carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, apples and blueberries. Levels of omega fatty acids are ideal, via both salmon oil and flaxseed. And, there are good levels of glucosamine and chondroitin which as mentioned earlier are important for joint health. There is no corn, wheat, by-products, fillers, or artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives and this is made in the USA. This is another excellent choice that is formulated for dogs under 70 lbs. There are several great bases including lamb, beef, chicken, and salmon. There are zero chemical preservatives and no artificial ingredients. Added extras are healthy antioxidants, omega-3 and 6, and the very important glucosamine and chondroitin which are very beneficial for breeds like the Pug that are prone to joint and hip issues. This is a holistic kibble that offers non-GMO veggies and fruits and sustainably-sourced wild-caught fish and is ideal for Pugs that are carrying a few extra pounds. The base is salmon and whitefish, so most dogs love the taste. There are no chemical preservatives, corn, by-products, coloring, or fillers. Switching a Pug onto a Different Food If you just got a new Pug puppy, you may want to feed your little guy or gal something different than what was being given. And in many instances, this will be a good idea. The sooner you start your pup on a superior food that you've chosen yourself, the better. If you have an adult Pug, you may decide to switch foods due to an intolerance to certain ingredients some dogs do best with certain proteins like beef as opposed to chicken or vice-versa or maybe you realized that your Pug was not on the brand and you want to make a change. No matter the circumstances, if at all possible, it is best to change to a new brand of dog food in a gradual way because a quick switch can disrupt the digestive system. The goal should be a incremental change over the course of 3 weeks. Home Cooking Owners decide to home cook for their dogs for a variety of reasons: It can be less expensive; though, this depends quite a bit on what you buy and if you can purchase ingredients in bulk. It may be done to fully avoid preservatives, additives, by-products and other subpar ingredients; you know exactly what you are putting in. This can help avoid an intolerance or allergic reaction to an unknown ingredient. It is very flexible and adjustable. It can be a good choice for picky eaters. Other sources include beans such as lima beans, kidney beans, and butter beans must be cooked. Vegetables - This includes peas, carrots, spinach, zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, and butternut squash. You can also offer asparagus, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli in moderation since these foods can cause gas, Pumpkin in moderation is fine but typically reserved to help ease upset stomach issues. Fruits - This includes blueberries, raspberries both are low calorie, high in antioxidants, and water-packed , strawberries, huckleberries, banana, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, mango, kiwi, pear, peaches no pit , plums no pit , nectarines no pit , fresh pineapple, and apple no core, no seeds. Additional - This includes oatmeal plain , white or brown rice if no intolerance , quinoa, potato, sweet potato, cottage cheese, plain whole white yogurt, and eggs most dogs do best with scrambled eggs vs. Read more about home cooking for a Pug. Snacks and Treats We've covered the frequency of giving snacks and treats, but let's recap. Dry snacks, meant to satiate a dog in between meals should be given 3 to 4 times per day. And moist treats, meant to reward training and reinforce good behavior, should be given as needed. Now, the question remains on what to offer. All snacks and treats should be held to the same high standards that you have in place for your Pug's meals, meaning no synthetic preservatives, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, soy, corn, by-products, high wheat levels, or generic meats. If your Pug's calorie intake needs to be carefully watched due to issues with weight gain, there will also be a need to opt for some low-calorie treats. And, to see more options, including moist treats for giving reward, continue on to the best snacks and treats for Pugs. After 2 to 3 days, if the problem has resolved, adding in additional ingredients can be done. Any diarrhea lasing longer than 3 days or moderate to severe vomiting lasting more than 12 hours should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Water Different elements will dictate just how much water a Pug dog requires , though a general rule of thumb is that each day, dogs need to drink about 1 ounce for each 1 pound. Offer bottled spring water or use a filter device like the. Related Articles: When a Pug is a Picky Eater - If you find yourself constantly scrambling to find foods that your Pug likes and their taste buds seem to change weekly, this will help you get things back on track. When a Pug is Always Hungry - If your Pug's appetite is ferocious and nothing seems to satisfy, these issues may be at the root of the problem. When a Pug Won't Eat - If your Pug puppy or dog refuses to eat or getting them to eat feels like a chore, these tips will help. How to Stop a Pug from Begging - If your Pug wants your food and is relentless about getting it, these guidelines will help stop this sort of behavior. Top 10 Pug Dog Eating Problems - A roundup of the most common eating-related issues seen with this breed and exact steps to resolve them. Do you have your book? All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Introduction Importance of choosing the right food for Pug puppies Feeding your Pug puppies the right food can significantly impact their health, growth, and overall well-being. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients and energy to support their growth and development and helps to prevent common health issues such as obesity, digestive problems, and food allergies. Factors to consider when selecting the best food for pug puppies When choosing the best food for your Pug puppy, there are several factors to consider, including their age, activity level, and specific nutritional needs. Reading the ingredient list and checking the nutritional content can help you to make an informed decision about the best food for your Pug puppy. Wet Food for Pug Puppies Benefits of wet food Wet food is an excellent option for Pug puppies as it is highly palatable and provides additional moisture, which is important for their growing bodies. Wet food also contains higher levels of protein and essential nutrients, making it a great option for supporting the growth and development of your Pug puppy. Best-reviewed wet food options Royal Canin Pug Puppy Wet Dog Food — This wet food is specifically formulated for Pug puppies, with a balanced ratio of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to meet their unique nutritional needs. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Wet Dog Food — This wet food is made with real meat as the first ingredient and contains wholesome brown rice, barley, and oats to provide the carbohydrates your Pug puppy needs to grow and develop. Dry Food for Pug Puppies Benefits of dry food Dry food is another great option for Pug puppies as it helps to clean their teeth and promote good oral health. Dry food is also a good source of essential nutrients and energy to support the growth and development of your Pug puppy. It contains a balanced protein, fats, and carbohydrates ratio to meet its unique nutritional needs. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food — This dry food is made with real meat as the first ingredient and contains wholesome brown rice, barley, and oats to provide the carbohydrates your Pug puppy needs to grow and develop. Homemade Meals and Snacks for Pug Puppies Benefits of homemade food Homemade meals and snacks are an excellent option for Pug puppies as they allow you to control the ingredients and ensure that your pup gets a healthy and balanced diet. Simple homemade meal and snack recipes for pug puppies Puppy-Friendly Meatloaf: Mix ground turkey or chicken, brown rice, carrots, and green beans for a tasty and nutritious homemade meal for your Pug puppy. Bake in the oven until fully cooked, and serve in small portions. Homemade Puppy Treats: Mix rolled oats, pumpkin puree, and a beaten egg for a simple and healthy snack for your Pug puppy. Roll out the dough, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and bake in the oven until crispy. Use high-quality, fresh ingredients, and avoid using spices and seasonings that can harm dogs. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness. A: Wet food can provide a higher moisture content, which can benefit Pug puppies as they need to stay hydrated. Wet food also has a more appealing taste and smell, making it a great option for picky eaters. Q: What ingredients should I look for in dry food for Pug puppies? A: Look for dry food that contains high-quality proteins like chicken or fish, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Q: Can I feed my Pug puppy homemade meals and snacks? Q: How often should I feed my Pug puppy? A: Pug puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times a day until they reach six months of age. Then, they can be fed two times a day. The food they need will depend on their age, weight, and activity level. Q: What is the best food for Pug puppies with sensitive stomachs? A: Wet food with simple ingredients, like boiled chicken and rice, or dry food specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs can be helpful for Pug puppies with digestive issues. Q: Can I feed my Pug puppy adult dog food? A: No, adult dog food does not provide the appropriate nutrients for Pug puppies as they are still growing and developing. Puppy-specific food is formulated to meet their unique nutritional needs. Gradual changes over a few days to a week are recommended to avoid discomfort. Conclusion Recap of the best food options When choosing the best food for your Pug puppy, several options exist. Dry food is also a good option as it helps to clean teeth and is easy to store. Final thoughts The most important thing is to choose a food specifically formulated for Pug puppies with high-quality ingredients to meet their unique nutritional needs. Choosing the best food for your Pug puppy will give them the foundation for a happy and healthy life. From pet nutrition books to online articles, a wealth of information is available on this topic. These resources will give you a deeper understanding of the nutritional needs of your Pug puppy and help you make informed decisions about the best food options for their growth and development. How much and often to feed The best food for Pug puppies is easy to swallow, but still provides them with a complete diet. Because while this adorable dog is partially popular for that cute little face, their flattened features make finding the right food a little trickier. Chewing and Swallowing Pugs are brachycephalic , which means that they have been bred for their wider muzzles. This flat face makes it tricky to breathe, even more so while they are trying to eat. Pugs are also prone to retained deciduous teeth. Again, making chow down more of a chore. Nutrition Matters Pug puppies have different nutritional requirements to adults. They need more fat and more protein, along with additional amino acids and minerals. They should also have more omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA for brain and eye development. Feeding growing puppies the right balanced commercial diet can help keep them healthy. What is the Best Food for Pug Puppies? Puppy food is good for puppies, of course, because it includes more energy-intensive ingredients. However, you should be cautious. Research shows our understanding of specialist dog foods needs to be more nuanced. For example, researchers have found that even dogs within the same family had a 20 percent difference in energy requirements from their food. It also showed that temperature may play a role in their needed energy requirements. Basically, your dog has individual needs that must be balanced against each other when it comes to health and growth. But Pugs are one of the breeds that may be able to benefit from specialist dog foods. This is because of their conformational and health issues, and their low energy level. Bespoke meals may be able to address their obesity issues and come in sizes that are easier for their teeth to pick up. The formula supports skin and digestive health as a Pug puppy is growing, but without adult natural defences. This formula is designed to be easy to digest. It also comes in a variety of shaped pieces, which should help your pup to pick it up. Designed with protein-rich chicken, wholesome whole grains, and garden veggies and fruit. This specialist food uses natural ingredients and great quality designed to support the healthy growth and development of puppies. The grain-free puppy formula features farm-raised chicken. It is designed for easy digestion and weight management in young dogs. The kibble is small so puppies of small breeds can pick it up more easily. High-quality ingredients include a blend of veggies and fruit. The Puppy Stew version of this puppy food for small breeds provides balanced nutrition for little dogs under a year old. The formula includes high-quality lean protein. It promotes healthy digestion, and comes in a tiny peel and serve tray with the exact serving for a small pup. The formula used to create this chicken, oatmeal and salmon recipe supports complete, balanced health. Wellness Complete Health uses a guaranteed level of minerals to promote bone growth. It contains natural sources of DHA for brain development and has more protein for building muscles. Pugs gain weight easily. In such small dogs even 1 lb. And extra weight can exacerbate the breathing problems that pugs may already have. The amount of food a Pug puppy needs depends on a lot of factors, including age and activity level. You should feed a puppy four times a day, until about 6 months of age. Then you are able to reduce to three or two times if you like. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Some may find it expensive. Hence, Victor Select offers you high protein and low carbohydrate food to feed your pugs. Pugs might find it difficult to digest. It comes with DHA to promote bone development and prebiotics to support the digestive tract of pugs, but with reliably low protein content. A balanced diet is what pugs need to fulfill their dietary needs. Serving the pugs chicken, lamb, beef and vegetables, and grains play a vital role in balanced nutrition for the pugs. What you should do to offer a taste to your pugs is: Variety Wet foods in the best puppy food for pugs, offer a taste and aroma that lures pugs to eat consistently. Moreover, wet foods offer flavors and textures which provide an experience for pugs while eating. Chewing is easy Wet dog food is easy to chew; however not every pet parent favors wet foods. Most pet parents claim that it affects the teeth in the long run. But good quality wet canned foods offer the pugs a balanced and nutritious diet. Dry Food for Pug Puppies Where dry foods are concerned, for best puppy food for pugs, these also provide a certain diet and energy to pugs. Manufacturers also claim that the formulas are tailored according to the needs of pugs. Moreover, dry food offers convenience for the owners. Dry food can also be done as treats for positive behavior by the pugs. To help you with a better idea of the best puppy food for pugs, a link to a youtube video is attached below. Go through the video and learn more. Things you should know about pugs! Do you intend to provide the best puppy food for pugs? You can also feed them with homemade foods. The benefit of homemade dog food is that it is easy on the pockets, free of preservatives and additives, and you can control the ingredients. Therefore, if your pug is allergic to any ingredients, you can easily feed them the best dog foods for pugs with allergies. Proteins The best puppy food for pugs includes chicken meat, fish, lean beef, turkey, and lamb. Moreover, kidney beans, butter beans, and lima beans also offer large protein. Corn gluten meal is an excellent source of protein and amino acids for your dog, so ensure to add it too. Vegetables Carrots, peas, green beans, bell peppers, and spinach are some vegetables your pug might love to eat. Pumpkin is also a great vegetable, but serving it during an upset stomach is recommended. Fruits Fruits also fall in the category of best puppy food for pugs. Raspberries, blueberries, bananas, kiwi, apples, and pineapple are some fruits that pugs love to treat. However, remember to serve them fruits after extracting the seeds from within the fruits. However, more than protein may be needed to be on cloud nine. Carbohydrates, fats, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins are essential bodily requirements. DHA is also essential to support the vision. Antioxidants wash out harmful substances to boost the immune system, while vitamins and minerals keep the muscles and bones kicking. All in all, to have a clean bill of health, all these nutrients should be balanced in daily diet. Conclusion Important Things to Look for in the Best Food for Pugs When searching at different meals, the very first element is to flip the bag above and search at the elements. Then, all the info you need to determine whether or not an item is of high or reduced high quality is there, supplied you know what to seem for. This rapid guide will assist you in uncovering how to separate food items that are damaging for your pug from a mix that they will actively benefit from eating. Small and toy breeds, like Pugs, require meals that they can easily chew and digest. You can learn dog meals that specifically cater to the wants of Pugs this type of as the Royal Canin Breed Wellness Nutrition Pug Grownup Dry Canine Meals, which comes in tiny kibbles produced for tiny mouths. Leading quality Elements Aside from tiny and digestible kibbles, feeding your Pug premium components with the dietary well worth that best suits them will increase wholesome. As much as protein, extra body fat, and carbs are essential to their diet plan, it is also vital that they get balanced ranges of dietary nutritional vitamins and minerals to assistance their all-around wellness. So seem for quality meat, fresh fruits and veggies, and natural components that agree with your Pug. Minimum-Calorie Recipes Pugs are susceptible to excess weight obtain and a lot more prone to excess weight difficulties than other canine breeds. This is why it is advised that you feed your Pug in moderation and search for meals that have a reduced-calorie count. It is a complete and balanced food that helps maintain a healthy weight for your Pug and contains all the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy and alert. Royal Canin Pug kibble is also specially designed to make it easier for your Pug to pick up, encourage chewing and improve dental health. It is suitable for adult pugs of a breed older than 10 months. Pros Perfect for pugs over 10 months old. Helps prevent weight gain. Specially sized kibble for small mouths. Designed to meet nutritional needs from Pugs. Maintain muscle tone with adjusted protein content and L-Carnitine. Cons The first ingredient is no meat and contains no actual chicken, just a chicken by-product. A little pricey. View On Amazon Our number two pick of best dog food for pugs goes to the excellent company Wild Earth. This company offers an extremely high-quality product that is good for your wallet, your pugs, and the earth. Wild Earth only uses the very best, sustainable ingredients to ensure your dog gets all the tailored nutrition he needs. They understand that dogs are omnivores, including many high-quality fruits and vegetables, in addition to specially selected meat for sustainable high protein content. You will not find any meat by-products or inferior products such as corn gluten meal here, only ingredients specially selected for their high content of vitamins and minerals. In addition, 0]food for pug owners is delivered straight to your door. Pros Developed by veterinarians for the best dog food. Ecologically sustainable without compromising on protein content. NO corn, soy, or rice, and NO artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Safe for dogs with meat and dairy allergies. Made with natural ingredients. Cons It contains a controversial ingredient, dried yeast. Dried yeast is high in calories and can cause gas. Not recommended for pugs with a yeast allergy. Pros This food contains natural ingredients without meat by-products, wheat, soy, corn, and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives The kibble is ideal for small breeds such as Pugs This high-quality food is made in the USA Cons This food can cause digestive problems It contains grains, including rye, oatmeal, barley, and rice 4. In addition to protein, this formula provides ample fat and digestive supplements to stimulate an optimally functioning digestive tract. Pros Ingredients come from reliable and sustainable sources Easy to digest recipe The bag this food comes in is not resealable 5. We like Purina Pro as a weight loss option for many breeds, which you can see here. Pros Antioxidants for a healthy immune response. Highly digestible, delicious, and the low-fat formula with chicken and brown rice. Blend of soft and crunchy pieces. Fiber-rich brown rice and probiotics to support digestion and help a maintain healthily Metabolism. Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A for skin and coat nutrition. Not recommended for pugs with grain allergies 6. The chicken recipe is made with natural ingredients, including deboned chicken, and contains no fillers such as corn, wheat, or soy. Instead, blue Buffalo expertly combines high-quality protein and carbohydrates to provide the sustained energy your Pug needs. This product is available in two sizes: a 4 lb bag and an 11 lb bag. In addition, the formula contains high-quality lean proteins, vitamin E, and Omega 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Pros This food helps Pugs maintain their ideal body weight It does not contain preservatives or artificial colors Since it is wet and soft, this food is an excellent option for dogs with dental problems Most vets recommend this food in the United States Cons The vitamin D level is too high, which is not suitable for every dog The containers may be dirty and corroded 8. Natural Balance L. In addition, this recipe contains only one animal source of protein, which makes digestion even easier. Pros Limited ingredients for easy digestion Grain-free formula More expensive than other dry dog food options 9. Solid Gold contains everything a Pug needs to stay strong and out of the clinic. These fish are also the ideal source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are perfect for maintaining healthy brain development into old age and maintaining joint health. The probiotics and high fiber content aid in digestion and strengthen the immune system. Pros Formula specially formulated for older dogs. Contains fiber and probiotics. With essential fatty acids, perfect for keeping older dogs sharp for longer. Proteins and grains based on fish. Promotes healthy digestion. Specially formulated for dogs with a sensitive stomach. Cons It contains little meat because it is more vegetable protein than an animal. It is also free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. The food provides the right balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants that your Pug needs to stay fit and healthy. The food is suitable for dogs from one year old. Key Features.

We should feed the dog for the weight they ought to be not necessarily their weight, which could result in an obese dog remaining obese. Toy poodle. Toy Poodles are very small dogs that do best when fed two or three smaller meals a day, rather than one large meal. Owners must understand how few calories an adult toy dog needs and resist overfeeding. A Body Condition Score of 4 or 5 out of 9 should always be the aim. Puppy Toy Poodles need frequent feeding and can be at risk of dehydration and hypoglycemia if not fed often enough. When first home, we will need to feed them four times a day. As they mature, this can be cut down according to their needs. Miniature poodle. As with the Toy Poodle, these smaller dogs should be fed a couple of meals a day. While it is up to the owner to decide if they wish to feed wet or dry, vets generally recommend dry food for both Miniature and Toy Poodles, to prevent dental disease. Standard poodle. Standard Poodles are large dogs that can be fed once or twice a day. To aid joint mobility, it is best to try, and keep your Standard Poodle lean; sticking to their daily calorie requirement and not over-feeding them. These can include probiotics to support the gut and essential fatty acids to promote skin and coat health. High-quality, digestible diets are best to ensure optimal health and prevent the development of gastrointestinal issues such as constipation or flatulence. Some individuals may be sensitive to certain ingredients and should be closely monitored after being transitioned on to a new diet. For all, it is advised that they are swapped onto a new food over the course of 5 — 10 days. Recommended Ingredients With such a variety of commercial diets now available, we really are spoiled for choice. Opt for a recipe that contains protein as the first ingredient; whether it be in the form of poultry, red meat or fish. Some diets will also contain offal such as lung and liver; with owners growing to appreciate their nutritional value more and more than our understanding of nutrition develops. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy and may come in the form of oats, barley, and corn. Dogs can digest these forms of carbohydrates and will use them as an energy source. Foods to avoid include: Spicy foods which may lead to gastrointestinal upset Fatty or fried foods which can cause pancreatitis Chocolate. While any cocoa containing chocolate is toxic, dark chocolate and cocoa powder are the worst offenders. Grapes, raisins, and sultanas are toxic and can cause acute kidney disease. Sweets and cakes offer no real nutritional value and can lead to obesity. Most cannot tolerate dairy well and it can cause an upset stomach. Whether raw or cooked, bones can fracture teeth, get stuck in the mouth, causing an obstruction and even lacerate the intestine. Food-Related Diseases in Poodles Poodles are considered particularly long-lived among dogs, with some individuals living up to 18 years. However, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Your poodle needs consistent exercise, mental stimulation, proper nutrition, and a balanced diet. Several diseases can develop due to improper nutrition of the dog: Obesity. This is the result of feeding more calories than are required. Obesity can not only cause diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, it also leads to a reduced quality of life. Those who are obese can find it difficult to exercise and may quickly become out of breath. Poodles are more likely than other dogs to develop diabetes due to their genes. The pancreas ceases to perform its proper function. Symptoms include an increased appetite, weight loss, excessive thirst, increased urination, and lethargy. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that causes acute abdominal pain, vomiting, and a reduced appetite. While some cases occur for no known reason, others are linked to high-fat diets. Periodontal disease. The wrong diet can quickly lead to plaque build-up and dental disease. If possible, avoid wet food and feed your poodle kibble. This prevents plaque build-up and reduces the incidence of gingivitis. If you're looking for the best dog food for Poodles, chances are you're a Poodle parent! In that case—hey there. As a veterinarian, Poodle parents often ask me to recommend the best dog food brands for their furballs. Poodles are one of the most diverse dog breeds out there. However, they're also prone to obesity, especially as they grow older. And while there are many factors to Poodle obesity , giving them an improper amount of food definitely tops the bill. According to Dr. As a result, pet obesity has followed the human obesity trend. Unfortunately, pets are getting high-fat, high-calorie treats, human food, toppers, etc. It's essential to find the best dog food for Poodles to fit your dog's nutritional profile and feed them according to their needs. You should first consider your dog's current activity levels, health conditions, age and life stage, and other variables. You sure wouldn't want to feed your dog with foods that aren't beneficial to them, would you? Below, I will take a closer look at the Poodle breed across all sizes. We'll also discuss their general needs and nutritional requirements before we review some of the best dog foods for Poodles. Did you know that the Poodle was once a duck-retrieving dog? It's true! The Poodle has also been around for over a century and was developed in France and Germany. Over the past years, the breed has been molded into the variations we know today. Each type looks identical to the others except for the size. Toy Poodles tend to weigh under 10 pounds, miniatures fall between pounds, and the standard is large at pounds. They all possess a thick, densely curly coat, floppy ears, a long tail, and expressive dark eyes. The Toy Poodle lives the longest, up to 15 years, while the standard's lifespan is about years. Poodles are fun, energetic dogs that love to be around people. They tend to be very good with children and possess a natural athletic ability. Poodles have never forgotten their heritage. Most are great swimmers and expert retrievers. They are a breed to be considered by avid sportsmen as they make excellent, intelligent duck dogs. Nutritional Needs It's this dynamic nature that makes it challenging to feed a Poodle. No matter what size you own, you must find the best dog food for Poodles to meet the breed's nutritional requirements. And above that, your specific dog's needs. But Dr. Shores, should I feed my toy poodle less because she's small? And is puppy food okay? My advice is: Talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your Poodle. Your vet is the best place to start. They'll make recommendations based on your Poodle's age, weight, activity level, and any health issues she may have. It will also help if you do your research which is where this article comes into play. I wrote this article based on my and my expert colleagues' recommended dog food brands for Poodles. We will discuss them based on their different life stages and body condition. If this is your purpose in reading this article, I suggest you bookmark this article, start the car, and go to the vet clinic. Continue reading when your vet gives you the advice you need on feeding your Poodle based on her nutritional needs. There are certain factors, even in the best food for poodles, that you must consider before buying one. Here are the important factors to keep you guided: Age The type of poodle dog food you'll buy will depend on her life stage. During the puppy stage and gestation period, too! In this case, you need to buy the best food for poodles that will give them all the vitamins and minerals that a growing puppy or pregnant dog, whichever is the case needs. Breed Size Yes, your poodle dog food will vary depending on your pooch's breed size. Every size of this breed has its respective metabolism. Smaller poodles tend to mature faster, which means they need nutrient-packed poodle dog food. Wet or Dry Feed Most dog owners prefer dry dog food or kibble because it's cost-effective. Nothing wrong with that. However, if your vet recommends having a mixed feed, you might need to combine wet and dry feed for your pooch. Nutrition The golden rule when buying the best food for poodles is to be balanced and complete. This means that the essential nutrients should be present in every serving. Providing a balanced meal for your pooch also means that the nutrients are in the right ratio and suitable for the poodles, depending on their age and breed size. What to Feed a Poodle Puppy Before switching your dog to any new diet, always consult with a veterinarian. Remember that no article on the internet can replace a consultation with a vet, including this one. I always recommend this to new owners of puppy Poodles. They've also done the legwork in developing the most digestible food for Poodle puppies. The unique flat, square kibble of Royal Canin makes it easier for their small mouths to pick up and chew. This food should be given to your dog for up to 10 months. Best Puppy Food for Standard Poodle Standard poodles are less likely to have developmental orthopedic diseases like hip dysplasia than other breeds. However, they are more at risk than their smaller poodle counterparts. While there is a genetic component to these diseases, significant nutritional risk factors play a part during puppyhood. These risk factors are rapid growth and excess dietary calcium intake. Of course, you don't want your Standard Poodle to develop these. This is why feeding your Poodle enough of the right balance of nutrients is crucial. Below are some of the frequently asked questions by Poodle lovers! What is the recommended amount of food for a Poodle? It depends on how active your Poodle is. A very busy poodle will require more food than a sedentary poodle. For example, puppies need more calories than adult dogs, and elderly dogs need fewer calories than adult dogs. The best way to determine how much food your dog needs is to feed them a diet based on their age, weight, and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions about how much food to feed your Poodle. Can my Poodle be fed dry dog food kibble instead of wet food? There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people believe that dry food is better for dogs because it helps keep their teeth clean, while others believe that wet food is better because it contains more nutrients. Ultimately, the best diet for your Poodle will depend on his individual needs and preferences. There are pros and cons to both dry dog food kibble and wet dog food. Ultimately, the best food for your Poodle depends on his specific dietary needs and preferences. It can also be easier to portion control because the kibble can be weighed or measured. Wet dog food is usually more nutritious than dry dog food since it contains more fresh ingredients, and it can be a good choice if your Poodle has difficulty chewing or swallowing. Can poodle puppies eat dry dog food? Yes, dry dog food is safe for poodle puppies. As long as the food is specifically meant for puppies, it will provide them with all the necessary nutrients to grow and develop properly. Make sure to choose a food high in protein and low in carbohydrates, as puppies are naturally carnivores and need more protein than adult dogs. The majority of puppies have little trouble chewing dry dog food. However, you can soften the kibble by adding a little water or wetting it if they do. Until then, continue providing whatever diet is appropriate for his age and weight. If my Poodle has difficulty chewing, what should I do? You can do a few things if your Poodle seems to have trouble chewing. One option is to feed your dog softer foods, like canned food or boiled chicken. You can also purchase a special diet for dogs with dental problems. Finally, you can ask your veterinarian about giving your dog prescription toothpaste or chew toys designed to help clean their teeth. Can my Poodle eat grains? Grains are a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber, but they also contain gluten which can be hard for some dogs to digest. In addition, dogs that are allergic to grains will often have skin problems, digestive issues, and excessive shedding. Can I feed leftovers to my Poodle? Leftovers can make a nutritious meal for your Poodle if they are not too fatty or high in salt. Be sure to avoid giving them any toxic food to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, or onions. You can also give them cooked meat, rice, and vegetables. A balanced diet is essential for keeping your Poodle healthy and happy. Feeding your poodle leftovers can also be unhealthy, as they may not be getting the balanced diet they need. Instead, try to give your Poodle specifically-made dog food tailored to their nutritional needs. This will help keep them healthy and prevent any weight problems from developing. Do I have any options if my Poodle is a fussy eater? You can do a few things to get your Poodle to eat. One is to try different types of food. Sometimes, all it takes is a change in diet to get a dog to start eating again. You can also try mixing wet and dry food or warming up the food slightly before serving it. If your Poodle is particularly fussy, you may have to resort to hand-feeding her small meals several times a day until she starts eating on her own again. What foods are toxic to poodles? Yes, there are a few foods that are toxic to poodles. Chocolate, raisins, garlic, and the artificial sweetener xylitol pose a threat to poodles. Cavities and gum disease are common problems in dogs, and they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort for your pet. The vet will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend treatment. In many cases, cavities can be treated with antibiotics or surgery, and gum disease can be treated with a special diet or surgery. Your Poodle may be having trouble chewing because its teeth are not clean. You might also want to try giving your poodle rawhide bones or chew toys to help keep its teeth healthy and clean. What other foods should poodles never eat? Yes, there are other foods that poodles should never eat. Other dangerous foods for poodles include grapes, raisins, chocolate, and onions. Why not give my Poodle those treats that look like bacon, hot dogs, and pork chops? Poodles are prone to obesity, and these treats are high in fat and calories. Stick to crunchy treats that are low in fat and calories instead. My dog eats the grass in my yard and other plants. How can I prevent this? However, this has yet to be proven. Is fiber necessary for poodles? Yes, poodles need fiber. A high-fiber diet will help keep their bowels regular and help minimize the risk of constipation. Is a low-fat diet for my Poodle appropriate? Dogs have higher fat, and dietary requirements than humans and do not often suffer from the same obesity-related health issues that humans do. A low-fat diet would be dangerous for your Poodle and could lead to deficiencies in essential fatty acids. Feed your dog a balanced diet appropriate for their breed and age, and make sure they get plenty of exercise. Could I feed my Poodle raw foods? There are pros and cons to a raw foods diet for your Poodle. On the one hand, a raw foods diet can be healthier for your dog because it is more natural and closer to what they eat in the wild. However, on the other hand, it can be more expensive and time-consuming to prepare than a traditional kibble diet. If you consider switching your dog to a raw foods diet, it is important to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to ensure that your pup is getting all of the nutrients they need. A raw foods diet should always include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and high-quality protein sources like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Is frozen raw food a good option for poodles? Yes, I do recommend frozen raw foods for poodles. I recommend all dogs eat a diet of at least some frozen raw food. Frozen raw food is the healthiest type of diet you can feed your dog. It contains all the nutrients and enzymes your dog needs to stay healthy and strong. Plus, feeding your dog frozen raw food can help protect them against many common health problems, including allergies, skin problems, weight gain, diabetes, and cancer. Is it okay to feed eggs to my Poodle? How about eggshells? You can feed eggs to your Poodle, but you should take care not to give them too many eggshells. Eggshells are a great source of calcium, but if your dog eats too many, they could end up with an eggshell calcium overdose. A safe dose for a healthy poodle is about 5 grams of eggshells per day. Poodles, do they need supplements? Yes, Poodles do need supplements, and there are a few are particularly beneficial for joint and bone growth. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are two of the most popular supplements for joint health, and they can help reduce inflammation and improve joint function. Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for joint health, as they can help reduce stiffness and pain. Vitamin D is another important supplement for Poodles, as it helps to maintain bone health and prevent osteoporosis. What man-made food can Poodles eat? Raw and cooked carrots are safe for your dog, as are cooked eggs, salmon, and blueberries. However, be sure to avoid grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and anything else that might be harmful to your pup. Conclusion — Final Verdict! Now that you know a little more about the best dog food for Poodles, we hope you feel confident in your ability to choose the right food for your pup. We wish you and your pup all the best in finding the perfect diet! Related Links. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from Poodle owners like you. What should I feed a picky Poodle? What should I not feed my Poodle? Human food! You should also avoid toxic foods for dogs like chocolate, garlic, onions, etc. Do Poodle need a special diet? Small-breed dog food is sometimes recommended by vets, but most small breeds can eat regular dog food without an issue. What is the best homemade food for Poodles? Soft dog foods that require little chewing are the best options for Poodles with no teeth. Should I put my Poodle on a diet plan? Unless your Poodle is overweight, suffering from a specific health condition, or has allergies, they should not be put on a diet. Your vet will be able to tell you if your dog requires a new diet, less or more food, or prescription dog food. If your dog needs to lose weight, here are some tips you can try. Sticking with Blue Buffalo, we think that their canned puppy food is a contender for the best dog food for Poodle puppies. What should I look for in a dog food for my Poodle? Look for a dog food that is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and contains essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Avoid dog foods with artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Should I choose wet or dry food for my Poodle? Both wet and dry food can be suitable for Poodles. However, dry food may be better for dental health as it can help scrape off plaque and tartar. Can I feed my Poodle a homemade diet? Yes, you can feed your Poodle a homemade diet, here are some vet-approved recipes. While dog food specifically formulated for Poodles may be beneficial, it is not necessary. What is the best dog food for a Poodle with sensitive stomachs? Look for a dog food that is made with easily digestible ingredients, such as chicken or lamb. Avoid dog foods that contain artificial ingredients or fillers. Can Poodles eat grain-free dog food? Yes, Poodles can eat grain-free dog food, but it is important to make sure that the food still contains essential nutrients and is not lacking in any areas. How much should I feed my Poodle? The amount of food your Poodle needs depends on their size, age, and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of food for your Poodle. Should I choose a dog food that is high in fat? No, it is important to choose a dog food that is balanced and does not contain excessive amounts of fat. Too much fat can lead to obesity and other health problems. Is it necessary to feed my Poodle a dog food with added supplements? Can I feed my Poodle a vegetarian diet? Poodles require meat-based protein in their diet and typically cannot thrive on a vegetarian diet unless carefully prepared. Here are some vegetarian and vegan recipes and store-bought foods. Should I avoid dog foods that contain by-products? While by-products are often viewed negatively, they can provide essential nutrients for dogs but not when cooked in with kibble. By-products, such as chicken liver are healthy for dogs. Consistency is important for their digestive health. What is the best dog food for a senior Poodle? Look for a dog food that is lower in calories and fat, higher in protein, and contains joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Can I feed my Poodle a raw diet? Yes, a raw diet is a great choice. Sure, there are various flavors and formulas, but it goes much deeper than that. Poodles are relatively healthy when it comes to health conditions that may affect which food you choose. Diseases like diabetes or allergies may influence which product you give your pooch. In these cases, you can get a prescription diet to feed your Poodle. You should only feed your pet the food meant for the species. Breed Size Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. They vary in size from 4—70 pounds. However, even within the breed, there are differences in what you should feed your dog. The reason rests with metabolism. Smaller pups mature much faster than large ones. Whereas the Toy Poodle is an adult at 12 months, the Standard Poodle may take up to 16 months to develop fully. That fact affects the food you should give your pooch. Products for small breeds have more calories to support this rapid growth. The ones for large dogs, on the other hand, have less since they mature more slowly. Feeding your Standard Poodle a diet meant for a Toy Poodle may cause him to gain weight and become obese. Many commercial diets will have this information on the label to help you choose the right one. Updated March 4, This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you buy after clicking on our links. Poodle puppies are lively and rambunctious creatures who are ready for anything. The breed has a long history that dates back several centuries. While many people know them for strutting their stuff at a dog show or performing tricks at a circus, most Poodles end up being a lovable member of the family. Good nutrition is crucial for proper development. In a hurry? The first is their size classification. There are three main Poodle varieties. These include Toy, Mini, and Standard. Toy Poodles are the smallest of the bunch, maxing out at about nine pounds as an adult. Standard Poodles, on the other hand, can get quite large. They can weigh as much as 70 pounds. However, most stay around the neighborhood of 60 pounds. All dogs start out small. They experience a significant growth spurt during the puppy stage. Before you know it, your young dog will be approaching their adult size. You need to have a good idea of how big your dog will get to supply them with the right amount of food. With a protein content of 31 percent, your puppy will receive all the amino acids they need to grow strong muscles. To support their changing digestive system, plenty of probiotics are added as well. Buy on Chewy 2. Most of it comes from deboned chicken and chicken meal. The dry food also has plenty of healthy fat to support their growing coat and brain. Healthy doses of calcium and phosphorous are included. These ingredients support bone growth and may be able to help your puppy avoid joint and skeletal issues in the future. Buy on Chewy 3. Chicken, lamb, and salmon all contribute to the high protein content. Because so many animal meat sources are used, your puppy can get a complex profile of amino acids to support their muscles. The kibble is also chock-full of fruits and vegetables. Ingredients like apples, spinach, and blueberries give your puppy a dose of vitamins. This particular formula is ideal for Standard Poodles. Buy on Chewy 4. It supports ocular health, improves their digestive system, strengthens their immune system, and provides plenty of energy. It does this with high-quality ingredients. Chicken and turkey are the main protein sources. Buy on Chewy 5. Chicken meal, turkey meal, and lamb meal are the most prevalent ingredients in the recipe. They make up the 24 percent protein content. The food also has a number of beneficial nutrients. Buy on Chewy nutritional requirements While the Poodle size classifications are vastly different, their nutritional requirements remain the same. The only thing that will be different is the amount of food you provide. During the first year, your dog is developing muscles, strong bones, and healthy organs. Poodle puppies are quite active. This constant activity eats up a lot of energy. Not only that, but their bodies are changing. On average, Poodle puppies will need about 55 calories per pound of body weight. More active puppies may need upwards of 60 calories. On the other side of the spectrum, lazier pups will need about .You can use this general guideline to figure out how much food your puppy will need at various stages of development. If not, you may have to soften the kibble a bit to get them to eat or start with wet food. Compared to their birth weight, Poodles will be surprisingly large for only being a few months of age. Toy Poodles The average weight of a Toy Poodle at three months is about two and a half pounds. Miniature Poodles Miniature Poodles typically weigh about five pounds at this age and need approximately calories to stay healthy. Standard Poodles Standard Poodles are well on their weight to reaching adulthood at three months. They should already weight about 20 pounds. This equates to over 1, calories every day. You should continue to monitor their growth and adjust their diets as needed. Toy Poodles Toy Poodles almost double their weight by this age. They typically weigh in at just under five pounds, thus requiring about calories. Miniature Poodles By six months old, most Miniature Poodles tip the scales at about 9 pounds. Standard Poodles At around 35 to 39 pounds, Standard Poodles will do well with just over 2, calories of food. One Year of Age Take out the birthday candles and some dog-friendly cake! This is a great time to look back on your previous weigh-ins to see how much your puppy has changed. Your Poodle should be close to their target adult weight. They will continue to grow a bit longer, especially Standard Poodles. However, the changes will be a bit more difficult to see. Toy Poodles While it may not seem like much growth, Toy Poodles have come a long way since birth. Your tiny canine companion should weigh in at about six pounds and require about calories of food each day. Miniature Poodles Miniature Poodles have an average weight of about 13 pounds when they are one year old. As a result, you should be feeding them just under calories. Standard Poodles At a year old, your Standard Poodle is probably too big to be a lapdog anymore. Most puppies weigh about 50 pounds. They will need between 2, and 2, calories each day. Young Poodles need to eat many times throughout the day. When their suckling off their mothers, puppies typically free feed. Your dog will have the urge to eat a lot as a result. From there, you need to slowly decrease their meal frequency. When you hit the six-month mark, go down to three meals. At one year old, you should try to work your way down to two meals. Your puppy may not like this very much. If they seem to have a problem with hunger throughout the day, you can continue to feed them three meals for another few months. The time to switch your puppy to adult food will depend on a couple of factors. Some dogs take a bit longer to reach their adult weight than others. They need continued support as they make that last push to adulthood. Switching too early can do more harm than good. This is because they are considered adults at about one year old. The other two classifications continue to grow, albeit slowly, until about a year and a half. Their digestive system is still quite sensitive to changes. You can ease the transition by introducing small amounts of adult food to their puppy formula. Dry food and wet food both have their advantages. Starting off with canned food gives your puppy the opportunity to develop stronger muscles before they move onto something tough. It should be noted that wet food is usually less dense than kibble. To avoid weight gain, you should move onto dry kibble when your puppy is about six months old. Here are some great recipes for young Poodle pups. The food comes in a mash form. It can also be mixed in with dry food for an additional kick of flavor. It comes in a convenient tray for mess-free eating. The recipe is comprised of great ingredients like beef and liver. There are also visible vegetables. Over to You Creating an effective diet plan for a growing Poodle puppy is a lot different than doing so for an adult. They need all the fuel they can get. With a bit of extra knowledge and planning, you can provide your dog with a great diet that helps them grow up to a healthy adult. Feeding a Poodle Overview Ensuring that your Poodle is on a well-balanced diet is one of the most important elements to keeping your canine family member healthy, both now and into the future. This section will cover all Poodle feeding guidelines including how often to feed a Poodle, serving sizes, dry vs wet, grain vs grain-free, and top recommended kibble. Don't need all of the details and just want to know which brands are recommended? New Puppies - The Importance of Gradually Switching Foods Before you even bring your Poodle home, it is very important to discuss with the breeder or shelter worker if you are adopting a rescue exactly which brand of food they have been feeding to your Poodle. A fast change in food can cause upset stomach and digestive problems. Breeders and shelters are buying food in bulk and have to feed many dogs which is a factor in which brand they choose; so there is a good chance that you will want to offer your Poodle something different. Have both the current food and the new food on hand and make a gradual switch over the course of 3 weeks. Though you will be leaving food out at all times, it is important that the food is fresh. Do not just top it off throughout the day, rinse and clean the bowl as necessary so that old food is not stuck at the bottom of the dish. Puppy: Starting at just about the 3 month mark, Poodles of all varieties should be eating 3 meals per day, plus snacks. Adult: When a pup matures into an adult, this does not necessarily mean that they should suddenly be given only one meal a day. Smaller dogs such as Toy Poodles and Miniatures often do best with 2 or even 3 meals per day. Standards have a bit more tolerance to a single dinnertime feeding, however many can also benefit from having food split up into two servings. Several snacks can be given in between meals and this is particularly helpful is a Poodle is a fast eater. How Much to Feed a Poodle Exact serving size varies quite a bit depending on the type of food. There is a big difference in calories between wet vs dry and low quality vs high quality. And, the amount of food that a Poodle should be eating depends on the dog's age, activity level, individual metabolism, and health status. Even the weather can play a role since dogs tend to eat a bit more in the winter and a bit less in the summer. In regard to calorie requirements, puppies need more calories per pound than their adult counterparts, approximately 40 to 55 calories per pound, daily, compared to adult dogs that need about 35 to 45 calories per pound, daily. S enior Poodles typically have slower metabolisms and reduced mobility and therefore usually require slightly fewer calories, in the 40 calorie per pound range. If you are feeding your Poodle a commercial food, follow the suggested feeding guidelines. These are usually pretty spot-on. Since these are based on both age and weight, do not estimate how much your Poodle weighs but rather know what this is within a pound or two. If you are feeding your Poodle homemade food, a rough guideline for serving size is 1 ounce of food for each 1 pound of body weight, daily. As you can imagine, this can vary quite a bit depending on the exact ingredients. Using the 1 to 1 rule as a starting point, what your Poodle consumes within 15 minutes is usually a good amount for each meal. Wet vs Dry If a Poodle had their way, most would opt for wet food. However, dry food is recommended since this is much better for the gums and teeth. In addition, dry kibble tends to be easier on the stomach and intestines and a diet of all wet canned food can lead to runny stools. Grain vs Grain-free Until relatively recently, there was not much debate on this subject; if a dog tended to have gastrointestinal or allergy issues when on a diet with grains, they were switched to a grain-free recipe. However, this changed when it was discovered that several dogs that were breeds not prone to dilated cardiomyopathy developed that particular heart disease and also happened to be fed grain-free kibble. Lots of pet parents immediately thought that they needed to change their dogs back to grains; however, many more studies need to be done. In fact, the most recent update from the Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University suggests that 'grain-free' alone may not be the issue at play. For now, it is theorized that a certain diet dubbed a BEG diet may be to blame. This stands for boutique small local brands with exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, bison, ostrich, venison, and kangaroo and grain-free along with peas, legumes, or potatoes as one of the top 5 ingredients. Currently there are no recalls of grain-free dog food brands and the FDA is still investigating any possible links including the BEG theory. If your Poodle does not do well with any grains at all, you may wish to stick to a brand that has traditional meats like chicken, turkey, or beef or a fish-based recipes. And, if you are not sure about which grains your Poodle may do okay with, you may wish to opt for wholesome non-wheat and non-gluten grains like rice brown or white , oatmeal, quinoa which is technically a seed. Exact recommendations for the best foods include both grain and grain-free options. Elements to Keep in Mind When Choosing Food for Your Poodle What to avoid: It's no wonder that pet parents have a difficult time navigating the many choices of dog foods in their quest to find the best brand to give their Poodle, there are a lot of ingredients to avoid: Artificial flavoring like MSG which can cause terrible allergic reactions. Artificial coloring. Some of the worst are Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 6 which are linked to very serious issues including neurological and behavioral issues like insomnia and hyperactivity and serious health issues including some cancers. Chemical preservatives. This can be tricky to avoid since these do not always need to be labeled; if these are added to protect 'protein meals' in low levels, you'll never see it listed as an ingredient. These are meats and animal parts deemed unfit for human consumption. Examples are lungs, spleen, spinal tissue, genitals, hooves, beaks, intestines, and more. Generic meats or oils. This can, by law, be any species of animal whatsoever and are usually 4-D animal parts: Sourced from dead, diseased, dying, or disabled zoo animals, farm animals, or even roadkill. These are very common in cheaper subpar brands and are inexpensive ingredients that are added only to plump up the food but offer little to no nutritional value. Examples of fillers include corn, soy, wheat middlings, peanut hulls, oat husks, and cereal grains. Ingestion of fillers is a contributing factor in coprophagia eating feces and is linked to malnutrition. High grain count. Though some wholesome grains may be desired next section , high levels of wheat or gluten can cause upset stomach issues and allergies. What to look for: Knowing what to avoid can help you identify some of the better brands though exact recommendations are below. This means zero artificial additives. Natural preservatives. Wholesome ingredients. For meats and proteins this includes chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, rabbit, beef, and many types of fish including whitefish, haddock, salmon, and cod. You'll also want your Poodle to have some vegetables and fruits which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Zero fillers. Every ingredient should serve the purpose of providing nutrients and never added simply to bulk up the recipe. The right balance of healthy grains. Though some Poodles will need to avoid all grains, most do very well with select non-wheat, non-gluten options including oatmeal, quinoa, and rice. Added extras. Next, we'll cover exact recommendations that fit all of the above criteria. Best Food for Poodles: Recommended Brands Please note that if you have not yet read ' Grain vs Grain-free ' section, you may wish to do so before continuing. Top recommend food with grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry. For larger miniatures and standards, you'll want to opt for their regular Complete Health. There are also puppy, adult, and senior formulas. All of these have no wheat, corn or other fillers, artificial coloring or flavoring, soy, meat by-products, or chemical preservatives, so you can feel very confident that your filling your Poodle's bowl with truly wholesome, healthy food. These recipes also have excellent levels of omega-3 fatty acids. And, this is made in the USA. Halo Natural Holisitc Dog Food. This top brand has found its niche by offering a purely holistic, organic recipe with non-GMO veggies and fruits and meats with no antibiotics, no hormones, and no factory farming. The protein base is chicken and liver, the two grains in this are oats and barley, and vegetables and fruits include peas, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and sweet potato. All other ingredients are to naturally preserve the kibble or are vitamins and minerals. This particular recipe is for small breeds, however there is also an original for larger dogs. Halo is made in the USA. Top recommended food without grains: 1. Merrick is a great brand which offers this recipe for small breeds, like toy Poodles and another option for larger dogs which would include miniatures and standards. Protein bases include Texas beef, lamb, chicken, and salmon. There is no corn or other fillers, wheat, gluten, artificial additives, or chemical preservatives. And, there are excellent levels of omega-3 and both pre and probiotics. Merrick is also made in the USA. The CORE formula from Wellness is, by far, one of the very best grain-free foods on the market today. It hits very single checkbox of what you are ideally looking for in a food for your Poodle and it has some superior extras. There are excellent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. There is both a small breed formula and an original formula for minis and standards as well as puppy recipes and a reduced fat option. Wellness is made in the USA. What to Feed Your Poodle if Home Cooking You will want to have a mix of protein, healthy grains, vegetables and fruits. Proteins can include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, veal, and fish cod, flounder, salmon, whitefish. Vegetables can include sugar snap peas, green beans, lima beans, spinach, peas, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and regular potato. Fruits can include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apple, and pear. Extras can include eggs, salmon oil, extra virgin olive oil, certain cheese with low levels of lactose Colby, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and cottage cheese and plain whole white yogurt. Note that if you home cook, you will want to include a daily vitamin and mineral since it is near impossible for any combination of foods to offer a dog every nutrient that they need. Snacks Snacks and treats are also an important part of a dog's diet. Dry treats often labeled as baked or crunchy are best to tide over the appetite in between meals. Moist or chewy treats are best when used as training rewards and to reinforce good behavior. Rapid ingestion of food can lead to gas, vomiting, or upset stomach and is linked to killer bloat. Types of Nuts that a Poodle Can Eat - If you are snacking away on some nuts and want to share them with your Poodle, see which ones are safe and which are not. Poodle Begging Behavior - Giving into begging for table scraps or extra snacks contributes to this bad habit. See how to react if your Poodle won't stop begging. Overly Picky Poodles - Read how to address finicky eaters to make mealtime less stressful for both of you. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese Grapes and raisins Sweets and desserts Avocados Dogs can have dried cranberries as a treat, as these berries are good for digestive and bladder health. However, raisins and grapes are toxic to dogs and can lead to significant kidney failure. If you fear your dog has eaten raisins or grapes, reach out to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Dry Food Vs. Wet Food Dogs should rely on dry food as opposed to wet food. However, wet food should be a consistent portion of their diet. Although most dogs would eat only wet food if they could, too much wet food can cause digestive problems and make dogs sick. Dry food offers fibrous content that dogs need for a healthy bowel movement. Wet food offers food rife with vitamins and minerals — alongside an appealing taste for most dogs. However, dry food can help with tooth health and fight gum disease. A healthy combination of dry and wet food can lead to a well-balanced meal and a happy dog. The best possible dog food varieties include those that offer your Poodle only the healthiest and high-quality ingredients available. Although some of these dog food choices may be expensive, they also offer lean proteins like duck and sweet potato, so you know your Poodle is getting only the best from their diet. Although the first ingredient is a chicken by-product, this dog food option is rife with protein, vitamins, and minerals that will help your Poodle feel at the top of its game. The kibbles included in this dog food choice are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and contain vitamins that will assist in healthy coat formation and healthy gums. Not only is this brand recommended by vets around the world, but it also includes a flavor that dogs seem to love and ingredients that pet owners can feel good about. While the cost for this dog food option is a touch high, it offers the security of knowing that your dog will have all the nutrients and vitamins needed to live a long and healthy life. Each variety contains the exclusive Nutrivantage, and no filler or meat bi-product. Chicken meal and rice flavor. No Corn, no wheat, no soy, no meat bi-products. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Alongside lean protein and quality sources of fat, this dog food option also offers tons of vitamins and minerals. Although this dog food choice is expensive, it is also ideal for dogs who are currently training or need a boost in their performance. Contains one 1 30 lb. Blue Buffalo is notorious for making only the best dog food with real meat as the first ingredient. This is rife with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants that will help your Poodle thrive. Additionally, this dog food is also enhanced with vitamins and minerals specifically for immune system support. ALL NATURAL: Created by nutritionists, veterinarians and animal lovers, our recipes provide an ideal balance of nature's finest ingredients, carefully selected to nourish and sustain your dog's.However, the calorie content of this food is a little high, which can cause weight gain. Additionally, this dog food brand is more expensive than the average, although it does have everything your Poodle will need to keep them healthy and happy. Larger Poodles may not get all the nutrients and vitamins they need from this dog food option, as it is meant for smaller breeds. This choice may be the least expensive choice for dog food while maintaining high-quality ingredients and food rife with minerals and vitamins. There are no artificial ingredients, and there is plenty of protein in this food option. This brand prides itself on not including any animal by-products or fillers. This product is rife with vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy gums and a full coat. Poodles Require Special Nutrients Poodles need more protein than other dogs because of their lean shape, meaning that Poodles may require a unique brand of dog food that can offer enhanced vitamins, minerals, and protein content. Whether you are looking for the best Poodle dog food available on the market or preparing for adoption, these top seven dog food options stand apart from other dog food options because they offer more essential nutrients for your Poodle. Although some options are expensive, these brands can help your Poodle avoid harsh and destructive ingredients like artificial dyes linked with cancer in animals, fillers, and empty calories. Instead, they boast quality and put healthy dog food ahead of profit. Small Poodles may be less than 40 pounds, meaning they may need even more nutrient-dense food to accommodate their small stature — something these dog food brands are passionate about providing. With the best dog food for Poodles on this list, you can be sure that your Poodle is getting everything they need from its diet. Similar Posts.

There are so many breeds to choose from; how do you know which one is right for you and your family? Boxers are a medium-sized dog that were originally bred to be guard dogs. Nowadays though, they make ideal family pets as long as you can keep up with all that energy! Generally, boxers have three main colors; white, fawn or brindle. Brindle coloring is a combination of two colors that express themselves as a pattern in the fur. Usually one of the colors is beige or brown and the pattern can be long stripes along the back or shorter, more disturbed stripes. Brindle Boxers are one of the most popular coloring there are, however, the colors and patterns of brindle Boxers can vary dramatically. There is, however, a rarer reverse brindle coloring with a dark background and lighter markings. It is sometimes referred to as an inverted brindle boxer. Sealed Brindle Boxer Now this is the rarest coloring for a Boxer out of them all. They appear black because their black stripes are sealed shut so you can see hardly any fawn at all. Some people try to sell these Boxers as having a black coat but that is not true. It is impossible for Boxers to have a true black coat; those that appear black are actually brindle with very thick, close set black stripes. Flashy Brindle Boxer Boxers often have a white underbelly and white feet. Sometimes the markings go up the neck and onto the face too. This is known as flash. However, white Boxers are not. Brindle Boxers are not rare, they are one of the three standard coloring for the Boxer breed. Certain types of markings and coloring are more rare than others though, like the sealed brindle. Brindle Boxers are prone to certain health problems Like all purebred dogs, there are some health conditions that Boxers are more prone to. To help reduce the risk of your puppy developing these conditions you should always buy from an AKC compliant breeder. They have to adhere to much higher standards than most and will undergo the necessary tests of the parent dogs to help reduce the chances of medical issues in the future. AKC registered breeders will usually cost more than private breeders but they come with more peace of mind about the genetics and the treatment of the parent dogs. Also, there are some pet insurance companies that focus on providing the best insurance for a specific breed, meaning they can cater to the likely health problems of that breed of dog. Alternatively, you could look at the American Boxer Club website. They have a specific page all about breeder referrals. There are even some organizations that specifically re-home Boxers! Wherever you go looking, make sure you have a list of questions you want to ask the breeder about how the dogs have been cared for, tests they may have had etc. If you need a hand coming up with all the appropriate questions you should check out this resource. How do you know if a Boxer is the right dog breed for your lifestyle and situation? Well, there are some common characteristics that most Boxers share which can help you get an idea of what they might be like. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.

Brown 3 lb 13 oz Our chunky Tank got passed up by Patriot and Spirit! Meanwhile, Trooper dropped to the back of the pack. All pups were gaining weight every day which was a good sign. I forgot to mention that before Raven had her puppies we looked for a small scale to weigh the puppies. Most of the scales we came across had a 10 lb limit. We purchased this baby scale and it worked great with all our puppies. I started clipping nails once a week with regular human nail clippers. When cutting nails I only cut to the part where the nail starts to curve. The puppies all did well during nail trimming sessions and it also gave me a chance to handle all four paws getting the pups used to relaxing with humans. Day 26 — Walking On New Surfaces Now that the puppies were stable and walking more normal I started introducing them to new surfaces. We were able to get them out on the dirt, grass, and concrete in the backyard. Golden Pups Week 4 — Puppies exploring new surfaces. We also start introducing our pups to the crate and start working on teaching them calm behavior while in the crate. I took their regular puppy kibble, soaked it in hot water for 10 minutes, and smashed it up into a mush. One of the early problems is making sure everyone gets an equal or close to amount of food. We allowed the puppies to eat their solid food and still nurse throughout the day. We feed the older dogs Wellness Core Grain Free Original Formula so we figured the transition from the puppy formula to the original formula would be easier on the pups when the time came to move away from puppy food. Golden Retriever pups week 4 is in the books! Check out our other Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week blog posts: Week 1 — Six Golden Retriever puppies are born! Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. So tell us a little about your experiences. Have you ever had the chance to raise a litter or meet a 4 week old puppy? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Are you expecting a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Did you just bring home an adorable 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy? If so, Puppies for Dummies is a great book that will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. Personalities are starting to emerge. Four week old puppies are ready to venture out of their pen and explore our home. They are old enough for a brief introduction to outside. By four weeks, puppies are beginning to stay awake for longer periods of time and are actively engaging in play. We keep the area outside the pans almost perfectly clean. We gradually decrease the amount of area that is covered by pads as puppies show increasing dependability with doing all their business in the pans. By the time puppies are 4 weeks 5 days, almost all of them are close to doing all their business in the right place. At 3 weeks, puppies have teeth which makes the nursing experience less pleasant for the moms. By four weeks, it can be rather painful for large litters to be biting and pulling as they nurse. Almost all moms will begin pulling away somewhat from the litter between four and five weeks. We offer soaked dog food three times a day. The puppies are fed in one large bowl all together at this age. They eat as much as they want and the mama will finish off the bowl. Introduced to the World Outside Their Pen Starting shortly after 4 weeks, puppies are introduced to the world outside of their pen. We take them initially in groups to various rooms in our home. As confidence builds, we take them out individually. Puppy socialization becomes increasingly important. Puppies are staying awake for longer periods of time. This is the week that our socialization program becomes very intentional and scheduled. Four-week old pictures are usually taken in our front yard. This is their first trip outside. By the time puppies are 4 weeks 5 days, they are ready to be trained to navigate the two steps from our puppy play yard to our side porch. Puppies are ready to begin doggy door training. This is the optimum time to introduce puppies to new things. They are anxious to try new things and to explore their world. For more information on how we raise our puppies, see our Raising Puppies page. Primary Sidebar Breeders and Trainers of English Golden Retrievers We focus on breeding and training beautiful English Golden Retriever puppies with health tested champion parents, great pedigrees, and fantastic temperaments.

For a dog to qualify as a German shepherd labrador mix, its parents must be a purebred Labrador and a purebred German shepherd. Parent Breeds This breed is a crossbreed between German shepherd and Labrador retriever parents. As these parent breeds are both large dogs with similar appearances, the resulting mix displays similar looks and personality traits. German Shepherd The German shepherd, or Alsatian, is a large, black-and-tan-colored dog hailing from Germany in the late s. This large breed is good with children and is best suited to active families. Labrador Retriever The Labrador retriever is a large British dog with cream, tan, or black coloring. This friendly, affectionate dog breed was developed from fishing dogs imported to the UK from Newfoundland in the s. Lifespan The German shepherd Labrador mix lives for 10—12 years. Healthy, active dogs that eat nutritious foods and live stress-free lifestyles are likely to live longer. German Shepherd Lab Mix Appearance German shepherd lab mixes are large dogs with medium-dense, short-to-medium-length fur. The dogs are usually black, brown, tan, or a combination of several colors. Height and Weight German shepherd lab mixes are considered large dogs, with a height at the withers of 20—27 inches, and a weight of 75—95 pounds. The size and weight of the dog depend on which parent the mix takes after most — German shepherds are taller and heavier than Labrador retrievers. Colors German shepherd lab mixes are typically black, brown, or tan. Patches of white are common on the neck and muzzle. Blue and red are uncommon colors for a labrashepherd. Occasionally, labrashepherds are all-black, all-brown, or all-cream, resembling the Labrador retriever. Coat The German shepherd lab mix has a medium-dense, double coat that sheds frequently. The outer layer of the coat is long and wiry, and the inner coat is short, thick, and soft. The coat comes in a variety of colors, and the undercoat is a lighter shade than the outer coat. Personality and Temperament German shepherd lab mixes have the combined temperament of the watchful German shepherd and the easygoing Labrador retriever. According to the American Kennel Club temperament guide , Labradors are eager to please, adaptable, outgoing, and intelligent. Meanwhile, German shepherds are fearless, confident, eager, and alert. German shepherds are known to be aloof with strangers, and Labradors suffer from separation anxiety. These two traits are often passed on to the German shepherd lab mix. The confident, loyal, eager nature of the labrashepherd makes it a loyal family pet. Barking The German shepherd lab mix has a low barking tendency. A properly-trained dog will only bark to alert its owners of a potential threat. Keeping a labrashepherd entertained with daily walks and playtime should prevent the dog from barking out of boredom. German Shepherd Lab Mix Care Caring for a German shepherd lab mix is easy as long as you have the budget and the energy to look after a big dog. Labrashepherds need daily long walks, a nutritious diet, and plenty of mental stimulation to live happy, healthy lives. Food Needs Provide your German shepherd lab mix with a high-protein diet suitable for large, high-energy dogs. On average, German shepherd lab mixes need about 3 cups of kibble per day. Use a slicker brush and brush in the direction of hair growth, applying fine strokes that remove dead hairs and mats. Exercise Needs The German shepherd lab mix is an energetic breed that needs at least one hour of daily exercise, divided into two or more walks. Ideally, give your labrashepherd access to your backyard throughout the day between walks to allow your dog to run around and let out energy. Mental Needs Provide at least 30 minutes of daily mental stimulation to keep your German shepherd lab mix happy and satisfied. The breed is intelligent and enjoys playing hide-and-seek, fetch games, and puzzle games with food release toys. Common Health Concerns German shepherd lab mixes inherit some of the common health issues affecting their parent breeds. Obesity Like Labrador retrievers, labrashepherds are prone to overeating and obesity. Lab results have found that Labradors are missing all or part of the POMC gene, which senses body fat storage and regulates appetite. Give this mix plenty of exercise to prevent weight gain. Skin Allergies German shepherd lab mixes are sensitive to mites, dust, pollen, and chemicals, which cause itchy skin and skin allergies. Redness, rashes, persistent itching, infections especially around the ears , and hair loss are all common signs of skin allergies in dogs. Treatment for skin allergies includes diet changes, avoiding triggers, and medication to reduce itching. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a common hereditary condition in large dog breeds, including the Labrador retriever and the German shepherd. The condition causes the hip ball and socket to deteriorate and lose function. This issue commonly affects overweight or under-exercised dogs. Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include decreased range of motion in the back legs, decreased activity, lameness, and limping. The condition is treated with physical therapy, weight reduction, and surgery. Consistent training is important for this breed, so train your dog for at least 15 minutes every day. Start training your puppy from the age of eight weeks old. To prevent this, train your dog during or after a long walk. While the breed mix is affordable to buy, the expense of feeding a large dog is high. The upfront cost of a German shepherd lab mix depends on whether you buy from a reader or adopt the dog from a shelter. Factors that affect the cost of the dog are age, coloring, and whether the dog is adopted or bought from a breeder. Dogs with rare coat colors are more expensive than dogs with common colors. Additional, optional costs are dog sitting and boarding, professional dog grooming, and dog training classes. The German shepherd lab mix is an affectionate, loyal, energetic dog that makes a great family pet. However, this dog has traits that make it unsuitable for some people and lifestyles. Labrashepherds are high-energy dogs that are ideal for active, outdoorsy households. German shepherd lab mixes are responsive to training if proper boundaries are established, so this mix is best suited to people who have the time to train the dogs from an early age. Check out these other hybrid dog breeds: German Shepherd Mixes. Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. 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. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Well, you get the German Shepherd Lab mix, a lovable crossbreed with all the great personality traits you could ever want in a family dog. Also known as Lab Shepherd mixes or Shepradors, these mixed breed canines are highly sought after. The parent breeds are some of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Like all crossbreeds, Shepradors combine the physical and personality traits of their parents, resulting in a one-of-a-kind companion. Because they are a designer dog , there are no established breeding guidelines or standards. Oftentimes, pedigree information is scarce as well, creating a lot of unknowns. Canines are fully capable of crossbreeding on their own. In fact, many of the purebred dogs we know today are a result of centuries of careful breeding. As we mentioned earlier, this crossbreed is a direct result of breeding purebred German Shepherds with Labrador Retrievers. Labrador Retrievers have a very long history that dates back all the way to the s. Back then, they were working dogs that often helped out fishermen. Eventually, these dogs made their way to England where they became companions for European royalty. German Shepherds were working dogs, too. However, their main job was to herd sheep and other livestock for farmers. Today, Labradors and German Shepherds are very popular the world over. .Though, they are popular for very different reasons. Typically, Labs are known for their companionship. They make great family pets and are often used as guide dogs for those with disabilities. Meanwhile, German Shepherds are revered for their athleticism and intelligence. German Shepherd Lab Mix Temperament The beauty of mixed breed dogs is that they take on traits from both of their parents. German Shepradors are a perfect example of this. These dogs are a joy to be around. Whether that required physical work or simply good behavior, these pups are up for the task! Like all dogs, German Shepherds and their subsequent crossbreed are products of their environment. Shepradors make great family dogs. The combination of intelligent thinking and loyalty can prove to be useful in a home setting. Your watchdog will do all they can to protect your home while still being down for cuddles. However, helping your pup grow up to be obedient and well-behaved is manageable. You see, these dogs are very intelligent. In fact, some might say that they are too intelligent for their own good. This mainly comes from the German Shepherd side of the dog. German Shepherds are notorious for being stubborn. Shepradors can take on that personality trait, making the training process a bit more challenging. They may require more time and patience to truly understand things. Another issue you might encounter with German Shepherd mixes is the need for regular mental stimulation. Because they are so intelligent, you must constantly challenge their minds to keep them happy. Like all dogs, Shepradors do best when positive reinforcement is the training method of choice. While dominance-based training used to be the go-to, several studies have shown that punishments do more harm than good. German Shepherd mixes thrive when you use a reward system. Showering your dog with praise and providing plenty of treats is the best way to instill the training techniques. Despite all of this, you may see pups with vastly different characteristics. Genetics is not an exact science. Dominant genes from one parent dog may take over, causing the puppy to look more like one breed than the other. As a result, the crossbreed is going to fall into that same category. You can use information about their parents for reference, but several factors will contribute to their true adult size. Generally, males can weigh upwards of 88 pounds when fully grown. They will stand between 22 and 26 inches at the withers. This is the point between the shoulder blades of the dog. Females are typically smaller than males. You may come across females as small as 35 pounds. Though, most will be around 70 to 80 pounds. As for height, females tend to be between 20 and 24 inches at the withers. Both of the parent breeds are pretty athletic, so most mixed pups will be as well. They fall somewhere in the middle. Depending on their activity levels, you might notice strong muscle development on their hind legs. These dogs usually have wide snouts and dark noses. Their eyes are large and brown. Some pups may have light eyes, but this is quite rare. Genetic variations in the parent breeds can lead to lighter eyes, but a vast majority are going to have big brown eyes. One characteristic where you will see a lot of variation among these dogs is the ears. Most Labs have large ears that flop down over the sides of the head Meanwhile, perky triangular ears are one of the most defining traits of the German Shepherds. The interesting thing about the ears is that you will have to wait and see whether they stand tall or flop down. Puppies are born with soft and fluffy ears. As they grow older, the cartilage in their ears may or may not strengthen to help them stand up. Some pups even have a combination of the two ear styles! Colors Coat colors can vary across the board with these pups. German Shepherds have an iconic tri-color coat. Distinct patterns of gold, black, and white cover the body. The most common is gold. However, black and pure-white Labs exist as well. They may have multi-colored coats or solid ones. Lifespan The average lifespan for a German Shepherd Lab mix is between 10 and 12 years. This falls in line with the life expectancy of the parent breeds. Generally, larger dogs tend to have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones. Many factors will affect how much time these dogs have. Health issues and a poor lifestyle can cut that lifespan short. On the same token, extremely healthy pups are fully capable of living past 12 years of age. Possible Health Issues Like all dogs, Shepradors are not immune to disease and health problems. In fact, they may be susceptible to more issues. The problem with mixing breeds is that it opens up the possibilities of health complications in the future. Hereditary problems from both parents can be passed to the puppy. Unfortunately, German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are known to suffer from a few different ailments. Here are the most common health concerns to be wary of. Dysplasia is a musculoskeletal condition that often affects dogs later in life. However, it takes years to develop and can be triggered by issues as a young pup. Take hip dysplasia for example. Hip dysplasia can cause debilitating pain. Many dogs who suffer from it have a hard time standing up. They may exhibit signs of extreme weakness in the hind legs, resulting in a noticeably different posture. The hip sockets become malformed, causing mobility issues with the hip joint. While some dogs are born with it, poor development as a puppy can exacerbate the problem. There are treatment options for hip and elbow dysplasia. Veterinarians can perform surgery early on to correct the problem and provide relief. If your dog is already suffering from it, physical therapy and joint supplements can provide relief from pain. Bloat Contrary to popular belief, bloat is not an innocent gas problem with dogs. It occurs when dogs eat too fast or exert physical exercise too soon after eating. Excess air is swallowed, filling the stomach. Eventually, the stomach can twist on itself. This restricts blood flow throughout the body. Provide small meals and prevent your dog from playing for at least 30 minutes. To control fast eating, you can utilize slow-feeding bowls or puzzle toys. They create an obstacle that forces the dog to eat slower than normal, which can do a lot to prevent GDV. Ocular Issues Eye diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy, are pretty common with both parent breeds. The tissue within the eye can degenerate over time. This causes vision loss. From there, you can provide supplements or foods rich in beta carotene to slow its progression. Diet and Exercise Requirements Shepherd Labrador mixes are incredibly active dogs. They love nothing more than playing and getting tons of exercise. To make matters worse, a lack of exercise can turn into a lasting problem. You need to start your pup on the right foot and establish a healthy lifestyle right off the bat. Go for runs and toss chew toys around the yard. You can break up exercise time in manageable chunks throughout the day to make things easier. As long as you get those 90 minutes in, your dog should have no problem staying healthy. When it comes to diet, you must be just as vigilant! These dogs have insatiable appetites. However, you need to ensure that their food is meeting all of their nutritional needs. It should use wholesome proteins like chicken, beef, or fish. The dog food should also have complex carbs and healthy fats like fish oil. Steer clear of anything that has artificial ingredients or unnecessary fillers. Those foods will do more harm than good. The goal is to provide your dog with muscle-building protein that will keep their body in good shape. As a good rule of thumb, dogs will need about 30 calories of food for each pound of body weight. This usually amounts to about 4 cups of dry kibble a day. That said, foods can vary dramatically when it comes to nutritional density. We recommend splitting their caloric requirements into two small meals a day. One meal in the morning and one in the evening will keep their energy levels stable as they go about their active lifestyles. Plus, splitting the meals will help to avoid issues like bloat. However, thick coats need a bit of extra work. GSDs have double costs. The outer layer of hair is thinner and easier to manage. Meanwhile, the inner coat is thick and dense. It provides insulation in those cold winter months. German Shepherd Lab mixes can inherit that thick coat. They will go through shedding cycles a couple of times a year, resulting in a mess of fur throughout your home! With regular brushings, you can keep the fallout to manageable levels while keeping your pup clean. These pups make great family dogs. They get along just fine with kids as long as you socialize them early on. As always, you should never leave your dog alone with young kids. These crossbred dogs are fully capable of attacking people, so you should exercise caution and always keep a watchful eye. They should know not to pull their tail or agitate the dog in any way. Are German Shepherd Lab mixes good guard dogs? Shepradors make great guard dogs. Plus, they tend to be a bit suspicious of strangers. Are these dogs aggressive? This all depends on their upbringing. If you take the time to properly train and socialize these dogs, they will be gentle and loving. However, if the dogs are abused or trained with punishment, they could exhibit aggressive behavior. How big to German Shepherd Lab mixes get? Males can weigh as much as 88 pounds and grow to 26 inches tall at the withers. Do Shepradors get along with other dogs? German Shepherd Labrador mixes do just fine with other dogs. However, they must be properly socialized first. Exposure to other animals is key during their development. They should be introduced to new family dogs slowly to prevent any aggressive behavior. Do Shepradors make good working dogs? Thanks to their intelligence and high trainability, Labrashepherds make fine working dogs. They do particularly well herding livestock. Conclusion German Shepherd Lab mixes are a joy to raise. If you have an active lifestyle to keep them fit, they will be a great addition to your family. Treat them well and these pups will spend their lives being a loving canine companion. Search Dog Breeds. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases.

What type of ear does a Goldendoodle have? The type of ear that a dog has can impact the likelihood they will experience dirty ears or other ear problems. However, the structure of their ears can also provide the perfect environment for bacteria to develop. The folded ear forms a warm space with limited airflow, which can be problematic if dirt or moisture gets in. This type of ear traps the debris and gives it a place to grow and develop, leading to much bigger problems if not cleaned regularly. Learning how to recognize a dirty ear and knowing how to clean it will prevent any issues from arising. That being said, certain Goldendoodles may get dirty ears more regularly than others. This also comes back to the structure of the ear. Some Goldendoodles simply have smaller ear canals, making it harder for the wax to get out. When wax builds up, it can block the ear and cause bacteria to grow. Goldendoodles also tend to have hairy ears that collect grime and wax, and the hair then stops it from escaping. Loose hair can fall into the ear and actually cause more significant problems for your Goldendoodle. This will help you identify dirty ears or any other issues before they become too problematic. Ear wax is much easier to clean away in smaller volumes. Have them sit or lay down in a position where they will be relaxed, as this will make it much easier to check their ears. Give your dog a pat and talk to them in a calm voice. You might even give them a treat so that they have positive associations with ear checking and cleaning. If you are going to give them a treat, it is best to do so only when they are still and relaxed. You do not want to encourage exited behaviors as this will make the process more difficult. When your dog is calm, lift one ear to look inside. You want to be able to see straight down into the ear canal. Check the color of the ear. It should be a pale pink color and be clear of wax, dirt, or other debris. Check the scent of the ear. Do you notice a strange smell when you lift up the ear flap? This is a sign of a dirty ear or potentially a bigger problem. Are they happy and relaxed when you touch their ear or do they react as though they are in pain? The ear should not be sore to the touch. A strong, unpleasant odor may indicate a deeper problem, and you should take your Goldendoodle to the vet to get checked. Play with the ears of a Goldendoodle puppy to get them used to touch. The following steps will help you get the job done correctly and positively for your Goldendoodle. These instructions are designed to clean the outer ear or ear flap rather than the inner ear or ear canal. Find an appropriate space and lay out all of your supplies within easy reach. Encourage your dog to sit or lay down calmly. For bigger dogs, you can have them lay next to you with their head on your lap. For puppies and small dogs, place them on your lap. If your dog is anxious or unfamiliar with the process, it might be worth getting a friend to help keep them in position. Give your dog a pat and talk to him calmly. You can give them a treat to help get their attention or reward them for doing the right thing. Just make sure you are not reinforcing bad behavior. Always start closer to the inner ear and work your way toward the outer ear flap. This should remove dirt and wax, bringing it to the outside. Grab another piece of cotton wool and repeat the process until the ear is clean. Once the first ear is clean, check in with your dog. Are they relaxed? If so, move onto the second ear and repeat steps .If they are looking a bit worried or starting to fidget, it might be worth waiting and doing the second ear later. How To Clean Goldendoodle Ears Inside the Ear Suppose your furry friend has a significant build-up of debris and wax in their inner ear. It may also be required to prevent or treat health issues. Dogs produce wax in their ears just like humans and usually need periodic cleaning to maintain normal health. Do you have your dog groomed regularly? Does your dog like to swim, which can cause water getting into their ears? Does your dog have an underlying allergy? Some dogs do not produce much ear wax or have lifestyles that require frequent ear cleaning. However, dogs that swim and get water into their ears, or those that get water into their ears during a bath, will benefit from having their ears cleaned. Dogs with allergies and who suffer from repeat ear infections will also benefit from routine ear cleaning to prevent or reduce the frequency of ear infections. You can also peek at their ears when you are brushing them or providing other routine care like trimming nails. A groomer may also perform a routine ear check when your dog is groomed. Since dogs are all unique and can develop wax in their ears based on breed, health, and other factors, there is not a standard timeframe to follow for routine ear cleaning. Your veterinarian can help you determine a schedule that makes sense for your dog. Instead, contact your vet as soon as possible. Some ear infections can be minor, while others can be severe, and your veterinarian will guide you on the best course of treatment and follow-up care. There are some instances where a veterinarian will recommend against routine ear cleanings. Dogs that have damage to their eardrum or severe inflammation of the ear canal may suffer further damage from ear cleaning. Avoid using ordinary household items like water, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, essential oils, etc. These materials will not efficiently clean the ear canal and may lead to your dog developing ear infections or even damage to the ear canal. Approved ear cleaners can be purchased from your veterinarian, online, or from major pet retail stores. Clean cotton balls, or cotton wipes are recommended for ear cleanings. Cotton swabs should never be used because they can push wax down into the ear canal, making it harder to dislodge the build-up. In certain situations, cotton swabs could also potentially cause damage to the eardrum. Have support. If your dog is not used to ear cleanings, you may need another person to help hold them while you clean their ears. Restraining your dog can be done by gently placing an arm around their neck to prevent it from pulling away. Use the other hand to gently stabilize the head or the back half of their body if they are trying to pull away. Remember not to squeeze too tightly. Expect a mess. A towel may be helpful to keep the rest of their body clean. Be gentle. Use a cleaner. Shake it out. Allow your dog to shake their head. Wipe up. Use a clean cotton ball to wipe out as much of the ear canal as you can see. Do not shove the cotton ball into the ear to avoid injury or the cotton ball getting stuck. Repeat the wiping process using clean cotton balls until the cotton ball is clean and there is no more visible discharge in the ear canal. Featured image: iStock. His early childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian came true.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Goldendoodle hot ears can be a sign of infection or fever. Scratching If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your Doodle to the vet immediately. Antibiotics and prescription ear drops will clear an ear infection right up. Below we have some of our favorite ear cleaners. We also added a few DIY versions to save you a couple of dollars. We love this cleaner because it has no harsh chemicals, no drying ingredients, and natural healing properties. Another great feature of this product is that it has a dry powder as well. You can use this to clean up irritated ears that drain without over-cleaning them. With the healing benefits of aloe, your dog will be thanking you later. This cleaner is gentle and reduces inflammation. If your Goldendoodle needs their ears cleaned more often, this is the perfect solution for you. After mixing, you can transfer the solution to a condiment bottle for easy use. Zymox works by using an enzyme proven to relieve inflammation and works as an antibiotic. If your dog is going through a period of itchy dry ears, this solution will heal them quickly. There are lots of DIY dog ear cleaning solution online. Two big ones that are popular in the DIY world are peroxide and rubbing alcohol. Both of these ingredients are irritating and drying to your dog. If used in excess, your dog can develop ear infections. How To Clean Goldendoodles Ears Now that you have a dog ear cleaning solution, we can talk about how to clean dog ears. Tools: Cotton balls or pads Towel Step One: After gathering all your tools, you will need to find a Goldendoodle cleaning area. Most people find that the bathtub is easy to clean, or going outside is best. In step three, you will see why this is important. Then squirt a small amount of cleaning solution into the ear canal. You know that you have enough cleaning solution when you feel a squashing sound while rubbing the ear. Step Three: Now that you have rubbed the ear, let go of your dog. Your Goldendoodle will shake his head and might even paw at them. This is totally normal and essential to the process, but you might get wet. The solution makes wax and dirt easy to lift so that this part will go by quickly. All you need to do is take a cotton ball or pad and gently wipe the inside of the ear canal. Step Five: If the ears are filthy, you can repeat steps two through four. Otherwise, you can move on to step six. So you might need some help cleaning your Labradoodle smelly ears. For that, you can either use a friend or family member to help hold your dog. Or you can try a few products to distract. You can suction this mat to the side of the tub to distract your Goldendoodle if you have no help. This mat is great for peanut butter, yogurt, or the Kong Easy Treats. What About Goldendoodle Ear Hair? It used to be standard practice for groomers to pluck the ear hair of dogs. The reasoning behind this was too much hair could hold moisture and cause infections. The process is done by cleaning the ear and then gently pulling the hair out with tweezers. But in recent years, this theory has been debunked. And if not done with extreme care, you could cause painful ingrown hairs as well. The only reason your dog should have their ear hair plucked is if recommended by a vet. We hope you learned a lot about how to clean Goldendoodles ears. And not you can clean them with confidence and ease. Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. Sharing is caring! These dogs are loving and loyal, and they are extremely intelligent. That said, each dog breed has its own health risks. For the Goldendoodle, one of the things you should pay attention to are the ears. As with other floppy-eared dogs, this breed can experience ear problems. Fortunately, being proactive can ensure your dog is always in good spirits. Floppy ears are a health risk because yeast and bacteria can grow and thrive in the warm, moist environment. However, if you live in a humid climate, your dog goes into the water often, or has a history of multiple ear infections, you may need to clean the ears more often. Conversely, cleaning too frequently can cause the ear canals to dry out which can also lead to pain and other problems. If you feel your dog needs more frequent cleaning, please speak to one of our team members for advice. There are many DIY cleaners online, but some might do more harm than good. Once you have the right ear cleaning solution, you will need to fill the canal with the liquid, then gently massage the base of the ear to loosen any material in the canal. Your pet may shake their head at this point which is ok and actually helpful for the next step. Next, use cotton balls to absorb the liquid and any loose debris by wiping the inside of the ear canal. This should be done until the ear canal is dry and free of debris. Check for Signs of Infection Despite your best efforts, your dog may get an ear infection. Here are some warning signs that an ear infection may have developed: Scratching the ears more often than usual Redness or swelling inside the ears The ears are hotter than normal Strong, pungent smell Brown, yellow or tan debris in the ears Matted hair within the ears Whimpering when the ears are touched Holding one ear lower than the other, or even tilting their head to one side If an infection sets in, you must take your Goldendoodle to the vet right away. If you let the infection spread, it can worsen and lead to more significant pain and even cause permanent scarring of the ear canal. Treat Your Goldendoodle at Sleepy Hollow Animal Hospital All pets require some form of routine care in order to keep them healthy, and Goldendoodles are no exception. By maintaining the health of the ear canals with regular maintenance cleaning, you can help prevent unwanted ear infections and the pain associated with these infections. If you need help with how to do the cleaning, our team would be happy to book an appointment with one of our technicians to go over the steps involved. Post navigation.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. The first fact we have to remember is that any dog breed or hybrid can develop health issues. So, the Labradoodle is also equally capable of developing physical complications just like any other breed. On the contrary, some of these complications are common across various breeds and varieties. The important thing here is to stay informed of these risks and conditions. That way, even if your Labradoodle develops any signs or symptoms, you can quickly take it to the vet. Reliable breeders will usually have a health guarantee on their puppies. Reputable breeders will normally be forthright about any health complications the parents may have too. The best breeders will even offer you certifications from Orthopedic Foundation for Animals , Canine Eye Registry, or other similar authorities. Some may even offer DNA tests for potential conditions. Getting your puppy from the right source is like preventing many of these health conditions before they even appear. Also, we must remember that Labradoodles can develop health issues faced by both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. Hybrids can sometimes fail to reconcile the physical traits of both parent breeds. But it happens because the different physiology of the parents may not form healthily in the puppy. Finally, remember that most Labradoodle health issues are curable. Also, being prompt with medication and nurturing is essential. So, we now know that Labradoodles can develop health issues of different kinds. Labradoodle Cancer The first item on our list of possible Labradoodle health issues is cancer. Cancer in dogs is more common in old age above ten. On the off chance that your Labradoodle does develop cancer, the approach should be the same as with any other pet — a lot of care and medical help. Cancer in your dog may be one of many types. It commonly occurs in body organs, bones, or skin. Just like in humans, some cancers grow faster and others slower. Sometimes, you may detect them too late. So, that can serve as a small consolation. Possible Treatment The general approach to cancer in dogs is not to cure it. The main aim here is to treat it to remission. But the good news here is that cancer survival in dogs is common too. Make sure you consult with your vet before making any decisions. The treatment may range from chemo, radiation, surgery, or merely supplementing medication. Also, veterinary medicine has developed new treatments such as immunotherapy and antibody therapy. Although these are expensive, they give you more options for treatment. Finally, the mental health of you and your dog is a crucial part of the treatment. Make sure you keep a normal routine in terms of walks, playtime, etc. It would be great if you also learned about the treatments, terminology, symptoms, etc. Labradoodle Joint Problems Unlike cancer, Labradoodles and joint problems can often come together. These joint issues can include knee problems, pain in the joints, hip dysplasia, or elbow dysplasia. But other joint problems can still appear in your Labradoodle puppy. Questionable breeding methods are often to blame for these problems. However, Labradoodles can also develop these conditions because of their hybrid nature. Common symptoms include irritability, excessive lying down, limping, lagging on walks, reluctance to climb stairs , lack of enthusiasm for play or walks, etc. And most of these symptoms can pass right under your nose as you go about your day. If you see some of these behaviors, it may be time to take your doodle to the vet. Potential Treatment The good news here is that canine rehabilitation is one of the fastest-growing methods of veterinary science. Even at the very least, there are ways and means to help your dog live a full life even with the condition. Various anti-inflammatory medicines can help relieve joint pains. Of course, you should only use the meds recommended by your vet. If your vet allows, you can also use joint supplements as alternatives. Obesity in your dog can cause or aggravate any existing joint problems. But if you do need it, work with your vet to design a weight loss plan that involves the right diet and exercise. This way, your Labradoodle gets the best of medical and homely help. Labradoodle Glaucoma Labradoodles can inherit eye conditions from their parents. And Glaucoma can undoubtedly be one of these problems. Glaucoma is generally more present in purebreds. They can certainly inherit cataracts from their genes. Glaucoma in Labradoodles Labradoodles can develop Glaucoma when there is increased pressure on the eyes. Glaucoma has the potential to become severe enough to cause permanent blindness. Either way, there are ways to prevent or partially rectify the issue. But other causes include lens slipping, tissue inflammation, or eye injuries. All the other reasons here are called secondary Glaucoma. Glaucoma symptoms in Labradoodles can vary depending on severity. But common signs include eye pressure, excessive blinking, cloudy appearance, dilated pupil, the recession of eyeballs, etc. Like any other Labradoodle health issue, you may notice a lack of interest in an activity or play. The general approach is to try lowering the pressure to save their vision. But if there is damage in the optical nerve, it may be permanent or require surgery at the least. Methods can include draining of eye fluid or, in severe cases, removal of the eye. In the first case, surgery can restore some vision. However, in the second instance, your dog will have an orb instead of an eye. Although this sounds tragic, dogs can adapt to vision loss without as much trouble as humans. But you can certainly help by making the transition as comfortable as possible. You may have to watch over your dog more when outdoors. But small responsibilities like these are easy for anyone who loves their pets. Labradoodle Vision Problems Although Glaucoma can be a dangerous condition, there are other vision problems that Labradoodles can develop. Symptoms usually look similar. Keeping an eye no pun intended on your dog can help you detect problems early. This way, you can start timely treatments. Labradoodles and Vision Problems Labradoodles can experience vision problems because of eye diseases, injury, or old age. Labs and poodles can sometimes have genetic eye disorders, which they pass on to offspring. So, correct diagnosis is crucial before beginning treatment. The wrong diagnosis can take your dog through a lot of pain and trouble for nothing. Worse yet, it can even cause permanent loss of vision. For an accurate diagnosis, your vet has to detect the symptoms correctly. Common symptoms include redness, excessive fluids, cloudiness, low vision, squinting, eye color changes, etc. There may also be behavioral changes that imply vision problems. These include bumping into things, aversion to light, confusion, pawing the face, etc. Potential Treatment Depending on what the symptoms are, your Labradoodle may have one of many vision problems. Other times, vision problems can also come from Diabetes or high blood pressure. The precise treatment will depend on the source and cause of the eye problem. Corneal ulcers may require medication such as Topical antibiotics or surgery for severe cases. But your vet can suggest supplements that might help your Labradoodle. But these vision issues are not painful problems for your dog. Your Labradoodle can easily adapt to its changing eyesight. As mentioned earlier, our dogs have a keen sense of smell and hearing. Of course, their motor skills may not be as efficient as before. But they can still live full and wholesome lives as long as they get the proper care. On our part, all we have to do is make their day better by continuing to nurture them and care for them. But this does not mean that only Labradoodles develop Hip Dysplasia. Furthermore, the effect on a loving owner can also be disheartening. But the important thing here is to know your Labradoodle well and learn more about the disease. Hip Dysplasia is a common condition that need not be life-threatening if you know what to do. Hyp Dysplasia in Labradoodles Hip Dysplasia is, essentially, a bone and joint problem. So, instead of sliding together well, they start to grind and rub against each other. This means their mobility, movement, or posture may become abnormal. Over time, the condition can also lead to the joint becoming fully dysfunctional. Hip Dysplasia can have a number of causes. In Labradoodles, Hip Dysplasia usually comes from poor breeding processes. The symptoms usually include a decrease in physical activity and a limited range of motion. It can also mean your Labradoodle hesitates to jump , climb, or rise. The thigh can also lose muscle mass because of this condition. You can see the shoulders enlarged as the body tries to compensate for the hind legs in some cases. Potential Treatment for Hip Dysplasia Your vet may perform an examination, mobility inspections, radiographs, x-rays, etc. He will then recommend changes in lifestyle or surgery, or both, depending on the severity and condition. Your vet may also advise limited exercises on harder surfaces. Medication can include joint supplements, pain relief, fluid modifiers, or anti-inflammatory prescriptions. Surgery can consist of osteotomy, osteotomy, or total hip replacement. You may see it in bigger breeds who struggle with physiology or obesity. Also, it can come from genetic or unethical breeding practices. But there are working treatments available. Although no method has guaranteed success, your dogs can still live a wholesome life if you take the right measures. Elbow Dysplasia in Labradoodles is mostly because by some abnormal skeletal growth in the elbow. The condition can become worse with age. And the older it gets, the more painful for your Labradoodle. The main symptom of Elbow Dysplasia is an evident decrease in the range of motion. Also, you may notice that your Labradoodle shows discomfort or pain when you flex its elbow. You may also see episodes of lameness that appear once in a while. Some Elbow Dysplasia cases also have fluid retention in the joints. Potential Treatments for Elbow Dysplasia If your Labradoodle has Elbow Dysplasia, your vet can confirm the diagnosis through radiography or x-ray. Many times, vets can also detect it through inspection and evaluation. If the Elbow Dysplasia is a mild case, the vet may prescribe more moderate medical options. Medication can include joint supplements or anti-inflammatory drugs. Your vet may also suggest fatty-acid supplements to decrease inflammation or lubrication of the joint. However, severe cases may need a combination of surgery, medication, and therapy. Common approaches for surgery include arthroscopy and the open-joint procedure. You can also get rehabilitation treatments carried out by professionals. These can include underwater treadmills, swimming, and other relevant exercises. The great news is that Elbow Dysplasia has a higher recovery rate than other illnesses. On your part, just ensure that your Labradoodle stays in a healthy frame of mind. And with it, give it your best in nurturing and caring for your dog. Labradoodle Infections Labradoodles, like any other breed of dog, can be prone to certain infections. Some examples include: Ear infections: Due to the shape and position of their ears, Labradoodles are prone to developing ear infections. Symptoms include head shaking, scratching at the ears, and a foul odor coming from the ears. Skin infections: Bacterial and fungal skin infections can develop due to a weakened immune system or a break in the skin. Symptoms include redness, itching, and hair loss. Urinary tract infections: These can cause discomfort, frequent urination, and sometimes blood in the urine. Gastrointestinal infections: Gastrointestinal infections can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Early treatment can prevent more serious health problems from developing. In Labradoodles, this can result in symptoms such as: Weakness and fatigue. Health Problems and Issues in the Australian Labradoodle and Labradoodle To bring families an exceptional labradoodle, exceptional in labradoodle health, temperament and conformation. Do Labradoodles have health problems? Yes, all dogs have health problems. Mixing breeds does not, on average, make a healthier dog. Yes, if you mix two purebred lines only once any genetic issue that requires a pair of alleles one from each parent and NOT present in BOTH breeds will be negated in that first breeding. However, Poodles, Labrador retrievers and Cockers English and American all produce, at times, concerning health issues. These are all screen for by good breeders and include hip dysplasia, eye issues, heart issues and cancer. Screening parents will negate, or reduce non genetic tests these health issues in offspring. What can we do to ensure a healhy Australian Labradoodle? We select only the healthiest of labradoodle parents, grand parents and great grand parents for your labradoodle puppy. We have completed ALL the canine expert suggested health testing on ALL the generations of your labradoodle puppy to ensure a lifetime of health. We will both provide you education on the breed and any health issues commonly occurring in this breed, AND health test the parents and line of your puppy to ensure these issues do not present themselves in your health labradoodle puppy. Please, never purchase a labradoodle or Australian Labradoodle that does not have health including genetically tested parents and if possible comes from a superior genetically tested line, plus a health guarantee. I will have to say the best book I have studied on genetics and health is Control of Canine Genetic Diseases, renowned authority George A. Padgett, DVM. Health and Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles First, I would like to state that the MAIN reason for selecting breeding dogs that are a top representation of their breed Poodle, Lab, Labradoodle or Australian Labradoodle in Health, Temperament, and Conformation is the resulting puppies are top in health temperament and conformation. The term heterosis, also known as hybrid vigor or out breeding enhancement, describes the increased strength of different characteristics in hybrids; the possibility to obtain a genetically superior individual by combining the virtues of its parents. Heterosis is the opposite of inbreeding depression, which occurs with increasing homozygosity. The term often causes controversy, particularly in terms of the selective breeding of domestic animals, because it is sometimes believed that all crossbred plants or animals are genetically superior to their parents; this is true only in certain circumstances: when a hybrid is seen to be superior to its parents, this is known as hybrid vigor. When the opposite happens, and a hybrid inherits traits from their parents that makes them unfit for survival, the result is referred to as outbreeding depression. In all the years I have bred poodles there have always been crossbreeds around. Most of these were accidents and the puppies were given away or sold for little more than the price of their care. Some Cockapoos were deliberately bred for Pet Shops, but the market was inconsistent, so they were not readily available. Labradors and Standard Poodles were also crossbred in Australia to produce a specific type of working dog. In most cases these puppies are produced for monetary gains not to develop a new breed! The Goldendoodle is one of these crossbreeds. Goldendoodles were deliberately bred in North America as a larger version of the Cockapoo, beginning around ten to fifteen years ago. Most do not shed hair heavily, and some are hypoallergenic like the Standard Poodle. This crossbred gets its name from the mix of the two breeds - Golden Retriever and Poodle. Goldendoodles are considered a hybrid dog, a first generation cross between two breeds, and as such they are supposed to exhibit a quality called hybrid vigour by these breeders. This hybrid vigour is more correctly called heterosis. Crossbreeding in commercial beef cattle production improves feed efficiency through heterosis. Hybrid vigor or heterosis is the added performance boost in crossbred calves over the performance average of their purebred parents. It is not necessarily useful in breeding dogs. In theory the puppies will take on the best traits of both breeds. In reality, this is often false. True hybrids are the product of breeding two different species. Breeding a donkey and a horse produces a mule, breeding a lion and a tiger produces a liger or a tigon, while breeding a wolf and a domestic dog produces a wolf hybrid. Each of these hybrid breeding's is a cross of two different species. The offspring are hybrids. Domestic dogs are the same species. When you cross breed domestic dogs you are not technically creating a hybrid. Sloan, J. Moore Porter, A breed of dog is not a separate species, it is just a family of dogs bred to exhibit certain specific traits like the coat of a poodle. When you breed a litter of purebred dogs you get predictable puppies. With crossbred puppies you do not. It takes many generations to fix traits when developing a new breed. Cockapoos may look like a Poodle, a Cocker or somewhere in between. A Cockapoo bred to a Cockapoo is not a breed. People backcrossing Goldendoodles to Standard Poodles or crossing them on each other cannot predict the looks, coat and personalities of the resulting offspring. It will take many more generations before this will be possible. In addition when they breed them to each other they lose they slight health advantage which may have been gained through heterosis. These are still dogs and now we will have dogs with the health problems of both breeds. Hip Dysplasia, being present in both breeds can show up in first generation Goldendoodles, so parents should be screened. In conclusion, while I know it is possible to develop a new breed such as the Goldendoodle, with careful selective breeding practices and health testing, many people are breeding these dogs simply for monetary reasons. They often have no regard for the health and well being of the puppy produced and as a result these breeds are becoming a common commodity in animal shelters as well as in newspaper classified advertisements. The average life expectency is years. If you feed them top of the line, grain free nutrition, avoid over vacinnating do titer tests , avoid internal pesticides and purchase a puppy of genetically screened and health tested parents your Labradoodle or Australian Labradoodle can live a long health life. We have been breeding since and our many of original litter is still with us AND healthy. Because, one, those breeding purebred poodles with the same selection criteria and careful not to inbreed can also produce the same healthy, well tempered puppies. And two, since labs and poodles are of the same species, the true form of hybrid vigor does not apply. For the remainder of this section I will use "hybrid vigor" as a loose term to describe breeding two dogs of different breeds. Some breeders use this term to sell you on Doodles or mixed breed dogs. Other health concerns Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, patella Luxation, heart conditions, eye conditions, Addison's are present in both breeds and therefore cannot simply be bred out by combining the two. If line or inbreeding is practiced possible negative genetic traits are reintroduced at even higher rates. If it is only passed by one parent the trait is recessive and the dog never shows any signs or symptoms of the disease in its lifetime. Therefore, if a breed like the poodle has been known to carry SA a skin condition and a breed like Labrador is known not to carry SA, then the first generation breeding of these dogs cannot express SA. Only by using dogs that are known not to have SA can you remove SA from a line and that can be done through careful breeding strategies. For generations pure bred dogs have been inbreed and line breed to reduce size or create the perfect conformation standard. Or another dog was selected as a breeding dog specifically due to its size of conformation, its ability to produce smaller offspring or win in the show ring over temperament was the concern. This has lead to poor temperament offspring in general the same reasons human brothers and sisters cannot marry. The out crossing to unrelated lines, if selecting breeding dogs with temperament as top criteria, begets top temperament puppies. Furthermore it has been proven that, in general, the more unlike heterogeneous two animals are the more healthy their offspring. This is why health testing breeding dogs is so critical. Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodle dogs and puppies. Fatigue Behavior changes loss of appetite, reluctance to engage, etc. If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet so they can perform screenings such as chest x-rays, blood tests, and an echocardiogram an ultrasound of the heart and nearby blood vessels to assess the issue. The condition can be serious if left untreated, but thankfully there are many treatment options available, such as diet therapy and medication. What To Feed a Labradoodle To live a long and happy life, Labradoodles must consume the proper amount of high-quality dog food and have access to fresh water. A balanced diet will help your pup maintain a healthy weight and avoid health conditions such as heart disease and hip dysplasia. If a pet parent is willing and able to cook for their dog, Whittenburg suggests a fresh, homemade diet that has been formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Boutique brand and grain-free foods should be avoided. That includes servings of food in the right amount that provides more than 40 nutrients that pets require in their respective life stages, including proteins, fats, carbs, and vitamins, minerals, and independent amino acids, according to the Pet Food Institute. While there is no one-size-fits-all way to feed a Labradoodle and a consultation with your vet is recommended, Whittenburg says Labradoodle puppies under 6 months old should generally be fed a minimum of three times a day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. Unless recommended by a veterinarian, dogs fed a complete and balanced commercial food diet should not need any nutritional supplements. However, Labradoodles that are fed a homemade diet may require supplements to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary to thrive, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and a variety of antioxidants. Behavior and Training Tips for Labradoodles Labradoodle Personality and Temperament The high-energy, attention-seeking, intelligent Labradoodle requires frequent exercise, interaction, and play. While every Labradoodle is different, proper socialization is a must for helping your dog become a well-behaved companion. These dogs are not known to be excessive barkers, but the right amount of training and exercise is required to ensure they learn to behave appropriately. Labradoodle Training Because Labradoodles are a hybrid of two highly intelligent breeds, they are eager to please and highly trainable, according to Philippou. They can be taught to excel at everything from basic tricks like sit, stay, and roll over to running agility courses. Always use positive-reinforcement techniques, like using treats to reward good behaviors, during training. Due to their gentle and sharp-witted nature, Labradoodles can even be trained to become service dogs. Fun Activities for Labradoodles. Labradoodles Labradoodles The Labradoodle is a hybrid, also known as a cross-breed, mixed breed or just plain mutt. Opening your heart and home to a hybrid dog is like opening a beautifully wrapped package on your birthday: you never know what's going to be inside. It's often assumed that a hybrid will combine the best of two or more breeds, but genetics doesn't always work that way. The way genes combine and express themselves is not always subject to a breeder's control, even less so when two different breeds are crossed. Here's what you need to know if you're considering adopting a Labradoodle. At their best, they are intelligent, friendly and affectionate. They come in three sizes: miniature, weighing 15 to 30 pounds; medium, 30 to 45 pounds; and standard, 45 to more than pounds. Because they are a cross breed, their traits are not fixed, so there is no guarantee that the Labradoodle puppy you purchase will fall into the desired weight range. Labradoodles have a moderate activity level. Larger Labradoodles may be more active than their smaller kin. They need a good walk or active playtime each day, and if you're interested, they are athletic enough to participate in such dog sports as agility, flyball, obedience and rally. They can also be excellent therapy dogs. Both of the breeds used to create Labradoodles are smart and learn quickly. If you begin socialization and training early and use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play and food rewards, you will be rewarded with a wonderful companion. Poodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, meaning that they can be tolerated by people who have allergies to dogs. Because they have the Poodle in their heritage, Labradoodles are sometimes promoted as being hypoallergenic. But allergies are caused not by a particular dog coat type but by dander, the dead skin cells that are shed by all dogs and people, for that matter. Some people with mild allergies react less severely to particular dogs, but no reputable breeder will guarantee that her dogs are hypoallergenic. Ear infections can be a problem in Labradoodles. Be sure to keep the ears dry and clean, especially after the dog has had a bath or gone swimming. In addition, trim his nails at least monthly--more frequently if necessary--and brush his teeth as often as possible, especially if he's on the small side. Small dogs are especially prone to periodontal disease. Labradoodles are companion dogs. They love being with people and need to live in the house, never outdoors. Labradoodle puppies are adorable, and it's one of the reasons they are so popular. Cute puppies sell, and that makes the Labradoodle a favorite of puppy mills and greedy, irresponsible breeders. But there's no need to pay big bucks for a Labradoodle. You can often find a wonderful example of this hybrid dog at your local shelter or through adoption organizations. If you do choose to buy one, however, select a breeder who has done the health testing to ensure that her puppies won't carry the genetic diseases common to both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. And while there are no guarantees in life, it's also a good way to minimize the possibility of big veterinary bills in the future. Variations of the Labradoodle Labradoodles can have different types of fur. Some look like shaggy retrievers, others resemble a Poodle with loose curls and some fall somewhere in between. They are not low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. Plan to brush the Labradoodle at least every other day, using a slicker brush, and have him clipped every eight to 12 weeks. Health Issues Common to Labradoodles All hybrid dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as purebred dogs can and just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Run, don't walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on puppies, who tells you that the Labradoodle is percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her puppies are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the Labradoodle and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. Labradoodles may develop health conditions common to both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, especially if you aren't cautious about whom you buy from. They include hip and elbow dysplasia, an eye disease called progressive retinal atrophy, and von Willebrand's disease, a bleeding disorder. At a minimum, ask the breeder to show evidence that both of a puppy's parents have hip and elbow certifications from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, a DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy, and certification from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation that the eyes are healthy. A plus would be a DNA test for von Willebrand's disease. If you are purchasing a small or medium-size Labradoodle, the parents should have OFA patella knee clearances. Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. Having the dogs "vet checked" is not a substitute for genetic health testing. To protect yourself from the expensive vet bills associated with these conditions, you'll want to purchase pet insurance for your Labradoodle before they show symptoms or are diagnosed. Post by: Emily W. Described as spunky, friendly, and smart, Labradoodles can be a great choice for first-time dog parents and families with children. As with any dog, it is important to do your research before adopting and to become familiar with the breed you will be bringing into your home. Labradoodle History Although some people suggest that Labradoodles made an appearance in America in the s, the original creation date for these dogs is marked as .Wally Conron, who led the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, was tasked with creating a service dog for people with a dog allergy. After several attempts, Conron came across a mix that seemed more than ideal. As with many of the other Doodle types, the Labradoodle was slow to gain attention. But, by the early s, Americans began realizing how wonderful these dogs are, and their popularity skyrocketed in just a few years. What to Know About the Labradoodle Quickly becoming one of the most popular types of dogs in America, you may now be considering adopting your own Doodle. While trying to decide on whether a Labradoodle will be a good fit for your lifestyle, you may discover that you have many questions about the breed. Among other pet parents who are considering adopting a new fuzzy family member, the most common questions include: 1. Do Labradoodles Shed? Most Labradoodles shed very little to none at all. However, not every Labradoodle is created the same, so their coat type will vary—as will the amount that they shed. Labradoodles can have a variety of textures in their hair, including wavy, curly, smooth, and wiry. They can also be found in a wide range of colors, which include gold, apricot, caramel, black, red, brown, cream, and silver. Doodles can even have multi-colored coats in a brindle, phantom, or sable pattern. How Big Do Labradoodles Get? Poodles come in three sizes, which means that Doodles also come in three sizes—Standard, Medium, and Miniature. Standard Doodles are inches in height and pounds in weight. Medium Doodles are inches in height and weigh pounds. Miniature Doodles are inches in height and in weight. How Long Do Labradoodles Live? Labradoodles live on average years. What Are Labradoodles Like? Personality-wise, Labradoodles are outgoing and friendly, so they are always looking at ways to make new pals. Because of this natural instinct to meet new people and animals, it is important to always have your Doodle on a leash when outside, or to have your pup in a fenced-in area. Are Labradoodles Good Family Dogs? Because of their demeanor, Labradoodles are a great choice if you are a multi-pet family or if you have children. It is important to note that if your children are younger, they should be supervised when interacting with your Labradoodle. Younger kids have a tendency to lie or climb on dogs or accidentally pull their ears or tail, which could result in unwanted behavior from your dog. Not to mention, Labradoodles have a tendency to get overly excited when playing, which can lead to them knocking over your young child—Doodles just have a lot of love to give. While this breed is an excellent choice for many families, it is essential to do your research on various dog breeds when looking to adopt. Grooming a Labradoodle The grooming needs of Labradoodles will vary from dog to dog, based on their coat type and length. On average, most Doodles require a weekly or biweekly brushing. If you are familiar with Labrador Retrievers, then you know all too well how their hair tends to shed on every surface and piece of clothing in sight. Because so much hair is then just sitting on the dog, Doodles can quite easily develop mats. Consistent brushings will take out the loose hair and help keep pesky clumps from developing. It is equally as important to dry and clean their ears after they go swimming. All other grooming needs for the Labradoodle follows suit with the majority of other breeds —Labradoodles are relatively low maintenance in the grooming department. Ever wonder which type of pet is an ideal match with your lifestyle? Take our quiz and find out! Care Needs for Your Labradoodle A good rule of thumb when it comes to puppies and dogs of any age is that a bored puppy will be a destructive puppy, and Labradoodles are no exception. Many Doodle owners are not aware ahead of time on just how much energy a Doodle has and how much exercise they require. Typically a minute walk in the morning and at night is a sufficient amount for these pooches. If you have a fenced-in yard, you can just as easily let your Doodle loose to run at their desire. Although they are a medium to high energy dog, Labradoodles can quickly become acclimated to city living as they can to rural living. Training Due to their eagerness to learn, Labradoodles thrive with beginning training and socialization when they are just a puppy. By starting training at a young age, you will be able to nip bad behaviors in the bud, and you and your pup can begin building a trusting relationship. Even if you adopt an older dog, it is never too late to begin training. No matter what some people may say, you can teach an old dog new tricks! Some useful commands to begin with include sit, stay, down, drop it, heel and off. Of course, one of the most important items to work on with your new puppy is house training. Along with house training your puppy, crate training may be the next most beneficial item to work on. Having a pet that is crate trained can be beneficial for both you and your dog. For instance, when you leave the house for an extended amount of time and your pup is left unattended, an unknown number of incidents can occur—anything from shoes being chewed on to potty accidents in the house. By training your dog to be comfortable with being crated, you can have ease of mind when you are away that your dog will be safe and your home will remain in one piece. Not to mention, after becoming crate trained, dogs will oftentimes view their crate as a safe place where they can retreat to when they want a nap, are scared from a storm, or need a break from their fellow canine brother or sister. When it comes to socialization, exposing your dog to various social settings is extremely beneficial. Not only will your dog become better acclimated to being around other dogs, but they will become more relaxed with meeting new people and being around new experiences. Sebaceous Adenitis: A less common, but still worth noting condition that affects the skin and hair follicles. You will save you time, money, and loads of frustration…take my word for it! Get Your Copy Today! Ear Infections One of the most common types of infections we see in any dog, but especially in Labradoodles, is an ear infection. They tend to be prone to these due to their ear conformation. Floppy ears have the tendency to trap in moisture and debris, setting your dog up for an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria. They often have curly hair in their ears as well, which holds in moisture and debris, too. If you look into the ears, you might see dark brown debris or smell a stinky odor. Take your dog to the veterinarian, and they will look into the ears with an otoscope and check it out for you. Many veterinarians will also perform a test called ear cytology, where they take a sample of the debris from the ear canals and smear it on a slide. This slide is stained and viewed under the microscope to determine if yeast or bacteria are causing the infection. Once they have confirmed infection and what is causing it, your veterinarian will make recommendations for treatment. They will usually prescribe medicine and a cleaner which is used within the ear canals. In severe cases, they may also send you home with oral medications for your Labradoodle, such as a steroid to decrease inflammation. Preventing Ear Infections Veterinarians get this question all the time. More commonly, a situation occurred where moisture built up in the ear canal. It works great! Not a single ear infection yet. They can cause itchy, watery eyes or make us prone to issues like skin infections. An allergy is basically an abnormal reaction when our body is exposed to a foreign substance. This can include medication, food, or even dust. For some people and animals, the signs of an allergy are seasonal, while in others, they last year-round. Food allergies are common in younger Labradoodles, often those less than two years of age. They can occur in older pets exposed to new foods though. The two primary places that a dog will react are within the skin layers or within the gut. This can mean that a food allergy to chicken causes your dog to chew his paws and have soft stool. Environmental allergies can occur in any aged dog, but especially in older Labradoodles. Their body produces an immunoglobulin when exposed to the allergen. Like with food allergies, it can cause a range of signs, from ear infections to breaking out in hives. Your veterinarian may make a presumptive diagnosis of allergies based on how your Labradoodle looks during the same, such as if he has his third ear infection within the same summer. They may also perform a food trial, where your pet is put on a hypoallergenic diet and fed nothing else for several weeks. If the issues clear up, they might be related to the food. Veterinarians can also perform allergy testing; this involves either intradermal skin testing or taking a blood sample and submitting it to a laboratory. There are a wide variety of treatments for allergies. Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, are often used to combat the histamine release that occurs when an animal is exposed to an allergen. These can include an injection called Cytopoint or oral medications like Apoquel or cyclosporine. Your veterinarian will work with you to find the best medication option for you and your Labradoodle. The only real prevention for allergies is avoidance. Joint Issues Like their originating breeds, Labradoodles can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as knee issues in smaller-sized Labradoodles. Over time, these issues can lead to the development of lameness, pain, and arthritis. In some cases, your veterinarian can diagnose a joint problem just based on palpation of the joints, such as hip dysplasia so severe that the hip luxates out of position. More commonly, X-rays are needed to diagnose the issues. Treatment for joint diseases depends on the severity and the joint involved. If a knee luxates or moves out of position, surgery is often all that is needed to correct it. Surgery is not always an option and medication may be required. Your veterinarian is likely to put your dog on a joint supplement to help protect the joint. These are the most popular joint supplements on Amazon. If your dog is in pain, they may utilize medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. These medications are a staple of arthritis management and are often used with other treatments, including gabapentin. There is very little that can be done to prevent joint issues in our Labradoodles. It largely goes back to the breeder. These are usually images taken of the hips and elbows to ensure that dysplasia is not present. If it is, the adult should not be bred, as she can pass the issue to her offspring. Epilepsy Labradoodles are prone to epilepsy. This is a neurologic condition involving seizures, generally repeated episodes of seizure activity. These seizures may occur as a single event or as clusters of seizures. They are a disruption of normal brain activity and result in loss of consciousness and often convulsions or fits. Your veterinarian will often diagnose seizures based on the history that you provide. This includes a description of the event, what your dog did, and how long it lasted. Your veterinarian will likely perform blood work to rule out metabolic causes of the seizures, such as liver disease. It tends to be an inherited health problem, although in some pets, trauma to the head can cause seizures to occur. Other causes of seizures include exposure to toxins, kidney failure, and tumors. Treatment for epilepsy depends on the severity of the seizures. In cases where they rarely occur, your veterinarian may discuss not putting your pet on anti-seizure, or anti-convulsant, medications. This is usually when the risk outweighs the benefit. In cases where your Labradoodle keeps having seizures or they last for an extended period, your veterinarian will likely put them on medication. There are many different types of anticonvulsant medications, with some of the more common being phenobarbital and levetiracetam. In most cases, there is nothing that can be done to prevent seizures other than not breeding pets that have epilepsy. This is because some cases are genetic. In many cases, your veterinarian will have you keep a log of the seizures. This is to see if some are preventable, such as your puppy having a seizure when he plays too hard outside Source VCA. This is a disease in which the retina, a portion of the eye, degenerates. It generally occurs bilaterally, or in both eyes, and leads to blindness over time. It is often called retinal dysplasia when the disease occurs in puppies, while adult dogs are affected by progressive retinal atrophy. The first sign of a dog developing PRA is often difficulty seeing at night. They might become more skittish or have trouble getting around in the dark or in low light. If she notices an issue such as dilated pupils or a change in the optic nerve, she might suspect PRA. A particular test, called an electroretinogram, is performed at the ophthalmologist to actually diagnose the disease source. If your pup is diagnosed with PRA, there is no known treatment. These supplements tend to be very safe so they might provide some benefit to your dog. They can help minimize the build-up of by-products that are toxic to the lenses of the eyes, which can lead to cataract formation source. PRA tends to be an inherited disease. It can be prevented by testing breeding Labradoodles with a DNA test. For most dogs, including Labradoodles, the disease is inherited as a recessive disorder, meaning they have to inherit a copy of the gene from both of their parents. In addition to not breeding pets that have the disease, their relatives should not be bred as they might also carry the gene. It is a disorder where normal blood clotting does not occur. It is also a protein that signals for the clotting cascade to occur regularly. It can also spontaneously occur from places such as the nasal passages. It can also manifest as blood in the urine or stool. Your veterinarian may want to test for this disease before they perform surgery on your Labradoodle since it can occur in them. Another test simply checks to see if your pet can clot normally by making a nick on their gingiva, called the buccal mucosal bleeding time test. Medications that may increase the risk for bleeding, such as aspirin, should also be avoided. In addition, carriers of the disease should not be bred as they can pass the recessive gene on to offspring, which further propagates the disease. You should always check to see if your breeder has screened for this genetic health issue Source petMD. It is an inflammatory and autoimmune disease. In affected dogs, the sebaceous glands in the skin are targets by the body and attacked. These are glands that are found within the hair follicles. As such, this disease affects the skin. Symptoms of sebaceous adenitis vary in Labradoodles. For many, they have hair loss that is the same on both sides of their body. They often also have brittle hair that mats easily. They might even have white flakes on their skin. Your veterinarian may presumptively diagnose sebaceous adenitis on the physical exam based upon her findings. The only real way to diagnose it is to biopsy the skin and have it evaluated by a pathologist. They are looking for signs such as inflammation of the sebaceous glands. Treatments for sebaceous adenitis are varied. Many pets need antibiotics because this skin disease has caused a secondary bacterial infection. Other procedures are designed to decrease the inflammation that is occurring. Some topical therapies are also beneficial to help soothe the skin, as well as get rid of the dry skin flakes that your pet may have. Unfortunately, treatments have to be continued life-long. Preventing sebaceous adenitis is most effective by not breeding affected dogs, as it may have a genetic predisposition. Standard poodles tend to be one of the most common breeds affected, which is why Labradoodles have also been changed. As such, affected dogs should be removed from the breeding pool Source VCA. Wrapping it up! Labradoodles as a whole tend to be a very healthy breed of dogs! They do get several diseases and disorders that their ancestors, the Labrador, and poodle, have inherited. Screening tests, such as hip X-rays checking for hip dysplasia, help us predict what diseases might happen in our puppies. Getting your puppy tested will also help your veterinarian determine other diseases that they might develop, such as the uncommon degenerative myelopathy. Even if your Labradoodle has one of these diseases — or another one, there are plenty of treatment options to help keep them healthy and comfortable. Keeping your pet supplements to help keep them healthy may also be beneficial. Many veterinarians recommend joint supplements, which help protect the joints, and fish oils, which can help with joint and coat health. Always remember though to discuss any supplements you are giving with your veterinarian so they can make proper recommendations. Related Posts:. Oh Wait, you have met the Labradoodle? This lovable hybrid is one of the best things to come out of Australia since vegemite. The appeal of the breed is obvious — intelligent, friendly, hardy, willing to please and one hell of a looker. However, as with all dogs it pays to do some research into the breed. So, in this article we look beyond the ever wagging tail and that oh, so soft coat into some potential health concerns that can come as part of your Labradoodle. Ear Infections Labrador owners and Poodle owners can attest to their pets ears potential to cause problems. The floppy ears of the breed trap moisture in and will need to be regularly checked. As an owner keep your eyes open for a waxy discoloured, discharge and a bad smell. Regular cleaning is a must, Ear cleaning solutions can be found at your local pet store and should be part of your regular cleaning routine. If the problem persists veterinary intervention will be required. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is quite a common health concern across a number of breeds and also found in Labradoodles. The dog may exhibit lameness or symptoms of pain with arthritis in the joint often being the long-term prognosis. Often this results in a weakened or malformed joint. The resulting seizures are alarming but the long-term prognosis is usually quite good for dogs suffering epilepsy — if you suspect that your Labradoodle may have epilepsy you will need your vet to diagnose the condition. Signs may include staggering, hiding, falling down, rigid limbs, losing consciousness. Allergies Most dogs have allergies but Labradoodles can be particularly prone. Allergies fall into three categories; Topical, contact, and food. Food allergies can be problematic for the labradoodle and depending on the severity of the allergy may require veterinary intervention and diet restrictions. Contact and topical allergies present different problems and are absorbed through the skin. If your Labradoodle is prone to allergies remember to regularly use Dig-In at meal times to help with recovery and even build some resilience — Shop Here 5. This disease is found in both Poodles and Labs across Australia and has been inherited by the Labradoodle. As a simple explanation, the pituitary gland fails to produce a hormone called ACTH. The resulting cortisol irregularity results in; improper food digestion, increases bouts of weakness, an abnormally high heart rate, excessive thirst and urination and also diarrhea. So, if you notice the above symptoms occurring you should consult your vet. The poodle and the Labrador are both fantastic breeds of dogs that are renown for the intelligence, loyalty, appeal, and capability. The Labradoodle is a surprisingly hardy breed under normal circumstances with the above traits not usually inherent but certainly worth keeping an eye out for. Remember to ask lots of questions when buying your pup and insist on meeting both parents. The Labradoodle is an endearing companion with loads of energy, great for families and suited to new and old dog owners alike. Update: Under new legislation that each state government is either enacting or considering, all breeders will be strictly controlled. However, it is best to talk to the Labradoodle Association of Australia to find out who are the best breeders. For more information, the below are certainly worth checking in with. If you think your pet may be suffering from a medical condition, seek immediate medical attention. If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Labradoodle Health Issues: Introduction If you know a little bit about Labradoodles , you know that this Doodle breed is pretty much the perfect dog anyone could ever wish for. Playful, affectionate, and intelligent, combined with the low-shedding coat from the Poodle parent — literally, the dream! Even though it may seem like the Labradoodle has it all, there are still certain Labradoodle health issues that this hybrid breed can develop. We truly believe that knowledge is power. Do Labradoodles Have Health Issues? When it comes to Labradoodles, health issues can be inherited from either of the parent pups. For instance, some health issues are more common in Poodles, others are more common in Labrador Retrievers, and some health problems overlap in both breeds. Nevertheless, Labradoodles do benefit from hybrid vigor, which gives them a great advantage in terms of health. Hybrid vigor means that a cross-breed has a smaller chance of inheriting the health problems most common in the parental breeds. To put it simply, cross-breeds often inherit the best qualities from both parents. However, hybrid vigor is most prevalent in first-generation Doodles and it may start to diminish with each consecutive generation. These are typically hip and elbow dysplasia, knee problems like patellar luxation, and cruciate ligament damage. All sizes of Labradoodles are at a risk of developing joint problems, but patellar luxation is one of the most common Toy and Mini Labradoodle health issues. To prevent joint problems, you should look for dog food formulas that contain ingredients like glucosamine or chondroitin. Additionally, for Toy and Miniature Labradoodles, you might want to look into dog foods that are specially formulated for small breeds. Both options take into account the specific needs of smaller and larger breeds, and help avoid improper development and skeletal disorders. Additionally, it can result in arthritis. Hip dysplasia is caused by various factors, such as genetic disorders, obesity, or unethical breeding. Luckily, ethical breeders always conduct extensive health testing on their parent dogs to minimize the risk of puppies developing hip dysplasia. The most common symptoms of hip and elbow dysplasia include: Pain, stiffness, or limping Decreased activity and range of motion Difficulty standing up, climbing stairs, jumping, or running Lameness Loss of muscle mass Labradoodle Cruciate Ligament Damage Cruciate ligament damage a. CCL is a very painful condition, where one or both cruciate ligaments tear or completely rupture. Cruciate ligaments hold the knee together and they typically become damaged over time due to excess bodyweight, injury, or inherited weakness of the ligaments. In severe cases of CCL, surgical intervention might be the only treatment option. Symptoms of cruciate ligament damage are: Limping.

The home of some very spoiled pugs! Located near San Antonio, Texas. Specializing in both standard and rare colored pugs. I've been working with pugs since .My goal is to not only send home healthy happy pug puppies. But to improve the health issues within the breed. As well as the quality in the rare colors that have only begun to be worked with in the USA for a short number of years now. I strive very hard to only breed healthy pugs. And make sure you get the best possible new family member you could ask for when you bring home one of my babies. All of our pugs are indoor family members. They are all spoiled and well loved. All of our pugs are AKC registered and come with AKC limited registration papers, dew claws removed, 1st and 2nd shots, and deworming. I work hard to take pictures of the babies once a week and send them out to awaiting new owners along with updates on how the puppies are doing. So you can enjoy seeing the puppies progress while you wait to bring him or her home. I love my pugs, and enjoy seeing all the families enjoyment when they bring home their new family members. I love to stay in contact and see how they grow as well! Take some time to look through my website where most of your questions should be answered. I have a great reputation with references as well by request. I look forward to bringing your new family member into your home. Exercise Grooming The pug has origins majorly from China and Netherland. The Modern pugs are imported from China; the earliest breeds have also been known to originate from there. However, the pugs have a history with royal families in the Netherlands and England. The Modern style pugs were brought in to Britain in from China. The pugs were tended by the ruling families in China. The imperial court kept pugs because they were treasured by the Emperors who assigned guards to protect them while they the pugs lived in extravagance. Keeping pugs in Europe started at the House of Orange in the Netherlands. The pug became the official pug of the house after it saved the Prince of Orange from Assassins. Although these pugs were said to have been brought from China, the pugs from Europe at that time, as seen in pictures depict longer legs and nose. The pugs became prominent in the United States in the nineteenth century. They easily became family companions and show dogs. They became recognized by the American Kennel Club in .This occurred in , it was the first time a pug would be winning the show since it began. The pug would do anything to please its owners this is what makes them suitable to keep in many homes. Their loyalty is unwavering, they do well with children their calmness and sturdy physique allows them to tolerate children easily. Their Alertness makes them good security dogs but they are not predominantly used for security purposes. Pugs are stubborn, but this does not transform into aggressive manners. The pug thrives indoors. It is usually kept close to families that own it. It is classified by most Kennel Clubs as a toy dog. Despite their adaptation to heat, pugs cannot thrive well outdoors in hot and humid regions Pugs do not require high-intensity exercises; however moderate exercising will be sufficient. A reserved and reasonable amount of space for the dog to move around is ideal. The pugs have a fine coat that is sufficient to protect them from heat and cold. Maintaining a pug has low requirements. However, wrinkles and eyes have to be cleaned daily. Our Pugs puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Pug Puppies for Sale. Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood.

Temperament: Loyal, energetic and confident. Rottweiler Lab Mix Appearance Because this is a mixed breed, their physical appearance will vary depending on which parent breed the puppy takes after more. In general Labradors are thinner than Rottweiler, so Rottweiler Lab mixes will fall somewhere in the middle of these two breeds. Both breeds are broad-shouldered with a slight tuck and a large head. The first thing that you should notice with the Rottweiler Lab mix is how athletic they are. They should look muscular and give off a commanding presence. Their body usually resembles a Rottweiler, but their head and longer muzzle has more resemblance to the Labrador. Size The typical size of one of these dogs is anywhere between inches in height, with a weight of around pounds. Remember those pups with more Labrador will be on the smaller side, whilst those with more Rottweiler are on the heavier side. Coat and Colors These dogs come in a handful of darker colors including brown, black, gray or black and tan. A black and tan coat like that of a Rottweiler is the most common. The short to medium length coat of a Rottweiler Lab mix should be smooth to the touch. Because they have a double coat, these dogs shed quite a bit. To keep up with their shedding you should expect to brush your dog every other day or at the very least, weekly to keep the coat healthy. They are one of the largest hybrid dogs around. Despite the short coat these dogs are not hypoallergenic. This is a very adaptable dog and is suitable for most households. Rottweiler Lab Mix Personality and Temperament Rottweilers and Labradors vary quite a bit in their personalities, so it can be difficult to predict exactly how your mix will behave when fully grown. One thing you can know for sure is they love to be with their family. They will follow you all over the house and are happiest when they can be by your side. Because of this they are often prone to separation anxiety, so please be ready to work through this with your new dog. These dogs tend to be very playful and love nothing more than to play a game of fetch or tug with their owner or other dogs. And like working Labs they have boundless amounts of energy meaning that they will play for hours. Rottweiler and Lab mixes are a protective breed but are not typically aggressive — still caution is needed when letting your dog interact with strangers. Proper socialization when they are young can help to curb this but they will most likely never be very welcoming of strangers. Both Rottweilers and Labradors make great family dogs so expect this mix to be no different. They are more than willing to participate in any antics that their kids get up to. Just remember these mixes are protective by nature and will often view other children as a threat to their own kids. Caring for a Rottweiler Lab Mix The Rottweiler Lab mix is a highly active, very strong breed that needs discipline and a strong owner. They require obedience training from day one to make sure that you can keep control of them when they grow bigger and stronger. Other than that they do great in almost any household. They are a very adaptable dog that do not bark much. The biggest issue with this breed is the huge amount of physical exercise they need. Exercise Requirements Both the Labrador and the Rottweiler are high energy and athletic breeds, so your mix will be the same. These dogs like to go and need a lot of daily exercise. At least one hour walk a day with another hour of playtime is the bare minimum required for these dogs. Hiking or even swimming are great ways to tire out your dog physically. So make sure that you have the time to take them for an extra-hard hike at least once a week. You can also do dog sports with your Rottweiler Labrador mix, such as agility and rally. If these dogs do not receive the proper amount of physical stimulation they can become destructive. Number of Walks Per Day: 2. Grooming and Shedding Because of their short coat these dogs do not require regular trips to the groomers or daily brushing. However they do need to be brushed every other day or so. Regular bathing is also not necessary for these dogs. You can give them a bath just when they smell or look like they need it. Too many baths can dry out their fur and cause skin irritation. To remove dead hair and skin you can also use a wet washcloth and wipe it over their body. Feeding and Diet A high protein food specialized for large breed dogs is best for your mix. You should speak with your vet to establish the protein content your pooch needs it differs depending on how active your dog is. Because the Rottweiler Lab mix is prone to bloat it is best to feed this dog in smaller portions throughout the day. Giving them a cup of food three times a day is best. Never leave food out freely for this breed — they are prone to being overweight. Having pet insurance could save you from the headaches of going to the vets with reimbursement for every vet bill from now on! Rottador Highlights Rottadors are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Rottweiler or Labrador Retriever parents. The main colors of Rottador coats are black, brown, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. When around children, especially young ones, they should be supervised because they are so big and strong. When Rottadors are raised with other dogs and cats, they generally get along well with them. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reinforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. Rottadors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour-long walk per day. Rottador History The Rottador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Rottweilers and Labradors in North America, likely in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create Rottadors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though Rottadors got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up Rottador rescues, or check with breed specific Rottweiler and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. However, as a mix between Rottweiler and Labrador parents, you can expect the Rottador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 70 to pounds and range in height from 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. Rottador Personality Rottadors make affectionate family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their Rottweiler parents regularly work as police or guard dogs or cattle herding, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting or guide dogs. They make excellent family companions. Just make sure you have a lot of time and attention to devote to them. Rottador Health The Rottador mixed breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Rottweiler and Labrador Retriever also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Fetch and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth three times a week minimum, or daily is even better. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. Rottador Feeding An ideal Rottador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium-to-short, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are indoor dogs and need to live indoors. Because of their cattle-driving heritage, they have a tendency to lean and push and can accidentally topple a toddler with a nudge. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. They may have issues with strange dogs or adult dogs that are introduced into the home, being intolerant of same-sex dogs. With your training and guidance, however, they should accept new animals peaceably. Keep your Rottador on leash in public to prevent aggression or belligerence toward other dogs. Rottador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Rottadors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Rottweiler or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Rottweiler Lab Mix The 3 most important traits to give your dog are: Exercise: Dogs, like people, need exercise for a balanced state of being. This is especially true for high-energy dog breeds. Training: The time you spend early in training your dog will save much more time and anguish down the road in trying to correct them. Remember the key to effective training—tireless and patient consistency and persistence in insisting upon your dog follow your commands. Socialization — Expose your pooch to different people and environments every opportunity you get. Whether it is taking the trash can out or taking a package to the post office. This last part of the article is split up into five different sections, all of which are very important if you wish to own a Labrador Rottweiler mix. The Training of your Rottweiler Lab Mix The training of your Lab Rottweiler mix puppy is crucial, not because this is their formative years, but because they are part Rottweiler. Rottweilers are an alpha dog breed, and if they sense any weakness from a pack leader. They will push their way into being the leader of the pack, over you and the rest of the family. So train your Lab Rottweiler mix from an early age, the sooner you get the little puppy to realize that you are the pack leader the better life you will have. Bo the Labrottie Image by Jackie Myers Constant training is the key to keeping the Lab Rottweiler mix happy and content in its place throughout its lifespan. In training, always have the puppy complete the instruction no matter how many times it takes. Exercise For The Rottweiler Lab Mix The exercise needs of the Rottweiler Lab are at least 30 to 45 minutes daily, they need regular exercise otherwise, they can become obese and depressed if their exercise needs are not given to them. Other than that they would be happy to join you on the couch until something or someone catches their attention. They do tend to love to play out in the yard with a ball, toy, or rope with you or a family member. If they do not receive their daily needs of exercise they will start to do destructive behavior throughout the house and yard. You will find clothing torn, tables, chairs, trees, shrubs, basically anything they can get their mouths on will be chewed up and pooped out. Until they get the right amount of attention and exercise. Socialization of The Rottweiler Lab Mix All animals, including ourselves, need proper socialization skills to navigate through life, an ill-socialized dog is spelled for disaster. Invite friends and neighbors over to your home regularly to get the puppy used to people coming and going from your home. Take him out with you when you go out for coffee, to the post office, or just anywhere you can bring a dog, such as your local pet store. Socialization teaches your dog that other humans and animals outside of the immediate pack are friendly as well. Zeus the Rottweiler Lab Mix We think and we have good evidence that Zeus and his fellow litter mates suffered abuse because he fears: men plaid shirts Zeus my Labrottie We had several very nice leashes, that I carelessly left lying about, and Zeus discovered them and destroyed them in no time flat. So my dad bought a chain leash, and when it arrived Zeus completely freaked out! Running off and began rolling over when he ran out of space to run away. Another time one cool winter morning I came downstairs wearing a plaid shirt he growled and started barking ferociously at me. Needless to say, it took him a while to calm down. During those few instances, his flight or fight side of the brain took over. But, I consistently reinforced good actions, and he steadily grew accustomed to chains, plaid shirts, and men. Today, in Zeus does not fear men or much of anything actually, and is quite a lovable, very protective, happy go lucky Rottweiler Lab mix. If you wish to read more about Zeus the Rottweiler lab mix , just click the link. Zeus my Labrottie The Health Issues of the Rottweiler Lab Mixed Breed Cold tail — Cold tail happens to sport dogs, they gradually lose the loss of their tail, this is quite painful for it is at the base of the butt. Bloat — Bloat happens when a dog has just eaten and is taken out and is run about for a while. This is a deadly condition if not take to the vet immediately. There the Veterinarians will cut into the stomach and untwist the stomach. Bone cancer — Sadly the Rottie has one of the highest rates of bone cancer. Obesity — The Labrador is prone to overeat and they can become obese. Hip and Elbow dysplasia — Happens to any dog breed that gets overbred without healthy standers. Conclusion of the Lab Rottweilers Mixed Breed. Due to their ability to be a multi-use dog and still be the families friendly pet with proper training at an early age. All in all the Rottweiler Labrador Mix is an awesome dog for anyone experienced with a large dog! All that owner has to do is give the Rottweiler Labrador Mix the proper amount of exercise, socialization, and positive reinforcement training. To make them an outstanding dog! A Labrador Rottweiler mix or any dog without any of these most important qualities, a dog will become unstable and unresponsive to you or anybody else. That any dog should get no matter what is happening, training, socialization, and exercise if you nail down those three qualities in your dog. You most likely will not have any behavior problems because you are keeping your dog mentally balanced, and also actively balanced. But if your dog does start showing a different behavior look back and see if you have slipped up in the three most important things to give your dog over their lifespan! This video is shortly after Zeus the Rottweiler Labrador Retriever arriving at my doorstep, enjoy! For those of you who have or are going to get a new puppy! We have several dog name article just for you. These devoted and docile animals are often seen following their owner and always trying to please their family with a clownish behavior. They might become destructive if you keep them separated for long periods. The Labrotties are not known to welcome strangers or other unfamiliar pets due to their territorial instincts. This makes it necessary to expose them to different people as well as sights and sounds. These pets get along fine with kids if raised with them. Care Exercise Since it has a working heritage, the breed requires a fair amount of regular activity to keep it happy. Even though it remains somewhat inactive indoors, it will appreciate a minute walk or a romp in a fenced yard. It also enjoys one or two sessions of interactive games including retrieving a ball, which it will happily carry in its mouth. Do not over-exercise your pet as its double coat could cause its body to become excessively hot. Grooming When it comes to grooming, your Labrottie needs a weekly brushing using a firm-bristled brush. This will help in not only removing the loose hairs but also distributing the skin oils much more evenly. To keep it looking clean as well as smelling good, you need to bathe your Rottweiler-Labrador mix once or twice every two months. If its nails do not wear down naturally, trim them down once a month. Health Problems Like all big dogs with a deep chest, the Labrotties are susceptible to bloat or torsion. Therefore, do not feed your dog a single large meal, neither encourage it to eat rapidly nor make it exercise vigorously after a meal. Moreover, this breed is sometimes affected by hip and elbow dysplasia, bone cancer, PRA, canine cataracts, and allergies. Training This breed is not suitable for those owners who lack confidence or do not have the time to supervise and train their dogs. Obedience Training: Keep the commands short, one or two words at the most. You may use clicker training that is based on positive reinforcement, consistency, and cooperation to curb its natural aggressive behavior. Socialization: Carefully introduce your Labrottie to other dogs, which will help it to learn to coexist with its new companion. Feeding Apart from feeding your dog on canned food and dry kibble, you could provide it with bones and raw meat. Feed your pet a quality dog food that has at least 30 percent protein, 20 percent crude fat, and less than 4 percent fiber. The appearance of this crossbreed dog will depend on the parent mix, but the Labrottie is likely to inherit a solid and sturdy body like the Rottweiler, a broad head like the Labrador and a short to medium length, shiny double coat. A Rottweiler Lab mix is one of the largest hybrid dogs around. It may look like a fearsome large dog but it can be very friendly, loyal, and loving. The Lab Rottie is a very energetic and muscular dog whose exercise needs should not be underestimated by any potential dog owner. Early behavioral and socialization training will help this Rottweiler mix show its affectionate and positive protective nature. A Labrottie puppy is an adorable crossbreed dog. A brief history of this mixed-breed dog A Rottweiler Lab mix is a cross between a purebred Rottweiler dog and a purebred Labrador Retriever dog. When two different dog breeds are deliberately mixed, the crossbreed is known as a designer dog ; this Rottweiler and Labrador hybrid dog is sometimes nicknamed a Rottador. This breed is very confident and determined and is regarded as the No1 guard dog. Rottweiler dogs were as used to herd and guard cattle for Roman soldiers as they traveled around in their quest to conquer Europe; these cattle were the primary food source. Their alertness, discipline, and endurance made them an ideal guard dog. Fact: The Rottweiler is probably the oldest known herding dog breed with its origins traceable back to Roman times. The Rottweiler dog breed is believed to have descended from Roman drover dogs: a mastiff-like dog. Their intelligence, strength, and energy levels meant that these large dogs were used during the World Wars as guard dogs and for messenger or ambulance duties. They are still used today for this type of support and search and rescue activity. So what color is a Rottweiler dog? Parent 2: History of the Labrador Retriever — a purebred dog The Labrador Retriever is the best-loved and most popular dog breed in the world! It has a solid double coat in one of 3 colors; pure black, chocolate brown, or yellow. Whatever the coat color this is just an attractive and loveable dog breed for any level of dog owner or as an adorable and friendly family dog. The Labrador Retriever dog is from Newfoundland, Canada, and was used by fishermen to retrieve their fish from nets and catch any that escaped back into the sea. They are good swimmers and have a gentle mouth grip that will not further destroy any prey they are ordered to retrieve. The Newfoundland and Labrador Province, in Canada, provided this hunting and retrieving dog with its name — the Labrador Retriever or Lab to its friends! The Newfoundland Labrador Retriever dog breed came to Great Britain around , to be used as gun dogs for retrieving waterfowl from land and water, during the shooting season, in Scotland and England. Ongoing breeding is believed to have continued the pure Newfoundland lab bloodline in our Labrador Retriever breed today. The lab is gentle, fun-loving and loyal with an easy-going temperament. A Labrador Puppy, when trained and socialized it can be trusted and protective around anyone. Meet the offspring: The hybrid offspring of these two purebred dogs is the Rottweiler Labrador mix — the Labrottie puppy. Designer dogs gained popularity in the United States during the s and this increased demand and popularity for cross-breeds such as the Labrador Rottweiler mix. The Labrottie puppy is a hybrid dog breed and is therefore not recognized as a breed in its own right, by the American Kennel Club; nor can it be awarded pedigree papers. Any other colors may be due to a gene mutation and are rare. What are the main characteristics of a Labrottie? Any crossbred dog, like the Labrador Rottweiler mix, could inherit the characteristics and the health problems of either parent or from both; or perhaps they could get the best of both and be stronger and inherit fewer health problems than their parent breeds. It can be heavily weighted towards the characteristics of one parent more than the other. With any mixed breed dog, you just have to wait and see how it turns out. Labrottie puppies tend to have more of the classic appearance and sturdy build of the Rottweiler but with the friendlier facial features and floppy ears of a Labrador. This mix is likely to be courageous, confident and smart and also loving and affectionate. They will show devoted loyalty to their dog owner and family. They will be fairly active and enjoy having lots of company. Reputation: Any Rottweiler mix dog could be thought of as a fierce guard dog. The Rottweiler is a confident breed that looks fiercer than its behavior displays. When a Rottweiler is mixed with a Labrador Retriever, the perception changes, as the Labrador is considered a highly friendly, soft-natured, and docile family pet. When mixed the Labrottie will be loving, loyal, and protective of its loved ones, but wary of strangers, with a big bark. This mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC as it is not a purebred dog, but this will not affect this attractive dog being in demand. Trainability: Any Rottweiler mix puppy needs to be trained and socialized as early as possible. This Rottweiler Labrador mix puppy will be a powerful and muscular large-dog breed that needs to learn control and discipline early. They are intelligent and determined so training should be fairly easy, but this powerful dog is not recommended for an inexperienced dog owner or anyone who cannot provide it with lots of exercise and long walks. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training are recommended for this large dog breed as is very confident, and strong-willed, so it will need to build trust with its owner. Rottweiler mix puppies should be trained slowly and never negatively punished, challenged directly, hit, or locked up for misbehavior. Always reinforce change gradually and praise good behavior and learning. Clicker training would work well with this puppy. This powerful mixed breed dog is no more likely to bite than any other dog breed however with their muscular build they could be very physical in their attempts to play; therefore they should be supervised at all times around young children and smaller animals. The Labweiler is fairly energetic, so a Labrador Rottweiler puppy will need at least one hour of daily exercise and playtime, building up hours a day in adulthood. Power and intelligence: Labrotties are smart, very powerful with a protective nature. They are fast learners but can be stubborn and aloof, so they will need to be trained and handled properly to be able to socialize in public with other dogs and children. They will love to keep active and play games with their family in a way that keeps them challenged; catch the ball or frisbee, puzzles or interactive toys are popular with this breed. Socialization: Early socialization dog training and discipline are strongly recommended for any Rottweiler mix dog. This type of hybrid dog has two highly active parents and one is a powerful guard dog. This mixed breed dog will need to learn to control its strength and have discipline training early to become well—behaved and trusted with other dogs and children. It will thrive in an outdoor environment. Purpose: A Rottweiler Labrador mix will be observant and have herding and retrieving instincts and want to be kept busy. The Labradors have a soft bite that is delicate and careful when retrieving anything and the Rottweiler is determined and forceful. Over time both have used their skills for good activities such as search and rescue, as both can follow orders and commands. A Labrottie can be a disciplined and protective family pet or a good service dog. Behavior: A Rottweiler Lab mix can be strong-willed, occasionally stubborn, and physically powerful, therefore it needs to be trained early as it can become destructive, bark, or chews things if under-stimulated. Physical Characteristics of the Labrottie Size: The Rottweiler Lab mix is considered a large-sized dog breed that has a solid and muscular build, with the build of a fearsome guard dog but the face of a loveable Lab. Weight: You can expect both male and female to reach between 70lblb kg in adulthood. You can expect a Labrottie to live between years, and to spawn a litter size of between pups on average. Temperament: The Rottweiler Lab mix can be strong-willed and stubborn. This Rottador has a very high energy level and can be destructive and bark if not occupied. With careful training and socialization they can be affectionate, pleasant and kind and protective How should you train a Rottweiler Labrador mix dog? The Rottweiler breed has had a reputation for being aggressive and dangerous if not trained properly. The boundaries need to be set early for this mixed breed dog. Fun and positive reinforcement and reward-based training work best. Never hit or raise your voice to this breed during training as it may challenge this Labweiler to rebel and refuse to cooperate. Types of training required: obedience, discipline, agility, and socialization. So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer: 1 Develop basic command words: Stop, Sit, Down, etc. This hybrid dog will try to dominate and this must be controlled early in training. This will eventually become its nest and it will sleep there. Eventually, the puppy with your help will learn where and where not to go. They will eventually become creatures of habit and regulate their need and place to use. Health problems and health issues What health problems can a Rottweiler Lab mix suffer from? Hip Dysplasia and elbow dysplasia — common in many large breeds of dog. Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint, where the ball at the top of the leg does not fit properly into the socket and the ligaments attaching it are weak. This allows excess movement of the fitting which can eventually lead to stiffness and pain for the dog. Early warning signs are visual stiffness then walking, a reluctance to get up when prompted, and a difference in walking style; limp or caution. Bloat — any large dog that eats quickly or drinks a lot before exercising can suffer from bloat. This dangerous excessive gas build-up can cause the stomach to twist and damage other organs. Other health issues include ear infections, bone cancer, heart problems, skin conditions and allergies, epilepsy, and cold tail. How do you care for a Labrottie dog? Exercise needs A Labrottie is outgoing, athletic, and energetic so it will need lots of mixed exercises that blend fun and challenges. They need outdoor space to run around and burn off their excess energy, long walks, and activities that involve exercising around 2 hours a day as an adult. Feeding Feed as a large-sized dog, around 3 cups of Kibble dry formulated food per day. They should be fed twice a day and slowly to prevent bloat. Grooming This mixed breed dog inherits a short to medium length, shiny, dense double coat. Bathing This shortish-haired, water-resistant coated dog does not need regular bathing, only when required. Certain dog formulated shampoos have a double effect of cleaning the coat and protecting it against fleas and insect bites. Cleaning teeth, nails and ears As with all dogs, their teeth need to be cleaned regularly to prevent a build-up of plaque. Chewing breaks down plaque, so use doggie chew-toys, bare-bones and soft toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Nails grow quickly and need trimming regularly, say monthly, and ears need to be checked for debris that could cause infection. Lifestyle This breed is very confident, intelligent, and highly energetic. It will try to be dominant unless controlled and needs to be kept occupied otherwise it can become destructive. They can be stubborn and aggressive until trained. They will chew things if bored or left alone for long periods of time, so keep stimulated and busy. Chew toys can help with boredom. They need your company and outdoor space to run. This breed is a natural watchdog that will act on instinct to be very protective of its family. Positives and Negatives of ownership Positives A Family dog and loyal companion Intelligent and affectionate. A Rottweiler crossed with a Lab is a large dog and will require at least 1, calories a day. The only way to achieve that is to go for recipes developed particularly for giant pups, such as these best large breed dry dog food brands. You may also serve them the overall best dry dog food , but remember to increase the portions. This crossbreed will have an insatiable appetite from their first months, so only give them the absolute best puppy food brands or even the best dry dog food for small dogs. Old goggies will still want to munch a ton, but the food needs to be appropriate for their age. The best senior dry dog food will have adequate ingredients for this age group and it will be softer so they can eat it with ease. This lessens the amount of food they will have per meal and reduces the risk of bloating, something that typically afflicts large breeds. Low-quality meals are also detrimental to their health, so keep your pooch away from the worst dry dog food out there. There are several good dry dog food for large breeds like the Rottweiler Lab cross. It also uses deboned chicken as its primary ingredient and eschews corn, soy or wheat. It reportedly also alleviates allergies and poor digestion. It also has flaxseed, which is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids. Nutra Thrive dog food supplement : Although not food per se, supplements are essential for the necessary intake of vitamins and minerals that your pup may need if they are particularly active or muscular like a Rott Lab mix. It also has glucosamine to improve joint health. You should expect their offspring to inherit that trait as well. A Lab crossed with a Rottweiler needs to be taken on long walks daily, with each trip lasting about 30 to 60 minutes long. The question here is whether you have the energy and stamina to match your dog. Lack of activity and eating too much can cause your dog to put on weight. Being overweight or obese can lead to diabetes and other health problems. A Lab crossed with Rottweiler also needs a lot of attention. It needs company and puzzles and toys that will keep it engaged. Otherwise, it will become bored and develop separation anxiety. These can manifest into some pretty destructive behavior, like incessant barking, chewing, biting, and digging. The right toys can give your dog an outlet for their energy. It also helps sharpen its mind and reflexes. Here are the top toys for a large breed like the Rottodor. This KONG dog toy has been bringing joy to countless dogs for years now. The toy is designed to be filled with treats to keep your pet occupied for hours as it tries to get to the goodies. Nylabone Big Chew: This toy has a distinct shape and is made from extra-strong nylon. A lot of dog owners claim that it takes years for their dog to wear down this toy. Kick Fetch Toy Ball: Another great toy for large and active dogs, the Chuckit allows you to play fetch with your dog. But instead of throwing the ball, you kick it like a soccer ball. The grooves on the ball make it easier for your pet to carry it back to you. Rottweiler Lab Training Training the Rottweiler Lab can be easy, especially if you already have experience with dogs. Having two intelligent parents, Rottador is also smart and quick to learn. Its instinctual need to please its human gives it the motivation to work hard and learn new tricks. Like other breeds, a Rottweiler Lab mix will respond to positive reinforcement better than through punishment or other harsh strategies. However, you should tap the services of an experienced dog trainer to help train your dog. Expose your puppy to other dogs and people by bringing it to a dog park. You might have to keep it on a leash initially until it learns to interact peacefully with others. Even if your Lab Rottweiler mix is socialized, you should not let it play with very young children. Training and socialization will be a lifetime process. Punishment-based training never works. Studies have also shown that using this technique raises less obedient dogs that are more likely to attack strangers and even their owners. Have a lot of visitors over while your dog is still a puppy. Puppies are very confident, so this is the best time to introduce them to new situations. They should not become afraid of other people as fear is what makes dogs attack. Correct nibbling behavior immediately. A quick tap or a spray of a citrusy mix will put a stop to it. Redirect their gnawing tendency towards an appropriate chew toy. This strong dog has an equally strong will and drive. It needs someone who knows how to handle powerful, intelligent canines and who can step up and be firm with it. In short, it needs a no-nonsense Alpha. The Labweiler also needs a family who has an active lifestyle since it needs to be exercised regularly. This dog has boundless energy so it needs a place to romp around. It will not do well in small apartments or with owners that are more inclined towards a sedentary lifestyle. This can lead to very destructive behavior. You could come home to a ruined couch or to complaints of excessive barking. Families with young children should also choose another dog. The Rottweiler Lab mix can be the greatest canine companion for the right person. This lovable giant needs a confident and experienced dog owner who leads an active lifestyle. Do Rottweiler Lab mixes have health concerns? Labrador Retrievers got their start when they were imported from Newfoundland to England in the s. They were hunting and fishing dogs. Rottweilers are of German descent. They have been traditionally used as guarding, herding, and hunting dogs. The Rottweiler Lab mix was perhaps inevitable with two such high demand parents. One of the best things about crossed breeds is the wide range of potential shapes and personalities your dog could grow to have. But this can have its downside as well. In the case of the Labrottie, there are several different possibilities for both appearance and personality. Labradors and Rottweilers are different sizes, and your puppy may fall anywhere between. Rottweilers generally weigh up to pounds, while Labradors are significantly less heavy set at pounds. Rottweiler height can be up to 27 inches at the shoulder, whereas Labs only grow to a maximum of .Both breeds can vary in size within themselves, so it stands to reason that larger Labrador and Rottweiler parents will have a larger Labrottie pup. Most, however, should fall somewhere in the middle. Labrador Rottweiler Mix Coat Rottweilers are well known for their classic black and tan coloring. They have short, low-maintenance coats. Labs come in different colors. Yellow, chocolate, black — they could pass down their coloring to your Labrottie puppy, resulting in a unique coloration. All you can bank on is the range from both parents. Labrador Rottweiler Mix Shedding Labradors have a double coat that protects them from the cold in winter or while swimming in cold water. This is especially true during certain times of the year, as their winter coat starts to come loose. The Labrottie has the benefit of two parent breeds with generally low-maintenance coats. Both Labradors and Rottweilers have short, easily groomed coats. Rottweiler Lab mix pups will definitely have the same length coat. Then they may need a little more. Rottweiler Lab Mix Temperament Labradors have a proud history as faithful retriever dogs, whereas Rottweilers have an equally proud history as guard dogs. Labradors are generally friendly, and are bred specifically for the task of returning hunted game to their owners. A dog bred for this purpose needed to be comfortable around all sorts of people. Rottweilers, in their guarding capacity, have been bred in a way that a fearful and distrusting attitude toward strangers. But how does this combination affect your pup? Labrottie Personality First generation mixes are kind of like rolling a dice. Or you might end up with a protective guard dog that looks exactly like the Labrador. Rottie Lab Mix Aggression As a breed, Rottweilers are responsible for a disproportionate amount of dog attacks. They certainly appear to be among the more aggression-prone breeds. This should be seriously considered by people with kids. Guarding dogs are generally good with their families, but families have friends. Kids bring over other kids, and a family pet needs to be accepting of this. One is by meeting the Rottie parent and making sure they are totally at ease in the presence of you and your family. Socialization is vital for any breed, but especially for a breed like the Rottweiler. Rottweiler Lab Mix Socialization The idea of using traditional training techniques on your Rottweiler mix may be a daunting task for some owners. Fortunately, nowadays we have better and safer methods for training dogs. The first step is always socialization. Introduce your dog to lots of other dogs and people at a very young age to help desensitize them to strangers. You want them to happily accept people coming and going in their home as nothing to be afraid of. Your Rottweiler Lab mix puppy must meet new visitors every day. Make sure a large proportion of them are children. In the wild they would be under the protection of their family, so fear would be unnecessary. Therefore, this is the best time to throw them into all sorts of new situations. Training And Exercising Your Rottweiler Lab Mix Positive training techniques also play a vital role in crafting the obedience and temperament of a dog. For anyone still considering punishment-based training, I would strongly advise against it. Studies have shown that dogs trained in this manner are less obedient, and more likely to attack both their owners and strangers. Rottweiler Lab Puppy Training Like any puppy, your Rottador will require specialized training when they are young, in addition to socialization. Rottweiler Lab Mix Exercise All dogs require a good amount of exercise to keep them in shape. This is especially true with physically capable breeds like the Rottweiler and Lab. Given a good amount of space to run around in, your Labrottie will thrive. Lack of exercise combined with poor diet can unfortunately be deadly. Obesity in dogs, as in humans, leads to diabetes and other complications. Breeding two dogs that are genetically dissimilar results in a phenomena called hybrid vigor, whereby outbreeding undoes a lot of the harm done by inbreeding. These dogs can still carry on genetic diseases from either of their parents given the right circumstances. Labrador Health Both Labradors and Rottweilers suffer regularly from hip dysplasia, meaning their hips are improperly formed. One nasty complication of hip dysplasia is a disease called degenerative joint disorder. One of the more commonly reported concerns in Labradors is exercise induced collapse. This strange condition means that Labradors in the full swing of physical activity may suddenly be unable to hold themselves up. It has actually been linked to a gene, so it is doubtless inherited from dog to dog. Other problems commonly seen in Labradors include elbow dysplasia, PRA, obesity, ear problems, and skin allergies. Hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as PRA, can be tested for. Health testing is an important part of the process of taking care of our pets. Rottweiler Health Elbow dysplasia is also a very common condition in Rottweilers. A study of German Rottweilers found more than half suffered from this ailment. Rottweilers also appear to be susceptible to a few nasty neurological disorders, namely nueroaxonal dystrophy and leukoencephalomalacia. Both of these diseases are degenerative, meaning they gradually get worse and worse. Unfortunately there is no cure or treatment for either, and they sadly can be fatal. For more information on health tests and screens that should be done for Rottweilers, visit the British Veterinary Association and this panel from UC Davis Veterinary Medicine. Although he is potentially less likely to suffer from any of these diseases than a purebred dog, the risk is not removed. Health testing is still a vital part of good breeding practice, even for mixes. Rottweilers have a shorter span of years. Your Rottweiler and Labrador mix could fall anywhere in that range, depending on the health of the dog. What makes a pet good depends on the person, and also the individual pet. Your Lab Rott mix could look like a Labrador, but with the guarding instincts and characteristic wariness of the Rottweiler. Equally, your dog could look much more Rottweiler-ish and have the gentle, easily trainable personality of a Labrador. The likelihood is it will be somewhere in between. Socialization and training go a long way to producing a happy and friendly dog. But genetics play an important role. The Labrador Rottweiler mix is best suited to an active adult home, where the family is around for much of the day and is committed to positive reinforcement training methods. But they will need a lot of work in terms of socialization and training, to make sure you reduce the possibility of bad behavior later on. Both parents should be friendly, healthy and confident. This is by no means a guarantee, but stacks more of the odds in your favor. Please avoid buying from puppy mills or pet stores, as these have no real concern for the health of their animals. Rottweiler Lab puppies are now deliberately bred, but they have existed for quite a while by accident. You need to avoid backyard breeders by only going to someone who has mixed a beloved pet due to their excellent health and wonderful temperament. Good breeders ask lots of questions, and are happy to answer them in return. Both the Lab and Rottie parent of your puppy must have excellent hip and elbow scores. The breeder should provide you proof of this. They must also be clear for PRA and have recent unaffected eye tests from their vet. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. The last thing you want to do is add to the shelter population. Both Labs and Rottweilers are similar in many ways, and the intelligence of a Lab Rottweiler is quite consistent no matter what parent they take after. They are great guard dogs and extremely intelligent. Lab Rottweilers typically get extremely large and are clumsy, which means they can easily injure smaller kids. This is especially a concern because kids tend to rough-house and act in ways that could trigger an aggressive response from a Lab Rottweiler. We broke down the basics for you here. A Lab Rottweiler on the smaller side will still wolf down about 4 cups of food a day! A Lab Rottweiler that weighs in at pounds should eat about 5. When you break it down, a single Lab Rottweiler should go through a pound bag of dog food between every 3 to 4 weeks. Always go with a high-quality dog food that has all the nutrients that they need to thrive. Saving a few bucks on low-quality food now will likely cost you even more in vet bills in the long run. But even if you have a fenced-in yard that your Lab Rottweiler has access to, you still should take them out for a walk every day. Still, the key is persistence, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Keep training sessions relatively short and refrain from any kind of negative reinforcement, like yelling. Lab Rottweilers respond best to love and attention, and they might shut down and shy away from training sessions if they associate them with negative behaviors. They only require brushing once a week, and you can keep baths to a minimum too. Chief among these concerns is hip and elbow dysplasia. Minor Conditions. For now, here are ten 10 of the possible health problems that can plague a Labrador Retriever Mix with Rottweiler: 1. Obesity A Labrador is known to be a voracious eater. While this is good, especially during training sessions when a Labrador performs well to get her much-deserved food treat, too much food will make her at risk for various health problems such as being overweight, diabetes, and arthritis, just to name a few. Elbow Dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is a condition mostly affects medium to large dog breeds. Unfortunately, both the Rottweiler and the Labrador are both at higher risk. Elbow dysplasia occurs when there is an abnormality in the growth of either one or both elbow joints. Hip Dysplasia An orthopedic condition, hip dysplasia can occur when there is an abnormality in the growth of the ball and the socket which are located in the hip joint. Skin Allergies If you notice severe itching and skin lesions, most likely your Rottweiler Lab Mix is suffering from skin allergies. It could be triggered by food proteins such as soy. Or if the skin allergies are seasonal, you can blame it on the environment such as pollen or mildew. Bloat Large dog breeds are the ones more prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition. In most cases, bloat happens after a huge meal or too much water intake. Gas accumulates in the stomach eventually causing twitching of the intestines and blocking normal blood flow. Ear Infections Labrador Retrievers tend to get affected by ear infections because of their floppy ears which are the perfect breeding places for bacteria and fungi to thrive and multiply. Aortic Stenosis This is a congenital heart problem that is caused by the obstruction of blood flow in the left ventricle of the heart. Entropion More prone to this eye problem is the Labrador parent. This is characterized by the inward rolling of the eyelids that causes the eyelashes to rub the eyes which eventually leads to cornea damage. Ectropion This one refers to the rolling of the eyelids outwards but usually gets resolved on its own as the dog gets older. However, this condition makes a dog susceptible to conjunctivitis. Epilepsy A neurological disorder that causes the affected dog to go through epileptic seizures. Though this is not fatal but intermittent seizures may eventually damage the organs. The Lab Rottweiler Mix lifespan is from 10 to 12 years. The life expectancy of a Rottweiler Lab Mix is rather long so be sure you can dedicate a good 10 to 12 years of care for this dog. You can maximize the lifespan of a Rottweiler Lab Mix with the right and proper care. If not, the lifespan of Rottweiler Lab Mix may be shortened if you fail to provide him with the necessary nutrition and veterinary care. Give him everything he needs so that the life expectancy Rottweiler Lab Mix will be long and happy. As a parent, one of your goals is to maximize the Rottweiler Lab Mix life expectancy to the fullest. Rottweiler Lab Mix breeders If you want to own a Rottweiler mixed with Labrador, there are only two 2 places to look. One is from a reputable and ethical breeder who only breeds healthy and DNA-tested dogs together to produce robust puppies. The second is from rescue or adoption centers so you can give the abandoned dogs a forever home and a second chance on love and life. First and foremost, you should only buy a Lab and Rottweiler Mix puppy from a breeder whom you trust. The best thing to do is to come up with a list of breeders of Rottador puppies near you. Or, you can also choose breeders of Labrador Rottweiler Mix puppies from another city or even from another country. If the breeder is not in the US, you can ask them if they can fly the Rottweiler and Lab Mix puppy to you. In case the breeders currently do not have Rottweiler Lab Mix puppies for sale, do inquire if there is an upcoming litter of Lab Rottweiler Mix puppies and if you can make a reservation for a Labrador Rottweiler Mix puppy. Observe the physical traits of the Rottweiler Lab puppies. One of the indications of healthy Rottie Lab puppies is that there are no visible signs of ribs. This indicates that the Labrador Rottweiler pups are healthy, well-fed, and do not have an existing illness. Then, inspect the coat of the Lab and Rottweiler Mix puppies. The Rottweiler Lab puppy should not have bald patches. Look straight into the eyes of the Rottweiler and Lab Mix puppies. They should be clear, bright, and show no signs of eye discharge. The same is true for the ears. Remember when we said early on that Lab Rott Mix puppies are prone to ear infections? What about the behaviors of the Rottweiler Mixed with Lab puppies? Well-socialized Rottweiler and Labrador Mix puppies are not afraid to meet new faces. The Rottie Lab Mix puppies should come to you without any signs of fear and the tails of the Rottweiler Mixed with Labrador puppies should be wagging happily and not tucked between their two hind legs. Rottweiler Retriever Mix puppies should also be actively interacting with their littermates; if not, it is a clear sign of a nervous Lab Mixed with Rottweiler puppy. Take note that an anxious or nervous puppy Rottweiler Lab Mix might have the tendency to nip when threatened which is what you want to avoid, more so if you have small or young kids at home. Lastly, we want to emphasize that regardless of breed, all puppies, including Rottweiler Labrador Mix puppies are curious about their new surroundings. It is not uncommon for a Rottweiler Lab puppy Mix to explore their environment by sniffing and chewing so physical punishment should not be an option when it comes to disciplining a puppy. Puppies should learn to socialize with their mom and littermates until 3 to 4 months of age. This is the time that the puppies learn how to play bite and how to communicate with their kind. Chocolate Lab Rottweiler Mix puppies Labrador and Rottweiler Mix are the offspring of a brown Labrador which is considered to be the rarest color and a Rottweiler. A chocolate Lab Rottweiler could sport a one-color coat of either black or brown or a mixture of both with some rust markings. Go to MidAmerica Rottweiler Rescue adoptarott. Rottweiler Rescue realrottweilerrescue. In this section, we will show you where you may find LabRottie puppies for sale. Visit Lovely Rottweilers lovelyrottweilerpuppiesforsale. All pups for sale are properly socialized and health-tested. You may be able to find one at Lititz Rottweilers lititzrottweilers. Feel free to inquire if they have Rottweiler and Lab Mix puppies for sale. Rottweiler Lab puppies for sale Australia You may want to go to Blackcombe Rottweilers blackcombe-rottweilers. The breeder has produced several champion Rotts in the past years. Check out these breeders to see if they have Lab Rottweiler Mix for sale. Mixed breeds similar to Lab Rottweiler Mix You might also be interested to learn more about the other mixed breeds that are comparable with a Labrador Rottweiler. You can expect a Pitbull Lab Rottweiler Mix to be a medium to large dog with a stocky build. The colors of a Lab Pit Rottweiler Mix could be a mix of yellow, black, rust, and chocolate brown. A Pit Rott Lab Mix is similar to their parents in terms of athleticism, thus, a Lab Rottweiler Pitbull Mix is best suited for a family that loves the outdoors. If the headstrong quality of the Rottweiler or Pitbull parent is more dominant, be prepared because a Lab Pitbull Rottweiler Mix may have a strong alpha personality that may act domineering if not handled well by the owners. Is a Pit Rottweiler Lab Mix an aggressive dog? If the Rottweiler Pitbull Lab Mix puppies are taught how to respect authority, then a Black Lab Rottweiler Pitbull Mix is a good dog that is sweet and affectionate like the Labrador yet very protective like a Lab Rottweiler. Some Labradoodle and Rottweiler Mix may sport short and curly hair while others may inherit the straight hair of a Labrador. One thing is for sure and that is that this is a designer dog that is adorable and bursting with sweetness. Based on the size of these three 3 purebreds, we can safely say that a Shepherd Lab Rottweiler Mix is a large-sized dog that is athletic and zestful. The colors of Rottweiler shepherd Lab Mix puppies vary from black, cream, rusty red, and chocolate brown. Most likely, a Shepherd Rottweiler Lab Mix is double-coated that sheds during springtime. Hence, we cannot say that a Rottweiler Shepherd Lab Mix is hypoallergenic. Is a Lab Rottweiler Shepherd Mix a good family dog? Yes, the Lab Rottweiler Shepherd Mix is a good family dog for as long as you train him early on. If he socialized properly and trained early on, he can be a great and affectionate furry family member. The Rottweiler Labrador German Shepherd is an active and large dog breed that can come in many colors. By the same token, a German Shepherd Lab Rottweiler Mix can also sport a two-tone coat color or even a three-tone coat color. One thing is certain though and that is the high-energy level of the Lab Rottweiler German Shepherd Mix. The German Shepherd Lab and Rottweiler Mix is undoubtedly a very trainable dog who loves to please his owners. You can, but it may not be as easy. Dog owners are encouraged to look into rescue centers where there are a good number of mixed dog breeds for sale. An Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Lab Mix could have a short or medium-length coat that is double-coated. The beautiful coat comes in different shades that can range from black, yellow, blue merle, red merle, or red. The Aussie Rottweiler Lab Mix puppy is an active little creature that requires a huge space to use up his high-energy levels. You can probably find Aussie Rottweiler Lab Mix puppy for sale in rescue or adoption centers near you. This dog may be small to medium in size but he will have a lot of energy. A Lab Husky Rottweiler Mix may not be an easy find but be sure that you have the stamina to keep up with the highly energetic Rottweiler Husky Lab Mix. A Lab Boxer Rottweiler Mix has a short coat that comes in an array of colors. Mastiff Rottweiler Lab Mix A hybrid dog that is large but may not be as athletic. Border Collie Lab Rottweiler Mix A large dog with a strong herding instinct that is good for families with older children. Rottweiler Golden Retriever Lab Mix One of the sweetest and most affectionate hybrid dogs that you can find.