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They are outgoing, active and affectionate companions who have a lot of energy and love making their owner happy. They have strong retrieving instincts as they were bred to be gun dogs, so they love both soft toys and diving into bodies of water. It is highly unusual for the puppy's owner to care for them during this time and is best left to a responsible, reputable breeder. Your puppy's body will double in weight as their muscles, organs and bones develop. Nutrition During the neonatal stage, your Labrador puppy will get most of their nutrition from their mother's milk. At around 4 weeks you may wish to introduce a mush of minced protein such as beef, but always consult your vet first before changing your puppy's diet at this stage. Health During this time it is important to monitor your Lab for any infections, diseases or birth defects. Puppies are unable to urinate or defecate by themselves initially, so their mother helps them but may additionally require your assistance. Keep your vet's contact details close by and educate yourself thoroughly on this stage of puppy development. By the end of this period, your puppy will be mobile and will explore the world mouth first — be sure to keep choking hazards and toxic foods out of their reach. Behaviour During most of this time your Labrador puppy will be asleep or inactive, but they will soon be playing with their brothers and sisters. After weeks they will go through as much sensory development as a human baby does in a few months. It is important to avoid disturbing the puppies' mother as she will be likely be protective, but some interaction with the young pups is normal so they become used to human touch. This is a formative time for your puppy and will be when they learn to walk, play, bite, hold their bladder, and interact with others. You will soon notice their attentiveness to you and their intense love of play — many Labs keep this caring and fun attitude for their whole lives if you foster it. Nutrition During the weaning stage, you should slowly introduce into their diet a nutritionally complete dog food which is appropriate to your Labrador's large size and young age. Labs are notoriously greedy and will quickly gobble down food and snatch treats from hands. You should familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid and hide as your puppy will soon find ways to get into forbidden snacks found only in bins. Labradors puppies instinctively like to 'dig' inside their water bowls so much of their water will end up on the ground. Make sure to get your puppy used to touching inside their small ears as they are prone to ear infections and will need regular checkups. Behaviour Due to the changes in their environment, your Labrador puppy will likely be under a significant amount of stress. It's important that you provide lots of attention and positive reinforcement for good behaviour at this time to establish boundaries early. Labradors are eager to love anyone but can be overbearing, so you should introduce them to a number of different people and environments so that they are not overwhelmed with excitement later in life. PUPPY By the time your Labrador Retriever reaches puppyhood their personality will be well developed and you will have established a loving, social friend who wants to maximise time with you and others. Your Labrador puppy will do well socially and behaviourally from puppy training classes as long as treats are involved. Nutrition Your Labrador puppy's diet should be based around a high quality, nutritionally complete puppy food. You may also wish to introduce them to fresh, lean raw meat — however, don't feed your puppy any meat you would not feed to a fellow human being. Bloat is potentially fatal but can be combatted by feeding your dog two smaller meals per day, a habit you should start while they are a puppy. A rough guide is that they should exercise for minutes per day and less after 5 years when many lose their appetite for long marathons of activity. Your pup will need brushing every few days, with more frequent grooming during seasonal changes to combat shedding. Bathing should be infrequent as this can damage the waterproofing of their coats, however, you should wash them after swimming or rolling in muck. After around 8 weeks your puppy will be due for some vaccinations, so they will need a checkup at the vet and to arrange for boosters after that. Studies showed that dogs supplemented with a diet of bovine colostrum had a quicker and stronger immune system response to CDV vaccine as compared to dogs fed a control diet. Colostrum supplemented dogs maintained a higher antibody level even after 40 weeks A diet supplemented with Colostrum helps bridge the immunity gap in puppies that occurs between 3 weeks and 5 months of age. Behaviour Do not be complacent with training your Labrador puppy — almost all are very gentle and well behaved, but this does not mean that training is unnecessary. Labs are very loving and patient with all that they meet, but they often do not know their own size. To combat this, they should be trained in how to act around small dogs and children to avoid intimidation or accidental injury. They will also benefit from obedience training to drop things from their mouths, avoid rushing across busy streets and make sure they come when called. Recommended Articles. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Tomato green Moldy food I have a more in-depth article on toxic foods to Labradors that you will find helpful. Suppose you are concerned that your dog may have consumed something dangerous. In that case, the Pet Poison Helpline is another helpful resource that lists tons of poisonous stuff, including plants, household items, and medications. We all want the best for our Labradors and want to feed them the best diet to keep them healthy and happy. People usually feed their dogs commercial dry food or wet canned food. Here are the main types of dog foods you can feed your Labrador: Complete dry foods A mix of dry and wet Home produced diet Complete raw diet Dehydrated and freeze-dried According to the AAFCO guidelines, all commercial dog food should be complete and balanced. This means that the food must have all the nutrients required and be in its correct ratios. There is a ton of information here, but these are the main points: The packaging should state the ingredients of the food in descending order of predominance by weight. Details of specific nutrients should be prominent. Feeding directions must be given. Therefore, when selecting dog food, you should check both the ingredients used AND the nutritional content of the food. This statement is designed for dog owners, vets, and nutritionists to evaluate the nutritional value of the food to their pets. High-quality protein sources beef, chicken, turkey, fish, lamb, pork, etc. High-quality dog foods will also include additional protein sources, such as eggs and plant-based proteins, like vegetables, legumes, and grains. So, what type of dog food is best for Labrador Retrievers? The best type of dog food for Labrador Retrievers is dry food as this is more practicable for medium-large breeds, provides more nutrients per bite than wet food, and is inexpensive. Even if you opt for a high-quality brand, it will still be cheaper than canned wet foods. Having said that, you should choose the diet that best suits your Labrador, depending on his needs, health, and lifestyle. But you must also satisfy your own needs and beliefs. This should help you decide the kind of food to feed your dog. Dry Foods Dry foods are one of the most popular types of dog food. There are two varieties of complete dry dog food. Cold-pressed dog food is quite popular in the UK and Europe and is becoming more widespread in the US and other regions. So what exactly is kibble? Kibble is simply ground-up ingredients made into pellets of different shapes and sizes. This is made either through an extrusion process or oven baking under high pressure or temperatures. All kibble is made the same way using the same kind of machinery. Even high-quality kibble made with the best ingredients is made using the same process. What is cold-pressed dog food? Cold-pressed dog food is made by a unique cooking method. The food is produced at a much lower temperature and cooked quickly to retain greater nutritional value, vitamins, and flavor. It is then pressed into its desired shape. Cold-pressed pet food is the closest to feeding a raw food diet. Both kibble and cold-pressed provide more nutrients per bite than wet food because they contain less moisture. Dogs with dental problems may also benefit from dry food as it helps to clean their teeth and gums. Dry dog food is the most practical choice for a medium-large dog, such as a Labrador. However, kibble and cold-pressed come in all shapes and sizes, so smaller breeds can choose a smaller variety. Although I feed my dog a top brand of cold-pressed dog food, I often add a small amount of chicken, beef, turkey, or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt to her food to mix it up for her and vary the taste and texture. She also likes tuna in oil, which helps keep her coat and skin shiny and healthy and reduces shedding. When I add a topping, I slightly reduce the quantity of her dry food to ensure that she is not putting on extra weight. Therefore, the higher the water content, the fewer nutrients, so your Lab has to consume more food to get all the nutrition it needs. Another thing to know is that not every brand of canned food provides sufficient protein that your Labrador needs. Therefore, a wet diet can work out more expensive, especially if you have a medium-large breed of dog, but it may be ideal if your dog enjoys eating a larger portion. Also, a wet diet may be better for smaller breeds. Be cautious of lower-quality canned foods, as manufacturers often add thickeners such as wheat flour, white rice, or other grains. Wet food may be more suitable if your dog is a picky eater or if you have a senior Labrador who has lost his appetite and who may find wet food more appetizing. You can buy semi-moist dog foods; however, these are not as popular as they offer the least nutritional value and can also be expensive. Unfortunately, dog food companies add sugar and salts to preserve moisture and shelf life. Many semi-moist foods are also loaded with artificial colors, chemical preservatives, and flavor enhancers. A semi-moist diet may not be appropriate for your Labrador Retriever, especially if he is on the heavy side and needs to lose a few pounds. However, semi-moist food may be the best choice if your Lab finds it challenging to digest all other types of food. He may also enjoy the meaty taste and see this food more palatable if he is a highly fussy eater. If you are contemplating this type of food, you should seek the advice of your vet to determine the calorie content of the food and an appropriate daily portion for your Labrador. A Mix of Dry and Wet Some dog owners choose a mix of both dry and wet foods. You can mix the foods at each meal, or you can alternate, giving wet in the morning and dry in the evening or vice-versa. Home Produced Diet Some Labrador owners like to feed their dogs a home-produced diet known as home-feeders. Due to the convenience and variety of both dry and wet dog foods, this got me wondering exactly why someone would choose to be a home feeder? Here are the main reasons I discovered: Home feeders sought alternatives to commercial pet foods as they were concerned about the nutritional value of the ingredients used. Home-feeders simply enjoyed preparing the food and strengthening the bond with their dog, or satisfying their views. Home feeders believe their pets will simply not like or refuse to eat commercial dog food. A home-prepared diet may be needed to help with a diagnosis eg, for a food elimination trial or if a dog has several diseases for which no commercial diet exists. Home feeders sought comfort for dogs with chronic or terminal illnesses. There are several disadvantages to the home preparation of dog food. You can achieve it, but it takes a lot of dedication and hard work, and it may end up being more expensive than the best quality dog food you can buy. Homemade diets can provide complete nutrition. However, you need to make sure your Labrador gets the correct mix of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. This can be pretty difficult to do daily. You can also find professional pet nutritionists, certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, who have the expertise to customize a healthy diet for your Labrador. Here is their directory that you may find helpful. It is recommended to cook all animal products to kill bacteria that could make your Labrador sick unless your dog is used to a specially prepared raw diet. You should also cook vegetables and grains to make them easier for your dog to digest. There are many top-quality commercial dog foods on the market that have all the nutritional requirements your dog needs. Although sled dogs and racing greyhounds have long eaten a raw food diet, every now and again, there will be a trend for feeding dogs an all-raw diet consisting of raw meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruit, and some dairy. However, there are two essential factors to consider when feeding a raw diet to your Labrador. The first is to ensure that your Lab is getting a complete and balanced diet and all the nutrients he needs to keep him healthy and free from disease. This is particularly important when feeding a growing puppy. Like homemade diets, formulating raw diets can be demanding to ensure you are not under or overfeeding key nutrients. More so if your Labrador is either pregnant, lactating, or sick and therefore has different nutritional requirements. The second biggest concern is food safety issues relating to bacterial or parasitic contamination in raw meat. Food poisoning is a significant threat to human and dog health when feeding raw foods. If you consider feeding your Labrador a raw food diet, you should make sure you are fully aware of the safe and proper handling of raw foods and all associated food safety issues. Many raw-feeders will claim that feeding a raw diet has numerous health benefits, ranging from higher energy levels, better digestion, a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, and generally living a healthier life. However, there have been insufficient studies to evaluate the risk or benefits of feeding raw meats to dogs. Therefore, most of the believed benefits of feeding raw foods remain unproven. But, there is sufficient evidence for vets to discuss the human health risks of raw diets with pet owners , according to this study from the Canadian Veterinary Journal. If you choose a raw diet for your Labrador, you can either prepare the food at home or purchase commercial raw food products. These range from complete foods, which are usually sold frozen or freeze-dried, which leads me to the next section. Dehydrated and Freeze-Dried You have the option of feeding your dog a dehydrated or freeze-dried diet, and both have become more popular over the past few years. Both diets are similar in that they have their moisture removed to preserve the food, so artificial preservatives are not required. However, they do have quite a few differences. Dehydrated foods are partially cooked at low temperatures to remove most water. The food is heated but not fully cooked, so nutrients and enzymes remain intact. They are a complete diet and are often seen as a step up from regular extruded kibble. When preparing dehydrated dog food, you just need to add warm water. The result is food similar in texture to canned wet food but far less processed. These foods are convenient to feed, easy to store, do not need refrigeration, and have a long shelf life. A dehydrated diet is a good choice if your dog has a sensitive stomach, as the food is easier on the digestive system due to the gentle cooking process. Freeze-dried foods are essentially a raw diet presented differently. The raw ingredients are frozen first in freeze-dried dog food and then added to a strong vacuum that converts the moisture into vapor. The food is then packaged in an airtight container. This process decreases the number of bacteria such as salmonella, unlike a true raw diet. Freeze-dried food has the appearance of kibble and does not have to be rehydrated before being eaten. However, your Labrador may find it more palatable and easier to digest if some water is added first. They are usually very high protein diets with fruits and vegetables occasionally added. These foods are more expensive than regular kibble, but since they have most of the moisture removed, they are more nutritionally dense, so you feed your dog less. Pros and Cons of Different Dog Food Types To help you decide on the best diet for your Labrador, I have put all the above information in handy tables to easily visualize the pros and cons of each type of food. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. Although I am not a veterinarian myself, I have been a lab owner for 11 years and been in the pet food industry for the last 6 years. However, if this is not the case for your pupper, no need to worry. Be sure not to feed normal cerelac or cow milk as that will result in loose motion as well as stunted growth. At this tender age, you need to feed your lab pup via feeding bottle like you would feed a human baby of age 2 months. Milk is the only food apart from purified water which your dog is gonna need till 1. After this age, till 3 months you have two options. You can either continue with milk or look at starter food options like Royal Canin Maxi starter , Drools starter, Farmina Puppy Starter, Canine Creek Starter , Orijen puppy and plenty of other brands which are available in the market. The kibble for starter food is small and most probably, your puppy will be able to chew it. Certain dry food can be extremely hard to chew, so depending on the toughness of the kibble you might have to break i. Puppies of age 1. You should be following this diet of starter food till 3 months age at least. Also, make sure you are vaccinating as well as deworming your pup at the right intervals. So, a proper nutritious diet is essential to achieve good growth. You can either go for Royal Canin Maxi Junior or Royal Canin Labrador Junior or puppy variants of other brands like drools, canine creek, Orijen Puppy and Junior Recommended , Acana large breed puppy, pedigree not recommended at this age. If you are giving a good diet like Royal Canin, farmina or even home-made food, growth should be good. For those who can extend their budget, you can go for something even more premium like Acana, Orijen, Arden Grange and the likes. No need to add additional supplements. If you are feeding home-made food like boiled chicken which itself is a very good food option, consider adding some fish oils like Beaphar Salmon Oil. However, a good diet is recommended to ensure a good life span above 12 years and muscle development. Homemade food can be a healthy option as well. Feeding guide amount to feed in grams depends on dog weight and varies from brand to brand. You will find the recommended portion for your brand based on the calories it carries on the packet you will buy. At other times, you can give chews or treats but whole meal should be fed not more than twice a day. Do not keep food available in front of the dog except during his eating time. However, you can keep water available in a bowl all the time. Sticking to schedule regularly is recommended. Wait, till now we have been speaking about commercial dry food. Yes, this happens to many dogs. While some dogs like pugs are voracious eaters, labs or goldens can be extremely choosy. They will eat whatever liquid you put in the feeding bottle at this age. However, once puppies mature and learn to eat themselves, they may not like dry food, rarely touch it. In these cases, the best option is to first add a home-made additive with the dry food. You may add many things dog like in small quantities of chicken stalk, chicken pieces boneless for puppies , curd, egg and others to the dry food. Changing or trying out another brand helps as well. I have seen many dogs who hate Drools but like Canine Creek although they are manufactured by same company. Every dog has a mind of his own. Most common diseases of Indian bred dogs like canine hyp dysplasia, ear infections, bent hind legs can happen to any dog. Take your dog to a registered veterinary practitioner in case such situations arise. Lack of appetite is also observed during this age at times. For not-so-severe cases, you may administer Himalaya Liv52 syrup or tabs or other appetite stimulants of various brands twice a day for days. In case, your dog has gastrointestinal disorders, referring to a prescription diet under the guidance of a veterinarian can be immensely helpful. This entry was posted in Pet Blog. Bookmark the permalink. You are planning to adopt a Labrador puppy, or already are a proud pet parent of one, you must be anxious about how best to assure optimum growth and health to your pup. This piece of writing is an attempt to give you some useful information about the kind of food which you can feed and also about how best you can feed it. In earlier times, the breed was mostly utilized and appreciated for being a versatile hunter. It can hunt on land as well as water; besides, this intelligent dog is a possessor of a gentle temperament, which makes it easily fit into the role of a friendly family dog. Types of Dog food Broadly speaking, the food for your pet is available in three forms — Wet, Dry and Raw. Wet food is the commercially manufactured food which offers chunks of meat, with or without gravy, with added vitamins, minerals and other important elements to make it nutritionally complete and balanced. Dry food consists of pellets called kibbles of food, which are easy to store and convenient to serve. The ready-made food bits meant for puppies consist of nutrients in the right proportions to support a healthy growth. Raw diet consists of raw meat, bones, fruits and vegetables. There are benefits and risks involved in administering a raw diet, which one should be aware of before adopting a fully raw diet. You may go for dry, wet or raw diet, or a combination of them. You may also consult your vet to guide in case you are confused about your choices. Labradors are always hungry and that is because of their huge appetites. As a pet owner you need to monitor the amount of food they eat, as their greed for food can easily drive them towards obesity, and consequently towards various diseases. Commercially made food Many companies categorize their foods on the basis of life stage puppy, adult, senior , breed large, medium or small , or may offer pet food specifically targeting a particular breed like Royal Canin Labrador Junior , which seeks to take care of a Labrador dog up to 15 months of age. The formulation of diets like this are based on the assumption that all pure breed dogs have their unique needs, which if addressed would bring the dog to an optimum level of health. Information from the breeders If you have brought the puppy from a breeder, then he would supply you a diet routine which needs to be followed, some food or may be some information regarding feeding. Follow it religiously for some days to give some sort of familiar touch to the puppy that is undergoing the stress of being separated from its mother and siblings. In absence of any information from the breeder, best thing would be to consult a vet. Milk for the puppy? Beware of confusing food labels Learn how to read a food label. The food label is given in decreasing order, making the first ingredient the biggest element in the food. That is why it is very important to know what the first two or three ingredients of the food are. Ideally, the first element of any dog food should be a specific kind of meat like chicken, duck, beef ; meat-by-product, meat or animal should not be mentioned on the package as they present an ambiguous picture. Leftover of slaughter houses can find its way to your dog food, something which cannot be classed in the category of healthy and complete food. So if you care for your dog, be aware and make the right selection. Water Make sure that water is available to the puppies at all times of the day, except for one hour before sleeping time. Divide the daily diet The daily dietary requirement of your Labrador pup should be properly divided into portions of meal to be fed at regular intervals. This would help in managing digestion and for keeping its overall health at a good level. You can begin by feeding four meals a day to your 8 to 12 weeks old puppy, and have a time marked for each. Have a gap of at least 3 hours in between each meal so that the little doggie is able to digest it well. Two meals a day is also something which most dog owners continue to feed even after the dog grows up. Feeding your dog once a day after 12 months of age can work as long as you feed it raw meat. The dry kibbles tend to swell once the dog drinks water, and this may cause bloating and also damage its stomach, hence is strictly not recommended. Teach the dog to eat at meal times Your dog would learn to eat the food when it is offered to it if you take back the bowl after a specific interval of time, say 15 to 20 minutes. Household scraps Avoid giving leftovers from your own meals to your puppy, unless you have enough knowledge and experience in dealing with the nutritional requirements of a growing canine. The nutritional needs of your puppy are different than that of humans; also it may differ from one breed of dog to another. The growing pup needs complete and balanced diet to achieve its potential growth, otherwise lifelong disabilities or problems can find easy entry into its life. As, your heartfelt, but nutritionally lacking edible additions might unbalance the diet of your dog. How much to feed? How much food to feed your dog each day is something no one can precisely tell. But the guidelines on the package of the food you are feeding, along with your observation of how the dog is doing with the quantity fed, would help you decide an adequate quantity. The important thing to remember is that the dog should neither be too fat or too slim. Following some instructions related to diet, regular appointments with vet, observing the puppy and showering it with lots and lots of love would give such environment to the little canine in which it would thrive. About Petsworld Team The blog editor of Pets World is a pet aficionado and fervently follows her pet-obsession. A pet parent to animals big and small for the past two decades. The sum of all experiences gathered is an amalgamation of useful knowledge and research. More like this. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.
Lifespan Sociability The price of Box Heeler puppies, as with any crossbred mix, is influenced by the cost of the parental breeds. If the pedigree of the parents is high quality, then the puppies, although hybrids, will be more expensive. If one of the parents is simply a more expensive dog breed, then the price of the puppies may go up, although it will always be much lower than any purebred would be. Another factor that goes into determining the price of your new pet is the breeder from which you buy it. Make sure you find a reputable breeder who treats their dogs well. Although they are not as common as some other designer dog breeds, if this specific dog is the one you are looking for, check out your local animal shelters to rescue your Box Heeler pup instead. Box Heelers may be intolerant of hot weather. The extremely short hair on a box heeler often means that it is more difficult for them to self-regulate their temperatures and they are more prone to sun damage. Dogs with a moderate amount of hair have more protection from harmful rays and can insulate themselves, both from the heat and colder weather. If you have a Box Heeler or are interested in purchasing one, be sure that you can provide areas of shade for them if they are outside during hot days. Boxers were developed in Germany for dirty jobs. Many designer breeds were not bred until recently. This lack of history often means that there is not much information on their shared characteristics. One of the parents of the Box Heeler is the Boxer, initially bred in Germany in the 19th century. Many believe that the German created the dog from a broad mix of other dogs, including Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Terriers, and perhaps Great Danes. The goal was to breed a dog of a moderately large size and muscular build, but an athletic body to work as bull-baiting dogs. Nowadays, Boxers are commonly used as working dogs, having been one of the first breeds trained as a police dog. They also make for wonderful companion dogs and have even been trained as seeing-eye dogs and to aid those with other disabilities. Both parents have strong prey drives bred into them. The Box Heeler often has the same high prey and herding drives associated with both of the parental breeds. They may even try to herd people around the house. This prey drive comes from the cattle herding history of Boxers, and the herding drive is from the Blue Heelers of Australia. Your Box Heeler puppy can make the perfect hunting companion or be ready to herd anything that walks if trained the right way. They are known to be patient dogs, although they are often stubborn and have strong independent streaks inherited from their Blue Heeler parents. Since Boxers may be hostile around new animals and people, it is vital to socialize your Box Heeler puppy early on. By participating in early socialization, you set your dog up for a more calm and content life, easily getting along with new dogs and being less hostile around other animals in general. Both of the dogs involved in parenting the Box Heeler are quite intelligent and inquisitive. To satisfy a Box Heeler, they need physical attention and mental stimulation. Consider taking them to a dog park or training them on dog courses. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Although they can be independent at times, they like to feel as though they are a functioning part of the pack, which is what you and your family will be to them. Box Heelers are quite gentle around things smaller than them as long as they are introduced well. Still, for one territorial animal to get along with another, they need to experience other animals and strangers often. Socialization helps them respond positively to newcomers, no matter how fluffy they are. Look for foods that are high-quality and meant to feed large dogs with high amounts of energy. If they are treated as working dogs, they will need even more food to give them the endurance they need throughout the day. Do not free-feed Box Heelers, to keep them from overconsumption. On average, an active adult will need around 3 cups of high-quality food a day. Try to sync this schedule with your eating schedule, or change it to morning and evening if that is easier. A working dog is fit and accustomed to large energy outputs daily. However, this is taken care of by their daily routine. If the dog is a family pet, they need a moderate amount of exercise a day. Generally, take multiple walks around 30 minutes in length. They should be walked an average of 9 miles a week to keep them happy and healthy. They want to know the right thing to do and how to do that thing well. They can have stubborn and independent streaks. A Blue Heeler can have fluffier coats with moderately long hair. The grooming of a Box Heeler depends on the coat that it has inherited. They often have short hair that is quite dense. Fur like this needs to be brushed at least once a week to limit any shedding. Use a pin brush or a firm bristle brush to get the job done. Bathing a box heeler should only be done if absolutely necessary to keep its skin healthy. Although these dogs should always live in the house with their families, they are a mixture of breeds that thrive on lots of activity. These dogs are responsive to training but could be challenging to manage on a leash if they reach the pound mark and are untrained. These dogs are susceptible to a few health problems that can have serious consequences. Box Heelers may show aggression toward dogs from outside the household, a trait inherited from both parent breeds. Although these dogs usually do well with others when carefully introduced, some will not get used to other pets. Although these dogs have an energy level perfect for children, the Heeler side of their family makes them inclined to bite or nip. You might end up seeing your dog attempting to herd your children and their playmates! If you live in an apartment or otherwise lack access to a yard, one of these dogs may not be the best fit for your lifestyle. These dogs require access to a fenced yard and are unlikely to be satisfied with just a daily walk. These dogs have moderate feeding requirements not easily met with low-quality food. Cheaper food does not necessarily provide everything these dogs need for optimal health. You may save some money with more affordable food at a minimal benefit to your dog. These dogs are also quite energetic. These dogs are ideal working dogs ready to face any challenge head-on. Although there is always a possibility of health issues, most dogs are healthy. A healthy diet, regular veterinary care, and regular physical activity will help prevent some problems like obesity. Whether these dogs inherit a Boxer or Heeler coat, they require less grooming than many other breeds. Weekly brushing using a traditional bristle brush will help keep the worst of the shedding under control. Box Heelers tend to be somewhat wary of unfamiliar people. Strangers coming into your home and strange dogs in your yard get the same suspicion. These dogs can easily keep pace with you and will enjoy the chance to be outside and around you. Although these dogs are not very tall, they will have a long body shape. This dog will fall on the medium to the large side of things in size. When a Box Heeler is in motion, he will have an agile gait, also easily described as purposeful. These dogs are always ready for action, and their appearance shows how much they want to jump into everything. The coat colors that are most typical of this mix include Brindle and Blue. These dogs have hair that is of medium length and straight, with a reasonably dense coat. All of these dogs have brown eyes and noses. This designer crossbreed will likely enjoy an average lifespan of about ten to 15 years. Although purebred Heelers are among some of the most long-living dogs, Boxers often have a shorter lifespan because of common health concerns. These dogs have a lot to give their families, making them one of the best choices overall. However, if you should see a breeder that provides these types of puppies, you will want to ensure the breeder uses humane practices. For example, breeders who breed for quality will use dogs that come from healthy lines—keeping the health of dogs from both sides of the family increases the chances of breeding much healthier puppies. When breeders use dogs that come with better pedigrees, there is a greater chance that you will pay more for a puppy. Some breeders select their breeding stock from among dogs that have shown exceptional working ability and figure this into their pricing. One of the best ways to avoid less-reputable breeders is to avoid breeders who conduct all their business online without vetting prospective buyers. Although this designer mix is not as familiar as some others, there is a chance you might come across one in a local shelter. Sometimes, shelter workers have to guess what mixture of breeds a dog in their facility is. Regardless of the coat length, these dogs often have thicker hair that requires at least weekly brushing. Bristle or pin brushes usually do their best to remove loose fur and prevent matting. During the spring and fall months, you might need to increase your time brushing your dog to keep up with the extra hair. Bathing should take place every three months, at the most. These dogs have skin and coats susceptible to problems if their coats are stripped of natural oils from overbathing. This painful condition is known as bloating and involves stomach twisting because of trapped air and gas, a medical emergency. These dogs may develop eye problems that include cataracts or glaucoma. Some canine eye conditions will result in eventual blindness, which owners must prepare to help their dog through. Cancer, including skin and bone cancer, may occur in these dogs, particularly in their senior years. Hip dysplasia, which involves the hip joints being out of their sockets, is another problem affecting older Box Heelers. Degenerative myelopathy, a spinal disease leading to hindquarter paralysis, is a condition that may affect dogs of any age. Cardiomyopathy, a type of heart disease, is also somewhat common in many larger breeds, including these designer crosses. The best foods will be formulated for the needs of larger dogs with high energy levels. Ideally, your food choice should also sustain a working dog. Free-feeding is bad for these dogs because such practices can lead to a dog eating more than is healthy. Most of these dogs will consume three cups of food a day or the equivalent. Your dog should eat in two or three separate feedings. Working dogs will have the highest energy levels. However, if they perform tasks daily, their work satisfies this need. Pets, however, will require daily exercise because they do not work. Their weekly walk length should average around nine miles. Because these dogs have working dog ancestry, they are eager to please their owners. The dog will want to know what to expect to please you better. Sometimes, these dogs can be stubborn, requiring you to demonstrate gentle but firm leadership. Avoiding rough handling or raising your voice is a good idea when the dog misbehaves. Harsh treatment will only help make your dog fearful or aggressive. Whenever you bring one of these dogs into a setting with children, careful introductions are always helpful to prevent any problems. Although these dogs can adjust to other pets as adults, the introductions must be carefully done for the best results. A well-socialized dog will look forward to new things instead of showing fear. Unique pets are an essential part of that equation. Gerard James Gerard James is a highly experienced veteran and dog lover who has dedicated his life to Rottweiler dogs. Gerard has been passionate about this particular breed since he was a child. He has extensively studied their characteristics and behaviors and acquired in-depth knowledge of their training requirements for optimal performance. He has devoted his time to volunteering in this field. It is a cross between the Boxer and the Blue Heeler. The best way to determine the temperment of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross. It is possible you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generational crosses. Please review individual breeds for potential health issues. Boxer Breed Description - Cross 1 The Boxer is a medium to large, short-haired dog breed of mastiff-type, developed in Germany. The coat is smooth and tight-fitting; colors are fawn, brindled, or white, with or without white markings. Boxers are brachycephalic they have broad, short skulls , have a square muzzle, mandibular prognathism an underbite , very strong jaws, and a powerful bite ideal for hanging on to large prey. The Boxer was bred from the Old English Bulldog and the now extinct Bullenbeisser, which became extinct by crossbreeding rather than by a decadence of the breed. The first Boxer club was founded in , with Boxers being first exhibited in a dog show for St. Bernards in Munich the next year. Based on AKC statistics, Boxers held steady as the seventh-most popular breed of dog in the United States for the fourth consecutive year. According to the AKC's website, though, the boxer is now the 11th-most popular dog breed in the United States. Behavior Boxers are a bright, energetic, and playful breed and tend to be very good with children. They are patient and spirited with children, but also protective, making them a popular choice for families. They are active, strong dogs that require adequate exercise to prevent boredom-associated behaviors such as chewing, digging, or licking. Boxers have earned a slight reputation of being "headstrong", which can be related to inappropriate obedience training. Owing to their intelligence and working-breed characteristics, training based on corrections often has limited usefulness. Boxers, like other animals, typically respond better to positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training, an approach based on operant conditioning and behaviorism, which offers the dog an opportunity to think independently and to problem-solve. The Boxer by nature is not an aggressive or vicious breed. It is an instinctive guardian and can become very attached to its family. Like all dogs, it requires proper socialization. Boxers are generally patient with smaller dogs and puppies, but difficulties with larger adult dogs, especially those of the same sex, may occur. Boxers are generally more comfortable with companionship, in either human or canine form. They are very patient and are great to adopt as family dogs because they are good with children and people of all kinds. The Boxer can make a good house dog, but he must be given a considerable amount of exercise. His short coat requires little care. Health Leading health issues to which Boxers are prone include cancers, heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy the so-called "Boxer cardiomyopathy" , hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy; other conditions that may be seen are gastric dilatation volvulus also known as bloat , intestinal problems, and allergies although these may be more related to diet than breed. Entropion, a malformation of the eyelid requiring surgical correction, is occasionally seen, and some lines have a tendency toward spondylosis deformans, a fusing of the spine, or dystocia. Other conditions that are less common but occur more often in Boxers than other breeds are hystiocytic ulcerative colitis sometimes called Boxer colitis , an invasive E. Stillbirth is the most frequent cause of death, followed by infection. Mortality due to infection increases significantly with increases in inbreeding. According to a UK Kennel Club health survey, cancer accounts for .The breed is particularly predisposed to mast cell tumours, a cancer of the immune system. Median lifespan was .Responsible breeders use available tests to screen their breeding stock before breeding, and in some cases throughout the life of the dog, in an attempt to minimize the occurrence of these diseases in future generations. As an athletic breed, proper exercise and conditioning is important for the continued health and longevity of the Boxer. Care must be taken not to overexercise young dogs, as this may damage growing bones, but once mature, Boxers can be excellent jogging or running companions. Because of their brachycephalic heads, they do not do well with high heat or humidity, and common sense should prevail when exercising a Boxer in these conditions. Blue Heeler Breed Description - Cross 2 The general appearance is that of a strong compact, symmetrically built working dog, with the ability and willingness to carry out his allotted task however arduous. As the name implies the dog's prime function, and one in which he has no peer, is the control and movement of cattle in both wide open and confined areas. Always alert, extremely intelligent, watchful, courageous and trustworthy, with an implicit devotion to duty making it an ideal dog. The female Blue Heeler measures approximately 43—48 centimetres 17—19 in at the withers, and the male measures about 46—51 centimetres 18—20 in at the withers. The dog should be longer than tall, that is, the length of the body from breast bone to buttocks is greater than the height at the withers, in a ratio of 10 to 9. An Blue Heeler in good condition weighs around 18—25 kilograms 40—55 lb. A puppy whose colored hair has not yet developed will grow through the puppy's white coat as it matures. There are two accepted coat colors, red and blue. Blue dogs can be blue, blue mottled, or blue speckled with tan on the legs and chest and white markings and a black patch or "mask" on one or both sides of the head. Red dogs are evenly speckled with solid red markings and similarly to the blue dogs can have a brown red patch "mask" on one or both sides of the head and sometimes on the body. Both red dogs and blue dogs are born white except for any solid-colored body or face markings and the red or black hairs show from around 4-weeks of age as they grow and mature. The distinctive adult coloration is the result of black or red hairs closely interspersed through a predominantly white coat. This is not merle coloration a speckled effect that has associated health issues , but rather the result of the ticking gene. A number of breeds show ticking, which is the presence of color through white areas, though the overall effect depends on other genes that will modify the size, shape and density of the ticking. In addition to the primary coloration, an Blue Heeler displays some patches of solid or near-solid color. In both red and blue dogs, the most common are masks over one or both eyes, a white tip to the tail, a solid spot at the base of the tail, and sometimes solid spots on the body. The mask consists of a black patch over one or both eyes for the blue coat color or a red patch over one or both eyes for the red coat color. Depending on whether one or both eyes have a patch, these are called, respectively, "single" or "half" mask and "double" or "full" mask. Dogs without a mask are called plain-faced. Any of these are acceptable according to the breed standard. In conformation shows, even markings are preferred over uneven markings. Behavior When on home ground, the Blue Heeler is an affectionate and playful pet. However, it is reserved with people it does not know and naturally cautious in new situations. Its attitude to strangers makes it an excellent guard dog when trained for this task, and it can be socialised to become accustomed to a variety of people from an early age as a family pet. It is good with older, considerate children, but will herd people by nipping at their heels, particularly younger children who run and squeal. By the time puppies are weaned, they should have learned that the company of people is pleasurable, and that responding to cues from a person is rewarding. The bond that this breed can create with its owner is strong and will leave the dog feeling protective towards the owner, typically resulting in the dog's never being too far from the owner's side. The Blue Heeler can be the friendliest of companions although it is quick to respond to the emotions of its owners, and may defend them without waiting for a command. The ACD was originally bred to move reluctant cattle by biting, and it will bite if treated harshly. The Blue Heeler's protective nature and tendency to nip at heels can be dangerous as the dog grows into an adult if unwanted behaviors are left unchecked. While an Blue Heeler generally works silently, it will bark in alarm or to attract attention. It has a distinctive intense, high-pitched bark. Barking can be a sign of boredom or frustration, although research has shown that pet dogs increase their vocalisation when raised in a noisy environment. It responds well to familiar dogs, but when multiple dogs are present, establishing a pecking order can trigger aggression. It is not a breed that lives in a pack with other dogs. Health The Blue Heeler carries recessive piebald alleles that produce white in the coat and skin and are linked to congenital hereditary deafness, though it is possible that there is a multi-gene cause for deafness in a dog with the piebald pigment genes. Around 2. The Blue Heeler is one of the dog breeds affected by progressive retinal atrophy. It has the most common form, progressive rod-cone degeneration PRCD , a condition that causes the rods and cones in the retina of the eye to deteriorate later in life, resulting in blindness. PRCD is an autosomal recessive trait and a dog can be a carrier of the affected gene without developing the condition. Hip dysplasia is not common in the breed, although it occurs sufficiently often for many breeders to have their breeding stock tested. The Cattle Dog has a number of inherited conditions, but most of these are not common. Hereditary polioencephalomyelopathy of the Blue Heeler is a very rare condition caused by an inherited biochemical defect. Dogs identified with the condition were completely paralysed within their first year. Based on a sample of 69 still-living dogs, the most common health issues noted by owners were musculoskeletal spondylosis, elbow dysplasia, and arthritis and reproductive pyometra, infertility, and false pregnancy , and blindness. A study of dogs diagnosed at Veterinary Colleges in the United States and Canada over a thirty-year period described fractures, lameness and cruciate ligament tears as the most common conditions in the Blue Heelers treated. Height: 17 - 20 inches at the shoulder Weight: 31 - 35 lb. Lifespan: 13 - 15 years Boxer Blue Heeler Mix - Boxheeler Personality Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. This could obviously make for a very powerful and strong breed that will have a lot of energy and a high prey drive. Both of these parent breeds have higher energy and a very strong prey and drive instincts. They should get along well with other animals if exposed and socialized properly as well. They are somewhat capable of independence, or alone time when the house is noisy or full. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. The Boxer mixed with the Blue Heeler might be prone to Cancer, heart problems, hypothyroidism, bloat, deafness, eye problems, patellar luxation, Note that these are just common problems in both breeds. Both of these dogs have rather shorter hair and should be pretty easy to groom. The Blue Heeler will probably shed more, but it still has shorter hair. Be prepared to brush them a few times a week. Either way, get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him. What are the exercise requirements? Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. What are the training requirements? This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background. Links to other breeds you might be interested in. The boxer is thought to be related to the Tibetan fighting dogs and, by some accounts, even the German Bullenbeissers. This breed became famous for its fighting prowess in the s and was officially acknowledged by the AKC in .The Blue heeler is a mysterious breed. According to some accounts, its ancestors may have been a cross between the Collies and Dingos. The credit for this cross-breeding has been allotted to numerous people throughout history and ages. It will have a strong and lean muscular body, just like the Boxer. The coat on it will depend on the genes of the dominant breed. The coat may also be weather resistant if it takes after its Blue Heeler side. Apart from this, the data on the Boxer Heeler is limited because of its rarity. The males should generally have a height range of 18 to 25 inches, while the females should have 15 to 23 inches of height. The weight range for males can be 35 to 80 lbs, while for females, it may be 20 to 60 lbs. This wide range for weight is dependent on the dominancy of the genes. This value may change depending on the dominant blood. The value may also be extended with the help of exercises and a good diet. This is a generally affordable breed when compared to its parents. The Boxer Heeler is also very affectionate and friendly with people of the household, including various pets. It is also very intelligent, just like the Boxer, and will be trained easily if it takes after its Boxer parent. It may also be very energetic if it takes after its Blue Heeler parent. It may also be slightly violent to trespassing humans, including children. It should be trained and socialized properly. The problem with that is that the Boxer Heeler is generally stubborn because of its Blue Heeler side. This means that you may have a hard time having it trained. This breed is not for first-timers. Caring for Box Heeler You already know how awesome the Boxer Heeler is, and you know that it will love you. Now it is your turn to return that love by caring for it the right way. Box Heeler Nutrition The Boxer wheeler is a semi-large breed with moderate activity levels. You should feed at least three cups of enriched food per day. The brushing depends on the quality of the coat that has been inherited from its parents. On average, the coat should be dense and short in length. Two firm brushing sessions per week should keep it from shedding. Bathing should be a minimal activity. Otherwise, you may remove essential oils from its skin with excessive bathing. Brush its teeth and trims its nails accordingly. It may have different needs for walks depending on the dominant blood. It will love long walks and playing, and an hour of activity should be sufficient if it takes after its Boxer parent. If it takes after the Blue Heeler, it will need many more activities to remain happy. On average of efficient activities with training should keep your Boxer Heeler happy. If its traits are similar to those of the Blue Heeler, then the Heeler will need more care and time when compared to the Boxer. The idea of a diet is also easily manageable with the Boxer Heeler. You may have to add in a bit more time and effort for its exercises. The main thing to take care of with the Boxer Heeler is the training and socialization. Training may also be slightly exerting because of how stubborn and rebellious it can be at its young age. Usually, hybrid breeds are weak and vulnerable to a host of different problems. It may have to go through some gastric and eye problems with age. You should remain in coordination with your local vet to keep your little buddy healthy and happy. It tends to be very energetic and may suffer a few fractures. Breeds Similar to Box Heeler.
Advertisements Destructive Chewing Behaviors What could be more stressful than coming home from a long day of work to find your living room looking like the frat house from the movie Animal House? As you start to pick up the mess, you make a mental list of the cost of everything your bully destroyed. You give your bully the best of everything: great toys, a fancy bed, and yummy chewies. Why would she do this to you? Dealing with a dog with destructive chewing behaviors can be one of the most upsetting challenges a dog owner faces. But chewing is a normal behavior for puppies and adult dogs. After all, a dog uses her mouth to explore her surroundings. The first step in solving the problem is understanding why your bully is chewing. Here are some of the reasons why dogs chew: 1. Medical Problems Have you ever heard of pica? When pica occurs in dogs, it is triggered by malnutrition, which is caused by a poor diet or parasitic infestation. Pica can cause cravings in your bully that lead her to chew on things that have no nutritional value. Tummy trouble and nausea can also cause your bully to chew, which she uses as a coping mechanism to ease her discomfort. Improper Weaning The appropriate age to wean puppies is about 7 to 8 weeks. Some puppies that are weaned too early develop fabric-sucking behavior, and the habit can continue into adulthood. In fabric-sucking behavior, a dog will lick or suck fabric, and the behavior can easily lead to fabric chewing. In the worst cases, a dog will spend extended periods of time compulsively suckling fabric, and she may become so focused on the habit that she ignores everything around her when she is engaged in the behavior. Hunger Has your bully packed on a few extra pounds? If so, you are probably limiting her food rations and caloric intake. A hungry bully may engage in destructive chewing behavior, in which case she will chew on things that smell like food. Anything you touch while preparing or handling food can become her target. Even your remote control is at risk if you use it while you are snacking. Puppies That Are Teething Just like human babies, bully pups go through a phase when they lose their baby teeth and grow their adult teeth. And like human babies, puppies experience pain when they are teething. Puppies start teething when they are 3 to 8 weeks old, and they complete the process when they are 4 to 6 months of age. Chewing is how teething puppies attempt to relieve their sore gums, and it also helps their adult teeth emerge. However, some puppies develop a habit of chewing that they continue even after they are done teething. Normal Behavior Chewing a bone or a stick for a few hours is perfectly normal behavior for a wild dog or your pet. Dogs chew for stimulation, and they chew for entertainment. Boredom Does your bully get plenty of exercise every day? What about play time and social interaction? If not, she may chew as a way to pass the time. Seeking Attention Because dogs are social animals, they require attention from their owners daily. If your bully wants your attention, she may chew on something that she knows is off limits. Because to your bully, negative attention from you is better than no attention at all. Stress, Fear, or Frustration When your bully is feeling nervous or upset, she may chew to relieve her stress. What scares your dog? Thunderstorms or fireworks? And what frustrates your dog? Seeing squirrels outside that she is never allowed to chase? Chewing is a natural coping mechanism for dogs. Separation Anxiety Separation anxiety is one of the most common causes of bad behaviors in dogs. If your dog primarily engages in destructive chewing when she is left alone, separation anxiety is the cause. Another sign is chewing that occurs mainly near windows and doors. More symptoms of separation anxiety include whining, barking, and pacing, as well as peeing and pooping inside the house. Destructive Chewing Is Dangerous When your bully chews up your remote control, your sunglasses, and a couple couch cushions, you know you have a problem. A big, expensive, stressful problem. The last thing you want is to feel angry at your bulldog, but destructive chewing behaviors can ruin a good day fast. She could suffer tooth and gum damage, and she could choke. How to Stop Destructive Chewing After you identify the reason that your bully is being so destructive, you can focus on correcting the problem. The good news is that there are many effective techniques for stopping destructive chewing behaviors. Take Your Bully to the Vet You need to make sure that a health problem, such as pica or gastrointestinal distress, is not the reason your bully is chewing. A visit to the vet will help you determine if your bulldog is suffering from an undiagnosed medical issue. DO have realistic expectations. Give your bully time to adjust to the house rules. DO have patience. The most important thing to remember is to be positive and consistent. If your bully chews up your favorite shoes, it can be hard to stay calm. But losing your temper will only lead to more problems, including chewing due to fear or stress. A few folks recommend some pretty awful techniques for curing your dog of chewing. Not only are their ideas inhumane, but depending on your state laws, they could be felonies. DO dog-proof your house. While your bully is learning not to chew up your things, help her out by keeping temptation out of reach. Shoes go in the closet. Dirty clothes go in the laundry. And books go on the shelf. The bright side is that your house will be tidy! It will only confuse her as to which shoes are okay to chew and which are off limits. DO give your bully plenty of chew toys. Make sure you rotate them every few days so that your bulldog does not get bored with her choices. Then give her something she is allowed to chew and praise her. DO buy your bulldog meat-scented nylon bone chewies as most dogs love them, and they last a really long time. Use the bone to play fetch with your bully a couple times a day. Playtime will make your bulldog more interested in the bone. And the more you play with the bone, the more it will smell like you, which appeals to your bully. They can splinter and injure her. DO praise your bully and offer her an edible treat when she chooses to chew on a toy or bone. DO give your bulldog plenty of exercise, playtime, and social time. She will be less likely to feel bored and display negative attention-seeking behaviors. And exercising your bully, especially before you leave her alone, will help her to rest instead of chewing while you are gone. She is not capable of understanding that she is in trouble for something she did earlier in the day. She is not looking guilty for earlier bad behavior. DO use a gate to restrict your bulldog to one area of the house while you are gone. Make sure she has water and plenty of chewies, but no access to anything of yours she can destroy. DO give your bully a toy box to hold all her chewies and toys. Teach her that she can only chew and play with things from the box, and praise her when she chooses something from her toy box. DO leave music playing to soothe your bulldog while you are gone. A recording of your voice works well too. DO give your bully herbal calming medications if she is highly anxious at times, like during thunderstorms. You can find a variety of herbal treatments at most pet supply stores. That will only heighten her anxiety. Let the Training Begin! Working with your bully to replace bad behaviors with good ones can be fun. She will thrive on the attention, and the playtime will be a blast for you too! It is only natural to feel frustrated when your bulldog has a setback, but patience and positive reinforcement will give her a much better chance of achieving the good behaviors you seek. You will have a better outcome when you focus on her positive behaviors instead of the negative ones! Related Items:. They are suffering from separation anxiety They are exploring their environment by chewing Underlying medical issues You could be wondering how you can stop your bulldogs from chewing everything they come across. However, to do this, you need to first understand why they chew so much. As said above, there are numerous reasons why your bulldog chews a lot. Discussed below are some of the reasons why Bulldogs chew everything more in depth. Teething Teething is among the many reasons that make your dog chew a lot. When teeth emerge or when the temporary teeth get replaced by the permanent ones, it can become painful and this may cause the dog to chew in an attempt to relieve the discomfort. Chewing is a common occurrence to bulldogs amid teething and when not properly addressed, it becomes a long-lasting issue until when your dog grows into adulthood. Exploring Other than teething, bulldog puppies may likewise chew in an attempt to discover their environments. Just like human babies, they discover their surroundings by putting everything they come across in their mouth. Puppies and babies learn and explore through their taste buds. It is a natural reaction for them. Chewing everything they come will help to satisfy their curiosity. If your bulldog only chews when you are not at home, then it is the separation that makes him chew. He may be lonely, and chewing can bring comfort to your bulldog. Not to mention they may be bored which brings us to our next point. Excess Energy and Boredom In case your bulldog has a lot of energy and has nothing to utilize it on, then it will use that energy in doing some other things which include chewing whatever they come across. Make ensure that your dog gets involved in some engaging activities such as playing games, for example, fetch or hide and seek. After a good walk or minutes of play time, your bulldog should be ready to settle in for a long nap. These include eating disorders, for instance, eating non-food products, nutritional deficiencies, and viruses. Gastrointestinal issues can likewise prompt your dog to chew items in an attempt to induce vomiting. You should consult a veterinarian anytime you notice your dog is chewing destructively and vomiting since this can be an indication of a serious health issue. It is advisable that you identify the reason that is causing your dog to chew so as to keep him healthy and also to keep your bulldog and your belongings safe. How to Stop Chewing In Bulldogs Chewing can be frustrating, especially if your bulldog is chewing your belongings. Chewing is a natural instinct for bulldogs most of the time, but if your dog is chewing unhealthy items, the behavior should be stopped as soon as possible. What you consider as undesired behaviors is natural for bulldogs. For instance, chewing or digging may be considered to be destructive, however, these are things that are very normal to bulldogs. You can allow your dog to chew the right things, for example, his chew toys. See also Can Bulldogs Get Bloat? Plus 6 tips to Prevent it! These dogs are known to have very strong jaws and love to chew things. They can destroy a living room in a matter of minutes with their chewing. Among the things that you should do to ensure your home is not obliterated is puppy-proofing your home in case you have little bulldogs. Puppies are eager to discover their surroundings and any the items in it. Get rid of anything that is unsafe or unwanted. Ask everybody in your house to pick up their belongings such as toys, books, electronics, shoes etc since leaving them in an open place will quickly turn into a chew toy. Give you bulldogs toys that will help to invigorate them mentally and also physically. Keep in mind that all toys are not made equal and hence you should choose toys that can withstand several hours of chewing. Taking your dog out for exercises will help to consume much of his energy that would otherwise be directed towards chewing. When your bulldog is exhausted he will have no interest in chewing anything. Also take your bulldog out for some play time before you leave the house so they will be ready to settle in and sleep after while you are away. Others Solutions. If your little bulldog is teething you can consider providing things that will distract him to make him busy. You can, for example, provide frozen chew toys, or wet and frozen washcloth that will help to soothe the gums. If you suspect your dog has an underlying health condition that is causing him to chew, set up an appointment with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will most likely order blood work to see if your bulldog has any nutrient deficiencies and from there prescribe supplements and treatment for health issues. It is not advisable that you give your bulldog human vitamins. Vitamins formulated for humans have higher concentrations, and can contain other compounds that can be harmful to your pup. Chewing is one thing to deal with, an allergic reaction is a whole-nother story. However, their natural behaviors, for instance, chewing everything they come across can at times be disastrous and frustrating. It is crucial that you understand the causes of this chewing behavior and come up with the most viable solutions. Always ensure that the dog is chewing the right thing but not anything undesired. If you provide good care to your bulldogs they will in return give you many years of fun and true friendship. Train your bulldog as a puppy to not chew on furniture, shoes, important papers, books, or other household items. You will also have to do your part and clean up your belongings. Give lots of play time and affection, along with a healthy diet. Be sure to avert unwanted chewing behavior as soon as possible to make sure that you give your bulldog a happy and healthy life and also to safeguard your furniture and valuables. Post Views: 1, Take a note that this method is suitable only for Bulldog puppies and not for grown-up dogs. As you see, you need to prevent your dog destructive chewing from its early puppyhood. Super Ventilated Muzzle for Chewing Prevention If you leave your Bully kid home alone, don't to lock it in the open-air-cage as it can do the deeds directly there and, even more, step on or sit in its excrements. Bulldog chews things - when will grow, then will cease! This is one of the biggest misconceptions! Contrary to the common beliefs, not all, but just few grown-up English Bulldogs cease of chewing everything. They can chew only special dog toys for biting and chewing. Many Bulldogs keep chewing slippers, footwear, kid stuff and pieces of furniture. Young Bulldogs are considered to be the biggest "gnawers", especially when they attend different dog classes, connected with bite training and retrieve skills improvement. But you needn't decline from Bulldog training any way, just use these methods, we're going to offer you to stop your Bulldog chewing things. You need to apply both of them at the same time. The first method is to limit the access of the dog to any things and subjects untill Bulldog reach the age of two. And then freedom needs to be provided gradually and for small periods of time. Perfect Muzzle to Stop Chewing in Safe Way The second and the most important method is to use a special personalized Bulldog muzzle , which will prevent your dog from chewing, picking up and eating things from the ground and provide the best comfort for your pet. Just put a daily use muzzle on your Bulldog when you are going for a walk and for a few hours per day to reach your goal. Check our collection of the best muzzles for Bulldog. You are welcome to learn more about Bulldog chewing - the main reasons. No comments Is your French Bulldog chewing everything in sight? They crave the presence of their humans and interaction. Sometimes, their chewing behavior can be the result of an underlying medical problem. Keep in mind that some chewing is normal dog behavior, and Frenchies are a heavy chewing breed. Where, when, what, and how they chew will be your determining factors on whether their chewing is excessive or worrisome. Reasons your French Bulldog is chewing Anxiety, Teething, and Temperament Separation anxiety and boredom are two of many reasons your Frenchie may turn to chewing. Generally, you will notice other behaviors beyond simple chewing. Separation anxiety is as stressful for them as much as the aftermath is for you. Age can be a main factor too, such as with teething puppies. They only want to relieve the pain and pressure in their mouths. Another common reason for chewing is their tenacious temperament. French Bulldogs can outright throw temper tantrums that put a toddler to shame. The cause can be from you speaking to them too harshly to your Frenchie not getting what they want. Medical Reasons The next group of common causes for chewing are medical reasons. Frenchies have many genetic abnormalities that come from years of questionable breeding and poor lineage. Among the top reported concerns are allergies. Frenchies are more prone to respiratory issues than other breeds because of their shorter snout, but food, seasonal, and general allergies can cause moderate to excessive chewing. Pododermatitis is another concern in French Bulldogs, which includes excessive licking and chewing of their feet. This condition occurs from injury, infection, allergy, and other unknown reasons, but it can be serious if left untreated. Fleas and parasites can cause a severe allergic reaction on top of their itchy bites. It only takes one bite, so you may not see evidence other than their behavior. The allergic reaction can lead to excessive biting, chewing, licking, and scratching. Things a French Bulldog may chew Unless your French Bulldog chews on themselves, what they choose is likely either preference or convenience. Oh, and they can chew anything and everything. Of course, removing items might be impossible with Frenchies who chew your furniture, cabinets, or molding. Do your best to use positive reinforcement and reduce scolding or punishments. How to stop your French Bulldog chewing Before you can answer this, you have to channel your inner dog whisperer and understand why your dog is chewing in the first place. Ask yourself, is this normal? Is it anxiety? Did you scold them harshly? The largest exception to this is French Bulldogs chewing on themselves. If you notice bald patches, redness, or bleeding, you should take them to the veterinarian straight away. These are all signs of an allergic reaction, skin parasites like fleas, or skin allergies. Once your veterinarian diagnoses the cause, you can work together to find a suitable treatment. Do keep in mind this can take time to determine. It entirely depends on the cause. If you suspect an allergy, you can expect further testing and possibly an elimination diet. Fleas would require medication to soothe the reaction and a preventative measure. The good news is your Frenchie should stop chewing after you address the underlying issue. If your French Bulldog is a puppy and teething, you want them to chew. Wrapping up French Bulldogs naturally love to chew. Look to provide them with age and breed appropriate items and encourage good chewing behavior as much as possible to satisfy their needs. Most importantly, a French Bulldog chewing on themselves is not normal. Remember to make an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice this behavior. His guardians reached out to set up a dog obedience training session with him to stop a few unwanted behaviors; not listening to his guardians, chewing on baby toys, the back deck and furniture as well as refusing to go down the stairs to do his business in the back yard unless accompanies by one of his guardians. George was excited to meet me when I arrived for the session; getting right up and personal. At first, the scent on my shoes of the other dogs I have worked with was a strong attractor of his attention. But as soon as he finished giving me a sniff-over, he attempted to do something inappropriate. After showing his guardians my preferred method of disagreeing with the jumping up behavior, we all took a seat in the living room to discuss how I could best help them. Due to his chewing issue, I asked to take a look at his chew toys. Chewing is a soothing activity for dogs, so providing adults, and especially puppies, good chewing options goes a long way towards eliminating destructive chewing. In this case, the humans had a good assortment of toys. I suggested a few additions, but more importantly I recommended that they leave some sticks in the back yard as well as a water buffalo horn or bone. Its a safe bet that George was chewing on the deck out of boredom. Giving him a few sticks and appropriate chew options will give him options and should stop his chewing of the wooden deck. I also recommended that the guardians all carry a Nylabone or antler with them when around George. Any time he gets mouthy, with them, they can pull out the bone and tease George with it for a few seconds to get him interested, then let him win in taking it from the humans. As soon as they give him the bone, the person needs to remember to pick up another one so they have one with them at all times. Even if the dog nip was unintentional. By yelping loudly and then freezing in place or moving away, the humans can communicate that the consequence of any teeth to skin interaction results in the immediate stoppage of play. Being a puppy, George needs a good amount of daily exercise. While the guardians were providing it to him most days, they were doing it at the end of the work day. This means George is in the kennel with a good amount of pent up energy. I recommended that they continue with this exercise and journal the number of repetitions along with a grade for the day. Adding the time and quantity of any exercise along with any behavior problems and the times that they occur can go a long ways towards identifying if we need to up the exercise or make other corrections. After doing so, it he is mouthy in the window afterwords, the person should pull out their nylabone or antler from their pocket and tap George on his side a few times then when he goes for it, play a little tug of war before letting him win and pull the item away. This usually results in a dog laying down and chewing on the item instead of the human. Next I went over my petting with a purpose method and a few ways of disagreeing with unwanted behaviors. It took a number of repetitions, but eventually George got it. Bulldogs are very determined so I made sure to point out how important it will be for his guardians to consistently outlast him for the next few weeks. George is going to continue to try to get his way. But by consistently disagreeing with good timing within 3 seconds and recreating any situations where George gets into trouble, his family will be able to teach him to stop spazzing out and jumping up, leaning on or pawing for attention. Towards the end of the session, I went out back to show the guardians how to get George to go down the stairs to the back yard without them being present. Because it was dark when I worked with George on the stairs, I am sharing a video from another session with a dog who had the same problem. Always end on a good repetition Leave treats on the stairs to the back yard with a small handful at the bottom Create situations and scenarios where George gets into trouble to practice disagreeing before he can do the wrong thing Eat before giving George permission to eat food that is waiting in his bowl. Pull any remaining food after George moves away from bowl But replace empty bowl to floor Share this:. I agree with everything said up above,here are accepted chew toys from what I have read: All the products listed by veterinary oral health council: Veterinary Oral Health Council Accepted Products for Cats and Dogs CET rawhide chews contain a dual-enzyme system that improves their effectiveness compared to plain rawhide chews. Kongs are firm rubber toys that come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some of the Kongs allow you to place cheese or peanut butter inside to improve acceptance. Greenies are safe and help with reduction in plaque and calculus. Hard chew toys do help in decreasing dental calculus, but are associated with an increased incidence of broken teeth. Although touted as being part of a natural diet, dogs that are given hard chew products usually end up with painful dental fractures, which can actually expose the nerves of the teeth. The dogs end up with an abscessed tooth. Since they do not complain about it or act any different, these can go unnoticed for many years, leaving your pet in chronic discomfort. Wild dogs, such as wolves, also suffer the same dental fractures. They have no choice but to live with the pain. Fortunately, you can avoid most dental fractures in pets by controlling what they have access to. Therefore, cow hooves, thick pig ears, natural bones, or hard Nylabones are not recommended. Click to expand.Please I'm going to say something but it's not against you just where you got the info from. Greenies are the worst crap on the market just like rawhide. Never never give greenies or rawhide to any dog. Ive given all my life real marrow bones to all my dogs. They all had beautiful white strong teeth. Give rubber toys as it removes stains and teeth stays white. You will have a lot of members in here will go against rawhide and greenies. Vets gets a commission with what they sell by these big companies like their Royal Canin kibbles. Another crappy product. This is MY opinion. My puppy is chewing up everything in my house! Page 1 Note: if your adult dog is still chewing things up around the house it is most likely bored. Try giving it more exercise in the form of pack walks. Puppies go through a teething stage from about four months to the age of ten months. They lose their baby teeth from about four to six months and their adult teeth begin to grow in at about six to ten months. It is important to allow your puppy to chew to help his teeth come in, however you need to teach your puppy what is OK to chew and what is not. During this time your puppy's teeth will feel very uncomfortable and the pup will want to chew on everything trying to relieve the discomfort. He is not chewing purposely to upset you, he is simply uncomfortable. Do not allow your puppy to chew or bite on humans as it will be setting yourself up for problems in the future. The best way to handle a teething puppy is, every time the pup chews on something he is not allowed to chew on take it away and immediately give him something he is allowed to chew on. To teach your puppy not everything is his to chew on, place things in front of him one by one that he is not allowed to have. If he begins to chew the item say, "Leave it" and direct him to an item he is allowed to chew on. Then stand near the off-limits object and do not allow the puppy to go near it. Keep giving the bone, or other object he is allowed to have, back to him. If you simply yank the object from the puppy's mouth you may bring out the pup's prey drive, making the puppy that much more determined to get the object back again. Try redirecting his attention with another object such as food or using the "leave it" command as you slowly remove the shoe from his mouth and immediately give him a bone or other toy he is allowed to chew on. If he learns to run with something and you are not there to immediately stop him you will lose the battle. Closely watch your puppy. Puppies chew on whatever they can get their mouths on. If you provide your pup with a toy or bone and he chews it apart into little pieces be sure to take those pieces away from him. Keep your puppy safe and use your best judgment as to what is safe to chew and what is not. Puppy proof! Before you bring the new puppy home you should remove all items that your puppy can chew on. You should take the same safety precautions with your new puppy as you would take with a human toddler. Remove plants. Make sure electrical cords are out of reach. Pick up shoes and socks, and make sure there are no poisons or chemicals that your puppy can get his mouth on. If you have mouse traps or roach motels, get rid of them. Remove any object the puppy could put in his mouth. If he can put it in his mouth, he can choke on it. There is nothing more terrifying than seeing your little helpless puppy choking. Always confine your puppy in a safe area while you are away. His crate is the safest place. You can also use baby gates in the kitchen or bathroom, but only after housebreaking is completed. Make certain your puppy gets plenty of exercise to burn off energy. A bored puppy is a destructive and unhappy puppy. If your dog destroys things when you leave it may just be a case of separation anxiety. Dogs also chew if they are lacking in mental and or physical exercise.
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. We work hard to maintain the highest standards of health and pedigrees to ensure that our puppies grow into healthy and happy adults. That is how we match french bulldog puppies with their families forever. We are dedicated to providing you with the best service and support throughout the entire process, from selecting your frenchton to bringing them home We certainly know how exciting it is to bring a new french bulldog puppie into the family. For this reason we bring to you the most frequently asked doubts: asked by our frenchies lovers before taking a new puppy home. Are french bulldog easy to train? French bulldog puppies are not the easiest to train, but not the most difficult either. It is important to stick to a routine patiently for 6 to 8 months to let your furry understand it. Please take into account that it is a puppy, from month 8 onwards you can do more strong activities such as jumping or running as it will be appropriately grown to do so. Is french bulldog smart? Tenderly called Frenchies, this breed is considered active, well-behaved and intelligent according to the American Kennel Club AKC , their owners and soon you will too! They are considered the most intelligent breed among bulldogs. French bulldogs puppies like to be the center of attention but are also eager to please their family members. Are french bulldog lazy? This is one of the most common myths about french bulldogs. Are they lazy? Having a proper exercise routine is important to control their weight. Playing with other dogs or with their parents is one of their favorite activities as well, They will be just as happy with you in the car or lying on the couch, but it will be up to you to create healthy and active habits for them. We have answers. What are French Bulldog puppies for sale near Tallahassee like? A French Bulldog, also known as a Frenchie, is a small breed of domestic canine. They are a very popular companion animal due to their loyal and loving personalities and endearing physical features. They were developed in France by crossing English Bulldogs with local breeds during the late s. French Bulldogs have a medium-sized frame, standing about inches tall and weighing about lbs at full maturity. They are known for their wide ears, stout and muscular build, and a thick coat that comes in a variety of colors. Will French Bulldog puppies for sale in Tallahassee cause me to have allergies? It is unlikely that French Bulldogs will cause anyone to have allergies. Although all breeds of dogs have potential to cause allergies in some individuals, French Bulldogs are considered to be a hypoallergenic breed. That is because the amount of shedding, dander, and other allergens that French Bulldogs produce is much lower than the average breed of dog. What do Tallahassee French Bulldog puppies for sale eat? French Bulldogs are known for their sweet temperament and loving personality. When it comes to their diet, they should be fed high-quality food that is specifically formulated for their size and energy level. Common nutrients for French Bulldogs include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and water. Additionally, they need certain fatty acids like omega-3s and amino acids for optimal health. To ensure their diet is nutritionally balanced French Bulldogs should be fed an edible product like wet canned food, dry kibble, fresh veggies, and fruits. How do I prepare to adopt French Bulldog puppies in Tallahassee? To prepare for your new French Bulldog, there are a few important things you should be aware of. First, make sure you have food, treats, and toys that are specifically designed for small breeds, as this is what your new pup will need. Second, create a comfortable and safe space for your pup in your home, like a puppy-proofed crate or play area, away from any potential hazards. Lastly, be sure to research and understand the unique needs of a French Bulldog, such as exercise requirements, nutrition needs, grooming, and socialization. Are French Bulldogs for sale in Tallahassee considered big dogs? French Bulldogs are a relatively small breed of dog, typically less than 35 pounds in weight and 14 inches in height. While they are quite a bit smaller than other breeds of dog, they do still have a fair amount of bulk, making them look quite a bit larger than they actually are. French Bulldogs also have a stocky build with wide heads and bodies, which can accentuate their size when compared to more slender breeds, giving the impression that they are relatively bigger. Despite having a bigger appearance however, unfortunately French Bulldogs are really not considered 'big dogs'. Are French Bulldog puppies near Tallahassee active dogs? French Bulldogs are certainly energetic dogs, but they are known for having a relatively moderate activity level. They are happiest when they have plenty of opportunity to play and explore, but their energy level won't cause them to run around the house all day. They are perfect for people who lead active lifestyles but don't necessarily want an extremely active pet. French Bulldogs love to run, build strength, and engage in light agility activities that challenge them mentally. Despite their low-key nature, French Bulldogs make excellent jogging, hiking, and scooting partners. Are French Bulldogs in Tallahassee good family dogs? French Bulldogs are often considered excellent family dogs because of their calming, laid back but friendly demeanor. They make great companions due to their entertaining personalities and the fact that they are relatively low maintenance. French Bulldogs are also known to form strong bonds with their owners, making them a loyal and devoted best friend who will always be there to support and love you. Additionally, they're easy to socialize and train, making them an ideal breed for those who are newbie pet owners. French Bulldogs also typically get along well with other animals and children. Are Tallahassee French Bulldogs for sale smart? Yes, French Bulldogs are an intelligent breed of dog. They have the ability to learn commands and cues quickly and remember them for long periods of time. French Bulldogs are also known to be independent thinkers and problem solvers. Because of this they can easily adapt to different environments and learn complex tasks. Not only can they learn commands quickly, but they have a fun and playful attitude that means they enjoy being trained. French Bulldogs respond well when praised for a job well done and are eager to please their owners. This makes them a great pet choice for active households, who enjoy teaching their pup new tricks.
Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Texas Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Texas? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Texas? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Ellen is home full time where she spends most of her day with them from the moment they arrive until they day they go to their new homes. Most importantly, our puppies are center stage in the middle of family life here at Goldenwind. This offers our Texas Golden Retriever puppies optimum opportunities for both human and littermate socialization which is a necessity at this stage of their lives. When the weaning process starts, the puppies are moved to a large playpen in our living room. There they can hear and see everything around them. This includes loud televisions, stereo music, vacuums, doorbells, telephones ringing, doors opening and closing, thunder and rain sounds, kitchen pots and pans clanging, etc. When our Golden Retriever puppies are ready for their new homes at approximatley 8 weeks of age, they have been exposed to most household situations and noises that they will have with their new familes. All that means is that the animal was not quite 24 months of age when the test was performed. Therefore, you can request copies of the hip, elbow, heart and eye reports for the sire and dam of any litter or puppy that is offered for sale. A reputable Golden Retriever breeder will be able to produce the OFA certificates or reports from a board certified radiologist, board certified cardiologist and a board certified ophthalmologist. Therefore, Reputable Texas Golden Retriever puppy breeders have tested sires and dams for hips, elbows, heart and eye disease. Additionally, a Board Certified Canine Ophthalmologist exams the eyes. Reputable Golden Retriever Breeders will follow the American Kennel Club Code Of Sportsmanship One would think that it should go without saying that Sportsmanship is very important in any competitive sport. Actions truly can speak louder than words. We hope that you will see that with any Golden Retriever exhibitor you may meet. We have compiled some of the best breeders in Texas to make the process easier for you. After thorough research, we can ensure that all these golden retriever breeders in Texas are verified, reliable, and strictly adhere to American Kennel Club AKC and US Department of Agriculture guidelines. Weatherby Goldens They are owned and operated by two retired U. Coast Guard officers. Their dogs are imported from Europe and belong to champion bloodlines. Weatherby Goldens breeding facility is spread across 15 acres of land, wherein their dogs and puppies can play and run all day. One of the best features of their property is an old 6-car garage that they have converted into temperature-controlled homes with plenty of room for dogs and pups to run and play. Their dogs are healthy and well-exercised. They have received their vaccinations on time, have been dewormed and declawed, and have been Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA -cleared for elbows, eyes, and heart. Their puppies are raised with love and attention and are socialized from birth within their 3-acre wooded property in Bulverde. All pups go to their forever homes with a thorough month puppy guarantee that covers congenital or hereditary defects, severe hip and joint issues, and other life-threatening and altering conditions. They have a strict sanitization policy to eliminate germs, and all pups are examined by a veterinarian before they go to their forever homes. Each puppy undergoes deworming, vaccination, Early Neurological Stimulation, tactile and noise desensitization, potty training and kennel training, area training, and microchip insertion. Address: The Colony, TX Splendor Goldens This breeder is a boutique breeder whose dogs prove to be perfect indoor and outdoor pets. Their pups run and play with their four children and accompany the breeder as the ideal hunting , ranching , and camping partners. Their English Creams belong to champion bloodlines of potent European pedigrees. These pups are well-socialized from birth to become the perfect family pets. All pups are thoroughly checked by certified and experienced veterinarians, dewormed, declawed, and vaccinated. Their pups and parent dogs are genetically sound, screened for hip and elbow dysplasia through OFA, for cataracts by a board-certified ophthalmologist, and heart defects. They are proud breeders of puppies that have competed and won in ring shows, obedience, and hunting competitions. Their puppies are well-socialized and raised with a lot of love and care. As soon as the weaning process begins, the puppies are moved to a large playpen in the living room. They are exposed to ambient noise, such as children playing, television, music, kitchen noises, and the like, to make it easier to adjust to their new homes.
Some of these similarities are discussed below. Purebred —Both these breeds are purebred because they are not the result of any crossbreeding combination. Size — Both Golden Retriever and Labrador have a similar size when they grow up. Their heights range from 21 to 24 inches while they can weigh from 55 to 80 pounds. Shedding — Puppies of Golden retriever and Labrador shed heavily. They are considered non- hypoallergenic and require regular grooming and a high-quality diet to minimize shedding. Lifespan — Both these breeds are prone to some diseases and will live for about years on average. Living Environment — Golden retriever and Labrador pups are very much adaptable to all living environments. They can live in backyards as well as apartments. However, you must look after their exercise needs when they are kept indoors or in apartments. Intelligence — Both these puppies have great levels of intelligence because of their hunting or retrieving background. Therefore, owners need to provide proper daily exercise to control their excessive energy and keep them healthier. Suitable for Kids — Pups of Golden and Labrador retrievers are great companions for families, especially for those who have little kids. These pups love to play with children and exhibit a lot of patience around them. Socialization — These pups are very social because they can gel well with other pets and strangers. However, they need a little bit of training to make the most of their friendly nature. Sport Loving — These breeds love to be a part of different dog sports. For example, swimming and other water sports are among their favorite activities. They also love to play small games, like fetch a ball. What is Better about a Golden Retriever Puppy? Golden Retriever pups are very intelligent and energetic. This means that they will need plenty of mental and physical exertion. Fortunately, they love to sleep in between their playing activities. Not only does this keep your dog fresh, but it also gives the owners some time to relax or work. Keeping your dog fresh is excellent for resolving barking issues. Golden puppies are an amazing addition to any family. This is because they have a loving nature and do very well with children, other pets, and even strangers. What is Better about a Labrador Puppy? Labrador pups are even-tempered with great levels of intelligence. This makes them easy to train, especially the training of staying alone for short periods. Pups of this breed bark quite often so they would prefer backyard living. However, they can stay happily in other living environments, like apartments and indoor houses, if trained properly. Labradors are superb family companions and guard dogs. These pups have an excellent intellectual level and work great whenever an intruder approaches their family. These puppies require great attention and cannot stay alone. Hence, they are ideal for people who have more time for their pets. Otherwise, you will have to deal with unscheduled sleep or train your pooch to play alone. They are slightly rough which means only experienced owners should get Golden retriever puppies. Who Should Get a Labrador Puppy? This breed is preferable for those owners who have a backyard in their house. This is because Labrador puppies bark a lot. However, you will have to do some extra effort for training your canine friend. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These retriever cousins are both active and friendly sporting dogs full of adoration, energy, and good humor! But do you know what sets them apart? By Tracey L. Kelley After loving 19 cats, 11 dogs, and a canary, Tracey married someone allergic to all those creatures. Thankfully, she receives oodles of animal goodness sharing stories on Daily Paws! When not traveling, teaching yoga, or doing voiceover projects, she's an editorial strategist and developer for print, digital, and multimedia platforms. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on May 17, Sometimes when you're scrolling through photos of adorable puppies or sweet rescue dogs , it's difficult to know which one might be your perfect pooch pal. However, the more you know about a particular breed's general characteristics, health, and environment for his best life, the greater chance you'll have choosing a terrific pet! Many people wonder about the differences between golden retrievers vs. Labrador retrievers because they're kind of doggie cousins. The American Kennel Club AKC classifies dogs into seven categories, based on the type of purpose the dogs were originally bred to have. Goldens and Labs are from the sporting group and as retrievers, are often exceptional outdoor companions, exercise buddies, and family members. She says when deciding between a golden retriever vs. Lab for your family, keep in mind there will always be breed stereotypes, so the more you can learn about a pup or rescue dog's background, the better. Labrador retriever deliberation: either one could be a great doggo for you! But Myers adds that if you're a slightly less active person, a golden might be a better match. They're super pets for families with children , especially when socialized at a young age. They both do well with other pets , too. As retrievers, they're usually good swimmers, because they were bred to fetch waterfowl for hunters. But it's still important to train them in this sport to keep them safe. Both breeds live approximately 10—12 years. Myers says goldens and Labs share health concerns such as allergies , and joint problems like knee and hip dysplasia. Individually, Labs are prone to obesity , and golden retrievers to congenital heart defects and cancer. Although they're retriever cousins, Labs and goldens are from separate parts of the world. Labrador retrievers originated on the island of Newfoundland in the most eastern province of Canada, Labrador. Interestingly, there are actually three different types of golden retrievers , hailing from Britain, the United States, and Canada, respectively. When you see these dogs cozied up by one other, especially a yellow or golden Lab and a golden retriever, there's a slight sporting dog family resemblance, but also key points to help tell them apart. Noses are still boopable on both! Both retrievers are double-coated breeds, so they'll 'blow coat' at least twice a year. But if there was a medal given for shedding , Myers says there's a clear winner. Is a golden retriever the same as yellow Lab? But if you've read this far, you already know that. However, there is a mixed breed known as a Goldador that has golden and Labrador retriever parents, so a pretty yellow color might come from both of them. So Myers says a good hooman for a Lab doesn't have knick-knacks on coffee tables. His rudder-like tail helps him propel him while swimming, so it's strong! Golden retrievers usually have fan-like tails, which might also pose a threat to anything delicate in their wiggly wake. Golden Retriever vs. We truly don't want to say one breed is better than the other: it simply depends on which one fits your personality and lifestyle. With Myers' help, we've created a little cheat sheet. You could be more of a golden retriever lover if you're: Willing to be the sun, moon, and stars to this pet, because she'll be the same for you! Appreciative of a good-natured pooch simply happy to exist, even if she might not have many ideas of her own. Not planning to leave her alone for long stretches of time during the day. Able to provide a solid training foundation so she can be an eager helper in the family and stay mentally and physically stimulated. You might prefer a Labrador retriever buddy if you: Really desire a canine best pal and loyal companion—but can say no to extra begs for treats. Understand how smart he is and keep him engaged with physical and mental opportunities. Are able to manage his need for balance between activity and downtime. Can train him for useful work such as hunting , fishing, farm chores, and so on. Was this page helpful? Like a More Tranquil Environment. Goldens tend to have a creamy white to a light blonde, which can vary, and go to almost a reddish hue. Labrador Retrievers have distinct colors: yellow , chocolate, and black. Besides that, male Golden Retrievers are a bit smaller than Labrador Retrievers. The male Golden grows between 23 and 24 inches tall, while the females can be between .The male Labrador grows between .Weight-wise, male Labradors are a bit heavier, between 65 to 80 pounds, and females weigh between 55 to 70 pounds. A male Golden Retriever is between 65 and 75 pounds, while the female is between 55 to 65 pounds. Goldens also have a longer snout, while Labs have a medium muzzle. Finally, both animals have water-repellent coats or water-resistant coats, making them perfect swimmers. Life Expectancy: Golden Retrievers vs. Nevertheless, Golden Retrievers are known to live just a bit longer than Labrador Retrievers. For example, you can expect to have a Golden for 10 to 13 years and a Labrador for 10 to 12 years. But, if you can take care of your beloved pet, therapy, or service dog, you can expect them to live a long and healthy life with you. Living with a Labrador Retriever vs. Golden Retriever Grooming Having healthy dogs also means having dog hair all-around your house. And both Labs and Goldens are notorious shedders. Both of them have a double coat, which means that twice a year, they shed considerably. Maintaining their double coats and reducing fur all over the house means regular grooming and brushing. Their topcoat is water-repellant, while the undercoat is super soft. Golden Retrievers have been bred to have soft, flowing coats, but many purists maintain the stance that since Goldens are hunting dogs, they should not have such a coat. Use an undercoat rake and a slicker brush for the topcoat. Test out a few different brushes so you can find the ones that your adorable pup likes. You should also bathe them regularly, trim their nails, and clean their teeth and ears. When it comes to Labradors their coat is easier to maintain because their topcoat is shorter and more coarse, and their undercoat is soft and protects them from the cold weather and water. Since Labs do not have feathering like the Golden Retriever we do not recommend trimming them to keep the integrity of the coat. As with any double coated breed you should never shave them as it can make it harder for them to regulate body temperature. As for grooming, use a rubber curry comb and shedding blade to clean out the fur and remove any shedded hair. But they still need nail trimmings, as well as ear and teeth cleaning. But does a Golden shed more than a Lab? Golden Retrievers experience everyday shedding and have thicker undercoats during the winter that shed a lot in the spring, and a lighter coat in the summer that they shed in the winter. Labradors have shorter hair, but they shed just as much as a Golden Retriever. If you have any concerns or are pressed for time to groom your dog, always consult a professional groomer to help you along the way. The only difference is that a Golden might require a bit more daily grooming than a Lab. They love being active — running, retrieving things, and swimming. Golden Retrievers need at least an hour of exercise each day. Labradors are similar, in terms of their need for play, but like a more tranquil environment. You can take both Labrador Retrievers and a Golden on regular walks, play retrieving games with them, and jog with them. Both these dogs love being with their families and spending time with the people they love the most. Mental exercise, also known as enrichment, is just as important as physical activity. Enrichment lets your dog use its natural abilities such as smelling, hearing, and sight. A physically exercised dog needs rest, and a mentally exercised dog needs sleep. Their temperaments are friendly, affectionate, and gentle. But, these two specific breeds have some overall minor differences. For example, some experts say that Goldens prefer a more energetic household, while Labradors love a tranquil home environment. While these are minor differences, and both dogs make great family pets, you should consider your lifestyle before adopting one or the other. Intelligence and Trainability The average dog is quite intelligent, but few dogs compare to Golden and Labrador Retrievers. They are both extremely intelligent breeds and are eager to please their favorite people. Neither of them is difficult to train, so if you need to, they make excellent guide dogs, service dogs, sport dogs, and rescue dogs. They have some differences in terms of their intelligence, with Golden Retrievers being the fourth most intelligent breed and Labrador Retrievers the seventh most intelligent dogs. So think about your needs and how you want to train each dog before making a decision. Barking Dog owners know that when you have a dog, you should get used to some barking. While the two dog breeds both bark, the Labrador Retriever is known to bark slightly more than the Golden Retriever. However, the right training and cues can help cut down and even eliminate these errant barking issues. Health Problems: Labs vs. Golden Retrievers Being a dog owner means caring for your cute pups in every way, and that also includes keeping them healthy. Both dogs have a higher risk for cancer, obesity, ear infections, and hip dysplasia than some other breeds. Labradors are more prone to Entropion, a problem where the eyelids roll inwards and irritate the cornea. They can also have a malformation of the elbows and knees and laryngeal paralysis which could partially paralyze their voice box, causing difficulty in breathing and making them sound muffled when they bark. Golden Retrievers could have elbow dysplasia caused by growths in their elbow joints, seizures, and some skin issues. Genetic Diseases Some of the diseases we just mentioned are genetic diseases. For example, the elbow dysplasia that Golden Retrievers experience is a genetic illness, including heart and eye problems. Cancer In recent decades, veterinarians have noticed a jump in the cancer rate for these two breeds, especially Golden Retrievers. This can be helped with great genetics on the dam and sire of the puppies. Obesity While Goldens are more likely to develop cancer, Labradors are more prone to obesity. Overall, Labrador health problems are at a lower rate than Golden Retriever problems, but at the end of the day, every dog could have their challenges. You can prevent such health problems with proper testing and regular check-ups. Behavior Problems: Labrador vs. Golden Retriever Both Goldens and Labs have more energy than any other dog breeds, so managing their activity levels is key to preventing behavior problems. To avoid these problems, you should keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated and avoid reinforcing their bad behavior. The Golden Retriever vs. The sweet and peaceful nature fits well if your kids are young. Golden Retrievers are similar, but their high energy levels means they can sometimes become overly excited. If you have extremely young children, wearing out their energy through exercise and training them to respond well to your directions will be the key to helping them adapt to your home. Allergies Even though both Goldens and Labs belong to the Retriever breed, you could be allergic to one and not the other. Because neither dogs are hypoallergenic, you should take an allergy test before deciding on adopting a Lab or a Golden. Quite the opposite! The Costs of Raising a Golden Retriever vs. Labrador Retriever Initial Buying Costs When you decide to buy a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever, you will have to prepare yourself for some expenses to bring your new adorable puppy into the house. Day-to-Day Living Costs Your new dog needs quite a lot of attention and care, including toys, food, maintenance items, and more. Labrador Retriever? With so many similarities and differences, picking one dog or the other is quite tricky. So how can you choose between a Golden Retriever vs. You can talk to them more about what they love about their dogs, their breeders, as well as get tips on training the dogs. You will get information from different sources rather than simply talking to one person in a dog park. The Snowy Pines Difference Retrievers, with their enchanting personalities and happy smiling faces, make amazing pets. So look through our selection of the cutest puppies on earth and choose your next best friend. Golden Retriever vs Labrador? Labrador vs Golden Retriever? But we are here to help you choose between these similarly wonderful breeds. The result of this original cross breeding and later modifications is the Golden Retriever, a dog famous for its devoted, big-hearted personality and rich golden coat. The Golden was bred to be a sporting dog. This means that it is adept at finding and retrieving birds and other game brought down by hunters. As a Retriever, the Golden is bred for a soft, gentle mouth and an obedient, highly trainable temperament. Like other Retriever breeds, they were often used to retrieve waterfowl, and still retain their love of water. Golden Retrievers can vary in appearance depending on where they were bred. There are differences in British, American, and Canadian Goldens. The British type is generally larger and more muscular than the other two. There are also some coat variations among the three types too. The Labrador Retriever When it comes to sheer numbers, the Lab has ranked 1 in popularity among all dog breeds for many years. The Labrador was first developed in Newfoundland Canada from other local dogs like the St. The Lab was used as a working water dog, to help fishermen retrieve nets and haul gear. Their love of water and expert retrieving ability made them ideal waterfowl retrievers for hunters who brought the breed to the U. But these days there are two different types of Labrador Retriever. They differ in both looks and temperament. The American type Labrador Retriever is sensitive, intelligent, and active. The English type is generally larger, calmer, and less energetic than its American counterpart. Although it can also be a little sillier! Both types of Lab are famously friendly, playful, and outgoing. Besides being a popular family pet, they are also frequently trained as service dogs. As are Golden Retrievers, and Golden Lab mixes too! So as you can see the Golden Retriever vs Labrador histories are fairly similar in terms of their working purpose. But although they have quite similar histories, what about their stature? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Size Both Golden Retrieverss and Labs are popular choices for people interested in medium to large sized dogs. Generally, at an average of 24 inches tall and 75lbs, the Lab is a slightly larger dog than the Golden, who istypically just half an inch and 5lbs lighter. While breed standards are exacting for show quality dogs, remember that a pet quality dog can be larger or smaller than the breed standard, depending on the individual animal. The overall body type of Golden vs Lab reflects the size difference between the two breeds. The proportions of the Golden tend to be elegant and symmetrical. Labs are generally more solid and sturdy than overly refined. Labrador vs Golden Grooming Coat type, grooming requirements, and amount of shedding often play a large role in the Golden Retriever vs Labrador decision making process. Many people think Labs require less maintenance. Is this true? The Golden Retriever has a medium length double coat, consisting of a water repellant top coat and a soft undercoat. They have longer feathering fur on the neck, legs, and tail. They are sometimes bred for longer, silkier coats than what is described in the breed standard. Many owners like soft, flowing coats while breed purists say that as hunting dogs, should have more moderate coats. All Golden Retrievers, regardless of coat length and texture, require regular grooming. The undercoat grows denser in cold weather and sheds in warm weather. Use of an undercoat rake can help remove loose fur from the undercoat. For the top coat a good quality slicker brush is a must-have. Some also like steel tooth combs. I recommend brushing these long haired lovelies at least twice a week. This also involves trimming some of the longer fur with scissors, specifically thinning shears. Areas that require regular trimming with scissors include the ears, feet, neck, and tail. The coat of a Golden Retriever should never be shaved. Besides maintaining the coat, basic grooming needs for a Golden also include baths, nail trimmings, and ear and teeth cleaning. Remember that drop eared dogs are prone to ear infections. So how does Golden Retriever grooming compare with Labrador Retriever grooming? Also like the Golden Retriever, the Lab does shed its undercoat in warm weather. However, while their coat length is short, they do have a double coat that needs maintenance. Labs require an undercoat rake to remove the dead hair from the undercoat. You can then use a slicker brush for an overall grooming. Nail trimming and ear cleaning should also be a regular part of your grooming routine. Labs generally need to be bathed less frequently than Goldens, although if they are a fan of rolling in muck this can ramp up. Golden Retriever vs Labrador Shedding Both Labs and Goldens have double coats consisting of a top coat and an undercoat. The undercoat will shed in warmer weather in both breeds, but does one dog shed more than the other? Golden Retrievers can shed quite a bit all year round. Besides normal, everyday shedding, their undercoat grows thicker in the winter and sheds in the spring. The best way cope with shedding in a Golden is with a good brushing every few days; once weekly brushing may not be adequate. Besides regular brushing, your dog will need regular grooming sessions with an undercoat rake, especially during shedding season. This will only be at the beginning. Once you start doing it regularly, a once weekly raking should be fine. Grooming your Golden outdoors can be a good way to reduce the amount of hair in the house. How does Golden Retriever vs Labrador shedding compare? Labrador Retriever shedding Labs shed as much as, if not more than, the average dog. Fur in the house can be controlled by outdoor grooming sessions. So Golden Retriever vs Labrador shedding is similar, but Goldens usually require more day to day grooming. Their long hairs also show up more when they do shed than the black or chocolate Lab , due to their light color. Neither of them are low shedding dogs. Golden Retriever vs Labrador Colors The Labrador Retriever breed standard recognizes three solid coat colors: black , yellow , and chocolate. No other color variations are acceptable in show quality Labs. The yellow and chocolate colors can both vary in shading from light to dark. Golden Retrievers are, of course, golden in color. The breed standard describes it as a rich, lustrous golden that can vary from dark to light, although very light and very dark are not accepted in show quality dogs. Some have lighter colored fur on the areas where the coat is long and feathery, such as the tail, neck, and legs. Yellow Labs and Goldens can have very similar coat coloring, but their coat types will be true to breed. Comparing Temperament Traits The words commonly used to describe the temperaments of both Goldens and Labs are the words we use to describe very good dogs! Both breeds are friendly, reliable, affectionate, gentle, trusting, and kind. But many potential owners wonder about the differences between Lab and Golden Retriever personalities. Meeting the parents, good training and socialization practices from puppyhood into adulthood are the best ways to ensure that you get the kind of dog you want. Labs and Golden Retrievers are both very trainable and obedient, which is good news for novice owners. Canine behavior experts explain the minor temperament differences between Goldens and Labs in terms of degrees. Generally, Golden Retrievers are said to be a bit softer, gentler, and more sensitive than Labs. While both do well in families with children, Labs tend to have the advantage in adapting to households with boisterous, lively, and loud young children. Many Golden Retrievers prefer a slightly more calm and tranquil home environment. An active family with young children may prefer an energetic Lab, while a retired couple may welcome a gentle Golden instead. Health Problems in Golden Retrievers and Labradors Like most purebred dogs, both breeds can suffer from inherited health problems. What are the main health issues potential owners should know about in both breeds? Genetic Diseases Golden Retrievers can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as eye and heart problems. Labs also can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disease, and a condition known as exercise induced collapse. The cancer incidence rate in US jumped in the s, suggesting a recent genetic mutation. The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is an important long-term project that studies cancer in Goldens. Researchers have made great progress in understanding the genetic and environmental risk factors for cancer. Two types of cancer are especially common in Golden Retrievrs: hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessel walls, affecting the spleen and heart and lymphoma cancer of immune system cells, affecting lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Obesity Labrador Retrievers are at an increased risk for obesity compared to other dog breeds. Recent genetic research, led by the GOdogs project at Cambridge University, has found a genetic mutation that affects appetite and obesity in Labradors and Flat-Coated Retrievers. Dogs with 2 copies of the gene are on average 4 kg heavier than non-carriers. The affected dogs also score higher on food motivation tests. Weight management is important for all dogs, but especially for breeds at higher risk for obesity. When looking at Golden Retriever vs Labrador health as an overall picture, the Labrador probably comes out on top. The high risk problems in Labs are often avoidable through health testing. With Goldies these tests still need to be carried out, but there is the added life limiting risk of cancer. If you are looking for an energetic, intelligent, and outgoing dog to keep up with your active lifestyle, particularly if you have children, the Lab might be the perfect dog for you. You will have to watch their weight, and make sure that you get your puppy from fully health tested parents. If a loving, kind, and gentle dog is more your speed, be sure to consider the Golden. Golden Retrievers also need fully health tested parents, but there is the added risk of cancer in Golden Retrievers to consider. Then maybe a Goldador is what you are really looking for! References Simpson, M. Raffan, E. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It can be tough to decide which is the better dog for you when it comes to Labradors vs. Golden Retrievers. For starters, Golden Retrievers and Labradors are fairly similar in size, and they are both highly intelligent and love to be around humans. However, there are some key differences between the two breeds that make them better suited to certain homes and lifestyles. Read on to find out what makes a Labrador Retriever different from a Golden Retriever and which is the best dog for you! Main Differences Between Golden Retrievers vs. Labradors The main differences between Golden Retrievers and Labradors are: Golden Retrievers are originally from Scotland, whereas Labradors are originally from Canada. Golden Retrievers are fairly light for their size, whereas Labradors are much heavier. Golden Retrievers have a slimmer ribcage, whereas Labradors have a much broader chest. Golden Retrievers have a long, feathery outer coat, whereas Labradors have a short, oily outer coat. Golden Retrievers range in color from light cream to fox-red , whereas Labradors come in a variety of colors. Golden Retrievers are very clingy and dependent on their owners, whereas Labradors are more independent. Golden Retrievers love competition, whereas Labradors prefer not to be in competition with others. Golden Retrievers are more cautious in new situations, whereas Labradors tend to go full-throttle into any new situation. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers suit different kinds of owners and living situations. They both require a lot of love and attention and will bring you plenty of joy! Golden Retrievers vs. Labradors: Introduction Golden Retrievers and Labradors are two of the most well-loved breeds of dogs in the world! In fact, the Labrador ranks as the number-one favorite breed, and the Golden Retriever comes in at third place just behind the German Shepherd in second place according to surveys conducted by the AKC for .These dogs are both loveable, can fit into big and small families, do well with other animals and small children, and are full of personality. However, as I touched on earlier, there are some key differences between the two breeds to keep in mind. Labradors: Origins Dogs have been selectively bred for various reasons by humans for millennia. The Golden Retriever and the Labrador are no different—each breed was originally developed for a specific purpose. These dogs were bred as gun dogs. More specifically, they were bred to have very large yet soft and gentle mouths to carefully retrieve prey their owner had shot. This makes them very useful for duck hunting, quail hunting, rabbit hunting, and fox hunting! Labrador Labradors were originally bred in Canada in the mids by fishermen and hunters who took to the rivers and lakes to hunt birds, fish, or other small mammals. Similar to the Golden Retriever, Labradors were also bred to have large, soft mouths so they would not damage the prey they retrieved for their owners. For many years, Labradors were mainly bred as water gun dogs. They are strong swimmers and were often used to dive into lakes, rivers, or marshes to retrieve prey from the water. However, due to the way each dog has been bred over the years, they have slightly different average weights. Golden Retriever Goldens typically weigh in at 55 to 75 pounds on average. They were bred to be lightweight and agile in order to move faster and chase after prey their owners shot down on hunting trips. Labrador Labradors typically weigh in at 55 to 80 pounds on average. This is because they have been bred to have denser bones that make them heavier. Labradors: Build Goldens and Labradors look fairly similar in height. However, Goldens are typically described as being more graceful and slimmer-looking than Labradors. This is because the two breeds have a slightly different bone structure in their chests. Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers have slim, narrow chests. They were bred to have this slim chest because the underbrush in the Scottish Highlands is very dense and can be difficult to run through. Their narrow, thinner build allowed them to cut through the dense underbrush and chase after fallen prey quickly. Labrador Labradors, on the other hand, were bred to chase after prey in the water. They have much broader chests compared to Goldens, which makes them look quite stocky. This is not purely an aesthetic difference! One is long-haired, and the other short-haired. This is not a mistake in their breeding. These dogs were selectively bred for their long and short coats as they perform specific functions! Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers have a dense undercoat to protect them against the freezing weather of the Scottish Highland winters. Interestingly, though, their long outer coats have very little to do with keeping them warm. Labrador Labradors also have a dense undercoat to protect them from the freezing Canadian winters and icy cold water. On top of their undercoat is a thick, short outer coat of fur that is slightly oily to the touch. This oily outer coat acts as a barrier against water. Labradors: Coloration There tends to be a lot of confusion over the coloration of Labradors and Golden Retrievers. Some people believe the breeds are so similar that they come in the same colors. In reality, though, the two breeds each have their own distinct range of coat colors. Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers have a small color range with no visible markings in their coat. There are no black, gray, brindled, or spotted purebred Golden Retrievers. As Goldens get older, their coat color gradually deepens into a darker golden or fox-red color, and they do not go gray! Labrador Purebred Labradors only come in three different colors. They can be a light creamy yellow color, brown which is also known as chocolate , or black. Labradors do not have any visible patches, spots, stripes, or markings in their coats. The coat color they are born with is generally the color they will stay. However, they will develop gray hairs that are focused around the muzzle and eyes as they grow older. Some dogs are incredibly needy by nature and will need you to be home a lot, while other breeds are much more laid-back and independent. They need their humans to be around often, and they are happiest when they get regular physical attention in the form of cuddles, games, walks, and puzzles. Unfortunately, this also means Goldens are prone to developing separation anxiety if they are not trained carefully or their routine is interrupted and they suffer some kind of trauma. Keep in mind, too, that these dogs are incredibly intelligent, and they can become equally destructive if they feel abandoned or are allowed to become bored. Labrador Labradors are far more independent dogs compared to Golden Retrievers. They are happy to make their own fun and games, run outside by themselves, and generally will not develop separation anxiety as easily as Goldens or other similarly clingy breeds. However, they are also highly intelligent and can still become destructive if they are allowed to become bored and are not exercised regularly. Labradors: Trainability And Competitiveness Both breeds of dogs were bred to be very active and intelligent and to perform specific jobs for their human companions. As a result, both breeds are highly trainable and task-oriented. However, the way each breed tends to go about completing these tasks, especially when met with competition, is very different from one another. Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are highly competitive by nature and love a challenge. They are people pleasers and will constantly try to find ways to gain your approval. This means they will try to out-compete other dogs for your affection and attention, especially if you have given them a task to do. Fortunately, this is all in good fun, as they are happy pack animals and do not display aggression in more competitive settings. Labrador Labradors, on the other hand, do not like competition and can become fairly grouchy and upset if they constantly have to compete with other dogs for your affection, attention, or task completion. Unlike Goldens, these dogs prefer to work alone when they have been given a job to do and will eagerly demand their praise whether you have time for it or not. Labradors: Overall Temperament Before deciding on which breed you want to bring into your home, one of the most important things you need to decide on is which breed matches your lifestyle the best. Golden Retrievers and Labradors have very different personalities and fit better into certain homes and family structures. Golden Retriever Goldens have very cautious temperaments. They do not run head-first into a situation before carefully thinking about and trying to solve the problem in their heads. While their Golden Retrievers are weighing up the pros and cons of a situation, some less patient owners often get tired of waiting and force their dogs into a position where they have not decided if they are comfortable or not. This can make Goldens more anxious and unnecessarily cautious over time. They will enthusiastically run into just about any situation before deciding whether it is safe, scary, or appropriate to do so. This works wonderfully if you live an active life and will be taking your Labrador on all your adventures. This is something they are instinctively happy to do! If you have a more reserved and laid-back personality, though, this behavior can be exhausting. Labradors Do Labradors and Golden Retrievers shed the same amount? Both Labradors and Golden Retrievers shed roughly the same amount of hair. Both breeds shed lightly throughout the year and will have a serious shedding season during spring as they lose their very heavy winter undercoat. Both breeds will need to be brushed two to three times a week to prevent their undercoats from becoming matted and compacted, which can quickly become very painful for the dog. Depending on the color of your dog and your decor you may see more or less fur in your home. For instance, my first dog was a black Lab mix and I had black interior in my car. I noticed very little fur in the car but lots of fur at home. Which breed is easier to train, Labradors or Golden Retrievers? Goldens and Labs are both very intelligent dogs, which makes them easy to train. Both breeds are used as working dogs as well as service animals , as they are easy to train and will stick to their training. Can you mix Labradors and Golden Retrievers? Labradors and Golden Retrievers have been bred with one another for decades. A mixture of a Golden and Lab will give you a Goldador! These dogs combine the best of both species into one package. To read more about this hybrid dog, check out my dedicated article on the Golden Retriever Lab mix! A lot of service dog schools are mixing Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers to try and get the best traits of both dogs for the perfect working service dog. They are both very intelligent, energetic, trainable, and love their families fiercely. There are several key differences between the two breeds you can refer to when determining which one better suits your own lifestyle and preferences. To recap, the differences are: Their origins.
We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. As a dedicated Labrador parent, one of your primary responsibilities is ensuring your pup remains healthy and achieves all growth milestones based on his age. However, some of the most overwhelming factors to crack through are size and weight. So, is your Lab puppy too small for his age? Your Lab puppy might be too small if it weighs less than 12 lbs 5. Lab puppies generally weigh about 2 lbs 1 kg with every week of growth. If your puppy weighs a lot less than that, he may be too small for his age. If you're worried that your pup might be too small for his age, you're in the right place. In this article, I'll outline Lab puppies' size and weight facts to help you understand where your young canine friend stands. Keep reading! In this article How Much a Lab Puppy Should Weigh This is one of the most common concerns and one of the most challenging to address directly. This is because a puppy's weight and size may differ based on his gender, genetic composition, or underlying conditions. However, there's a trick that may help you determine your pup's weight range. In most cases, average puppies add about 2 lbs 1 kg with every week of growth. And just like the weight, Lab puppies have different sizes. You may notice a huge size variance in a litter of Lab puppies. Some may appear too big or too small for their age. Below are 3 factors that can affect a Lab puppy's size and weight. Genetic May Affect Size A canine's size is partially genetic. Therefore, a Lab puppy born of small parents may inherit the genes and appear smaller for his age. However, this isn't always the case because some small-parents puppies sometimes grow into huge dogs. So, it's possible to note a considerable size variance on puppies from the same litter. Diet Greatly Influences Weight A puppy's diet also has a lot to do with his size and weight. Poorly fed puppies may fail to grow properly. Thus they may be low in weight and small in size. When feeding puppies, it isn't always about the amount of food the pup consumes but rather the nutritional value. So, to be on the safe side, it's advisable to consult your vet on the right foods for your pup based on his age. Health Problems Can Inhibit Growth Puppies that have been ill or have underlying conditions may portray slow growth. Their size and weight may be small compared to healthy pups within the same age limit. However, you shouldn't worry about this because such puppies often catch up later after recovery. Note that this chart only gives a weight limit, and it doesn't mean your puppy should weigh precisely that. It's only meant to help you protect your pup's weight and easily point out when he's seriously under or overweight. All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. When do labs Stop Growing? Labs need to fill out more than smaller breeds as they are medium to large-sized dogs. Usually, an average Lab will be at full height and weight by their first birthday. Is Your Labrador Retriever Healthy? Labrador Retrievers are the perfect family pet. Not only are Labs wonderful companions, but their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and love for life make them ideal members of any household. The best way to guarantee that happiness? Preventative care! This condition can cause pain and make it difficult for your pup to move freely. Due to CHD, they may also develop arthritis in the hip area as they age. Some dogs with CHD have normal hips as puppies, but they can develop joint instability later in life. Unfortunately, CHD affects medium to large dog breeds, with the Lab amongst those dogs with a higher chance of developing this condition. Recognizing the early signs of this progressive disease will help you get treatment for your dog so he has an active life filled with joy instead of pain or discomfort. An old Labrador Retriever is especially prone to developing this disease. Osteoarthritis, or Degenerative Joint Disease DJD , is a progressive inflammation of the joints caused by deterioration and breakdown in cartilage. This action leads to an increase in friction, which causes significant pain for dogs. In cases of osteoarthritis, this cartilage cushion begins to break down because of factors such as age or injury. If a dog has canine atopic dermatitis, the immune system reacts too strongly to common environmental allergens absorbed through the skin, such as mold spores and grass. A dog with atopic dermatitis will typically show signs and symptoms between 3 months to 6 years of age. Labrador Retrievers are amongst the most common dog breeds to develop food and skin allergies. Gastric Distention and Volvulus Bloat Canine bloat , or gastric distention and volvulus GDV , is a condition where the stomach swells abnormally. Bloat is a serious condition that requires immediate emergency care. Dogs of all shapes and sizes can bloat, but some breeds are more susceptible than others. Unfortunately, Labradors are at the top of the list for susceptibility to this condition. The causes of bloat in Labs and other dogs are unknown, but there is likely a genetic element. Dogs who recover from bloating should never be used as breeding stock again. Got a Lab? Get Pet Insurance Coverage You love your dog like a child, but you cannot control what your puppy is dealt with in the genetics department. Health struggles can affect your Labrador Retriever, and his genes will determine what medical conditions or diseases he develops. What if cancer happens? What else might go wrong with your dog in an emergency that will require immediate attention? As a dog owner, you want to make sure that your Lab pup has the best chance possible at living a healthy and happy life. A pet insurance policy will handle any medical issue or expense which may come your way, which is a significant help, especially with how expensive veterinary bills can get. Get insurance quotes today and see for yourself how much better life will be with this coverage. Can you tell how big a puppy will get? Your puppy will be growing very fast when you first bring them home. But that growth rate slows down quite quickly. So when do dogs stop growing for good? And how will you know when your puppy has reached their adult size? Labrador Puppy Growth Chart We have a fascinating and long running thread on our forum, where members enter the weights of their puppies at different ages. The Labrador growth chart below shows the data we have collected, in a Labrador weight chart by age. Labrador dog weight chart by age and breed Each dot represents a snapshot in time of an individual puppy. You can find his or her age in weeks along the bottom of the chart and his weight in pounds up the left hand side. You can see how all the dots taken together follow a pattern, but there is still a considerable range of puppy weights at each age. When Do Dogs Stop Growing? But what about a two year old Lab, or a one year old? Well, in broad terms, dogs stop growing sometime between one and two years old. But it varies between breeds. Most dogs are fully grown by their first birthday. In general small breeds reach their adult height several months before large breeds do. Yet dog size varies greatly among individuals, even within the same breed. Larger dogs are often slower to mature than little dogs, and carry on growing for longer. Small dogs are sometimes fully grown by the time they are 9 months old. Whereas giant breeds can take up to three years to reach full size. Adult size, temperament, and coat type are all likely to affect energy requirements, and affect the rate a puppy grows. In fact even breeds which end up similar in size can grow at very different rates. There is very little scientific research — but a lot of anecdotal evidence — about when Lab puppies stop growing. In , a UK study following 37 Lab puppies through to adulthood revealed that all of them had reached their adult weight by their first birthday. But more recently, a much larger lifestyle study of over 4, UK Labradors found that their weight continued to increase between one and four years old. When Do Labs Stop Growing? The Labrador puppy growth chart finishes when the dog reaches adulthood. General wisdom from breeders, vets, and experiences Labrador owners is that Labs stop growing during their second year. In fact, he will be quite close to his final adult Labrador height at around nine months of age. Does color change the Labrador puppy growth chart? When is a chocolate Lab full grown? Is it the same time that a full grown black Labrador or yellow Lab? So your average chocolate Lab will be adult sizes at the same time as the average yellow or black Lab. How Quickly Do Labradors Grow? Our Labrador puppy growth chart shows that all Labrador puppies follow the same breed specific pattern of growth spurts and slower growth, even though the actual numbers on the scale will vary from individual to individual. The most rapid period of growth will take place in the first month or so after you bring him home. In , a study of Labrador puppies in Norway found that Labrador weight gain is most rapid at 89 days old in females, and 95 days old in males. So around the week mark. And Labradors usually reach half of their adult weight by the time they are 18 or 19 weeks old. How much do Labs grow after 6 months? Another trend you can see in our Labrador puppy growth chart is that Lab puppies gain weight much less rapidly after their 6 month birthday. Once your Lab has hit this milestone you can expect them to gain a little height, and probably continue to fill out for up to a year or so. In other words, the point when you Lab stops getting any taller. It is estimated that in the UK the average height at the shoulders of a male Lab is cm taller than the breed standard. Will my dog still grow after being neutered? Whether or not dogs should be routinely spayed or neutered is a subject which divides opinion. Labrador owners deciding whether and when to neuter usually end up with a lot of questions, few of which have straightforward answers. Many veterinary care providers and shelters advocate neutering at a young age, or even make it a requirement of the adoption contract. A study found that neutering before 37 weeks old is linked to very slightly more rapid growth, and neutering after 37 weeks leads to very slightly slower growth. How big do Labrador Retrievers get? As we all know, very few dogs fit the mathematical average — they are much more likely to occupy a range of normal sizes. But most of us like a more precise answer than that before we commit to sharing our home with a puppy. So, how big do Labs get? Labradors are remarkably variable in height and weight. The biggest male Labs can be almost twice the size of the smallest female ones. But you want me to give you some numbers, so here are some averages. Many adult female Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches high at the shoulder. This will be the same whether they are a female chocolate Lab or a female black Labrador. Many adult male Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches at the shoulder. But remember, your dog is probably not an average dog! Can you always predict size with a Labrador puppy growth chart? These Labrador height and weight numbers are very broad guidelines, and they may give you a rough idea of how big a pup will grow. How big your Labrador will get depends partly on his parents. Assuming that your puppy had healthy not overweight parents, their own weights will give you an idea of how big your Lab is likely to grow. But there are always surprises in any group or family of dogs! Has your puppy stalled on the Labrador puppy growth chart? It is possible that your puppy will weigh less than the average examples. Labrador puppy weight and size can vary widely depending on a number of different factors, many of which are normal and harmless. American Labrador puppy growth Labrador puppies from working stock are often less heavy than those bred for the show ring or pet homes. Dogs bred for hunting and field trials tend to be faster and lighter in build because they are expected to be agile and quick when working in the field. Small parents Size is also partly genetic. In other words, if your puppy had small parents he might well be on the small size for his age, throughout his life. Again, this is only a general guide. Even puppies from the same litter can vary quite considerably in size when plotted on a Labrador puppy growth chart. How much should my Labrador puppy weigh? But this kind of rule of thumb is of limited use, and there are problems with judging whether or not a puppy is thriving by his weight alone. Because it is so difficult to know exactly what size your puppy will be as an adult, no-one can really say what he should weigh today, or any other day. It may however give you an indication if your puppy is seriously under or overweight. It is rare for puppies to have any kind of growth disorder. Or for their families to starve them by mistake! But it is also normal to worry a little if your puppy seems on the small side. Is my puppy is too fat or too thin? The very best guide to whether a puppy is the right weight for him, is how he looks and feels. Not where he falls on an average Labrador puppy growth chart. Physically examining and observing your puppy will help you decide if they are doing ok in this respect. Just like older Labradors, puppies should not be too heavy. Most experts nowadays like to see a waist on even quite young puppies. Does it matter if my puppy is a bit plump? We all used to think that puppy fat was a good thing. When I was a child fat puppies were the norm. Perhaps this extra layer of fat was helpful in sustaining the puppy during illness before vaccinations were widely available for dogs? Nowadays, the thinking is that puppies should be slim. With a defined waist, just like an older dog. It causes their bones to grow too rapidly as well. And this may result in painful skeletal abnormalities in later life. Chubby Lab puppies might be plotted higher than average on the Labrador puppy growth chart, but if they are a shorter stature they could be following the line. You need to assess your pup by how they look and feel. Weighing your puppy If your puppy has been ill and is very thin, or if he has become rather overweight , you might consider weighing him in order to monitor his progress on a Labrador puppy growth chart of your own. If you can see his ribs, or feel them very easily just beneath his skin, your Labrador puppy is too thin. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian. You can show them your Labrador puppy growth chart too, so they have a good idea of how they are progressing. My dog weighs 35lbs at six months old. Is that OK? I mentioned above that an average Labrador might weigh around 50lbs at six months old. But there is huge variation around this figure. To illustrate how much very healthy puppies may vary, there are 6 month old Labs on our forum weighing 30lbs, and others weighing 60lbs! These are very different points on the same Labrador puppy growth chart, but could both be healthy animals. And the truth is, no-one can tell you exactly what your six month old pup should weigh, or indeed your Labrador of any age. What age does a puppy turn into a dog? When does a puppy no longer belong on a Labrador puppy growth chart but instead have reached their adult size? And when will your puppy be a fully grown up dog? There are three aspects to changing from puppy to dog: physical maturity and mental maturity. Sexual maturity in puppies People are often surprised to discover that puppies become sexually mature before they are full grown. These sexually mature pups still belong on the Labrador puppy growth chart, and will gain weight and height. Most Labradors are physically capable of breeding while still puppies. Though of course they should not be allowed to do so. Many female Labradors come into season for the first time between at between six and nine months old. Though some will be over a year old. And most male Labradors are ready and willing to mate well before their first birthday! Mental maturity in puppies Not only is your Labrador physically still a puppy when he or she reaches sexual maturity. He is also very much a puppy mentally and emotionally. In fact, many experts do not consider a Labrador to be fully grown up and mature until they are around two years old. In practice, there is no exact age at which you can definitely say your puppy is a grown up. Some puppies mature mentally and physically quicker than others. As a broad guide, you will often hear people use 18 months as the divide between Labrador puppy and adult dog. When do dogs stop growing? Most Labradors will have completed much of their growth by their first birthday and will stop growing completely before their second. Beyond this point there is no need to plot their weight on a Labrador puppy growth chart, but instead they should just be monitored physically. Weights vary greatly among individuals of this breed and puppy weight unless very extreme, is not a great guide to health. Enjoy your puppy for what he is, large Labrador or small. Just remember to check with your vet if you think he is unwell or not growing as he should. Is your Labrador puppy still growing? Do you think the runt of the litter is going to surprise you by reaching the upper end of the scale? Were your predictions at X months completely confounded? Share your anecdotes in the comments box down below! Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. Labrador puppy weight. It can be hard to know what the right weight is for your specific pup. An American Lab is likely to weigh less than an English Lab in general, but not always! How much do Labs weigh in general? Male Labradors weigh between 60lbs and 80lbs, while females weigh in at between 55lbs and 75lbs. But many healthy Labradors fall outside these averages. As you can see, there is quite a range! Labrador Puppy Weight Lots of our readers want to know how much should my Labrador weigh at this age or that age. Labrador puppies are growing fast, and their weight is constantly changing. We used the data from our forum to create the Lab weight chart below. If you want a rough idea of how much your pup should weigh at different stages of their young life, just compare them to this chart and see how they match up. But remember, average Labrador weight is not totally straight forward… Average Labrador Weight Labradors come in a wide variety of sizes. So average Labrador Retriever weight figures can be misleading. As a very rough guide an adult female Labrador might weigh between 55 and 70lbs. An adult male Lab will weigh 65 — 80lbs. Female Lab weight will on average be lower than male Lab weight, but as you can see there is a considerable cross over. But Labradors also come in a couple of different types, and his type will have an impact upon his ideal Labrador weight. English Labs bred from show lines are likely to be at the upper end of the scale. You can expect English Lab weight to be around 60 — 70 lbs for a female and 70 — 80 lbs for a male. Some of our chunkier, show bred Labs can be a good twenty pounds or more heavier than their field bred cousins, without necessarily being overweight. Whereas the American Lab who is field bred is likely to be at the lower end of average. Volume for volume, muscle weighs more. So it is worth bearing in mind, that a very fit dog will have more muscle and may weigh more than an unfit dog of similar dimensions. Black Lab Weight In theory there should be no difference in weight between Labradors of different colors. Black Labrador weight for an English black Lab will probably be at the higher end of the range, for an American black Lab it will likely be lower. Black Labs are frequently found in both these categories, but some Lab colors differ. For example the chocolates. Chocolate Lab Weight Chocolate Labs are more likely to be show bred than field bred. English Labs weigh more than American Labs in general, and may therefore be at the higher end of average when it comes to weight. This is because yellow Labs are commonly found in both categories. White Labs are more likely to be English Labs, and will therefore probably be at the heavier end of the scale. Fox red Labs are normally American Labs, and will often be thinner in build and therefore lighter in weight. The way to effectively judge whether your Lab is at an ideal weight is not through the scales. It is by feel and appearance. You should not be able to see ribs, but if you press firmly along his sides you should just be able to feel your fingers bumping along them. But in most cases it really is not necessary to weigh your puppy every day, or even every week! Any more than you would weigh your three year old child on a daily or even weekly basis. There are however, some exceptions. Very thin puppies Occasionally we have people post up about puppies that are desperately underweight and clearly failing to thrive. Most of these comments come from people that have purchased puppies that are not ready to leave their mothers, and should not have been sold by the breeder. Some of these puppies are as young as three weeks old. If you have inadvertently been sucked into this horrible trade in underage puppies, do contact a vet for help with feeding your puppy, as a matter of urgency. If you are concerned that your puppy might be seriously underweight, again, your vet is the first port of call. As a very rough guide, many Labrador puppies will weigh around a kilo for every week of their lives. So you would expect a ten week puppy to weigh something in the region of ten kilos or around twenty-two pounds. A twenty percent variation around this would be fairly normal. If your puppy falls outside this variation he may still be perfectly healthy, but if you are inexperienced, a check with the vet is a good way to put your mind at rest. Should I Weigh My Dog? You may need to weigh your dog if he needs medical treatment. Determining the appropriate dose of some drugs requires that we know the exact weight of the patient. But in this case your veterinarian will probably do it for you at their check-ups and assessments. The main reasons to weigh a dog are loss or gain. Trying to put weight on a very thin puppy? You may want to check your progress with regular weigh-ins for a while to make sure they are sufficiently gaining weight. Trying to help your adult Labrador weight decrease? Checking their weight each week will help you to know that you are succeeding, along with visual checks. How to weigh a dog If you need to weigh a puppy, and he is small enough to hold in your arms, you can do this at home. Just weigh yourself on the bathroom scales without him, then weigh yourself again whilst holding the dog, and subtract the first weight from the second. This is accurate enough for most purposes. Larger dogs will need to be weighed on purpose built scales. Most vet surgeries have one in the waiting room, and some pet stores have them too. Really tiny dogs can be weighed accurately on a good sized set of kitchen scales. For once, this is a situation where appearances really do count. Try to get into the habit of looking at your dog objectively and of avoiding comparing with other dogs, many of whom will be overweight. You may find that some other dog owners will tell you your nice slim Labrador is actually too thin. This happens a lot, largely because people are simply getting used to so many dogs being overweight, including some of those receiving the highest accolades in our show rings. Again, if you are worried, check with your vet, but the chances are if someone is telling you this that actually your dog is healthy, and it is really their dog who is overweight.
Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We are the proud parents of 2 wonderful daughters as well as our 4 legged family members. We pride ourselves in having scoured high and low to add only the finest quality dogs to our breeding programme and have spared no expense in our endeavours. All of our breeding dogs are first and foremost family pets. Luna was our first Australian Labradoodle, Everest a daughter from her first ever litter. Luna has the most amazing temperament and is fantastic with out 2 young daughters. It has been impossible not to retain a puppy Everest-who has since gone on to have a litter of her own. We own several other dogs who all live here in Dublin with various families who we trust implicitly and consider our extended family. We simply cannot keep all of the dogs we would like here in our family home and thus some go on to specifically selected and vetted families so our dogs can live a normal family life being loved by their forever families as well as ourselves. Any of our dogs living in guardian homes come back to us for every stage of the breeding process from mating to delivery to whelping. Once their litters are entirely whelped they return to their loving families. It Is our way of ensuring we breed from only the best quality and most loved family pets and avoid the use of kennels and outdoor sheds as so many other breeders. Puppies are whelped in our family kitchen and remain there as part of the hustle and bustle of family life until going to their new homes at 8 weeks of age. It has become a family affair and something we are extremely passionate about. The Australian Labradoodle is truly a unique and amazing breed. Please do consider the fact that it is a life long commitment. The Australian Labradoodle Breed is certainly a complex one so please do contact us if you have any questions or queries. We endeavour to respond to all questions, big or small, as quickly as possible. We're a happy, friendly team and would love you to come and visit us at the centre to see our fantastic facilities and all the waggy tails of our doggy guests. We can care for up to 50 dogs at any one time and our facilities include a training barn, wonderful woodland walks and a big field to run around. Our rehoming staff have lots of experience in helping match dogs to their forever families and are always happy to answer any questions you may have about the rehoming process. By public transport: Closest stations are Ballymena or Cullybackey , which are both a minute drive from the centre. It's not recommended to walk from the station and there is no bus link. By road: Via Belfast, M2 motorway then take the A.Parking available on site. Local supporter relations If you are interested in donating In Memory, have questions about our Canine Care Card service, leaving a Legacy or if you would like to book a guest speaker for your Community Group, then please get in touch with your local Supporter Relations Officer Kirsty Mark or call on .Supporting us Donate your pre-loved items. Signage outside will make it clear where you can drop off your donations. We rely on your kind support to continue our vital work, please donate today. How rehoming works. No credit card required! We are a small family breeder here in central TNCheck out our guide to find the best Knoxville moving companies. Barksdale is a small breeder exclusively of multi—generation Australian Labradoodles. Cockatiel birds for sale. However, it did not become popular until when the mix was specifically bred to create hypoallergenic guide dogs. We are proud to be producing Puppies with PurposeTM! We are a very small, in home breeder cultivating the finest Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles, right here in America. Labradoodle Rescue Dogs for Adoption near Knoxville, This sweet sweet boy has a very mild almost meek personality. Labradoodle puppies for sale Near Knoxville, TN The beloved Labradoodle was bred to be helpful, beginning when Labradors and Poodles were mixed to create a loyal service dog. Labradoodles are friendly, devoted, playful and all-around good-natured pets that get along well with both people of all ages and other animals. We are dedicated to producing the finest multi-generational Australian Labradoodles descending from the two original line, Tegan Park and Rutland Manor bloodlines of Australia. World Famous breeders specializing in Bernedoodles and Goldendoodles. Dam has a sweet, laid-back personality. Momma is a mini Labradoodle and daddy is a mini poodle. Will come with CKC papers, a 1 yr health guarantee and up to date on vaccinations and wormings. Welcome to Willow Hill Doodles! Our dogs are genetically tested to. You can also reach our team by email or phone for additional support: help puppyspot. Even our two year old toddler can cuddle him and pick him up and he is calm as can be. Looking for a Mini Labradoodle puppy near Knoxville, Tennessee? We understand what an important addition a puppies can be to your family so. Also, be sure to check the Labradoodle Dog Breeder listings in our Dog Breeder Directory, which feature upcoming dog litter announcements and current puppies for sale for that dog breeder. He had his vet health check and checked out super healthy. Lovely Little Labradoodles starts that process early, introducing our puppies to a variety of people and experiences to assist in providing our fur baby families with well-adjusted puppies. Notice: All parents are genetically health tested according to breed specifications, Mixed breeds can vary, but Labradoodles tend to be low-shed, cuddly, and very trainable. Also in The Netherlands, Poland, and Mexico! Learn what questions to ask and what services you need. She has her vet health check, vaccination records, our one year health guarantee, and a puppy pack with food, toys, and blanket to take along home. We breed and raise Goldendoodles and Bernadoodles! TN and operated by Betty Womack, an experienced dog breeder. A waitlist is available if you would like to secure your spot. Puppies for sale from dog breeders near Knoxville, Tennessee. City of Cookeville Police .They do not shed and make great family pets. Looking to make your move easy? SBRET is a c 3 non-profit organization dedicated to finding forever homes for displaced or abandoned small breed dogs. We are sisters, Jonie and Kristy, and we breed Bernedoodle and Sheepadoodle puppies. This will make him non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Here we specialize in breeding the highest quality. A fully-grown Labradoodle will usually stand between 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Location: Lewisburg, Tennessee. Check out our breed information page! Labradoodles generally live 12 — 14 years. Labradoodle price will vary between breeders based on breeder experience, coat color and type, gender, size, and other factors. Join millions of people using Oodle to find unique used cars for sale, apartments for rent, jobs listings, merchandise, and other classifieds in your neighborhood. We provide a free ad service for dog breeders to advertise their Labradoodle studs in Chattanooga, Clarksville, Knoxville, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Nashville and anywhere else in Tennessee. Putnam County Sheriff .Petland Knoxville has Labradoodle puppies for sale! You find a quality breeder you trust, Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Rescue , Inc Rescue Services Website .This breed is extremely smart and easy to train. These weights range from lbs. Our multigen Labradoodle puppy sizes are typically either a Miniature or Medium. We enjoy breeding Goldendoodles because we love animals and want our children to grow up with them and the responsibility. Find a Labradoodle puppy from reputable breeders near you in Knoxville, TN. We were so lucky to find them! Labradoodles thrive in just about any family, and make the perfect buddy for young kids, other pets, and adults of all ages. Our dogs descend from the original Tegan Park. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help. Occasionally we will have adoptable adults. All our labradoodles are CKC registered. They are extremely intelligent and easy. F2 Aussiedoodles tennessee, hartsville. Will be ready approximately August 20th 1. Click to browse available Labradoodle puppies from 5 Star Breeders. But just like any dog the key is proper. Browse info and details about our beautiful Mini Labradoodles. Sunshine Schnoodles and Labradoodles, Lewisburg, Tennessee. Labradoodles for Sale in Knoxville 1 - 15 knoxville for sale "labradoodle" - craigslist gallery relevant no results Zero local results found. He is a rolls with the punches kinda baby. We have 6 out of the 10 Aussiedoodles left! They will be available for pick up the 1st week of February. But just like any dog the key is proper socialization. The Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle and is known as being an extremely affectionate and social breed. Box ; Knoxville, TN .I'm telling you that I am the perfect pup for you! Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. These fluffy teddy bears have been winning the hearts of dog owners across the nation, and for good reason—Labradoodles are considered by many to be the perfect family dogs. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Search results for: Labradoodle puppies and dogs for sale near Knoxville, Tennessee, Top rated Knoxville, TN funeral homes: See prices at all 24 funeral homes and read 3 reviews. The absolute best of two amazing breeds in one package. Goldendoodles are known for their friendly nature with people, She loves to run, socialize, and play with children. Americanlisted has classifieds in Nashville, Tennessee for dogs and cats. Our mission is to provide our customers with the best possible puppies that are low-shedding, highly social, and wonderful companions. These fluffy teddy bears have been winning the hearts of. Pigeon Forge is overflowing with numerous attractions to wow you. We have dedicated all our efforts to breeding Mini and Toy Goldendoodles. Welcome to Southern Goldendoodles, located on a farm in beautiful Kingston, Tennessee. Dewormed and first round of vaccines are done. We are blessed to breed miniature labradoodle puppies, medium labradoodle puppies, and standard labradoodle puppies on our small family farm in scenic and. Distance 10 miles 25 miles 50 miles 75 miles miles miles Southeast US. Labradoodle Puppy Alumni Finding the perfect Labradoodle puppy has never been easier. He is expected to be about 35 pounds grown and is expec. Sweet standard F1 labradoodle female. Where abouts in Ireland are you? Sorry to read about the loss of your old dog, so heartbreaking when they go I have two kids, aged 4 and 5, and I have asthma and am VERY allergic to cats and rodents. That being said, I had a beautiful black and white hooded rat called Frank a few years ago who sadly died aged 5, and I have had two cats for 16 and 17 years, Honey and Bramley, who sadly both passed away less than a year ago. I had a prescription prepayment card and just took my inhalers and antihistamines regularly and coped with it. I suppose it depends on how severe your wife's asthma is? It could of been different, as Labradoodle's coat vary tremendously, even within the same litter, but I coped for 17 years with itchy eyes, swollen face and wheezing when I forgot to take my meds, so it wouldn't of bothered me if I was allergic to Bruno. As for the kids thing, I wouldn't have a baby or toddler around my mad dog as he's very enthusiastic and high spirited. My kids are just about able to put him in his place if he gets too much I think it's up to you to decide what's best for you and your family, and whether you decide to get a pup or an older dog, I'm sure it will be truely loved, cherished and cared for. Good luck on whatever you decide, you've started in the right place, Doodles are the best dogs ever Claire.
Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Utah? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Utah. Poodles come at different prices. Different things to consider are their height, size and weight, color as well as experience of the professional breeder. You will be able to afford one! Can breeders arrange travel for Utah Poodles out of state? Yes they do! The breeders, companies and businesses in our network know that perfect families do not always live close by, and sometimes far-distance travel arrangements have to be made. You may even be able to pick up your pup from an airplane close by or even around the corner - it all depends! How do you screen miniature Poodle breeders in Utah? We really care about puppies and their well being, so it is of the utmost importance that anyone who wants to be connected to us is screened under strict rules - and then they have to take our Breeder Pledge. The health of your puppy-to-be, its wellbeing, the way it is taken care of, the place it is brought up in - all of this matters to us. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other miniature Poodle breeders Utah? The internet is available to absolutely everybody - and that includes scrupulous breeders who are out there just wanting to cash in by selling puppies. We care deeply for dogs and puppies and we love connecting good and honest breeders with families who just want to open their homes to a new and wonderful puppy. What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle Utah? A puppy mill is an awful place that is unfortunately legal. Dogs are treated terribly and all their owners want from them are their puppies which they make money out of. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies Utah for sale now? We just need to know a little bit about yourself and exactly what you are looking for. Then begin your search and find the Poodle of your dreams. There are breeders, companies and businesses out there that are really excited to place their beautiful puppies in your home. What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies Utah? Poodles are actually part of a group of formal dog breeds. The Poodle is available in Toy size, Miniature size and large, regal, Standard size. They are highly intelligent and their origins belong to both Germany and France. How do I know I can trust you with miniature Poodle puppies in Utah? It is hard to monitor all the puppy scams that happen daily on the internet so we make sure that we have a secure Breeder Pledge and a strict screening process, in order to create the best of relationships between our customers and our breeders, companies and businesses. Our reviews reveal all! Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. Welcome to the Utah state page on TrustedPuppies. Renowned for its stunning national parks, outdoor recreation opportunities, and family-friendly atmosphere, Utah is a fantastic place to find and raise your new Toy Poodle companion. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional Toy Poodle breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the perfect furry friend for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable Utah breeders who specialize in raising amazing healthy puppies. Our UT breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy. Discover the dynamic dog-friendly scene in Utah, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Great Salt Lake Dog Training Club Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of Toy Poodle canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. With an estimated thousand dogs residing in the state, Utah ranks 36th in the nation for dog ownership. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable Toy Poodle breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Utah. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your Toy Poodle puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect Toy Poodle puppy on TrustedPuppies.
buy toy poodle puppy - Just a few months ago, your little ball of fluff was tumbling around, getting into mischief. This article will help you determine when to switch your puppy to adult dog food, how puppy and adult dog foods differ , how to select the best adult dog food, and how to transition foods smoothly to ensure that your pup is set up for a life of good health. According to AAFCO, puppy foods should be higher in protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorous than adult dog foods. These macronutrients and minerals help support lean muscle and bone growth. They also provide enough caloric density to enable the puppy to grow and perform basic bodily functions such as breathing, digestion, and movement. Many puppy food manufacturers also include higher amounts of compounds like omega-3 fatty acids to support proper brain and eye development as your puppy ages. Large-breed puppies need specially formulated puppy foods that contain less fat , calcium, and phosphorous to moderate their rate of growth. This helps prevent skeletal diseases such as elbow and hip dysplasia that can result from growing too quickly. You need to ensure that your puppy has the extra protein, fat, and minerals they need to support their growth and development and prevent various bone, joint, brain, and eye disorders. But aside from breed size, you also need to consider whether they are spayed or neutered or if they are a highly active dog that needs more calories. Breed Size Because of their faster growth rate, smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas , Yorkshire Terriers , and Pugs reach adult size sooner than larger breeds such as Golden Retrievers , German Shepherds, and Dalmatians. The guidelines below will help you to determine when to start feeding adult dog food: Small breeds under 25 pounds when fully grown reach adult size at months of age. These breeds will be ready for adult dog food at months of age. Medium-sized breeds such as English Springer Spaniels , Australian Shepherds , and Border Collies are pounds when fully grown, and they reach adult size at months of age. With growth rates between those of small breeds and large breeds, medium-sized dogs will be ready for adult dog food around months of age. Large breeds are over 50 pounds when fully grown. There are many large breed dogs, from the Boxer to the Great Dane , so the point at which these breeds reach mature size and weight can vary between 15 and 24 months of age. With the wide range of breeds under this category and a generally slower rate of growth, these dogs will need to stay on puppy food until they are months old to ensure they have enough protein and other nutrients during this stage. They also need to get those nutrients in the proper ratio to support the growth and proper development of their larger skeletons. Activity Level Athletic dogs may benefit from staying on puppy formulas longer, as the extra protein supports lean muscle growth and function, and the extra fat and higher caloric density can allow energy for high-intensity activities. Spaying or Neutering Breed size is not the only factor when determining when to transition your puppy to adult dog food. Because puppy foods contain a higher calorie density, feeding the correct amount during the remaining months of puppyhood is very important to prevent obesity as the puppy matures into an adult. Spaying or neutering does not usually slow the growth rate of your puppy, but it may affect the growth plates in the bones of large breed puppies, setting them up for joint problems later in life. In addition, unspayed female dogs who will be bred early in life may need to stay on puppy food longer to support gestation and lactation following whelping. Switching Too Early or Too Late Because the timing of switching your puppy to adult dog food is so important, there can be negative consequences from both switching too late and switching too early. Dogs that are taken off puppy food too late may be more predisposed to obesity and associated health problems later in life, given the fact that puppy formulas have more fat and calories per cup than adult dog formulas. The extra protein and calories in puppy foods can also increase the rate of growth in certain dog breeds if they are not fed a breed-specific puppy food formula. If these breeds are left on puppy formulas too long, they can be more predisposed to developing joint problems in the future. Similarly, if your puppy is taken off a puppy formula too early, they may suffer from nutritional deficiencies and growth abnormalities, failing to reach adult size around the expected time and increasing their risk of future bone, joint, brain, and eye issues. How to Pick the Right Adult Dog Food When it is time for your puppy to transition to adult dog food, how should you go about selecting the best adult formula for them as they become young adults? The young adult stage is typically considered years of age, as middle age starts by year in many dog breeds. While most dogs are generally quite healthy during this stage in their lives, feeding them appropriately during their young adult years can help lower the risk of obesity, arthritis , and dental disease as they age. Choosing a Brand The many adult dog food companies are not all equal in terms of quality. Dry Food vs. Wet Food The next step is to decide whether you would like to feed your dog dry food, wet food, or a mixture of the two. Both types of food have positive and negative aspects, and the choice to use one, the other, or both depends on the specific needs of your dog. For example, wet food: Has a higher moisture content than dry food and may be better for dogs that do not drink much water. Has a lower calorie density per volume than dry dog food, allowing dogs to feel fuller on fewer calories, which helps control their weight throughout their lives. Is often more palatable and appetizing than dry food, so it may be a great option for picky eaters or for stimulating the appetite of dogs that are less interested in food. Can be beneficial for dogs with oral abnormalities or dental disease, as it is easier for them to chew. By contrast, dry food: Can be a more economical option than wet food. Is a great option for easier portion control and for dogs that tend to graze throughout the day rather than consume a full meal in one sitting, as dry food will not spoil as rapidly if left out for long periods of time. Is beneficial for dental health, as the crunchy pieces act as an abrasive against the teeth during chewing and help prevent tartar buildup and thus tooth and gum disease. Can be easily used as a tool in puzzle toys for enrichment and mental stimulation. Is be used in slow feeders for reducing the rate at which dogs are able to consume their meals. When your pup eats more slowly, the risk is lower of them swallowing too much air and developing bloat, a potentially dangerous condition. Nutritional Requirements The final step in selecting the best adult dog food diet is to examine the Guaranteed Analysis panel on the bag or can of food and ensure that the formula meets a few major nutritional requirements. Other formulas have glucosamine for joint health or probiotics for gut health. Some dogs are sensitive to chicken and do better on beef- or salmon-based formulas. If you are unsure of the additional needs for your dog outside of the key ingredients and nutrients listed above, consult with your veterinarian. This will help ensure gut regularity with less physical activity. Remember that dog treats and other sources of calories in the diet need to be included when determining the appropriate amount of food for your young adult dog. How to Switch Your Puppy to Adult Dog Food Once you have selected the best adult dog food for your puppy, you are ready to transition them slowly onto their new diet. Because rapid diet changes can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, such as vomiting and diarrhea , it is recommended to introduce the new food slowly over a period of five days or so. Continue to feed your puppy as many times per day as they are used to throughout this process. If your puppy develops vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite, stop feeding the adult dog food and see your veterinarian. How Often to Feed Your Dog For large-breed puppies, it may be best for them to continue to eat three times per day. For medium-breed puppies, they should continue to be fed twice daily when they have been transitioned to adult dog food. For small-breed puppies, you may consider transitioning them to eating twice daily instead of three times per day after they are fully on adult dog food. This may involve providing more attention and playtime for your dog as they become accustomed to fewer feedings per day. Consider extra walks, extra playtime, or brushing to distract them from feelings of hunger. Some dogs may benefit from high-fiber adult dog food to increase feelings of fullness between meals. Your dog may also enjoy cleaned, raw fruits and vegetables such as sliced carrots, cucumbers, or apples without the core or seeds. If you have any questions about transitioning your puppy to adult dog food, contact your veterinarian. In addition, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist can be a great resource for any issues that come up, and they can help develop the best diet and feeding schedule for your new family member. Featured image: iStock. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? When should I change my German Shepherd puppy to adult food? Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. This is a very controversial topic. I'll bet if you asked 10 dog owners this question you'd get 10 different answers. Growing puppies should only be fed a high quality puppy diet which you need to continue feeding until your dog reaches 80 to 90 percent of his anticipated adult weight. For many German Shepherd puppies, this occurs usually around 8 to 9 months of age. Keep in mind that individual German Shepherd puppies growth rates will vary greatly from dog to dog. If your puppy is growing exceptionally quickly, you might want to ask your vet about switching your GSD puppy to adult food even sooner. And how will you know if your puppy is growing faster than most, you may ask? Well, for one thing I would check with your own GSD breeder. And if you didn't get your German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, for example, if you got your puppy from a rescue organization or from a shelter or maybe some other source I would then suggest speaking with your veterinarian about your pups growth rate and when the change in diet should occur. You may wonder why you don't just start feeding your puppy adult food in just one meal or so. That's just asking for trouble. There's a really good reason for this slow transition from one type of dog food to another - to avoid upsetting your dog's intestinal tract or causing diarrhea. If you were to just drastically switch from one food to another without this transition period you will have runny poops and just overall messy poops and a puppy with an upset stomach. And this can be easily avoided by following the transition as suggested above. And for adult GSD's, I always suggest feeding a good quality dry food only. You don't need to supplement a good quality dry dog food with any type of canned food. A good dry food is an excellent choice for a growing German Shepherd in many respects and it is very beneficial to their teeth as canned foods can cause many problems with tooth decay. What puts man in a higher state of evolution is that he has got his laugh on the right end. According to Total German Shepherd , all feeding changes should be made gradually to ensure the best possible results. The food recommended by the breeder or rescue organization should be used for the first few weeks to avoid digestive disruption, and kibble should be mixed with a little water. Clean water should be available to your puppy all day but taken up at night. Puppies between eight and 12 weeks old do best with being fed three or four times daily. After 12 weeks, feeding your puppy twice a day is fine. Any changes to the amount of food a puppy eats should be done gradually. Puppies will experience their most significant growth rates between three and six months old. In most cases, this will be around a year old, although larger males might take longer to reach this size. The Happy Puppy Site states that a lot of problems German Shepherds can encounter are due to bone growth that occurs too rapidly. These issues include hip dysplasia. Choosing the right food and feeding the right amount both play a leading role in making sure your puppy grows at an acceptable rate. A raw diet might prove beneficial once your dog has reached adult size. One of the possible benefits is reducing the possibility of hip dysplasia. When your puppy has a growth rate that follows a proper pace, the dog will reach the appropriate proportions when they are supposed to. Even though all dogs run the risk of injury, a puppy that grows at the appropriate rate has healthier bones. Puppy food for large breeds with a high protein level is best for German Shepherd puppies. Whenever possible, it is always a good idea to continue the same brand and essential formulation, but to switch to the adult version when appropriate. You will not only avoid any issues with finicky behavior but will also help ensure that your puppy continues to meet its essential nutritional needs. The outcome of taking these steps will be better overall health for your dog. Then, you will replace half the food for two days and three-quarters for two days, ultimately making the switch totally to the new food. This process should take two to four weeks. This video helps put the process of switching your dog over to another food into perspective. This relatively simple step is an essential way of making sure that your dog is nourished. Avoid adding supplements, because they may add too many nutrients that are already present in the food. Eggs, cooked vegetables, or yogurt make suitable additives for better digestion or flavor variety if you want to provide a treat. Amanda J. These guidelines may vary depending on the brand and formulation. Make sure your dog keeps a healthy weight. The spine, ribs, and pelvic bones should be easy to lightly feel. All GSDs should have a visible waistline. If the food your puppy is eating seems to be leaving them unsatisfied or they do not appear to be gaining healthy weight levels, you may need to consider following up with your veterinarian. Medium-length beef marrow bones can be a tasty treat in addition to their food, especially if stuffed with pumpkin without any spices or peanut butter. However, avoid pork or poultry bones, because these can splinter very easily. Gravy should never be given as a treat because of its potential to cause diarrhea. Another concern is that gravy might contain spices possibly toxic to dogs. Avoid feeding table scraps for the same reason. There are concerns about some kibble-based dog foods that owners should be aware of, according to Anna Burke. These foods include grain-free varieties high in potato and legume content like lentils or peas. Such ingredients increase the risk of canine dilated cardiomyopathy. Large dogs like Shepherds may be somewhat more prone to this condition. If you want to consider this diet, wait until your dog has achieved adult size. Avoid homemade diets, as these are mostly deficient in crucial nutrients that growing puppies require. Melissa Smith notes that timing is everything when it comes to switching from puppy to adult food, and your vet will play a leading role. One of the reasons why timing is so important is because the calorie content of puppy food is so high. This can make the young adult dog gain weight too quickly, in the wrong places, particularly the belly area, where fat can be dangerous. A growth spurt after a year is possible in German Shepherds, particularly males, and your vet may have a good idea of when the growth will finish. However, what about Shepherds that are not purebred? This question is very reasonable, as it is a little more difficult to guess when a mixed-breed is done growing. Compare your measurements to popular GSD growth charts for reference. Consider making sure your vet is on-board as you make the transition from puppy food to adult. Your vet will be able to spot any nutritional deficits that require addressing. Another advantage is being able to ensure the dog has proper bone growth. If your German Shepherd has needs that require a special diet, your vet will be able to provide valuable guidance about the appropriate timing. Even though you might find it challenging to think about obesity when your dog is transitioning out of puppyhood, this stage is not too early by any means. Early prevention is key to stopping many conditions besides hip dysplasia. Both obesity and being underweight can come with their share of problems for your growing dog. Obesity, when unchecked, can not only lead to bone and joint issues but can also lead to heart disease and diabetes. If your dog is underweight, Amber King recommends a high-protein diet with a moderate amount of fat. Follow up with your vet to help uncover the cause of the low body weight. Another possible health issue of concern, according to Dr. OCD is a condition that involves abnormal cartilage growth at the end of a joint. Wobbler syndrome is another condition that may have its origins in overly rapid growth. This disorder is a neurological condition that affects the spinal cord in the neck area, often leading to difficulties with walking. When you have a growing German Shepherd, the right nutrition makes all the difference in their growth and development. Even though it may feel as though the amount of information on nutrition is overwhelming, it is essential. Making the right choices early on will mean greater health and happiness for your dog. A dog that grows at a reasonable, healthy rate will do much better in life. Recommended reading:. Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal. When should you transition to adult dog food, and how? Still, there are several variables — for example, whether your pup has developed faster or slower than average, the amount of exercise it gets, and any advice your vet has given you. This article will explore these and other factors that come into play when deciding to start giving your young German Shepherd adult dog food. But on an individual basis, the time of adulthood may be closer to ten months or, on the other side, fourteen. After all, you know your dog best. Protein And Fat Must Be Balanced In Any Diet The main thing to be aware of is that when your dog is a puppy, they need a diet rich in protein to fuel their enthusiastic and curious nature — in other words, how much exercise they prefer to indulge in. A good balance between how much your pup moves and how much they eat is essential. Your German Shepherd puppy also requires a significant amount of fat in their diet at this stage to keep their skin and coat healthy and to add flavor to their food. But be careful — too much fat in the diet can exacerbate congenital disabilities like hip dysplasia, arthritis, and degenerative myelopathy. This practice can lead to obesity, and again, hip joint problems. The opposite, not feeding the dog often enough, can cause a deficiency in vital nutrients and lead to dysfunctional behavior. Always be aware that you should strike a balance between good health and an appropriate appetite. Unfortunately, one of the only things to be done preemptively against hip dysplasia is to make sure you get full disclosure of any issues from the breeder or individual you buy your puppy from, and preferably a check-up with the vet as well. Some German Shepherd parents prefer to give raw foods — in degrees that vary from a raw egg mixed into dry food to a total biologically appropriate raw food BARF diet that includes bones, raw meat, and vegetables. Also, cross-contamination from raw meat on cooking surfaces can make humans sick. And finally, the high cost in time and money it takes to maintain this feeding method can be too much to handle. For example, the Food and Drug Administration allows ingredients in dog food like infected animal products , justifying that the heat involved in the kibble-making process kills microorganisms and other pathogens. Add to this all the dyes and other chemicals added to kibble, and you can understand why some German Shepherd owners go with other kinds of food altogether. Also, take into account that the liquid fat applied to dry food to make it palatable can also go rancid quickly, and you might want to reconsider the whole option of kibble for your German Shepherd. Canned Dog Food Is Only A Partial Answer As Well It may seem tempting to go for the canned food advertised as containing real meat and vegetables and no fillers like excessive grain content. And depending on which exact brand you choose, canned food can seem like a sweet deal if you can afford it. Think of how your mouth feels after eating a chocolate bar — your teeth become coated in sugar. The longer you wait before brushing, the more harm that coating can do to your dental health. Final Thoughts Hopefully this article has provided you an essential guide to transitioning your German Shepherd puppy to adult dog food, with attention paid to all the smaller choices involved in the process and their consequences. Proper nutrition is key to keep your German Shepherd healthy and happy. Your puppy should have access to clean water throughout the day, but it should be taken away at night. Puppies between the ages of eight and twelve weeks benefit from being fed three or four times per day. Any changes in the amount of food a puppy consumes should be implemented gradually. A German shepherd puppy needs a lot of food between 6 and 8 months to grow into an adult. Adult food provides numerous superfluous nutrients that the puppy does not need at that time. Feed him tiny servings of puppy food per day. After a year, you can switch him to adult food. It is recommended to feed your dog as directed by the manufacturer. These instructions may vary by brand and composition. Make sure your dog stays fit. To feel the spine, ribs, and pelvic bones. A noticeable waistline is a must. German Shepherds are capable of consuming a wide variety of human meals, including beef, chicken, pig, turkey, salmon, tuna, and eggs. Fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, berries, carrots , peas, and pumpkins are also permitted. Additionally, you can feed your GSD additional foods such as rice and noodles, yogurt, and cheese. This procedure should take two to four weeks to finish. Supplements should be avoided since they may add too many nutrients to the diet that are already there. If you wish to provide a treat, eggs, cooked vegetables, or yogurt are excellent additives for improved digestion or flavor variation. Although it is natural for young German shepherd pups to be hungry, persistent hunger should be a matter of concern. Worms can make your dog be ever hungry. Carol is a paw parent, and her love for dogs started when she was just 5. She adores her two German Shepherds and a Bengal cat, who she says, "life would be incomplete without" Recent Posts.
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buy toy poodle puppy - It has some of the most reputed pug breeders and organizations that promote the general welfare of pugs. The Mini Mastiff or the Chinese pug is the most popular in the state and some of them are looking for adoptive homes. North Carolina has implemented a strict policy when it comes to pug adoptions. These programs are required by the state to conduct vet checks, home checks, and phone interviews. If you are looking to adopt a pug in this state, you need to be prepared and your documents well-prepared. This is a non-profit organization that is laser-focused on rescuing pugs abandoned by their owners or who were rescued from puppy mills. This non-profit organization operates in several other states as well. It is composed of dedicated volunteers who spend their time rescuing pugs in different situations. Most of the pugs will have health challenges and some can be severe. The organization works to nurse these rescued pug puppies and adult pugs back to their optimal health. PRONC does an outstanding job of making sure the puppies are checked for heartworms and other parasites. If you are serious about adopting a pug or pug puppies, you can begin your application process by visiting their website at www. You can also help by making donations to this charity or if you have the time, be a volunteer. But if you are decided on getting a puppy, you can check out posts about Pugs for Sale NC. They are generally peace-loving, which is admired by many breeders. There are many ways and avenues you can get pug puppies for sale in North Carolina. You can begin your search here with Local Puppy Breeders, Breeder. You can list down the address and the contact information of these shelters and schedule a visit. You can check this list of breeders who consistently post Pugs for Sale in North Carolina postings locally and online. 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Who knows, they might have a healthy pug puppy that is vet checked and raised well. If you get a hold of any of these pug breeders with pug puppies for sale, make sure to always ask for a health guarantee. Crucial Months When it comes to a pug puppy, legit pug breeders know that the first six months are the most crucial months. These are also the months you want them vet-checked. Keep in mind that the windpipes of pug puppies are delicate. It is best to use a harness instead of a collar for their protection. Take your puppy out every 4 hours as part of its potty training. Watch out for the amount of food they are eating. Pugs are susceptible to obesity. They may feel they are already full but they will keep eating if they see food! Take note of the calories in their snacks and make sure they get not more than what they need. Grooming If you are committed to owning a pug, you have to be ready to give them regular grooming. Adult pugs and pug puppies have double coats that will shed all throughout the year. To give this some sort of control, you need to give them a bath at least once a month and make sure to brush their coat at least once a week. You need to make this more frequent if you want more control in their shedding. You also need to pay attention to the folds in and around their black masks. These are the perfect spots for bacteria to hide and cause an infection later. Clean the folds at least once a week. Vet Care Vet Care does not end in giving the puppy its first shots. A responsible pet parent will have the vet check their pug puppies regularly. Even if your purchase comes with a health guarantee, you are still responsible to make sure that the dogs are professionally vet-checked and their health is professionally monitored. Keep their health certificate updated just like any family member. Maintain their puppy shots required each year. 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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.