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Although certain health issues that Bulldogs may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet. Some of the most common health issues faced by Bulldog include the following: Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Bulldogs. This occurs when the immune system of some dogs identifies a specific protein, carbohydrate, or other ingredients in their diet as foreign and reacts to it as if it were a harmful substance. Food allergies in Bulldogs may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. However, intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. We highly recommend conducting an at-home dog food allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BAS. This condition occurs in Bulldogs and other animals with shortened facial features that result in a pushed-in nose. Bulldogs with BAS may experience difficulty breathing, especially during exercise or in hot weather. Hip and elbow dysplasia. Bulldogs are prone to joint conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which can cause discomfort and mobility issues. Skin conditions. Bulldogs are susceptible to several skin conditions due to the folds in their skin that can trap dirt and moisture. Common skin conditions include eczema or atopic dermatitis, skin fold dermatitis, interdigital pyoderma, and chin folliculitis. Bulldogs may also develop demodectic mange, a skin disease caused by mites. Eye conditions. Bulldogs are prone to several eye conditions, including cherry eye, dry eye, corneal ulcers, eyelid and eyelash abnormalities, and persistent pupillary membranes. Bulldogs may also develop cataracts at a young age. This condition occurs when Bulldogs develop excessively thick skin on their legs or nose, which can be uncomfortable and lead to infections. Bulldogs may develop allergies to certain foods, medications, or environmental factors such as pollen or dust mites. Allergies can cause skin irritation, itchiness, and gastrointestinal issues. Heat sensitivity. Bulldogs are prone to heat sensitivity due to their shortened airways and difficulty regulating body temperature. Bulldogs should be kept in a cool, shaded area during hot weather to prevent heat exhaustion. Gastrointestinal issues. Bulldogs may experience gastrointestinal issues such as colitis and chronic diarrhea, which can cause discomfort and dehydration. Bulldogs may develop deafness, which can be caused by genetics or chronic ear infections. Bulldogs require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain energy levels and stay active. Feeding a Bulldog an inadequate or low-quality diet can lead to a lack of energy, sluggishness, and even obesity. Bulldogs that are less active or prone to weight gain may require a lower-calorie diet, while more active Bulldogs may need a higher-calorie diet to fuel their activities. Feeding Bulldogs the right food and portions is essential to maintaining their activity level and overall health. Require a diet that is higher in calories and protein to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for English Bulldog puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial stage. Adult English Bulldogs. Require a diet that is lower in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. Senior English Bulldogs. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. Avoid common allergens. Bulldog often develops food allergies or intolerances, so it may be helpful if your dog food is free from common allergens, such as corn, wheat, chicken, and beef. Bulldogs can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Digestibility: Bulldogs can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs. Joint support ingredients. Since Bulldogs are prone to common conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, look for dog food that contains ingredients that support joint health, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Limited ingredients. Bulldogs with skin allergies or sensitivities may benefit from dog food with limited ingredients, which can help identify potential allergens. Look for dog food that contains a single protein source and a limited number of carbohydrates. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Bulldogs with skin conditions may benefit from dog food that contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help promote healthy skin and coat. Look for dog food that contains fish oil, flaxseed, or other sources of these fatty acids. Easy-to-digest ingredients. Bulldogs with gastrointestinal issues may benefit from dog food that contains easy-to-digest ingredients, such as chicken, rice, or sweet potatoes. Avoid dog food that contains artificial preservatives or fillers, which can be difficult for Bulldogs to digest. Limited sodium content. Chapter 2: The Reviews. Puppies with allergies Physical Traits That Will Impact Your Choice Having a very short muzzle can present some challenges with lifting up and munching on food. English Bulldogs can also struggle sometimes with swallowing their meals, and with taking in sufficient oxygen while they are busy eating. Bulldog puppies often also have teeth that are overly crowded together in their smaller mouths. Rounded, triangular or other unique-shaped kibble are ideal, avoid the traditional large square bits. And if your English Bulldog puppy is still having a tough time with chewing, mix dry kibble with some wet puppy food. Portion sizes Begin by following the amounts listed on the packaging. How often to feed English Bulldog puppies Little and often is always the best approach when feeding a puppy. I start my puppies off with four meals a day, spread evenly over the daylight hours. Best dried food for English Bulldog puppies These three brands make some of the best food for English Bulldog puppies. You will notice each food is enriched with special nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Those that your English Bulldog puppy needs to develop healthily in every way. Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy dry dog food Royal Canin creates tailored recipes for the unique needs of different puppy and dog breeds. This has the same unique S-shaped kibble. Best canned food for English Bulldog puppies The best food for English Bulldog puppy can end up being a combination of dry puppy food mixed with a bit of wet puppy food. It also makes learning how to grab and chew the dry kibble just a bit easier! For both puppies and adult dogs, wet food can be more palatable than dry kibble. It is designed in a complete and balanced nutrition puppy formula. A great choice to mix with the Purina Pro Plan dry kibble, to help your English Bulldog puppy learn how to grasp and chew solid food! There are no artificial ingredients or by-products in this wet food either. Packed with vitamins, lutein, taurine and fish oils, your English Bulldog puppy will have the nutritional support to make the extra work of eating worth it. This is a great choice to mix with Royal Canin Bulldog puppy dry food for a little extra mealtime incentive! Best food for English Bulldog puppies with food allergies Treating food allergies in puppies often requires two phases: allergy testing and a limited ingredient diet. One of the known triggers for food allergies in dogs is grain. So the best puppy food for Bulldogs who have food allergies is often a grain-free diet. Plus DHA and plenty of vitamins and minerals to help with digestive support and immune system health. The kibble is a unique triangle shape which can be easier for your puppy to grab hold of and pick up. Best food for English Bulldog puppies with sensitive stomachs Finding the best dog food for English Bulldog puppies can sometimes be a challenge because of their unique anatomy. This can sometimes lead to digestive disruption. A limited ingredient diet may ease tummy upset, gas, diarrhea and other symptoms of a sensitive stomach. There is very minimal processing and no artificial additives of any kind. The kibble is both round and rectangular, offering a nice mix of shapes to help your English Bulldog puppy grasp it more easily. There is no corn or beef, both of which can be a source of digestive upset in puppies. This limited ingredient puppy food comes in two recipes: chicken and oats or lamb and rice. Both recipes include plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin, calcium and phosphorus. As well as vitamins and minerals to support healthy joints, bones and immune system. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. This food appeals to those who pay attention to where their food comes from. Halo contains fatty acids and antioxidants but no DHA like most puppy foods. This recipe also contains legumes peas , which are ingredients of concern in canine diets, as we mentioned in a previous review. However, as we mentioned earlier, those fancy terms are primarily for advertising, not an actual reflection of the nutritional quality of the food. Also, grain-free diets come with their own cause for concern due to the high legume content. Although pet food makers use various sources for protein, dogs tend not to care whether the meat in their diet is cage-free or what form it comes in whole, meal, or by-product. English Bulldogs are prone to obesity, which is not healthy for any dog but is particularly dangerous for this breed. Flat-faced dogs, including Bulldogs, are prone to breathing issues related to their unusual anatomy. Being overweight makes these problems worse. Most foods come with a suggested feeding guide, but to be safe, ask your vet to help you calculate the ideal daily calorie intake for your bulldog. Your food choice may be somewhat dictated by any emerging medical concerns your pup is experiencing. Allergies, with their accompanying skin and ear problems, are one of the most common issues. We listed several allergy-friendly diets on our list for this reason. Do Your Research Before You Buy A Puppy Yes, you want to feed your English Bulldog puppy a healthy diet, but food can only do so much if your little dog comes with a host of inherited medical conditions. Our best value pick, Purina One , is both cost-effective and convenient. Royal Canin Bulldog features breed-specific nutrition. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains is free of ingredients from China and loaded with nutritious extras perfect for the Bulldog. We hope our reviews of these puppy diets help you navigate the crowded landscape of the pet food industry as you search for the best option for your wrinkly baby dog. She got her first cat at 5 years old and at 14, she started working for her local veterinarian. Elizabeth spent more than 20 years working as a veterinary nurse before stepping away to become a stay-at-home parent to her daughter. Now, she is excited to share her hard-earned knowledge literally--she has scars with our readers. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching all sports but especially soccer, and spending time outdoors with her family.Read more Advertisement. It is very important to keep in mind that English bulldogs are somewhat different to most breeds. And correct feeding technics are of utmost importance during and after their full development. Your English bulldog puppy does not know anything about nutrition. He only knows what tastes good. It is up to you to know what and how to feed your buddy, so he will get everything he needs to stay healthy and happy. Best Diet for English Bulldogs Best Nutrients for English Bulldog Puppies Your English bulldog puppy needs proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals for uptime growth and health Your puppy uses proteins for growth and repair of muscles, bones and other bodily tissues. They are also used for production of antibodies, enzymes and hormones. Vitamins and minerals participate in muscle and nerve function, bone growth, healing, metabolism and fluid balance. English bulldogs also need plenty of fresh, clean water. Adequate water intake also helps prevent formation of urinary stones, which is a potential problem for this breed. Food Brands for English Bulldogs We recommend to new English bulldog families to avoid drastic changes in the food of the puppies. We recommend the puppy keeps using the same food the breeder used before delivery. In our case, we like to use Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy. We have used several other brands over the years. And, so far, Royal Canin has worked great for our puppies and adults. When feeding our English bulldog puppy, we take into consideration several factors. Such as the amount of protein and fat they should receive in the first few weeks of age. There are other brands in the market that may provide the same or similar amount of protein and fat. However, you should consider important things such as ingredients of the food, allergies it might cause. As professional breeders of English bulldogs, we always let our clients know about the food we give to our puppies. In addition to other supplements that we use. That way, the new owners of the English bulldog puppies can continue with the same process. But, we do understand that a lot of times people may decide to go a different route. Both for the type of food and feeding technics. Sometimes, based on what they may consider, it is correct or better for their English bulldogs. Or perhaps after receiving veterinarian advice. Our recommendation is to continue to use the one we use. Feeding Frequency for English bulldogs The number of times you feed an English bulldog puppy is also very important. The younger the puppy is, the more often one has to feed the puppy. For breeders, it is a lot of work due. Mainly due to the fact that we have to care for the puppies since day one. We have to rigorously continue feeding them at least every two 2 hours. Usually, when we release our puppies; they will be at least eight 8 weeks old. And they will be eating solid food. At this stage, it is recommended to feed the puppies three 3 times a day. Once in the morning, afternoon, and early evening. Sometimes due to a matter of schedule or advice from friends, breeders or veterinarians; families will feed the puppy two 2 times a day. This will make things a little easy for the family training the English bulldog. If this is the case, the correct amount of food should be provided to the puppy. Always based on their body weight as well as the age of the puppy. A feeding guide or table should be available to you on the bag of food you use. In most cases it is recommended for an English bulldog to be on the puppy formula for the first year of life and then a gradual change to an adult formula containing the same nutrients should be given. It is important to keep in mind that if you as an English bulldog puppy owner encounter any issues with your dog such as allergies or other common illnesses among bulldogs, then veterinarian advice should be taken. Should I give supplements to English Bulldog Puppies? This food will provide the puppy with the nutrients needed to have a long, healthy life. But as breeders, we use other things to supplement the diet of our English bulldogs so that we can keep them away as much as possible from common illnesses among them. The use of the right type of supplements from an early stage in the development of the dog is key when raising English bulldogs than with a lot of other breeds. This is due to the fact that English bulldogs have a weaker skeletal system and a lower immune system than other breeds. Having the presence of supplements will help the puppy to develop into a healthier adult. Eggs, cod liver oil, chicken breast, some vegetables are also great for them. Along with the food we use, we also recommend the multi vitamin NuVet. It helps with a lot of the common issues the English bulldog breed encounters during their life. For detail information on NuVet and how to order instructions, please visit our website and click on the link on top that says NuVet. If you think you still have questions about the right food to feed your English bulldog puppy or the correct supplement or multi vitamins you can use; please feel free to contact us. Remember that English bulldogs are the best breed in the world; therefor quality food, treats and supplements are ideal when having them as pets. Share this post.

This breeder specializes in miniature Bernedoodles. In fact, they were pioneers in the introduction of Doodle hybrids to the USA. They do not assure that their pets are completely hypoallergenic, but you can be sure that if you deal with mild or moderate pet allergies, these Bernedoodles will be perfect for you. These puppies are low shedding as well. Your puppy will come with everything you typically get from breeders, including its first vet records, vaccinations, and microchip. Criss Cross My Doodle also offers a 2-year health warranty, as well as discounts for training programs and PetSmart coupons. Contact information: Phone number: Not specified. Email: Not available either. They specialize in F1 and F1B Bernedoodles. The latter option is more appropriate for people with mild pet allergies. However, you can be sure that they will be friendly and gentle with kids and tranquil around adults. This Bernedoodle breeder in Arkansas offers a two-year health guarantee. They will offer support to you as long as your pet is alive. All puppies are raised in their family home and socialize with different animals and humans. Arkansas Big Hearts has puppies available at the moment. Thus, it is the perfect time to get in touch with them and reserve your puppy. Furthermore, they announce when a certain pup is available on their Instagram page. This breeding program is in charge of Stuart and Cindy Glover. This Bernedoodle breeder in Arkansas specializes in standard and Mini-Bernedoodles. You should also know that this breeder offers F1 Bernedoodles. Each puppy comes with their first ve records, vaccinations and dewclaws removed. After 8 weeks, you will be able to take your pup home. You will also get a toy, a starter food bag, and a health certificate from a certified veterinarian. The puppies here are sold pretty fast! Contact Information:. View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Fayetteville Arkansas and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!

German shepherd dogs are very loyal and highly intelligent dogs. Most of the people who loves dog always have German Shepherd dog in his choice list. So, If you are looking to adopt German shepherd puppy in Hyderabad and you are willing to know about the German shepherd puppy price in Hyderabad or German shepherd baby price in Hyderabad then you are landed in the right place. German Shepherd Puppy Price in Hyderabad: Please note that German Shepherd baby price or german shepherd puppy price may differ, as it totally depends on german shepherd baby or Dog age, vaccinations, health condition, male or female, location and delivery charges based on locations. Double Coat: Rs - Rs Long Coat: Rs - Rs Free Adoption: Some times there is an availability, there are several cases when any dog parent family wants to give their pet to someone due to several reasons. We help them to get new loving and caring new pet parents. Please do mention in the comment if you are looking for free adoption. We only deal with original and genuine German shepherd puppies. If you are interested and want to adopts a dog, then you can directly contact us by clicking below button. Please beware of fake breeders and dog sellers. Only go for original german shepherd breed. Below are the important information which we will be providing here which helps you to adopt good, healthy and genuine german shepherd dog breed in Hyderabad : 1. Information of German Shepherd dog in Hindi such as height, weight, age etc. Name of some Pet shops in Hyderabad along with their addresses. For Original German Shepherd breed in short, double and long coat you can directly contact us. We ensure you and will make sure that will not disappointed and you will get the dog which you want. No one can compete us with the given german shepherd puppy price in Hyderabad or German Shepherd Dog Price in Hyderabad and the services provided by us. We only deal with best, original and genuine breed. Please make sure while adopting a German Shepherd dog in Hyderabad or any other pet animal either from us or from any other pet shop in Hyderabad that the government guidelines should be followed and well documented. Because buying a documented pet animal following government guideline ensures that you will receive the original breed, healthy breed and whatever age of the pet animal was told by the seller would be correct. If you are looking to adopt the german shepherd puppy in Hyderabad from the pet shop. There are lots of pet shops in Hyderabad. G4, H. German Shepherd dog should be of Original Breed. Dog should be vaccinated with required vaccination. Vaccination card should be given by the seller. German Shepherd puppy or Dog health should be good and he should not be aggressive. Government guidelines has to be following while purchasing and doing sale of german shepherd baby in Hyderabad with proper documentation. .After all the adopted dog is the one who make our family smile especially our Kids and believe us when you return from your work your dog will do all the thing which makes you happy and to remove all your tensions. Feel free to contact us for any information required on pet animals. Be Happy with Your Pet and give them lots of love. Intelligent, Amiable, moderately active, Determined, Excitable Apartment Friendly Price 20, — 1,00, Looking for German Shepherd puppies for sale and want to know more about our German Shepherd puppies price in India? They are among the ten most popular dog breeds in the US, making them appear in pop culture over several years. Apart from being wonderful pets, German Shepherds are commonly used as police dogs to chase criminals, lead the blind, sniff out drugs and other illegal substances, serve in the military, visit the sick, and for a range of different purposes. They are some of the most versatile dog breeds to have ever existed. If you are planning to get yourself a German Shepherd in India, you can rest assured that your family will always be safe! As the breed was originally used to herd cattle in harsh climates, German Shepherds have a medium-length double coat that helps them go through extreme weather conditions. It comes in a variety of different colors, including black, sable, black and cream, black and cream, black and sable, black and gray, liver, and more. German Shepherds have a dense outer coat with straight hair lying close to their bodies. The breed sheds a lot and owners should be aware of the same before bringing a German Shepherd puppy home. As we breed and sell German Shepherd puppies, we ensure that the prices of all our puppies are as low as possible. Irrespective of where you live, you always stand a chance to bring a healthy and adorable German Shepherd home at the most affordable price. It is extremely important to give your pet extensive obedience and socialization training from a young age to help it grow into a well-mannered German Shepherd. It is advisable to provide at least basic obedience training to your German Shepherd to keep erratic behavior at bay. If you want to help your pet grow into a healthy adult and give it a long and happy life, make sure you feed it high-quality kibble. If you bring a German Shepherd home in India, make sure you pay good attention to its grooming needs. While you can groom your pet at home, it is advisable to visit a professional groomer once every few weeks. These visits can be regarding vaccinations, health check-ups, or diagnoses of health complications. If you are looking for a German Shepherd in India, there are two major ways to bring the puppy home. You can either visit a pet shop in your city or reach out to a dog breeder. As compared to purchasing a puppy from a pet shop, approaching a dog breeder is bound to make your journey of becoming a German Shepherd parent easier and better. Here are a few reasons why you should purchase a German Shepherd in India from dog breeders: Buying A Healthy Puppy Unlike most pet shop owners, responsible dog breeders in India focus on the well-being of the dogs at their farms. This lets you purchase a German Shepherd puppy that is fit and fine. Breeders will resolve all your queries about all health complications pertaining to German Shepherds. They will close a deal only when you are completely satisfied with the health of the concerned puppy. Many dog breeders make their clients meet the parents of puppies before they are bought. Complete Knowledge Of German Shepherds The biggest benefit of getting a German Shepherd from a dog breeder is that they will have complete knowledge about the breed. Breeders have no other option but to know the dogs they breed really well to keep them safe and healthy. Any responsible dog breeder in India will provide you with all relevant information about the breed and resolve all your queries. Like all breeds, they have gone through a transition over time. Naturally, what is applicable to the entire breed will also be applicable to your German Shepherd puppy! Choosing The Right Puppy Trusted dog breeders in India help you choose the right German Shepherd puppy according to your needs and preferences. While most breeders will have a variety of different puppies at their farms, they will give you the puppy that best suits your requirements. Seeking Expert Advice Dealing with responsible dog breeders in India gives you access to expert advice from professionals who are aware of the nitty-gritty details about German Shepherds. Whether you have any queries regarding vaccinating the puppy or are clueless about what you should do when it refuses to eat, you can always rely on the advice a breeder has for you. Personalized Support Premium Pet House provides all its clients with end-to-end support tailored to their needs. If you are on the lookout for the best German Shepherd in India, we will guide you at every stage, from the moment you reach out to us until you bring a beloved puppy home. We also provide you with personalized support after you successfully become a German Shepherd parent. We understand the costs associated with becoming a pet parent and do our best to make your purchase as cost-effective as possible. Our team of dog breeders never lets the price be the only deciding factor as you approach us for a German Shepherd puppy. Ethical Breeding Practices Owing to the unconditional love we have for puppies, we cannot even think of harming our furry friends while breeding them! All our puppies are kept in secure and comfortable shelters where they are taken care of by breeding professionals. We make sure you have enough options to choose from. Depending on your requirements, we help you choose from a range of different breed types and color combinations, irrespective of where you are located. They are extremely alert and sharp to notice the presence of an uninvited stranger. Once alert, your German Shepherd will immediately notify you and try dealing with the intruder itself, too. Their muscular build and intimidating barks can scare off potential trespassers, keeping you and your loved ones safe. They Are Athletic And Good-looking German Shepherds are not the kind of dogs who love laying around idle in your house. They are highly athletic and physically active. Their athletic build adds to their looks, giving them a bold and robust demeanor. The look of a fully-grown German Shepherd is comparable to a well-built soldier! This adds to their utility as police dogs and makes them excellent guard dogs. With a German Shepherd at home, you are bound to attract attention whenever you take your pet out for a walk. German Shepherds rank high on all these intelligence types. Their instinctive intelligence allows German Shepherds to perform activities they were bred for herding, chasing away smaller animals, etc. Their working and obedience intelligence make them easy to train by their human parents and guardians. Whether you are planning to take your pet on holiday or shift to a new house, you can expect your German Shepherd to be fully cooperative. This makes it easy for any pet owner to live with a German Shepherd, especially if it is their first pet. The breed carries a no-nonsense personality that is not too demanding and can adjust almost anywhere. They Are Gret With Kids And Families If their muscular build and intimidating looks make you feel as if they do not make German Shepherds good family dogs, you might want to think again! Bringing a German Shepherd home can be the best gift you can give your family! The breed is a great playmate for children and gels well with the elderly members of your family as well. While being monitored, you can leave your puppy with your children for hours and see both parties having the time of their lives! German Shepherds are also extremely affectionate and develop unconditional love and loyalty for every member of your family. They get their loyalty due to their history of being pack dogs. German Shepherds shower their owners with all the love they have once they start getting along with them. The breed is known to develop strong bonds with their owners and their family members, sticking around through thick and thin. Moreover, their high intelligence makes them reciprocate all the love, care, and affection they receive from you. Before reaching out to a dog breeder and making up your mind to parent a German Shepherd, make sure your budget allows you to purchase and maintain the dog for several years. German Shepherds are high-energy dogs who need a lot of exercise every day to burn their calories and stay fit. Ignoring their daily exercising needs can lead to unnecessary accumulation of unused energy, making them irritable and destructive. Moreover, the heavy diet of German Shepherds can make them obese in no time if you do not take them for regular walks. Apart from at least two minute walks every day, it is advisable to indulge your German Shepherd in physical activities all day long. If you already have a pet at home especially one that is smaller than a German Shepherd , you might want to think twice before bringing a German Shepherd puppy home. Its instinct might kick in at any time and the other pet may end up becoming the victim of the same if your pet is not on a leash. Moreover, make sure you keep your German Shepherd away from animals like cats, rabbits, hares, birds, etc. If you are allergic to dog hair, German Shepherd is definitely not the right pet option for you. Twice a year, you can expect your pet to blow its coat, filling your entire home with dog hair. The best way to control the hair in your house is to groom your German Shepherd regularly. They carry their natural instinct of darting toward and capturing prey if they see one. If not controlled, smaller animals around them will not be safe all the time. This prey drive can be controlled by training your German Shepherd from a young age. Make sure your pet gets extensive socialization and obedience training to curb its dangerous instinct and make it behave well when they see potential prey. Still, it is always advisable to keep your German Shepherd on a leash whenever you take it out for a walk. Being high-energy dogs, they require more food than most breeds. Before you bring a German Shepherd home, make sure you consult the breeder about the nutritional requirements and dietary needs of your new companion. Whether you feed your pet dry kibble or homemade food, it should contain the right amounts of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and water. When it comes to feeding your German Shepherd, frequency also plays a major role. The number of meals you feed your pet varies according to its age. Here is the dietary routine you should follow while feeding your German Shepherd at different stages of its life: Below 2 Months While your German Shepherd puppy is younger than two months, you can free-feed it. At this age, you need not worry about the puppy getting obese by eating a lot of food. You can leave the food open for your puppy and have it eat at its convenience. Between 2 And 4 Months As your German Shepherd gets older, you can start feeding it more dry kibble and structure its diet. At this stage of its life, you can feed your pet around four to five meals every day. Between 4 And 6 Months As your puppy gets older, you can further reduce its diet to three meals per day. This is when you should start being mindful of the amount of food it consumes. Overeating at this age can lead to your German Shepherd getting overweight in no time. Over 6 Months Once your German Shepherd gets older than six months, you can start feeding it not more than two meals a day. You can always give it its favorite treats and snacks in between. Keep track of the amount of food your pet eats on a meal-to-meal basis to prevent obesity and other health complications. Major Health Problems For German Shepherds If you are looking for a German Shepherd in India, it is important to be aware of the health complications it can encounter in its lifespan. Get all details regarding potential allergies and health issues from the breeder before bringing your furry friend home. Here are some of the most common health problems encountered by German Shepherds: Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is one of the most common heritable health issues faced by most dogs, including German Shepherds. Hip dysplasia leads to pain and lameness in your pet. Your German Shepherd may or may not exhibit clinical signs of the issue and can live a healthy life despite the complications. However, hip dysplasia increases the risk of arthritis in your pet as it gets older. Moreover, it is not advisable to breed German Shepherds with hip dysplasia further. This is one of the common problems that can be addressed in German Shepherd breeds, especially for larger dogs. The dogs start suffering from the malformation in the joint provided in the Hip region. It is a painful condition for them and it's quite difficult to get rid of. Elbow Dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is another heritable condition common in medium-to-large size dogs. Elbow dysplasia can be treated with surgery or medication. The progressive disease can make your German Shepherd forget where its hind legs are, making it difficult to walk. Gastric Dilation-volvulus This is a health complication wherein your German Shepherd suffers from a bloating condition. It is a life-threatening condition that is common in large and deep-chested breeds like German Shepherds. Gastric dilation-volvulus can occur when your pet eats a large meal, eats rapidly, drinks a lot of water, or starts exercising vigorously right after finishing its meal. The condition prevents your pet from getting rid of this air from its stomach by vomiting or belching, ultimately hampering the blood reaching its heart. In severe cases, its blood pressure drops and it goes into a shock. Common ways of identifying bloat are checking if your pet has a distended abdomen or if it starts retching and salivating excessively without vomiting. Under such circumstances, take it to a vet without any delay. Interesting Facts About German Shepherds Before bringing a German Shepherd puppy home, it is always fun to know interesting facts about the breed to enhance your experience of becoming a pet parent. They were used by the allies for a variety of different tasks, thanks to their intelligence, agility, and loyalty. Staying true to their name, German Shepherds were also used by the German army as capable military dogs. This is one of the reasons why dog lovers hesitate before bringing the breed home or even going near a German Shepherd when they meet it on the road! Despite this reputation, it is important to know that German Shepherds are not dangerous at all. While they are used by the police and military, socialized German Shepherds are extremely affectionate, playful, and loving. Two popular German Shepherds have been featured on this landmark so far. The older furry friend named Strongheart was one of the earliest German Shepherds ever featured on screen. Ace was a popular comic book character who was featured a lot between and .Certain More Interesting facts about German Shepherd puppies are as follows. German Shepherd puppies are an intelligent breed that has a sharp sense of smell. They are highly courageous while protecting the people including the family members and are commonly helping the police Department. The German Shepherd dogs and their ability for detection of the criminals and the weapons. It helps in saving a lot of life and they are trained so. The police department is highly taking the advantage of these German Shepherd puppies for removing crime and utilizing their intelligence for Noble causes. The German Shepherd puppies are protective and loyal at the same time because they are always prepared for safeguarding the family members including the owners without any prior thought. They always have the potential to identify the danger before it can cause serious damage or accidents. These dogs are highly socialized and are often regarded as a loyal companion. They can easily build healthy relationships with friends and dog owners. Most importantly if we would strive hard to deliver property winnings to them, they become more socialized unexceptionally loyal. German Shepherd dogs possess a big personality and they are exit aggressive at the same time when they sense any type of abnormal activities. Although sometimes become dangerous and aggressive they are extremely loyal and friendly when they present at the home. The obedient and heroic personality is responsible for keeping these dogs as the real friends on behalf of the police department and the common public. The German Shepherd dogs also possess admirable characteristics which are highly responsible for considering there in the elegant animals. These dogs also possess lush coats and long hair. They are always filled with great energy and a ready for doing exercises three or four times a day as a part of their address training. There is another interesting fact associated with the German puppies that illustrate that they require less bathing and they can control the infection such as from pests. In case you feel any queries concerning the price of German Shepherd puppies in India,you may feel free to contact us.

There are so many breeds to choose from; how do you know which one is right for you and your family? Boxers are a medium-sized dog that were originally bred to be guard dogs. Nowadays though, they make ideal family pets as long as you can keep up with all that energy! Generally, boxers have three main colors; white, fawn or brindle. Brindle coloring is a combination of two colors that express themselves as a pattern in the fur. Usually one of the colors is beige or brown and the pattern can be long stripes along the back or shorter, more disturbed stripes. Brindle Boxers are one of the most popular coloring there are, however, the colors and patterns of brindle Boxers can vary dramatically. There is, however, a rarer reverse brindle coloring with a dark background and lighter markings. It is sometimes referred to as an inverted brindle boxer. Sealed Brindle Boxer Now this is the rarest coloring for a Boxer out of them all. They appear black because their black stripes are sealed shut so you can see hardly any fawn at all. Some people try to sell these Boxers as having a black coat but that is not true. It is impossible for Boxers to have a true black coat; those that appear black are actually brindle with very thick, close set black stripes. Flashy Brindle Boxer Boxers often have a white underbelly and white feet. Sometimes the markings go up the neck and onto the face too. This is known as flash. However, white Boxers are not. Brindle Boxers are not rare, they are one of the three standard coloring for the Boxer breed. Certain types of markings and coloring are more rare than others though, like the sealed brindle. Brindle Boxers are prone to certain health problems Like all purebred dogs, there are some health conditions that Boxers are more prone to. To help reduce the risk of your puppy developing these conditions you should always buy from an AKC compliant breeder. They have to adhere to much higher standards than most and will undergo the necessary tests of the parent dogs to help reduce the chances of medical issues in the future. AKC registered breeders will usually cost more than private breeders but they come with more peace of mind about the genetics and the treatment of the parent dogs. Also, there are some pet insurance companies that focus on providing the best insurance for a specific breed, meaning they can cater to the likely health problems of that breed of dog. Alternatively, you could look at the American Boxer Club website. They have a specific page all about breeder referrals. There are even some organizations that specifically re-home Boxers! Wherever you go looking, make sure you have a list of questions you want to ask the breeder about how the dogs have been cared for, tests they may have had etc. If you need a hand coming up with all the appropriate questions you should check out this resource. How do you know if a Boxer is the right dog breed for your lifestyle and situation? Well, there are some common characteristics that most Boxers share which can help you get an idea of what they might be like. This is largely due to the fact that for many years, a white coat was a death sentence for a boxer puppy, and breeders routinely killed their white puppies. However, white boxers are wonderful dogs, as beautiful and fun as their fawn and brindle counterparts! The vast majority of them suffer no disability as a result of their coloration, and those that do can still enjoy a long and happy life with just a little accommodation. Below you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about white and deaf boxers. White Boxers Q: Are white boxers rare? A: White boxers are not rare. Q: Are white boxers a recent development in the breed? A: White boxers have been around as long as boxers have, and though it is not considered appropriate to breed them today, they were even included in early German boxer breeding programs. A: No. Albinos completely lack pigment in their skin, hair, or eyes. White boxers have mostly unpigmented fur, but they typically have dark noses, dark eyes, and patches of pigmented skin under their fur. White boxers are not the result of any genetic birth defect; they are genetically normal dogs who have white fur. Q: Are white boxers deaf? A: White boxers are more likely to be born deaf than are fawn or brindle boxers, but even still, the majority of white boxers can hear. There are no definitive figures regarding the incidence of deafness in white boxers. Q: Do white boxers have special health considerations? A: Some people claim that white boxers have a higher risk of developing cancer than do fawn or brindle boxers, but this has never been proven to be true. White boxers, do, however, sunburn more easily, and sun exposure can contribute to skin cancer. Using doggie sunscreen, putting a t-shirt on your white boxer, and, of course, limiting sun exposure during the midday can help reduce their risk of sunburn. Q: Do white boxers behave differently than colored boxers? A: White boxers are exactly the same in temperament as their fawn and brindle siblings. Q: Can white boxers be registered with the AKC? A: While the AKC does not recognize the use of white boxers for breeding, they do offer an American Kennel Club Limited Registration and will assign the dog an AKC number for use in performance events, such as obedience and agility. Any puppies produced by a dog with a limited registration will be denied registration by the AKC. Deafness in Boxers Q: What causes deafness in boxers? A: While many dogs acquire some degree of hearing loss with age, congenital deafness in boxers is usually caused by the lack of pigmented skin in the inner ear, resulting in the atrophy of nerve endings within a few weeks of birth. Congenital deafness in white boxers is not associated with any other health issues. Q: Are deaf boxers trainable? A: Yes, deaf boxers are trainable. Dogs born deaf also are very attuned to other stimuli around them, like vibrations in the floor and changes of light, and you can take advantage of these stimuli for training purposes. Deaf dogs are as trainable as any other, but they may require that you learn new techniques and skills. Q: Can I take my deaf dog on off-leash walks? A: As a general rule, deaf boxers should never be allowed off-leash in unenclosed areas. Since they will not hear you if you call them, you must remain in physical control of your deaf dog anytime there is a danger of him running off or getting into trouble. Q: Are deaf boxers aggressive? A: Deaf boxers, like hearing boxers, have individual personalities, and they are not more likely to be aggressive than any other dog. Some people worry that deaf boxers will react aggressively if they are startled by touch. However, deaf dogs are accustomed to their disability, and just because it is easier to surprise a deaf dog does not mean the dog will respond inappropriately when startled. Additionally, deaf dogs can and should be desensitized to touch using positive reinforcement. Deaf dogs adapt well to their disability and do not necessarily require another dog whose lead they can follow. Oftentimes, any new dog hearing or deaf will follow the lead of a pre-existing dog hearing or deaf in a household.

Our Mission To rescue and re-home Retrievers and find new, loving homes for them. We have positioned Fetchin' Retrievers Rescue to partner with veterinarians, dog trainers, groomers, and other rescue groups as a resource for these professionals and organizations if they encounter dogs in need. Your contribution will help us whether you foster, adopt, donate, or volunteer! Fetchin' Retrievers Rescue will take the very young to the very old, the very sick to the unwanted. Every dog is an individual and will be placed in a home that meets their needs and where their individuality can thrive. Andy's foster - to - adopt success story written by his forever family: "Early in , we started the process to find our Golden Retriever girl a companion and adopt a rescue dog in need of a good home. We submitted an application to FRR and subsequently had a virtual home visit. We were impressed by the thoroughness of both, as it gave us confidence that FFR clearly had the best interest of their animals in mind. While the timing was less than ideal due to some upcoming summer plans, we agreed to foster one of the pups for as long as three weeks. Two days later, a tiny black male pup with a spotted white chest was delivered to our home. He looked like he is wearing a tuxedo. He came with the name, Andy. He was a world-class cuddler who immediately began to work his way into our hearts. Our golden retriever soon welcomed him into our home as well. Within a couple of weeks, it became apparent that this foster puppy was going to be adopted as a member of our family. It also became apparent that Andy was the perfect name for him. It just fit, not only in his cute appearance but also in his behavior and antics. Andy was one of a number of puppies that we have brought into our home over the years, and we have always been sticklers about health, wellness and neutering. So, it was great to see that FFR also insisted on this same level of care and attention. Andy is now 6 months old. He has adapted well to our home and lifestyle. He has even traveled with us to our Idaho home for three months. He is still all puppy: filled with the energy, entertaining antics, and occasional mischief that make puppies fun. He and our golden retriever are now fast friends, so our efforts to find her a companion have been richly rewarded. He has a desire to please, and he has learned basic commands and to walk well on leash and to heel faster than any dog we have had. Foster-to-adopt worked really well for our family. Thanks to FFR and all their dedicated staff for helping us bring Andy into our home. Click here for more information. Walk for the Dogs with ResQWalk! Whether you walk, run, or have another activity you enjoy that is less than 14 miles per hour, you can participate. To start, download the ResQwalk app on your mobile device, sign up, and then select Fetchin' Retrievers Rescue as your rescue of choice. Then start the app at the beginning of your walk, run, or activity. Throughout the year, we will receive donations based on participation levels. Can you provide a foster home or forever home to a pet in need? Heed the call to make a difference by opening your heart and your home, today! Please register or re-register now. If you have already registered your Ralphs' card, please note that our organization number has changed. Our new organization number is RV.Click here to register your Ralph's Rewards card. If you are making a donation to RFSC, please check to see if your employer might match it. If your company matches donations, please let us know and we will include their name here. She takes special orders and can include the customers own personal treasures on the birdhouses. We are a full-service rescue, with dogs coming to us from all over the Southern California area for foster care services. RFSC not only provides care for dogs while they are waiting for adoption, but we provide follow-up assistance for the life of the dog. If for any reason a family can not keep a dog, the dog is brought back to the organization for placement. We have volunteers that perform home visits before each adoption. We accept Goldens and Labs of all ages, including seniors and those with special needs. All dogs are spayed and neutered and updated on vaccinations if not already done by the owner. Dogs with special medical needs are further evaluated by our veterinarian for treatment. Your donations are always appreciated and help us to continue to care for these special dogs. Your tax-deductible donations are appreciated! Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for El Paso 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 San Diego? 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 San Diego? 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.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. This is especially true with dogs like German Shepherds because they have a strong prey drive, but this nipping and biting can also quickly get out of hand. This often comes out as biting and nipping, but puppies will also bite when they are teething and to taste the world around them. This can, of course, quickly get out of hand if not taken care of swiftly. In this article, we look at the reasons behind German Shepherd puppies biting and seven steps to help stop the behavior. Training The first and most important step in stopping your puppy from biting is early and focused training. Beginning training at an early age is vital for powerful dogs like GSDs, as without it, they can easily develop problematic behaviors and even become aggressive. An important part of training is socialization, and getting your GSD to interact with other dogs will help teach them boundaries, as any biting too hard will have instant consequences for them. Image Credit: AnjaGh, Pixabay 2. Toys Toys are ideal for your GSD puppy to exercise their teething. There is a massive variety of suitable chew toys available, and whenever you notice your pooch getting the urge to chew, you can gently offer them a chew toy instead. Commands Basic and simple commands should be taught to your GSD from a young age. Whenever they get overexcited and bite down too hard, you can then simply issue a verbal command that catches their attention. After you issue the commands, leave your puppy alone for a few minutes so they learn that this behavior is unacceptable. Image Credit: Jim Sluder, Pixabay 4. Redirection Redirection is a useful tool in training and can work well with biting too. This method is simple and works by keeping your pup from unwanted behavior and offering them appropriate behavior instead. Whenever your pooch bites or nips, try to offer them a chew toy of some kind instead, and this will gradually lead them to chew toys as opposed to your hands. Squeak toys are great for this type of redirection, as the noise is enticing to most puppies and dogs. Reward good behavior Positive reinforcement training methods are best for leading your puppy toward desired behaviors and away from unwanted ones. These methods involve no scolding or harsh treatment, so they are ideal for cementing the bond between you and your pup. When you offer your dog a chew toy instead of biting and they take it or you issue a command that they instantly follow, you simply reward that behavior with either a treat or praise. You ignore any bad behavior. They will swiftly associate treats with good behavior and stop the bad behavior that gets them no attention. Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock 6. Games Since GSDs are such powerful and athletic animals, they need to be mentally and physically stimulated through games and interactive play. Games are also the best time to engage and enforce training techniques and get your GSD accustomed to them before biting gets out of hand. Stick to simple games like fetch or frisbee, where you can train your pooch to give the ball back when you tell them to. Harsh treatments like hitting or shouting are highly unlikely to solve the problem and will probably just make it worse, as your dog will simply become nervous and wary of you. With a powerful dog like German Shepherds, trust is vital. They are highly intelligent and aware animals, and the smallest of sounds or movements are enough to set them off. There are several reasons for this, including: GSD puppies will begin teething as early as 2 weeks old, and this can be uncomfortable and even painful for them. This behavior can go on until your puppy is 6 months old, and they will chew on almost anything that they can find — including your hand — in an attempt to try and soothe their discomfort. Separated too young. The first 2 months of your GSDs life is vital to their socialization and learning, and if they are taken away from their mother and litter too young, this may cause a lack of understanding of boundaries. Puppies will play and learn with the rest of their littermates, where they learn to control the force of their bite. GSDs should be at least 8 weeks old before they are re-homed. Fear or overstimulation. Fear, anxiety, and overstimulation are common reasons for puppies to lose control of their bite because this can cause them to become irritable or defensive and lead them into the habit of biting. Conclusion Since German Shepherds are such powerful dogs, proper training is vital, and bite inhibition is an essential part of that training. Proper training is the vital first step and will set the tone for all other methods. With time, consistency, patience, and gentle leadership, your German Shepherd puppy should kick the biting habit in no time. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! An aggressive pound dog pouncing on you can get quite ugly fast. Think broken bones, damaged muscles, deep lacerations, bruises, scars, and expensive medical bills. German Shepherds have a bite force of PSI pound-force per square inch, or the measure of strength that a bite inflicts on the victim , compared to humans with a bite force of PSI. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association lists the German Shepherd as one of the six breeds with the most dangerous bites, based on a US study. Therefore, training your GSD to inhibit her bite is mandatory as it not only rewards you with a well-behaved dog, but also ensures your safety as well as the safety of the people around you. A crucial step towards correcting this nasty behavior is to first understand why German Shepherd puppies bite. Nipping or biting stems from various reasons. Understanding the root of the behavior will equip you with the proper corresponding countermeasures to correct it. German Shepherds Have a High Prey Drive One of the primary and distinct characteristics thatmake a German Shepherd a popular choice for police and military work is their high prey drive, coupled with their intelligence and high trainability. Take a look at the video below showing what GSDs were originally bred for. GSDs also have a natural inclination to chase almost everything that moves in their surroundings. They Are Teething As early as two weeks old, the baby teeth of pups start to come out. Puppies use their mouth to explore their environment, so nipping is to be expected. This behavior, called teething, can last until the puppy is six months old when all her adult teeth have started showing. Teething is very uncomfortable for puppies and can lead to sore gums, so puppies turn to anything to chew to soothe the discomfort. Unfortunately, this can include biting you! They May Be Taken From the Litter Too Early Young puppies learn to naturally inhibit their biting through socialization with their mother and their siblings. A puppy does not quite understand yet the force of her own bite unless she bites too hard and the recipient reacts by yelping out of pain. Taking a puppy away from her mother prematurely will therefore deprive her the chance to learn important socialization skills. As a rule of thumb, the American Kennel Club AKC recommends that you take home a puppy that is no less than eight weeks old. By this time, the puppy should have had ample time to interact with her playmates and learn bite inhibition. We concur that you should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in the U. This does not mean, however, that your puppy will completely stop nipping. As the new parent, it is your job to continue training the dog so that any subsequent bites should be gentler. For more on selecting the right German Shepherd puppy from a litter, including additional information on the proper age, what to look for in a puppy, and what to expect from ethical breeders, be sure to check out the 2 articles linked below: How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide The Puppy Might Be Overstimulated, Fearful, or Anxious Sometimes puppies lose control of their bite because of overstimulation. Overstimulation can happen during playtime, or when your puppy has become cranky due to teasing. Your GSD puppy may also bite out of fear. Your puppy has but 2 defenses — to run away or to bite. If your puppy feels cornered, then biting is the defense that she will most often resort to. Because biting is normal canine behavior and GSDs are a breed that is more prone to it, the goal here is to inhibit the bite, not completely stop it. Do Start Training Early We keep mentioning throughout this site that training and socializing your GSD as soon as you get her home is crucial. Although training older dogs is not impossible, it is true that it is easier to train younger puppies, when habits are still new and can be easily corrected. If left untrained, adult German Shepherds can be prone to aggression towards other animals and humans, which can result in tragic situations. To get a better understanding of what is involved with these necessary steps, be sure to read these 2 excellent articles: German Shepherd Training Guide: All You Need to Know Do Use Toys as Alternative Items to Chew Puppies will nib on your hands or your feet especially during the teething stage. Train this behavior away by offering the puppy a toy whenever she starts biting your hand or your ankles. This teaches her what is acceptable to bite and which is not. It is good practice to always keep a chew toy nearby in anticipation of the biting behavior. She needs to understand that biting ends playtime and that it does not give her anything in return. In the Alpha Roll , the human pins down the dog on the floor on his side or back and holds that position to exert dominance. Besides, it has also been proven in many studies that dogs have very different behavior from wolves. Pinning your dog will cause him to freeze out of fear, which can also turn into aggression. It also teaches your dog that physical touch is something to be feared. Nobody wants to be punished by hand, not humans and certainly not dogs either. Do Reward Good Behavior Dog trainers and experts agree that positive reinforcement using rewards are highly effective in forming and keeping desirable behaviors as a puppy matures into an adult dog. If her nose touches your fingers without biting them, give her a treat and praise generously. Hold off the treat if she bites. Do this repeatedly until she associates the treat the reward with not biting your hand the good behavior. In fact, most dog bite cases in children occurred because of teasing! Instead, teach your child to be gentle with your pet , as even unintentional rough play can result in unwanted events. Dogs get cranky too, especially when they get hurt or feel that their privacy is being invaded. Never leave your child alone with your puppy unattended. Supervise their interactions at all times. Studies show that parents trust their dog around their kids too much that they overlook the signs that the dog is in distress. For tug games, keep in mind, however, that your dog must be calm and not overstimulated before playing. Otherwise, your puppy may get too serious and hold on to the rope too much. The AKC recommends that for breeds that are prone to aggression such as German Shepherds, tug-of-war can be safely carried out if the puppy knows you are in control and follows your commands. Once this has been established, a game of tugging can be used both as an exercise and as a reward for your dog. When playing, always remember to be gentle with tugging as your puppy still has baby teeth! By doing this, you are also socializing your puppy with other animals — an essential skill to learn for a well-rounded behavior. That being said, do not completely write off playing with your puppy! Playtime is still an excellent opportunity to bond with your dog, but make sure to keep it safe and fun by establishing boundaries. This method, however, is a matter of trial and error. Some puppies respond to this positively. On the other hand, many puppies get aroused by this and become even more aggressive. If you yelp and she stops biting without expressing any signs of aggression, the method has perhaps worked. You are then free to continue doing so until the puppy learns to stop biting hard. On the other hand, temper tantrums, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals , are characterized by a stiff body, lips pulled back to show teeth, and growling. Biting will be more forceful and painful, since the behavior is typically caused by fear or anger. A German Shepherd puppy may be more prone to displaying this behavior, especially around unruly children. Bite inhibition is crucial especially among German Shepherds, a breed that is widely reported to be the culprit of many dog bites in America. Bite inhibition is simply one of the many important skills that your GSD must learn during her training. It can spell the difference between gentle playing and aggressive biting that leads to serious injuries. Always remember that dogs have feelings, too. They are not perfect little angels that never get angry. Even the most well-mannered dog in the world will snap out of irritation.

By Chris We all expect our fur babies to look a certain way when we hear what kind of dog they are, regardless of how much we love them. Whether you have a dog that was supposed to be athletic but looks like he visits the donut shop too often, or a dog you thought would have curly hair but has bone straight hair instead. My Labradoodle looks like a Lab Help! Genetic Crossing Labradoodles, Goldendoodles , and the like are all one specific breed crossed with a Poodle. A comparative example is when one parent of a human child has green eyes and one parent has brown eyes, the child inherits the genetic code for both of these traits. So, what eye color will the child have? Why do some Labradoodles look like Labradors? The genetic crossing of dogs through mating works through the same process as humans. The offspring will possess genetic traits of both parent canines but will only display the dominant characteristics. However, the recessive traits are retained and can still be passed on to other offspring. That means, depending on the genetic code in your dog, she could produce a puppy that looks completely different than she does! As dog breeders continue to play with the genetics involved in crossbreeding dogs, they show that not all Labradoodles are the same. That can explain why the traits you see in your pet may not look like the ones you found in an internet search. Labradoodle sitting in the studio. However, the generational structure of crossbred dogs goes far beyond this. If a breeder were to take two F1 Labradoodles and mate them, the result would be a second-generation variant. The list of generations goes on and on as this sequence progresses. Some argue that as the generations continue, the consistency in traits lessens. For example, an F4 or F5 Labradoodle may start to look less like a crossbreed and more like a poorly bred Poodle or Labrador Retriever. The F1 generations have fewer overall genetic codes to work with, meaning they will display traits more similar to their parents than the following generations. As the hierarchy of genetics increases, the possible combinations that offspring can inherit multiply, and there will inevitably be different variations in any given litter. However, breeders can get a little crazy with it also by breeding an F1b Labradoodle. So what does the new letter in our generation name mean? A backcrossed canine refers to a first-generation offspring being crossed with a full bred. For example, an F1b Labradoodle could be a first-generation Labradoodle crossed with a full-bred Poodle. It goes without saying the Poodle traits are going to be more prominent than the Labrador Retriever traits in the above example. Crossbreeding dogs is a game of genetics. Many breeders have mastered the art of genetic manipulation to produce a result that people want. However, the results can still vary widely. Canine offspring of any breed inherit genetic makeup from their parents, and all of these traits can vary. However, the offspring will often look very similar to their parents. The same is not true for hybrid dogs. Because the crossbred offspring come from two completely different breeds, they inherit traits that can be far different from their parents. After all, that is the point of crossbreeding! You can be sure your pup is wholly unique. There are some very notable differences between Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. So, let us take a look at their different traits and how they typically combine. Labrador Retriever vs. Poodle It is no secret that Labs typically have straight hair, and most commonly in three colors: black, brown, and blonde. Labs are water dogs; thus, their coat is designed to shed water. The straight hair of this breed can be attributed to the dominant gene from the parent dogs. They also are typically more bulky dogs, not necessarily overweight but just appear to be more sturdy. The head and muzzle of a lab are generally more box-shaped. The coat of a Poodle is known to be curly. Curly hair comes from the dominance of the CUc gene, otherwise known as the curly hair gene. Although there are more Poodle color variations, the most common are similar to that of the Labrador Retrievers. Poodles are typically taller, having longer legs and a slimmer build. Their head and muzzle are also more narrow than their Labrador Retriever counterparts. Although they have differences in their physical appearance, Poodles and Labs share many of the same traits when it comes to temperament, loyalty, and athleticism. Labrador Retriever and Poodle are both staying outdoors. Should I Be Concerned? The short answer is no. You should not be concerned if your Labradoodle looks like a Labrador Retriever. It is always best practice to do your due diligence when going through a breeder to ensure their quality and reliability for a multitude of reasons. As discussed above, each trait that any animal possesses and displays comes from the genes they inherited from their parents. First-generation crossbred dogs will inherit traits from both of their full-blood parents. This makes the offspring display many variations in appearance. Remember that these traits can be different across a litter. Typically, half of the litter will display slightly different traits than the other half. In a lower generation, F3 and on, the genetic traits passed on are coming from parents who have already been crossbred. However, as mentioned previously, this has been known to disrupt the consistency of genetic traits. If your Labradoodle looks like a Lab, you should still be able to see the obvious differences between your pup and a full-blood Labrador Retriever. All of these variations only make your pet unique and are simply caused by the genetic traits they inherited. Straight hair or other typical features of a Lab do not make your beloved canine any less of a Labradoodle. These traits can make your Labradoodle more unique than others seen walking down the street. So, set aside your expectations and embrace the differences! Your pup is truly one of a kind. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Finding flat coat Labradoodle puppies A flat coated Labradoodle will look the most like a purebred Labrador. Other names for this coat type include straight coated and hair type Labradoodle. Labradoodles with flat coats will shed more than those with wavy and curly fur, but they will have much lower grooming requirements. They can come in any of the typical Labradoodle colors, and will most often be friendly, intelligent, and energetic dogs. What is a Flat Coated Labradoodle? Flat coated Labradoodles can look quite different to other Doodle mixes, because their fur tends to be straight and flat against their bodies. Like other Labradoodles, this mix will be a combination of the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. Some breeders may use Miniature Poodles to create a flat coat mini Labradoodle, but others will use the Standard Poodle to produce a large dog. And, Labradoodles with this coat type may also go by other names. Some breeders may call them hair type Doodles, or straight coat Labradoodles. But, no matter what description is used, they will have fur that resembles a Lab more than a Poodle. Can Labradoodles Have Straight Hair? It might come as a surprise to find out that Labradoodles with straight hair exist! When most people picture a Labradoodle, they imagine a dog with curly or wavy, low shedding fur. After all, the original Labradoodle was created to be good for people with allergies! And Labrador coats are known for their high shedding qualities. A first generation Labradoodle has one purebred Poodle parent, and one purebred Labrador parent. To achieve puppies with wavy or curly fur, most breeders will mix two f1 Labradoodles with similar fur, or will mix a Labradoodle with a Poodle. The traits of f1 Labradoodles can be quite varied, since puppies can inherit any combination of genes from its parents. So, later generations are more predictable, and breeders can harness popular traits, like a curly coat. But, flat coated Labradoodles are absolutely possible, and for some people these Doodles make a better pet! Flat coated Labradoodles will often have a double layered coat, just like their Labrador parent. Hair coat Labradoodles may have some wavy patches of fur, but in general their hair will be straight. Other than this, they will be similar to other Labradoodles. They will grow to be large dogs, with a healthy shaped muzzle, floppy ears, and a long, curved tail. Their coloring will depend on that of their parents. Flat coated Labradoodles might come in one of the three standard Labrador shades black, yellow, and chocolate , or one of the many Poodle colors! Do Flat Coated Labradoodles Shed? Labradoodles with straight fur are the most likely to shed out of all the Labradoodle coat types. In the hotter months, Labradoodles will shed heavily to lose their dense undercoat. And, if they take after their Lab parent, they will likely shed moderately all year round. All of them will contain allergens in their dander and saliva. Grooming is less necessary in flat coated Labradoodles, since their fur is less likely to tangle than wavy or curly fur. There is no particular Labradoodle generation that will have flat hair. But, this trait is most likely in first generation mixes, who have an equal influence of Poodle and Labrador DNA. In subsequent generations, most breeders will increase the amount of Poodle influence to increase the chance of traits like a curly coat. Hair coat Labradoodle fur can still grow quite long, so grooming will also help to prevent any painful knots and tangles. As a general rule, you will want to brush them a couple of times a week, but this might increase in high shedding seasons. You should groom your Labradoodle from a young age, so they are familiar with the process, and comfortable with being brushed and bathed. A slicker brush can be great for giving your Labradoodle a quick once over and removing any dead fur. But, in those heavy shedding periods, you may need to use a deshedding tool as well. When bathing your Labradoodle, make sure to use dog-safe products. And, make sure you dry them thoroughly. Dog hair dryers can be perfect at getting into that dense undercoat! Floppy Labradoodle ears are prone to ear infections, so pay attention to them, too! All Labradoodle puppies will have similar coats. Over the first year of their life, they will shed their puppy coat to reveal their adult coat. But, experienced Labradoodle breeders can be skilled at predicting adult coat types even in those early weeks. To increase your chances of getting a Labradoodle with straight fur, choose a first generation mix. But, be aware of bad breeders who may be looking to profit on this popular mix. Choose the most reputable breeders you can find. The best breeders will be happy to answer all of your questions, will have evidence of health testing, and will be happy to show you where their dogs and puppies live. Make sure the mom is friendly and healthy, and that all puppies look healthy. Avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills. Puppies and dogs from these breeders are often mistreated and more likely to have health and behavioral issues. But, they can make a wonderful companion for someone that loves the Doodle breed, and wants a lower-maintenance dog! They need less frequent grooming, but have the same high energy levels and mental stimulation needs as any other Doodle! Do you have a straight hair Labradoodle at home? We would love to hear about them in the comments! Readers Also Liked. And the most common health problems of Poodles are: Hip dysplasia The autoimmune skin condition sebaceous adenitis Hypothyroidism Bloat Problems with eyesight Some of these conditions are inherited, and tests are available to screen dogs being considered for breeding. A Labrador and Labradoodle mix puppy should always comes from parents who have been health tested for hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, eye disease, thyroid disease and exercise induced collapse. Examples include allergies, eczema and sebaceous adenitis. Finally, ear infections, obesity and bloat can be largely controlled by lifestyle choices. Labradoodle Labrador mix grooming Pedigree Labradors need relatively little grooming. Their medium length, straight coat is too short to tangle. But, a regular habit of brushing, and occasionally bathing, your Lab can help a lot with managing shedding. It needs daily brushing from root to tip, to remove dirt and debris, and prevent painful mats forming. Is a Labradoodle Labrador mix hypoallergenic? Dogs of all types produce allergens in their saliva and to a lesser extent their sweat and urine , not their hair or dander. In fact, non shedding coats can be more problematic than shedding coats, because of the time you need to spend up close with your dog brushing them every day. If you have allergies, ask to spend time with a puppy on several occasions before you bring them home. Do Labradoodle Labrador mixes make good family pets? The first deliberate Labradoodles were bred as service dogs, but more recently they have surged as companion dogs for families of all sorts. Labradors and Poodles are both affectionate and devoted to their human families, and known for their patience with children. Very young children should be supervised with dogs at all times, but a Labradoodle mixed with Labrador is a great fit for a household with older kids and teenagers. Since they are very playful and thrive off lots of interaction and engagement every day, a household with lots of people to help out, or a retired household with plenty of free time is their perfect environment. F1b Labradoodles are not well suited to being left alone for several hours a day. Labs and Poodles were both bred to be team players and very focused on their handler. Withdrawing the target of that instinct you! Finding a Labradoodle Labrador mix puppy Labradoodles, second generation Labradoodles, and even backcrossed Labradoodles are increasingly popular with pet buyers, and they are getting easier and easier to find. The Labrador Labradoodle F1b combination is a little unusual though. Puppies reared on puppy farmers are more likely to have chronic hereditary health problems that require expensive lifelong treatment. And they are more likely to have behavioral problems as a result of inadequate socialization, or being separated from their mom too early. This article can help you identify and avoid puppy farmers. Have documents proving their sire and dam were health tested. Want to know all about you, and how you picture a puppy fitting into your life. Cons Unpredictable coat Needs a lot of mental stimulation and physical activity Popular with puppy farmers, so you might have to discount a lot of bad breeders before you find a good one. Pros Likely to be friendly and affectionate Easy to train Labs, Poodles and Labradoodles are all popular for a reason — they tend to be all round good dogs! What kind of owner would you recommend them to? Let us know in the comments section down below! What happened?? The magic of genetics and crossing different dog breeds means that Labradoodles can inherit any mix of qualities from each of their parents. Some Labradoodles look very Labrador-esque indeed. But they might have other qualities in their temperament which are more strongly reminiscent of their Poodle parent. Why does my Labradoodle look like a Lab? Labradoodles are frequently associated with a curly coat which resembles that of the Poodle. If your Labradoodle has a straight coat, that means their genes for coat texture came from the Labrador Retriever. These dogs are often called flat coat or straight hair Labradoodles. Poodle vs Labrador Coat Labradors and Poodles share a number of traits. These two very popular breeds are both highly intelligent, extremely loyal, require plenty of exercise, and make great family pets. But when it comes to physical appearance, no one has ever mistaken a Lab for a Poodle. Poodle Coat The Poodle has a single-layer coat that is dense and curly. Many people refer to them hypoallergenic dogs, but the truth is that no dog is completely allergen-free. It is true that Poodles shed less than most other breeds, but when they lose hair it tends to get trapped in their coarse, curly coat. Poodle coats also come in a wide array of eye-catching colors like apricot, red, blue, and silver. Poodle Grooming There is a downside to the Poodle coat, and that is its extensive grooming requirements. Curly hair gets tangled and matted very easily. These dogs need daily brushing and regular visits to a professional groomer, because like human hair, Poodle fur keeps growing continuously. This low-shedding coat is also associated with Labradoodles. Labrador Coat The Labrador has a double coat, or two layers of fur. They consist of a top coat or guard coat that is short and wiry in texture. And underneath, a lighter, softer coat which works as an insulator. Together these two layers protect his skin from harmful UV rays and work as a water repellent. Coat colors include black, yellow, and chocolate, but there can be some variations within these shades. Labrador Grooming Compared to the Poodle, Labrador grooming is a breeze. Their coat only requires occasional bathing. In fact, bathing a Lab too often can strip away natural oils and leave their skin dry and itchy. Brushing should be done once a week, but this increases during shedding season. And unlike Poodles, Labs shed prolifically. Like any Labradoodle, straight hair Labradoodles are the result of mating a Labrador and a Poodle. But what exactly happened to their coat, which made it so Labrador-like? Curly coats on Poodles and Labradoodles are produced by the curly coat gene, commonly abbreviated to CuC. Dogs who inherit it from both parents like Poodles have tightly curled hair. What about Labradoodles? First generation Labradoodles inherit one copy of the CuC gene from their Poodle parent. Which means that it produces a coat somewhere on a spectrum between curly and straight. All first generation Labradoodles are somewhere on this scale — some very close to one end or the other, and some more in the middle. A Labradoodle which looks a lot like a Lab has a short, straight coat because their single copy of the CuC gene has had very little impact on their coat. Lots of people particularly desire a Labradoodle with a curly coat. It could be because they prefer the look, or for its low-shedding quality. To improve the probability of this, some breeders offer litters of F1b Labradoodles. What is an F1b Labradoodle? Crossing an F1 Labradoodle with a purebred Poodle will typically make the Poodle traits more dominant. On average, in a litter of F1b puppies from a Labradoodle and a Poodle: Half the puppies will be born with one copy of the CuC gene, and be on the wavy coated spectrum. And half will be born with two copies of the gene, which means their coat will be tightly curled. They will probably shed less than a purebred Lab, but considerably more than curly-haired Labradoodles. This is because a straight coat will have less Poodle genetics. But remember, when it comes to early generation mixed breeds there are no guarantees. Here are some tips for managing it: Regular brushing will remove many of the loose hairs. This is a good time to bond with your dog as Labradoodles love to be around people as much as possible. Both parents were bred to retrieve game from water, so your Labradoodle is likely to love swimming. This is an excellent way to wash away excess hair without stripping away essential oils on their skin. Make sure your Labradoodle gets a healthy, balanced diet, as this can also affect hair and skin quality. Foods rich in zinc and omega 3 fatty acids will keep their coat shiny and help control shedding. My Labradoodle Looks Like A Lab — Summary Mixed breed dogs can inherit any mix of physical characteristics from their parents, which means their is a lot of variation in Labradoodle looks. First generation Labradoodles only inherit one copy of the gene for a curly coat, which results in a coat which is somewhere on a spectrum between wavy and straight. Labradoodles with a short straight coat tend to be the ones which most strongly resemble Labradors to our eyes. Does your Labradoodle look like a Lab? Tell us about your pet in the comments! References and Further Reading. A flat coat Labradoodle is another name for a straight haired Labradoodle. They take more after the Labrador side of the breed with a scruffy medium length coat rather than a curly or wavy coat that people usually associate with the breed. Standard sized Straight Hair Labradoodles grow to 51 to 66cm and weigh 23 to 45kg. On the other hand, Miniature Straight Hair Labradoodles get to 40 to 51cm in height and weigh 12 to 23kg. Yes, Straight Haired Labradoodles need basic grooming like all dogs, requiring a weekly brush to remove shedded hair and the occasional bath to keep them clean. Nevertheless, they do not need to be taken to the groomer for a trim every weeks like their curly coat relatives which can save owners quite a bit of money yearly. Do Straight Haired Labradoodles Shed? Yes, Straight Haired Labradoodles shed quite considerably like their Labrador parents. They are the opposite of Curly or Wavy Haired Labradoodles who hardly shed at all. No, Straight Haired Labradoodles are not hypoallergenic as they shed due to the dominance of Labrador genes over Poodle genes. They are unlike Wavy or Curly Haired Labradoodles which are hypoallergenic due to their long, curly coat that needs to be cut. That being said, straight haired Labradoodles are more hypoallergenic than a purebred Labrador. You can read our full Labradoodle shedding guide here. This is most likely to occur in a first generation Labradoodle F1 Labradoodle when a Labrador and Poodle are bred together rather than two Labradoodles. Whilst most people believe that all Labradoodles have a wavy or curly coat, it is actually very common for Labradoodles to have straight haired coat, taking after their Labrador parent more than the Poodle. Some Labradoodles look more like Labradors then Poodles, especially when they have a straight coat instead of a wavy or curly one. This occurs when Labradoodles do not inherit the curly coat gene called the Cu Locus gene and most commonly occurs for F1 Labradooodles. F2 Labradoodle is when an F1 Labradoodle is bred with another F1 Labradoodle resulting in a fifty-fifty chance of Straight Hair Labradoodles occurring in the litter. If you are looking for a Straight Hair Labradoodle you will want to get an F1 or F2 litter as they have the highest change of the straight hair gene of the Labrador coming through. No, not all F1 Labradoodles will have straight hair however a significant percentage of the litter will. F1 Labradoodles can have any coat type from wavy to curly to straight as it is a first generation breed of a Labrador Retriever and Poodle. No, Straight Hair Labradoodles do not have a double coat like their Labrador parent. Instead they have a single coat. As the weather gets hotter, Straight Hair Labradoodles will start shedding a little more than usual. Nevertheless, colour changes as expected for maturing Labradoodles. The colour of their coats often change colour or fade several shades lighter as they become an adult. Check out the adorable Labradoodle puppies that are currently available here! PuppySpot is a dog adoption website that connects breeders with prospective pet owners. They have a zero tolerance policy for puppy mills which is why they screen every breeder annually! They have placed over , puppies in homes and offer various trusted, USDA-certified transportation options to deliver your puppy to your home safely!

They are prone to take naps during daytime, but are alert and protective by disposition. Sometimes they tend to display independent and stubborn behavior if not properly trained from puppyhood. Care Exercise Considering their big size and high level of energy, the golden pyrenees need lots of activities daily. Take them out for brisk walks and jogging every day to assure they stay healthy and in good shape. These dogs love to play like fetching games etc. Allowing them to play and run around in an open but safe space would help relieve their energy. Grooming Most golden pyrenees dogs would shed a lot, and hence it is not the right dog for those who are looking for a low-shedding breed. Brush them every day, and quite frequently, if you think your dog is shedding too much. These dogs are also prone to developing that typical doggie odor, and hence try keeping it clean and hygienic. Bathing is advisable whenever you get that unpleasant stench. Health Problems Generally a healthy breed, they have no known breed-specific problems, but do keep an eye for any general dog health issues. Training Socialization training is a general requirement for all pet dogs. The golden pyrenees dogs are often obstinate and would try to act according to its own whims. Hence, a consistently firm training is required. However, if you act diligently to prove yourself its pack leader, the intelligent and easily-trainable dog would learn to be obedient right from its puppyhood. A professional training class should also help. Interesting Facts Some golden pyres are known to gain a weight of up to pounds. These dogs are accustomed to cold temperatures. But they can also withstand heat for short time periods of time provided they get enough shade and water. This mixed breed is a cross between two very definitive dog breeds — one a retriever or hunting and the other a guardian. This mix receives parts of both parent breeds. The Golden Retriever has been around since the early s, their presence documented in the accounts of a Scottish lord. This parent breed was designed to retrieve waterfowl without tiring and has also grown to exhibit an upbeat and overtly happy demeanor. The Great Pyrenees, however, tends to take a much calmer and quieter approach to life. These dogs were bred as mountain-top flock guardians. They appear unassuming at first but can snap into action fluidly to meet a potential threat. The product of these two well-known breeds, the Golden Pyrenees, has no breed standard as they are only crossbred. There are no breeders actively breeding these dogs. Their breed history is the combined history of their two parent breeds. The mixed breed can take on any trait or temperament from the two parent breeds, or any combination of them. On average, though, Golden Pyrenees tend to be less energetic than their Golden Retriever counterparts and more engaged than your typical Great Pyrenees. This Golden Retriever and Great Pyrenees mix will be highly intelligent. This is a fantastic trait to have, as it means the dog will be easier to train. However, this also means that the pup will need more mental stimulation. If dogs are bored, they can become destructive towards objects in the home. Thankfully, they can glean that mental stimulation from their humans. Their Golden Retriever parent typically passes on a friendly and outgoing personality. We all know the look of that goofy, constantly wagging tail. Goldens are known to have no discretion when it comes to asking for pets or playing. The Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, is very aloof. They tend to be quiet, calm, and watchful. This makes them fantastic with kids, as long as they are trained early on to understand their size and strength. They were bred for protection and can be a wonderful family guard — they will protect a farm and livestock, and they will also have the inclination to protect your children You will need to fine-tune these protective behaviors early in your Golden Pyrenees. Unchecked, these dogs will not learn boundaries and how to accept guests without extreme suspicion. Make sure to socialize your puppy properly. What does a Golden Pyrenees look like, you ask? Well, they can be any combination of the traits of their parents. The only characteristics that could come from both sides are the warm, brown eyes and lots of fluff. This crossbreed could be medium to long-haired, with colors ranging from stark white to deep honey gold. Both dog breeds express long, fluffy ears and big, broad heads. Another trait that occurs in most if not all the Great Pyrenees mixes is a double dewclaw in the hind end. The dewclaw is the claw that rests higher on the paw than the others, a remnant of what would have been the thumb. Some dogs have these on the front, some on the back, or some on both. Regular nail trims are necessary to keep the dewclaws from curling onto themselves. Nail trims also keep the dewclaws short so that they cannot snag on furniture or other objects. Ripped nails are highly preventable. The Great Pyrenees is known for having double dewclaws in the hind end, rather than only one. These dewclaws were originally there for assistance in scrabbling up the mountainside. The extra appendages can be removed early in life via surgery if there is no bone connection between the dewclaw and the leg bones. The only reason that these would be removed is if your dog has a talent for getting the claw caught on things and ripping the nail. These are not typically removed in puppyhood, and not all dewclaws can be removed. This should be a decision made by a veterinarian and should be solely based on whether there is a bone-to-bone connection between the extra digits and the leg itself. This procedure has been widely proven to cause chronic pain to the animal for the rest of their life. The Lifespan of a Golden Pyrenees Unlike other mixed breeds, the Golden Pyrenees does not seem to have gained any extra length to their lifespan. Both the Golden Retriever and the Great Pyrenees have an average lifespan of years. Large breed dogs tend to have shorter lives due to the increased strain on their hearts in comparison to their smaller counterparts. A mix of the two seems to continue that trend and will not outlive their parent breeds. If you are looking for a dog with longevity, this may not be the breed for you. This is a mix of two large breed dogs; there is no opportunity for a different outcome. As such, a Golden Pyrenees should always be on a Large Breed diet. A Large Breed diet is any dog food that is specially formulated for large breed dogs. They contain the correct amount of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support quicker and more dramatic bone growth, larger muscles, and a higher body mass. Big dogs need more from their diet than little dogs. A Large Breed diet can sometimes even alleviate growing pains. Most brands have a Large Breed diet option. Your veterinarian will probably recommend Science Diet, Royal Canin, or Purina, as these three brands have a veterinary nutritionist on staff. It has also consistently been the easiest to find in pet stores. I cannot stress that enough. Grain Free foods have actually been proven to cause heart problems such as cardiomyopathy in large breed dogs, and they specifically used Golden Retrievers for the study. Stick to the brands and types of food recommended by your veterinarian so that your Golden Pyrenees or any other large breed dog can live a long, happy life. Large breed dogs are notorious for early onset arthritis and joint problems. You can start over-the-counter glucosamine chondroitin as early as 6 months to 1 year of age. Glucosamine chondroitin has no negative side effects so it can only help your dog strengthen their joints before they start to have problems rather than maintaining them after problems are noticed. A Golden Pyrenees is, without a doubt, going to need plenty of outside time. They may be medium to high energy, depending on how much of their energy comes from the Golden Retriever parent. However, the Pyrenees in them will make them want to patrol what they consider as their territory. If that is a backyard, they will probably prefer to be outside. These walks will also give your dog mental stimulation in terms of new sights and interesting smells. Walks are necessary unless you are releasing your dog into a yard or fenced area for an off-leash time. The trainability of a Golden Pyrenees Puppy With this crossbreed, you have a high chance of an easy training experience. Golden Retrievers are very rewarded motivated and the Great Pyrenees is known for its high intelligence. It stands to reason that training should go relatively well. There are, however, some specific behaviors that should be watched for and trained out early. These behaviors typically are inherited from the Great Pyrenees. The first of these is guarding behaviors and suspicion of strangers or guests. This can be caught and trained out early on. A second behavior that can be trained out of Golden Pyrenees while they are young is alert barking. They will let you know, in a very deep and loud voice, that someone or something is approaching. Even if that something is only left falling outside. Desensitization training and positive reinforcement for quiet responses are crucial. A third behavior that is inherited from the Great Pyrenees is nighttime pacing. This may not be something that you can train out. If you start to see this behavior in your puppy, consult a behaviorist who has a background in working with Great Pyrenees. This means that he wants to be outside patrolling and is anxious that he cannot do so. You may find that these dogs will do well as service animals. With a history of Golden Retrievers as guide dogs added to the calm energy of the Great Pyrenees, they have unlimited potential. They could be trained as guards or alert dogs, as well. There is not very much information on either of these two parent breeds as protection animals but if you partner with an experienced trainer, that is also possible. If you do decide to pursue guarding or protection tasks with your Golden Pyrenees, take extra caution to make sure that your dog can still assimilate into life as a house pet. They have the potential to do really well in guard dog training but it has to be taught young and they have to be guest and child-safe. Potential Health Problems of Golden Pyrenees This mixed breed has a chance of inheriting several health problems from their predecessors. One of these is early onset arthritis or inflammation in the joints. As a large dog breed, they are also predisposed to hip dysplasia. This is a physical deformity that worsens over time where the head of the femur the long bone that connects to the hip does not sit correctly in the socket of the pelvis that it is designed to fit. This gets worse with age and cannot typically be fixed. This is not the only type that could be affected. These dogs also have a higher chance of experiencing patellar luxation. This is the fancy name for when the kneecap pops out of its designated groove. This can sometimes be fixed with surgery but the surgery is usually less successful in larger breed dogs. For some reason, Goldens are known in the veterinary field for this issue specifically and that chance passes on to their offspring. Golden Retrievers could also share their tendency towards hypothyroidism. This is a complication with the thyroid, a gland that produces different hormones. When thyroid levels are too low, the body starts to slow down and becomes less functional. Another issue that would require chronic medication is allergies resulting in skin issues. Dogs can experience two types of allergies: food or environmental. If they encounter allergens the thing that they are allergic to , symptoms include itchy skin, stomach problems, and weepy or crusty eyes. Sometimes they itch to the point where they are causing themselves body-wide skin infections. Every dog is different and responds to different types of treatment. Seek out a veterinarian if your dog is itching beyond what you feel is normal. The final health problem that could possibly plague a Golden Pyrenees is entropion. This is when the eyelashes curl inward, scratching the cornea, or the surface of the eyeball. This needs to be surgically corrected or it could cause constant irritation, injury, and possibly blindness. There is one health concern to note that is not hereditary but these dogs would have a higher chance of contracting. Since these dogs desire to be outside most of the time, they are more at risk of heartworm and tick-borne diseases. A heartworm is a literal worm that is transmitted via mosquito bites and grows in the blood vessels of a dog until it blocks them completely, killing the pet. These are treatable but they are also preventable. In terms of what this dog would cost you, the vet bills are going to be the most expensive. Big dogs require bigger doses of medication which costs more money. Also, it would really benefit you to look into pet insurance. These dogs are going to eat you out of the house and home. Golden Pyrenees have the potential to grow to the size of a small horse and need to eat like one. Be prepared to look into the rewards programs at big-name pet stores to find savings on dog food. Refer this post to know how much it cost you to buy and raise a Golden Retriever Puppy. Is Golden Pyrenees Right for You? Would I recommend a Golden Pyrenees as a pet? I honestly would. I think that they have the potential to be fantastic family dogs as long as they are trained properly. They could also make excellent working dogs — working as service animals, alert dogs, guard dogs, or in certain cases, protection dogs. These are not cheap dogs, by any means. If you are operating on a low budget, I would not recommend these guys. Purchasing food alone for these dogs would beggar you. Vet bills would throw you into bankruptcy. I would also say that these Golden and Pyrenees mixes would not be ideal for an apartment situation. They want to be outside and have distinct territories and apartments may not fulfill that need. Also, if you have dark-colored furniture these are not the dogs for you. They will shed all over everything and light-colored fur will appear very obviously against dark couches. Overall, a Golden Pyrenees seems like a well-mixed breed to bring into the family. They are typically lower energy than the Golden and more outgoing than the Pyrenees. Just make sure you keep them on their year-round prevention, give them enough outside time, and train them properly when they are still young. These dogs could turn out to be great pets! Other Golden Retrievers Mixes. Lifespan Sociability The price of a mixed breed dog is partially determined by the average cost of its parents. A Golden Pyrenees puppy is generally less expensive than its parents. The pedigree of its parents also determines the price of a puppy. A show quality dog costs more than a pet store puppy. They have strong mothering-type instincts. Combining the traits of the two breeds that are the parents for the Golden Pyrenees equals a very loving and attentive dog. The dog practiced extreme care and loyalty for the flock and was aggressive towards suspected dangers. This trait often carries over in families with children. They are better suited for colder environments. The Great Pyrenees was a European mountain dog, and throughout decades of genetic preferences, they grew thick and long coats meant for protection in high altitudes and cold temperatures. The dog should be kept cool, though, especially during hot periods of the year. It is especially given to overheating and even heat stroke if left in warm conditions for long periods. Getting the dog blown out every spring is another fitting way to keep it cool. They need extra grooming to keep them looking silky and golden. The short, soft undercoat combined with the long, straight hair on the outer coat tends towards matting. The hair initially helped to protect the two dog breeds, helping to control their interior temperature. It does shed quite a lot, especially during spring and early summer. The Golden Pyrenees requires more grooming than most, needing a brush every day to keep the coat looking healthy and golden. This mix makes for an odd possibility of expected traits. Golden Retrievers are generally outgoing, sometimes overly friendly with people and other animals. The purpose of the breed is to retrieve. These tendencies contrast the Great Pyrenees, meant to be a watchdog and stay wary of strangers and other animals. The expectation for the Golden Pyrenees can typically be a cross, with the better characteristics winning out: enthusiastic and loving. These dogs are quite intelligent and have large personalities. This can be a lovable feature, but it also makes them more challenging to train than other more obedient breeds. These tendencies make the dog a better match for owners that are well-versed trainers or have a lot of determination. When it comes to having this bulky pooch around the kids, it needs to be watched due to its lack of understanding of its size. They like to believe they are lap dogs and may accidentally knock over very young children because of its sheer size. Are These Dogs Good for Families? It is very loyal and loving and will often protect its small companions if it feels danger approaching. It is not always the best fit for families with very young kids since it is so large. It would never do anything to harm a child purposefully, but may accidentally due to its sheer size. They have a very playful nature. Get them accustomed to strangers and other animals as young as possible to train them into being an approachable dog and agreeable with other animals in their space. Their food should be of high quality but can be a general kibble. Since this breed is genetically accustomed to cold temperatures and a high level of activity, they gain weight quickly without the right care. Watch them to make sure they avoid overeating and stay in the best shape for a long healthy life. On average, the dog should get around minutes of activity per day. This is why they are generally not suitable for apartment living, as having a yard or acreage to roam around in will supply them with the bulk of their needed activity. It is recommended that an owner be prepared to walk an average of nine miles with them each week to keep them fit. In order to train them well, they need a strong pack leader they can respect. The first part of training is convincing them that you are the pack leader and not them. They need a firm, calm owner to work with them. If more than one person is working with the dog, be sure that everyone agrees on the training protocol. Some owners rely on the expertise of a professional to guarantee a solid training regimen. They need to be brushed every day, even more during the seasons such as late spring and early summer, as the temperature increases. Golden Pyrenees may develop a doggie odor if they are not kept properly groomed. Although brushing them out frequently may help, it is also a good idea to give them a bath whenever the odor begins to develop. The best tools to use for the coat of this particular dog is a pin brush, a comb, and a deshedder to release the undercoat and keep them cool during warm months. Great Pyrenees often struggle with bloating, although proper exercise and a healthy diet help alleviate this stress. They also suffer from hip dysplasia, luxated patellas, as well as bone cancer. Any of these may carry down the line to the Golden Pyrenees puppies. This is not a guarantee that a Golden Pyrenees will suffer from these, but the owner should learn about and watch for early indicators. Lastly, due to their thick fur coats, Golden Pyrenees may struggle with skin irritants and other problems. This especially applies to humid areas around the world. Minor Conditions. The Golden Pyrenees is not purebred. It is a crossbreed of the Golden Retriever and the Great Pyrenees. The parent dogs are quite different in physical and personality traits. However, crossbreeding a Golden and Pyrenees brings out the best of these dogs in the resulting puppy. This dog is intelligent, friendly, loyal, and loves to please. Goldens are outgoing and will get along with family, strangers, children, and other dogs and animals. Besides, you can quickly train a Golden Retriever using its favorite treats to reward desired behavior. These are some of the great traits Dudley Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth, desired when he crossed several breeds to create a fast, energetic, and loyal dog — the Golden Retriever. Goldens were initially water and land retrievers, and they made faithful and obedient hunting companions. The popularity of Golden Retrievers has spread widely since then. Today, Golden Retrievers take the 3rd position in the most popular dog breeds list. Great Pyrenees The Great Pyrenees is a snowstorm at first glance. Its snow-white fur gives it an air of majesty, even though some Pyrs can come with markings. The Pyr is a good dog and is known for its patience and affection with family. However, a Great Pyrenees can also be a blazing fire if someone threatens their family as they have acute guarding and protective skills. Weighing the Pros and Cons At some point in history, Great Pyrenees dogs decreased in numbers with the decline in sheep predators. But their arrival in North America and their registration by the AKC in helped revive this royal breed. Appearance, Coat, and Colors Being a crossbreed, it is difficult to precisely predict what your Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever mix will look like. The crossbreed will adorn the majesty and elegance of the Pyr and show the symmetry of the Golden Retriever. In addition, your Golden Pyrenees will display the regal expression of the Pyr with an incorporated aspect of the kindly yet alert and confident expression of the Golden Retriever. First, your Golden Pyrenees pup will have a weather-resistant double coat that could be coarser like the one of the Pyr or take a softer texture after the Golden. The fur may be straight or wavy depending on their Golden parent or flat after their Pyr parent. The length of the fur may vary from medium to long. The Great Pyrenees and the Golden Retriever have heavier feathering on the neck, back, and tail. These aspects are likely to reflect in the Golden Pyrenees puppy. The Golden Pyrenees puppy coat can be golden in color after their Golden Retriever parent or pure white like their Great Pyrenees Parent. Alternatively, the puppy could come with a mixture of white and golden dark or light or bear reddish-brown, gray, tan, or badger markings from the Pyr parent. The head is proportionate to the body. Muzzle: The muzzle will tend more to a well-balanced length and head skull as with the Pyr parent or show more of the straight Golden muzzle that blends smoothly and firmly into the skull. Eyes: Medium-large eyes with the friendly and intelligent expression of the Golden Retriever. The eyelids fit closely. The color of the eyes is dark brown like that of the parent breeds. Nose: Black from both parents, with a possibility for a brownish-black nose from the Golden Retriever parent. Ears: Small to medium-sized ears, carried flat and close to the cheeks. Tail: Long, extending to the hock. It may be well plumed as that of the Pyr. The tail carriage may vary from low to level and have a moderate upward curve. The tail might also extend over the back like the Pyr. A male Golden Pyrenees will grow to around inches .A male Golden Pyrenees grows to approximately 65 to lbs .It is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Great Pyrenees. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. He was born at the end of January in Saskatchewan. Charlie is a laid-back, easy-going and very friendly dog. His best friend is my year-old boy; they are the perfect match. He has a temperament of a Great Pyrenees ; he likes to watch the world go by, but when he is outside playing ball he is as gentle as a Golden Retriever. Charlie is not a very active dog. We go to the dog park as many times as we can in the winter and most days in the summer he runs around for about 30 mins and then is looking to mom and dad to go home. Charlie lives with two cats that he gets along with great, one snake , and two Great Danes named Stella white Dane; she is deaf and Dexter, a mantle Dane that just came to us in January of .I owe them both a world of gratitude. Without knowing the training tips I have learned my home would be a scary place to visit and live. He is a Golden Pyrenees who we found at our local shelter in NC. He is so sweet and is famous in our neighborhood as everyone loves him. When I found him, he was 40 pounds at 1. He had been a stray for those 1. When we brought him inside, he did not know what to do with stairs so I had to carry him up and down the stairs to teach him. Let's say he has blossomed since we brought him home, and he now weighs pounds. He is the best dog we've ever had and would highly recommend his hybrid. Does not have a mean bone in his body. He is the picture of both breeds; he's very good with children, even at such a young age, gentle, intelligent and quite lazy. He weighs 30 pounds in these photos, and gets bigger by the day. His coat has the texture of a Golden, but hasn't completely filled out like a Pyrenees. He's got a very low energy level; two minute walks a day will suffice for him. He eats about two cups a day and maintains a very healthy weight. Our vet expects him to be around pounds as an adult with a projected height of 30 in. He's trained very well thus far and excels at demanding tasks. Fen adapts well to new people and situations, and is currently working toward getting his Canine Good Citizen certification. We have collected the best large breed dry dog food to help you choose the best options for your pooch, but we also have tips on how to recognize the worst dry dog food. It goes without saying that you should avoid overfeeding the dog with snacks once they have eaten their main meal as that can quickly lead to obesity. Feed your Golden Pyrenees with general dog food that is high quality and that is meant for their weight range and size. While they are young and still growing, you can offer them some of these best dry dog foods for small dogs or one of the overall best dry dog food brands on the market. Small breeds are known to have a refined taste, so you can bet your dog will enjoy those flavors, too. Give them plenty of physical exercise in order to keep their weight at a normal range. In case you think they need more from their diet, consult with your vet, and introduce a supplement if they agree. Golden Retriever Great Pyrenees Exercise Requirements Golden Pyrenees puppies and adults may only be moderately active because of their large size. They tend to sleep most of the time. Thus, two hours of regular exercise is desirable to keep them in shape. Keep your dog fit and active through long walks or runs at the park or in the neighborhood. A one- or two-hour walk each day should be sufficient for burning extra fat for a breed that has a tendency to gain weight. The problem with Golden Pyrenees, or golden pyres as some call them, is that they tend to grow up to pounds heavy. Thus, you should break this habit through constant regular exercise. Take care not to expose them to heat for a long time. Give them enough water and shade too during exercise if possible. This is because they are accustomed to the colder areas of the world. Take exercise breaks too in the form of intermittent naps. This should be good enough for Golden Pyrenees puppies and adults that are used to being a couch potato. These dogs love to play outdoor games such as fetching games. They can also join you and other family members in your swimming sessions. You may also run around with them in a large and open but entirely safe place. The importance of exercise is to keep them at a healthy weight range. Your dog is most likely to get sick if they put on excess weight. If you do not want swimming or jogging long distances, you can have a variety of play activities instead, from chasing a ball to playing tug of war. The most important thing is to do your play activity early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it is not too hot for your dog. Overall, I recommend the following exercises for maximum benefit: Jogging. If a Great Pyrenees Mix takes after their Pyr parent, they will be a large, powerful, and intelligent dog that is loyal and affectionate with their families. They will also be protective of them. Great Pyrenees tend to have a calm and patient nature. Although they are a serious, focused, and independent working dog, they often have a sweet, gentle, and affectionate personality with their families. They tend to get along well with children and other pets and tend to take on a guardian role. Their protective instinct makes them wary of strangers, but they will open up once introduced as long as they have been properly socialized. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect something similar from a Great Pyrenees Mix. In addition to talking to the breeder about the other parent breed, you can also meet the mother in person. This allows you to see what her temperament is like and what behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should have started some socialization and training, but it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. A Great Pyrenees is a moderately adaptable dog. They are built to roam and wander, so do best in homes with fenced yards. They do well in the cold, but are sensitive to heat. Although they are one of the most independent dog breeds and can handle some alone time, they may become bored and destructive if left alone for too long. The other parent breed will introduce their own quirks and traits that may affect adaptability, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. You also want to be aware of any potential quirks you should be prepared for in a Great Pyrenees Mix. Just as they could inherit none of the conditions common to their parents, they could inherit some or all of them. Good breeding practices make a huge difference. From the Pyr side, potential health conditions to be aware of in a Great Pyrenees Mix include patellar luxation, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and some types of cancer. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies, so make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. As a large dog breed, the Great Pyrenees can be at risk for bloat, which means a Great Pyrenees Mix may also be at risk for bloat in dogs. A Great Pyrenees is an independent work dog that is used to making their own decisions and working without guidance. Because of this, they are a better fit for experienced owners. Even if the other parent breed is a good fit for first-time dog owners, you need to be prepared for the potential of a Great Pyrenees Mix that may be a challenge to train. Being prepared to enroll in puppy training classes and to enlist the help of a professional trainer is a good idea with this mix. A Great Pyrenees Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or one that is a mix of both. If they inherit a Pyr coat, they will shed year-round and more heavily when seasons change. Weekly brushing, brushing a few times a week during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath are enough to keep a Pyr coat healthy. Nail trims once or twice monthly are usually enough to keep them from growing too long. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste daily along with cleanings at the vet when needed can help prevent dental disease later in life. The Great Pyrenees may be a working dog and need a job to do, but they sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some activity to get them moving are usually enough. If the other parent breed has a higher or lower activity range, you will need to be prepared for that potential range in a Great Pyrenees Mix. A fully-grown Great Pyrenees usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. Great Pyrenees generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Great Pyrenees Mix. Featured Great Pyrenees Mix Article. Saint Berdoodles perfectly combine the playful, obedient, eager-to-please side of the poodle with the gentle, calm, affectionate, and loyal side of the Saint Bernard. We have very happy buyers from our past litter, and two of the puppies from our last litter are now therapy dogs! Our puppies are extremely smart, easy to train, sweet, and are fully potty trained within their enclosure which should make potty training at home a lot easier! All puppies will be dewormed, health checked, and UTD on their shots. Baron male : Baron is a playful puppy with a very sweet temperament. He is black with tinges of brown, a white chest, white back toes, curly hair, and will be medium build between pounds After losing our sweet Millie Big-Butt, we decided to get a puppy. Teddy has received two-thumbs up by our vet in terms of his health and demeanor. After losing our sweet Millie Big-Butt, we decided to get a puppy. We are over the moon happy with Nova. Already sits on command and fetches most of the time. She is a beautiful puppy with a great temperament. She has caught on to potty training quickly too. Thank you soooo very much. From the moment the family handed her to us in a very simple exchange, she has been a very sweet, very healthy, exuberant pup. Thank you for raising her on a farm we are farmers and exposing her to all the good that comes from that type of life. We would highly recommend autumn creek ranch to anyone looking for a healthy, happy, ready for the world, pup! Thanks again! We had a lengthy car ride home from picking her up and she settled right in for the ride. She is smart as a whip and learning fast. We are enjoying every minute with her and love her very much! With a regular routine and high-food drive, Hamilton has learned so much in just one week; he is already house trained, sleeps in his crate with minimal fuss at night, and is excelling on sit, stay, lay down, paw, off, and no commands. We are so proud of him and so happy with our choice to get our Golden Retriever from your family farm! From our first communication to taking Hamilton home, you have been informative and timely with your responses to my many questions. The puppy selection process was clear and fair, and pick-up was seemless. And as a researcher, I really appreciate all the scholarly research you provided on why fresh food diets are best. Ham is thriving on his fresh food diet! We were very intrigued with the farm raised dogs, knowing they were coming from a good home meant a lot.

The protein will come from readily available sources such as chicken or beef, and not exotic or boutique sources like kangaroo or venison as you saw in second study mentioned above. According to the AKC , quality, regulated animal byproducts can be good for your dog. These byproducts can include organ meats or entrails, which often contain more nutrients than, say, plain chicken breast. Another misconception is that dogs should eat grain-free diets. As you saw in the second study mentioned above, that can actually be very harmful for your dog and cause DCM. But food labels can be a little vague and confusing, so below is an explanation of what some of these terms mean, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual and the AKC. There is one caveat though. For instance, flaked corn, ground corn, and kibbled corn could be sprinkled in an ingredient list and not be listed as the first few ingredients, but in reality, if you were to add them all up they are all corn, after all , you might find that this food is made mostly of corn. The same goes for chicken, chicken meal, and chicken byproduct. Meat vs. Meat Meal vs. The quality of these ingredients can vary widely, so be sure to talk to your vet about this and choose a reputable brand of food. Below are a few examples: Obesity. Golden Retrievers love food and they do have a tendency to become overweight if you let them. This problem can often affect these next two problems… Joint issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to joint issues and growing too fast because they eat too much can often make this problem worse more on this in the next section. Heart issues. Skin issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to hot spots and excess protein in their diets can be a factor that causes them. Many goldens suffer from food allergies. One cup of Brand X food may have calories per cup, while Brand Y has calories per cup. During a vet visit our veterinarian said he looked too small and lethargic for a puppy his age about 8 weeks at the time , and he recommended we feed him a little more. As far as how often to feed your puppy, this same rule applies. For us, we fed Oliver three times per day until he was a little over a year old. Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Get the gameplan for raising them right with the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Those two statements may sound random, but they are related. According to the Banfield Pet Hospital , overfeeding your Golden Retriever can cause them to grow too fast and increase their risk of hip dysplasia. You probably noticed that a raw diet was the fourth-most popular diet Golden Retriever owners feed their dog. Since puppies are growing and adults are just maintaining their weight, they have different dietary needs. And for fats, puppy food should have at least 8. As far as when to switch from puppy food to adult food, talk to your veterinarian. To see a list of other milestones your puppy will hit like when they lose their first teeth, or when their coat is fully grown check out this timeline of Golden Retriever puppy milestones. Like most of the other questions in this post, this is something to talk to your veterinarian about. Many foods will have the same vitamins that pills have already in them, but on the other hand, some breeders require that you give your puppy vitamins for their health guarantee to be valid. First, we unknowingly started him off on one of the brands listed in the graph above that is correlated with DCM. Then we switched to another brand that he just sort of liked. If we were to have another puppy, we would definitely start with the Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy food. How To Switch Food Brands The other day I was talking to someone who was complaining that her puppy was having lots of stomach issues. Dogs have sensitive stomachs so if you want to switch foods, you need to do it slowly. You should take about a week to transition from the old food to the new brand. Also consider how long the brand of food has been around, whether or not there have been any recalls of that brand, and if there is any research behind it. What do you feed your Golden Retriever puppy? Have any questions about what to feed them? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. Royal Canin makes dry food tailored explicitly to particular breeds. Its Golden food variation uses chicken and brown rice ingredients to support digestive health, strong bones, and a healthy coat. Gorgeous coats, healthy body conditions, great activity levels- perfect puppies! With a combination of healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, and more, this dry dog food will encourage healthy muscle development in your Golden Retriever as well as strong teeth, a healthy heart, and improved skin and coat texture. Looking at the ingredients makes me feel that I have purchased a quality product for my guy. With ingredients like real protein, fruits, and vegetables, this dry food increases energy, strengthens bones, improves immune strength, and neutralizes free radicals. Her coat is healthier and shiny. She even trimmed down a little as her old dog food was making her fat. They produce high-quality dog food for your Golden Retriever at an affordable price. Veterinarians recommend IAMS Proactive Health because it uses ingredients like animal protein and antioxidant-rich veggies to nourish your dog and meet their complete health needs. Highly recommend it. Good for maintaining a decent weight too. Gobbles it down! With fish as the main protein, this kibble promotes a gorgeous coat and healthy skin and improves digestive issues. He eats it enthusiastically, and it has really helped him thrive! He is energetic, has a gorgeous coat, and devours his meals! She is a much happier dog. The Save Shredded Puppy Blend includes probiotics to help ease the digestion in growing Golden Retriever puppies with sensitive stomachs. I mix it with wet food, and he loves it. He loves the chunks of shredded chicken! I highly recommend it. This large-breed dry food can help your Golden Retriever maintain a healthy coat and great skin as well as smooth digestion. All of them love this food! Their coats are shiny and soft, and their poops are small! The exclusive formula also increases energy levels! We tried another brand, and it caused all kinds of allergic reactions. We went back to Eagle Pack, and all is right again. Great product! That may be because they have a senior Golden Retriever who is struggling with dental issues or feel that dehydrated food options are healthier. This particular food contains real protein and essential nutrients that can benefit dogs of all ages. Once we got this, she became a food-crazed puppy! This food includes a combination of freeze-dried raw-coated kibble with real pieces of freeze-dried raw meat! This variety has lots of meat sources plus several strains of probiotics. In general, your dog will benefit from puppy food from about 8 weeks of age until they are six months to a year old. Check with your vet to determine the right time to switch from a puppy food to one for adult dogs, as recommendations vary based on the size of your dog. A few days later, you can begin making it a half-and-half blend. Make sure to watch for loose stool from your pup as you transition — if you notice that your Golden is struggling with the new diet, wait for a few days before increasing the blend. When in doubt, check with your vet! Most dog foods come with specific volumes listed on the side. Overfeeding your pet can lead to a variety of health concerns. To determine what food will suit your dog the best, check out 17 of the top dog foods on the market for Golden Retrievers, no matter their age. Check with your vet to determine whether your Golden will need any special dietary considerations. Foods considered toxic to Golden Retrievers are macadamia nuts, chocolate, onions, garlic cloves, grapes, raisins, walnuts, alcohol, and any foods sweetened with xylitol. Try to avoid feeding your Golden food containing any of these ingredients. Grain is an essential component to the diet of Golden Retrievers. The absence of grain has been known to lead to a deficiency in taurine, which can potentially cause heart problems for your golden. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Feeding Your Golden Feeding Your Golden With the wide array of foods available today, it can be hard to make a good choice of what to feed your golden. Goldens are particularly sensitive to dietary concerns, and feeding them a high quality diet can help boost their health and immune system. Feeding a high quality food is not necessarily more expensive. Price is misleading: cheaper foods require more volume to be fed, up to several cups at each meal. With the wide array of better foods available today, you can make a smart choice of what to feed your golden. A golden will normally eat about two cups of premium food per day. It can be adjusted a little more or less based on activity level and metabolism. Goldens are prone to skin problems, and a poor quality diet will cause skin problems which translates into costly veterinarian bills. You will need to go to the pet store to purchase your food. Grocery store brands do not offer the nutrition goldens need for good health. Do not be persuaded by fancy advertising. Many commonly hyped foods are not high quality and maybe lacking the necessary nutritional value for your dog. For example, Grain Free foods may play a major part in taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers and other large breed dogs. This deficiency can cause serious heart problems for your dog see Taurine and Grain Free information on this web page. Here are some guidelines: Look for food free of chemical preservatives. Some of these additives are suspected of causing cancer. Look for food preserved with Tocopherols Vitamins C and E as well as rosemary and other herbs. Make sure you have several months before this date. Frequent stores where there is a good turnover of food so you get a fresh bag. Always store dog food in a tight airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you only have one dog, consider buying pound bags instead of pounds bags so the food is fresher. Look for a food that has some form of meat as the first ingredient — such as lamb, chicken, or turkey. Avoid foods that have grain as the first ingredient. Also look for multiple meat proteins in the first seven ingredients. Protein from multiple sources is generally viewed as being beneficial such as lamb, chicken and fish , unless your dog is allergic to certain proteins. Dog food companies sometimes list several types of grains in the first seven ingredients. Beware of this — your dog needs animal protein in his diet! These are the intestines of the animal including what is in the intestines!! Most by-products are not desirable. By-products normally contain beaks, feet, feathers, heads and other slaughterhouse wastes — not the most nutritious part of the animal. Avoid foods that have sugars or artificial colors or flavors or a lot of added salt. Semi-moist dog foods are the worst — they usually are loaded with artificial colors and sugars. Added vitamins and minerals are beneficial only when applied after the baking process, because heat destroys vitamins. The best foods are made up of ingredients that would be suitable for human consumption. Most dog foods contain meat products that are not fit for human consumption. They can include meat from diseased livestock, condemned material from slaughterhouses such as tumors cut away from meat , and as horrible as it sounds, some pet foods include euthanized pets sold to rendering plants and even road kill. Is it any wonder why so many dogs die from cancer when they are being fed meat from these sources? Grains — many dog foods will contain some grains, for example, brown rice, barley, corn, wheat, etc. We have found that some goldens in our rescue program generally do poorly on a food that contains corn or soy. Many goldens are allergic to corn or wheat. So if your golden starts getting a lot of hot spots or skin problems — check his food. There is a big difference in quality of grain products. Look for whole rice or brown rice in the ingredients; white rice and ground brewers rice are much lower in nutrients than whole or brown rice. Often pet food companies take the sweepings off the mill floor and put it in pet food. Look for whole grains instead such as oatmeal, brown rice, barley, or whole oats. Grain Free foods. Grain Free foods have become increasingly available as food companies try to offer foods that are easier to digest with lower levels of complex carbohydrates and grains. One misconception is that grain free dog food is also low-carb, however, vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, green peas and tapioca often replace the grains in grain-free dog foods, especially in kibble foods, making them as high or higher in carbohydrates than grain-based dog foods. Studies have shown peas, beans, pea starch, legumes, potatoes and sweet potatoes that have replaced the grains in dog foods block the function of taurine. Taurine, a sulfuric acid, is essential for healthy cardiovascular function in Golden Retrievers. If left untreated, taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers can cause dilated cardiomyopathy DCM , congestive heart failure and possibly death. Read all the ingredients in the food which should include taurine and check with your veterinarian before selecting or feeding any grain free food to your dog. Detailed information on dog food ingredients and taurine can be found on this web page under Taurine and Grain Free information and at: Diet Associated Heart Disease Treats — beware of many dog treats out there. They are filled with sugars, preservatives and artificial colors. Try buying biscuits at your local dog bakery or making some yourself. The dog food companies listed below have high quality treats available for your dog. Is your dog overweight? Beware of some diet dog foods, they can be loaded with fillers that provide no added nutrition. At least green beans are healthy. You can also use canned pumpkin. Typically goldens love it! DO NOT free feed your golden; instead feed a measured amount of food twice a day. Most adult goldens will eat 1 cup of premium dog food twice a day. Is your dog too fat? You should be able to feel its ribs and your dog should have a waist. We have found that we have a different view of what constitutes a fat dog than many veterinarians. They will typically allow dogs to carry more weight than is optimal. This perhaps is because they do not want to insult their clients and risk losing business. Letting your golden get too fat is like chopping years off of its life. We also see lots of hip problems with goldens, and keeping weight in check will give your dog better mobility. Fat goldens are an epidemic from our experience. We routinely get goldens into our rescue program that have to lose 30 — 40 pounds!!! Therefore we have a lot of experience at taking the weight off! It is very discouraging and upsetting when an adoptive home will let some weight creep back on. You may think you are loving your dog by giving it too much to eat, but if you really love it you will keep it at a normal weight. Remember — Ribs and Waists! Can you feel and see them on your dog? If not, break open the cans of green beans! The bottom line is read the ingredients, consult your veterinarian and research reliable resources. Making sure your dog has the best nutritional food will help to insure he has a long and healthy life. Here, from Whole Dog Journal, are some additional links for selecting best dry dog food and the best canned dog reviews. Goldens Rescued Since .They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like. Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months.