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By Chris Labradoodles are amazing dogs, and Labradoodle colors are just as interesting! Labradoodles come in many different shapes, sizes, and coat shades. Labradoodle Images — our favorite Labradoodle photographs Some Labradoodles have black coats with white spots on their chest or paws. Others have brown coats with golden highlights around their eyes. But no matter what color labradoodle you have, they all make great companions for all! A chocolate medium Labradoodle enjoying a park visit Labradoodles with chocolate coats are such pretty dogs! There is a Labradoodle with a chocolate coat that lives in my neighborhood pictured above on a walk with my Labradoodle Max that I see every day walking all over the place. When he sees me, he actually jumps up on me and starts licking my face! He is a medium-sized Labradoodle dog. There are three sizes of Labradoodles, standard, medium, and miniature. Occasionally you will find a LAbradoodle that does not take to the water — but they are few and far between. The golden-brown coat of a tan Labradoodle enjoying the beach Labradoodles are more than just pets, they become part of our family. Labradoodles are friendly, social animals that love to play and run around with their human friends. Some Labradoodles like to be outdoors, and you will find them rolling in the grass, chasing butterflies, or just plain relaxing. This wavy coat white Labradoodle has very long hair. White coat Labradoodles can get pretty stained and dirty. White Labradoodles are especially prone to this. My labradoodle gets dirt all over his coat after she plays outside! Luckily basic grooming and shampoo do the trick. This rich black coat is a fairly common Labradoodle shade. Black Labradoodle puppies normally have black eyes too see the photo above. This actually makes it quite difficult to capture photographs of them. Labradoodles are loyal and bond closely with their primary family members Labradoodles are amazing friends! Australian Labradoodles are a different breed the Labradoodles although similar! Labradoodles come in all shapes and sizes. Some Labradoodles are thin while others are more stocky. A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. Friendly, energetic, playful, social, cuddly, smart. AKA — the Labradoodle. Two Labradoodles sniff each other out at a dog park. Labradoodles get on well with other dogs. It is important to introduce your puppy to other dogs as soon as possible. If you live in a city, this will be easy because there will be lots of dogs everywhere. You can find out about off-leash dog parks and dog walking groups in your area and try going along to meet the Labradoodle owners and their Labradoodle friends. This can be done in a professional setting, but many owners prefer to take the job on themselves at home. You will need a Labradoodle-specific brush, labradoodle shampoo, scissors, and nail trimmers. Before you start brushing your Labradoodle put, it in a comfortable position in front of you on the floor or sitting on your lap. Brush their fur from head to tail with a Labradoodle-specific brush picking up any tangles as you go. Labradoodle playing in a water fountain. What a way to cool off on a warm day! Even though they have long coats, Labradoodles can still get sunburn or suffer from sun damage. Give them plenty of opportunities to cool off away from the sun. A Parti Labradoodle in this cause black and white Some Labradoodle will have two shades in their coats. Black and white two-shade Labradoodles are common. A Labradoodle dog running in the snow. Labradoodles love running through the snow, playing with their family, rolling around in the white stuff, barking at the sound of someone nearby, or just relaxing. Labradoodles are also found in many climates. The Labradoodles can be found living on islands such as Hawaii or Australia or on the cold mountainsides of Europe. It will help make bath time easier for life. It can even save money because some Labradoodles shed a lot of hair and need to be groomed more often and DIY grooming saves a bunch. A Labradoodle sits on a couch next to a Pomeranian. Non-shedding small dogs are popular. So are shedding small dogs like Boxers, Bulldogs, Pomeranians, and more A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. Miniature Labradoodles Images This Apricot Mini Labradoodle is looking up at the camera, because he thinks he might get a treat he did. My Labradoodle Max wearing his party hat. POV: You are walking my Labradoodle Max wearing his usual harness Labradoodle Max looks at a toilet paper wall obstacle Labradoodle Max enjoys a cuddle in a towel after a shower and bath Giving a labradoodle puppy a bath can be challenging. Bath time is much easier if Labradoodles are groomed early on. Labradoodles, like other dogs, need to be brushed often. A non-shedding dog coat still needs regular brushing, even when it is cut short like the photo above we shaved our Labradoodle Max before a beach holiday to help prevent coat knotting with daily swims. Before taking a puppy to the beach be sure you have a plan, and safety in mind. My Miniature Labradoodle Max wearing a stylish raincoat Dogs rarely need raincoats. We got one just because it looks great. It does help during walks in cold rain or when there is wind and I am worried that Max will get a chill. An Apricot Mini Labradoodle my puppy Max! Labradoodles will often hang out with their tongues out. A Red Labradoodle enjoying time in the snow. 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. He does not have the gene to make a rose-nosed puppy. They display slightly smaller curls than some pups, but it is still not a tight curly fleece. As adults, they will have a coat similar to Tilly, their mom. This coat is easy to care for, does not mat easily, and is easy to brush out regularly. The first two pups pictured have a different dad, they are out of Riley, and the other four are from Sam. Also, note that Riley's pups have a rose nose, and the others have a black nose. These two display tight fleece. Keep short for easy management, or brush regularly to avoid mattes. The first pup had a slightly curlier coat than the others and was fluffier as an adult. You can also see the rose nose on the caramel pup 3 versus the black nose on the apricot pup 6. The black pups range in colors; the first black Australian labradoodle puppy is solid but already showing signs of silver showing through around his nose and will likely silver out as he matures. The other two black pups are phantom or sable, with adorable brown eyebrows—two caramel pups with rose noses and one apricot pup with a black nose. You can see three of each type in this litter. The pups in positions 1, 3, and 6 are tight curls, and the other three are loose. An equal distribution of rose noses, 3 rose and three black. Gypsy makes a wide range of sizes in her litter. In this litter, the Australian labradoodle puppies range in weight, at age 1, from lbs.
What an incredible boy, with the most contagious smile ever! Nathan has brittle bone disease. He has broken many, many bones and endured countless surgeries. He is unable to walk, and is confined to his wheelchair. What an incredible example and inspiration Nathan has been to our family. What an honor it has been to be able to provide Nathan with a dog, to be his best friend and support as he tackles each new day with incredible enthusiasm. Liberty was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 2 years old. Every time she plays, every time she is sick it affects her insulin. If her blood sugar goes too low she can go into a coma. It truly is life threatening every day. Her mom has to set an alarm every night to check on her to make sure it is not too high or has dropped too low. We were so excited for the opportunity to be able to provide a best friend and a life saving companion for Liberty. Luke was diagnosed with Leukemia at 6 months old. He endured many surgeries, treatments and many long stays in the hospital. Luke would smile at everyone, and anyone that needed to be cheered up. What a blessing it was to be able to donate a puppy to Luke. He loved the puppies and was able to pick out the perfect puppy for his family. Luke peacefully left this world at the age of 2. She has endured countless physical therapy sessions and many more to come. What a pleasure is has been working with her and her family and seeing the impact Champ has made in her life! He always helps me when I go on hikes or when I fall. He wears a harness and helps me keep my balance. Champ is also a very social dog and is friendly to everyone. He always loves and supports me and I am truly grateful to have him in my life. You can pay by sending money via Venmo or Check. We will send you an email announcing their birth, along with a picture of the litter. We will then send you an email each week updating you on what we are working on with the puppies and more!! At 6 weeks old, we will ask for your selection as we contact each new owner in order. We will meet with you in person or via FaceTime. By then we will have completed are three week temperament testing program and will be able to help you match the perfect puppy with your family. Puppy pick up day is a very special day. We will be contacting you and scheduling a time that works best for you to pick up your new puppy. We will then provide you with a "puppy folder" full of wonderful information to get you off to the best start possible. Your puppy will be fully bathed, very familiar with a crate, and ready to become apart of your family. Our dogs are a part of our family and we are so grateful for the opportunity to be able to share such a wonderful blessing in our lives with others. She is just great fun to have around. Regulars at the neighborhood outdoor cafe expect to see Lily come by every day, wagging her tail, looking for attention from everyone. I can't overstate how the Herbsts did everything to give her a good start on life, and to ease the transition from farm to her new home, and to point me towards a puppy who would be a good fit for me. He has a very loving personality, quickly attached to our entire family, loves to play with everyone, and has been easy to train. We potty trained him in just a week by praising him like crazy every time he went outside, and he understood so quickly. He learned all the basic commands very easily as well. He loves people and lets strangers come up to pet him. Katie Lewis "Daisy May" is doing great. Super smart and perfect for our family. She loves to play and is super obedient. By far, the smartest dog I ever owned. Being so obedient, I was considering doing trials or shows with her. Greg Fitzgerald Since Rex joined our family, my wife and I have both commented on how much laughter and joy he has brought to our day. He is such a sweet dog, a quick learner and absolutely wants to please! Ron Harrison He is a great family dog. He has been house trained. We are happy to report that he has not had one accident inside the house. He is well mannered. Shaunie Critchfield Timmy learns fast and shows good potential for competitive obedience events at some time in the future. She is able to immediately light up a room with her happy demeanor. Our three older children, ranging in age from 4 to 7, needed a friend after losing their brother. Maese has been the perfect addition to our family, and a wonderful therapy dog for us all! He has an amazing temperament and is very empathetic. He seems to know when the kids or my husband or I need some comfort. Maese does everything with our family, from hiking and vacations to working the yard or watching a movie. He was the easiest puppy to train, and has continued to be very well-behaved. He's only a class or two away from being certified as a therapy dog, and we look forward to taking him to the local Children's Hospital cancer floor for pet therapy days.We love our Maese! She is gentle with my grandchildren and friendly to everyone she meets. Her disposition is everything the breeder promised and more. Julie Bench When I came to the nursing home, I had to give my dog away to my family. Seeing Buck every day made me feel right at home. Vetrans Home Finny is a physically beautiful golden and we are constantly asked if we will consider him as a show dog. Our vet has also told us repeatedly that Finny is a perfect example of flawless breed standard. We could not be happier with Finny and do hope to get another dog from Amazing Goldens in the future. Mo Smith I just want to update you on our beautiful dog, Sage. She will be one year old on Sunday. We absolutely adore her. She is smart, she is sweet, she is loyal. We couldn't ask for a better canine family member. I've attached a couple of photos of her. She is about 5 months in the fall picture. She just earned her Canine Good Citizen certificate this week, just in time for her first birthday. I plan on continuing training her and eventually will have her serving as a therapy dog. She loves people so much, I know she will be excellent in the role of a therapy dog. I hope all is well with you and your family. Lisa Bakhsheshy. Puppy Supplies Welcome to Buck Family Farm, a place where our love for Golden Retrievers has evolved into a passion for providing families with affectionate, intelligent, and healthy Golden Retriever Puppies. Our goal is to make sure your next family pet is everything you expected and more. Our Dogs Our family specializes in raising Golden Retrievers of all coat shades who enjoy our spacious 20 acre farm. It is important to us that each dog gets special attention and care each day. Our family-style setup allows our dogs to have the luxury of running free and romping around to their hearts' content while playing together and with our family. Also, since this is our at-home classroom, someone is always available to play ball or give a much needed scratch on the belly and pat on the head. Genetic testing is also performed on each dog to help us make wise choices for the best pairings and to produce puppies with the best probability of excellent health. Of high importance however, is taking into consideration the temperament of each of our Golden Retrievers to produce a well balanced and friendly companion, who exhibits all of the classic traits of the breed. Puppies Buck Family Farm puppies are AKC registered, vet certified, have first shots, are wormed and will come to your home with a 1 year health guarantee and a first bag of puppy food. We also send a blanket with mommy's scent and all appropriate NYS paperwork as well as copies of parents' health clearances. Our desire is to make your experience with us and our puppies everything you expected and more. Puppy Applications If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from our farm please fill out an adoption application to help us get to know you a little better. When your application is accepted you will have the opportunity to place your name on our waiting list for an additional fee. This ensures a courtesy call when a particular color, gender or litter of choice has arrived. You will then have the opportunity to place a deposit on one of our puppies. You will receive a courtesy notification of the litters' arrival and have opportunity to place a deposit. However, deposits that are not submitted promptly will affect your pick-order. Deposits are usually non-refundable. Placing a Deposit Once a new litter is born and determined to be healthy and thriving, we open them for deposit. First, to those on our waiting list, and then to families who have pre-approved applications. We choose puppies at 5 weeks of age in the order that deposits were placed. Please contact us for Paypal, zelle and Venmo handles. Visiting We frequently update pictures of all puppies on a regular basis. You will not be allowed to visit the puppies or parents until mommy is settled in and feeling comfortable with visitors. At 5 weeks of age we have adopting families visit our farm and choose their puppy. Puppies are chosen in the order that deposits were placed. Homecoming At 8 weeks of age and after veterinary examination, puppies will be united with their forever families! You must consider important elements like social and living conditions when choosing a Golden Retriever breeder. The way your Golden Retriever is raised will have a significant impact on their lives. Evaluate the conditions of the breeder and the treatment of every puppy. The type of dog breeder you choose is important, so consider different factors like the acreage, reputation, and pedigree. Considering how your New York dog breeder raised them is very important to their health and learning curve. If they raise your golden retriever in a positive environment, they should have an obedient and loving personality. As you select your puppy, consider the appearance, age, size, and gender. For instance, the gender of the Golden Retriever has a large impact on its personality. Choose a puppy compatible with your personality. Golden Retrievers can be outrageously disobedient without early training and socialization from their breeders. Without training from breeders, your puppy will certainly require professional training later in life to receive the required discipline that a Golden Retriever needs. Training in puppyhood can instill obedience in your dog, preparing them for a bright future of good behavior. Adirondac Golden Retrievers Adirondac Golden Retrievers is a certified dog breeder who only raises every type of Golden Retriever, from active companions who excel in their athleticism to compassionate companions. All puppies are raised in a loving environment with plenty of social interaction, allowing them to flourish in any home. In addition to raising healthy puppies, Adirondac Golden Retrievers trains their puppies in various therapies, professions, and hunting techniques. Many of the puppies that come from this breeder become professional work dogs like K9 units and assistants. Name of Owner. Choosing to add a dog to your family is a big decision, and if you have children, then there are even more factors to consider. Of course, you want to find a dog that is good with kids, but you most likely are also looking for a pup that will quickly become their best friend. Golden retrievers have enjoyed a long reputation as a great family pet, but what exactly is it about this breed that makes them such a good family dog? A golden retriever is gentle with kids and other animals. A golden retriever is loyal to his family. A golden retriever is eager to please his owners, making him easier to train. A golden retriever is very active, which means he loves to play for long periods of time. A golden retriever has a laid-back personality, which is a big bonus with young children. There are several logistical pieces of the puzzle that you have to think about when you are looking for a dog, such as size, ease of training, health issues if any that are common to the breed, and your budget. For example, a dog can be the absolute best dog in the whole world, but if he weighs pounds and you live in a small apartment, he might not be the best fit for your family. Here are a few helpful stats about the friendly and devoted golden retriever: SIZE A male golden retriever can grow to be roughly 23 to 24 inches in height and weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. Females can reach an average height of .Consider if you need to stick with a smaller breed based on your living situation, or if a large breed is your preference. If you opt for a large dog, then exactly how big can you go? This is an important factor to consider if you plan to get a dog that will grow up with your children; knowing the average life span might influence when you get your pup or if you choose to adopt a younger or older dog. A golden tends to shed his thick, outer coat once or twice a year, so, during these times, you can expect to brush your pup daily. In addition, regular teeth brushing and ear and eye checks are important, as well as regular nail-trimming, which should be done with any breed. If you get your golden through a breeder then your pup should have been screened for various health issues like heart disease, eye conditions, and hip dysplasia. Always make sure to have an established relationship with a veterinarian that you trust if you are about to add a dog to your family. Like many dogs, if a golden retriever does not get adequate exercise, it can lead to undesirable behavior and an unhappy pup. Of course, no matter what type of dog you get, early training and proper socialization are essential to the development of a well-rounded and happy pup. Give some of the responsibility of caring for your new pup to the kids who are old enough to handle it. For example, young children can help feed the family dog, older children can be in charge of dog walks, and children of any age can be expected to participate in playtime and picking up after their new furry friend. Do you think you might want to look into adopting a dog or rescuing a golden? Searching for a local rescue is a great starting point, plus petfinder. At Neater Pets, our top priority is to provide pet parents with all of the tools you need to do the very best for your pets. Purebred Golden Retriever Puppies Buying a puppy is a big decision. We made that decision easy. Not knowing where your puppy has come from could lead to genetic health and socialization issues, and ultimately disappointment. There are even tons of puppy scams on the internet, some of which even try to imitate us! We believe dogs are not like family — they ARE family! Unlike other puppy adoption agencies in Ohio, we allow and actually encourage you to meet our Golden Retriever puppies for sale before you agree to take one home. Remember, too, that when it comes to getting a puppy, ultimately, you get what you pay for. You get a Golden Retriever you love, vetted for good health, from a breeder you trust. He has a very fun loving spirit and has made our family complete. Marcus and his family are very gracious and great to work with. We would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a Golden! She will be turning 9 months in a few weeks. I had a wonderful experience getting her through your company! So glad I got her. All Rights Reserved. If you would like to have the puppy held for you, make a deposit online. You are certainly welcome to select your puppy this way without a deposit, but please note that availability may change on a daily basis. If you come and see the puppy, make your purchase and take the puppy home if the puppy is 8 weeks old or older. Skip to 6, unless you need to arrange travel for your pup. Connect with us and we will get the right information to deliver the puppy to you and set up the exact date and time. Enjoy the new puppy that you have adopted into your family. If you have any questions, please reach out to the breeder for help! How much is a Golden Retriever puppy, and why do the prices on the website vary? The price depends on the credentials of the parents and the number of puppies available at the time. This allows you to set up an appointment that fits both your schedule and that of our breeders. Our golden retriever puppies are all raised by families in the Northeast Ohio area, conveniently located about an hour and a half from both Cleveland and Columbus. This makes it easy to come visit our puppies and spend time playing with them in a home environment. How can I get puppy travel arranged if I am out of state? A little-known fact about golden retriever puppies is that they actually do very well with travel. Check out our puppy travel page here to find out more about how we go the extra mile. How do you raise your dogs? When buying a golden retriever puppy, the people who bred and raised them can have a big impact on the health and sociability of the dog! Because of this, we are dedicated to choosing caring, dedicated golden retriever breeders in Ohio who will get your pup started on the right track. Our small network of breeders in Ohio all are dedicated to the same principles. This starts by providing carefully-planned breedings to ensure the best pedigree for our pups. They raise healthy, socialized pups that can make a smooth transition to a new home. Most of our breeders actually have young children at home who help raise the puppies and play with them so they can become socially adjusted. How do I leave a review of my Golden Retriever experience? Website: Hilltopgoldenretriever. They want to breed healthy, content dogs that will make devoted companions. Four adorable Golden Retriever puppies wandering on the flower bed. What a lovely day! Every parent dog has undergone a health examination, and their pedigrees are posted on their website for anyone to view. The breeders socialize the puppies with kids and adult dogs and desensitize them to household noises. They also ensure all puppies are vet checked and certified. The pups come with AKC registration, a 1-year health guarantee, and litter pedigree. They will have received their latest shots and deworming. Nevani Goldens Nevani Goldens sets the standards high. They raise their dogs at home, where they interact with their children. The Golden Retriever puppy smiles while sitting on a blanket. Each parent dog has undergone genetic testing and received an OFA clearance. The breeders raise the puppies using puppy culture techniques, so the pups are content and healthy. They monitor their health from birth and offer a 2-year health guarantee with the pups. Her love for the breed soon made her a breeder, a passion she is very dedicated to. Golden Retriever family lying on the grass. She breeds animals at home and places a high value on temperament. They are also cleared for OFA, eye, elbow, and heart. Timberscombe Golden Retrievers Timberscombe is a family breeder that breeds healthy Golden Retrievers. The dogs are raised in their home and loved like family members. The breeding program does not use animals that do not pass these tests. The breeders feed them premium dog food so that they enjoy optimum health. The puppies are socialized to make them great companions. They are dewormed at 2, 4, 5, and 7—8 weeks of age and vaccinated at 6 weeks. All puppies come with limited or full AKC registration, depending on your preference. They accommodate buyers and are ready to meet them if they are within a 1. Breeder Details:.
Things to do with your English Bulldog Ohio is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Ohio that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Ohio that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Ohio, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Ohio, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Ohio, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Ohio, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Ohio has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Ohio. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Ohio is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Ohio? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Each puppy is special to us, and we spend a lot of time socializing and introducing them to new experiences. When you adopt with us, you can be confident that your puppy was loved and adored from birth. Frenchies are easygoing and friendly with people and other animals. Learn About French Bulldogs English Bulldogs English Bulldogs are a medium-sized, stocky dog with adults weighing between 45 and 60 pounds. English Bulldogs are a loyal, friendly, and gentle breed. Learn About English Bulldogs Plan a visit If you like the peace of mind that comes with meeting your puppy in person before you take them home, schedule a visit with us. Contact Us Happy, healthy puppies All of our puppies are vet checked and de-wormed before they go to their forever homes. See our health guarantee for more details. This could be you You could join the many who have had a great experience with Blossom Ridge Bulldogs. Read their stories below. She's such a happy girl and dances when she gets excited. She loves daily walks, burrowing under the blankets, and hiding her deer antlers around the house so no one can find them. She's extremely smart and was completely housebroken within 2. I can't thank you enough for changing our life for the better.She's been such a wonderful companion. And are getting a third puppy this week. Blossom Ridge Bulldogs are fantastic. The puppies are well-socialized and care for. We are having a blast with them. Jeremiah and Melody have been great to work with. Communication and follow up has been stellar. I would definitely recommend anyone looking for a great quality puppy to visit Blossom Ridge Bulldogs. He is best friends with our other French bulldog Paisley. We were very happy with Blossom ridge and how accommodating they were when we came up to Ohio for a wedding. They allowed us to stop and see the puppies Friday and made an exception for us to come back Sunday before we left town to pick up the puppy. Puppies are priced according to there size, color, and pedigree. Please contact us for prices. Sales tax will be charged on every purchase. Puppy Food We feed Eukanuba small breed puppy food to all our small breed puppies and Eukanuba large breed puppy food to our large breed puppies. We will provide a sample starter bag. You can purchase it at Petsmart or Chewy. Health Guarantee We offer a hour vet check health guarantee. You will have 3 days to have your new puppy checked by a vet of your choice. If he finds anything genetically wrong with the puppy we will gladly take the puppy back with a full refund returned you must provide papers from your vet stating the reason. Please note that the breeder is not responsible for any vet bills. We also offer a one-year health guarantee for the overall genetic health of the puppy. Deposits Deposits are needed to hold a puppy that you have been approved for. Deposits can be sent call us for address. Please include your name, phone number, and the puppy you are putting the deposit on when mailing. Quick Contact.
The Goldendoodle breed is generally known for its curly and wavy hair. It can be pretty surprising to discover a Goldendoodle with a flat coat. You can click here to get answers to common questions about flat coat Goldendoodles. A straight hair Goldendoodle is more like a golden retriever with a beard, mustache, and a typical Goldendoodle look. But what are the situations where a Goldendoodle gets a flat coat? In the case of F1 or first-generation Goldendoodle puppies, one purebred golden retriever parent and one purebred poodle parent are bred together. Therefore, puppies inherit 50 percent of their genetic composition from each parent. As a result, while some F1 Goldendoodles may get the curly coat of the poodle parent, others may have a flat, straight coat resembling a golden retriever. If the dogs are 2nd generation or F2 Goldendoodles, there are also substantial chances of acquiring straight hair or a flat coat. You can also try to find a breeder who backcrosses Goldendoodles with golden retrievers, which is rare. Genetics Despite having the qualities of both golden retrievers and poodles, no two Goldendoodle puppies will grow up with the same traits. This is because each puppy will inherit the dominant gene of the parent that gets imprinted into their DNA. Standard poodles are usually the source of the Cu locus gene in Goldendoodles. At five to seven months, they often begin to shed their coats and develop their adult coats. You may see changes in color fading at an early age. Even darker Goldendoodle puppies may lose some of their colors and become lighter as they age. And depending on the genes, a puppy will get flat or curly hair. Adult and puppy coats differ primarily in texture. In contrast, you can frequently see flat coats in F2 or F2b litters. Flat-coated doodles are less frequent because most Goldendoodle puppy buyers prefer the characteristic curly-coated doodle appearance. It is quite possible that if you see an adult doodle with a flat coat, you might not even recognize it as a Goldendoodle. You may consider it a golden retriever because of its appearance. These are more uncommon types of Goldendoodle. Genetic testing is the only way to tell with percent certainty which coat genes a pup has inherited. Apart from that, there are a few signs you can check. Looking at the hair around their mouth is a great way to predict the coat your puppy will have in adulthood. The last thing is to ask the breeder or kennel where you bought the puppy. Your puppy will have tightly curled hair around his mouth if he is likely to have a curly coat. Puppies with straight coats have short, straight hair around their mouths. How Do Maintenance and Grooming Differ? There are many benefits to maintaining and grooming a flat coat Goldendoodle. Below we have enclosed the grooming difference between flap, curly, and wavy Goldendoodles. READ - Labradoodle vs. Wavy Coat The most common and popular coat type in Goldendoodles is a shaggy and wavy coat. This coat has a fuzzy appearance and requires minor maintenance of all three types. You must frequently brush your furry companion to remove stray hairs and mats to keep its coat healthy and tangle-free. Such types of coats have low to no shedding. Curly Coat Your puppy will probably have a tight, curled coat if he generally resembles the poodle parent. As a result, you can have long barrel ringlets or tight, kinky poodle curls. It would be best if you did regular grooming for Goldendoodle dogs to prevent their coat from matting. Though a flat coat is easy to maintain, it sheds more than usual. The upside of this is that you will save time and money on grooming and maintenance. Furthermore, brush them a few times weekly to keep their coat beautiful. You can best schedule a bath accordingly. Downsides of a Flat Coat Goldendoodle Though getting a flat coat Goldendoodle puppy has many benefits, it also has some downsides. Shedding The main drawback of flat coat Goldendoodles is that they tend to shed more than curly and wavy Goldendoodles. This happens because the straight-haired Goldendoodle has a lower proportion of poodle DNA in its genetic makeup than the other two types. However, one thing to note is that flat-coat Goldendoodles still shed less than purebred golden retrievers do. So if you are planning to buy a flat coat Goldendoodle puppy, be ready for lots of hair on your floors and beds. You should set a regular brushing schedule, use the right kind of shampoo, give them balanced food, and utilize supplements as needed. Less Hypoallergenic Since flat coat Goldendoodles shed more, it goes without saying that they will be less hypoallergenic. The main reason is that they are more genetically similar to golden retrievers than poodles. A puppy is hypoallergenic if he has the qualities of a non-shedding and curly coat. Both are absent in flat coat Goldendoodles. The dander, a mixture of expelled skin cells and saliva, causes the allergy. Dogs that shed a lot of hair also tend to shed more dander. It is easily manageable. Additionally, they frequently represent the most affordable generations. You can buy them at a lower price than curly and wavy Goldendoodles. You may occasionally overlook flat-coated puppies since many dog owners prefer allergy-friendly curly coats over flat coats. It does not tangle as easily as curly hair. Also, they are less prone to matting. Low Litter Selection Competition Most pet owners prefer curly and wavy coats, so it is an excellent option for you to pick a flat-coat Goldendoodle. Great Health and Temperament If you buy any puppy, ensure they are healthy and have a great temperament. Flat Goldendoodle puppies are considered healthy with a great temperament. You can even train them quickly. They are gentle, loyal, and understanding and make you smile with their funny actions. Conclusion Flat coat Goldendoodle puppies can be excellent pets for homes. So if you are thinking of adopting a flat coat Goldendoodle puppy, we think it is a great decision. We hope this guide has helped you learn everything about flat coat Goldendoodles. We have thoroughly discussed straight-hair Goldendoodles, including genetics, maintenance, grooming, and the downsides of the breed. We have also made things easy for you by providing information on the essential things you must look at before adopting a flat-coat Goldendoodle puppy. Straight-haired Goldendoodle puppies take after the luxurious straight coat of their Golden Retriever parent. This is because they have more dominant Golden Retriever genes. On the other hand, curly-haired Goldendoodles have physical characteristics similar to their Poodle parents. So, how do Goldendoodle puppies develop straight hair , and what factors warrant this trait? Although the Goldendoodle inherits traits from both a Golden Retriever and a Poodle; no two puppies will develop identical characteristics. This is because each of the puppies will take after the dominant gene of the parent wired in their DNA. A cute Goldendoodle puppy waits for a treat Generations Other than genetics, the generations of crossbreed preceding a particular Goldendoodle puppy and the generation the puppy belongs to also determine its coat type. F1 Goldendoodles are the first-generation Goldendoodle puppies whose line comprises a purebred Poodle and Golden Retriever. In this case, the pup will inherit half of its genetic makeup from a Poodle and the other half from a Golden Retriever. F1B Goldendoodle puppies, on the other hand, come from one purebred Poodle and one F1 Goldendoodle parent. If you want the curlier and teddy bear looks of most Goldendoodles, then look for puppies with the F1B genes. If you adopted or bought an F2 Goldendoodle puppy, you should know that this gene strain is a cross between two Goldendoodle parents. The only difference of this strain is that they are the most unpredictable in terms of coat type, which means that their offspring can have the double gene of a Golden Retriever and can develop the straight and flat coat of a straight-haired Goldendoodle. At the same, they can also be bred by crossing a purebred Poodle to F2 Goldendoodle parents. This would mean that F2B Goldendoodle Puppies have .Because there is more Poodle in the genes of these tots, chances are puppies that have the F2B gene will come out curlier and have a higher degree of physical resemblance to the Poodle. Moyen Goldendoodles are smaller than Standard Goldendoodles, and larger than Miniatures. Grooming A Flat Coat Because of their straighter hair, flat-coated Goldendoodles are often confused with Golden Retrievers, and for good reasons. However, straight-haired Goldendoodles will often have shaggier manes than their Golden Retriever ancestors. As far as grooming goes, straight-haired Goldendoodle would need brushing as well with the use of a pin or a slicker brush every few times a week. This brushing will keep their coat from being tangled, while the occasional use of a grooming mitt could keep their coat looking and feeling shiny. Flat Coat Maintenance There are many benefits to owning a Goldendoodle with straight hair. First, their hair or coat is less likely to mat than their curlier-haired siblings, so they would require less maintenance. For dog owners who like more fun and minor cosmetic care for a dog, the straight-haired Goldendoodle is ideal. Another advantage to a straight-haired Goldendoodle is that leaves, dust, and other debris are less likely to catch on their mane, unlike wavy or curly-haired Goldendoodles. Goldendoodles with a flat coat would only need a bath once they start to smell, and this will solely depend on the environment they are living in or whether or not they are potty trained. All in all, the grooming that flat-coated Goldendoodle dogs and puppies require is very minimal and depends on the occasion. This is the perfect dog for families with a busy schedule but still would love to have a dog to play with and care for. A cute dog having a bath. Keep that smell under control! Do Flat-Coat Goldendoodles Shed? There are many benefits to a flat-coated Goldendoodle; however, there are also downsides to this adorable mixed breed compared to its other cousins, the wavy or the curly-haired Goldendoodles. The first is that the flat-coat Goldendoodle sheds more fur than its counterparts, the wavy and curly-haired Goldendoodles. This is because, genetically, a flat coat Goldendoodle is less Poodle than a Golden Retriever. The good news is, for lovers of Golden Retrievers who are allergic to the breed because of the amount of hair they tend to shed, the flat-coated Goldendoodle is a great option. It has the intelligence of the Golden Retriever but comes without the shedding! As Flat Coat Goldendoodles shed more, they are less hypoallergenic. There is a happy middle ground, but no dog breed can completely be hypoallergenic. This is the case for the breed Goldendoodle , which has the advantage of shedding less. Another fact to know is that dog hair is not what people are allergic to but the dander or the skin cells and saliva. It is correlated because dogs who shed more hair or fur also tend to shed more dander. A Goldendoodle looking up and tongue out. The most straightforward and surefire way to know what coat your Goldendoodle puppy will have once fully grown is by checking the hair around its mouth. A Goldendoodle puppy will grow a curly coat if the hair around its mouth is tight, curly, or kinky. In contrast, a wavy-haired Goldendoodle will have wavy hair once it matures if its hair is wavy around the mouth with loose curls. Straight-haired Goldendoodle are characterized by their short and straight hair on their face and around their mouth as a puppy. A red Goldendoodle puppy. A Goldendoodle is also known as a Groodle. Their size is not fixed and depends on their parents. They come in three sizes—miniature, medium, and standard. Goldendoodles are highly sociable and can live in a country or city setting. Just make sure that they go on walks for 20 to 30 minutes every day to get their daily dose of exercise. Although they need proper socialization to avoid aggressive or shy behavior, Goldendoodles are highly trainable. Aside from being an all-around excellent house dog, the Goldendoodle is also great as a working dog—they work as guide, service, therapy, and sniffer dogs. You are sure to find one trusty companion in a Goldendoodle. A tongue out Goldendoodle with a bandana. Goldendoodle Coat Types Many people desire Goldendoodles because of their health and temperament. However, this mixed breed is also preferred because of its little-to-no-shedding and hypoallergenic status, which is essential for dog lovers who are allergic or sensitive to shedding. A Goldendoodle puppy will develop one of three coats once grown—wavy, curly, or straight. Coats will depend on the genes the Goldendoodle has inherited from its parents. Keep reading to discover more about each potential Goldendoodle coat. Wavy Goldendoodle Coat The shaggy or wavy coat is the most common one. To get this kind of coat, the pup should have inherited one curl gene and one non-curl gene from its parents. Goldendoodles with this coat type will have hair on their body that grows anywhere from 4 to 7 inches or 10 to 18 centimeters if left ungroomed. In contrast, the hair around the face will typically be shorter. The wavy-coated Goldendoodle is low shedding but would still require regular brushing and grooming to prevent knots from developing in their fur. Maintaining them will be effortless just as long as the owner keeps brushing their coat at least once a week. Wavy coat Goldendoodles are typically low shedding. Curly Goldendoodle Coat The curly-haired Goldendoodle has the densest hair type. A curly coat develops when both the parents have the curly gene. These Goldendoodles take more on the Poodle side of their lineage. They are the non-shedding ones of the bunch and are more or less allergy-friendly; this is a plus for all sensitive dog lovers since curly-haired Goldendoodle can have really kinky curls or big barrel curls. Owners who live by the beach should be wary of sand getting caught in the curly fur of this dog. In terms of grooming, regular brushing once or twice a week will prevent knotting, while hair trimming twice or thrice a year will be all it needs. A Goldendoodle lie down on the couch. Straight Goldendoodle Coat [Flat Coat] The straight coat of a straight-haired Goldendoodle is most often called a loose hair coat. While the curly-haired Goldendoodle takes most from the Poodle line of parents, the straight-haired Goldendoodle takes more from the Golden Retriever line. Although the straight furs on these fur babies mean that they are generally low maintenance, this fur type makes them the top shedders among all Goldendoodles. This can be bad news for Goldendoodle lovers who are sensitive to dog hair. Straight-haired Goldendoodles require low maintenance but still need brushing like their other siblings. Brushing will prevent problems like knotting and premature shedding, especially if the Goldendoodle is wearing a dog collar. A Goldendoodle sitting on the grass. Final Thoughts That concludes our Goldendoodle guide, and we hope that you learned a lot from it. Just remember the basics of reading the hair on the sides of the mouth of a Goldendoodle puppy, and you will know what strain of mixed-breed you have as it enters adolescence. Flat-coat Goldendoodles will be more prone to shedding fur, sure, but they make up for it by needing less maintenance than their cousins. In contrast to the teddy bear likeness of a curly or wavy-haired Goldendoodle, the flat-coat Goldendoodle will have smoother and shaggier fur, which is also cute in itself. Whatever the genetic strain of the Goldendoodle, the owner must keep in mind that whether or not their dog looks like a bear, in the end, Goldendoodles will love their owners just the same. And this adorable breed definitely deserves to be loved back. 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. What is a Flat Coat Golden Doodle? They do NOT have the typical curly poodle coat. The hair on their back is usually wavy and they may have a slight curl to their tail. Their coat can be any color but is most often either gold or cream. When two different breeds are bred together, the puppies will have a mix of physical traits from each parent. All dogs have a particular gene that is responsible for the type of coat. Golden Retrievers usually have a smooth face with no beard or mustache and a silky, shedding coat. Yes, flat-haired Goldendoodles are quite rare. They make up a very small percentage of all the Goldendoodles out there. This is because the specific combination of genes needed to produce a Flat Coat Goldendoodle is quite rare. Both types of coat can come in any color, and both types will require regular grooming. One thing to keep in mind is that the Standard Coat Goldendoodle may require a bit more grooming than the Flat Coat. This is because the Standard Coat has a tendency to form mats and tangles, especially behind the ears and on the legs. However, they will still need to be brushed on a regular basis to prevent their coat from becoming too oily or dirty. Yes, there are a few physical differences between the two types of coat. Additionally, the Flat Coat often has longer ears than the Standard Coat. No, you cannot be more allergic to a Smooth Coat Goldendoodle. The type of coat does not affect the amount of dander or shedding, which are the two main things that cause allergies in people. Yes, there is such a thing as a Flat Coat Mini Goldendoodle. They typically have all of the same physical and personality characteristics of their larger counterparts, just in a smaller package. Flat Hair Goldendoodles are undeniably cute dogs. Just keep in mind that they can be difficult to find, and you may have to pay a bit more than you would for other types of Doodles. Flat Coat Goldendoodle Puppy, also known as Straight Hair Goldendoodles , have become a popular dog type because many dog enthusiasts like the flat coat or straight hair that resembles a Golden Retriever. It makes these furry friends look more like teddy bears. If you are looking for a friendly temperament, non-shedding, and hypoallergenic dog, this is one of the best options. With this, you will maximize your chances of selecting a Goldendoodle with a flat coat. This article will discuss everything you need to know about a flat Coat Goldendoodle. Keep reading to learn more. So, how will your Goldendoodle end up with a straight or flat coat? The absence of this gene means that your Goldendoodle will have straight hair or a flat coat. The gene usually prevents keratin from binding together structural components, which leads to a curly coat. Therefore, if your Goldendoodle does not have keratin in its genetic structure, it will have a straight or flat coat. A DNA test can help you determine whether or not your furry friend has the presence of this gene. Generally, most Goldendoodles tend to have a wavy coat and will not have flat or straight coats. They are a hybrid dog breed of the Poodle and the Golden Retriever and usually get a mix of the Cu Locus gene. If you are looking for a flat or straight coat Goldendoodle, then you need to consider a 1st generation Goldendoodle or F1 Goldendoodle. There are also high chances of getting straight hair or flat coat Goldendoodle if they are 2nd generation Goldendoodle or F2 Goldendoodle. Because most Goldendoodles are backcrossed bred with a Poodle to become non-shedding and more hypoallergenic, you will not need backcrossed Goldendoodles. If you want straight hair or a flat coat Goldendoodle, then you will need more Golden Retriever genetics. The coats are typically wavy to curly. F1BB Goldendoodle: .The coats are typically curly. The highest chance of straight hair or flat coat Goldendoodle F2B Goldendoodle: .F2BB Goldendoodle: .Multi-generation Goldendoodle or F3 Goldendoodle: Various generations of Goldendoodles breeding typically back crossbreeding to the Standard Poodle. You can also try to find a dog breeder that backcrosses Goldendoodles with Golden Retrievers. Goldendoodle Coat Changes Goldendoodle puppies also change their coats while reaching adulthood. They will mostly start shedding their coats at the age of 5 to 7 months and transition into adult coats. The transition can happen gradually over a few months or suddenly. In addition, darker-colored Goldendoodle puppies may also fade their color and become lighter as they mature. Generally, the difference between adult and puppy coats is mostly textural. While a puppy coat is usually thinner and softer, an adult Goldendoodle coat often has a thicker and stiffer texture. Some puppies may have curlier and straighter hair and grow into a different coat type once they are adults. Less Daily Grooming Keeping a flat coat or straight hair Goldendoodle looking good and healthy will take less effort and time. Straight hair is regarded as one of the easiest to manage. Therefore, you will not have to spend a lot of time grooming your furry friend. Lower Price The F2 and F1 generations produce the most Goldendoodles with flat coats or straight hair. Besides, they tend to be the cheapest generations available. Since many prospective dog owners prefer allergy-friendly curly coats, puppies with flat coats may sometimes be discounted. Less Competitive Litter Selection Since many upcoming Goldendoodle owners want wavy and curly coats, it is less important for you to have the first few picks of any litter. There are chances that any puppy with straight hair or a flat coat will be passed up until it is your turn. Less Frequent Haircuts The silver lining to a Goldendoodle shedding means that they will require haircuts less frequently. It is less prone to matting and does not knot as easily as curly hair. Less frequent haircuts mean that you will be able to save some money. Less Poodle-Like Appearance Many dog enthusiasts prefer the original Golden Retriever appearance that flat coat Goldendoodles often have. These puppies still from less shedding and hybrid vigor but still look like their purebred Golden Retriever. Downsides Of A Flat Coat Goldendoodle Although getting a flat coat Goldendoodle comes with several benefits, it also has a few downsides compared to a wavy to curly-haired Goldendoodle. This is because flatter coats have less Poodle genetics, thus making the puppy have a curlier coat. If you consider bringing home a flat coat Goldendoodle, be prepared to have hair than will shed on your floor. However, Golden Retrievers tend to shed more than the flat coat Goldendoodles. Less Hypoallergenic Generally, flat coat Goldendoodles tend to be less hypoallergenic. This is because they have more Golden Retriever genetics but less Poodle genetics. The hypoallergenic feature usually comes from the non-shedding and curly coat features. How Maintenance And Grooming Differs There is a difference in the maintenance and grooming requirements of straight and curly coat Goldendoodles. Wavy Coat The shaggy or wavy coat is the most common coat among the Goldendoodles. It has a shaggy appearance and requires the least maintenance of the three types of coats. To keep this coat in good health and tangle-free, you will have to brush your furry friend regularly to get rid of loose hair and mats. Curly Coat If your Goldendoodle takes mostly after its Poodle parent, it will likely have a tight curly coat. The length and tightness of the curls usually vary depending on the parents. Therefore, you can have tight and kinky Poodle curls or loose and long barrel ringlets. Goldendoodles with curly coats require regular grooming to prevent their hair from matting. This is why most doodle owners consider having their canine friends shaved close in order to create a maintenance-free style. Flat Coats The straight-coated or flat-coated Goldendoodles are often mistaken for Golden Retrievers. Flat coat Goldendoodles do not have the furnishings of their curly-coated counterparts. However, they tend to shed a lot more. The flat coat is easy to maintain and does not tend to mat. This makes it very popular with dog owners who may not want to take a lot of time grooming their furry friends. You will need to brush your pet with a slicker or pin brush several times a week and wipe it over with a grooming mitt. This will ensure that their coat looks good throughout. Besides, these adorable furry friends do not have hairy feet that you will have to inspect and comb every day. You should never have a flat coat Goldendoodle clipped or shaved. Your flat coat Goldendoodle will require a bath only when it develops the unpleasant doggy odor that most pets develop after a while. Also, a bath will be necessary if your furry friend decides to roll in something unspeakably nasty. Their coat texture may change as that Poodle and Golden Retriever gene combination battle it out in the dog. Conclusion You are now answered if you have been asking yourself what a flat coat Goldendoodle is. This adorable coat can be an excellent addition to any family. If you target a flat coat Goldendoodle, you will have to focus on either an F2 Goldendoodle or an F1 Goldendoodle. Sharing is caring! Prospective owners are sometimes shocked to learn that straight hair Goldendoodles exist! Goldendoodles with straight hair, sometimes called flat coat Goldendoodles, are often the subject of a lot of confusion. Is there anything wrong with them? Keep reading to get all your questions answered about this unique Goldendoodle coat texture! Can Goldendoodles Have Straight Hair? While not as common as wavy or curly coats, Goldendoodles can have straight hair! As a mixed breed dog, Goldendoodles will take on some qualities of both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Naturally, some Goldendoodles will have a flat coat like the Golden Retriever and some will have a curlier coat similar to the Poodle. Breeders often strive to produce Goldendoodle puppies with curly coats, as they tend to be more allergy-friendly and have a lower potential for shedding. Photo courtesy of archiebgolden on Instagram. Are Goldendoodles Always Curly? Goldendoodle coat types can range from curly, to wavy, to completely straight. While there are plenty of straight hair Goldendoodles out there, curly coats are definitely more common in this breed. What coat type a Goldendoodle puppy has depends entirely on the DNA passed on from their parents. Straight hair comes from the Golden Retriever side and curly hair comes from the Poodle side. Photo courtesy of boopitsremy on Instagram. What is a Flat Coat Goldendoodle? A flat coat Goldendoodle is a term used to describe Goldendoodles with straight hair that lack furnishings. Whether or not a Goldendoodle has a flat coat is based on if they have furnishings. See how the one on the left has a more scruffy, teddy-bear look? Just like humans inherit traits from their parents, so do Goldendoodles! Coat texture is one example of a trait that can be passed along from either parent breed. Coat texture can differ not only between litters of puppies but between individual puppies from the same litter! In any given litter of Goldendoodles, some puppies may have flat coats while others have curly or wavy hair. Responsible breeders take great care to select dogs from well-known bloodlines and perform extensive genetic testing prior to breeding. This not not only reduces the likelihood of genetic health issues in Goldendoodles , but it can help increase the chances of a low-shedding and allergy-friendly coat. Breeders sometimes say that straight haired Goldendoodles have an improper coat. Photo courtesy of presleydoo on Instagram. This number indicates how far removed from the initial pairing of two purebred dogs a litter is. Still confused? The generations most likely to result in a straight hair Goldendoodle are F1 or F2 since they both contain the highest percentages of Golden Retriever DNA. Alternatively, you may find a breeder that backcrosses a Goldendoodle to a Golden Retriever resulting in puppies even more likely to have a flat coat. However, this is extremely rare to come across. Most people are hoping for a curly haired Goldendoodle. Are Straight Hair Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? Straight hair Goldendoodles will NOT be hypoallergenic. Photo courtesy of remdog. Do Straight Coat Goldendoodles Shed? Straight coat Goldendoodles will usually shed moderately. The good news is that with the right knowledge and tools, Goldendoodle shedding can be effectively managed! It all starts with a healthy diet, frequent brushing and bathing, and using the proper equipment. Firstly, what is a Flat Coat Goldendoodle? The flat coated Goldendoodle can and usually does look very much like his Golden Retriever parent although he is sometimes built like his Poodle ancestors. He will have the same typical Doodle temperament despite his less familiar appearance. So how does this happen? In order to explain this, we need to take a brief look at genetics. This means that the puppies will have typical Doodle furnishings. Sounds simple but when we come to F2 or second cross Goldendoodles or multi-generational Goldendoodles it becomes more complicated. When breeding a Goldendoodle to another Goldendoodle it is a game of roulette when it comes to coat genes. Within a litter some puppies approx. Some breeders are happy to actively breed flat coated puppies. Most people when seeking a Goldendoodle puppy are looking for a pup with a typical Doodle look so for this reason the Flat Coat is probably the least common variety that we see. Many of the Golden Retriever mixes you have seen out and about may actually be Goldendoodles in disguise! How Maintenance and Grooming Differs Your daily routine will be very different and much quicker if you are the owner of a Flat Coated Doodle as he will not have the curls and waves that are prone to matting that our furnished Doodles have. A brush through with a pin brush or slicker brush a few times a week and a rub over with a grooming mitt is sufficient for this type of coat. Burrs and foliage are less likely to stick to his coat and you will not have the hair between the toes that need to be inspected and combed daily with this type of coat. The Flat Coat should never be clipped or shaved either so he does not require regular visits to the groomer or clipping at home, however, you should still check his eyes, nails and wipe his ears weekly. The short answer to this frequently asked question is yes. Many people are initially drawn to Doodles or Poodle mix type dogs in the first place by their search for a pet that they will not be allergic to. If you are allergic to dog hair, then a Flat Coat is more likely to trigger an allergic reaction than a furnished Doodle. A good breeder will want you to visit and handle their dogs to observe whether an allergic reaction is brought on before agreeing to let you have a pup if you explain that you are allergic. How to Tell if my Goldendoodle will have a Flat Coat As puppies, it can be very difficult to determine exactly what type of coat a Goldendoodle will have once he reaches adulthood. A pup that will be furnished will often show crimping or waves in the hair on their muzzles, but this often does not start to show until around 4 weeks of age. Do not look at the body hair as most Doodle pups and indeed Golden Retriever pups have fluffy and even wavy hair on their bodies. To determine furnishings, it is the facial hair that counts. I have seen many extremely curly, heavily furnished adult Doodles that had no curls as pups although the furnishings were apparent. An experienced breeder should be able to advise you as to what type of coat each pup will have, especially if the litter is a repeat mating so they will have past litters to draw a comparison from. If a furnished pup is of prime importance to you it is best to choose either an F1b Goldendoodle or one that the breeder is willing to DNA test for you so that you can be sure your Doodle will have the coat that you desire. Curls are a different matter again as it is possible to have an unfurnished but curly pup smooth face like a Retriever but with a curly coat on his body or a furnished Doodle with a straight coat this is a particular favorite coat type of mine and is VERY low maintenance. The texture of the hair of a Flat Coated Goldendoodle is truly wonderful to the touch as it is usually softer and silkier than that of a Golden Retriever and often sheds slightly less. For people that want the Doodle nature but with less maintenance and expensive trips to the groomer, the Flat Coat Goldendoodle means that you can have your cake and eat it. If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More One of the many great things about Doodles is that they can come in all shapes and sizes, colors and coat types. But what do all of those things mean exactly? What Are Doodle Furnishings? Unfurnished Doodles have smooth facial hair and they resemble more of the other original parent. In fact, unfurnished Doodles are becoming more and more popular. Many people prefer flat coat Doodles, as they resemble less of the Poodle parent, but still benefit from hybrid vigour and less shedding. The easiest way to determine if your Doodle has a furnishing or an improper coat is by looking at their face. Do they have a distinguishably longer beard and eyebrows? For example, a Goldendoodle without furnishings would have a smooth face with no distinctive brows or mustache. Another thing to keep in mind is that puppies will change their coats once they reach adulthood. The most foolproof way of determining if your Doodle puppy has furnishings is by genetic testing and experience. As you might know, Doodles are a combination of at least two different breed dogs. Naturally, this means that a Doodle can end up with a variety of traits and characteristics from each parent pup. Labradoodle with a straight coat. For example, a straight coat Goldendoodle can very well have furnishings. However, a flat coat Goldendoodle will come with a smooth face with no distinctive Doodle look around the eyes or muzzle. An unfurnished Doodle does not have any coat furnishings. Also, the beard, eyebrows, and mustache are all pretty much the same length and not as distinguishable. For instance, an unfurnished Goldendoodle will resemble more of the Golden Retriever parent. Doodles carry two copies of genes that indicate either furnishing or improper coat. The furnishing gene is dominant and a dog only needs one copy of the furnishing gene to present the scruffy Doodle look. As a result, F1 Doodles almost always come with furnished coats. However, it gets trickier with subsequent generations, as both parent dogs can carry the recessive improper coat gene. Improper coat can be prevented by genetic testing. Specialized Doodle breeders who are after certain looks test their parent pups before breeding new litters. Curly-haired and furnished Doodles are loved by people who struggle with allergies. However, unfurnished Doodles have been gaining much popularity thanks to their low-maintenance coats and non-Poodle looks. All in all, it depends on the breeder and what type of puppies they specialize in. If a breeder does not do DNA testing, some puppies in the litter can end up with flat coats. Facial hair is longer with more distinctive eyebrows, beard, and mustache. Straight or slightly wavy hair that sits flat on the body. The face is smooth with shorter hair. No distinctive Doodle look. Shedding Might shed more than straight coat Doodles. Simply put, a furnished Doodle has longer hairs on the face and ears. A furnished Doodle will require regular grooming, as the hair keeps growing. However, some Doodles can end up with flat coats without furnishings. Their facial hair is smooth, much shorter, and they resemble more of the non-Poodle parent breed. In addition, flat coats only grow into a predetermined length. Many breeders do genetic testing to see if a dog carries either a fully furnished or improper coat gene. Do Unfurnished Bernedoodles Shed More? A furnished Bernedoodle would have a very Doodle-like look with longer and fluffier facial hair, and more prominent beard and eyebrows. On the other hand, an unfurnished Bernedoodle would have very smooth and short facial hair with no distinctive eyebrows or beard. Unfurnished Bernedoodles tend to shed more than furnished pups, but usually still less than their purebred parent. Both furnished and unfurnished Doodles have their pros and cons. If you suffer from allergies, you might want to opt for a furnished, curly-coated Doodle who is usually the least shedding out of them all. It all comes down to what look you prefer, and what type of upkeep is more manageable for you personally. We hope this article has helped you understand the difference between furnished and unfurnished Doodles, so you can make an educated decision before bringing your new four-legged family member home. Learn How to Upkeep Your Doodle!
Puppy Supplies Welcome to Buck Family Farm, a place where our love for Golden Retrievers has evolved into a passion for providing families with affectionate, intelligent, and healthy Golden Retriever Puppies. Our goal is to make sure your next family pet is everything you expected and more. Our Dogs Our family specializes in raising Golden Retrievers of all coat shades who enjoy our spacious 20 acre farm. It is important to us that each dog gets special attention and care each day. Our family-style setup allows our dogs to have the luxury of running free and romping around to their hearts' content while playing together and with our family. Also, since this is our at-home classroom, someone is always available to play ball or give a much needed scratch on the belly and pat on the head. Genetic testing is also performed on each dog to help us make wise choices for the best pairings and to produce puppies with the best probability of excellent health. Of high importance however, is taking into consideration the temperament of each of our Golden Retrievers to produce a well balanced and friendly companion, who exhibits all of the classic traits of the breed. Puppies Buck Family Farm puppies are AKC registered, vet certified, have first shots, are wormed and will come to your home with a 1 year health guarantee and a first bag of puppy food. We also send a blanket with mommy's scent and all appropriate NYS paperwork as well as copies of parents' health clearances. Our desire is to make your experience with us and our puppies everything you expected and more. Puppy Applications If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from our farm please fill out an adoption application to help us get to know you a little better. When your application is accepted you will have the opportunity to place your name on our waiting list for an additional fee. This ensures a courtesy call when a particular color, gender or litter of choice has arrived. You will then have the opportunity to place a deposit on one of our puppies. You will receive a courtesy notification of the litters' arrival and have opportunity to place a deposit. However, deposits that are not submitted promptly will affect your pick-order. Deposits are usually non-refundable. Placing a Deposit Once a new litter is born and determined to be healthy and thriving, we open them for deposit. First, to those on our waiting list, and then to families who have pre-approved applications. We choose puppies at 5 weeks of age in the order that deposits were placed. Please contact us for Paypal, zelle and Venmo handles. Visiting We frequently update pictures of all puppies on a regular basis. You will not be allowed to visit the puppies or parents until mommy is settled in and feeling comfortable with visitors. At 5 weeks of age we have adopting families visit our farm and choose their puppy. Puppies are chosen in the order that deposits were placed. Homecoming At 8 weeks of age and after veterinary examination, puppies will be united with their forever families! As a serious breeder I have come to realize the responsibility I have when I choose to do a breeding. The vast majority of puppy buyers are families who want to include a new family member, a dog who will bring years of joy to their lives. The health of the breeding dogs is of great importance, to help insure the health of the puppies. The breeding dogs are all hip,eye and heart certified as to the absence of disease in these three all important areas in this breed. Temperment is equally important as health because anyone wanting a golden is expecting the sweet,intelligent, willing to please,happy,loving golden that I fell in love with 25 years ago. The third area of importance in this breed is the type, or conformation of the dog. I try to breed as close to the standard for the breed as I can while still keeping health and temperment. Goldens come in many shades of gold ranging from almost Irish Setter Red to a light creamy white color. I do not breed for a specific shade of gold, but usually get a light to medium gold with a smattring of darker gold at times, depending on the breeding. I stand behind my dogs and give an excellent guarantee to buyers,because my purpose is to give great dogs to great people! I have a newborn litter now from Puff and Finn! Thy will be ready to go to their new homes in very late February or very earlt March. I will also have another litter due from Finn and Fiddle! They are due to be born Jan 03 ans will be ready about the same time as Puff's litter. All parents are health tested and the pups are guaranteed for any genetic problems that can be checked for 2 years. Reserve your Golden baby as they will go very quickly! Click an image below to enlarge. Hansome Vincent! Always smiling! What a head! Come visit us in person at our retail store: Directions to Canine Corral The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds of dogs. The Golden Retriever is family friendly, affectionate, and fun! As a puppy, they have lots of energy and love to play. As adults, they have a relaxed temperament but still enjoy play time. The Golden Retriever is excellent with kids and is very patient. They are eager to please and love to bond with their family members. Your Golden will look forward to taking walks with you, throwing a ball in the back yard, and cuddling up in front of the TV to watch a movie. They have a medium-level exercise requirement. They should have a set routine for exercise every day. They are considered a large breed, with females typically ranging between 55 to 75 pounds and males being usually 65 to 75 pounds. They can vary in color, being as light as cream and as dark as a red-golden color. They have fur and should be brushed throughout the week to reduce shedding. Golden Retrievers can be groomed but do not require grooming. They are intelligent and very trainable. Families love their Goldens and often keep this breed as a family favorite throughout their lives! Get your Golden Retriever puppy at Canine Corral. Average Life Span: 11 - 14 years. Activity level: High Litter Size: 3 - 6 puppies. Male Golden Retriever.
Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a biologist and fact checker focused on environmental sciences. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade and has reviewed more than articles for The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy. These smart, social dogs are known for their amiable temperaments and their patience. Traditionally bred as hunting dogs, Labs also are among the most popular service dogs, acting as guide dogs for blind people and as therapy dogs. By socializing these dogs early, you can tap into their natural instincts as protectors and companions. Socialize Puppies Labs are natural born people pleasers. Introduce your Lab puppy to as many new people and places as possible during the early months of its life. Keep each new meeting and experience positive and upbeat. Doing this will reinforce your Lab's natural tendency to be friendly and accepting of everyone. If you have young children in the home, be sure to socialize them to the animal as well as the reverse. Although Labs are patient and tolerant, they may still nip at a child who teases or hurts them during play. Make sure everyone knows the boundaries and rules. Exercise Every Day Labrador retrievers are high energy dogs, which is part of the reason they are such great pets for active families. But if Labs aren't given sufficient exercise, they can quickly become bored. This often leads to destructive behavior and other common behavior problems , such as barking, chewing, and digging. It's also why Labs are not well-suited for apartment living; they're too big and too active. Plan on giving your Lab an hour or more of exercise each day. Most Labs love long walks or a game of fetch. These are the perfect way to burn off your Lab's energy. Take advantage of their innate trainability by starting an obedience program as soon as you bring your Labrador retriever home. You can work on basic obedience commands on your own, or sign up for a dog obedience class with a local dog trainer. Classes are a great way to train your Lab while socializing at the same time. Since Labs get to be fairly large and have a tendency to pull on the leash, make walking on a loose leash your first priority. You should also teach your Lab to "come," "drop it," and "fetch," so you can take advantage of its natural tendency for retrieving. Use Positive Reinforcement Training Their eagerness to learn, playfulness, affectionate natures, and their love of treats make Labrador retrievers fantastic candidates for positive reinforcement dog training. Reward their good behaviors with a small treat, a game, or some cuddle time with you. You'll find your Lab is soon offering you the behaviors you like with little prompting. If you decide to use treats in your training, remember that Labs have a tendency to become overweight. Plan on a Long Adolescence One of the most endearing qualities of Labrador retrievers is that they remain very puppy-like long after they've reached adulthood. The downside is that their energy level and tendency to get into mischief continues well into adulthood as well. Therefore, it pays to have behavior management tools handy. The training to become a service animal will vary depending on what the dog will be doing; some are trained to be animal companions to sick children and adults in the hospital, while others are trained to serve as seeing-eye dogs. Others may provide assistance to people with mental illnesses, or behavioral problems. Check the requirements for licensing and training where you live; some places have more strict rules and requirements for service dogs than others. Problems and Proofing Behavior Many Labrador retrievers are happiest and the most well-behaved when they have a job to do. Consider getting involved with a dog sport or training your Lab as a service animal or pet therapy dog. Crate train your Labrador so it doesn't have the run of the house when you're not there to supervise Provide your Lab with a variety of interesting toys and chews to keep it from getting bored. Continue practicing basic obedience commands; it reinforces your Lab's training and provides mental stimulation. No matter what training you decide on, keeping your Lab busy and active is sure to keep one of those famous Lab smiles on its face. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. McGreevy, Paul D et al. Labrador retrievers under primary veterinary care in the UK: demography, mortality and disorders. Canine genetics and epidemiology vol. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. Tweet on Twitter Do you teach your Labrador tricks? Do you love to see well trained Labradors enjoying displaying their skills? Or do you feel uncomfortable watching their performance? In this article we are going to look at whether teaching your Labrador tricks is a good idea. And what good things teaching tricks can do for you and your dog. What Are Labrador Tricks? So teaching a dog to sit is an obedience training lesson, but teaching him to shake hands or dance in a circle is referred to as a trick. So why do we teach them, and why do some people object? Some people look down their noses at those that teach their dogs tricks. I know because I used to be one of them. I used to think it undignified and pointless teaching dogs to copy their humans with a handshake, or to roll around on their backs. But the idea of embarassment is a very human one, and dogs actually enjoy learning tricks if they are taught in the right way. More than this though, I now understand that there is huge value to be had in teaching your Labrador to carry out a specific behavior in response to a specific cue. Why Teach Labrador Tricks? There is nothing pointless in training a dog to respond to a human being. The point is, your Lab is learning something new, and so are you. Every time we train a new skill, we get better at it. Lab tricks improve your ability to train your dog. And every time your dog learns a new trick or game, he is using his brain. Not to mention strengthening the relationship between you. Labrador Tricks Training When we train a Labrador to do tricks, we use positive reinforcement training. This method of training enables us to teach our dogs something new, safe in the knowledge that they will enjoy the learning process and strengthen their bond with us in the process. Clicker training is great for teaching tricks. It provides the dog with a stream of feedback which identifies for him when he is getting it right. A clicker is a little box which makes a clicking sound. It comes under the category of an event marker — because it literally marks the event you are looking for. Giving your dog a clear sign of when he has got it right. When you combine this noise with something your dog finds rewarding, like a tasty snack, then you increase the likelihood of him doing it again. Capturing Labrador Tricks Capturing Labrador Tricks is a method which can be used for basic tricks or those that your Lab already does by himself. You simply wait for him to do the behavior you want, then click and treat. Capturing the correct moment and making it even more rewarding for him. For example, some Labradors like to spin around in circles. If you want to turn this into a trick, you can mark and reward when your Labrador does a rotation. Doing a click and treat when he completes a single spin. This will encourage him to do it more often. Say this word every single time to build up an association. After a few sessions, try saying spin when you have his full attention. If he spins click and give a high value reward. Make sure to click and treat for the behavior when it is offered without the word too, to encourage him along the way. After a time your cue word will become a command, which you can say and he will respond to. But remember, keep rewarding your dog for most of his obedient responses to keep him encouraged and the game fun. Luring Labrador Tricks Luring Labrador tricks involves using a lure, usually some food, to guide your Labrador into the desired position before rewarding him. Luring behaviors can be a little tricky to learn, to make sure that you get the method and timing right. You can use the lure to teach your Labrador to sit, and find detailed instructions for how to do that here. Shaping Labrador Tricks Shaping your Lab tricks is the most common way of building up complicated tricks. We look at shaping in detail and give you instructions for how to use this skill in our clicker training heel for dogs and puppies article here. You can find out lots more about how to use all of these different skills to train your Labrador tricks in our dog training techniques article here. Fun Labrador Tricks Anything which your Labrador learns to do can be called a trick. There are a lot of Labrador training tricks you might enjoy, and here are some of our favourites: things to do with a box Here is a fun game to play with a dog on a rainy afternoon. Its called things to do with a box. And whilst it might seem trivial, this game is a brilliant training tool and great practice for the beginner clicker trainer. Any of which can be described as Lab tricks, but all of which are fun learning and bonding opportunities for you and your dog. What Tricks Can Labradors Learn? Labradors can learn to do pretty much anything which is within their physical capabilities. The sky is the limit. And even if the trick you are training seems pointless, stay happy in the knowledge that everything you teach your dog will be making you a better trainer, owner and companion for him. Have a go at training your labrador to do some tricks. You may be surprised at how much fun you have. Teach your dog to spin, shake hands, or anything else that appeals to you. Print Early obedience first step to better hunting dog Labrador puppies start out sweet and innocent. All you want to do is cuddle up with your pup and love them! And you should! But rest assured the innocence will not last. As your pup gains confidence and courage, they will begin to test you in many ways. That is why you must obedience train your Labrador puppy. Early obedience training is key to establishing borders and boundaries that will help your puppy grow, learn, and adjust with a good attitude. There is no shortcut to doing this, just use the name often when you talk to your puppy. Over time, the pup will start to respond to the name. Socialization, while not technically obedience training, is the single most important thing you can teach your puppy during the first few months of life. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to this post. Tools needed to obedience train Labrador puppy You will need a few tools to teach your puppy obedience. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Collar — You should purchase a size appropriate collar for your new puppy. You may have to buy new ones as your dog grows, but it is important for your puppy to get used to wearing a collar early on. A simple nylon adjustable collar works great. Chain collar — If your puppy is more than a few months old, a chain or prong collar is extremely helpful in teaching obedience, but they must be used correctly. For more information on how to put a chain collar on your dog correctly refer to this video. A longer lead, called a check cord, is also useful for teaching HERE and retrieving. You can learn more about that here. Heeling stick optional — While optional, a heeling stick can be especially helpful in teaching basic obedience. Treats — Treats are good for teaching very young puppies. I use treats for pups under 12 weeks of age, but treats should be discontinued rather quickly. When to start basic puppy obedience training Obedience training can and should start within the first couple weeks of having your puppy home. Young puppies are ready and willing to learn and teaching obedience to a young puppy is much easier than teaching it to an older dog. How long should obedience sessions be? Most labs do not enjoy obedience training. For this reason, we aim to keep obedience sessions short, especially if your dog is under 4-months of age. Five to ten minutes of obedience a day can work wonders. Especially if you are consistent. Using rewards or praise to teach obedience Many people like to use treats or rewards for obedience training. And this can work, especially with very young dogs. But for hunting dogs, over the long-term treats can become a problem. We do not want our dogs, or the dogs we train to be obedient only because they are getting a food reward. We want them to be obedient because they understand their place in the family and respect the owners. To get these lasting results, we use praise words and petting and a reward that retrievers live for — retrieves! Well-timed praise is a particularly important part of dog training. A message that it is okay to ignore me the first 9 times! This simply means that after a few minutes of formal obedience training, we release the dog with an OKAY command and that means they can run around and be a dog. We then throw a bumper or plug a for the dog to retriever. We do this a few times with a lot of excitement and allow the dog to retrieve the bumper. For retriever breeds, this is often more effective than a food reward. Be careful that you are not letting your puppy get into bad habits with retrieving. For instance, if your puppy often goes out to retrieve the bumper but then runs away with it, or picks it up and drops it, do not continue doing retrieves. While retrieving is a reward for many Labs, it is not an excuse to engage in behaviors that are not going to be acceptable in the field. If you want to learn more about how to properly teach your Lab to retrieve, check out How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Introduction to leash and nylon collar The very first step for any puppy obedience is to introduce your puppy to a regular collar and leash. This should be done in two separate steps, first the collar and then the leash. Introduce the collar by putting a nylon type collar on your puppy. This is normal and you should not react to it. Introducing the leash is a little different. We like to do this outside. After a few sessions of this introduction, you can start holding the leash by the end and walking with the puppy. When the puppy tries to run or walk away, hold tight to the leash, and just let the puppy get used to the resistance. Some puppies have a hard time with this and will growl or whine and whip themselves around at the pressure, but most will not. Remain calm and after a few sessions the puppy should get used to the resistance of the leash. Do not allow the puppy to pull you around. That will make for some bad behaviors that you will need to correct later. If you cannot control your puppy with just a regular collar and leash, you may need to move to a chain or prong collar to keep control. What commands to teach Lab puppy There are only four basic obedience commands that you need to teach your young puppy. Remember when it comes to commands, less is more. OKAY — this is a release command, basically tells your dog were done training, go be a dog. As your puppy grows and learns more, there are some other commands that may be needed, but for puppies I like to start with just the four above. Dog training requires consistency Before you start with obedience training, I want to make a note about the importance of consistency. Obedience training only works if you are consistent. This means that when you say a command, you expect the puppy to perform the command, and are willing to take steps to make the puppy perform the command. If you do not remain consistent in this expectation, you will confuse your dog and get poor results from your training. You and your family must be consistent! How to start obedience training Lab puppy The first command you want to start teaching your puppy is SIT. This is quite easy to teach with a small puppy but gets a little tougher as they get bigger. Then release the puppy with the OKAY command. Repeat this process several times, then stop. If your puppy is weeks old, you can repeat this training several times a day for only a couple minutes at a time. This will be a two-person job for a little while. The other person will put the food down a few feet from the puppy. Then release the puppy to eat saying OKAY. As the pup learns and understands the command better, you will no longer need a second person to hold the puppy. You must be a little careful here because young puppies do not have great bladder control and making them wait, even a few seconds, can mean the difference between an accident and them doing their business outside. But this is a great way to teach impulse control and manners to your puppy. I do not want to have to fight for a position by the door. You can usually start working on this within a week or two of teaching SIT. A great way to teach this command to young puppies is to use two people and sit in a long hallway, one at each end. Take turns calling your puppy with a HERE command. A toy or treat can often help the process. Let your puppy run around a bit but hold onto the end of the cord. Occasionally, call you puppy with a HERE command. It can be helpful at first to crouch down to encourage the puppy to run towards you. Then release the puppy with an OKAY command. Do this a few more times and repeat daily until the puppy is coming to you without you needing to pull the cord. It is also the command most of our clients struggle with the most. Mostly because they are using the wrong tool for the job. For heeling work, it is important that you work with a chain or prong collar. This will give you more control and stop the pulling and surging that many people struggle with. Using a chain or prong collar and a six-foot leash, start walking your puppy at your side. If your puppy is young, be sure to use a puppy chain collar which is smaller than chain collars for adult dogs. And make sure that you are putting it on correctly! An alternate tool to a chain collar and leash is the Wonder or Command Lead. These work great for teaching HEEL. As you start walking use gently tugs on the chain collar with the command HERE to keep your puppy at your side. If your puppy surges or pulls ahead, simply make a degree turn and start walking the other direction giving a sharp, upward tug on the chain collar and saying HEEL several times until the dog is back in a heeling position. Many of our clients have told us they never left their driveway the first few days! But if you are patient and consistent, your dog will quickly learn that if they want to go for a walk, they need to stay at your side. If you want to learn and progress in more obedience work, check out these obedience drills for retrievers. Final thoughts on how to teach your lab puppy obedience Teaching your puppy obedience may take a lot of patience, time and work, but it is such an important thing to do. You will never regret the time! A well-mannered dog is such a joy to be around both in the home and in the field. How to obedience train Labrador puppy. Labrador Retriever pups are working dogs. This means they live to please you for a treat. The more you engage them with different puppy training behaviors the happier they will be. Of course, Labs will be Labs, and this means that dogs do dog things unless they are trained to follow your expectations. Potty training your puppy is just the beginning of you making clear expectations for your Lab. Puppy training from long leash training to potty training, to not nipping is discussed in greater detail along with clear, easy to follow videos at www. But we will give you an expert training tip summary below. For this reason, you need to become an expert on puppy training. Contact us for a discount on the Puppy Trained Right positive reinforcement training program. Expose your puppy to as many different people and situations possible. Teach dog to dog manners when required. Use Positive Reinforcement. Allow for Play with Other Puppies. Play with other Lab Puppies not only allows your pup to get some exercise it is a form of puppy socialization. Bond with your Puppy. Once a strong bond is formed your Lab Puppy will want to please you even more. Potty Train Right Away. Learn how Dogs Learn. Training a Lab puppy is easy if you understand how to go about it. Give your Lab Puppy Play time to Explore. Labs need this as part of their natural development. Spend more time with your puppy when young. This is the time when your expectations should be clearly outlined and can decrease as she gets older. Begin Training day 1. This happens weather or not you intend it to. Every action and reaction is something your puppy uses to form new habits. So ignoring them jumping up as an 8 week old puppy is training them to jump up and will be much more difficult to un-train once they are 70 lbs. Relax and make learning fun. Your pup needs you happy and enjoying yourself! Use Positive Training Methods because they work. This means reward what you desire. Ensure most Experiences are Positive. Imagine a training session of No, No, No, No! Expose them to as Many Human Situations possible. One cause is that there was not adequate socialization with different men. Be Patient. You are building an amazing K9 personality. The window is between 8 and 20 weeks old. Make the most of it. The better your Lab is socialized the happier they will be. Anxiety in dogs comes from many things. The more things your dog is comfortable with the less chance for anxiety and therefore the happier they are. Prepare yourself, your family and your home before your puppy comes home. It is too late once you meet your puppy as simply interacting with her is training. Allow for Safe Experiences both in the home and outside. Seek professional trainers to help guide you when faced with a problem. Be consistent. Clear expectations are easiest to learn. Focus on Guiding not controlling. Best Start Training or Training Classes are beneficial for both you and your puppy. Expect Success. We tend to move in the direction we believe we will travel. Reward the Behaviors you want to see even something as simple as 4 paws on the ground if you are trying to train your Lab not to jump up on you. Become Well informed. You are teaching a skill like reading that takes clear expectations and builds upon last session. Lab Puppies need constant supervision either human, a crate, a fenced area or a baby gate across a doorway. Encourage a soft mouth. Keep your training up or it will be forgotten. Begin Walking on a Loose Leash Right away. This is always easier for your Lab when they are 12 lbs not 70lbs. Change direction before the leash tightens so they are followers not leaders. This is much easier to train before it happens than correct. Allow alone time for your Lab. Know when to end a training session. End training before your puppy quits. Make time for a few shorter training Sessions. Three fifteen minute sessions are better than one 45 min one. Teach your Lab to respond to their name. Teach your Labrador basic obedience before tricks-come, sit, stay, down, leave it. Have all humans learn the commands and be consistent. Ignore undesirable behaviors. Ignoring includes not saying no, bad dog, touching your dog or making eye contact. Find rewards that your Retriever loves and use them when you have breakthrough training moments. Adjust your expectations as your Lab puppy matures, the older more experienced the higher the expectation. Set Realistic Expectations. Minimize distractions when you begin training. Be aware of your Body Language, Labradors pick up cues from you. Be aware of your leash tension. A tight leash says anxiety from the handler. Know when to get Help .Have fun! Understand that Labs do Lab things. Make them work for food and treats. Exercise your Retriever properly for both intensity and duration. Learn some exercise games Labs love. Give lots of repetition. Stop before they get bored. Establish a Pattern by Praising. Redirect undesired behavior. Accept partial actions at first and gradually increase your expectations. When treats end Verbal treats and chin scratches rule. They will know. Enjoy your well balanced purebred Lab puppy for many years. Purebred Lab Retrievers, are they easier to train? The answer to that is definitely maybe! Not all purebreds are bred for intelligence. For example, if a Labrador Retriever breeder chooses to breed their dogs for a certain look then they may overlook intelligence as one of the important characteristics in order to get a specific Lab look. We however breed for intelligence, health and temperament. So in our case, yes, our Purebred Lab Puppies are easier to train than many because we choose the parents and their puppies specifically for their smarts!
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Have you always wanted a Labrador retriever, but are you worried about the common health problems of the breed? Someone might have recommended that you go for a Pit Bull-Lab mix. Labrador retrievers and American pit bull terriers began to be deliberately interbred in the s as a way of minimizing the health problems that are common to both pure breeds. The result is usually a gorgeous, medium-sized pup with the strength and loyalty of a pit bull and the intelligence and affection of a Labrador. But wait, you might be wondering if these dogs are highly aggressive, since pit bulls do have a reputation for being a pretty aggressive dog. While exactly what you get with a mix-breed pup is always unpredictable, the aggressive reputation of the pit bull is undeserved. They are, in fact, intelligent and affectionate canines. A word of warning, while pit bull-Lab mixes are highly affectionate and highly trainable, they are not generally recommended for first-time dog owners since there is quite a bit of work involved in looking after these special dogs. But whatever you call them, they are a mix between a Labrador retriever and an American pit bull terrier. Labrador retrievers are medium-large gun dogs that were initially bred to retrieve game. But over the years, they have also become incredibly popular family dogs. They are also highly intelligent, trainable, and friendly, so they are also often used as disability assistance dogs, for example working as guide dogs for the blind. American pit bull terriers are solidly built medium-sized dogs. In the early 19th century, they were often used in blood sports such as bull and bear-baiting, and after these sports were outlawed in , they were also often used in dogfighting. This is why the breed has a reputation for being aggressive, but they are not naturally aggressive when properly cared for. They are, in fact, strong, confident, and lively, and make excellent family pets as they love children and are protective of them. Pit Bull-Labrador Mix Characteristics Unlike with pure-bred dogs, which tend to have a fairly predictable appearance and temperament, you can never be sure exactly how the characteristics of parents will combine in a mix-breed dog. But it is possible to generalize about the most likely characteristics of a pit bull-Lab mix based on the characteristics that appear most often, and characteristics that breeders will often try and control to produce the best possible pups. Labrador-Pit Bull Mix Appearance Most pups that are a mix between a Labrador retriever and a pit bull can be characterized as medium in size. They usually range from between 17 to 25 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from 45 to 90 pounds. Male Lab-pit bull mixes tend to be significantly larger than their female counterparts. They will almost certainly have a strong and muscular physique. Labradors are fairly strong to start with, and this is only enhanced by the extreme muscular nature of the American pit bull terrier. Their facial features generally fall between those of a Lab and a pit bull, and they will have a broader forehead than a Labrador retriever, but it will be narrower than that of a pit bull. They usually have a relatively long muzzle and long pointed ears. Your pitador might also come out with the classic Labrador retriever double coat that sheds a lot. Breeders will often try and control for this characteristic, but there are no guarantees. There is no way of knowing what kind of coat they will have when you adopt a puppy. Coat colors vary from classic Labrador colors including black, chocolate, and golden yellow, but you can also expect to see white, spotted, brindle, and cream. Lab-Pit Bull Mix Temperament When you adopt a Labrabull, you can expect a dog that is affectionate, intelligent, and energetic, as these are characteristics of both Labrador retrievers and American pit bull terriers. Lab-pit bull mixes are very affectionate and bond quickly with new families. They are incredibly friendly with children and will be both careful and protective of them. While you can trust a pit bull-Lab mix with children, small children should never be left alone with any dog unsupervised. While they do get on with other animals, this breed does have a need to be dominant. They may engage in behaviors you consider aggressive or undesirable to assert their dominance over other dogs or household animals. They crave to be included in everything the family does and to be the center of attention. These dogs are very intelligent and also eager to please, which makes them highly trainable. They are just as capable of being trained as working dogs as their Labrador retriever parent. They are motivated by praise and reward, and training should always utilize positive reinforcement. When your dog is frustrated and confused by what you want from them, that is when they can become aggressive. But pit bull-Lab dogs are not naturally aggressive; they actually have a calm and fun-loving temperament. But they are also high energy and need a lot of exercise. They are highly alert and will bark a little to let you know if guests arrive at the door or strangers are lurking near the house. Lab-Pit Bull Mix Health These crossbreed dogs generally live for years and within that time are likely to have fewer health problems than either purebred Labrador retrievers or American pit bull terriers. Nevertheless, they can be inclined to develop some of the joint conditions that are common in Labrador retrievers, such as hip dysplasia. They can benefit from glucosamine supplements to help keep their joints supple and healthy. You can find our recommendations for the best glucosamine supplements here. These dogs are also more inclined to developing epilepsy and hyperthyroidism than some other dog breeds. You should monitor your dog for seizures to identify the onset of epilepsy. You can read more about seizures in dogs here. Finally, dogs that are a mix of Labrador retrievers and pit bulls can be inclined to develop skin conditions and allergies. For this reason, it is important to choose a good pH-balanced shampoo for your dog, and try to keep their food and environment free of toxins that can trigger or exacerbate allergies. These might help you to decide whether they are the right breed of dog for you. Exercise Lab-pit bull retrievers are energetic dogs that need lots of space to play. They need a yard to give them space to run and play throughout the day. They need a lot of exercise each day. They need at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise, such as running or playing catch, each day. On top of this, they will need hours of moderate exercise such as walking and playing. This exercise is best when split into at least two exercise sessions each day. It is advisable to keep your pit bull-Lab mix on the leash when in public parks as they have a high prey drive. Attention These dogs thrive on love and attention, and since they are so intelligent, they also need a lot of mental stimulation. This means that it is not appropriate to leave them alone for long periods of time. If you leave one of these dogs alone for ten hours a day while everyone is at work, you will come home to a lot of destruction and a frustrated dog that may become aggressive in their need for your affection. Grooming Most Lab-pit bull mixes have the short-haired, low-shedding coat of a pit bull, which only needs brushing once a week. But if they turn out to have the high-shedding coat of a retriever, you may find that you need to brush them every day to keep on top of their shedding. You will also want a powerful vacuum cleaner that is designed to pick up dog hair. You also need to pay a lot of attention to dental care, as Lab-pit bull mixes are prone to tartar build-up and gum disease. Diet Since these dogs are highly muscular and full of energy, they thrive on a diet that is high in animal-based proteins and high in healthy fats. You do need to be careful how much food you give them, as they will usually eat even when they feel full, and they are prone to put on weight when they overeat. So, feed them a diet that is low in carbohydrates and put food out at regular times rather than leaving food in their bowl for them to graze throughout the day. Since these dogs are prone to allergies, it is important to invest in high-quality food that does not contain any artificial additives that can be toxic for dogs. It is also a good idea to vary their diet, and ensure they are not eating the same type of meat every day. Dogs are most likely to develop allergies to the foods they eat the most. So, if you feed your dog the same chicken-based dog food every day, it is likely that over time they might develop an allergy to chicken. Varying the protein that makes up their diet can help prevent this. Where To Adopt There are many reputable breeders out there breeding top-quality pit bull-Labrador retriever mixes. Generally speaking, you will find that the Labrador is the mother, as they are a slightly larger breed, and it is safer for the dog when the mother is a bit larger than the father. So, if possible, look to adopt rather than buy. A great place to start looking for adoptable dogs is at Petfinder. We found our Australian Shepherd Labrador Retriever mix through petfinder. FAQs Is a pit bull-Lab mix an aggressive dog? No, pit bull-Lab mix dogs are not aggressive. They can have a reputation for aggression because pit bulls have traditionally been used in blood sports, but the breed is not naturally aggressive. They can be dominant among other animals and may engage in classic alphamale behavior to assert their position in the animal hierarchy. When do Lab-pit bull mixes stop growing? Lab-pit bull mix dogs will usually keep growing until they are about three years old, which is around the same time as they start to lose their puppy energy. You can expect them to grow between 17 and 25 inches tall and to weigh between 45 and 90 pounds. Are pit bull-Lab mixes a good dog breed for families with kids? Yes, Lab-pit bull mixes are excellent kids. They are gentle and playful and will also be highly protective of their young charges. While they will give you a bark to let you know that strangers are around, they are actually very good with strangers as well. Can you have a pit bull-Lab mix with another dog? Pit bull-Lab mixes are highly dominant animals, so they will try and assert their dominance over any other animals you have in the house. For this reason, they need to be well-socialized from a young age to ensure they learn appropriate behavior. So, while you can introduce a Lab-pit bull mix puppy into a home that already has a dog, you might want to be wary about introducing an adult dog into a household that already has another dog. Do pit bull-Lab mix dogs bark a lot? No, these highly intelligent dogs are not the type to bark continuously or for no reason. They might give you a bark to let you know when something has happened or if someone is approaching. When do Labrador-pit bull mix dogs calm down? From about the age of one year, these dogs begin to calm down and have less energy. The Verdict Labrador retriever-American pit bull terrier mixes make excellent pets for anyone with an active lifestyle and lots of space for these dogs to stretch their legs. They combine the intelligent and friendly temperament of both breeds in an adorable dog that is less likely to suffer from some of the serious medical conditions that are common in both pure breeds. They are also highly trainable and have a calm and friendly temperament as long as they are getting the physical stimulation and the attention that they need. You will need to be prepared to make the time commitment to keep these dogs healthy and happy. Do you have any experience raising a Lab-pit bull mix pup? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Loyal and easy to train, the Pitbull Lab mix will make an excellent addition to any family and provide great companionship. History Of The Pitbull Lab Mix Both the Pitbull and the Labrador Retriever are historically working dogs , so it comes as no surprise that the Pitbull Lab mix likes to keep themselves busy and entertained. They were originally bred to combine the most desirable characteristics from both parent breeds into one dog — the temperament of the Labrador and the loyalty of the Pitbull. Breed Origin The breed origin of the Pitbull Lab mix is actually unknown and we cannot be sure when these dogs first appeared. However, we can look at the history of both parent breeds so you get an idea of where these pups originated from. The Pitbull parent in the Pitbull Lab mix can actually be any of four types of Pitbull. The Pitbull was created in early 19th-century England for the popular spectator sports of bull and bear baiting. They were thought of as aggressive fighting dogs but it was also known that they were very gentle with humans and made excellent family dogs. Later, these Pitbulls accompanied immigrants to America and they began new careers as all-around farm dogs. Their jobs included hunting wild game, guarding the property from animal intruders and providing companionship. The Labrador, as we mentioned above, is the most popular breed of dog in America. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs in the s and used to accompany hunters and retrieve animals that had been shot. They were also used in Newfoundland to retrieve fish that came in off the trawl, which is why they love the water. Their loyal and loving nature mean that they quickly became a very popular family dog and are still used today as working dogs, such as guide dogs. Characteristics Of The Pitbull Lab Mix Because the Pitbull Lab Mix is not a purebred breed and it is not recognized by any kennel clubs, this means that there is no definite breed standard for these pups. This means we cannot be sure how each litter of puppies is going to turn out. However, we can guess based on previous litters. These dogs are normally born in litter sizes of 5 to 10 puppies, with the average being 7. It is not normally an issue which parent is the sire or the dam when breeding. Appearance As we have said above, you can never be sure what your Pitbull Lab crossbreed will look like. They may look more like their Pitbull parent or more like their Labrador Retriever parent. The Pitbull Lab Mix is classed as a medium to large breed dog, and they can weigh anywhere up to 80 lbs, with females generally being smaller than males. These dogs will likely have floppy ears and will be muscular yet lean in statue. Coat A Labrador Pitbull Mix will generally have a short, smooth coat and they will not require too much grooming. We will go into more detail about grooming later on. Color The parent breeds of the Pitbull Lab Mix dog can vary greatly in color, which means your designer dog will likely vary greatly too. A Labrador can be yellow, brown or black and a Pitbull can be a huge range of colors — especially because there are four different breeds of this dog! If you want a good indication as to what your Pitbull Lab may look like color wise, you should take a look at the parent breeds. Temperament The Pitbull Lab Mix is a friendly and sociable dog that loves to be around people. This is particularly true for the Pitbull in them, who can become feisty when bored or not stimulated. Therefore, they will do well when they are around a lot of people and are being given lots of attention! This could not be further from the truth. When raised properly and socialized well, these dogs are sweet-natured and loving — traits which are passed down to the Pit Lab Mix. They are not known to bark and will alert you when there is anything wrong, making them a great guard dog or watch dog. The intelligence level of this mixed breed dog means they are easily trainable and will be top of the class at puppy school. They will also happily learn tricks and engage with their owners! Lifespan The Lab Pit Mix has a relatively long life expectancy and can live, on average, anywhere between 10 and 14 years. These are normally the same health issues that their parent breeds are predisposed to. However, there are two health problems that are seen more frequently, both of which are seen in Labradors. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable. Remember — buy from a reputable breeder and the chances your dog will suffer any health conditions will be greatly reduced. Trusted breeders will do health checks on both parent breeds and will not crossbreed if there is a chance of passing on any issues to offspring. Daily Life While the different traits and characteristics that your Pitbull Lab Mix may inherit from their parent breeds can be somewhat of a mystery, fortunately taking care of these dogs is pretty straight forward. Below we discuss their food and diet, their exercise needs and their grooming needs. As an adult, this should be anywhere between 1, to 2, calories a day, which equates to four cups of kibble a day. You should always check the back of the food packet to see the exact amount you should be feeding them of a particular food based on their weight. When they reach maturity, this should be reduced to 2. As an adult, you should try to feed them three times a day. Always remember to feed your Pitbull Lab Mix nutritious, high-quality dog food. We have included a food that we recommend below. This food is formulated with protein-rich chicken as the first ingredient, ensuring your doggie gets all the nutrients they need to keep their muscles healthy and strong. Designed specially for large dog breeds, this food contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint health and overall mobility of bigger dogs. There are also antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support immune system health, life stage requirements and a healthy oxidative balance. Exercise A Pitbull Labrador crossbreed is a medium to large breed of dog and therefore has high exercise needs. A dog of this size should be exercising for around minutes a day, so you must make sure you have the time to dedicate to this breed before buying. When the Pitbull cross is a puppy, you should remember the 5 minute rule. Therefore, if your pup is four months old, you should only be exercising them for around 20 minutes. These pups will love to join you on a hike or a run or, like their Labrador parent, they also love to swim. Because of their intelligence, they can also learn different dog sports such as flyball or agility, so this is something to think about. Check locally to see whether your area has any restrictions. You may need to keep your dog on the leash or have them wear a muzzle. Loving and friendly, these pups thrive when they are around people and like to be right in the middle of everything, getting all the attention! They do not do well when left alone and can exhibit destructive behaviors and signs of separation anxiety. Therefore, you must make sure you are not going to be out for hours at a time if you are thinking about bringing one of these dogs into your home. These dogs need to be kept entertained and stimulated mentally, which is why they can be such a good playmate for children. They also get on well with other family pets, so there is no need to worry about their reaction to other dogs and cats. The Pitbull Lab Mix is a very intelligent dog, which means training them is very easy. Training and Socializing We have mentioned above that the Pitbull Labrador crossbreed is a very intelligent dog. This means that training them is easy and is one of the reasons they are recommended as a good first dog. These pups respond best to positive reinforcement training. This includes verbal praise and reward-based training such as treats. Socializing your Pitbull Lab cross is also not difficult. They get on well with children and other animals, so there should be no issue within the family home. You should start socializing them from a young age and introduce them to new sights, sounds, places, smells, people and animals when you are out and about. Grooming Fortunately, your Lab Pitbull Mix will not require a lot grooming. You will need to brush them roughly two to three times a week to ensure that shedding stays at a minimum. Unfortunately, as they have a Labrador parent, they will shed a lot! You will need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner if you want to keep your home fur-free. Bathing your Pitbull Lab is also important, but this can be done as infrequently as times a year. You should also check their ears regularly to spot any signs of infection, and ensure their nails are clipped as needed. We touched on this above but the answer is no. There is a common misconception that all Pitbulls are dangerous, but when trained properly and brought up in a loving and caring environment, Pitbulls are affectionate, loyal dogs and love to be around people. Are Pitbulls illegal? In some areas of the United States, Australia and the UK, Pitbulls and other related dog breeds are under breed-specific laws. These laws prevent residents in those areas from owning these dogs, except from under special circumstances. Pitbulls in these areas are seen as a danger because of their reputation and dog fighting background, even though there is a huge amount of evidence to show that when trained properly Pitbulls make great pets. How much does a Pitbull Lab Mix cost? If this is out of your price range, you can always check your local shelter to see if there is a pup there that needs a loving home! Summary The Pitbull Labrador Mix breed was created to cherrypick the best traits from each parent breed — the temperament of the Labrador and the loyalty of the Pitbull. These loving, friendly dogs make excellent family pups who just love to be around people, both adults and children, and other animals too. While the Pitbull has a reputation for being aggressive, this could not be further from the truth and, when put in the right home, the Pitbull Labrador Mix is a companion for life. What do you think, is one of these dogs right for you? Other Pitbull Related Guides. .You will never know if your puppy is going to look more like a Lab or a Pit in the future. Pit Lab Mixes are black, brown, tan, white, and yellow. Some Pit Lab Mixes are solid in color, while others have distinctive white marks just like a Pitbull. Originally, all Labradors were black. When a litter is influenced by the predominant features of the Black Lab, it is very likely for you to have a litter of jet black Lab Pitbull pups. A majority of Lab Pitbulls are actually black in color with distinctive white marks on the face, on the chest, at the tips of the paws and tail. Its spectrum of rich brown hues can be passed onto its offsprings. Brown Lab Pitbulls usually have markings, too. Labradors with orange hues to their coats are also classified by the American Kennel Club as a yellow Labrador. Pitbull Lab Mix Looks Generally speaking, Pitbull Lab Mixes have the following features: a broad head a pair of almond-shaped eyes small droopy ears a long tail a smooth, dense coat But as with any crossbreed, there is no way you can accurately guess how your puppy is going to turn out. You will just have to wait until he is fully grown. A Pitbull Lab can grow to a height between 30 cm. As always, this breed sits in the grey area between the Pitbull and the Labrador even in size. Their weight also depends on how much Labrador or Pitbull genes they have in them. Pitbull Labs in general, weigh around 45 lbs. However, a Pitbull Lab with dominant Pitbull genes can weigh up to 95 lbs. Pitbull Lab Mix Character Traits We all know that the Labrador Retriever has a playful, friendly spirit while the Pitbull has a bold, courageous demeanor. So, what could be the personality of a Pitbull Lab mix? Read on to find out! Pitbull Lab Mixes are family oriented and will protect their humans at all costs. These courageous canines will stand up to any threat! Pitbull Lab Mixes are highly protective of their pack, which is often displayed as an aggressive behavior. When given proper training, the Pitbull Lab mix can easily distinguish between threat and unusual stimuli, so he can exercise restraint. The Pitbull Lab mix is usually quiet, which makes them the ideal pet for apartment living or for close-knit subdivisions. Likewise, Pitbull Lab Mixes are great watch dogs as they always keep their eyes peeled. They can sense danger from afar, be it a wanted criminal or a teenager who is up to no good. A big softie Another remarkable trait that Labrabulls have is their ability to connect with their owners. They can sense if you are sad, troubled, or in pain. These dogs will snuggle next to you and give you wet licks — the canine equivalent of hugs and kisses. So, the next time you are about to cry, you can count on your tail-wagger to comfort you during hard times. This is certainly a trait that they have inherited from Labradors. After all, Labradors are notably known as therapy dogs. A goofball Pitbull Lab Mixes are ever-ready to face any danger that represents itself. But these fearless dogs also melt easily into a jiggly pile of face-licking love around their beloved humans. Pitbull Lab Mixes love to run fast, tug hard, jump high, play games and solve doggie problems like the smart and creative creature that he is. Clingy Although the Pitbull Lab mix is a big softie, this breed does have a tendency to develop a neurotic behavior if left alone for long periods. Encourage him to be a little more independent by allowing him to explore the world a little further away from you. Docile Pitbull Lab Mixes are notable for their obedient demeanor towards their owners. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. Be sure to establish yourself as the Alpha of the pack, especially when your Pitbull Lab Mix is still a pup. Lab Pit Mix Temperament A majority of dog owners are not yet convinced with the Lab Pit Mix temperament, which mainly harks back to the reputation of its parent breed, the Pitbull. So, why are these dogs depicted in a bad light? But truth be told, the tiny Chihuahua is actually more threatening than the hulking Pitbull. James Serpell, a renowned professor from the University of Pennsylvania, conducted a series of tests to determine which canines are the most aggressive. Furthermore, the American Temperament Test Society performed a study in to evaluate the temperament of the controversial breed. According to the results, the American Pitbull Terrier has a temperament passing rate of .In other words, many canines that share Pitbull-like characteristics are quickly categorized as a Pitbull Terrier. Likewise, the CDC stated that there is no scientific proof that shows Pitbulls are more involved in fatal attacks compared to other breeds. But of course, any dog that was cultivated for aggression can terrorize a whole neighborhood. This applies to all dogs, not just for Pitbulls. Therefore, an angry Pitbull is not the closest thing you will encounter next to a Great White Shark. While its parent breed has proven itself a true fighter, a Pitbull can only be aggressive if the dog was bred for the wrong reasons. Undesirable traits are rooted in improper training and lack of socialization, regardless of which breed you have. This means a Labrador, which is easygoing and gentle by nature, can get into a bevy of troubles if he has no concept of right and wrong. Unfortunately, the Pitbull Terrier remains a cult favorite among irresponsible owners. Therefore, it is imperative that you take the time to ensure your canine buddy gets properly trained and socialized. Despite their undeserved reputation, a Pitbull or a Pitbull Lab mix can respond well when training is done the right way, especially when you shower your pets with tender loving care! Are Lab Pitbull Mixes Sociable? Dogs are social creatures and are happiest when in contact with others, so yes, that includes the Pitbull Lab mix. But just like any other dog, your Lab Pit Mix must learn social skills at a tender age to keep fighting at a minimum. Socializing allows your tiny pup to get used to various settings and be comfortable towards meeting new people and animals. Keep in mind that Lab Pit Mix sometimes love to play a little rough. However, this should not be mistaken as a high prey drive. As a fur-parent, you also have to be well-balanced as the dog you seek. If you have a grumpy canine with a killer glint in the eye and a growl to match, step back and consider whether you are teaching your dog the right lessons. If not, get professional help! Establish yourself as the Alpha First of all, you have to firmly establish yourself as the leader of the pack. It means you have to set boundaries, stick with your own rules, and avoid doing things out on a whim! Otherwise, your growing pooch would think you are weak and inconsistent. A successful relationship depends upon you being in control. If your little Pitador does what he wants in small, harmless ways, it is likely for him to do what he wants in big, annoying ways. Nevertheless, be sure to be fair and calm when correcting your furry sidekick. Pitadors are among the most obedient dogs but they can also be very sensitive. Employ positive reinforcement Pitadors care about praise… and yummy treats! So, be sure to hand out some tasty dog biscuits to your pup for his little accomplishments. You can also alternate it with praises and belly rubs. Positive reinforcement is absolutely crucial, especially during the first weeks of potty training. When your Pitador goes potty outside instead of your hardwood floor, make a fuss and reward him. Considering how the Pitbull Lab mix is extremely intelligent, your pup is quick to understand which of his actions are good and desirable to you. Thus, he will repeat the behavior as often as possible. Correct your dog the right way Punishment is often associated with physical harm, such as hitting your dog with a stick. This method is not only harsh but also counterproductive. So, how do you correct your canine lout without making him anxious or wary of you? Since it is no good trying to reason with your dog, the most efficient and humane way to teach him is through constructive punishment. You can confiscate his favorite toys or simply ignore your dog for a certain period of time. Physical punishment only hampers the relationship between you and your beloved pet. Explore new grounds Take your furry sidekick as many places as you can go. You can stuff him in a pet carrier while he is still a puppy and have him walk beside you when he is finally bulky. Having your little Pitador tag along with you provides him with a spectrum of experiences with various people, animals, and objects. This is the best way to shape his behavior towards boisterous children, unusual structures, and fast-moving vehicles among many others. The more exposure he has as a puppy, the calmer he becomes as an adult. Provide mental and physical stimulation Both parent breeds of the Pitbull Lab mix requires tons of mental and physical exercise, so it is quite unsurprising for their offspring to have the same demands. Regular exercise is paramount if you want to keep your furry sidekick fighting fit. Otherwise, your Pitador is bound to carry extra weight that can have a huge impact on his overall wellbeing. Dogs are rarely lazy but if the exercise is boring, dogs are as likely as humans to refuse to do it. However, simply letting your dog chase squirrels out in the backyard is not going to cut it. So, what are your options? Walk your dog Walking your canine buddy is the most commonly performed exercise. Ideally, active dogs such as the Pitbull Lab mix should be taken out for a long walk twice daily. To make this a viable solution for busy fur-parents, choose to walk around the neighborhood a couple of times or go to a park that has a decent distance from your home. Try to change the route of your walks from time to time, so your Pitador has a new battery of smells to get excited over. You can always count on the treadmill if it rains cats and dogs! It gives your dog the workout he requires in a playful manner, while you just sit and relax. It would be wise to come equipped with a nifty device, such as a toughened tennis ball with a long-handled launcher that sends the ball flying into the far distance. Dog Frisbees also fly long distances to be retrieved by your pet. Go out for a swim A lot of dogs are afraid of the water but once they get the hang of it, they will paddle like a wild duck! Swimming is also one of the most enjoyable activities you can do with your dog. There is a plethora of toys from pet stores, such as a Kong floating toy to encourage your furry pal to swim. Your fun-loving Pitador will surely jump right in and retrieve the object for you. Find out what reward motivates your canine buddy and include some of that reward for him in your exercise regime to encourage him to be more active. Even racing up the stairs with your dog can be a fun and effective exercise, as well. The simplest forms of exercise can deliver amazing results. In fact, running up and down the stairs is the quickest way for obese dogs to lose weight! They will chow down anything delicious, whether it is the best dry dog food for small dogs or the best large breed dry dog food! So, it is up to you to provide your canine buddy the balanced diet he needs to stay hale and hearty. Go for the best dry dog food and keep them away from the nutrient-deprived worst dry dog food. His choices are:. Protective yet friendly, the Pitbull Lab mix has a range of reputations to live up to. These breeds were used in bloodsports until the practice was banned. Sadly, the stigma attached to being used as fighting dogs has stuck with Pitbull-type breeds through the years. Labrador Retrievers were originally bred as hunting dogs. They are also commonly used as therapy dogs, in search and rescue missions and as seeing eye dogs for the blind. When you make a Pitbull and Lab mix, any of the qualities of the parent breeds can be passed on, in any combination. Growing controversy over American Pitbulls in recent years has led to a lot of misinformation about the breed. Pitbulls are banned in several countries because of their reputation as a fighting dog. However, if properly bred, socialized and trained, these are wonderful dogs with a warm, loving and affectionate temperament. What Do They Look Like? When buying a cross-breed there are no guarantees. Puppies can resemble either parent, or a combination of both. There can even be big differences within the same litter. But, Labrador and Pitbull breeds do have some similarities that are likely to appear in your Pitador puppy. Pitbull Lab Mix Size Both have medium-sized, athletic frames. Pitbulls are quite muscular, with wide chests and broad, flat heads. But, Labs are taller, with a slimmer shape and a longer nose. So, Labrabulls will range from 50 to 90 pounds. Labrabull Coats and Colors They have a short and silky coat and come in a variety of colors. Coat colors include brindle, brown, black and white and tan. You may also find a black Lab and Pitbull mix or a chocolate Lab Pitbull mix. Another popular variety is the yellow Lab Pitbull mix. For example, your glossy black Lab Pitbull mix puppy will likely get some gray around his muzzle and eyes as he gets older. Grooming and Shedding Thanks to its parents short-haired genes, the Labrador Pitbull mix is fairly low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Just bathe when necessary and brush as needed. But, during shedding season you might find you are grooming a lot. Labradors are very high shedding dogs, and as such your puppy could be too. Make sure to get him used to being groomed regularly. This will make your job easier when he starts to molt! So you can expect your Pitbull Lab mix to be the same. Many Pitbull advocates praise their intelligence, willingness to learn and love for their families. Labrador Retrievers are known as excellent family pets. They are friendly and outgoing and play well with other dogs. So, a Pitbull and Lab mix is likely to be a people-pleaser when it comes to his family. This super-smart mutt will do anything for praise and attention. But, they will need company for much of the day, due to their strong bonds. They are therefore not an ideal pet for anyone who works away from home. Or who cannot bring their dog along with them during the day. Intelligent dogs can become bored and destructive if left to their own devices too often. This can also result in barking. Are They Aggressive? A genuine concern about Pitbulls is their bite reflex. Compared with bites from other dogs, the damage that they can do is much more severe. In a study of over bites over a period of 15 years at one trauma center, 30 injuries were by Pitbulls. The level of injury caused by them was far greater. If you are bitten by a Pitbull you are more likely to have a worse injury, and more likely to die from it. According to its results, the American Pitbull passed the test with a .So, this makes it more even-tempered than Cocker Spaniels and Beagles! However, the CDC itself admits that these numbers are culled from media headlines that could potentially misidentify the breed. A more recent study by Dr. James Serpell at the University of Pennsylvania ran different breeds through a series of tests and found that the top three most aggressive were Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Jack Russell Terriers. Cautions For Pitbull Owners Pitbulls might not be the most likely dog to bite you. But if they do, it is much more likely to lead to severe injury or death. But you need to throw yourself into socialization and definitely meet the Pitbull parent to assess their temperament. Being a responsible owner means giving your dog the tools to curb his anxiety. This involves training, socialization, and lots of praise and support. Given its extremely intelligent parentage, this hybrid responds very well to instructions and can master the basics in no time. Both Pitbull and Lab breeds work best with positive reinforcement. They love to please their owners and are extremely willing. Using punishment to train your puppy is not advised. This can destroy the trust between dog and owner. In addition, it can lead to problems in the future with aggression. Punishing a dog causes them to hide the warning signals that they are unhappy. Use reward-based methods and train together every day to build an even stronger bond between you. Your Labrabull will definitely need regular exercise. As it will be on the larger side and quite active. Importance Of Socialization While Pitbulls have a bad reputation that is not entirely fair, there is some truth to it. The risks of biting is higher than with some breeds, the severity of bites is far worse. Plus, Pitties can be territorial and display some guarding characteristics. So, when you buy a puppy with a Pit parent, you need to commit to socialization as a number one priority. A confident dog is a safer, happier dog. And dogs become confident through early exposure to the situations which have potential to worry them as adults. It is very important to socialize a Pitbull Lab mix puppy as early and often as possible. But there are some serious genetic health conditions that your puppy could inherit. So health screening of both parents is essential. The breeder should provide you with evidence of good hip and elbow scores for both the Labrador and Pitbull parent. They should also show you an eye test for each of them, carried out less than a year ago. The Labrador parent should have no family history of exercise-induced collapse or cruciate ligament problems. The Pitbull parent should have no history of skin problems. Labradors live on average .Pitbull lifespan is around the same. This is about the average lifespan for medium-sized to large breeds. You need to feed your Bullador a well-balanced diet to ensure he gets all the nutrients he needs. Especially because these dogs require so much exercise! Although Pitbull dogs are often great with the kids in their families, the nature of their bite and severity of the injuries they cause is something you need to seriously consider before you bring one into a home with children. Never leave a Pit mix alone and unsupervised with kids, and make sure that they treat him with respect. Well-bred, well-socialized Labrador and Pitbull mixes are a breed that give as much as they get. But giving a rescue Pitbull Lab mix can be very rewarding. For both pup and owner. Check with your local shelters to see if they have any mixed breeds. Some may inherit more Lab genes, others will favor Pitbulls. The only way to know what you are getting is to meet your puppy first, and talk to the breeder. But, there may be additional costs for health check-ups and official documentation. From day one make sure you have visitors to the house at least four times a week. Make sure there is a range of adults and children, and that each new person gives the puppy praise and treats upon arrival. Take your pup to every type of location you think you might visit together. And make sure lots of people say hello to her. Again, if possible, they can give her treats to reward her and help build a positive association. Supervised interaction with other dogs will teach your dog how to play properly, and respect his furry friends. Organised play dates or behaviorial classes can help your puppy learn to be a calm and happy part of a pack. Pitbull Lab mix puppies, breeders or adoption? The Pitbull Lab Mix can be a great pet for the right home. In this article we will look at how well suited the Labrabull is to your family, and give you tips for finding the perfect puppy. We will also give you the information you need to properly feed, care for and groom your dog. And explore their behavior traits and training, exercise and socialization requirements. This guide is packed with information and will help you decide whether an adult Lab Pitbull mix will suit your home and lifestyle. Pitbull Lab Mix Origins? Labradors and Pitbulls have been being bred together informally for years, for pet homes and as ranch dogs. But in recent years with the rise of the designer first generation dog mixes, then are gaining more of a following. Labs are one of the most popular breeds in the US. Their ancestors originated in Canada and they were bred there in the 18th century to aid fisherman who needed a trusted and reliable helper dog. On the flip side, this hard-working, rough and tough canine also has a sweet personality. Today Labs are best described as loyal, intelligent, friendly and eager-to-please. Labs can co-exist with various age groups as well as with a cross-section of other animals. They take to training easily and make Labs a popular choice as police dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs. The Pitbull originated from crossing Bulldogs with Terriers back in the s. Breeds used for fighting, bullbaiting a ratting. Despite their lurid beginnings, the Pitbull is actually an affectionate breed with a fierce loyalty to their owners. Once brought over from the UK to America, Pitbulls were commonly used as farm dogs to protect livestock and herd sheep. They were known for their docile temperament with people and children and were not just working dogs but family pets. Pitbulls are strong, athletic, and courageous dogs, but underneath it all, they are often big softies looking for the same love and attention as any pet. They have expressive eyes, pointed ears and a long fairly straight tail. In other words, given his parentage, your pup can be counted on to be one of the most handsome dogs zipping around the dog park! How Big is the Pitbull Lab mix? The Labrador Pitbull mix is a medium to large, powerful, dog that can reach up to two feet in height and weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. The fur is smooth and shiny, and not difficult to maintain. You can expect the common coat colors to be a solid tan, black, white, yellow, or brown. However, the Pitbull Lab Mix can also come with various colors like the Pitbull; so a brindle is entirely possible! Pitbulls tend to shed on the low to average end of the spectrum. However, a Lab Pitbull Mix could well take after their Labrador parent in the molting department and be more of a heavy shedding dog. Either way they are not a hypoallergenic dog and are not recommended for allergy sufferers. They can also need quite a lot of grooming in the shedding season, despite their short coat. Pitbull Lab Mix Grooming A Pitlab has a silky, short, and dense coat that benefits from brushing to keep it shiny. The Labrador undercoat is not common in this particular mix breed. Due to being a high shedding dog Labs need a good grooming tool for the heavier shedding parts of the year. A weekly brush the rest of the time should be fine. Use a doggie toothbrush and toothpaste to keep his pearly whites clean. And at the same time check for any signs of infection. The Pitbull Lab Mix grooming needs range from low to moderate. The latter was bred in the 19th century to be used in physically punishing ways, such as dogfighting. In America, this tenacious and strong dog was bred with larger canines and was used as a farm dog, who was also called upon to aid in hunting large game. Today, the American Pitbull Terrier retains an alert and protective nature. He is known for his courage, determination, and loyalty, but also comes with a reputation for being a naturally aggressive breed. This is not entirely unfounded. And according to one source on dog bites, in there were 22 Pitbull dog bite fatalities in the US. For the same year, Labradors and their mixes were responsible for 3 deaths. The Pitbull is a banned breed in some countries including the United Kingdom. In regard to this particular mix breed, one source reports that between and , 46 Pitbull Lab Mix attacks had been recorded. Are Pitbull Mixes Aggressive? However, a lot of people believe that this loyal dog has been maligned. Counter-arguments regarding the dangerousness of this breed highlight the fact that until the mids, the Pitbull was not a feared dog. And was actually considered a friendly family pet. This argument identifies the change in attitude as a social construct and media bias rather than any actual increase of aggression in this breed. The unreliability of victim and witness memory and accuracy of identifying dog breeds correctly has also become an area of interest in the Pitbull debate. Some believe that attacking breed is often misidentified when victims report dog bites. It is important to note that it is only the American Pitbull Terrier under scrutiny. Temperaments of other Pitbull breeds, like the American Staffordshire Terrier, have never been called into question. However, we would add a note of caution here. There are plenty of sources now that argue that Pitbulls are less likely to bite than previously thought. Bite Type and Frequency The Pitbull Lab mix is not much more likely to bite than many other popular breeds. However when weighing this up it is important to bear in mind the possible consequences of a bite, should one happen. While no dog bite is pleasant, the American Pitbull has been bred with the physical structure needed to bite hard. With big canine teeth and strong jaws. It holds on. The damage done by their bite has the potential therefore to be far greater than that of a typical dog bite. This is especially relevant in families with small children. This trait could be passed to your Pitbull Lab mix. They will likely be an energetic and loyal dog that loves attention from their owner. If there is more Pitbull temperament in them, your dog will be more reserved and docile. Thorough socialisation will be essential for this pup. If they inherit more Labrador personality they will probably be very social and exuberant. With socialization and good breeding practices, you can have a reasonable expectation that they will get along well with children and possibly other dogs. And will make a good family pet. When it comes to other pets, the Labrador side of your Pitbull Lab Mix has a better chance of getting along with them than the Pitbull does. You should take caution with strangers and other dogs until you know how your animal typically reacts in such situations. Although a pup with a very friendly Pitbull parent, that is well socialized, could be a very friendly and cuddly companion indeed. It is advised to start training young, as early as 8 to 12 weeks old. The longer you wait the more strong-minded your dog will become. With consistent and positive reinforcement training methods, they can be a terrific and well-mannered companion. It should be noted that punishment based training is not recommended as a modern training method and it has the potential to mask problems and cause or exacerbate aggression. Therefore access to things like a yard for self-exercise, fetch with the owner, and space and time to run around is important. Owners should be aware of health issues discussed below such as Hip and Elbow Dysplasia and Exercise Induced Collapse EIC and adjust exercise routines for their dog in consult with a vet. Larger dogs generally have greater issues with hip and elbow dysplasia, and both parent breeds are prone to hip dysplasia. In addition, gastric bloat and hypothyroidism may be potential issues for your pup. You should inquire with your breeder about heart, eye, skin, and ear issues. Purchasing your puppy from a reputable breeder decreases the chances of owning a dog with unexpected, surprising health problems. You should test both parents for health conditions that commonly affect their breed. Like any breed, they have some minor health issues to be aware of, like skin problems and allergies. The Pitbull Lab cross has a similar life expectancy to that of the parent breeds. Labradors are one of the most popular family dogs. They have a friendly and affectionate nature. On the other hand, Pitbulls have had mixed reviews in this department. You probably associate Pitbulls with dog fighting and aggression. Historically, though, they are known for being loyal family dogs that are good with children. This mixed-breed would make a good family pet if bred and socialized properly like any other dog. When visiting a litter, be sure to observe the temperament of the Pitbull parent and socialize your pup early to help increase the chances of a friendly, gentle companion. Unlike Labs, Pitbulls do not get on well with other animals so your pup will do best as the only furry child. Another option would be to get a purebred Lab or another kind of mix. Rescuing a PitLab All too often designer dogs end up relinquished by owners who were ultimately unable to care for their needs. Not all mixed breeds have their own specific rescue. However, breed rescues for the purebred parents often take in related mixes as well. Pitbull Lab Mix Puppies With the increasing popularity of mixed-breed puppies, it is important to find a responsible breeder that follows the recommended guidelines for all health testing. Make sure they provide a clean and loving environment for their dogs. Working with a good breeder is the best way to increase your chances of a healthy and happy Pitlab Mix Puppy. Pet stores and puppy mills have a reputation for producing unhealthy puppies, sometimes with more challenging temperaments. Unethical breeding practices and poor treatment of the parent breeds, especially with the Pitbull parent, will not produce the desirable traits you are hoping for in your new Pitbull Lab Mix Puppy. Labrador Pitbull Mix Breeders It goes without saying, but you should only deal with an ethical, reputable breeder that can ensure your Labrabull was crossbred from parents free of medical issues. A good breeder is happy to provide evidence of clean health checks and to answer all of your questions about the Bullador. Plus, your breeder should be asking you questions to make sure you are equipped to handle this large, energetic breed. If you buy from a breeder, ask about the temperaments of your Pitlab parents. You can also ask to see the bloodlines of both of the parents for any clues. And If possible, ask to see the parent so that you can observe their temperament for yourself. Any sign of aggression in the parents is a red flag. Unfortunately, unethical breeding practices go hand in hand with the increase in demand for designer dog breeds. Do your research and ensure you are choosing a responsible breeder that can provide you with a healthy and happy pup.
By Yvonne Villasenor Yvonne Villasenor is a freelance writer and animal lover who just so happens to be allergic to cats and dogs. That doesn't stop her from cuddling with them! When Yvonne's not working, you can find her lounging with her charming Chihuahuas, weightlifting, or wandering around Halloween stores. Having such unique and versatile fur means there are countless poodle haircuts for you to choose from, and a professional groomer can give your poodle a makeover with a hairstyle that best matches her personality and lifestyle. With so many options available, learn how your poodle can look like anything from a plush toy to elegant royalty! Teddy Bear Cut The teddy bear cut is a popular trim for poodles and other long-haired breeds. With this look, your poodle has longer hair on her face for a soft, rounded "teddy bear" appearance, and the rest of the fur on her body is cut at a shorter, uniform length throughout. Talk about cuddly cuteness! Summer Cut Because poodles have a single coat, they can enjoy the luxury that comes with it: the summer cut. Known as one of the most low-maintenance poodle haircuts, the summer cut is a practical haircut option that keeps your poodle's fur short so she stays comfortable in hot weather. So if you're looking to cut your hair to beat the heat in the summer, you and your poodle can rock shorter hairdos together! Puppy Cut No matter your poodle's age, you can seemingly turn back time with the puppy cut. Also a popular choice among poodle parents, the puppy cut is a simple, natural-looking trim that leaves your dog with an evenly cut length, typically 1 to 2 inches, all over. This is a highly modifiable look, so consult your groomer for a length that best fits your and your dog's preference and lifestyle. Continental Cut The continental cut is a glamorous and traditional hairstyle often worn by poodle show dogs. With this look, your poodle's face, throat, feet, and part of the tail are shaved. This look is characterized by full hair on the rib cage and chest, pom poms of fur on the tail, ankles, and hips, as well as a banded topknot on the head. German Trim Looking for a haircut that looks fancy but not too fancy? The German trim uses the power of angles to give your poodle a sharp profile. The hair on your furry friend's legs is left long, while the hair on the body and ears is cut short. This is a great option not only if your poodle is more active but also if your pup is prone to ear infections or ear matting. Modern Cut The modern cut is an elegant hairstyle that combines aesthetics with your poodle's natural features. This cut keeps the hair on the body short, accentuating your poodle's shape. The fur on the head, ears, and tail is left longer to create a fluffy appearance. When your dog has such curly, coarse locks, you may wonder how many trips to the groomer you and your poodle may be making. Poodles and poodle-crosses also go through a coat change in the first year of life, so they need to be groomed more often," says Danna Alexander, owner of Prestige Dog Grooming School. To keep mats and tangles at bay, it's best to brush your poodle at least two to three times a week. Toy poodle haircuts aren't off limits for miniature and standard poodles, just as standard poodle haircuts aren't off limits for miniature and toy poodles. While any poodle can sport any style, there may be common options you'd like to choose from. Because there are various names for different types of poodle haircuts, make sure to bring your groomer a photo of the haircut you'd love your pooch to have. Was this page helpful? Town and country cut Short cut You will also have to bear in mind that some of these cuts will be much shorter. If you live in a cold climate or a hot climate, ensure you have the right protection for your dog. Our article on dressing dogs for winter shows you how to do this in an appropriate way. Lion cut The lion cut is probably the best known and most extravagant of all the poodle haircuts. The dog's limbs are hairless, with only a pompom around the front and back paws. The tail should be rounded off and the chest, stomach and head should be left with hair. It is the most widely used haircut in competitions and dog shows where is is also known as the Continental cut. The lion cut's elaborate style makes it impressive, but also takes a lot of time and effort not to mention experience to get right. There are other cuts on dogs called the lion cut, such as one for the Shih Tzu , but they will look different according to the specific breed. Image: National Geographic 2. English saddle cut The English cut is very similar to the lion cut. The difference lies in an additional pompom on the hind legs, and the pelvic area being left at the same length as the chest. It still shares the long ears and tightly wound curls on the body. Both are considered some of the most popular Poodle haircuts among groomers. Image: poodleforum 3. Dutch cut The Dutch cut is one of the most popular in dog contests and expositions. Unlike previous styles, this one is for those who are looking for a uniform style with no differences in length of the dog's coat. It's notable above all for the tail ending in a cute pompom. Image: poodleforum 4. Modern cut The modern cut for poodles is probably the most suitable for owners who love following recent trends and enjoy watching canine beauty competitions. This is also known as the Scandinavian cut or European cut in some sectors, especially in the United States of America. It seeks to achieve a careful and professional finish, without being as exaggerated as the aforementioned styles. It is an aesthetic cut, yet at the same time it is very natural. It follows the shape of the body, emphasizing the ears and tail as much as the head. This is a very trendy cut for Miniature Poodles, and it isn't difficult to work out why. This haircut really makes your poodle look like a puppy. This style doesn't aim to achieve a defined or sharp-looking finish. On the contrary, the fur should look natural and fresh. The American Kennel Club claims there should be a pompom on the end of the tail. It is another of the most popular Poodle haircuts. Image: temporary-secretary 6. Summer cut Many dog owners wonder if it's bad to give their dogs a haircut during the summer. Not all dogs should follow the example of the Poodle, which is a breed that adapts perfectly to different haircuts and styles. Summer is a hot period that makes your beloved poodle get dirtier than usual - especially if you take it to the beach or go for a walk in the woods. Therefore, giving it a summer cut is a good idea: You will help to keep it cool while achieving some interesting aesthetic finishes, as shown below. Winter Poodle cuts tend to leave more hair on the dog to help insulate them from the cold. Image: poodleforum. Cupcake cut This haircut is not very well known, possibly because some people think it provides a strange look once it is done. The cupcake cut is notable for leaving the ears absolutely rounded as a result of being thoroughly styled. Not all styles will involve Poodle face cuts to be so dramatic, but we think it is quite stylish. This Poodle cut is also notable for the shape of its head - which ends in a point - which bears a clear resemblance to a delicious muffin. Image: huxtablethepoodle. Teddy bear cut The teddy bear cut is increasingly popular among long-haired dog breeds. This finish must be done with scissors, and it requires hands with experience in styling poodles. The hair should be left mid-length so that the poodle's curls can be seen clearly. This gives a sweet and rounded finish which makes it look like a bear, as the name suggests. Make sure you know how often to bathe a poodle in order for their fur to look gorgeous at all times. Image: yiral 9. This style can work for any type of Poodle, but is particularly common with Standard or Miniature Poodles. Its defining feature is that it leaves the legs hairy and cylinder-shaped. The body hair, on the other hand, is cut shorter, which accentuates the density of the leg hairs. The head and ears have a rounded finish. Image: najupets .Short cut While it's not very common to see a short-haired poodle, it remains an aesthetic option that will avoid knots, tangles and dirt building up in its coat. This Poodle cut may be a good option in warmer countries. It is also a good option for those who can't go to the dog stylist as often as they would like to. This style can work just as well on a Toy Poodle as it will a Standard Poodle. However, you will need to bear in mind that it may cause the dog to become cold. Either avoid this cut in cold climates or winter months. If you still prefer a shorter cut, ensure you have a doggie jacket for them to stay protected. Image: notastandardpoodle-gregg. The problem is there is no standardized style guide for cutting a Poodle's hair. In different countries, regions and even individual dog groomers , there is debate over the correct name for some of the terms. This can understandably cause confusion for groomers. Clients may come in with a specific idea of how they want their Poodle cut, but are unable to explain the style to the groomer. The best thing for you to do is to decide on what you want before hand and locate a picture of the Poodle cut you want. You can even take this article with you and decide which type of haircut will best work for your dog. Relying on the name of a certain Poodle cut may cause confusion or frustration, so it is best to be on the safe side. Send us a photo of your dog! Do not forget to share your poodle's haircut in the comments so that others can get inspired. Thank you for visiting AnimalWised! If you want to read similar articles to 10 Haircuts for Poodles, we recommend you visit our Beauty tips category. We all know how cute and cuddly Poodles look. These popular dog breeds are everywhere. This adorable breed is quite popular, from famous dog shows to Instagram reels. Apart from their great behavior, they have beautiful coats available in so many different colors, including black, white, cream, beige, gray, blue, silver, brown, apricot, and many more. Poodles have soft and curly coats which need regular grooming and cleaning. Here come the poodle haircuts! Having the proper knowledge of haircuts, like what type of haircut will be suitable for your pet, can make the entire grooming process easy and hassle-free. Keep reading! Today in this guide, we will explain different types of poodle haircuts and poodle hairstyles. Poodle Overview Elegant. The above three words well describe the poodle breed. This breed is pretty impressive not because of its looks but also its behavior towards humans and other animals. These poodles can be a winner in dog shows and can be cute, cuddly pets at home! Poodles with impressive hairdos and regal attitudes have an ancient history. These purebreds have many talents; this is why they can be found in every part of the world. A male poodle weighs around lbs, while a female is about lbs. Many hairstylists also refer to this cut as puppy cut, but there is a slight difference between the two. This poodle haircut takes advantage of the long fur and makes a mane-like appearance. To achieve this cut, the hair on the sides and the back are trimmed short, and the hair on the top is left long. Even if the hair looks less and short, you still have to brush it regularly to keep the coat clean and healthy. Outlined Fluffy Poodle Coat Cut This is a fluffy poodle haircut in which an outline is created around the belly and legs. This simply means that hair around these areas has longer hair than the rest of the body. This poodle haircut also has some height on the half-back and top part of the head. The hairstylist will also keep the hair a bit longer at the ears, which are also tousled and teased. The groomer will shave the hair on the neck and tail in this haircut. This haircut is low maintenance and easy to clean. So if you want a cut that has the low hassle of a summer cut but also makes your poodle look good, a German cut is a great option. When it comes to pet haircuts, people are never afraid to show their creativity. These dyes are not toxic and are temporary. Most of these types of dyes can only last up to 20 washes. This is not that big a deal in the case of poodles because these canines need regular washes as their coats get pretty dirty easily. Poodle Puppy Cut You may hear about this cut from so many people, including pet owners and hairstylists. There are also specific Yorkie Haircuts for this breed, but the puppy cut works for both. This looks a bit similar to the lion cut. This cut is a great haircut idea for poodles as they will feel comfortable in it. This is a low-maintenance style that never goes out of style. Teddy Bear Poodles Haircuts Do you want a living teddy bear in your home? If yes, get a teddy bear cut for your poodle! This cut is popular among all poodles, doodles, and mixed breeds , making them cute and adorable. This poodle haircut will make your small pup feel like it has a bushy mane. As poodles have round eyes, this cut will make the illusion of a round and furry face, which makes them extra adorable. In this cut, the hair is cut uniformly at mid-length with a rounded shape. This thick layer of fur creates a cuddly teddy bear appearance. Poodle Winter Haircuts Live in a place with long, cold winters? If yes, getting an appropriate haircut for your poodle is important to keep them warm. You can go with a winter cut! This practical and easy hairstyle is great for dogs living in colder regions. This cut is simple as it only needs to have long and consistent hair across its body. However, this is not cut for a show dog, but it will keep your pup warm. This is also a great cut for beginners, as it requires basic cutting and styling. This simple cut will turn your small puppy into a soft fur ball. The hair should not be longer than 1 to 1. Summers are hot and humid, so a summer cut will be perfect for making your pup comfortable! You can simply go to any groomer and ask for the summer cut for the poodles, or you can show the above picture as a reference to them. In these poodle haircuts for summer, all the hair on the body is trimmed short except for a tiny tuft around the tail. This way, the cool air will easily flow through the body, and your pup will remain cool in the hot environment. After this cut, your pup will surely be thankful for you. Poodle with Pigtails Here is another popular hairstyle to make your pup cute: ponytails. Look how adorable the puppy looks with the two ponytails in the above picture. Get this pigtail haircut if you also want the same look for your poodle! This hairstyle is not only good for small puppies but also for adult poodles. To achieve this look, make sure to have short body hair, sparing the ears. Dutch Cut for Poodles If you have a poodle for dog shows, a Dutch cut is a great option to consider! This cut will give your pup a unique look. The tail can be left long or short, depending on your preferences. Get this unique royal tail cut for poodles. This will create a fantastic contrast! Poodles Modern Cut Do you want to make your beloved poodle pup look stylish? If yes, get this modern cut! This will make your dog not only stylish, but it is also easy to maintain. This means anyone can easily create this look with simple tools and techniques. Colorful Poodle Haircut Who says haircuts are boring? Look at these types of poodle funny haircuts! If you want something fun and crazy, we suggest this bold poodle look! The rest of the body depends on your choice. You can either shave or trim the fur short or keep it medium-length. If yes, this cut will be an option to consider. Similar to the Dutch haircut, this hairstyle is popular among poodle dog breeds. This one has a pompom on the end of the hind legs and tail. Overall there will be a round shape, but it looks more sharp and cool as compared to the other poodle cut styles. Poodle Haircut with Groomed Face In many poodle haircuts, the focus is mostly on the face. Hair around the face is usually short, but it is vital to keep it trimmed with the rest of the body for a contrast. If the hair on the ears is long, you have to groom the face accordingly. Instead of long poodle cuts, go with a short haircut! Everything is well trimmed from face to paws, giving your pup a polished clean look. Make sure to brush the coat from time to time! Classic Poodle Bob Cut The closer-to-human hairstyle is the bob cut! Yes, you can also create a bob look in dog breeds like poodles. Take a look at the above image for reference. To achieve this look, you have to grow the hair on the head long enough to blend easily with the ears. Town and Country Cut If any poodle got this cut, you could recognize it as a pretty common poodle haircut. The town and country cut is a classy and stylish cut that looks great on every poodle regardless of their age, size, and coat color. The key to achieving this poodle hairstyle is to leave some fur as it is for a natural look. Poodle Princess Cut This is a princess cut for poodles. The rest of the body has a similar cut to a Dutch or continental haircut. You can get the princess cut as an add-on to achieve a cute poodle appearance. It will build a strong bond between you and your pet. Being a poodle pet owner it is essential to groom your poodle on a regular basis to keep their coat healthy. Here are some pro tips on how professionally you can groom your poodle. The next step is to make sure that your poodle is bathed using mild shampoo and conditioner every 4 to 8 weeks to keep your poodle neat and clean. Once the bathing is done ensure that they are completely dry to prevent them from skin problems. The next important step is trimming the nails of your poodle using the right tools such as a pair of scissors or you can purchase a guillotine trimmer. It can be painful for them to have long nails, and cutting them too close can cause bleeding from the nails if you cut them too closely. If you want your beloved pet to always appear beautiful, give them a poodle haircut according to your desired style and keep their coat looking best. Following these steps will surely help you to well-groom your poodle but one thing should be remembered when grooming your poodle you just need to be patient and careful. American Kennel Club AKC , which is a registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States, says it is optimal to take poodles to the groomer about every weeks. In winter, the thick layer of coat can be great for poodles, but in summer, it can become a problem. Poodle Haircuts: The Takeaway So, this is all about different poodle haircuts. This is a pure breed that is high maintenance in terms of grooming. They have soft and curly coats that look beautiful but require regular care and cleaning. If you want that your beloved poodle always looks the best, invest time and money in the best haircut from a qualified groomer! There are many options to choose from teddy bear cut and funny poodle haircuts to poodle short haircuts and standard poodle haircuts. I hope this guide on Poodle haircuts has given you some great inspiration for your next poodle grooming appointment. Also, if you loved this post, share it with your family and friends who have poodles. In case you missed it! You can use safe, non-toxic dyes that are specially made for use on dog hair, too! Summer Cut The summer cut is one of the most low-maintenance Poodle hairstyles you can choose from and is perfect for keeping your pet comfortable when the mercury rises. Ultra-Short Summer Cut Image Source This super short-haired Poodle cut might be a little too harsh for some tastes, but it will keep your pet cool if you live in a very warm climate. The Poodle has a single coat, which makes a short haircut a practical, easy option. The hair on the tail, ears, and head is left longer to create a fluffy, fun look. Adorably Fluffy This Poodle looks totally adorable with a medium-length cut, fluffy head, and tail. This haircut would be ideal for your Poodle during the summer months or if you live in a warm climate. If you live in a warm climate or you have a very active dog, this shaved shortie cut might be the best choice for your Poodle. Afghan Poodle Cut This gorgeous clip makes the Poodle look rather like an Afghan Hound with the leg hair, tail, and ears left longer than the shaved body. Teddy Bear Haircuts Image Source The Teddy Bear cut is a popular choice for many Poodle owners, and you can also use this grooming style on a Doodle and other long-haired dog breeds. The fur on the remainder of the body is cut to a short, uniform length, giving an overall cuddly, cute rounded finish. Teddy Pair! Look at this matching pair of gorgeous Teddy Bear cuts! Beautiful Bears These four pictures show you can create a few variations on the Teddy Bear theme. Beautiful Bears Again! That gives you a great idea of how your Poodle will look with a Teddy Bear clip. Bow Tie Bear How cute does this little Doodle look with his sweet bow tie? Simply Adorable! This Miniature Poodle looks totally adorable, posing for the camera with his Teddy Bear haircut. This gorgeous gray Toy Poodle looks as pretty as a picture with her fluffy ears and topknot. Flowergirl This little Toy Poodle looks just like a cuddly toy with her flower headdress. Keep Smiling! This Poodle loves his Teddy Bear look. Other Poodle Haircut Ideas .Bunches This Poodle has a long hairdo with just his face shaved. The long hair on top of the head is combed through and then pulled up into bunches for a punky, fun look and professional finish. Pretty Poodle Puppy This pretty Poodle puppy looks gorgeous with her face scissor trimmed to show off her cute button nose and bright black eyes. Look At Me! Puppy Cut This Poodle is a gorgeous, rich cream color that really suits this clip. The Puppy cut is a haircut for Poodles that can take years off your dog! This haircut is popular with pet parents, leaving your dog with an evenly cut hair length of around 1 to 2 inches all over. The style can also be easily modified to fit with your lifestyle and preference. Fluffy Head This stunning gray Poodle looks delightful with her Puppy cut. The length you choose is up to you. Shaved Face This Poodle is making the most of her good looks by adding a shaved face to the Puppy cut. And Again … The shaved face really does work well with a Puppy cut, as this handsome red Poodle demonstrates. Full hair is left on the chest and ribcage, while furry pom poms adorn the tail, hips, and ankles. Mohawk Cut For this crazy hairdo, first create a huge, fluffy tail, a collar, and boots. Now add a Mohawk! Be sure to use only pet-friendly colors on your Poodle! Braided Style This pure white Poodle looks super cute with her neatly braided head hair. Fluffy Ears This gorgeous gray Toy Poodle looks as pretty as a picture with her fluffy ears and topknot. Curly Hair These two beauties are rocking the curly, messy hairdo style. Moptop This Poodle looks wonderful with its curly, unruly mop top hairstyle. Black Beauty With his long, curly black hairstyle, this Poodle is certainly a black beauty. Shaved Face Style This stunning black Poodle has all his coat left on with just his face shaved clean and his ears trimmed. That gives this beauty a clean-cut style that accentuates his natural good looks and glorious, coal-black coat. Spots and Stripes These Poodles are certainly eye-catching with their zebra stripe and polka dot hairstyles covering their entire body. Individual dog groomers have their own ideas about what patterns and clips work best together, so be sure to ask your groomer for their opinion. Twinkle Toes This gorgeous little boy looks so sweet with his neatly clipped fur and shaved tootsies! Full Hair Check out this beautiful gray Poodle with his smart Lion cut; gorgeous! Now, use pretty ribbons or bobbles to tie up the hair in cute pigtails. Lionheart This gorgeous Poodle is show-ready in his stunning Lion cut. Double Delight Just look at these two beautiful Poodles with their full-on, fluffy hairstyles! Red Show Poodle Wow! This Poodle is absolutely stunning in its full, fluffy hairdo. The hair is left to grow long so that it forms long cords, rather like a Rastafarian dreadlock hairdo. This hairdo looks spectacular but can be prone to matting. White Corded Poodle Hairdo If you have the time to maintain it, this all-over corded look can work really well on a pure white Poodle, as you can see in this photograph. Cool Corded Topknot This beautiful black Poodle has its topknot left to grow naturally until it forms cute spirals. Generally, corded hair is best cared for by an experienced, pro groomer with expertise in that area. Black Lion This beautiful black Poodle is showing off a shorter version of the Lion cut. We think that looks absolutely stunning. What do you think? Long Hair This Poodle with her delightful long hairstyle is hoping for a gift from Santa. Who could resist those big brown eyes and flowing locks? My Little Poodle Pony Image Source This competitive grooming entrant has certainly not held anything back with this spectacular clip! Bunches This beautiful gray Poodle is all ready to make his grand entrance in a Poodle show. Pretty As A Picture This sweet little lady looks gorgeous with her fluffy head and ears. Fluffy Pigtails This pretty little girl Poodle likes to wear her ear hair long! Hair Updo This Poodle is actually mid-way through having her hair done in preparation for a show. Weird, but it works! You can let the hair loose once dinner is safely out of the way. Short Hair This little guy is having a bad hair day! Superfluffy Snowball! The basic clip is a standard fall or winter cut, but the head hair has been left to grow right out. The groomer then combed and fluffed out the head hair to create a wild, wacky super-fluffy snowball. The hair is shaved short on the body with the tail, neck, and legs left longer. Practical And Stylish Variations on the classic Poodle cut are practical and stylish hairdos that can be the perfect choice for active dogs that love to run and play in the park, just like the pooch in this picture. Show White This glamorous classic Poodle cut is all ready to win the blue ribband at the dog show! French Poodle This classic French Poodle haircut is perfect for the fall and winter. Poodle In The Park Although she looks absolutely gorgeous, we wonder just how long this stunning white Poodle will keep clean! Short Poodle Cut This Poodle is sure to keep cool and comfortable with this smart short hairstyle. Suited And Booted! This handsome dude is making the most of his good looks and smart Summer clip by adding a cute necktie to complete the look. Fluffy Butt! That said, it works! Handsome Dude! This handsome Standard Poodle shows us what the classic Summer or Kennel clip looks like once it begins to grow out. Many owners like to have their dog clipped right out when the summer weather arrives and the mercury rises, allowing the coat to grow out again before the fall so that their dog has a warm coat ready for the winter months. Leg Warmers This beautiful Poodle is rocking the 80s legwarmers look with his fluffy bootees and shaved legs. Colorful Poodles .Colorful Hair If you have a white or pale-colored Poodle, you might want to jazz up his or her hairstyle with a little color. So, before you begin any form of extreme grooming, always make sure that you choose high-quality products that are suitable for canine use. Think Pink! Simply pick your favorite color and brighten up the dog park! Of course, you can choose from a whole range of funky colors, depending on your personal preference. Rainbow Hairdo! This owner has gone for a rainbow look, but the choice is yours! This flashy Poodle haircut is another variation on the short, all-over clip with the addition of a fun Mohawk and a fluffy tail. Donald Duck Dog Image Source Creative dog grooming , where groomers transform their pets into characters, is a thriving competitive sport! Who knew?! This Poodle has been transformed into a kind of dinosaur with a spiny back, cute pompom on the tail, and outrageous color scheme. What will they think of next?! Extreme Grooming! Words cannot describe this outrageous hairdo! Now, that extreme grooming effort is certainly going to stop traffic when this pup crosses the street. Tell us what you reckon in the comments box at the end of this article. This white Standard Poodle has been clipped and dyed to present a cameo picture of Snow White and her dwarves. We guess the other dwarves are on the other side of the dog! Pink Lion A pink lion is the last thing you would expect to see when taking a stroll along the beach, but this Poodle owner has decided that would be a fun thing to do! Me And My Pink Shadow! Poodle In Pink This gorgeous blossom-pink Poodle looks absolutely delightful, and her fur is in great condition, too. Another Pink Lion! The look has been finished with pink highlights that are sure to make this gorgeous lady the center of attention wherever she goes. Coat Of Many Colors This Poodle is clearly heading off to a party, decorated in his coat of many colors! This Standard Poodle has been cleverly clipped and dyed to make him look exactly like a giant panda. Love You! Now, how about this for a cheeky clip? Well, believe it or not, this little guy is a tiny Toy Poodle puppy. Ah, bless! The adorable style is finished with a fluffy topknot and cute bunches. Beautiful Button Eyes This Poodle has had his facial fur carefully and expertly scissor blended to create an angled Teddy Bear look that really works. Before And After It can be helpful to see a few pictures of how your Poodle might look after his haircut. Shaved to Perfection A quick clip was all that was required to transform this untidy-looking Poodle from a sheep to a pretty lamb. Face Revealed! An all-over body trim completes the new look. Beautiful Hairdo! Final Thoughts We hope you enjoyed our fun article on all the different types and styles of Poodle haircuts out there. As you can see, there are several popular Poodle haircuts that you can ask your professional groomer to do for you. You might even want to try your hand at extreme grooming, transforming your pet into a movie scene or a cartoon character, using colored doggy hair dye and imaginative clipping. Tell us in the comments box below. Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment. This will be good practice for later on — for both of you! Yes, haircuts are essential for Poodles. Their thick, long, curly coats are prone to tangling and trapping debris. When will my Poodle puppy need haircuts? Then, at around four months old, they will shed their puppy coats and start to grow out their rougher adult coats. Frequency As a general rule, Poodles should have their coats clipped every weeks once their adult coats grow out, whatever your desired length. This is because they grow so quickly and can become matted just as fast! What equipment should I use? There are three main types of dog grooming scissors; straight scissors, curved scissors, and thinning shears, and they all perform slightly differently. Straight grooming scissors are a multi-task tool, they have straight blades for general, basic grooming, creating straight lines in the coat, and adding the finishing touches to haircuts. Curved dog grooming shear has a curved blade that can be used to fine-tune and shape specific areas of the coat, such as the paws and hindquarters. Thinning shears have a cutting edge on one blade and teeth on the other, and there are also double thinners that have teeth on both blades. They are designed to remove lots of hair in even sections for a natural finish, and they can also be used to blend out the harsh lines from clippers and texturize the coat. Or, if you just need something for the occasional touch-up between visits to the groomer, a simple pair of electrical motor clippers will do just fine. Electric motor clippers are also good for keeping short coats short. You should also be aware of the types of blades that come with clippers. The higher the number of the blade, the more hair that it will remove. Or, you can get guards that fit a single blade to customize the length, which is a lot more convenient. Start by showing them the equipment and getting them used to the sight and sound of it before you cut any hair. Reward them just for being around it and then try cutting a small section of hair. If they react well, reward them again, and then do another section. Keep rewarding them as you go and again after the haircut is finished. Do it in a well-lit, comfortable part of the home that your pup can stand up in. Once you get them into a routine — keep it up! Work your way down the legs first, then from the neck to the hindquarters, or vice versa, and then the tail. Take care with the feet, underside, and head, shielding their eyes from falling fur. Use long strokes and go from the neck down to the back legs. How to deal with grooming anxiety If your pup is afraid of the scissors or clippers, take it really slowly and try to make it an enjoyable experience. You can do this by breaking up the haircut into smaller sessions to make it less stressful and taking breaks in between each one. Give your dog lots of praise and a reward every time you take a break and ask another family member to comfort them during the haircut. You can start brushing your Poodle from any age. To brush them, simply go in the direction of hair growth using short strokes. Hold the fur at the base with your free hand to remove knots, and use a mat remover for any stubborn mats. Bathing a Poodle puppy As for bathing, you should give your Poodle pup their first proper bath at months old to help them shed their puppy coat, unless they get seriously dirty before that. However, you can give your pup a bath any time after weeks of age to get them used to the sensation, but avoid overbathing them, as this will strip the fur of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle. Once they have their adult coats, your Poodle pup will need a bath once a month. You can even buy shampoo that is designed especially for Poodle coats. To give your Poodle a bath, lather up their wet fur with the shampoo, massage it in, leave it for as long as directed on the bottle, and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with conditioner if necessary. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.
Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. German Shepherds are considered healthy dogs that can live many years. You must be able to pay for these dogs every month of their lives. For the most part, providing your dog with a lot of exercise and high-quality food will prevent the dog from developing unforeseen health issues. You will need to buy a dog-safe toothpaste, dog-safe shampoo, and certain medications, such as heartworm prevention, to keep your dog healthy its entire life. Not only do you have to feed your German Shepherd a lot of food, but you want to feed your dog food that is high quality and healthy. As long as your dog does not have any known illnesses or issues, you should not have to pay monthly prices. At the minimum, you should take your German Shepherd for an annual visit, assuming it is healthy. You also need to pay for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Most of these medications last for 1 to 3 months at a time. It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to get pet insurance. If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service. If you do not want to pay for pet insurance, you can simply set up a savings account instead. So long as you have a house and a yard for your dog to play, the home environment is generally suitable for dogs. Some environmental maintenance things you will need to buy include doggie bags. You need these if you take your dog for a walk or if you have a yard that you have to maintain. You may also need to pay for carpet cleaner, deodorizer, and other items to keep the house clean, despite your heavy shedding German Shepherd. This means that your German Shepherd can help you out when you are in a pinch, but it also means that you need to provide your German Shepherd ample entertainment, or else your dog could become destructive. At the very minimum, you need to buy heavy-duty toys for your German Shepherd. German Shepherds can be really rough with their toys. So, we recommend some sort of brand specific for rough-playing dogs, such as Kong. These boxes will offer toys, treats, and more for your dog, but these boxes can be pretty expensive too. Additional Costs to Factor In In addition to initial costs and monthly payments, there are some other additional factors you need to think about. For starters, obedience training is really important for dogs of this size. Obedience training can be a bit expensive at first, but it will be worth it in the long run. You need to pay for a pet sitter or kennel whenever you go on vacations and your dog does not come with you. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy, you may also have to pay to replace or fix items the puppy damages. Think about accidents or unforeseen illnesses too. These can cost a whole lot in vet visits. Owning a German Shepherd on a Budget If you want a German Shepherd but are worried about destroying your budget, there are ways that you can own one of these wonderful dogs without spending a fortune either. Unfortunately, there is little you can change about the price of these dogs up front, but you can save on the monthly expenses. The most important tip for taking care of a German Shepherd on a budget is to know when to splurge. When it comes to dog food, make sure to select high-quality food. This will be more expensive upfront, but it will ensure that your dog is healthy for as long as possible, resulting in fewer bills. Splurging on heavy-duty toys is another great idea. These toys will cost more at first, but they should last much longer than cheap ones. For instance, there are a lot of coupons and promo codes you can use when purchasing toys, food, and other items for your German Shepherd. Even if you find coupons, only spend money on the essentials. Not to mention, buy crates and beds that are suitable for the dog as it grows. Many people make the mistake of buying crates and beds suitable for the puppy, but the puppy soon outgrows them. The initial cost primarily accounts for the dog itself and any other items required when bringing the dog home for the first time. Even after the German Shepherd has made your home its home, you will still have to pay some pretty hefty bills for the remainder of its life. Although the initial and monthly costs for this dog are a bit high, they are required for this dog to live a happy life. If you cannot afford to provide a German Shepherd the sort of life it needs and deserves, simply do not get a German Shepherd. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. Deworming Spaying or neutering If you were to add up the cost of all of these services separately, and not part of an all-inclusive adoption fee, the price tag would invariably be considerably higher. Additionally, you can also feel good about adopting a GSD puppy from a shelter, as the proceeds acquired through adoption fees are used to help support the shelter from which you adopted the puppy. This allows a shelter to continue to rescue new animals and relocate them in safe homes. One potential downside to adoption is the time and effort that it may take you to find the right pup for you. Unlike a breeder who is able to provide you with rather specific dates, there is no telling when a new GSD puppy may be available through a shelter. Additionally, purebred GSD puppies tend to be adopted out very quickly, so if you choose this option you must be very diligent and persistent. Be prepared to make lots of phone calls on a daily basis, as it is unlikely that a shelter will call you specifically when the puppy you want arrives, as many others will undoubtedly have the same request. This is because purebred dogs that are ethically raised by responsible breeders are expensive to breed in general. Also, in contrast to a purebred shelter puppy that spends a short portion of its life at the shelter prior to adoption, a breeder must pay all of the costs associated with raising an entire litter for a minimum of 8 weeks, as is mandated by law in many states. Next comes the cost of pre-breeding health checks performed on both parents, prenatal care, stud fees, shots, food, wormings, vet visits, and a host of other unexpected medical costs. You must also figure in the time and effort that it takes to socialize an entire litter, coupled with the fact that many breeders are dealing with more than one litter at a time, and it is easy to see how the costs can quickly add up. Essentially, a purebred German Shepherd puppy from a breeder will cost more because they are more expensive to raise. However, a purebred puppy from a reputable breeder will also come with health and temperament guarantees, so you do actually get what you pay for. For more detailed understanding of adopting a German Shepherd puppy from a shelter versus purchasing one from a breeder, we have an excellent article here that will answer all of your questions and remove all of the guesswork for you. The Cost of the First Year of German Shepherd Puppy Ownership While the amount of money that you spend to acquire a German Shepherd puppy will vary in accordance to the different factors that we have described above, keep in mind that acquiring the puppy is just be beginning of your financial commitment. It is important that you pay attention to these costs, as they can be significant, and may have a bearing on whether or not acquiring a GSD puppy is a good economical choice for you. While there are other related costs, the main costs that you will incur during the first year of GSD puppy ownership can be apportioned as follows: Initial Cost of Your Puppy As described above, this is entirely dependent on whether you adopt from a shelter or purchase from a breeder. This cost varies widely and can exceed several thousand dollars on the high end. Dog Food With so many different dog food brands on the market today, this cost can also vary considerably. From basic dry dog food to available gourmet raw diets, you can spend as little or as much as you choose. Grooming While you can groom your GSD puppy yourself, many people opt to take their puppy to a professional groomer. Necessities such as nail trimming can be intimidating to the first-time puppy owner and may harm the puppy if performed incorrectly. Training While it is our preference that you take the time to properly train your GSD puppy on your own, as this is a unique and irreplaceable bonding experience on many levels for you and your GSD puppy, many people opt to seek professional obedience training. Some people simply do not have the time to do this, or perhaps it is their first dog and they are unsure of where to begin. If this is the case for you, then you should plan on this expense during your first year of GSD puppy ownership. It is, however, important to understand that individually these items do not cost very much, but if you love to spoil your puppy, then costs can add up very quickly! Crate and Divider A crate is another essential item that there is just no getting around purchasing if you want your puppy to be well-trained. Be sure to not make the mistake that many people do by purchasing too small of a crate and then having to upsize as their puppy grows. It is wise to purchase a large crate as well as a crate divider. This way, you are able to place the divider so that the volume of the crate can be increased as your puppy grows in size. Veterinary Care A preliminary veterinary health check and vaccinations are essential. If you adopt from a shelter, these are likely included in the adoption fee. However, if you purchase your puppy from a breeder, you may incur these costs after bringing your puppy home. Keep in mind that you can, and should, also plan on unexpected veterinary bills. What happens when your puppy gets into something that he definitely should not have, and even worse, after veterinary office hours? It is wise to prepare and set aside some extra funds for such emergencies. Heartworms can be deadly, so heartworm preventative medication is a must. Ticks can also transmit disease that may cause severe illness, such as Canine Anaplasmosis , and fleas are wildly uncomfortable for both human and puppies alike. Table: First Year of German Shepherd Puppy Ownership Costs Now that we have gone over the basic essential expenses of GSD puppy ownership during the first year, we can get more specific as to the expenses that you may incur, depending on your own personal preferences. The table below provides a reasonable estimate of all costs associated with the first year of German Shepherd puppy ownership. Keep in mind that, while this is a reasonable estimate, it is still an estimate. There are certain services and items within the table below that are elective, such as boarding the puppy while on vacation or obedience classes. However, as discussed above, there are certain mandatory, nonnegotiable expenses such as food and veterinary care that you must take into consideration. Less - The German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs , well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the German Shepherd Dog is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. The head is in proportion to the size of the body, strong without appearing coarse or fine. Gender differences are readily apparent. The German Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. Lack of confidence is a serious defect in the character of a German Shepherd. The structure of this breed was designed for efficient locomotion, particularly at the trot, so poor movement is another serious fault. History Less - The German Shepherd Dog is a relatively young breed, developed almost single-handedly in the first half of the twentieth century by a German cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz, president of the Verein far Deutsche Schaferhunde S. Using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock, von Stephanitz developed a distinctive breed in a very short period of time, due in large part to the authoritarian practices of the German dog fancy at that time. Von Stephanitz emphasized utility and intelligence in his breeding program, enabling the German Shepherd Dog to switch easily from herding duties to other fields of work, particularly military and police work. All things German were shunned and popularity slumped. After the war, however, movie star Rin-tin-tin stimulated interest in the breed again. The striking good looks of this breed, combined with its remarkable intelligence and loyalty, have made it a favorite working and companion dog. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.
free bulldog puppies houston tx - If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. So, what should you keep in mind when choosing an ethical Goldendoodle breeder? By screening the parents, breeders can greatly increase the chances of producing only the healthiest puppies. Health warranties always come in written format and are included with your adoption agreement. All of these organizations require their member breeders to follow strict health testing standards and ethical breeding protocols. But, we do recommend you do some additional digging online. Moreover, if you know anyone in your area that has adopted a Goldendoodle, ask them about their own personal experiences with breeders. Winding Creek Ranch handles their pups daily and focuses on safe, age appropriate socialization. All of their dogs receive lots of human contact from birth, and of course, lots of hugs and kisses. In addition to that, they utilize many different enrichment methods, such as noise desensitization, sound stimulation, and socialization with humans and other animals. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Royal George Goldendoodles is a very small home breeding operation that produces only a few puppies every year from their two breeding dogs. The puppies are F1BB medium Goldendoodles. That gives you the opportunity to meet the breeder in person, check out the conditions in which the breeding dogs and puppies are kept, and get an overall vibe for the setup. The kennels should be clean, bright, and airy with fresh water available to the occupants at all times. The dogs should have access to some outside space, and they should have comfortable beds and a few toys, too. If the breeder declines your request to visit them without a valid reason, for example, due to Covid restrictions, you should be suspicious and make further inquiries about the operation. Any breeder who suggests meeting at a service station or some other random place to pick up your puppy should be avoided. These are classic red flags for puppy mills. Both dogs should be friendly, well-socialized, in good condition, and well-groomed. Personal Experience When I went to see my puppy, he was in a pen with his Mom and siblings. That was great to see, as it gave me a clear indication that her babies would grow up with similar temperaments. Dad was eager to meet his visitors and appeared relaxed and happy in his home. So far, my puppy is proving to be a happy little guy with an outgoing, friendly nature. Everyone we meet stops to pet the pup, and he just takes everything in his stride. Medical History All puppies take some of their genes from each parent. So, you want to be sure that the pups are healthy and free from genetic abnormalities that could cause health problems in the future. A responsible breeder will have their breeding stock health-screened for congenital health problems that could be passed down to their progeny. GANA recommends that Goldendoodles are tested as follows:. The size range of the female English Golden Retrievers I have owned range from lbs. In my 20 years of breeding English Teddy Bear Goldendoodles I am achieving a very good consistency with creating sizes. I am at the forefront of creating and perfecting the Pocket Size lbs. Micro is then a huge classification of any puppy less than 14 lbs. Whether you call them Micro Goldendoodles, Micro Petite Goldendoodles, Toy Goldendoodles, Teacup Goldendoodles; they all have the same great personality as their larger Goldendoodle ancestors in a cute small little package. Here at Hilltop Pups, we only breed Poodles with English Golden Retrievers for their excellent health record with an average life span of years. Absolutely no other breeds mixed in to rush the downsizing. Downsizing takes several generations by breeding in a smaller size poodle every 2 to 3 generations to retain the English Golden Retriever personality. Our smallest poodle here is 3 lbs. Since Hilltop Pups team is creating and perfecting the smallest Goldendoodles along with the increasingly popular Irish English Goldendoodles; we have our own size range chart of the average sizes we have witnessed in the past 20 years of breeding. Until an organization such as AKC or CKC identifies Goldendoodles as an official breed, no organization can state what the size standards are as they vary so greatly with breeders breeding American or English Golden Retrievers, plus the range of poodle sizes from lbs. Although Goldendoodles are not considered a Purebred dog breed; it is still important to register your puppy with a reputable canine tracking organization. This will allow breeders to have the information necessary to make responsible breeding decisions. I am an official Preferred Breeder by the strict Breeding Standards set forth by CKC which has the best pedigrees for tracking ancestors for breeding purposes. There are many Designer Dog Registries, but I prefer one of the two largest reputable groups. The English lines create the Teddy Bear look. The English Golden Retrievers have short stocky legs and shorter body length, whereas, American Golden Retrievers can have long bodies and are taller. From there we will have a better understanding of your wants and needs, to properly answer your questions. At Hilltop Pups you get the honor of choosing your puppy with our expert assistance of course. We do not assign puppies to you. We allow visitors because we are proud of our establishment. Beware of Breeders not allowing you to visit and hiding behind Parvo to scare you off. Google Earth those Breeders addresses and names. If you cannot find their name and address on their website immediately exit their website, they are hiding something such as arrest record for cruelty to animals. There are as many good Breeders as there are Puppy Mills out there. My two daughters Abby and Brittany are breeding dogs at their houses, and all puppies are raised with the same excellent breeding practices. Our three sons also house dogs for us; all their dogs are listed on my website, so we can link our websites together. I love hearing from my puppy parents how easy going their puppy is and friendly with everyone. This is due to all the loving care givers our dogs and puppies are with every single day. I have my three Granddaughters ages help with puppy Early Stimulation training and play, so puppies meet a wide variety of people and children in a comfortable trusting setting. When a puppy has been trained by only one person, say a lady; then the puppy may be fearful of a man or a child. Thus, we create confident, brave well-adjusted puppies. Luckily, I have the sweetest husband that cannot sit still and is always looking for something to do or something to clean up. Feel free to contact us via email preferred at hilltoppups yahoo. We will make every effort to answer your questions promptly and truthfully! During busy times, such as when there are several litters of puppies to care for or a mom in Labor, email is much easier for us and we can put in writing complex questions, so you have time to digest and study the information. Our FAQ page is an excellent place to start if you are not familiar with Goldendoodles, as I have collected 20 years of most often asked questions. Email is more efficient; when you call, I may be bathing or grooming a dog or puppy and I cannot leave them unsupervised. Emailing gives me time to answer questions thoroughly, attach reading material, pictures of puppies or Goldendoodles for example. For those people that cannot visit in person, we provide a lot of pictures and video to assist with the selection process. On our website you can search pages by size category, so you have less to look through. On the Sire and Dam pages all our dogs are listed and their health tests. Click on any document to view it. If you do not adopt a puppy from me request proof of health documents and pedigrees before submitting that non-refundable deposit. If a Breeder does not present documents up front, some never will. Some of the dogs listed on my website live with my two daughters and three sons. My two daughters work with me, live close by, and will someday take over my business. It all started here with a dog loving family with 5 children. With my background of Human Resource Management, I know how to research and apply my knowledge in respect to Breeding Laws, better breeding practices, and making my business the best it can be from the treatment of my dogs to my customer service. Some Breeders pick your puppy for you. At Hilltop Pups you get to choose your puppy with our expert advice. We post pictures of puppies every 7 to 10 days with videos, so you get to watch them grow. We schedule visits one hour apart at the top of each hour, once the schedule is full, we schedule on the half hour as well. After each visitor we disinfect everything that has been touched. I am aware some of you are coming a great distance. Go to your car in advance and GPS our address, make sure your GPS is set for highways "not scenic route" as we live on the edge of a town and the GPS will take you through winding country roads. Then give yourself an extra half hour, as I prefer you be early than late running into the next appointment. If you are not able to visit, I take many videos of the puppies and if you have narrowed down your selection to two puppies; we can make you videos of just those two puppies. Rarely in the last 18 years has someone changed their mind when they arrived here and picked a different puppy than the puppy they first fell in love with via our website. You are welcome to fly here to get your puppy. Currently American Airlines has resumed puppy shipping, but temperatures at any point in the flight including departure and layover, must be below 85 degrees and above 32 degrees. Which is a challenge here during the Summer and Winter months, plus any stop over destination and arrival destination temperatures. You are welcome to fly here; Louisville Kentucky airport is the closest at only 80 miles away. Many people are choosing Delivery to your door via vehicle delivery service. Here are reputable delivery companies I have been using for years; you contact the companies directly, arrange shipments with them, and pay them their shipping fee when they deliver the puppy to you. Flight Nanny Service contact Mary Venneketter for cost .Early Stimulation Training program is our highest priority which we start at 3 days old and once puppies are walking around, we still hold them every day on their backs, talk to them to create eye contact, rub all over them to make grooming easier in the future. We teach our puppies not to jump on people and to sit at your feet for attention. Puppies are paper trained to go on shredded paper which feels just like grass, so house training is a breeze, or if you need to train on potty pads that is easy as well. See what your puppy learns before you get the puppy home. The first step in your puppy's future. The next step in your puppy's future is your training from the very first day your puppy enters your home. Want to train your puppy from the convenience of your home as early as the day the puppy arrives home? No waiting until your puppy is fully vaccinated to start training. I suggest you start the training program before your puppy arrives; so you will be off to a great start. After completing this course your puppy should qualify. They are very friendly, helpful, easy to understand, and encouraging, which motivates you to continue in your training adventure. They offer video lessons, plus one on one training question and answer sessions via video chat. This is a Lifetime Program with Members Only Access to training methods, materials, and other resources needed for Pet Parenting and beyond. To continue training where we left off, I highly suggest you have the first unit completed before you get your puppy home. We create the best puppy for you, and you create the best Dog Ever! We are proud of our establishment and have a Visitation Room which includes windows for you to view where our Adult Dogs are Housed. We bring the puppies and adults to you to visit with them. For the safety of our dogs and puppies we do not allow you to walk through the facility, because we would need to disinfect everywhere you walked. We have had this practice in place since the beginning of our breeding program and have never contacted any health concerns by doing so, beware of Breeders that do not allow you to visit hiding behind false statements. Breeders walk everywhere in the world, shopping centers, gas station, Veterinarian Offices and then come home and walk around their kennels, just like anyone else. So why shouldn't people visit? I prefer puppies to get all the interactions they can with different people; you are providing valuable puppy training as well. Evansville is a one-hour drive. This is our house, not a public shopping center. We require appointments to visit as you do want to make sure we are home and able to focus our attention on you and have adequate time for you to interact with the puppies. This is not a large place; the visitation area can get crowded quickly if more than one family is visiting at a time. Our visitation Room does have windows on two sides, so you can see where and how all our adult dogs are housed. It is very important to stay as close to your scheduled arrival time as possible, give yourself that extra half hour for traffic concerns. We are at Eastern Time. Jasper is an aesthetically pleasing clean town of 15, and always rated at the top of the best places to live listings. How amazing it would be for AKC to do this; it is up to Breeders to commit to keeping their breed healthy going forward by health testing the parent dogs. Which believe me very few Breeders invest their money back into their dogs; so always demand copies of health testing prior to even submitting a deposit. DO Not trust Breeders that say they will provide the documents when the puppy goes home, demand proof up front. It is a nightmare to try to get paperwork from a Breeder after you have the puppy, because they do not have it. The Breeder is pulling on your emotions knowing you are getting attached to the puppy and then you are stuck with no proof that you have a healthy puppy that will live a long healthy life. Breeders never to rarely give you the correct documents after you have the puppy, learn from heart breaking experiences of having to re-home dogs that couldn't pass health screening. My research, commitment, and due diligence has paid off. Here is the foundation for creating the perfect Teddy Bear Goldendoodle and how to build conformity into the Breed. At Hilltop Pups we DNA test the coat type of all our dogs so we can create the most non-shedding hypoallergenic coat as possible. I follow this DNA rule when breeding to make sure my dogs are non-shedding. No guess work involved here; You can brush them and not even get hair to pull out. Next, we only breed with English Retrievers which produce a softer less shedding less matting coat than the coarser American Golden Retriever coats. The weight range of English Golden Retrievers that I have owned is for female and for males, although they look just and big and fluffier than the American Golden Retrievers. Next, we consider the color genetics behind the poodle: Reds-, browns-, and cream-colored poodles produce soft non-shedding coats. White, Gray, and Black poodles produce shredders even in the curly dogs; thus, they have been removed from Hilltop Pups breeding program. In we started breeding the Irish Goldendoodles. I am very pleased with what I have seen in the Irish Goldendoodles. Therefore, I only breed English Golden Retrievers as their life expectancy is years and very few ever have cancer. It takes a few generations to build the dark red poodle color back into the English Goldendoodles since the English Golden Retrievers are only white to cream. For the Irish we started with breeding a health tested American Golden Retriever to a health tested Irish Setter to get the hybrid vigor and dark red color; then bred that with a health tested male poodle and then back to another health tested poodle creating the F1b Irish Goldendoodles to ensure the hypo allergenic non-shed coats, plus get the dark red color and fabulous coats. Advantages of adopting an English Goldendoodle from Hilltop Pups Size range available 8 - 38 pounds Predictable size ranges for F2b and multi-Generations Hypoallergenic if past the F1 First generation, because we can DNA test the coat types for breeding. Fully Vaccinated for their age Trained with Early Neurological Stimulation Trained not to jump on people, but sit at your feet for attention Paper potty trained Pre-spoiled, loved, and well socialized Puppies go home with: A 2-year health guarantee; 4 years if you provide NuVet Vitamin Supplements Microchipped with pre-paid membership enrollment form CKC Registration Papers.
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free bulldog puppies houston tx - Breeds The link has been copied! Some dogs are known to shed their fur, but people may wonder if the same applies to labradors. This article examines the shedding tendencies of Labrador Retrievers and discusses the best ways to groom them so that shedding is kept to a minimum. So if you're wondering, "Do Labs Shed? Labs do shed, but the amount of shedding depends on the individual dog. But let's break down the shedding process a bit further. Do Labs Shed? How Much? A Little? A Lot? Labradors shed a moderate amount of fur compared to other breeds of dogs. With regular brushing and grooming, Labs can be kept well-groomed and their shedding kept to a minimum. During this time, it is especially important to brush your Lab regularly, as this will help to remove loose hairs and reduce the amount of shedding. Keep in mind that "a lot" doesn't mean that your Labrador is shedding excessively, it just means that they are shedding more than usual. If you think your dog doesn't shed enough, the best thing you can do is to brush them regularly. This will help to remove excess fur and will also stimulate their coat, which will help it to produce more oils and keep the fur in good condition. The amount of shedding varies from dog to dog and is affected by age and lifestyle. Black Labradors tend to shed less than yellow or chocolate Labradors. This is because their coat is darker, which means there is more pigment in the fur, making it more resistant to shedding. On the other hand, yellow and chocolate Labradors have coats that are lighter in color, so they tend to shed more than their black counterparts. The amount of shedding depends on the individual dog, but these darker colored Labs will shed more than the black variety. When it comes to Labradors, the amount of shedding can be managed with regular brushing and grooming. This is especially true during the warmer months when the coat is transitioning from winter to summer. With regular brushing and grooming, you can keep your Lab well-groomed and their shedding to a minimum. Labrador Retriever Coat Labradors have a double coat; an outer layer of coarse guard hairs and an inner layer of soft downy fur. The top coat is designed to repel water and keep the dog protected from the elements, while the inner layer is designed to keep the dog warm. The combination of these two layers helps to keep the Labrador's coat in good condition and to reduce the amount of shedding. There are a few different coat colors for Labs, with black and yellow being the most common. Some Labradors also have a chocolate coat or a silver coat. But each color variation still has the same double coat with the same two types of fur. When it comes to the coat, most people believe that the longer fur on Labs is the cause of more shedding. In truth, it's the opposite; the longer fur of a Lab can actually help reduce the amount of shedding. The longer coat acts like a filter, trapping hair that would otherwise be shed and preventing them from flying around the room. When Labs Shed The Most Labradors will shed the most during the spring and summer months when their coat is transitioning from winter to summer. During this time, their coats will become thinner and shorter, which will cause them to shed more than usual. Vet visits, grooming appointments, and regular brushing can also help reduce the amount of shedding. CBD oil is a natural oil extracted from the cannabis plant and it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to reducing inflammation, it can also help to reduce stress levels, which can in turn help to reduce shedding. It is important to note that while CBD oil can be beneficial for dogs, it should never be used without consulting with a veterinarian first. Shedding Triggers Below is a list of reasons why your Labrador might be shedding more than usual: Stress Stress is a common cause of shedding. If your Labrador is experiencing anxiety or other forms of stress , it may lead to an increase in shedding. Stress causes shedding by jolting the body into a fight-or-flight response, releasing a flood of hormones that can trigger excessive shedding in dogs. These hormones, along with increased levels of cortisol, can lead to excessive hair loss. Hormones Hormones can play a big role in shedding. When hormone levels fluctuate, particularly during times of stress, the body sends signals to the hair follicles, which can cause them to produce more hair or to stop producing altogether. This can result in more shedding than normal. Seasonal Changes Many breeds of dogs, including Labradors, shed more during the spring and fall months. This is due to the changing temperatures and environmental factors that can cause their hair follicles to become more active. During this time, your Labrador may also experience an increase in shedding as their body is responding to the change in temperatures. Illness or Disease Certain illnesses or diseases can also cause an increase in shedding. If your Labrador has recently been diagnosed with a serious health condition, it is likely that their increased shedding could be related to the illness or disease. Allergies Allergies can also cause your Labrador to shed more than usual. If your Labrador is allergic to a certain type of food or environmental factor, their body may respond by releasing extra hormones, which can cause increased shedding. Nutrition Poor nutrition can also lead to increased shedding. If your Labrador is not receiving the proper vitamins and minerals they need, their body may not be able to produce enough healthy hair follicles, which can cause excessive shedding. Age As Labradors get older, they may also experience increased shedding. As a Labrador's body ages, their hair follicles may become weaker, causing them to shed more than usual. Breed Some breeds of dogs are known to shed more than others. Labradors are notorious for their shedding, so it is normal for them to shed more than other breeds. Medications Certain medications may also cause increased shedding. If your Labrador is taking any medications, it is important to speak to your veterinarian. It's a good idea to brush your dog at least once a week, more if they have a particularly thick coat. The best brushing technique is to use a slicker brush with bristles that are not too soft or too hard. Make sure to brush in the direction of the hair growth and use long, gentle strokes. Be gentle when brushing your dog and make sure to remove any mats or tangles with a comb. When you brush your dog, make sure to pay attention to the underside and legs, as this is where shedding is most common. Shampoos Using a specially formulated dog shampoo can help reduce shedding by cleaning away dirt and debris from the coat. Make sure to choose a shampoo that is gentle and suitable for your dog's coat type, as some shampoos can be too harsh for certain fur types. To wash your dog, start by wetting the coat with warm water and then apply the shampoo. Make sure to massage it into the fur and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water. There are also special shampoo formulations that can help reduce shedding, such as those containing oatmeal, aloe, and olive oil. If you're wondering if you can wash your dog too often, the answer is yes. In fact, too much washing can lead to dry and irritated skin, which can actually cause more shedding. So periodically, as in once every two weeks, should be enough. Diet A healthy diet can also help reduce shedding. A diet rich in essential fatty acids helps to keep your dog's coat healthy and reduces shedding. You can find these fatty acids in foods such as salmon, flaxseed, and eggs. When dieting your dog, it's important to make sure they are getting enough protein and other vital nutrients. If you're feeding a commercial dog food, look for one that is formulated for your dog's size and breed. Diets should be rich in healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This will ensure your pup has enough energy to stay active and fight off any skin-related issues. Some great ingredients for a dog's coat health are: Salmon: The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon help reduce inflammation, which can help decrease shedding Flaxseed: Flaxseed is a great source of essential fatty acids and helps keep skin and coat healthy Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein and vitamins, which helps to keep your pup's coat looking shiny and healthy. In addition, make sure your pup is getting enough exercise and is groomed regularly. Regular brushing can help reduce shedding and make your pup's coat look its best. It's essential to consult your veterinarian before starting any supplements for your pup. Medications, allergies, and other health issues might also interfere with certain supplements. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s have a positive effect on skin and coat health. These fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and can help nourish and hydrate dry, flaky skin and dull coats. They also help to reduce shedding and helps promote a healthy, glossy coat. Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps promote a softer and shinier coat. It also helps reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin. There are several forms of vitamin E available, including natural sources, synthetic sources, and topical treatments. When selecting a supplement, make sure it contains natural sources of vitamin E such as d-alpha-tocopherol. But be sure to consult your veterinarian before adding any vitamin E supplement. Biotin: Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps improve coat quality by supporting the health of the skin and hair follicles. Biotin helps improve the elasticity of the skin, which can reduce shedding and help promote a healthy coat. Additionally, biotin helps promote overall good health and can be beneficial for dogs with allergies. When we look for a supplement, look for one that contains a minimum of mcg of biotin per serving. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a natural source of healthy fats that can help improve the condition of the skin and fur. It helps reduce inflammation, promotes healthy bacteria on the skin, and can help reduce itching and scratching. How To Keep Your Home Clean Dog hair can be a pain to clean up, but there are some things you can do to make the process easier. Groom your dog regularly to reduce shedding. Depending on the breed, you may need to groom your dog daily or weekly to help keep shedding to a minimum. Vacuum your floors frequently. A good quality vacuum is essential to removing pet hair from carpets and rugs. Use a lint roller. Lint rollers are great for removing dog hair from furniture, clothing, and other fabrics. Wipe down surfaces with a microfiber cloth. A damp microfiber cloth can help capture pet hair and other debris on hard surfaces like tables and counters. Use a pet hair-removing product. There are a variety of products available on the market now specifically designed to help remove pet hair. These include pet hair remover mitts, dog hair remover sponges, and pet hair remover brooms. Keep your dog groomed and bathed. Regular grooming and bathing can help reduce the amount of pet hair in your home. Use a damp mop. A damp mop is great for picking up pet hair on hardwood and tile floors. Clean pet bedding regularly. Pet beds should be washed and vacuumed frequently to help reduce pet hair in your home. Incorporate area rugs. Area rugs can help catch pet hair and make it easier to clean up. Final Thoughts Labradors shed, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. With a little extra care, you can keep your Labrador happy and healthy. Find more helpful articles on pet parenting at the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Also, be sure to check out TryFi's Fi Dog Collar , a cutting-edge GPS tracking collar that keeps you updated on your dog's location, activity, and sleep and alerts you if they escape the backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Check Price on Amazon Labrador Shedding Season You might not know that the shedding habits of the Labrador follow a schedule, in a sense. There are certain months when Labs shed the most in addition to their normal year-round shedding. So, when exactly is the Labrador shedding season? Labrador shedding season occurs twice a year, specifically in the spring and fall. Your Labrador changes his coat when the seasons change, allowing him to adjust to the new climate. He will shed his old winter undercoat as the weather warms, making room for a lighter summer coat. When the weather becomes colder, he will shed his lighter undercoat and acquire a thick, warm coat in preparation for the winter. This allows him to be comfortable during the entire year. For about two to three weeks each time, his thick undercoat will begin coming out in clumps. The shedding will be quite intense during this time while your dog molts all of his dead undercoat. As mentioned previously, this year-round shedding is the same for all Labradors, no matter their color. Some hair loss patterns indicate health issues that a veterinarian should treat. Labradors may shed suddenly outside their typical pattern due to health reasons. Causes include a poor diet, dehydration, allergies, parasites, stress, and anxiety. Experts can distinguish between normal shedding and fur loss caused by health, nutritional, and environmental factors. A healthy balanced diet provides a steady supply of essential nutrients. As such, a poor diet with deficient nutrients will cause hair loss. When your dog is dehydrated, blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues and organs, including the skin, are compromised. The decrease in skin suppleness causes the fur to fall out effortlessly. Parasites, ticks, lice, and fleas. Underdeveloped hair follicles. Hair follicles do not develop properly, resulting in patchy or total hair loss. A benign tumor causes this in the pituitary, which causes excessive production of the stress hormone cortisol, causing hair loss in dogs. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include increased shedding, hair loss, and thinning. Skin trauma. Abnormal shedding can be caused by skin trauma such as bacterial and fungal infections, food and other allergies, some pet drugs such as steroids, inflammatory disease, and burns. Temporary hair loss can also occur during pregnancy, nursing, or when recovering from an illness. Stress and anxiety. Behavioral problems that cause stress and anxiety, such as separation anxiety or OCD, can drive your Labrador to chew his hair and skin, leaving patches. Acral lick dermatitis is the name of this ailment. Parasites and other allergic conditions can also cause it. Labrador Shedding Solutions Owning a Labrador is a gratifying experience. But, it does come with its downside. There is no solution to stop shedding completely, but you can certainly do things to reduce and control it. Start by brushing your Lab regularly with a quality de-shedding tool, focusing on the undercoat where most of the hair comes from. Another helpful tip is to bathe your dog times a year with a gentle shampoo and lukewarm water to help remove loose hair and debris. So, here are my more in-depth solutions… 1. Get a Labrador De-shedding Tool The best way to groom your Labrador is with a de-shedding tool designed especially for a double coat. I use the FURminator undercoat de-shedding tool from Amazon. Depending on your doggo, times per week may be sufficient. Groom and Bathe Your Lab Times a Year So, as I previously stated, your Labrador will change his coat twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Instead of letting his undercoat fall out naturally over the course of this period, you can loosen any leftover fur and remove it at bathing time. There are also special de-shedding dog shampoos to loosen the undercoat during the bath. Switch to Food That Targets The Coat and Skin You may have already given some thought to the food you feed your Labrador, but did you realize that the type of food you feed him has a significant impact on his shedding habits? Inexpensive dog food is largely made of ingredients that some dogs have difficulty digesting, such as corn and grain, not to mention added preservatives and chemicals. Instead, choose dog food with a high-quality protein source as the primary ingredient. A protein deficiency results in a dull and unkempt coat. Sure, it costs more, but it will help your Labrador by reducing his daily shedding and maintaining a long and healthy life. Keep You Lab Hydrated You might not even realize it, but allowing your Labrador to drink more water daily can reduce the amount of shedding! Consider getting a dog water fountain such as the Petsafe Drinkwell from Amazon that encourages your dog to drink and saves you from constantly changing his water. I particularly like this one as it has two tiers and includes carbon filters to remove bad taste and odors from the water. Pro Tip! You can give your Labrador ice cubes in the summer to keep him hydrated. You can also treat your doggo to frozen fruits such as raspberries or strawberries to help quench his thirst. These make a healthy alternative to commercial treats. Stay Up-to-Date With Flea Treatment Flea treatments will not prevent your Labrador from shedding, but they will stop him from scratching and nibbling at himself excessively if he gets a tick or flea! The more your dog tirelessly scratches to release himself from the discomfort of fleas or ticks, the more fur he pulls out in the process. No ticks and fleas mean less scratching and less shedding. This is done every three months for my dog, along with her deworming treatment. You can still incorporate Omega fatty acids into your daily schedule to reduce the volume of year-round shedding. You can do this by choosing specific foods with Omega 3 fatty acids. You can also achieve it by providing your Labrador with a daily supplement that contains these nutrients. They come in bacon or chicken flavor and get thousands of positive reviews. Olive oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that support the skin and coat. Check with your vet first on how much to give your dog. Does shaving a Lab help with shedding? Shaving your Labrador will not help with shedding. Never shave a dog with a double coat as it will cause irritation, expose him to bacteria and infection, and damage the regrowth. The fur in Labrador coats is not the same as human hair; it has a distinct function, and the fur follicles do not regenerate properly. Here are the key takeaways from the article. In Labrador Retrievers: Heavy shedding is a normal daily event. They will also shed more in the spring and fall when they will molt their undercoat. Abnormal shedding can be caused by a poor diet, dehydration, some health conditions, fleas, and parasites. Related Posts You May Like:. There are quite a few breeds that are more likely to shed than others—and Labrador Retrievers near the top of the list. Because of their unique double coats, labs shed a lot throughout the year, and especially more so when the seasons begin to change. In the spring, labs will shed a lot of hair in an attempt to lose their winter coat and prepare for the summer. What Is a Double Coat? To be great water dogs, labs needed to have a waterproof coat with another layer to help regulate their body temperature in cold waters—which is where the double coat comes in. Image Source The first layer, the undercoat, is short and dense. The second coat, the topcoat, is longer and silkier. It helps keep the coat free of dirt and water. When your lab sheds in the spring, their bodies try to get rid of their thick and dense winter coat. That means that you should expect excess shedding anytime between March and May of each year. Later on, labs shed that same summer coat and begin to bulk up for the winter months when fall begins. This means that you can expect excess shedding again between October and December each year. Think of it this way: When temperatures start to drop, you put away your summer clothing and begin unpacking your winter gear. Then, when it begins to warm up, you pack away your winter coats and take out your summer clothing again. The same can be said for labradors. Method 5: Use a Deshedding Tool As you know, labs have a double coat. Depending on the time of year, double coats are extra thick and hard to rake through, even with your best pet brush. Heavy-duty deshedding tools are designed to remove loose or dead hair from the undercoat without damaging the topcoat so that both coats are rid of extra debris and left looking shiny and healthy. At these points, your lab is shedding its coat or growing it thicker for the cooler months. Image Source Some experts say that labs only need to be bathed once every couple of months , while others say once a month is more ideal. But if you do decide to bathe your lab more regularly, you might be surprised to see how much loose dog hair is found at the bottom of the tub. One of the best ways to take the stress out of constantly chasing after furballs around your home is to invest in a smart vacuum. A good rule of thumb is that your lab should have an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. So, if your lab is around 70 pounds, she should drink 70 ounces of water each day. If you suspect your lab is not drinking enough water, it could lead to skin dehydration, causing increased shedding around your home. You can also flavor the water with bone broth or chicken broth, which can be more enticing than plain water. Giving your lab supplements can also help if your lab sheds excessively, so we always recommend providing them with a good supplement to help make sure they get everything they need. Share on. Keeping your home fur free All Retrievers shed — at times profusely. If you let the hair build up, either on your dog or in your home, it can be quite overwhelming. Coping with Labrador shedding is much easier if you adopt a daily grooming and vacuuming routine. Getting the right tools to help you can really make a difference. Why Do Dogs Shed? Usually in spring and again as winter approaches. During the spring moult, the animal sheds its thick winter coat, and grows a sleek new coat for the summer season. As the temperature falls, the summer coat is shed and replaced by a nice warm winter one. In some animals, the winter coat is even a different color from the summer one, to give the animal camouflage against a very different kind of terrain — think of arctic hares and foxes. But dogs no longer roam the tundra, and battle the elements. Dogs have been living alongside humans for thousands of year. So why does shedding still persist? Those of you that have lived with a Labrador or two, will be smiling at this question. But if you are just starting out on your Labrador adventure, you should know that all Labs do shed some hair, most of the time. And it is something you need to be prepared for. Why does my Labrador shed so much? And while some Labradors are thoughtful enough to shed in a big burst two or even three times a year, many others seem to just shed all year around. This may be connected with the consistent temperature in many modern houses, as dogs that are kennelled often seem to shed in a more seasonal pattern. So why is it, that Labradors shed so much more than some other breeds? The answer lies in your Labradors incredible coat. Underneath that glossy waterproof outer layer, is a dense warm undercoat designed to keep your dog snug while swimming in icy water. This is great for your dog, and partly explains his enthusiasm for swimming at any time of year. People sometimes ask me if a Labrador of one color sheds more than a Labrador of another color. Yellow more than black, black more than chocolate, and so on. It is probable that some Labradors shed more than others. After all, they are all individuals. But whether or not this is linked to color I cannot say. From a personal point of view, I have had labs of all three colors and noticed no real difference. Sometimes one color shows up more in the home than another. It probably depends on what color your carpets are. But essentially black labradors shed, chocolate labradors shed, and yellow Labradors shed too. It is probably worth pointing out at this point, that we need to deal with Labrador shedding in the same way, no matter what color your Labrador is. Home Comforts and Hairy Problems Our bodies, and the bodies of our dogs, evolve beneficial biological systems over thousands of years. It is only recently we have been protected from the seasons with the luxury of air conditioning and central heating. This is a very short period of time in evolutionary terms Evolving new biological systems takes a long time. So dogs still continue to shed because it benefitted their recent ancestors. Especially when you consider that Labradors shed even more than many other breeds of dog. How to Cope with Labrador Shedding I should first say that at the time of writing, there is no pill or potion that you can give your Lab to stop him shedding. The shedding process is entirely natural and normal, if annoying, and there is probably nothing you can or should do, to interfere with it. What you can do however is reduce the impact of a Labrador shedding on your life and home! And when they are not shedding, this is true. However, whenever your Labrador is losing his coat, daily or twice daily grooming is your friend. It will, I promise you, make a massive difference to the quantity of hair in your house. We are talking about a serious dead hair removal process. There are a couple of grooming tools you might like to consider for this purpose. Work from head to tail in firm strokes and watch the mounds of hair gather on the floor. The zoom groom works well for all Labradors, but it can leave a bit of hair behind. And that tool is a Furminator. The Furminator Whether or not this tool suits your dog may depend on his or her individual coat. Labradors really do vary in the way that they moult, and in the thickness of their coats Four year old Tess, pictured here, grows her new coat in, as the old one moults out. Sensible grooming with a Furminator has never revealed bare skin, or done any apparent damage to her coat. All that is stripped out, is soft, dead undercoat. Heaps and heaps and heaps of it. And not only does she feel better for it, so do my carpets. And for some dogs, it is not ideal. Use your furminator carefully Furminators seem to be a bit like marmite. You either love them or hate them. And I love them. They make a huge difference to my dogs and to my house. Remember to use with caution. This is a powerful tool. Can I shave my Labrador? People do occasionally ask me if its OK to shave their Labrador. He could end up with sunburn, he will be unable to control his temperature efficiently, and will be very vulnerable to cuts and injury. Do robot vacuum cleaners pick up dog hair? So I have a robot vacuum cleaner that just potters around for an hour each morning. My elderly robot vacuum cleaner eventually died and I replaced it with a newer model. It has a bigger dustpan than the old one and does a really good job. The battery in mine lasts about an hour and a half which is plenty long enough and I charge it up daily. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. August 30, .Aside from their exercise needs, food preferences, and whether your future doggo will prefer belly rubs or head pats, you might be thinking about their Lab coat. Do you need to brush them daily, weekly, monthly, or practically never? How often do you need to bathe them? And do Labradors shed excessively, or will your home remain forever fur-free? Do Labradors shed? They certainly do! In fact, Labradors are notorious shedders. The reason why Labs shed is all to do with their working past. Originally, Labradors were bred as working dogs. They also assisted with various duties on-board fishing boats. Through lots of time spent outdoors, Labradors developed a special coat that protected them from the cold. The outer layer is coarse and waterproof, while the inner layer is dense, fluffy, and super cosy. The inner layer, known as the undercoat, keeps Labradors warm — especially when swimming in cold water or during rainfall. In short, because Labradors and other double-coated dog breeds have this thick undercoat, they need to get rid of it from time to time to adapt to the changing seasons. This is why Labradors shed so much. When and how much do Labradors shed? Luckily, ongoing shedding is quite manageable. They shed in spring so they can get rid of their dense winter coat and grow a lighter one ahead of summer. They also shed in autumn so they can replace their thin summer coat with a snug winter one. Each shedding season lasts around two to three weeks. During moulting season, Labradors shed a lot. While the amount of shedding can vary between individual dogs, each coat colour tends to shed equally. Do they shed more than other dogs? So if they indeed are big shedders, do Labradors shed more than other breeds? Compared to some, yes, absolutely. Compared to others, the amount of shedding is pretty on par. Generally speaking, dog breeds which shed most have double coats, just like Labs. Not only do double-coated dogs shed year-round, but they also blow their coats up to several times a year to make way for a new coat. Some single-coated dogs can still shed quite a bit. Dog breeds that can shed a lot include:.