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Though there is little known of its origin, we do know that this doodle dog was bred in the United States within the last 20 to 30 years for companionship and its hypoallergenic coat. Its loving, intelligent, energetic personality makes it a great choice for first-time dog owners. These designer dogs are as feisty as they are cute. And although tiny in size, they have a big, beautiful personalities. Appearance and Grooming As with many hybrids-mixed breed puppies, the coat of the Yorkipoo puppies can vary. Their non-shedding, hypoallergenic coats will always be silky and quite soft, but could also be curly, wavy, or straight. The coat can come in many colors including apricot, red and white, black, black and white, black and tan, and tri-colored. With rather long coats, they need brushing several times each week to prevent tangles and knots. A monthly bath is also recommended to keep your dog's coat soft and clean. This designer breed has gorgeous features inherited from both parents. They have the small size of their parents, dark, expressive eyes, and a feathered tail that curls over their backs. Temperament Energetic and always ready to play, this little hybrid dog breed is affectionate and loves the company of people. Because they crave the attention of their owner, they are not a breed that does well when left alone for long periods of time. If left unattended for long periods of time, they become lonely and bored, which may lead to incessant barking or digging. Family and Companionship This fun-loving and loyal puppy makes the perfect companion for any dog lovers, person, or family that can be with them much of the time. They make excellent pets for seniors or those who are retired. They can easily thrive in any environment whether it's a big home or an apartment. Their low-maintenance needs and sweet personalities make them a favorite with many pet owners. Exercise Yorkie Poos require a smaller amount of exercise than most hybrids. Though they are lively and always ready to play, a small walk around the block is really all they need to keep trim and healthy. This makes them a good choice for pet parents with limited mobility. A fenced yard is also an excellent way to keep these pups healthy and happy. Training and Socialization Their eager-to-please and enthusiastic attitudes make for an easily trainable dog. They are extremely intelligent like their parent breeds and aim to please their owners. Focusing on positive training methods while working with this crossbreed will reap the most rewards as these pups will not do well with harsh or negative methods. Early socialization is key for this curious breed as they are very interested in everyone and everything around them. Early socialization makes for a well-rounded dog. They are renowned for their loyalty and unconditional love. These beautiful pups are socialized early to ensure their transition to your home goes smoothly. They also go through thorough health testing to ensure they don't suffer from any health problems. Their parents are also screened regularly and benefit from the best care. Find your perfect Yorkie Poo puppy for sale at Premier Pups. How big does the Yorkie Poo get? These tiny pups weigh in at around 7 pounds and grow to a height of inches. What is the lifespan of the Yorkie Poo? What are the exercise requirements for a Yorkie Poo? Although the Yorkie Poo does not require a lot of exercise, they still need their daily dose of playtime. A minute daily walk along with some active play either indoor or outdoor should be plenty to keep your little one fit and trim. How often does my Yorkie Poo need to be groomed? Your little one should be brushed daily to keep their hair silky soft and clean and prevent any tangles or mats. They should also get professionally groomed every 4 to 8 weeks. What is the difference between a Yorkie Poo and a Yoodle? Not a thing. This is just another name for the same dog. They may also be referred to as a Yorkapoo or a Yorkiedoodle. What type of coat does the Yorkie Poo have? What is the temperament of the Yorkie Poo? The Yorkie Poo is a free spirit and fun-loving dog that loves being in the company of its humans. The heritage of the Yorkshire Terrier and Toy poodle make for a very intelligent and easygoing pup. However, this could get their owner in some hot water with the neighbors. Early socialization and proper training can help to minimize the amount of barking as they get older. Is a Yorkie Poo a good choice for a first time dog owner? Yes, they are an excellent choice. They are very adaptable and eager to please, which means they want to keep their owner happy-making training a breeze. In addition, they thrive on giving lots of love and cuddles. What is a Teacup Yorkie Poo? A Teacup Yorkie Poo is a term used by breeders to focus on the little size of the breed. Smaller sized dogs are chosen from first generation F1 Yorkie Poos and bred with small purebred Toy Poodles for achieving teacup size. It is often discouraged to breed Teacup sized dogs as they often have a weak bone structure and health problems. What is a first generation F1 Yorkie Poo? A first generation F1 Yorkie Poo is the first generation of hybrids bred from a purebred Yorkshire Terrier and purebred Poodle. What is an F1b Yorkie Poo? Given its weight and its small frame, the stress factor on the bones and joints should not be too high. The most common problem found in dogs, including the Yorkie Poo is when they suffer from a luxating patella. This is a relatively common problem in smaller dogs. Do I need to buy clothes for my Yorkie Poo because of their size? Given that these are mostly indoor pets, they will not need clothing to keep them warm, they will be quite content in their natural state. Yorkie Poo Reviews. Size Life Span These rambunctious little pups are friendly, smart, sweet, and somewhat mischievous if given the opportunity. This makes for dogs that are unafraid of possible threats and are excited for whatever adventure you might stumble upon. These tiny-but-mighty canines originated in the U. Although they are fairly new, they have gained plenty of popularity and are sure to stay. This gives the breed legitimacy and a better chance of being cared for and adopted. Before you decide a Yorkie-Poo is right for you, however, be sure to research both breeds heavily. This breed is active and loving, as well as fiercely loyal. The Yorkie-Poo is also incredibly confident and can be somewhat stubborn due to their Yorkshire Terrier heritage. These dogs love to learn, so they will be easy to train and happy to please. They enjoy learning through games, obstacles, and tasks, which makes them perfect for children! If you decide to adopt a Yorkie-Poo, you will need to give them extensive socializing. If dogs, in general, are not properly socialized they will often become aggressive and anxious. Yorkshire Terriers and Yorkie-Poos are no exceptions to this rule. When they are puppies, socialize them with other canines and new people. Yorkie-Poos adapt well to apartments, urban areas, and small families. These dogs are incredibly patient with their owners and surroundings. If you notice your dog is anxious in certain situations, you will need to identify the problem and work with them to make them comfortable again. This may mean retraining, a change in scenery, or a reestablishment of rules and boundaries. If a Yorkie-Poo lives in a small home, they will need at least an hour of daily exercise. This can be a walk usually, but once a month they will need a more strenuous workout. You can try a hike or a trip to the dog park for really good exercise. The Yorkie-Poo is generally healthy but is prone to ailments such as epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and atopic dermatitis. To keep your pet healthy, we suggest regular vet checkups, a nourishing diet, and an exercise routine. Discuss ailments or possible future ailments with your vet. By deciding on a specific diet plan, you and your veterinarian will help your dog enjoy good health for years to come. This will keep the mind and body sharp while they age. Most Yorkie-Poos can flourish on a quarter cup to a full cup of high-quality dry food twice a day. Yorkie-Poos have plenty of energy, so keeping them properly fed will help them stay happy and healthy. You should offer a dry dog food that is full of vegetables, protein, and vitamins. Though you may be tempted to free-feed or have the dish full at all times, this will give them the opportunity to overeat and gain weight. Having scheduled feeding times twice a day will improve their eating habits and overall health. A Yorkie-Poo is relatively easy to train and tends to be patient with their owners, but can become stubborn. They are a good fit for first-time or novice dog owners. They do tend to be sensitive, so positive reinforcement is important. Once you have done detailed research on each dog breed, you should research reputable breeders. You will be pleasantly surprised by how excited breeders are to discuss their puppies and practices. Thanks the presence of a Poodle in the mix, Yorkie-Poos are low shedders, but still need to be brushed every day to keep their coat healthy. They will only need to be bathed periodically when they have just played in the mud or in bad weather. These pups are somewhat hypoallergenic. This means they do not shed often and it is rare they create dander. So if you, or your loved ones, have any issues with pet dander, this may be the pooch for you! They will also need professional grooming every weeks for their coat to stay healthy. By checking regularly and cleaning carefully as needed, you can help prevent ear infections. Dental care for dogs is also extremely important, especially in small dog breeds that tend to be more prone to dental disease like your Yorkie-Poo. Yorkie-Poos can have high levels of energy, so they will need daily exercise to avoid anxiety or destructive behaviors. But, they are also small and can tire easily, so will only require a moderate amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Taking them on a walk for an hour is a great way to exercise your pet. A quick game of fetch before or after the walk will have them napping in no time. Be sure to bring water with you while walking with your dog. They are small and become dehydrated quickly. A Yorkie-Poo is usually 7 to 15 inches in height and 3 to 14 pounds in weight. A Yorkie-Poo will generally live 10 to 15 years. Featured Yorkie-Poo Article. At Cheappuppiesforsale. Our Yorkie puppies are healthy, come from reputable Yorkie breeders and are up-to-date on their vaccinations and health check-ups. We also offer 1 year health guarantee with each of our puppies to ensure their well-being. This hybrid mix results in a charming and often hypoallergenic companion that inherits qualities from both parent breeds. These puppies come in various colors, sizes, and temperaments, depending on the specific traits they inherit from their Yorkie and Poodle parents. Yorkie Poo puppies are known for their affectionate and sociable nature, often forming strong bonds with their families. Due to their small size, adaptability, and loving personalities, Yorkie Poo puppies make wonderful companions for individuals and families alike. They thrive in various living environments and are often cherished for their lively spirit and adorable appearance. What is the Temperament of Yorkie Puppies? Yorkie puppies are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are a small breed that loves attention and cuddles, making them great family pets. They are also intelligent and easy to train, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners. This Yorkiepoo puppy has the cutest darn face! This super social puppy is alot of fun to be around. She was born and is raised in the house and is raised with children. She is vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee.

So it sounds as if the 2am bathroom break went well, but at 5am, she had decide it was morning and wanted to get up. For that we'd usually recommend you set your alarm half an hour earlier to pre-empt the noise and work your way forwards from there. But it's clear that your puppy is quite muddled about night and day and doesn't feel very at home in her crate. Plus three weeks of sleepless nights has got to be taking its toll on you. And your puppy almost certainly could last six or seven hours during the night from a physical point of view at this age. So the waking and disturbing you is more of an emotional thing - she's figured out that crying gets you up. If she's peeing very frequently during the day though, do get a pee sample over to your vet to check for a bladder infection. If she doesn't have a UTI You have several options really. One is to take her back into your bedroom at night and start again with daytime crate conditioning. Getting her to love the crate and never leaving her alone in there during the day until she can settle happily in it with you in the room, whenever you put her in there. Another is to visit your neighbours with flowers or wine and chocolates and tell them there will be some noise for the next two or three nights, let her out at before she starts to cry. Then leave her to cry at 5 am and get up immediately she stops. So as to break out of the cycle of reinforcing the yelling with your very desirable company. The third option is to put a play pen around the crate with puppy pads inside the playpen outside the crate and leave her all night. Let her pee on the pads. I'd probably go for that one at this stage in the game, but it all depends on how well you can function without a decent sleep. You'll still require chocolates for option three. Most people will not object if you show you are really sorry to be disturbing them. Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. Your puppy is almost 3-months old! It really is crazy how fast puppies grow and develop that first year. It feels like that for us too. Learn about training your week-old Labrador puppy. Get the full story! This is post four of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Bubba Training and socialization for week-old Labrador puppy — week four home Your week-old puppy has been with your family for almost a month. Besides growing bigger each day, you should be seeing some other changes in your Lab puppy. Bubba is as feisty as she is sweet. She is testing the rules every day but is also quick to heed a command of warning. This shows me that she knows the rules, knows when something is off-limits, but just wants to check and see if anything has changed since yesterday. This is a healthy attitude and behavior for her. Here are the things we worked on this week for training. Crate training Bubba is doing great at crate training. We follow this by one hour of play time or time out on the tie out. She understands the routine and is fairly compliant with going back in her kennel after a time out. We had to move Bubba into a larger crate this week. This crate should work until she is ready for her full-sized kennel. But it is now time to expect more from her. The next step is getting her to go into her crate by herself on command. We will accomplish this in a series of steps. If Bubba moves toward the door and goes into the crate, we will praise her. Then over time we will move her further and further from the crate door until she is going into the crate by herself. At this age, you need to hover over the puppy and be ready for them to make a run for it. Looking for more information on crate training? Housebreaking Housebreaking Bubba is going well. She often sits in front of the outside door when she needs to go out, and we quickly take her out when she does this behavior. We want her to understand that outside is the right place to go when you need to go potty, so we praise and reward her for sitting in front of the door or scratching at the door with taking her outside. Looking for more information on housebreaking? Commands we use in week four We continue to use the commands from week one , the commands from week two , and the commands from week three. There are no new commands for week 4. Obedience commands We continue to work on obedience commands this week and next week we will start some formal obedience training. She sits nicely while I put the leash on her and take it off. She is also sitting quickly on command before she is given permission to eat. It always surprises me how fast dogs learn this command when it comes to food. She is starting to understand and rarely pulls when we go on walks, although she still does not prefer to walk in the proper HEEL position. No worries, that will come. This is always a struggle with young puppies, there is a lot of distractions, and they seem to forget what they are doing mid-way through running to you. One safety note. Make sure the check cord does not have a loop on the end you hold. If your puppy is dragging the check cord, that loop may get caught on something and hurt your puppy. Either buy a check cord that is simply a straight long rope or cut the loop off. The long check cord is important for teaching HERE because it gives you something to grab a hold of or step on if your puppy decides to play games instead of being obedient. Never use a HERE command if you are not in the position of being able to enforce the command. If every time your puppy comes to you, you put her away or take something away from her, soon your puppy will not want to come to you. You must work hard to make coming to you a good experience for your puppy. So, call her, praise her when she comes and release. Socialization, socialization, socialization You can never do too much socialization. Anything you can think of. The more things and situations you expose your puppy to, the better your puppy will be equipped to adjust and learn in the future. Just a few days ago I was walking Bubba and I slipped and ended up dragging my shoe along the road. Bubba jumped a foot in the air and tried to bolt away. This new noise was something Bubba was unprepared for. This is why you can never do enough socialization; you want to prepare your puppy to handle as many new situations as possible. Learn more about socialization. But not ALL hunting elements. Please do not start shooting a gun around your puppy just yet. Introduction to gun fire is the very last element that we introduce hunting dogs to. And when we do, there has been a lot of pre-work done so that we have removed much of the likelihood that the puppy will respond negatively. Learn more about how and when to introduce your dog to gunfire. Water introduction If the weather is cooperating, now is a great time to get your puppy swimming. Find a pond with a slow gradual decline into the water. Throw a puppy bumper next to shore and if your puppy retrieves it, then the next throw should be just a few inches into the water, then about a foot out and then 2 feet out, etc. Some puppies get a little panicked by the first time the ground falls away and they need to swim. Just praise your puppy and keep going. Decoy introduction Our first introduction to decoys is done very simply. We have decoys set out for training and we move them around occasionally. We simply let Bubba run around while we pick up and move the decoys from one side of the field to the other. This gives her the opportunity to smell the decoys, paw at them and learn that they are not much fun. In a week or so, we will start doing some puppy marks in the decoys, but not yet. Continuation of assistant marks Bubba will continue to get assistant marks most days from now until she is done her training. The marks will continue to increase in distance and complexity but all our marking scenarios for our afternoon sessions involved gunners out in the field. For now, we will continue marks on short grass with white plugs so that Bubba can clearly see the item on the ground. Not too far down the road we will start incorporating some other marking concepts such as crossing deeper strips of cover and longer marks, but right now we are teaching the puppy to mark, to watch where the bumper falls and to run to the bumper. If we move to deeper cover too soon or make the marks too difficult we will inhibit Bubbas learning and marking ability. Final thoughts on training for your week-old Labrador puppy Your week-old puppy is quickly growing and changing. The training does not need to take a long time, but it does need to happen on a consistent basis. Keep at it and you will reap the benefits as your puppy grows into a full -sized dog and a stable hunting companion. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. You should take your puppy outdoors and let him exercise his socialization potential at a young age. Visiting friends and family is one way to go about it. You can also spot a dog park and carry him there. Remember that your pet is still learning to follow directions and walk with you. You cannot expect him to cover long distances. The best way to avoid this is to take them far enough from the house and ensure they have a positive outside experience. It is worth noting that you should do this as often as you can, preferably daily. Start Potty Training It would be best to start potty training your Lab puppy the first day you bring him home. Start by showing your pup where you want him to potty, such as a sectioned-off area of your yard or garden. A good idea is to cordon off a small area and add some bark chippings. Next, you need a potty training schedule such as first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, and hourly for young pups. Many owners use dog crates to help with house training. I have a step-by-step guide on Labrador puppy crate training where you can learn tons more. Discourage Biting If you follow my blog, you know I am against punishment-oriented training. If you train your dog young enough to avoid harsh bites, you will not need punishment-driven discipline strategies. In any case, using physical force or yelling at your pup will only instill fear and distrust and can cause aggression in your dog. You can also check out my article, How to Discipline a Labrador , for greater insight into this topic. Instead, you can wait until your Labrador bites during a positive activity and then discontinue it. It will anchor the consequence better. Follow up using positive reinforcement by rewarding the correct behavior with a treat. Your Labrador will quickly learn that displaying good behavior reaps nice things. Puppies need to learn their bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the excellent work their mother and siblings taught them. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Instill Patience You must use your best judgment when training your dog to be patient. Generally speaking, your Labrador will be mature enough to learn self-control by the tenth week. You can use a clicker or a whistle to teach your puppy to assume the natural heel position. Chances are, at first, your Labrador will try to change his pace to be behind you because of the force of habit. Walking in areas familiar to your dog will eliminate this problem. While you previously trained him to assume a heel position, you can also teach him these techniques. You may notice that your puppy can tell your words apart by the thirteenth week. So by the time he is four months old, you can use the position cues and positive reinforcement to get your dog to follow. These included whistling, clapping, or saying a specific word to indicate that your Labrador is doing a good job, typically followed by a well-deserved treat. Now is the time to see whether the anchors work! Where you previously whistled when your Lab ran towards you, now you must whistle, so he begins his run. This is the start of his Labrador recall training. Teaching good recall is an ongoing process. My dog was around 12 months old before seeing a noticeable improvement in her recall. Please avoid forcing the dog, as that only introduces confusion. Build Comfort With Crowds — Work on Socialization You have trained your Labrador to acknowledge close friends and family in the past few weeks. While this enables the puppy to be more social when you have visitors, a grown dog must learn to walk outdoors without acting out. This transition must be gradual, and try to keep experiences positive. Whether it is a cuddle, a pat, attention, or something tasty, you must teach your pup target training , for example, to touch a target with a specific part of his body. Remember that your Lab may end up biting or clawing to communicate if you do not teach him more acceptable communication methods. Here, I recommend teaching your Labrador to touch your hand with his nose. Ultimately, this is an excellent replacement for bites! Hand targeting is fun to teach, helps your pup build trust, and gets him using his brain! You have laid a strong foundation of discipline and positive reinforcement, making it easier to train your dog to follow more complex commands. In these weeks, you will introduce him to assuming different positions, obeying your commands as he moves away from you, and reacting to more nuanced anchors. Remember, 4-month-old Labrador puppies have a short attention span, so avoid long training sessions. Teach the Sit and Stay Teaching your Lab to sit and stay is a useful command for him to learn. Train Your Dog to Fetch If you have taken your Labrador to public parks and he has seen other dogs play fetch, it will be easier to teach him to retrieve whatever you throw. Your Labrador may not bring the toy back to you for a second round, but he will soon get the idea of retrieving it. You can gradually turn it into a game of fetch over the next few weeks and reward your doggo with high-value training treats. Continue Potty Training In the fourth month of Labrador training, you will continue potty training with a degree of independence. Continue with a good schedule and sync your walks with his natural cycle to align with the times he needs to go. You can use it to control your Labrador and later to test his ability to execute a command off-leash. A harness is also a good idea and is used for outdoor training and walks. Many owners will opt for a rear-attaching harness. Related: Harness vs. Collar for Lab Puppy: Which is Best? How to Train a 5-Month-Old Lab Puppy A five-month-old Labrador puppy is ready to be tested for his general obedience and the ability to deal with distractions, whether other dogs, people, or other animals such as squirrels or birds. Earlier, I mentioned that you could not expect an eight-week-old puppy to delay gratification. Your puppy can deal with distractions at five months old if you introduce them slowly. You must be prepared for your dog to run ahead of you now! However, suppose you have developed a solid relationship with your pup and worked on his training. In that case, he will stay within a reasonable distance, remaining by your side and showing loyalty. Once your Lab puppy has reached his 6-month milestone, it also marks the point where you introduce him to advanced obedience training. The good news is that all the training you have previously given will make it easier for your dog to follow your lead. Conclude Potty Training Your dog has had months to learn how to communicate his need to go potty. He has also likely refined the patience to hold it instead of relieving himself on the floor. Therefore, you can communicate your disappointment with your body language if your dog makes a mess. Avoid physical punishment and even verbal chastising as it impacts your dog negatively. All dogs can still have the odd accident up to 12 months old. Moreover, you must be prepared for your dog to relieve himself indoors if he is excited or frightened, known as either excitement or submissive urination. Increase Exercise Now that your Lab puppy is six months old, you can increase his exercise to thirty minutes twice daily. Energy levels, especially for larger breed dogs, escalate during this time. While the average exercise for a pup before this is generally five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day, a six-month-old Labrador can be out for one hour if you split his walks into thirty minutes a day. To train your 6-month-old Lab puppy, start with two commands with the most practical use. From six months onwards, until your Labrador is a well-trained adult, you can teach the following commands or tricks in any order. How to Train a 7-Month-Old Labrador As your Lab progresses to seven months old, a lot of the previous training needs to be kept consistent as you gradually teach him to comprehend more commands. Maybe there is a trespasser, and you want your dog to scare them away. You will need to continue training your dog to hold things or release them on command, but you can also proceed to add distance and even more background distractions. Ironically, you need to teach him to bark on command before learning to be silent on cue. Over this month, he will learn to associate the respective commands with barking and silence. This is quite tricky, but your Lab will eventually get there if you practice and stay consistent. The eighth month is ideal for training your Lab to go to different places upon hearing the command word. Either way, do not overload him with place commands, and stick to no more than two per month. Or you can use the ninth month to teach a cool party trick! After a week, you can remove the treat and teach your Lab to follow your finger. Of course, you will still need to reward him after he follows the command. By the third week, you can cue your doggo to spin and see if he does so without your finger guiding him in a circular motion. It might take an extra week or two, but I recommend this as an addition in the ninth month because it allows you to continue training your pet to learn previous commands better. You can teach him to go to different places, hold or release objects, and fetch toys. You can now progress this further and teach him to roll over on command. Your 1-year-old Labrador only learns to comprehend more at the same pace as he has since the 6-month mark. You should also audit previously taught commands and see any weak associations you can reinforce. How to Train an Month-Old Labrador You will not have to alter your training regimen dramatically if you have trained your Labrador properly from eight weeks onward. If anything, this is the period where you customize his training to your convenience. Now is when your dog must learn to be compatible with your life. From the month mark onwards, you must train your dog to be harmonious with modern adult life within reason. It is sad to see dog owners having to give away their pets because of behavior issues. Such things are avoidable if you train your dog correctly and sufficiently exercise him. It would be best if you simply established authority by having a positive yet commanding presence. Once your dog acknowledges your authority and sees you as a guide, you can merely treat him as a six-month-old, albeit on an accelerated schedule, and train him accordingly. Your job becomes even easier once you have a workable training schedule and stick to your routine. This month-by-month Labrador puppy training schedule will help you successfully train your doggo and turn him into the beloved companion you always desired. Good luck with your training! Related Posts You May Like:. But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun. Puppy training development after 6 months It is very tempting to get carried away with puppy training. Your young do is so willing to please and such fun to be around. It is important to go at a happy pace for you both. Positive reinforcement training is the right choice for your puppy because there are no negative consequences to getting something wrong. But you can still both suffer from burnout and frustration if you try to reach the later puppy training stages without totally aceing the earlier developments. Your Puppy Training Schedule This may not be exactly the same for each puppy, especially with retrieving which is more Labrador specific. However, it gives you a rough idea. Constantly changing direction. Stopping frequently for cuddles and rewards. This means I blow the recall whistle whenever the puppy runs towards me, no compulsion, and no whistle unless the recall is already underway. Socialisation: Lots almost daily of outings to different places rural and urban carried Visits to family and friends. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow mouthing. Working with food: Learning how to take food gently without snatching or grabbing at the treat pot. I still give the puppy lots of encouragement by running away as soon as I blow the whistle. Socialisation: More socialisation, at least twice a week to busy public places. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow gentle mouthing. Retrieving: Encourage chase and pick up retrieve drive. Hand touch: I teach all new puppies to touch my hand with their noses. This is a great foundation for other skills. Recall: Puppy recall continues, reduce my run to a walk, avoid any distractions. Still frequently blow the recall whenever the pup runs towards me of her own free will. Socialisation: From ground level after vaccination. No other leash walking at all Bite inhibition: No biting, gentle mouthing allowed. Retrieving: Continue to build drive. Positions: I introduce three positions — sit, stand, down. What to expect from your 3 month old puppy Most three month old puppies will be sleeping through the night. And will be having less potty training accidents in the house. There are a few potty training problems that arise at this age, and they are all covered in 15 potty training problems solved. Biting is a big shock and a big problem for many new Lab puppy parents so do check out our complete guide to biting , and join the forum for help and support. Help encourage your puppy to stay in their bed while you are eating. I have a pot of dog treats on our kitchen table, and whenever we sit down to a meal, the puppy gets a treat each time she steps into her basket. Just a treat for stepping in there. What to expect from your 4 month old puppy Your 4 month old puppy will be pretty much potty trained, but accidents still happen if they are left alone too long. Biting is usually starting to subside now, and many four month old puppies will be able to mouth at your hand without hurting you. At this point I start to discourage all mouthing. I teach every puppy to let me touch her face or approach her with my hand, food, a leash etc while holding eye contact and not grabbing at me, or at what is in my hand. This is the age at which people often start to push forward with training. Your 4 month old puppy is capable of quite a lot. There is nothing wrong with teaching your puppy different cues and even some tricks. I recommend you still avoid long duration activities at this point as they are a common stumbling point with puppies young enough to have a short attention span. A ten second sit is ample. Add mild distractions Recall: Fade additional cues. Begin to whistle the pup and stand still. Add mild distractions. Clicker train to polish this in more mouthy puppies. No commands are needed for this. Gradual introduction of distractions. Advanced puppy training begins in earnest This is where I start a programme of sporting training with my Labs. You can begin raising your standards and expectations, asking for longer and more complex behaviors. Teaching your puppy to walk to heel nicely for longer distance and past all kinds of distractions and temptations. Or teaching your puppy to sit and stay for longer periods of time, and even while you go out of sight or while other dogs play nearby. What to expect from your six month old puppy Six months is a common time for people to have a lot of questions and to be struggling with a few challenges. This is now a very bouncy, quite powerful and rapidly maturing young dog. And you may need to patch up a few holes in his training or manners. We have a great article for owners of six month old Lab puppies.

Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of choosing the right German shepherd puppy for you, there are several things that you may want to consider. Is this the right breed for me? It breaks my heart that more and more German shepherds are being abandoned or dumped by first-time owners who are unprepared or uneducated about the breed. When choosing a new canine companion, most people often ask what kind of puppy they want instead of what kind of dog they want. And here lies a big difference between the former and the latter. All puppies, no matter what the breed or cross, traverse their first year through the exact same phases, but when they reach adulthood, each dog can have different breed-specific characteristics. Can you afford the cost of owning a German shepherd? Where do you live? Is your apartment German shepherd friendly? Is your home big enough to house a full-sized German shepherd? Do you have enough time to care for a German shepherd dog? Are you willing to sacrifice weekends and evenings to train, socialize, and exercise your shepherd? Do your family support your decision to get a German shepherd? Is there someone in your family who is allergic to dogs? How will you share responsibilities? If you live alone, do you have someone to assist you? Is there a doggy daycare nearby? Sure, female shepherds may tend to be a little more protective of their owners and people, whereas male shepherds may tend to be more protective of their territories. Females may be a bit more affectionate but more prone to mood swings, while males may be more dominant and aggressive. Neutering can make male German shepherds less aggressive and less likely to roam looking for available females. Today both sexes can equally be equally loving and loyal to their owners and families, and both can be equally brave and protective. In conformation, SV and other organizations recognize both male and female. Female shepherds are smaller and appear more refined or feminine than the male ones. Really, when faced with the question of which sex is best for you? It really all boils down to the individual puppy. Most owners get their German shepherds from a breeder, a shelter, and a rescue group. Out of the three, a breeder is the most expensive but the best place to get your future shepherd. Be cautious with breeders who are reluctant to share information and stories about their dogs. Another sign of a reputable breeder is that they have a take-back policy on all their puppies. Where do you find a list of potential breeders? You can find potential German shepherd breeders through the internet, specifically through major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club or local breed clubs or through advertising the local paper or magazines. Some people even go to the extent of attending dog shows and performance events to find the best breeders in their area, which I encourage you to do if you have time. Sometimes you can find wonderful German shepherd puppies at the local shelter or rescue group. Adopting a rescue shepherd is considerably less expensive than buying a puppy, and you can potentially save their lives. Just understand that they are a bit more of a gamble. Visit The Puppies More Than Once When scouting for a potential puppy, you may be headed to a number of different breeders and shelters. Ideally, you want to visit when the puppies are awake, not when they are napping or sleeping. Ask to stay for a couple of hours so that you can observe how they are playing together. But they are not all alike; they can range in temperament from very bold and outgoing to quiet and shy. When observing a group of German shepherd puppies playing together, you may notice that some pups are bossier than others. You may also notice some puppies that are more cowardly than others. The group of pups you should be looking at and working to decide is the puppies that fall somewhere in between the two extremes. These puppies are exuberant, curious, playful, but not too domineering or pompous in manner or behaving timidly. From this group, you can decide which one to pick. As a rule of thumb, choose a puppy with a temperament that will work well with yours. A good breeder should have done puppy testing when the pups are between 6 and 7 weeks of age. This means they should be able to tell you which puppy has a personality that will complement your own. Male German shepherds tend to stand between 24 and 26 inches tall and weigh between 85 to pounds. Female shepherds are about 20 to 22 inches in height and weigh from about 60 to 75 pounds. German shepherds have a double coat, meaning they have two layers of fur: a medium to long outer coat and a thick, soft undercoat. The length of the outer coat can vary from short to long. The coat can have a range of colors. The most common is black and tan. Other colors include all black, sable, or white. This will help him to point you in the right direction toward a particular pup. Often if your breeder has not already picked a pup for you, you will find a puppy that is naturally drawn to you. Walk over to the puppies, play with them, and rub them gently, then walk away. There will usually at least be at least one puppy that will follow you as you walk away. Play with this puppy and walk back. Kneel and call the pup to you. Are their coats healthy and shiny? Are their eyes clear and bright? Are their living areas kept clean with no visible signs of illness? As touched on earlier, you should ask for a detailed medical history too, such as vaccination records, hereditary diseases, etc. A good breeder should provide you with a health guarantee in the form of writing it. This health guarantee guarantees that the puppy is healthy at the time of the sale. Depending on the contract, you will be given 48 to 72 hours to ensure that the puppy is indeed healthy. Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful and useful as you raise and train your German Shepherd. Here are some of my favorite reviews for German Shepherd supplies that I personally use and recommend. Here is my recommendation for the best dog food for German Shepherds. Leash: A leash is a must-have for any German Shepherd owner. With a good leash, you can give your dog the freedom they need while keeping them safe and under control. Here are my top picks for the best leashes for German Shepherds. A harness that is improperly fitted or used can cause serious injury to your dog. Read my review of the best harnesses for German Shepherds here. Different bowls serve different purposes, and the bowl that you need will depend on a number of factors. See my recommendation for the best dog bowl for German Shepherds here. There are a ton of different factors to consider when choosing a crate. Beds: German Shepherds need a bed that is comfortable, supportive, and durable. This breed is known for being high energy, so you need a bed that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. House: It can be tough to find the best dog house for German Shepherds. Shampoo: You want to find a shampoo that is specifically designed for German Shepherds. This breed has a lot of furs, and you need a shampoo that will be gentle on their skin and coat. Shock Collar: A shock collar is a training tool that can be used on German Shepherds. It delivers an electric shock to the dog when they exhibit certain behaviors. While some people are against the use of shock collars, I believe that they can be helpful in certain situations. Read my review of the best shock collar for German Shepherds here. Vacuum: If you have a German Shepherd, you need a vacuum that is specifically designed to deal with all of the furs they shed. Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but it can be hard to keep up with. The right vacuum will make your life much easier. Related posts:. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

Straight coat Goldendoodles have a stronger resemblance to the Golden Retriever and are absoDoodletutely gorgeous. All coat types inherit the personality traits of both the Poodle and the Golden Retriever. They all possess the pretty face, large eyes, long lashes and that endearing smile. Of the three types of coats found on a Goldendoodle — I believe the straight coat is the rarest of them all. However, Goldendoodles with straight coats are becoming very popular. Straight coat Goldendoodles rarely occur in F1 or F1B generations. Their coat is silky smooth and classified as low to moderate shedding. Experienced Doodle breeders are able to tell you because they understand the DNA of their doods along with the generations. The best rule of thumb is — look at the fur around the face and muzzle, not the body. Smooth face and muzzle fur indicates a straight Goldendoodle coat type. For weeks Harley the puppy looked like he licked an electrical socket. Hair was sticking out everywhere! We receive many emails about coat types because people are still learning about this cross breed. No matter what their hair does — curl, wave or lay still — I adore their playfulness, cuddliness, and loyalty. They are great companions for all human lifestyles. Above: Mini F1b, Curly. Above: Mini F1, Wavy. Coats can vary in color. A good way to predict adult color is to look at the ears of the puppy. In addition, consider the pedigree when expecting a litter. It is hard to understand the complexity of the gene pool when mating. From my experience, red is considered a dilute gene of black. When red is bred with white, black or brown, black is dominate and pups are black. Two red parents, will make red or apricot. However, to carry the true red gene is very rare. Red can often fade with maturity. Many breeders boast about having red as it is highly sought after, but it can and may fade with time. I make a good effort at trying to produce red, but it is more rare. Brown and black also produce black. Two browns will make brown. Red can be so dark red that it is considered mahogany or rust. My Sangria, F1 mini-goldendoodle female is an example of this beautiful color. I do not claim to be an expert in the study, nor do I make any guarantees on future adult color. In breeds like the cocker spaniel, the red will be apricot as a pup, but can become dark red with maturity. Spots can also widen with maturity or appear to have moved around as they broadened out. In designer breeds, the puppy can look completely different as an adult then how it did as a puppy. You may notice this at the very first haircut. As much as we love color, we need to pay more attention to the temperament of the puppy and make sure the puppy is very socialized and loved, especially during the critical stage of development up to 5 months. See my temperament testing page for more information on this. Loose and wavy: This is the most common type of coat found in a goldendoodle such as an F1. They are considered low to non-shed. They are easy to maintain. You may want to brush in the common friction areas such as behind the ears, hind quarters, and underarms. Bodily brushing about once a week. Straight: These coats are considered flat or sporty like the golden retriever. They are the easiest to maintain and need minimal brushing. They will have some shed. Curly: These coats can be easily identified with the crimping on the forehead as a pup. They are most common in F1bs. Their coats can have "loose curl" or "tight curl. Examples: Above: "Loose and wavy" as a puppy at 5 weeks old. This is an example of an F1. Left: "Curly" as a puppy. Puppy at 5 weeks old. F1b, crimping on forhead visible. Right: "Straight" at 5 months. This coat type typically can be found in F1 litters. No crimping on forehead or ears. Left: tight curl as an adult. Right: "Curly" at 10 weeks old. More squiggles on forehead than "loose and wavy" type. Notice the difference. This is an example of an F1b. This coat type is best for those that have allergies and desire lots of curl. An excellent example of a loose and wavy coat. This dog is an F1 miniature goldendoodle from Ginger and Tamale. Some of Ginger's puppies do throw the sport coat. It can be difficult to predict how the coats will turn out as adults, but we do our best to look for wavy features in the early stages. In the end, unless you have allergies, please understand they are so much more than just how they look. You get what you get and don't throw a fit! I do my best to help you pick out what you desire, but please note, I do not guarantee coat quality. Puppies are not an item I can stock on the shelf. Mother nature is in control. Many F1s will develop their wave after they go through their coat change at 5 months of age. It can take even up to 8 months to see the true coat quality. Straight Coat Doodles Straight coat doodles refer to doodle breeds that have a straight coat, rather than a wavy or curly coat. Doodle breeds are a type of designer dog that are created by crossing a purebred dog with a poodle. There are many different doodle breeds, and the coat type can vary widely depending on the breed of the purebred dog that is used in the cross. Some common doodle breeds that may have a straight coat include: Straight coat doodles may require less grooming than doodles with wavy or curly coats, as the hair is generally less prone to tangles and matting. However, all doodle breeds will still require regular grooming to maintain their coat and keep it looking healthy and clean. This may include brushing, combing, and occasional baths. It's important to speak with a veterinarian or a professional groomer to determine the best grooming routine for your doodle. Straight hair doodles rarely occur in F1B and F1 puppies. However, they are regularly found in F2, and F2B litters. The best way to work out what kind of coat your puppy will have at maturity is to take a look at the hair around his mouth. If your pup is going to develop a curly coat, he will have tight curls around his mouth. Puppies with wavy coats will have wavy hair around their mouth. Puppies that are going to grow a straight coat will have short, straight hair around their mouth. Flat coat doodles are typically less "hypoallergenic" than curly or wavy coats, simply because they shed more. The allergy is caused by the dander, a combination of shed skin cells and saliva. Since straight-coated dogs shed more than their furnished counterparts, you will need to brush your Goldendoodle routinely to keep their coat in good condition and get rid of loose hair that would otherwise finish up on your floors and furniture. Spring and Fall tend to be the seasons that you will see shedding increase. You will not need to have a straight coat doodle shaved. Flat coat doodles need a bath only when they develop an unpleasant odor. They cannot transmit this curl variant to their offspring. They will transmit this curl variant to all of their offspring. Phenotype: Dogs with furnishings have long mustache and eyebrow hair. They cannot transmit this furnishing variant to their offspring, and they will transmit the non-furnishing variant Improper Coat to all of their offspring. They will transmit this furnishing variant to all of their offspring, and they cannot transmit the non-furnishing variant Improper Coat to their offspring. Standard Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Personality The place where the Goldendoodle puppy really excels is its personality. Its breed is known for being simultaneously intelligent and adoring. A Goldendoodle puppy is very sociable, which makes them perfect animals for households with children and other animals or pets, even cats. Just like the Labradoodle, this breed requires correct socialization to ensure they get used to different sights, sounds and smells during puppyhood. This means taking your Goldendoodle to plenty of doggy-friendly parks so they can meet canine friends and introducing them to other people. Our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are fully trained Doodles, so you can focus on the fun bits, like bonding, eating food and playing. These dogs prefer to live in a house with a gated backyard where they can get regular exercise breaks. Do They Like to Play? Goldendoodle Puppy Training These clever dogs are perfect for first-time dog owners because Goldendoodles love to please and take great pride in learning new skills. Are Goldendoodles Intelligent? Both of its poodle and golden retriever parent breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, and Goldendoodles have inherited this breed trait. This means the person training a Goldendoodle needs to be strong-willed, firm and consistent — but never harsh or aggressive. Much like a poodle, Doodles are sensitive dogs, and positive reinforcement is a must to bring out the best in them. How Obedient Are They? Goldendoodle pups adore human company, and making their pet parents happy brings them genuine satisfaction. As such, correct puppy training produces a highly obedient and loyal adult Goldendoodle. Older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders can benefit significantly from the warmth and sweetness of these adorable Goldendoodle pups. Are They Easy to Train? Doodle puppies can be mischievous and cheeky, but aggression is practically unheard of. So as long as you treat them with the same gentle respect they offer, a Goldendoodle is one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Goldendoodles have loads of energy and require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and calm temperament. A Goldendoodle need a moderately high level of outdoor activity — usually a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally one hour, of moderate to vigorous exercise per day will keep Goldendoodle puppies at their best. Unlike puppy mills, all good puppy and dog breeders provide a certificate that shows health clearances. At Pride and Prejudoodles, our tests cover common health conditions. As such, you have peace of mind when purchasing your new puppy from us. How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? Goldendoodles live for between 10 and 15 years. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Goldendoodle puppies for adoption. 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. Life Span Did You Know? The Goldendoodle originated in the s in North America and Australia, although it was first bred in .The idea was to create a breed with the great temperament of the family-friendly Golden Retriever along with the intelligence of the Poodle. The presence of the Poodle makes a highly trainable canine, and the Golden Retriever always aims to please. Just be cautious with stern discipline tactics, as the Goldendoodle may have a hard time letting training failure roll off its back. Always train with a positive energy using lots of reinforcement with any breed. While the Goldendoodle is somewhat hypoallergenic, every allergic person should meet the puppy before adopting to ensure that they show no symptoms. The Goldendoodle is bred to be a family dog. The combination of the gentle Golden Retriever and the highly intelligent Poodle make a wonderful companion. The breed is generally tolerant, playful, and full of personality from day one. The Goldendoodle is pretty easy to keep happy. Their coats are good protection in the winter months, while they are fairly tolerant to warmer seasons. Just be aware that no pet should be exposed to temperature extremes, either hot or cold. If you have a small apartment, the Goldendoodle may not be the dog breed for you. It is recommended that this breed has room to move and unwind, as they are very energetic. The Goldendoodle is a generally healthy Designer Dog Breed. One thing to look for is the hip health of the Golden Retriever and Poodle parents. Both breeds are susceptible to hip dysplasia, so knowing the hip history of the parents is important. Because of the high trainability of the Goldendoodle, it is not uncommon to see a first-time dog parent choose this breed. That means that grooming the Goldendoodle is not a difficult or time-consuming task. Give the coat a brush each day, clip the nails once a month, and brush their teeth once a week. Bathe the Goldendoodle when needed, but be careful not to over bathe this breed. The Goldendoodle will require lots of blow drying after a bath, and too many baths will rob them of essential oils that help the dog have a healthy coat and skin. Energetic and jovial is the best way to describe the Goldendoodle. Plenty of playtime and exercise is needed to have a well-balanced canine companion. A fenced in yard to romp around or regular trips to the dog park are highly recommended. A fully-grown Goldendoodle should be between inches in height at the shoulder and weigh between 40 and 90 pounds. Size is greatly determined by the size of the parents. Goldendoodles generally live years. A Goldendoodle is also sometimes referred to as a Groodle. Featured Goldendoodle Article.

The golden mountain doodle is made up of a golden retriever, Bernese mountain dog and poodle. This cross blends the clever, yet amusing side of the poodle with the placid, loyal, loving nature of the golden retriever and Bernese mountain dog. Most golden mountain doodles are low- to non-shedding and are a safe bet for most people with allergies. I wanted to breed the golden retriever back into the bernedoodle because, while there are so many amazing traits within the bernedoodle, I have found that they can be stubborn. By mixing some golden retriever back into the bernedoodle, my hope was that it would reduce this stubborn streak. Golden mountain doodles are very affectionate and easy to train with a playful nature. They are people pleasers, wanting to be by your side and to learn new things. They are social and spirited dogs and have a gentle and patient disposition that makes them great with children. Because they are so easygoing, they are great for first-time dog owners and experienced ones alike. They are the perfect all-around companion. A golden mountain doodle is not a purebred and thus is not a registered breed. The Golden Retriever Golden retrievers are intelligent, large-breed dogs, oftentimes used as gun dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and detection dogs. They are also trained as disability assistance dogs because of their gentle and loving nature and their desire to be with people. Golden retrievers love the water! Golden retrievers have a beautiful dense coat and are known to shed quite heavily. The Bernese Mountain Dog Bernese mountain dogs Berners are completely devoted to their families, with a special fondness for children. In fact, they are so loyal that it can be difficult to re-home an adult Berner. They are exceptionally beautiful dogs and have a distinctive tri-coloured coat. Bred in the Swiss Alps as farm dogs that pulled carts or drove cattle to market, the Bernese thrive in cold weather and have a double coat that sheds quite heavily. They are intelligent, strong dogs who have a moderate need for exercise. A significant number of Bernese are afflicted with hip and elbow dysplasia, or succumb to inherited cancer, heart disease, or epilepsy in middle age. While cancer is the leading cause of death for dogs in general, Bernese have a much higher rate of fatal cancer than other breeds. Overall, the Berner is one of the shorter-lived dog breeds, with a life expectancy of only seven years. This is particularly sad when the Berner is known to be slow in maturing and somewhat challenging to train. Without proper socialization, these naturally cautious and reserved dogs can become skittish and suspicious, and may develop separation anxiety. They can also be decidedly stubborn. Yet, the Bernese also has a deep need to please their humans and are surprisingly sensitive. As a result, training a Berner requires a great deal of patience and a gentle hand. Berners are affectionately known for leaning on people to soak up all the possible attention they can! The Poodle Poodles rank high on the canine intelligence scale and excel in obedience. Most people are aware that this lovely breed has a low- to non-shedding coat, making them a great choice for people with allergies. But the poodle is more than a clever show dog. They originated in Germany as hunting dogs, especially good at water retrieving. A typical poodle thrives in a busy household where there is plenty of attention to go around. If bored, poodles may find their way into mischief. They are also quick to sound an alert, and have earned a reputation for barking. Poodles can be nervous and sensitive to stress and are typically affected by eye, skin, and digestive diseases, as well as immune system diseases. Poodles come in three sizes and a wide variety of colouers. Where most dogs have double coats, poodles have a single-layer coat of dense, curly fur that sheds minimally, but will mat without proper care. If a breeder does their due diligence in selecting the right parents, crossing purebred dogs of different breeds results in puppies that are healthier than either of their parents. This is because breeds are generally prone to different genetic problems. Hybrids such as golden mountain doodles are only likely to inherit a health problem that is common to the poodle, Bernese mountain dog, and golden retriever — three breeds that share few common diseases. A hybrid dog combines the traits and characteristics of its purebred parents; with careful, conscientious breeding, the resulting pups may end up with the best attributes of each. In the case of the golden mountain doodle, the blend of the golden retriever, Bernese, and poodle produces a smart, friendly, loving, social, and playful dog. They tend to have the gentle, loving, and desire-to-please nature of the golden retriever, the laid-back, loving, and loyal nature of the Bernese, and the goofy liveliness and intelligence of the poodle. Most golden mountain doodles have a moderate activity level. Appearance and Coat Golden mountain doodles can often be confused with goldendoodles. Breeders tend to develop their own style and look of dogs. The appearance of a SwissRidge golden mountain doodle is usually stocky with a well-built frame, beautiful head, and silky and wavy coat, although the coats can vary. This breed can have a unique combination of two or three different colours within their coat, but can also be a solid colour. Every golden mountain doodle is different. Within an average litter, we will see that the majority of puppies have wavy coats, and a few have straight or curly coats. Most puppies within the litter shed minimally, if at all. Most people with allergies to dog dander are fine with a wavy or curly-coated dog. Golden mountain doodles with a curly coat are like the poodle and will not shed. While there are no guarantees, even if you have serious allergies to dander, you will do well with a curly-coated golden mountain doodle. Puppies that have a straight coat are very silky and soft, almost like velvet. This is a unique trait that I have only seen in the golden mountain doodle. If you are allergic to dog saliva and your skin breaks out in hives when licked by a dog, you will most likely be allergic to all golden mountain doodles regardless of coat type. If you still want a dog and you are allergic to saliva, I would suggest a tiny dog, as they produce less saliva. Since there are no guarantees with coat type, a responsible breeder will give you time to interact with your puppy and see if you are allergic, allowing you time to return the pup if it is not working out. It is best if you meet some doodles ahead of time, before committing to your own puppy. Since most golden mountain doodles shed little, if at all, they need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting, and must be clipped every few months. Size Golden mountain doodles come in a variety of sizes. At SwissRidge, we breed standard and mini golden mountain doodles. The standard golden mountain doodle results from crossing a goldendoodle with a bernedoodle, or any combination that would create a mixture of golden retriever, poodle, and Bernese. They will generally be 50 lbs or larger and around 23 to 29 inches at the shoulder. Most standards are in the 70 to 90 lb range. A mini golden mountain doodle results from crossing a mini goldendoodle with a mini bernedoodle. They generally range from 25 to 50 lbs and between 18 and 22 inches at the shoulder. Please keep in mind that these sizes are an average, and sometimes a puppy will fall outside the expected height and weight. Mini golden mountain doodles may have a slightly higher energy level than the standards. Since we use calm poodles in our breeding program, we tend to produce docile golden mountain doodles, regardless of size. This breed has the stamina to keep up with an athlete, but is just as happy to lay on the couch all day and chill. They are affectionate, loving family dogs and are good for first-time dog owners. Generations Golden mountain doodles are the F2 generation as two doodles are being crossed to make a golden mountain doodle. F2 is referred to as a second-generation cross, in which an F1 doodle is crossed with another F1 doodle. Health and Lifespan The first SwissRidge golden mountain doodle was bred in , so they are still a young breed. Since I can only estimate on their long-term health, I use their lineage as my guide. They are very healthy and vibrant dogs, and I estimate the average life expectancy to be around 13 years. While golden mountain doodles tend to be healthier than their parent breeds, they can still be prone to conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia and certain eye problems. Skin conditions, such as hot spots and allergies, are also seen in this mix, and like many other breeds, they may get cancer. Genetic testing can reduce the risk of many diseases. A reputable breeder will perform various tests and provide evidence of the successful results. This investment is usually reflected in the higher cost of the puppy for the buyer. A higher upfront cost will most likely reduce vet bills down the road. Is This Dog for Me? Golden mountain doodles make wonderful family dogs and are suitable for most people. If you want an affectionate, loyal, non-shedding dog that is the light of your world and if you have the time and enthusiasm to raise a puppy, I predict you will be very happy with a golden mountain doodle! The Golden Retriever is well known for their mellow, happy go lucky personality and their intelligence. The Poodle is known as a very intelligent dog with a very loving personality. At Doodle Creek we select the best possible temperaments in both breeds to create a wonderful combination of the two breeds. We are committed to producing healthy English Goldendoodles with loving, happy, playful, fun personalities. The English Goldendoodles tend to be very alert, eager to please and intelligent. They have a goofy, playful personality and they thrive on being with people. Their love for people has won them over as one of the most popular breeds on the planet! When careful breeding practices are implemented, the English Goldendoodle makes the perfect companion. They are typically a mild mannered dog with a moderate energy level. Their exercise requirements are not excessive so two minute walks a day works well. The tend to be inquisitive dogs and love to explore making them great dogs for hiking, camping or going on family outings. If they are introduced to water at a young age, most will acquire a love for the water. They are very adaptable and will adjust to most any new environment. They do well in either urban or rural settings. Appearance The English Goldendoodle to me is the most stunning dog ever known to man! They are known to look like Teddy Bears with a beautiful round face and sturdy structured body. They have a much prettier face and sweet, kind eyes. Their ears are well placed as well which gives the English Goldendoodles a rounder look in their face. This is a large part of why we have chosen to go with the English Golden Retrievers in our breeding program. Every breeder creates their own look and we focus on bringing you the prettiest English Goldendoodles possible. Every puppy has a unique and different look but in general, they have that round face, stocky body and beautiful stance with the tail set similar to that of an English Golden Retriever. They typically have a fluffy, to wavy coat that is low to non shedding. We have been breeding English Goldendoodles for many years now and we know the combinations of parents that work well to produce stunning puppies. Breeding is an art and creating that great look without compromising on temperament and health is key to bringing you a beautiful puppy with a great personality. Finding a breeder who produces the look you are wanting in your Doodle is critical. Sizes We breed a variety of different Doodle sizes. The estimated size of your Doodle is determined by the size of both parents. Standard Doodles pounds and inches tall - This is the result of breeding a full sized Standard Poodle with an English Golden Retriever or an English Goldendoodle. Medium Doodles pounds and inches tall - We have Moyen Medium Poodles here that we breed to full sized Doodles or Retrievers. This results in a nice medium sized companion. They come in either F1, F1b or Multigen generations. Mini Doodles pounds and inches tall - This is the result of any number of combinations depending on the size of the parents. It is not possible to have an F1 Tiny Doodle because breeding the smallest Poodle possible to a full sized Golden Retriever will still give no guarantees that the puppy will be in the pound range. Tiny Doodles only come in the F1b generation at Doodle Creek. These dogs typically have low to non shedding coats. Some will have the straighter coats with a loose wave to it. These coats will sometimes be low shedding. Others will have the fleecy coats and will shed very little to nothing at all. If you are wanting strong Retriever characteristics and you are okay with possibly some shedding, this would be a great option. If you have allergies, you may want to consider the F1b or Multigen breedings. These dogs will quite often look very similar to the F1 English Goldendoodles in that many still keep that nice, fleecy coat type. The litters normally have a few with the fleecy coat types and a few with the curly coat types. The fleecy coat typed F1b puppies are typically extremely low to non shedding. The F1b is an excellent choice for those who suffer from allergies. Multigen English Goldendoodles - Through our years of experience, we have now come to the point where we use our trusted genetics and we will breed two totally unrelated Goldendoodles together. We do all the proper DNA testing to ensure that we are getting the low to non shedding offspring from these matings. We have found that the Mulitgens are just as good as the F1b for those with allergies as they are also low to non shedding. The advantage of breeding Mulitgen English Goldendoodles here at Doodle Creek is that we are able to get more of the colours we are looking for in our puppies such as the tri colour, black and white, brown and white, or the merle. Coat types Our English Goldendoodles have several different coat types. Most are very low to non shedding. They turn into a loose curled coat as an adult and have a very soft feel. They are low to non shedding. The curly coat is similar to that of a poodle. They are typically non shedding and are wonderful for allergies. They get that beautiful, messy look to them and are very attractive looking as adults. They will often be low shedding but shed much less than a Golden Retriever. In the photos below we have posted the puppy photo on the left and one as they became adults on the right. This will give you an idea of what to expect when you get a puppy from either coat type listed here. Breed Title Goldendoodle Puppy Temperament One of the most characteristic traits of our Goldendoodle puppies for sale is their friendliness. Like their Golden Retriever forebearers, these sweet pups love everybody! Thanks to its Poodle ancestors, our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are one of the smartest breeds available for adoption. Eager to please, your pup will respond exceptionally well to reinforcement training and pick up new commands quickly and easily. However, due to their separation anxiety, this dog can display destructive tendencies if left alone for too long. Goldendoodle Puppies Health Considerations Though generally a healthy and long-lived dog breed — with a lifespan of up to 15 years due to its robust poodle genes — Goldendoodle puppies are not without a few health considerations to keep in mind. This will vary depending on the type of Goldendoodle — e. The best way to ensure that your pup lives a long and healthy life is to adopt form an experienced and reputable breeder. At Keystone Puppies , we make it our mission to stamp out puppy mills for good by promoting healthy puppies from knowledgeable breeders. Because they are bred to have the coat qualities of a Poodle, these pups are often hypoallergenic and shed very little. The curly coat should be soft to the touch. Like all doodle mixes, your Goldendoodle is likely to have a coat of short, curly hair. However, some dogs — particularly those who take after their Golden Retriever ancestors — will have longer, straight coat varieties. Others will have coats that are somewhere in between — including wavy and flat coat varieties. All our Goldendoodle puppies are born with a soft, single-layer puppy coat that will mature into a double-layer adult coat at around six months. After this, your Goldendoodle should be trimmed every six to eight weeks to prevent tangling and matting. All our Goldendoodles for sale will need to be brushed at least once a week to ensure their coat stays healthy and free of dirt, oil and other debris. Meet Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale. Standard Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Personality The place where the Goldendoodle puppy really excels is its personality. Its breed is known for being simultaneously intelligent and adoring. A Goldendoodle puppy is very sociable, which makes them perfect animals for households with children and other animals or pets, even cats. Just like the Labradoodle, this breed requires correct socialization to ensure they get used to different sights, sounds and smells during puppyhood. This means taking your Goldendoodle to plenty of doggy-friendly parks so they can meet canine friends and introducing them to other people. Our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are fully trained Doodles, so you can focus on the fun bits, like bonding, eating food and playing. These dogs prefer to live in a house with a gated backyard where they can get regular exercise breaks. Do They Like to Play? Goldendoodle Puppy Training These clever dogs are perfect for first-time dog owners because Goldendoodles love to please and take great pride in learning new skills. Are Goldendoodles Intelligent? Both of its poodle and golden retriever parent breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, and Goldendoodles have inherited this breed trait. This means the person training a Goldendoodle needs to be strong-willed, firm and consistent — but never harsh or aggressive. Much like a poodle, Doodles are sensitive dogs, and positive reinforcement is a must to bring out the best in them. How Obedient Are They? Goldendoodle pups adore human company, and making their pet parents happy brings them genuine satisfaction. As such, correct puppy training produces a highly obedient and loyal adult Goldendoodle. Older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders can benefit significantly from the warmth and sweetness of these adorable Goldendoodle pups. Are They Easy to Train? Doodle puppies can be mischievous and cheeky, but aggression is practically unheard of. So as long as you treat them with the same gentle respect they offer, a Goldendoodle is one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Goldendoodles have loads of energy and require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and calm temperament. A Goldendoodle need a moderately high level of outdoor activity — usually a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally one hour, of moderate to vigorous exercise per day will keep Goldendoodle puppies at their best. Unlike puppy mills, all good puppy and dog breeders provide a certificate that shows health clearances. At Pride and Prejudoodles, our tests cover common health conditions. As such, you have peace of mind when purchasing your new puppy from us. How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? Goldendoodles live for between 10 and 15 years. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Goldendoodle puppies for adoption. Life Span Did You Know? Although this breed is very popular, it is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. As long as they are well-socialized, Miniature Goldendoodles tend to make excellent family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they will alert you of strangers at the door, they tend to warm up quickly as they are more interested in making friends and receiving attention. Mini Goldendoodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their smaller size makes them a great fit for apartment living or for bigger homes with yards where they can run. As long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well. These little dogs tend to do well in just about any climate. However, like any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their smaller size, you may need to gear up with some dog-friendly winter gear when temperatures start falling. Because this dog breed is loyal and people-oriented, they love to be in your company and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. This means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early on. Instead, make sure your new Mini Goldendoodle puppy has an active role in your life. If you do need to leave them alone for a bit, make sure they have some comforting toys or challenging puzzles to keep them from getting bored. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests and clearances that have been done. The Mini Goldendoodles is a highly intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please. They tend to be sensitive to tone of voice as well. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, a Mini Goldendoodle will strive to be obedient and impress you and tends to excel at almost any task. These traits make the Mini Goldendoodle one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Bathing is occasional and can often be relegated to the dog groomer that is recommended you visit every weeks. The groomer can help handle some of this during visits, but you will still need to do some maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although the parents of this breed have a lot of energy, a Mini Goldendoodle tends to sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough for them. But, they are also likely to match their energy level to yours, so be prepared for some bursts of energy as well as plenty of cuddling on the couch. Fully-grown Mini Goldendoodles usually stand inches tall at the shoulder. A Miniature Goldendoodle puppy can vary in size based on the generation of the dog. The result is generally a dog that will range from pounds. Looking at the size of the parents for an F1 or F1-B puppy can be a good indication of what size to expect in a fully-grown Miniature Goldendoodle. Mini Goldendoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Goldendoodle Article. About Goldendoodles About Goldendoodles Goldendoodles are a cross between two of the top five smartest dogs in the world — a golden retriever and a poodle. Goldendoodles are the ideal family dog, combining the clever, yet silly side of the poodle with the placid, loyal, and loving nature of the golden retriever. Goldendoodles are low — to non-shedding, making them a popular choice for people with allergies. Since I began breeding Goldendoodles in , I have seen the breed go from almost non-existent, to one of the most popular family dogs in North America. They are affectionate, playful, fun-loving, and intelligent dogs. Because they are so smart, they are easier to train than most breeds. They follow commands quickly and always want to please their owners. Whether this is your first dog, or you simply want an easygoing, playful dog, a goldendoodle would be an ideal choice. Goldendoodles are not a purebred dog, so they are not a registered breed. The Golden Retriever Golden retrievers are intelligent large-breed dogs, often used as gun dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and detection dogs. They are often trained as disability assistance dogs because of their gentle and loving nature and their desire to be with people. Golden retrievers love the water! Golden retrievers have a beautiful dense coat and are known to shed quite heavily. The Poodle Poodles rank high on the canine intelligence scale and excel in obedience. Most people are aware that this lovely breed has a low — to non-shedding coat, making them a great choice for people with allergies. But the poodle is more than a clever show dog. They originated in Germany as hunting dogs, especially good at water retrieving. Poodles are lively and playful, and have an assertive prance to their walk. They thrive in a busy household where there is plenty of attention to go around. If bored, poodles may find their way into mischief. They are also quick to sound an alert, and have earned a reputation for barking. Poodles can be nervous and sensitive to stress, and are typically affected by eye, skin, and digestive diseases, as well as immune system diseases. Poodles come in three sizes and a wide variety of colours. They have a single layer of dense, curly fur that sheds minimally, but will mat without proper care. Golden Retriever Meets Poodle…The Perfect Canine Companion If a breeder does their due diligence in selecting the right parents, crossing purebred dogs of different breeds results in puppies that are healthier than either of their parents. This is because the two breeds are generally prone to different genetic problems. Hybrids such as goldendoodles are only likely to inherit a health problem that is common to both the poodle and the golden retriever — two breeds that share few common diseases. A hybrid dog combines the traits and characteristics of its purebred parents; with careful, conscientious breeding, the resulting pups may end up with the best attributes of each. In the case of the goldendoodle, the blend of the golden retriever and the poodle produces a smart, friendly, loving, social, playful dog. They tend to have the gentle, loving, and desire-to-please nature of the golden retriever, and the goofy liveliness and intelligence of the poodle. Like the golden retriever, they are gentle around children and the elderly, and because they love to work, they often make excellent therapy dogs. The goldendoodle is the go-to breed of choice when we select a dog to donate to a charitable organization. Most goldendoodles have a moderate activity level. They love toys and are always carrying around something in their mouths. Most of them have little need for personal space and are often described as happy, goofy, smart, charming, curious, friendly, social, enthusiastic, cuddly, willing to please, and loving. Goldendoodles vs. English Goldendoodles English goldendoodles have a lighter coat, stockier build and are more laid-back. The retriever part of the English goldendoodle is an English golden retriever, which originates from Europe. English golden retrievers contain the stockier and more laid-back traits, and have a lighter coat in comparison to their North American counterpart, whom are typically darker in colour and more slender, with a more active personality. We favour English golden retrievers within our breeding program, and have traveled across Europe acquiring some of the finest European breeding stock to incorporate into our lines. Many breeders in the United States use field retrievers to produce their goldendoodles. These retrievers are bred for field work and tend to be very lanky and hyper. As a result they tend to produce hyper, lanky goldendoodles. This is a good example of why research is essential to finding a conscientious breeder. Appearance and Coat Most people think of goldendoodles as being golden in colour, but they can come in a variety of different colours. Their overall appearance combines a beautiful balance of the golden retriever and the poodle. Well-chosen parents tend to blend the traits of the poodle and the golden in a consistent way. In short, goldendoodles tend to look like shaggy teddy bears! Breeders tend to develop their own style and look of dogs. A SwissRidge goldendoodle can easily be picked out of a crowd as there is a very distinct look and temperament to our dogs. The appearance of a SwissRidge goldendoodle is usually stocky with a well-built frame, beautiful head, and silky, soft, wavy coat. Although every goldendoodle has a different coat, the majority have a wavy coat that sheds minimally, if at all. Breeders will evaluate the puppy at a few weeks old and can often tell the type of coat the dog will have, and can help match you to the best coat type for your situation. Most people with allergies to dog dander are fine with a wavy-coated dog. However, the straighter the coat, the more it sheds, making the dog less suitable for people with allergies. Goldendoodles with a curly coat are similar to the poodle and will not shed. Even people with severe allergies to dander typically do well with a curly-coated goldendoodle. Since there are no guarantees with coat type, a responsible breeder will give you time to interact with your puppy and see if you are allergic, allowing you time to return the pup if it is not working out. If you are allergic to dog saliva, and your skin breaks out in hives when licked by a dog, you will most likely be allergic to all goldendoodles regardless of coat type. If you still want a dog, I would suggest a tiny goldendoodle as they produce less saliva. Since most goldendoodles shed very little, if at all, they need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting, and must be clipped every few months. Size Depending on the parents and their genetics, you can find goldendoodles in a wide range of sizes. Females are usually smaller than males. A Standard Goldendoodle results from crossing a standard poodle with a golden retriever. They will generally be 50 lbs. Most standards are in the 70 to 90 lb. A Mini Goldendoodle results from crossing a miniature poodle with a golden retriever. They generally range from 25 to 49 lbs. A Tiny Goldendoodle results from crossing a toy poodle with a mini goldendoodle. They range from 10 to 24 lbs and are about 12 to 17 inches at the shoulder. In terms of temperament, mini and tiny goldendoodles may have a slightly higher energy level than the standard. Since we use calm poodles in our breeding program, we tend to produce docile goldendoodles, regardless of size. Generations F1 is a first generation cross in which the puppy is 50 percent golden retriever and 50 percent poodle. The F1 cross is considered the healthiest, as the parents are unlikely to contribute genes for common inheritable diseases. F1b is a backcross in which a goldendoodle is bred with a poodle. The puppy is 25 percent golden and 75 percent poodle. F1b puppies are the most likely to be non-shedding and allergy-friendly. Some breeders have backcrossed a goldendoodle with a golden, which results in a dog with more of the golden retriever traits. I prefer not to breed this backcross as there is a greater likelihood of shedding. F2 is a second generation cross in which an F1 goldendoodle is crossed with another F1 goldendoodle. If this is done for seven generations, a breeder could apply to register this dog as a purebred. The closer the generations come together, the more consistency there will be in the lines, but the genetic problems of the purebreds are more likely to reappear, and hybrid vigor diminishes. Some F2 puppies may have an improper coat instead of the fleecy softness we love in the doodles. While goldendoodles vary in appearance and coat type, an experienced breeder will be able to give you an idea of what the pup will look like as an adult, based on what the parents have produced in the past and what traits they see in the pup. Health and Lifespan I have been breeding goldendoodles since and have found them to be healthy dogs with few health concerns. My dogs live an average of 10 to 16 years — a standard will typically have a shorter lifespan than a tiny. While goldendoodles tend to be healthier than their parent breeds, they can still be prone to conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia and certain eye problems. Skin conditions, such as hot spots and allergies, are also seen in this mix, and like many other breeds, they may get cancer. Genetic testing can reduce the risk of many diseases. A reputable breeder will perform various tests and provide evidence of the successful results. This investment is usually reflected in the higher cost of the puppy for the buyer. A higher upfront cost will most likely reduce vet bills down the road. Goldendoodle Mismatch I believe the goldendoodle is a suitable dog for most people, with a few caveats: A low- to non-shedding coat means more time, effort, and money spent on grooming. Make sure you have plenty of time in your schedule to raise and train a new puppy. The hard work pays off in the end. Practically anyone could raise a goldendoodle, and they are a very good choice for first-time dog owners and people with small children.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More The transition from a puppy coat to an adult one can come as a bit of a shock to novice owners and newbie pet parents. Some breeders choose not to mention it for fear of putting off prospective buyers. However, here we will let you know exactly what to expect when your Goldendoodle puppy coat transition happens. Types of Goldendoodle Coats All dogs are born with a soft, single-layer puppy coat, whether they later go on to develop a double-layered one or not. Goldendoodles are no exception. This smooth, silky hair then gives way to something that can be altogether trickier to manage. Knots, tangles, mats, and shedding can become real problems with some dogs. As you probably know by now, with a mixed breed, there are no certainties. Especially when the parent animals are so different. One half of the Goldendoodle equation, the Golden Retriever, has a dense, straight, water-resistant double coat. In contrast, the other half, the Poodle, has a curly, coarse, low-shedding single one. Depending on which parent they favor, Goldendoodles can inherit either of these coats or a wavy, fleecy, long one that sits somewhere in between the two. This is generally the most common and the most popular of the three. For more on Goldendoodle coats and the right tools for caring for them, take a look at The Absolute Best Brushes for Goldendoodles. Nature can be a bit of a lottery. We can, however, make a few best guesses based on the parents and what usually happens. One thing we do know for sure is that whichever adult coat your pup is destined to have, it will be altogether stiffer and denser than their puppy one. It could even be a different color, thanks to the Poodle Fading Gene. Breeders, however, do highlight a few telltale traits that could give you an early idea of what to expect: Check The Snout An excess of hair at the top of the snout known as a mustache indicates that your pup is likely to end up with a coat on the curlier end of the spectrum. Straighter, shaggier, beard-like hair suggests a wavier coat. If your dog has short hair here and an overall neat and tidy-looking muzzle, they will probably inherit a straight coat. Pay Attention to the Generation The generation of the dog can also provide a strong indication of what to expect. See Also: Click the image Goldendoodle Puppy Coat Transition Phases When it comes to changing from the puppy to the adult coat, there are no clear-cut transition phases. When and how pups blow their puppy coat varies from dog to dog. With most dogs, it tends to happen at around six months, and it can be either sudden or gradual. Some owners barely even notice — it all depends on the final hair type. However, you may start to notice a little more hair in the brush or a few more tangles around the armpits, tail, and ears. If your Goldie is getting more of a curly coat, you will need to be extra vigilant at this time. Shedding puppy hair can all too easily get caught up in tight curls leading on to painful knots and mats that are all but impossible to remove with a brush. A good rule of thumb with dogs is that with a low-shedding coat, you have to spend more time on brushing; with a high shedding one that time will be spent cleaning hair up off the floor or your clothes. Which Goldendoodles Get Puppy Coats? Pretty much every variety of Goldendoodle from Standard to Mini experiences some sort of coat change as they transition from puppy to adult. The switch from puppy to adult coat is also less noticeable with active dogs and particularly ones that spend a lot of time swimming. The water washes away the old hair as it is replaced with the new. It is not left about the house as it otherwise would be. This change could be pretty dramatic or quite subtle depending on the type of adult coat your pup has inherited. They will shed their puppy coat somewhere between four and eight months, and their stiffer, denser adult one will start to come in at this time. Do Goldendoodle puppies change color? While your pup is unlikely to completely change color on you, many Goldies get lighter as their adult coat comes in. This is known as fading. How do you tell if a Goldendoodle puppy will have furnishings? Furnishings refer to the hair features about the face. The best way to know if your Goldie will have furnishings is to pay attention to their generation. F1 Goldendoodles are most likely to be missing them. F1B dogs are the most likely to have them. If a puppy lacks furnishings, they are unlikely to develop them in adulthood. With or without, though, all Doodles are still undeniably cute. When adopting a puppy, there are many things you need to be prepared for. Many people choose to adopt one of these darling dogs for their hypoallergenic properties. The best way to anticipate precisely what kind of hair your Goldendoodle will have when they are done blowing their coat is to speak to the breeder. Checking out the parent dogs is also recommended for later generations. However, this is no exact science, and you should really be prepared for anything. We are sure, though, that no matter how your Goldie ends up looking as they develop, you will love them just the same. How could you not? Just look at that face! Learn How to Upkeep Your Doodle! Will stop growing eventually if left alone Straight coat Goldendoodles are the most like a Golden Retriever Expect troubles with shedding Expect allergy sufferers to have a rough time with a straight coat Goldendoodle A positive is much lower maintenance Regardless of the coat type you would expect a softer puppy coat from months, then a transition into the final Goldendoodle adult coat from then on. As a general rule the replacement adult Goldendoodle coat will be stiffer and denser than the Goldendoodle puppy coat. Which Goldendoodles Get Puppy Coats All sizes of Goldendoodle from large standards, to miniature or teacup Goldendoodle will all experience some form of coat change. When I spoke to breeders to interview them about the way they can predict the coat type for Goldendoodle puppies, they told me an interesting message. Our F1b tend to have soft fur even as adults. When the change does hit it is not always obvious to the dog parents. The transition to adult coat can be seamless, or it can reveal a surprising final Goldendoodle coat type. There are clues from early puppyhood that you can follow to take the best educated guess about which type of coat your Goldendoodle puppy will have. We wrote a thoroughly researched article telling you what strategies the experts use to predict Goldendoodle coat type from puppyhood. Remember that nature is a lottery, and there still can be surprises! You can see that the experts agree that a Goldendoodle puppy should start being groomed around 5 months of age. If the transition from puppy coat to adult Groodle coat is a difficult one, it is really handy to have a dog that is very used to grooming. Goldendoodles can have trouble with their paws. Have you ever seen a Goldendoodle lick or chew its paws? This is often a sign that something is wrong. Early exposure to paw touching can make it so much easier to four out what is causing Goldendoodle paw licking and fix it. At the least consider getting your Goldendoodle used to bathing and shampooing as needed only from a young age. Should I use special shampoo for the Goldendoodle Puppy Coat transition? When a Goldendoodles does lose its puppy coat around months of age you will be ready for an adult Goldendoodle shampoo. There is little harm in using up the rest of your puppy shampoo. Although it is probably easier to just use a natural, excellent smelling shampoo that is friendly to both puppies and adult Goldendoodles. Is this the Goldendoodle puppy coat transition? Where are all these dog mats coming from? The surprising transition from puppy coat to adult coat can sneak up on any unsuspecting dog mom. But the subject of the Goldendoodle coat transition deserves just as much attention as all the other Goldendoodle pros and cons. However, one thing is true for all Goldendoodle puppies. At some point, the Goldendoodle puppy coat will change and the adult coat will come in. Matting can take over quickly Kind of like the month of March, the coat transition may enter like a lion! You may be surprised how quickly the mats coming roaring onto the scene. When my Goldendoodle sidekick Chloe was a pup, her puppy coat was soft and silky and there was not a mat to be found, even in the crevices like the armpits! Meet Chloe. Her puppy coat was silky soft. First under the ears. Then the armpits. Brushing became our thing. Brushing removes dead hair that would otherwise cause mats. Like hair on our human heads, dog hair has to go somewhere. Since Doodles tend to shed less, Goldendoodle grooming is part of keeping the hair from tangling and matting. There will always be hair to manage with any dog, whether low-shedding or high-shedding. With a low-shedding dog, there is a greater amount of grooming. With a high-shedding dog, there is a greater amount of time spent cleaning hair off floors. Either way, you have the joy of being a dog parent! For more about shedding, read my article: Do Goldendoodles Shed? It may make you feel overly confident. When the Goldendoodle puppy coat starts transitioning, be ready. When do Goldendoodle puppies shed their coat? However, as a rule of thumb, Goldendoodle parents say anywhere between four to eight months and may even be up to two years. What happens during a Goldendoodle puppy coat transition? When the Goldendoodle adult coat begins to grow in, the puppy coat begins to shed. This creates tangles. If not groomed early, the tangles turn into mats. Since there are so many Goldendoodle coat types, there is not one set example. Some parents will hardly notice the change while other Goldendoodle parents will find what feels like an explosion of mats. What areas are the biggest matting culprits? This can happen at any time in their life. Sun bleaching If your dog loves to lounge in the sun and play around as much as possible, sun bleaching is possible. Their darker colors will lighten slightly, and some of their exposed fur can turn yellow or even white, depending on the amount of sun damage or bleaching. Nutrition problems If your dog is malnourished, their coat will fade, become dry, and change color. Since its natural luster fades, it often appears to turn darker than it used to be. If their nutrition is rebalanced, it brightens and lightens their coat color. Grooming Lack of grooming can darken their coat color, and grooming at proper intervals can help lighten and brighten their coat color. Grooming on a regular and recommended basis helps promote comfort for your dog and visible benefits for their aesthetics, too. Do Goldendoodles get curlier with age? Their coat texture can change as that Golden Retriever and Poodle gene combination battle it out in your dog. Most Goldendoodles will have adult fur that feels stiffer and is denser than puppy fur. This adult fur is stronger and can withstand the elements and expectations of the world better than the delicate and soft puppy fur. Types of Goldendoodle coats There is more than one kind of coat that a Goldendoodle can have. This will depend mainly on the genetic combination of their parent breeds. Your three options are: Straight, shaggy fur Wavy, fleecy fur Curly coiled fur The most common for Goldendoodles are wavy fur. This is generally the most preferred coat option because there tends to be minimal shedding. It gives your dog a charming personality, too. How do you tell what coat a Goldendoodle puppy will have? This is a topic of much discussion, as you can imagine. Goldendoodles are best known for their fluffy and fleecy coats, after all, as we discussed. However, as we also discussed, there are three coat options available to choose from. So, how do you know which your puppy will have when they grow up? Here are some questions to help guide you. Does your Goldendoodle have a curly and defined mustache? Does your Goldendoodle have a shaggy beard? Does your Goldendoodle have a neat and tidy muzzle? If your Goldendoodle has a mustache that is curly and very defined meaning that you can see it easily , this is a sign that they will grow into a curly hair coat. It may or may not be a different color than what you see in their mustache! The more the beard weaves, the more their fur will weave in most cases. Is this a sure thing? What happens during a Goldendoodle puppy coat transition? The transition process is a little different for each puppy. However, the main transition phases include: Start with a soft, silky puppy coat Owners see mats start to appear Clumps of fur fall out Their fur starts to transition Their adult fur grows in So, what does that actually look like? Each Doodle will start with classic puppy fur that is silky and incredibly soft. The mats might be mild or severe. These can be minimized by proper grooming. It could be, again, subtle or very strong and concentrated. Depending on genetics, shedding and matting will go for weeks or even a few months. During this transition, their new coat will also start to work its way forward. This gives your dog a really charismatic look! By the time they reach their first birthday, their adult coat should be grown in, or very close to it! If you are struggling with the matting and the shedding, allowing your dog to swim regularly can help! This pulls free the clumping hair and prevents it from matting. This will help, too. In Short Between months of age, your Goldendoodle will shed their puppy coat and grow into their adult coat. This could be a fast and minimal process or a long and complicated process depending on their breeding. Their coat can change colors and textures, too. The key is to help them stay as comfortable as possible and see if you can guess what kind of coat they will have based on their features! Dog owners may experience anxiety with the goldendoodle puppy coat transition to an adult coat. Depending on environmental and genetic conditions, growing into an adult coat can take several months to an entire year. More so, there is a myriad of information regarding Goldendoodles losing their puppy fur, but you need to be critical in following this information. However, keep in mind that the coat transition of your goldendoodle requires constant attention. This article will therefore serve as a step-by-step guide to help you learn about the coat transitions that your goldendoodle will experience and how to care for them properly. Puppies of the Goldendoodle breed have a gorgeous coats! Goldendoodles will lose their puppy coat as they get bigger rather than getting a new one. Your puppy has already started the change when you see this. This can vary rather considerably. The beginning of others occurs before or later. The vast majority of breeders expect it to appear before the first birthday. In contrast, its coat will gradually transform when a Goldendoodle matures. The Goldendoodle in your life will only go through this change once. This is comparable to losing baby teeth and replacing them with adult teeth. This shift occurs only once in the life of your Goldendoodle. Depending on heredity and other circumstances, the texture and color of the coat may alter. Do Goldendoodles Puppy Coats Shed? Moreover, the easiest approach to determine whether your Goldie will have furnishings is to consider their age. They are most likely lacking from F1 Goldendoodles. F1B dogs are more susceptible to having them. If a puppy lacks furnishings, it is doubtful that they would develop them as adults. With or without, Doodles are still unquestionably adorable. Goldendoodle puppies will have varying coat colors and patterns regardless of size or generation. However, several breeders have found that Doodle puppies of different ages—F1, F1B, and F2—can have only slight differences. The mini goldendoodle puppy coat transition in your life will only go through this change once. Poodles have a fading gene, so that they might be a different color. However, breeders do emphasize a few telltale features that could provide an early indication of what to expect: Do A Nose Check When a puppy has abundant hair on top of its snout, it is called a mustache, and it is a good indicator that the dog will have a curlier coat. A wavier coat is suggested by hair that is straighter, shaggier, and more beard-like. Curly coats, according to breeders, are indicated by a pronounced mustache. The beard-like shagginess of a wavy coat is especially prominent around the face. The straight-coat goldendoodle puppy typically has a tidy and short muzzle. For example, an F1B Goldendoodle that has been backcrossed with a Poodle has 75 percent genes, increasing the likelihood of a coat with waves or curls. Typically, these dogs do not have a substantial coat shift from puppyhood to adulthood. These strategies for deciding on a goldendoodle puppy coat type are the most accurate. Nothing is guaranteed, and surprises are always possible. Types Of Goldendoodle Puppy Coats? It is difficult to envisage Goldendoodle coats having anything other than curly whenever the issue of this Doodle breed is brought up. Although Goldendoodles with curly coats are well-known, different less frequent coat types include wavy, smooth, and flat. Wavy and curly hair are the most prevalent varieties of Goldendoodle coats, followed by straight and flat. In addition to their attractiveness and sweetness, these charming pets have advantages for humans. Goldendoodles With Curly Coats. For various reasons, this specific style of Goldendoodle coat is extremely popular and in high demand. Curly-coated Goldendoodles are great for people with allergies and have a cute teddy bear look. Because of their curly coat, Goldendoodles are considered hypoallergenic. Curly-coated dogs, in contrast to straight-haired dogs, shed significantly less hair, which is helpful for allergy sufferers. To clarify, dogs with non-shedding coats still shed at a far lower rate than those with straighter hair. Curly-Coated Goldendoodles Compared to dogs with straight and curly coats, wavy coat Goldendoodle puppies fall in the middle. Goldendoodles with wavy coats are more prone to shed than those with curly coats but shed less than those with straight coats. But since the wavy coat is between the regular and curly coats, it requires less effort to brush than dogs with curly coats. If you live with people who do not suffer from allergies, a wavy or flat hair coating could be an extra option when selecting your partner. While Goldendoodles with a curly coat require daily combing, those with a wavy coat require brushing only a few times per week. Straight-Coat Golden Retrievers If you desired to bring home a Goldendoodle with a straight hair coat, you would likely find hair everywhere. Typically, a goldendoodle with a straight coat does not require brushing; nevertheless, you should double-check if any household members are allergic to fur. Always certain that no one is allergic, as straight-haired dogs shed huge amounts of hair. While not having to brush your Goldendoodle regularly may seem great, the amount of hair it sheds requires additional cleaning. Daily brushing is strongly advised for Goldendoodles with curly or wavy coats. Most of the time, Goldendoodles with a straight coat do not need to be brushed, depending on the situation. F1b Goldendoodle Coat Changes When you look up F1b Goldendoodles pictures on the internet, you will find out recombination between an F1 first generation Goldendoodle and a purebred Poodle. The hypoallergenic, non-shedding coat of the Poodle is a highly desirable characteristic. Most often, F1 Goldendoodles will disappear with a piece of furniture. This greatly enhances the probability of a Curly or Wavy coat. F1b Goldendoodles are less prone to see a substantial coat change between puppyhood and adulthood. It is typical for the density and coarseness of the fur to grow. This is true in some circumstances. Their adult coat may take on a deeper shade if that is how it is in their native habitat. Alternately, it might lighten up and leave the cute darker characteristics around the face. However, lateral color changes and shifts are common. When Goldendoodle puppies reach maturity, their adult coat is typically heavier and more rigid than their puppy fur. The breeder should know what to anticipate throughout coat transformation. Yes, their coat can be affected by various variables, most of which are health-related, and these common causes may include the following: Sun Bleaching. It can occur if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors in direct sunlight. Depending on the extent of the sun damage or bleaching, their deeper hues will lighten significantly, and portions of their exposed fur may turn yellow or white. Grooming Your Goldendoodle coat changes pictures might have darker coat color due to lack of grooming, but it can be lightened and brightened with constant grooming. Grooming your dog on a regular and recommended basis improves not only their comfort but also their physical appearance. Goldendoodles need regular grooming to keep them healthy and clean. You should trim their face regularly. Since its natural sheen diminishes with time, it typically seems darker than it did before. A healthier diet will help them shed their darker coat. Puppies of all breeds and sizes go through similar but somewhat different main processes. Pet owners observe the onset of mats and shedding fur in clumps. Their mature fur begins to emerge. Frequently Asked Questions 1. In most cases, a prominent mustache indicates that the puppy will have a curly coat. Unfortunately, not all puppies mature into adulthood with the desired wavy or curly coat and fluffy, soft fur. In addition, the F1B Goldendoodles are the least likely to undergo a drastic coat change as they age, while seeing an increase in coat coarseness and density. This is referred to as fading. Parents of Goldendoodles estimate a lifespan of four months to two years. It is advised to wait six months before giving your goldendoodle puppy her first complete trim down. Related Posts. The golden doodle puppy can be defined as a type of designer dog. The word designer is used intentionally to show the fact that the golden doodle puppy is a crossbreed of two different dogs. The two dogs that are crossbred in an effort of reproducing the golden doodle puppy are the Poodle and the Golden Retriever. The coat transition process is when the golden doodle puppy has its coat change from the puppy kind of coat and adopts an adult kind of coat. This transition can last anywhere from four months and stretch to eight months. Sometimes the transition may go all the way to two years. What to expect and how to prepare for the Goldendoodle coat change at each age? The golden doodle puppy needs to be well taken care of as it grows. There are quite a several things that an owner may want to do and practice as often so as to be sure the coat transition phase takes place appropriately. Giving the golden doodle a good brush regularly is very important because this will prevent the fur from tangling. By brushing the fur regularly will be in a position of removing debris that may be on the coat. One will need to use a brush that is slick since it will work best for the fur of the Goldendoodle. The brushes are available at various pet supply stores. Choose clippers that are designed for grooming Goldendoodle puppies and not just any clippers at the store. Getting a grooming kit will as well be very helpful. One should not use scissors for grooming, because one might end up accidentally injuring the dog. A Goldendoodle puppy needs to be bathed regularly. Washing your Goldendoodle dog in warm water is ideal. One will need to make sure that the coat is scrubbed thoroughly with the use of a shampoo that has been designed for dogs. During the cleaning process, one will get to know the existing coat and how well to handle the cutting of its fur. Dog shampoos are available at stores. Drying the coat of the Goldendoodle is also essential after giving it a warm bath. One will need to completely dry the coat before starting to trim. It is true to say that a wet coat is already shrunken and this makes it difficult to determine the length of the coat to be trimmed. Taking the above steps and practicing them from time to time, will guarantee that the Goldendoodle is well kept and when the coat goes through a transition, the process will be okay. There are three types of coats that are common amongst the Goldendoodles. This is contributed by the fact that the dog in itself is a mixed breed. One might find that one-half of the dogs have a dense, water-resistant kind of coat, whereas the other half may have a coat that is curly and low shedding. The coats will entirely depend on the parents of the dog. One common coat type is the wavy kind of coat. This coat is found to be the most desirable kind of coat for the Goldendoodle dog. The wavy coat is also referred to by some people as the fleece coat. The wavy coat is found to be very low shedding. For this type of coat, a lot of grooming will need to take place to generally prevent knots and clumps on the hair. For the wavy coat, the chances of allergies are a bit low as compared with any other coat. The other coat is the curly coat. This coat tends to look like a poodle coat. The curly coat is way denser than any other type of coat. The curly coat has a low odor and is hypoallergenic. The curly coat will seize from growing when left alone. The curly coat does not have a lot of shedding taking place. The straight coat is also another type of coat that the Goldendoodle dog can have. With this coat, there are some things to expect. One of the expectations is there will be trouble when it comes to shedding. The straight coat is also very low maintenance which is a plus. As the Goldendoodle puppy grows there are lots of things one will need to know about. When a Goldendoodle puppy is born to when it gets to around four months, its coat is usually very soft, and managing it will be very easy. A Goldendoodle puppy owner can prepare himself or herself for this stage by taking the time to play with his paws. An owner can prepare him or herself by purchasing different grooming supplies. One might want to visit a groomer and get the necessary information that will be helpful at the given stage. During this early stage, a Goldendoodle owner may as well want to introduce at-home grooming activities. Making sure the sessions are delicate, positive, and short will be very helpful. The other stage that a Goldendoodle dog owner will experience is when the dog is between four months through the two-year mark. In this phase, one will expect that the puppy coat will generally begin to change and the adult coat will start coming through. This stage will require that the owner takes the initiative of brushing or combing the Goldendoodle daily. One will need to focus entirely on a particular section at a time. Giving close watch to see if the coat does show signs of matting is crucial. A Goldendoodle owner will need to readjust his or her grooming techniques as the dog transitions to the adult phase. Changing grooming tools will be inevitable. In this phase, one will need to note that the face, as well as the muzzle of the dog, might as well change to a lighter color. An owner of the Goldendoodle dog will need to make some modifications to the grooming routine as the dog grows. Some of the changes can be using a simple comfort cut and using a softer kind of touch when it comes down to handling the arthritic paws. Incorporating grooming tables or a hydraulic lift grooming table can be very beneficial. When do Goldendoodle puppies shed their puppy fur? The Goldendoodle dogs in general are seen as low-shedding as compared to other dogs. There are no dogs that do not tend to shed their fur as they grow, so this is very common for any dog owner to experience. The Goldendoodle puppy owner would expect that shedding of the puppy fur will take place when the puppies get to around six months and it can go until the ten-month mark. A Goldendoodle owner might want to note that the fur coat on the puppy is a uniform kind of soft fur but as the puppy grows and sheds its coat, one will see that the coat becomes much thicker and stiffer. After the puppy coat of the Goldendoodle sheds one might as well experience a change in the color patterns. The adult coat on a Goldendoodle is found to be lighter as compared to the puppy fur. It is necessary for the Goldendoodle owner to note that not all puppies will shed during the six to ten-month mark. Some of the Goldendoodle dogs may tend to shed their coats a bit late and one should not worry. Some may shed their coats at twelve months. An owner of the Goldendoodle puppy might want to start cleaning its fur as early as five months in preparation for the shedding of its fur. At this point, the owner is encouraged to bathe the puppy with dog shampoo and pay keen attention to its grooming. What adult coat type will my Goldendoodle puppy have? Knowing the exact adult coat your Goldendoodle puppy will have can be extremely difficult to tell but there could be some signs and characteristics that one may see and hope the coat turns out as desired. As the Goldendoodle puppies grow one may notice that the more they grow the more similar they tend to become. Goldendoodle puppies more often than not do change their colors as they go through the process of maturing. Crossbreeding dogs will in one way or the other bring unpredictable results. It is common to find that a puppy may take more after a given parent as compared to the other parent. In this present day, one will find that DNA testing has been embraced by dog breeders in an effort to know which coat a particular puppy will have. This can be a good tell sign of which coat type the puppy will have as it becomes an adult. As a general rule, if the puppy has a mustache that is prominent then one will expect the puppy will be having a curly type of coat as they grow and get into adulthood. If the Goldendoodle puppy tends to have a shaggy beard when one takes a look at the muzzle then chances are high that it will develop a wavy type of coat. What is it like Doodle hood? It is quite true to say that Goldendoodles make the best dog for any person who is a first-time owner of a dog. This is generally due to the fact that the Goldendoodle is friendly, easy to train, and temperamental. There are quite a number of things that every owner of a Goldendoodle should have in mind about the dog. The Goldendoodle tends to form bonds very fast with human beings. This can be very good for the owner since it will not take long before one feels loved around a Goldendoodle. The fact that the Goldendoodle is very quick at forming binds means that they do have separation anxiety when one leaves them. This means one will need to be very cautious when forming functional bonds with them. A Goldendoodle does love to play every now and then. The Goldendoodle has been created in a way that it loves maintaining an active lifestyle. For the owner, this will mean one will need to be willing to be active to meet the expectations of the dog. The Goldendoodle is extremely social and this is something that the owner will need to consider. The Goldendoodle loves greeting new people as well as meeting other animals. An owner of this dog will need to take the dog for outdoor activities from time to time. The coats of the Goldendoodle may get curlier as they age. The coat is expected to shed as they grow. The coat a dog will have as they get into adulthood is entirely dependent on the genetics of the dog. There is nothing much that an individual can do. What is an improper coat on a Goldendoodle? An improper coat is characterized as the hair of a Goldendoodle that is short. This short hair is found on the head, leg region as well as head since they tend to lack the dominant gene. Technically speaking, your Goldendoodle will tend to have flat or rather straight hair all through the body. One can confuse them with the Golden retriever. The term furnishing is used to describe the long hair, eyebrows as well as mustache that tends to give the Goldendoodle the scruffy type of dog look. The furnishings are a dominant trait. An improper coat on a Goldendoodle means that the dog will lack long mustaches as well as eyebrows. The longer eyebrows, as well as the long mustache, are seen as the furnishing gene which gives rise to that specific growth pattern. The improper coated type of Goldendoodle dog is the one that is rarely sought after. Nevertheless, the improper coat is quite easy to maintain and it requires lesser brushing as compared to other coats. The improper coat technically does not give the desired teddy bear texture and look that most people look for. This can be a limitation for families or owners who have allergies. Conclusion In conclusion, the Goldendoodle dog breed is a very nice dog. For an owner to enjoy the full benefits of owning the dog, he or she will need to pay close attention to how the dog is growing and how well to handle the growth at every stage. Owning a Goldendoodle dog can be very therapeutic and engaging. An owner needs to be very intentional with the dog. An owner will need to be involved both emotionally as well as physically so as to make sure the Goldendoodle dog functions optimally. There is also the financial aspect of owning the Goldendoodle dog and an owner needs to be willing to spend on nutrition, grooming, and the overall health of the dog. Related Posts:. The change can be sudden or gradual, and sometimes the texture of the coat will change completely. The fur grows in dense curls that can be tight, kinky curls, or loose barrel curls. Generally, curly coats have virtually no doggy odor and are usually very low shedding. Wavy Coat English Goldendoodles have wavy coats that are also sometimes referred to as fleece coats. This coat type is typically very low shedding, but it does need plenty of regular grooming to prevent matting. Straight Coat Goldendoodles with straight coats take mostly after the Golden retriever parent. These Doodles are the heaviest shedders, making them unsuitable for life in a home with allergy sufferers. These coat types tend to need a little less brushing than the curly or wavy coated types, and they are slightly less prone to tangling and matting. To make matters even more interesting, Goldendoodles commonly change coat colors or get a brighter coat as they age , so it really is a total lottery! Goldendoodle puppies have a fantastic coat! Brushing your puppy removes loose, dead hair that would otherwise turn into immovable mats. So, even though one of the reasons that Goldendoodles are so popular is that they are extremely low-shedding, they do shed. Regardless of what size or generation of Goldendoodle you have, all these puppies will change their coats. Often, Goldendoodles that enjoy swimming and generally get grubby so that they need regular bathing can often lose their puppy coat almost invisibly. Generally, when Goldendoodle puppies change their coats, the mature adult coat they grow is denser and stiffer than the puppy fur. The breeder should be able to give you a good idea of what you can expect during the coat transition period. That said, the process of healthy coat transition can last for as long as two years. When your puppy starts growing his adult coat, his silky, soft puppy fur is shed. You need to be alert to that process starting! All puppies are born with a single coat. You might not notice any change at all, whereas other Goldendoodle parents see a massive amount of matting appearing from out of nowhere. Where Do Mats Form? Mats generally form in areas of friction. Particular hotspots include: Under the collar. Do Goldendoodles Change Color? Goldendoodles are a unique hybrid breed that offers variety in size and color. In addition to the color variances, the visually stunning coat that adorns most doodles and their sweet personalities make them an easy breed to love. Determining the optimal color of your doodle starts with a conversation with goldendoodle breeders. One of the best parts about a crossbreed like this one is choosing from a wide array of color types. What Is a Goldendoodle? Goldendoodles are hybrid breeds of poodles and golden retrievers. Combining these two breeds creates a mild-mannered pup with minimal shedding and a lovable disposition. Goldendoodles are people pleasers that constantly seek affection and approval from their owners. As such, goldendoodles make for excellent service or therapy dogs. The playful poodle element of its lineage also contributes to its beauty. Common Goldendoodle Colors Doodle owners delight in choosing the option they desire, from black or gray to cream and apricot hues. One of the exciting aspects of doodle coloring is that the face, paw pads and other physical features almost always stand out in striking ways because of the color contrasts of these pups. Gray Goldendoodles Gray goldendoodles typically derive their silver-hued coat from their poodle ancestors. Goldendoodle gray is a more rustic version of the silver coloring of poodles and may not surface fully until six weeks after a goldendoodle puppy is born. It typically only occurs in multigenerational breeding situations. As these pups age, they may have a two-toned coat, as the fur around their face and paw pads may retain the color longer. This means that some gray doodles end up with a blue or gray color to their coats. Parti Goldendoodles The parti goldendoodle color mixes white and any other color, though this is commonly an apricot or tan shade. The parti coloring is a rare goldendoodle outcome, but it can happen. The exciting thing about this color pattern is that no two parti goldendoodles are precisely the same. Black Goldendoodles Black goldendoodles are actually pretty rare. One of the unique aspects of a black goldendoodle is that everything on the pup is dark in hue: facial features, foot pads and eyes. This makes it challenging to achieve this result in a first-generation goldendoodle puppy. Another point of note for black doodles is that the fading can be significant. What starts out as a rich black coat can become a gray, silver or even blue hue once the dog is past its puppy stage. Apricot Goldendoodles The apricot goldendoodle is one of the most popular colors of this breed. This color comes largely from the golden retriever lineage of a doodle. An apricot goldendoodle coat tends to make the pup look like a teddy bear, which is just one of the reasons doodle lovers seek this coat hue. Like other doodle colors, it does start off darker at first, lightening over time. In fact, an apricot goldendoodle coat can lighten considerably. After a while, apricot goldendoodle puppies tend to be confused with cream or tan versions of this breed. Chocolate Goldendoodles Solid chocolate is another standard goldendoodle color. Chocolate goldendoodles owe their lush coat color to a recessive gene that would otherwise create a rich black fur coat. This means the puppy in question must inherit one recessive gene from each of its parents to end up with a chocolate hue. Chocolate goldendoodle puppies are born with a dark brown coat that lightens over time. Therefore, some brown goldendoodles may have a lighter shade more quickly than others. This lightening actually begins at the six-week mark and may be most noticeable around their muzzles and in the area around their paw pads. Cream Goldendoodles Interestingly, cream-colored pups are variations of the red line of this breed. Cream goldendoodle coats have the most extensive color variation in tones and dark points of all goldendoodles. This is another color derived from the golden retriever lineage of a goldendoodle puppy. Cream doodles tend to either have dark or pink features and paw pads. Cream goldendoodles are commonly used for breeding other color variations within this breed, such as parti goldendoodles. Abstract Goldendoodles This is one of the most interesting coloring combinations because, similar to the parti version of this breed, no two abstract goldendoodle coats will look the same. Typically, these white areas will be found on the face or on the chest and paw areas of the puppy fur. They are not large swaths of white, which makes the color stand out all the more. Blue Goldendoodles Blue goldendoodles are extremely rare because of the nature of the recessive genes that cause this hue. It takes multiple generations of goldendoodle breeding to achieve a blue tint, which is why blue goldendoodle dogs are coveted by doodle lovers. They may appear to have a gray coat at first. However, upon closer inspection, the darker, steely hue of the blue is more evident. These pups are also born dark at first, and as their coat lightens, the blue hue becomes more apparent. Only a few goldendoodle dogs will remain blue once they have adult coats. Most will see their coats clear to a gray later in life. Goldendoodle Coats Change Color Do goldendoodles change color as they get older? Depending on the parents, it may have some variations in color on its tails and ears. This comes from the poodle component of the gene pool, as poodle fur tends to change over time. This typically starts at age three in poodles, which is one of the reasons it happens in goldendoodles once the dog is past the puppy stage. The extent to which the coat changes color depends on the original hue. Cream, for instance, is likely to fade less obviously over time than one of the richer colors, like chocolate. Goldendoodle Coat at 10 Years Short Goldendoodle History The Goldendoodle is perhaps one of the most famous and instantly recognizable members of the Poodle cross family. The Goldendoodle is first recorded as existing in the late s when a breeder chose to mix a Poodle with a Golden Retriever. This primarily came about as Golden Retrievers were well established as guide dogs for the visually impaired. However, they shed heavily making them incompatible with visually impaired people who had dog allergies. Introducing Poodle genetics often reduced shedding making the dog much more accessible to a variety of people. As Poodles are equally, if not more intelligent than their Golden Retriever counterparts, this ensured the new hybrid remained trainable as an assistance dog. As time went on it was almost inevitable that people would seek out this mixed breed as a domestic pet given their friendly nature and good temperament around children. The other appealing feature of the Goldendoodle as a domestic pet is that it can come in a variety of sizes to meet individual living situations. Added to this they are fairly healthy dogs, benefiting from the phenomena of hybrid vigor. This means you can expect a Goldendoodle to reach up to 15 years old! If you are new to the world of hybrid or mixed breed dogs, the concept of generations may feel a little incomprehensible. If bred back to the non-Poodle parent they are usually referred to an F1B Reverse. However, breeders can be selective about the types of Goldendoodle they pick. Typically, they pick the ones with the more desirable curly Doodle-like coat which increases the chance of it being passed on. Conversely, the F2 can also throw out the most eclectic litter as there are 4 Golden Retriever genes and 4 Poodle genes in the mix. This is sometimes known as the grandparent effect. The only way to be sure of coat types and colors is to have the parents genetically tested before breeding. If bred back to the Retriever they are known as an F2B reverse. F3 or Multi-Generational: This is where it gets confusing, breeders can then get creative with crossing F2 Goldendoodles with Poodles, Golden Retrievers or Goldendoodles. At this point, they are generally referred to as multi-generational. We have a more in-depth generations article that can teach you more about hybrid crossing called Cavapoo Generations Explained. The main difference that generation can have on the coat type of your Goldendoodle refers to how much Poodle genetics are present. Sometimes a pup will take after their Golden Retriever parent more and may present with a flatter coat, the correction for this would be to crossbreed the pup back to a purebred Poodle in the hope of increasing the curl. However, not all Goldendoodles will be curly. Check out the Flat Coated Goldendoodle to learn about those who take more after the Golden Retriever side of their family. For now though, we take a closer look at what you can expect from an F1 Goldendoodle coat. Goldendoodle Puppy Coat They do not come out curly! Now, this may be a serious shock but very few Doodle hybrids come out curly. In fact, it is much more likely that your Goldendoodle puppy will look decidedly Golden Retriever-like, other than it may have picked up some Poodle coloring. They will not shed particularly much and given the short nature of their coat, they will not be prone to matting. This is the stereotypical puppy coat that feels soft and fluffy and just begs for you to run your fingers through. As it stands there is no definitive way to determine from a puppy just what type of adult coat they may develop outside of genetic testing. If you are absolutely heart set on the curly Doodle coat an F2 Goldendoodle may be a better option as by breeders selecting two curly Goldendoodle parents you have a higher chance of the puppy exhibiting the same. However, this is not an exact science either as both Goldendoodles could be carrying straight coat genes. Now, just because their puppy coat appears low maintenance this is not an excuse to skip brushing. It is essential you acclimatize your Goldendoodle puppy to grooming tools like brushes and ideally dryers early. This avoids them becoming fearful in later life and will make the whole grooming experience less stressful for you both. Goldendoodle Coat at 3 Months At three months, your Goldendoodle puppy will be at peak fluffball stage. Their puppy coat will likely have reached its maximum length and coloring will be fairly well established. Any patterning that your pooch will likely exhibit may have become more enhanced. It is key at this stage that they should not cut their puppy coat but instead a bath, dry, hygiene groom of their intimate areas and a face trim may be all that is required. Again at-home brushing is key, not only will it build confidence in your dog but as they begin to reach the stage that their coat will change, regular brushing will ensure any excess hair is brushed out to avoid matting. Goldendoodle Coat at 6 Months While some unscrupulous breeders may tout Goldendoodles as truly hypoallergenic we know in fact that all dogs will shed hair and dander to some degree. It is correct that a Goldendoodle may be lesser shedding than other breeds however, at age 6 months they will shed their fluffy puppy coat meaning they will leave a trail of puppy hair behind them at least for a short period. During this time they may look a little ramshackle as they have patches of fluffy puppy hair and tufts of coarser adult hair. This exciting stage is when you will likely begin to get the first true indication of what you can expect from your adult Goldendoodle coat. Largely speaking Goldendoodle coats fall into four categories, flat, straight, wavy, or curly. The flat and straight coated Goldendoodle will look much more similar to their Golden Retriever parent, while wavy or curly variations will look decidedly more Doodle-like. Goldendoodle Coat at 1 Year By one year old your Goldendoodle will have continued its steady transition from puppy to adult coat. Any shedding should reduce and if a proper grooming regime has not been implemented this is where you may begin to encounter difficulty with matting. At 12 months you can begin to implement a professional grooming regime, while it is unlikely that you will need to attend more than 12 weekly at this stage, it is a good age to introduce clippers and nail clipping. This will be coarser than their puppy coat but overall, the Goldendoodle often retains the softer hairlike coat prized in Doodle hybrids. At this age, any work you put into familiarizing your pooch with grooming tools will really come into its own. It will not be unusual for a Goldendoodle to require daily grooming to keep them matt free. At 2 years you will have an idea of how quickly your particular dog requires a professional groom. Be warned though, if you prefer your Goldendoodle in a lower maintenance shorter cut, this could mean a trip to the groomers as frequently as 6 to 8 weekly. Goldendoodle Coat at 5 Years By 5 years of age, your Goldendoodle coat will be a product of things such as nutrition and grooming care. This can of course vary widely from owner to owner. A Goldendoodle supported with a good quality diet and given regular grooming may continue to exhibit a glossy coat while a Goldendoodle with less attentive owners may require to be kept in a very short cut and hair may appear coarser. Goldendoodle Coat at 10 Years By ten years of age, it is not unusual for high-energy Goldendoodles to still appear puppy-like. However, their coat may be the giveaway. At ten plus years they are officially entering their senior years and this can often show up in their coat. Many Goldendoodles that started out solid black, for example, may fade to a distinguished silver. Likewise, rich red tones may fade to blonde. It is worth mentioning that older coats and dogs may need additional support in terms of supplements and conditioning treatments. Older dogs may not tolerate prolonged grooming sessions either meaning everything may just need to slow down a bit. Either way, you will have had a fantastic companion for 10 plus years by this point and every gray hair will just tell the stories of the adventures you have shared. Again, this depends on their parents. But most commonly, they have wavy hair. Those with curly hair resemble their Poodle ancestry. Those with a straight look appear more like Golden Retrievers. The latter is far easier to groom. Speaking of grooming… Length After your dogs latest trip to the groomer, how long should you wait before scheduling their next visit? Mark it on your calendar, every six weeks about does the trick. Most Goldendoodles will have regrown everything in about three to four months. Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers have longer coats. While Labradoodles could have a shorter coat, this is uncommon in Goldendoodles, if even present. All in all, a Goldendoodle is a great pet for owners with allergies. While there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, Doodle breeds shed far less than most and are quite allergy friendly. Many Goldendoodle parents may note that their puppy's coat quickly fills with fluffy clumps as a result of this. This is a definite indication that the shift has begun for your dog! Your Goldendoodle puppy's fur is thickest at three months old. It's possible that your puppy's coat has grown to its full potential and is very well-colored at this time. Your Goldendoodle could start to lose its puppy fur and develop an adult coat between the ages of 4 and 8 months. Depending on the exact kind of fur, this process may be slow and scarcely perceptible, rapid and evident, or protracted and difficult. The color and texture of their pelt can also vary. Don't get too depressed if your puppy's fur lasts past the age of 12 months; some Doodles may continue to shed puppy fur. We mentioned earlier about grooming. While most breeds you can take to the groomer at about 12 weeks, you probably want to wait until this six-month mark to shuffle them to the stylist. This will allow most of their puppy fur to be shed. When a puppy is 6 to 10 months old, the silky puppy coat often begins to shed gradually. Your Goldendoodle will continue its gradual transformation from puppy to adult coat by the age of one. Any shedding should be minimized, and if a suitable grooming routine isn't put in place at this time, you can have issues with knots. First, the adult coat becomes stiffer and more curly. Over time, you will notice that the coat is not as soft as it used to be. Most of the time, the color will usually lighten as the dog ages. They will grey just like we will. There are a handful of reasons for changes at this age or, sometimes, younger. If your dog is one that loves daytime romps, the sun could bleach its fur over time. This is natural. Diet and nutrition can affect their coats as well. A lack of vitamins could cause them to shed and matt. You might be allergic to dogs, but your dog could also be allergic to you. Or other things too. If they do have allergies this can affect the color, texture and volume of your puppy's coat. See your vet for best practices about how to assist your dog in these instances. Inherited or communicated diseases can also affect your dog's coat. Again, your trusted vet is best suited to formulate a plan of action for managing the situation. The same goes for grooming your senior pup. Older dogs need to be treated with a bit of finesse. Have that same respect for your dog. Especially those over the age of about ten years or so. If they have arthritis, for example, be aware of those areas on their body. But what happens during the time in between hair care visits? You can even take things step by step and demonstrate how easy it can be. Keep things light. Keep things fun. Shampoo and conditioner of high quality are viable options for special treatment. There are other, less expensive options as well. When they are true puppies, you want to only wash them when they start to smell. What will really help is brushing your puppy on a regular basis. Popping out the brush once a day or every other day is recommended. Brushing their hair less than once a week will almost definitely spell disaster. You can trim things up here and there as well. Where are some trouble spots that will need to be considered when grooming your pup? These might be found at the base of their tail, beneath their ears, and in the area just above their armpits. Don't forget about the back of their haunches and elbows. The best way to learn is with hands-on experience. Ready to get your Goldendoodle today? Have more questions about anything and everything Goldendoodle related? We have the answers , and for all things Doodles, stay tuned to our exciting and educational blog.

Email: [email protected] Glamour Doodles is another small family-owned breeding service that focuses on Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. The dog owners at Glamour Doodles start their breeding journey with healthy and happy parents that have undergone extensive genetic testing. Glamour Doodles guarantees that their pups have not inherited any genetic problems, and they are constantly monitored for any behavioral issues. Additionally, their doodles start learning how to socialize with other animals and humans from an early age. This method helps make for a smoother transition into a new home. Be mindful that these dogs are rescued and may come from harsh environments. Therefore, these particular fun-loving Doodles may receive additional attention due to their upbringing. Moreover, they only need moderate exercise and can adapt to apartment living in a snap. Interestingly, some veterinarians argue their doodles may be healthier than Labradors because they do not have any genetic diseases. Additionally, Doodles are easy to train as well. Temperament This breed of dog possesses a temperament that fits well in family environments. Doodles are very friendly, but they can be hesitant to be around strangers until you properly introduce them. Doodles are intelligent, confident, and easy to train. They are very amenable to training methods centered on positive reinforcement. Exercise Needs For the best results, moderate exercise is in order which can consist of a couple of walks of day and an hour of playtime. A cockapoo ready to party Grooming Requirement Fortunately, Doodles do not shed , making them the perfect pet for anyone who is allergic to pet hair. Their short coats are easy to groom and only need occasional baths in conjunction with weekly brushing. Doodles will shed just one time a year, and this is during the summer. Lifespan Doodles have a very long life span of 12 to 15 years. Moreover, they are some of the longest-living breeds of dogs. Diet Doodles usually do well when consuming corn, wheat, or soy foods. These ingredients have been found to cause the least amount of allergic reactions. Moreover, these ingredients are high in carbohydrates and protein. Adopting an adult dog has its rewards. Yes, it can be more appealing to adopt a pup instead. You have an opportunity to change their world, and they deserve the support. So we hope you adopt a dog from any of these quality doodle rescues in Florida. 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. Labradoodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the US. They are friendly, loving family dogs who are intelligent and easy and keen to train. Planning on adopting a Labradoodle in the state of Florida? The majority of rescue dogs come from individual owner surrender. The most common reasons for surrender are a change in lifestyle or the specific breed not being a good fit. A hefty price tag for Labradoodle puppies leads to high expectations from buyers. Puppies of certain colors and fur types are seen as less desirable, making them difficult to sell, and can end up in rescue. Due to their popularity, they are generally rehomed very quickly. Adoption applications for a single dog can easily reach the hundreds. Many centers use third-party platforms to advertise the dogs they are rehoming. The platforms advertise thousands of dogs available for adoption and are always the best place to start your search as your net is cast wider and you can refine your search by breed and location. Absolutely Pawesome has provided you with 23 of the very best Labradoodle rescue shelters located in the state of Florida below: Table of Contents. Goldendoodle Overview Goldendoodle Overview A goldendoodle is a crossbreed between a full-bred golden retriever and a poodle. Goldendoodles weigh up to 90 pounds when fully grown and are the largest breed that we offer. A Labradoodle is a cross between a full-bred Labrador retriever and a poodle, giving them many of the personality traits of a Labrador retriever. They get their hypoallergenic coats from their poodle side. Their temperament and energy make them an ideal choice for families that have children. A Labradoodle likes to explore, play and make friends with any creature it encounters. Having a large yard for them to explore is another way to cater to their high drive and playful nature. Numerous colors and sizes make this a versatile breed. The smallest Labradoodle puppy might grow to 22 pounds while the largest can top out at 90 pounds. Cockapoo Overview Cockapoo Overview Cockapoos are ideal for apartment dwellers because the smallest puppies will only grow to 6 pounds by adulthood. A Cockapoo is the cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a poodle, and they come in an assortment of colors and fur textures. The Cocker Spaniel in this breed gives it its regal, easy going demeanor, and cockapoos are intelligent, playful and curious dogs. They make friends easily and bond well with children, making them wonderful family pets. You do still need to groom and bathe them regularly. We address destructive chewing, nipping and playful biting, going to the bathroom indoors and other potential behavioral issues. This means that your spouse and children may also become allergic to dogs. The problem is pet dander, which is found in the fur that dogs shed regularly from their coats. Hypoallergenic breeds still shed but much less than other dogs would. The methods they use correct unwanted behaviors and reward the behaviors you desire in your pet. When your puppy arrives, it knows not to chew on furniture and clothing, that it needs to go to the bathroom outside and not to nip or bite. Walking a dog can be a hassle if it pulls on the leash every time it gets excited, so your puppy will be leash trained and cooperative even in the presence of distractions. Why you should consider rescuing a Labradoodle in Florida: There are plenty of reasons to adopt a Labradoodle in Florida! For one, they make great companions. They are also relatively easy to train and are non-shedding, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. Another big reason to adopt a Labradoodle in Florida is that they are great at swimming. This is a huge bonus if you live near the beach or any bodies of water. Finally, Labradoodles in Florida need rescuing just like any other dog. They can end up in shelters or with rescue groups for a variety of reasons, including being surrendered by their owners or being pulled from a shelter. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature. If you are looking for a Labradoodle rescue in Florida, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Research: The first thing you should do is research different Labradoodle rescues in Florida. This will help you find the ones that are reputable and have a good track record. You can read reviews online, talk to people who have adopted from the rescue, and visit the rescue in person to get a feel for the environment. Once you have narrowed down your search, contact the rescue and ask about their adoption process. They will likely have an application that you will need to fill out. Be sure to ask about any fees that may be associated with adoption. Once you have been approved to adopt, you will be able to meet the Labradoodles that are available for adoption. Spend some time getting to know each dog and see which one would be the best fit for your family. Reputable rescues often have affiliations with national or local animal welfare organizations. These certifications serve as an indicator of their commitment to best practices and high standards of care. Assessing Adoption Procedures A good Labradoodle rescue will have a thorough adoption process that ensures their dogs are placed in suitable and loving homes. Inquire about their screening process, which may include an application, home visit, and reference checks. Their insights can provide valuable guidance and help you make an informed decision. This will give you a broader perspective and assist you in finding the best Labradoodle rescue in Florida. Finding the best Labradoodle rescue in Florida requires diligent research, in-person visits, and consideration of various factors. By conducting thorough investigations, and assessing adoption procedures, you will find a good Labradoodle Rescue. Any Recommendation for Labradoodle Rescue in Florida: If you have any personal experience with one of the rescues listed or know of any reputable rescue organization that you trust that is not included in our list, please share them in the comments section. We would be happy to add them to our list. Conclusion for Labradoodle Rescues in Florida : We hope this post has helped you in your search for the best Labradoodle Rescues in Florida. If you know of anyone who may be interested in adopting a Labradoodle, please share this post with them and help support these dedicated rescue organizations! Social Media: Facebook Instagram Twitter 3. They specialize in the rescue of Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. Since they were created in , they have been a c 3 organization in good standing. They house dogs in foster homes throughout the United States. IDOG Rescue has connections with shelters all the way across the country to make sure that doodles will be pulled as quickly as possible so they spend as little time in the shelter environment as they can. IDOG Rescue wants to ensure that no doodle is euthanized, regardless of behavior or medical status. They take Doodles of any color or coat type and they also take heartworm positive dogs. They will consider any dog with medical or behavioral issues, but will only take dogs if they are confident they can successfully treat and place them. IDOG Rescue also offers rehoming services to help people who need to find a new home for their dog do so safely and successfully. They will also take owner-surrendered dogs. By taking owner surrendered dogs and assisting with rehoming, they hope to keep dogs out of the shelter in the first place, dramatically reducing the stress that dogs have to go through. If you would like to adopt a dog from this rescue, you will need to find an available dog that is located somewhere near your area, since adopters are considered within a reasonable distance from the foster home. Therefore, you will want to find dogs being fostered in Florida if you would like to adopt from this rescue. Applications must be made for particular dogs, not general adoption requirements. In order for a home to be considered, annual vet exams and minimal vet care is required for existing pets. Homes are disqualified if dogs are kept outside, bred irresponsibly, not spayed or neutered, or where animal cruelty or neglect charges have been made. IDOG Rescue raises money through its adoption fees and through donations. Coastal Poodle Rescue, Inc. Coastal Poodle Rescue focuses on rescuing poodles, but they are happy to help out doodles when they find them as well. They adopt dogs out to anywhere in Florida, but do not adopt outside of Florida. They were established in to assist poodles and poodle mixes. Coastal Poodle Rescue is a non-profit c 3 corporation run entirely by volunteer efforts. They concentrate their rescue on the Eastern and Coastal areas of Florida from Duval to Dade County, but they have been known to take poodles and poodle mixes from many other places as well. Once a dog is under the care of Coastal Poodle Rescue, they are spayed or neutered, get updated vaccinations, receive a thorough vet exam, and are tested for heartworms and parasites. Conditions are treated before adoptions and always disclosed to the adopting family. All of the dogs with Coastal Poodle Rescue are placed into foster homes. They do not have a facility of any kind. In addition to rescue, Coastal Poodle Rescue educates about the enjoyment and special needs of keeping poodles, promotes spaying and neutering, and speaks out about the problems with over-breeding. Coastal Poodle Rescue takes dogs in shelter situations and may also take owner surrenders. Contact them if you need to re-home your poodle or poodle mix. Home visits and interviews will be conducted. It is wise to fill out an application even if Coastal Poodle Rescue does not currently have the dog of your choosing available so that if such a dog does become available you can be contacted. Marley Poodle Standard , , Please read Marley's full bio. If you would like to learn more about him from his foster family, we will… show more Please read Marley's full bio. If you would like to learn more about him from his foster family, we will need an application to adopt from you. That can be found on our website www. Meet Marley! This 2-year-old Standard Poodle weighs 51 lbs. Are you looking for a big ole cuddly teddy bear? Then Marley is your guy! General Behavior: Marley is a happy and outgoing boy who is always prepared for lots of snuggles and play. He is super lovable and is sure to greet each person he meets with that silly, toothy smile of his. Although Marley loves to play, he is a fairly laid-back pup for his age. He will take advantage of the naps he can get while lying at his humans feet and will certainly take any hugs, rubs, and cuddles he can get. He can often be found following his foster family around the house asking for pets or for their participation in his favorite…a game of fetch! Marley does feel quite uncomfortable when separated from his trusted people when he knows they are home. When you are home, he wants to be right by your side. Training: Marvelous Marley has shown off his house training skills in his foster home and once settled, will let you know when he needs to go out. He is very well-behaved and has great basic manners, he is very eager to please. He also walks well on a leash. Medical: Marley has bilateral hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis in his right hip. However, he has no current hind limb lameness. He is still an active and playful pooch and is not affected by his diagnosis at this time. He has not yet been introduced to any cats but we think he would do fine with them. Children: Marley is a gentle giant and is cautious with kiddos. A home with children would be okay. Home: Marley is such a sweet guy with the most loving personality. He is very respectful of the home he resides in and would do well in both a sizable apartment and a single-family home. His ideal family would be an active one that can provide him with the activity that he requires and of course, play a couple of games of catch with him every day. Grooming: As a Standard Poodle, Marley will require regular visits to the groomer every weeks. Any potential families should be aware of this recurring expense. Overall: Marley will make a wonderful addition to an active and loving family. Are you the one for Marley? Then visit our website www. He is up to date on vaccines, heartworm negative, microchipped, and neutered.

Have you ever looked at your pug and thought, he would just be cuter if he was wearing clothes? Many people have found the advantages of pugs and clothes and there are lots of great clothes to choose from. Here are some of the best clothes for a pug dog and how you can choose the best one for your pug. Do you want a two-for-one deal? Best Clothes for Pugs We know how fun it is to dress up your pug, so we tried out lots of clothes on the market to decide what are the best options for clothing your pug. This stylish sweatshirt is designed specifically for dogs who have a wide chest, such as the pug. It is the perfect choice for pugs who often get chilly and need something comfortable and easy to wear. If you want your pug to be able to wear their sweatshirt most of the day, this is a great choice. Benefits This sweatshirt is soft and warm to keep your pug cozy on colder days. The material is resistant to shrinking. The cute little pocket on the hoodie that is a contrasting color in most of the color choices. Downsides Arms do not fit all dogs correctly. The front zipper is a little bit difficult to put on. An empty outlined icon indicating the option to save an item Save Article svetikd When it comes to planning your family Halloween costume , don't forget about your dogs! Of course, you'll want to incorporate Halloween costumes for kids , but nothing is more fun than getting your pet involved in the holiday. Whether you choose a punny Halloween costume or one from pop culture , you're sure to win the neighborhood contest when your dog is involved. You can't go wrong with a funny family costume that involves Fido and we've included more than one here. Looking for something a little more classic? We would never dream of leaving off our go-to witches costume of this round up. Even if your pup hates wearing outfits, we've found a few costumes that we're pretty positive you can convince them to wear long enough for a picture, with a few treats as a bargaining chip, of course. Just be sure the costume doesn't interfere with your pet's sight, hearing, breathing, or mouth and you're good to go, per the American Veterinary Medical Association. And, of course, never leave your dog unattended while they are in costume or when there's candy accessible to them. Looking for more Halloween costume inspiration? Check out these awesome ideas! With over 20 years of professional experience working with dogs, Ovidiu is well versed in providing various dog care services and specializes in dog obedience and behavioral training. Ovidiu and his staff, who have more than 45 years of cumulative experience in the NYC dog walking business, provide personalized dog services including dog training, walking, hiking, boarding, sitting, and puppy care. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 39, times. Want to make some cute clothes for your dog at home? You're in luck—all it takes to give your pet a whole new wardrobe is some simple supplies and basic DIY skills. Read on to learn how to make dog clothes so your pup can strut around in a bunch of new looks. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Choose a baby onesie that fits your dog and put it on your pup. Mark a hole for your dog's tail and an opening for their crotch so they can go potty while wearing the outfit. Take the onesie off your pup and cut out the holes. Review this handy chart that converts infant and toddler sizes to dog sizes: [1] X Research source Newborn: Up to a 7 lb 3. Take your dog out of the onesie, cut off the excess fabric, and sew the sides of the onesie back together. Cut the toe off the low-cut sock. Measure your dog from its neck to its arms. Add 0. Mark the measurement on the sock. Grab the extra low-cut sock. To make a scarf, make two cuts from the cuff of the sock down to the toe. Cut the sleeve off the fleece jacket. Cut around the points that you marked down. It will add a cute decorative touch to the jacket. If the collar is a little too tight for your dog, cut the cuff of the fleece sleeve. Draw two semi-circles at both sides of the sleeve and cut them out to make the arm holes. Draw a big U-shape at the bottom edge of the sleeve and cut out an opening so your dog can go potty. Draw a U-shape at the opposite end of the sleeve and cut it out. To create a chic collar for your dog, fold over the neck of the doggy t-shirt. If you want to give your doggy t-shirt a special touch, use fabric markers to add fun designs or write a little message. All you need is a single diagram to get started. Click one of the patterns below for the size that fits your dog. Sew the ends of the strip together to create a waistband. Lay your 2 patterns next to each other and on top of your fabric. Trace around them and cut out your doggy jeans. Place the waistband into the upper portion of the doggy jeans and sew it in place. Use fabric with a soft texture like velour if you want a sporty style. Cut a strip of fabric that matches your dog's waistline. Measure your dog from the middle of its back to where you want the skirt to end. Use the measurement to cut out a strip from a pillow case. Ruffle the top edge of the strip and hem its sides. For extra flair, pick up one with ruffles or lace frills. Choose a bag made out of a waterproof material, like nylon or vinyl. Disassemble the bag with a seam ripper. Lay your pattern on top of the bag. Trace it and cut out the shape from the pattern. Hem the belly band of the coat. Attach Velcro tape to the belly band. Cut out a large and a small piece of fabric. To create a center, wrap the smaller piece of fabric around the middle of the bow tie. Secure it at the back with hot glue. For a small bow tie, your pieces of fabric should be 3. For a medium bow tie, your pieces of fabric should be 8. For a large bow tie, your pieces of fabric should be .Connect the ends of the elastic bend with a safety pin. Lay down your tulle and cut out 2—3 in 5. Hot glue a ribbon onto the elastic band. Fold your strips of tulle in half. Drape them over the elastic band. Tie the strips of tulle to the elastic band. Repeat this process until the elastic band is covered with strips of tulle. This adds volume to the tutu. Use a gold paint pen to draw cross-hatched lines on the t-shirt. Cut out leaves of various sizes from a sheet of green felt. Cut a long strip out of your sheet of green felt. Wrap in the shape of a cylinder. Hot glue its ends in place. Hot glue the bottom of your green felt cylinder to the center of your strip of One-Wrap Velcro. Hot glue your leaves onto the cylinder. Then, slip your dog into the t-shirt you spruced up. Your pet will instantly give everyone a dose of sweetness when it walks around in its new getup. Then, cut off a piece of ribbon. Repeat this process for their belly. When you want the cape to be a cooling towel, soak the towel with cool water. Then, put it on your dog and tie the ribbons up. You've viewed 48 of products Frequently Asked Question What is the idea behind matching dog and owner clothing? Matching dog and owner clothing is a fun way to celebrate the bond between humans and their furry companions. Dogs are cherished family members, and coordinating outfits allows us to create lasting memories together. Not only that, but hoodies make for exceptionally cozy attire for both humans and dogs alike. It's a way to show our love and affection, demonstrating that our strong dogs, like Pitbulls, French Bulldogs, big dogs, and even puppies, are an integral part of our lives. How do I find the right matching dog and owner clothing set? To find the perfect matching dog and owner clothing set, there are a few things to consider. Look for sets that are made with soft and flexible fabrics, ensuring comfort for both you and your furry companion. Specifically, seek out hoodies that are tailored fit for your strong dogs, like Pitbulls, French Bulldogs, big dogs, or even puppies. This ensures a stylish and snug look. By choosing a set that combines fashion and functionality, you and your four-legged friend can rock your matching hoodies with pride and create adorable memories together. Filter Dog Halloween Costumes Face it. Your dog is more of a party animal than you'll ever be. If it were up to him, he'd be drinking punch straight from the bowl within the first five minutes of the party, followed by a run across the dance floor to chase that person dressed like a cat. That's why you shouldn't deny your pet the pleasure of dressing up for the holiday, just like his master! You'll find fun dog Halloween costumes here! Fortunately for you, we a have myriad of great dog costumes for your pet to choose from. If your dog's got the rhythm in his heart, then you can dress him up as one of the great musicians of the century, like Elvis or Michael Jackson. If your dog is more of the superhero type, he can become Batman or Superman. He can even help you on some Ghostbusting missions in one of our Ghostbusters pet costumes. Whatever his fancy is, we're sure to have something that will let your pooch get in touch with his inner party animal with our dog costumes. Search through our large selection of pet costumes for the best puppy outfits around! Dog Costumes Life without your pet is just too hard to imagine! Your furry little friend gives you love, companionship, and endless hours of entertainment. Your pet could be the life of the party if he just had a silly outfit to wear! From Star Wars to Wizard of Oz , your dog can join any kind of party with one of these adorable outfits. If your pooch is a fun-loving canine, then he might be ready for one of our dog costumes. Just check our list below of some of our favorites! Of course, make sure to check out our other lion costumes , so you can match your pet by going as a group costume with your pet! Hot Dog Costume for Dogs Now, this hot dog costume may be a little confusing to your little doggie. Normally, your pup likes to eat the hot dog, but in this funny outfit for dogs, your pet becomes the hot dog. The hot dog portion of the costume is even made out of a faux leather material to give your pet an appetizing look! Dog Spider Costume Does your dog ever chase after bugs? Does he leap and bound across the living room trying to eat that rogue fly that found its way into your home? Well, then perhaps your pooch likes to pretend that he is a vicious arachnid, hunting for his meal. Insects in your home had better beware! Shark Puppy Costume Have you ever seen your dog dreaming? You know how it goes. They start making some goofy noises, and then their legs start twitching. Well, your dog might be dreaming of being the apex predator of the ocean, hunting down all the fishies that are smaller and weaker than him! Of course, you pup could just be dreaming about eating an endless array of hamburgers that fell on the floor… Minion Dog Costume Now, this is a costume that accurately portrays how most dogs view themselves! Your average dog sees himself as your ultimate helper, much like the Despicable Me Minions are to Gru. However, the Minions from the animated film often find themselves causing more trouble for their master than helping much like your clumsy pup. Gru still loves them anyways and lets them tag along during his misadventures. This Minion dog costume should help you bring your pup on all your misadventures as well. It comes with a jacket and hood that help make your puppy look like a creation from the depths of your laboratory. No lightning bolts are necessary to jolt this costume to life. It also looks great with any of our mad scientist costumes. Costumes for Cats Cats are quite the enigma. Even experienced cat owners will tell you that sometimes, their cat just does things that cannot be explained, but that never stops us from loving the fluffy little animals. For those of you brave enough to try, we do carry many outfits that are that can be worn by cats. Those that do enjoy wearing clothes will look ultra-adorable in our costumes for cats. Search through our selection of pet costumes to find something your kitty won't hate to wear. Dress them up in cat Halloween costumes that one time a year or even for an every day look. Just think about it. You must feed him and provide him with suitable drinking fluids. You must provide him with adequate entertainment, or he will become dissatisfied and subsequently tear up the curtains. You even clean his poop up. Cat Bat Wings Have you ever been suspicious of your cat? He might just be a vampir in disguise! Well, now you can with this cat bat wings accessory. Cat Lion Costume Your kitty sees himself as a wild jungle king, even if he spends most of his time napping in sunbeams. He sees himself as a ferocious lion, who uses his masterful hunting skills to track down any prey, even if he IS still afraid of a lone cucumber. Well, we suggest making a compromise, by letting him wear this cat lion costume , which is based on the cowardly lion from the Wizard of Oz. Some cats are afraid of them, since they resemble their well-known foe, the cucumber. A few cats actually eat them. Even fewer cats… dream of becoming one! Now, your ferocious little kitty can become her favorite fruit when she dresses up in this cute cat banana costume. Star Wars Dog Costumes Have you ever wondered what kind of character your dog would be if he were in the Star Wars movies? Would your puppy be an agent for the Galactic Empire, wearing a Stormtrooper outfit? He could even be an Imperial Walker, so you can dress up like Darth Vader and become a real live version of the classic meme. Well, whatever role you think your pooch would play in the Star Wars movies, we have a costume that will help him unleash his inner star power! Just check out our list below. Ewok Dog Costume Wicket might be one of the easiest associations you can make with your pet! After all, Ewoks are small, furry, adorable, and they have an intense desire to protect their home from bad guys. Just use this Ewok dog costume to get his look down right. Bantha Dog Costume Is your dog the kind of wild beast that Tusken Raiders would like to take along with them on arduous journeys on Tatooine? Then your pup is probably a bit like a Bantha! Banthas are loyal creatures that carry the Tusken Raiders around on their backs and this Bantha dog costume is an easy way to transform your pup into one of the critters from the movie. Your dog can look like the assault vehicle used by the Empire in The Empire Strikes Back when he wears this Imperial Walker dog costume. Just make sure to help him fight off the Snowspeeders that will be gunning for him when he wears this cute costume. You can also take him for a walk dressed as Darth Vader for great comedic appeal. Jedi Dog Costume Sometimes your dog is your only hope when a situation goes sideways. Like when your plate tips over and your entire dinner falls onto the floor? Yoda Dog Costume Is your pooch wise beyond his years? Does he like to lurk around in swampy areas like Dagobah? That little green guy liked to get muddy and hang out with all kinds of creepy creatures in the depths of Dagobah. Dewback Dog Costume Maybe your dog is a little bit more of a bad guy! Well, then he probably needs an outfit that more accurately reflects his allegiance. Your dog probably imagines himself as being a great service to the Empire and no creature is of more service to the Empire as the big, lizard-like creatures called Dewbacks! These critters transport Stormtroopers all across the deserts of Tatooine and this Dewback dog costume is a great way to make him feel just like a Dewback. This quick guide will tell you step-by-step how to dress your large or small dog into a Halloween costume. Ears in Head Piece Some costumes come with a headpiece, so you may want to start by putting that on your pup. Fasten Head Piece The next step is simple as long as you have a compliant pooch! If you fasten it too loosely, it may easily fall off. If you do it too tightly, it may be uncomfortable for your pet. Head Piece Attached When the headpiece is completely attached, your dog should look like a wacky character of your choosing! Make your final adjustments to ensure that the piece is secure on his head and not too tight. If your pooch is uncomfortable, or not used to wearing headwear, he may try to take it off, so comfort is key. Check to see if there are any Velcro straps in the front and fasten them. Remember that candy unless specifically made for dogs is not good for dogs, so you might want to bring a few treats of your own if you plan on taking him with you or your kids for a round of trick or treating in the neighborhood.

Bernedoodles, being fond of younger kids, are extremely affectionate to their families. Many owners boast about their Bernedoodles being incredibly loving and affectionate to them, as well as their family. This cute little dog can be a perfect childhood companion for your children, thanks to their longer average lifespan of years! They can't be left alone for long periods of time, or they start to exhibit behaviors of loneliness and separation anxiety. Bernedoodles are highly affectionate and love being around their human families, especially kids. They love attention and crave regular cuddle sessions. This affectionate breed makes excellent therapy dogs, and for a good reason. Naturally, this breed is curious and cautious before meeting someone new, but once it knows you usually within minutes , it won't stop asking for cuddles and hugs from you. Bernedoodles love spending time with their favorite people in the family and also love to interact with other dogs. So, it is a great idea to go for hikes and discover new places with your companion once in a while. This breed does not respond well to harsh corrections and punishments. A Bernedoodle will exceed your expectations if you provide a positive rewards-based approach in training sessions. They are sensitive to changes in family members moods or feelings. They can get their feelings hurt when harshly scolded but they are always ready to give love and comfort to children and adults alike. Don't Overwork Your Bernedoodle! Bernedoodles love to learn new things and are excited about everything they do, especially if they inherit more of the Poodle parent's traits. However, it is important to keep the training sessions short and let them practice one command at a time. A minute session should be plenty, don't overdo it; otherwise, your puppy might get too tired and won't respond to any command. Is a Bernedoodle Easy To Train? This hybrid breed loves to learn new things. Is a Bernedoodle Good For You? We say yes! But, we admit we're biased so you'll have to decide for yourself. It really depends on your lifestyle. Before choosing any breed, it is important to consider your lifestyle and evaluate whether or not you can provide the best environment to raise a dog and meet all its needs. Because they come in many sizes, it's a no-brainer to go for a Bernedoodle, even if you live in an apartment. Just make sure you can house train your dog, and try to ensure there is always someone to interact with your dog when you are not at home. Bernedoodles are very compatible in apartments as long as they receive regular exercise and stimulation. So if you can provide that, don't let lack of space limit you from inviting a sweet ball of fur to join your life. You won't regret it, I promise! Where Can I Get a Bernedoodle? The temperament of a Bernedoodle, its non-aggressive nature and ability to be trained makes it a great pet for many families! We at Down Home Doodle are a reputable and experienced team of Bernedoodle breeders and trainers. Our priority is to provide healthy puppies and offer the best training support to ensure a forever home for all of our puppies! Post not marked as liked1 Recent Posts. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Bernedoodle Overview The Bernedoodle is a companion dog, through and through. The breed inherits the intelligence of its Poodle parents and the charming, goofy, happy-go-lucky temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Sometimes they get more Poodle traits, and other times they more closely resemble the Bernese. That said, fans of Bernedoodles adore their friendliness, playfulness, intelligence, and affection. They also tend to be more hypoallergenic, which is a blessing for allergy sufferers. In addition to their personalities, Bernedoodles can differ in appearance. Their coats can be curly and wavy or straight and come in a variety of colors. They come in three sizes; tiny, miniature, and standard. These sizes are determined by the size of the Poodle parent, which can be toy, mini, or standard. Bernedoodles are fairly adaptable and go with the flow. Smaller sized Bernedoodles make better apartment pets than Standard Bernedoodles, who do best with a yard to burn off energy. This breed has moderate exercise needs that are usually met with at least one long daily walk. Bernedoodle Highlights Gentle and loving: Bernedoodles are known for their gentle and loving personalities. They are good with children and other pets. Intelligent and trainable: Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They can learn basic commands quickly and can be trained to perform more complex tasks. Hypoallergenic: Bernedoodles are considered to be hypoallergenic, which means they are less likely to shed and cause allergies in people. Active but adaptable: Bernedoodles are active dogs that need a moderate amount of exercise. However, they are also adaptable and can do well in apartments or homes with small yards. Loyal and devoted: Bernedoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and love to cuddle. If you are looking for a loving, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, the Bernedoodle may be the right breed for you. Here are some additional details about the Bernedoodle breed: Size: Bernedoodles are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 45 and 90 pounds. Lifespan: Bernedoodles have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Coat: Bernedoodles have a wavy or curly coat that can be either single- or double-coated. Colors: Bernedoodles can be a variety of colors, including black, brown, white, and cream. Bernedoodles are a relatively new breed, so there is still some debate about their exact origins. However, it is believed that they were first bred in the United States in the early s. The goal was to create a dog that was hypoallergenic and had the best qualities of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. Bernedoodles are becoming increasingly popular dogs. They are a good choice for families with children and other pets. They are also a good choice for people with allergies. If you are thinking about getting a Bernedoodle, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. Bernedoodle History The Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed. While this is considered a designer breed, they do appear in shelters, and rescue groups that focus on Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs will sometimes work with mixes of those breeds. There is no reason that you have to rely on a breeder for a Bernedoodle, and you should always adopt before shopping. Bernedoodle Size There are three sizes of Bernedoodle: tiny, miniature, and standard. These result from the size of the Poodle parent, which can be toy, mini, or standard size. The Tiny Bernedoodle stands at 12 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs about 10 to 24 pounds. The Miniature Bernedoodle stands at 18 to 22 inches tall and weighs 25 to 49 pounds. The Standard Bernedoodle stands at 23 to 29 inches and weigh 70 to 90 pounds. Males are generally larger than females. Bernedoodle Personality Bernedoodles seem to get many of the best personality traits from the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle breeds. Exactly which traits they inherit from their parents can differ a bit, though, and individual personalities of dogs within the breed vary. Bernedoodles tend to be highly intelligent, hardworking when necessary, loyal, and just a bit goofy. They are good with children and other dogs, provided they have been well socialized. Once they begin training, their intelligence helps them pick up commands more easily than other dogs. Bernedoodles can have high energy levels and crave attention and at least moderate exercise. They do best in homes where they are not left alone for long periods of time. Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles do better with apartment and city life than Standard Bernedoodles. Generally, they want nothing more than to be with their humans and are just as ready to go outside and play with them as they are to join them on the couch for cuddles. Bernedoodle Health Bernedoodles are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to some health problems, including: Hip dysplasia : This is a condition in which the hip joint does not fit together properly, causing pain and lameness. Elbow dysplasia : This is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Bloat: This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists, cutting off blood flow. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA : This is a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness. Hereditary cataracts : These are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye that can cause vision problems. Demodex mange : This is a skin condition caused by mites. Inflammatory bowel disease IBD : This is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Hypothyroidism : This is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. It is important to take your Bernedoodle to the vet for regular checkups to monitor their health and catch any potential problems early. You should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of these health problems so that you can seek treatment promptly if necessary. Here are some tips for keeping your Bernedoodle healthy: Feed them a healthy diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level. Make sure they get plenty of exercise. Keep them at a healthy weight. Brush their teeth regularly. Take them to the vet for regular checkups. By following these tips, you can help your Bernedoodle live a long and healthy life. Bernedoodle Care Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles are more suited to apartment life, while Standard Bernedoodles do better with a nice yard to run around. They love being around their humans, so the less time they spend alone, the better. Like Poodles, Bernedoodles are quite intelligent, which means they can learn bad habits just as easily as good ones. It is important to keep up with training. Early socialization and exposure to other dogs and humans is always a good idea and will help keep them well-behaved when meeting new people or pets. Bernedoodle Feeding The appropriate amount to feed a Bernedoodle depends on their size, age, and activity level, which means it is highly individualized. You should ask your veterinarian for dietary recommendations that suit your particular dog. Sometimes Bernedoodles can have straighter coats, which shed more and are less hypoallergenic. The thickness of their coat helps this breed thrive in cool temperatures while providing them a fair amount of protection from the heat of summer months, as well. The color of Bernedoodle coats have quite a range. Some are pure black, others are black and white, and others are black and brown. Sometimes Bernedoodles are tri-colored with patches of black, white, and brown. They may even have other colors, as well. The most popular coat colors and markings for people seeking a Bernedoodle tend to resemble the tri-colored Bernese Mountain Dog. Because they shed less, they need to be brushed more often to prevent their coat from getting matted. Their coat must also be trimmed every few months, depending on how quickly it grows. Bernedoodle Children And Other Pets Bernedoodles are excellent for families with children, though it is always important to make sure children are instructed on how to properly treat animals, especially with Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles that may be injured more easily. This breed is affectionate and loves to play, and they absolutely adore spending time with their families. Bernedoodles usually do well with other dogs, but it is important to begin socialization at an early age and keep up with it to make sure they are comfortable around new animals. Bernedoodle Rescue Groups Please search your local area for Bernedoodle up for adoption. Bernedoodle Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues More Info For You. What is a Bernedoodle? They can also go by the name Bernese Mountain Poo. Like we mentioned above, Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels are often credited with having created this unique Doodle mix in .What Size Is A Bernedoodle? Dennis the Bernedoodle Photo: dennis. The size of the Bernedoodle will depend on whether a Bernese Mountain Dog is bred with a standard, miniature or toy Poodle. Standard Bernedoodles will range from 23 to 29 inches tall and 70 to 90 pounds in weight, miniature Bernedoodles can vary from 18 to 22 inches tall and 25 to 49 pounds in weight, and toy Bernedoodles can be 12 to 17 inches tall and 10 to 24 pounds in weight. We asked Dennis dennis. Dennis is what you would consider a standard Bernedoodle, although he is definitely on the lower end of the scale in terms of size and weight. He will mature at approximately 55lbs and will be about inches in height at the shoulder. Chewy is an even bigger example of a Bernedoodle given his parents were a large standard Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog. It depends; Bernedoodles, like other doodles, can be mini, medium, or standard. It also depends on their parents. Chewy is from a large standard poodle and Bernese mountain dog. It depends on the Bernedoodle type! Bernedoodles come in three sizes — tiny, miniature and standard. So, they can range anywhere from 10lbs to 90lbs! Having said, we can look at some of the possible coat colors of Bernedoodles, which can range from black and white, grey and white, brown and white and white. They can also have a tricolor coat. Bernedoodles will usually have brown eyes, triangular-shaped ears and a black nose. Eevee eeveethebernedoodle gave us an insight into Bernedoodle appearance. Eevee is a big teddy bear! She used to be pretty fluffy and her coat was mostly wavy but when she lost her baby coat it changed to more curly hair! But some Bernedoodles will end up more curly than others and some will have a more wavy coat! Eevee kept her colouring with time but I would say that her brown definitely faded a little bit with her coat changing! So again some Bernedoodles will keep their marking while growing up as some other might fade a little! Kenzie kenziedood gave us a further insight into Bernedoodle appearance. Bernedoodles are beautiful, striking dogs, and they can really vary in their coloring as well as their coat. They will often have Bernese coloring, black, brown and white- but this can present differently in different pups even from the same litter. You can also switch up their appearance depending on how you get them groomed. Bernedoodles can make loyal dogs that become very attached to their pet parents, proving to be an excellent potential candidate for a family pet. Temperament has a large genetic component. A dog of any breed is only going to be as sound as the parents. Bernese, in particular, come in both those flavors so it is important to know the breeder is breeding the best dogs possible. Chewy is an example of a Bernedoodle who is pretty chill. However, we have seen Bernedoodles that are not mellow at all. Chewy was very mellow and calm when he was a little puppy; he started to be a little more energetic in the last month. This is quite command for Bernedoodles, as they often have the stubbornness characteristic from their Berner parent. Bernedoodles are excitable, happy and driven, but are overall very lazy. They are active, however, they are the first to lay down after being in a sit, or crash after a quick walk or hike. Bernedoodles have extremely entertaining personalities and will never fail to make you laugh! We spoke to a dog separation anxiety expert to learn more about this condition. You can read our in-depth chat about the issue here. Separation anxiety usually occurs when a dog is left at home alone. However, some dogs can display signs of separation anxiety as soon as you put on your shoes or show some tell-tell signs that your departure is imminent. The symptoms include incessant barking, howling or whining, destructive chewing or digging, relentless pacing or in some extreme cases defecting or urinating inside the home. Bernedoodles, just like any other type of dog, can suffer with separation anxiety. Jamie, who is the mom of Dennis dennis. Separation anxiety also has a strong genetic component as well as a husbandry component. Sound tempered parents that are not anxious should not produce anxious puppies. That said under the right circumstances a great dog can learn to be anxious based on experiences. He is happy to sleep in his crate, or work on a Kong filled with frozen yogourt while we are away for a few hours. Although he gets super excited when we come back, we know that it is not good to get that much excitement. You may prefer to hire the services of a dog trainer to help guide you socialize your Bernedoodle dog. We put the question of whether Bernedoodles are a good choice for family pets to two of our Bernedoodle owners. Based on her experience with Dennis dennis. Overall, they are spectacular family dogs, and are usually very easy-going and patient with children. Dennis loves to play with our young nieces and nephew. They love to be close to you and are very loyal. They are even-tempered and not aggressive. Jessica highlighted some traits that would make Bernedoodles a candidate for a family pet. I think a family with kids would be amazing for Bernedoodles because they are loving and super cuddle dogs and energetics. Julianne did have a word of caution of families with Bernedoodles. From what I have seen, yes. It is all about the socialization and being properly introduced to kids of different ages. Are Bernedoodles Smart? Bernedoodles tend to be pretty smart dogs. Some Bernedoodles can display a stubborn streak, which is why consistent training is required from a young age. Are Bernedoodle Easy To Train? Bernedoodle training can be quite smooth provided you start at a young age and show patience. Kenzie kenziedood has been quick to learn new commands and tricks. Bernedoodles are very smart and can quickly pick up on new tricks as well as remember their previous training. They are very food motivated so that makes positive reinforcement training really effective. The key to training Chewy was finding out how to motivate this particular Bernedoodle. Chewy, for example, is not food motivated, so we need to use some toy, ball, play to reward him while training. They are very smart. They are very motivated dogs. If there is anything that is difficult about training a Bernedoodle, it would be their stubbornness and their intelligence. They know what they can and cannot get away with and will therefore test your limits. They learn and pick up things very quickly and their curiosity is an asset in training. Kenzie kenziedood gets around three walks a day. Bernedoodles love long walks and have quick bursts of energy- but also value a good long nap. Like any dog, they appreciate exercise and it helps them behave better throughout the day. We give our dog about 3 walks a day, as well as fetch and training sessions which exercise her mind throughout the day. Chewy is satisfied with a minute walk and lots of playtime. Their exercise [requirements] depends, a 30min walk and some playtime in the park gets Chewy tired for the day, but he gets a little excited again in the evening. I think the more you exercise your dog, the best, no matter what type of dog. They have a moderate activity level, so they love to play and run around but also snuggle right next to you on the couch. They are playful, intelligent and goofy — my favorite trait! Julianne underlined the importance of mental stimulation — too. Bernedoodles love to play and run, which can burn off lots of energy. I feel as though they are one of the breeds that can get away with mental stimulation in the house rather than long walks. However, they are known to tire out quickly. I would say an accumulation of an hour walk a day is sufficient, coupled with some training and brain games. With the right socialization and training, most dogs can be social with other canines. I think this really depends on the personality of your dog and the way you raise them. She wants to be friend with all of them! Bernedoodles are generally friendly and also really chill so I would say they do get along with other dogs as long as you get them use to them young and introduce good manners around other dogs! Are Bernedoodles Good With Cats? We have a cat at home and Saban absolutely adores her! He is also so good with other dogs out in public, he rarely barks at them. He just wants to play more than anything! Chewy is not good with cats. He likes to chase them and want to play like they are a toy. Again, this is Chewy. We have seen Bernedoodles that sleep with other cats and are super chill. Chewy is still a puppy and acts like a puppy. We hope he will be fine with cats in the future. Julianne reckons Bernedoodles will do well with cats with appropriate socialization. They are extremely curious and as long as they are introduced properly to the cat, they are very friendly. Are Bernedoodles Barkers? Having said that, this trait could develop with age. If you do have a Bernedoodle that barks a lot, you may want to contact a dog behaviorist if this is an issue for you. Chewy has never barked. However, he is only 8 months old. We had heard stories of dogs that started to bark when they got older. Some dogs that are not well socialized tend to be more vocal. Overall, I find that very few things entice them to bark. Do Bernedoodles Like To Cuddle? Most Bernedoodles are affectionate in that they want to be close to you and be around you. Are Bernedoodles Clingy? Bernedoodles tend to want to be near their owners and know where they are. Bernedoodles run warm so I think that sitting near their owners is enough for them. They tend to follow you from room to room to see what you are up to. Bernedoodles LOVE being around their humans — they hate being forced to spend time alone and feel like they are true members of your family. They require lots of attention and affection from their human family, so this is definitely something you should keep in mind when determining if a Bernedoodle is right for you! Are Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic? Bernedoodles, and Doodles in general, are much loved for their hypoallergenic qualities. However, the AKC do put forward a number of breeds that are more hypoallergenic than other types of dogs. The Poodle is one of the breeds on their dog list. Doodles of various mixes are allergy friendly and most people with allergies will not react to them. However, it is all on an individual basis as to how each individual react to with an individual dog. Do Bernedoodles Shed? However, you should keep in mind that the Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed that does shed. So Bernedoodles can barely shed, shed a little or shed moderately depending on the genes that they inherit from each parent. Kenzie kenziedood offered some advice for pet lovers looking for a low-shedding Bernedoodle. It will depend on their coat, but probably not much if at all. Do Bernedoodles Need Regular Grooming? Bernedoodles will need a trim every few months to keep their curly hair in check. Eevee has only had two full grooms so far. The groomers recommended us to wait until she lost her baby coat until a full groom! We took her for a face and paw trim when she was 6 months but we now try to trim her face and paws ourself when her hair gets too long I would definitely recommend to get your puppy use to scissors and brush really young. At 9 months we took her for her first full groom! I would say that Bernedoodles need a full groom every season depends on how short you want their coat and how often you keep up with home brushing and trimming. Chewy gets a combination of grooming at home, while some of the trickier bits are carried out by a professional. We bring Chewy to the groom to get a little trim on his private parts, paws, nails. We do the rest at home. We always trim around his eyes so we can see them. Julianne suggests grooming every six weeks is essential with this breed. Along with that, they must be brushed with a slicker brush and metal toothed comb, every single day. Neglecting to brush them daily or every other day, will result in serious damage to their coat. Mats form quickly, even if their fur is not naturally curly. Due to their generally thick coats, mats can take over very easily. It is important to keep this in mind before purchasing a Bernedoodle, as it is an extreme amount of maintenance just to keep them comfortable. Mats can tug at the skin and cause sores and irritation if not dealt with. This is why doodles are often shaved. Do Bernedoodle Need Haircuts? So the longer the cutter, but short hair Bernedoodles are really cute too. It depends on the coat and the time you have to take care of it since they have more hair than fur. Some people like their doodles coats longer and some prefer them shorter. The sweet spot for me and many other owners I know, is 1. Their coats grow quickly and can be too much for them, depending on the climate they live in and the time of the year. In order to keep your Bernedoodle from getting tangled and mats, it is important to brush them at least 3x a week, if not more. I tend to brush my Bernedoodle every day — he loves it! This will also keep haircuts at a minimum, which is important if you want your Bernedoodle to have long, flowy hair, otherwise it is more likely that he will need to be shaved. While some mixed breeds can have less health issues, they can still be prone to some problems. I recommend you really do your research before getting a Bernedoodle to make sure the breeder have all their health certificates for hip issues because Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles are big dogs and can often have hip and back issue growing up. Casey has taken some preventative steps by giving Saban some supplements. We were cautious with the health problems of both the Bernese and the poodle, so we do give him a joint supplement to be proactive. He just got neutered this past week and came through it like a trooper. Are Bernedoodles Fussy Eaters? It all depends on the individual dog. Alternatively, if you prefer feeding your Bernedoodle dry food such as kibble, you can still find some great options here. Other pet parents may prefer to check out the leading options in the raw dog food market. Dennis dennis. Fussy eating is a created behavior. This applies to ALL breeds. Bernese are known for their unstoppable appetite and many, many Bernese are quite overweight. Their doodles can inherit this appetite. But they also have a Poodle component and they are well known to self regulate and become disinterested in food once their BMI gets too high, so it can go either way. However they are worth it! Our is from Crockett Doodles. Through my research, I found a few reasons why Bernedoodles are expensive. Number 1 being the demand, of course. With a greater demand, breeders can continue to increase their prices. The other important thing to consider is how the litters are conceived. Many people ask, how is that even possible? Many breeders use artificial insemination, which is done at a veterinary clinic and is a procedure that needs to be paid for, unlike natural mating. To ensure the safety of parents, artificial insemination is often the only option to produce the smaller sized Bernedoodles that are in high demand. On top of that, some breeders do extensive health testing for the parents in their programs, to give owners a health guarantee for their puppies. Are Bernedoodles Expensive? These can range from pet food, pet insurance, grooming, trips to the vet and much more. Vicky offered the following advice based upon her experience with Eevee eeveethebernedoodle. Our Bernedoodle was our first dog to me and my boyfriend! We were both raised with dogs in our family so we are use to having dogs around Eevee is so sweet and really chill! If you raise you dog well and train them good Bernedoodles can be great first time dog owner! Eevee love to cuddle! Usually pet parents are more than forthcoming with information about their dogs. Here are some Bernedoodle accounts to check out on Instagram. A Bernedoodle also sometimes referred to as a Bernadoodle is a combination of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a toy, mini, or standard Poodle. Bernedoodles are known to be a friendly, happy go lucky, and mellow breed. Due to the Poodles sensitive nature and Bernese stubbornness, they will need firm yet gentle trainer. Bernedoodles are smart and eager to please. Basic training should begin as soon as you bring your Bernedoodle puppy home. Just remember that patience and consistency will be key! Bernedoodles are intelligent and will require mental stimulation and regular exercise to keep them happy and prevent them from becoming bored or obese. Due to the fact that they have a low to medium energy level, they typically do not require endless amounts of exercise. They are happy playing, romping, going for walks, and can even make a great jogging partner. Some Bernedoodles also like to swim! It is important to remember that not all Bernedoodles are the same and some may enjoy more or less exercise to keep them happy and healthy! This breed is often referred to as easy-going though they can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training , playful, and loyal. They are very social and do best if they are not left alone for extended periods of time. The life expectancy of an Bernedoodle is between years. This seems like quite a large range right? Remember that in general, smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs. It is important to keep in mind that many factors can affect their life expectancy such as diet, exercise, injury, genetics, etc. Since they were bred to be a working breed they can also be somewhat stubborn. Poodles on the other hand are non-shedding and typically have a longer lifespan. They are an extremely smart breed that is eager to please and often very easy to train. Did you know that Poodles were originally used as hunting dogs? The combination of these two breeds creates a smart, mellow dog that has a longer lifespan and is typically very low to non-shedding! There are several different generations of Bernedoodles. Most reputable Bernedoodle breeders will only cross a standard or moyen Poodle with a Bernese. Crossing a toy or mini Poodle with a Bernese often results in Bernedoodle puppies with short legs and a longer body like a Corgi. Most F1 Bernedoodles will be low shedding while others may shed moderately or not at all. F1b Bernedoodles tend to be a great choice for those with allergies because they have a higher percentage of Poodle. Most tend to shed very little or not at all. Yes and no. F2 Bernedoodle coats can be unpredictable due to the Bernese being IC improper coat affected. This means that they can produce puppies that do not shed at all, but they can also produce puppies that will be low or high shedders. Some F2 Bernedoodles will be furnished have doodle coats while others will be unfurnished no facial beard or doodle coat. Their percentages can be a mixture leaning towards either parent breed. When reputable breeders carefully plan and study their lines, multigens tend to be the most predictable generation when it comes to temperament, coat type, shedding factor, etc. Our multigen Bernedoodles typically are very low to non-shedding. However, sometimes we will intentionally pair two dogs together in order to create a litter that has some unfurnished coats. At Doodles of Oz we currently breed all 4 different coat types. An unfurnished Bernedoodle will have a straight, Bernese-like coat rather than a doodle coat. This means that they are more prone to shedding and are not normally recommended for those who suffer from allergies. Many unfurnished Bernedoodles do not shed as much as a full Bernese though! If you love the Bernese Mountain Dog but are looking for a similar dog that is expected to shed less and live longer or maybe even one that is smaller in size , then this may be the one for you! Bernedoodles are currently the only mix that we have with some unfurnished coats. They were bred solely for companionship, so they love attention and lots of cuddles from their families. Bernedoodles are just as happy curling up on the couch as they are hiking a trail alongside their humans. They're playful and active dogs who can be willful as puppies but are highly trainable thanks to their big brains. Appearance Though Bernese mountain dogs have a black, tan, and white uniform, poodles can have a much wider range of coat colors. Because of this, Bernedoodles can vary in color. While they're typically tricolor like their mountain dog mom or dad, they can also be pure black, black and white, or a random mix. Their fur can also be curly like their poodle parent or straighter like a Bernese mountain dog. As a general rule, the straighter the coat, the more your Bernedoodle will shed. In both cases, the thickness of a Bernedoodle mane makes this breed suitable for colder temperatures. A curly Bernedoodle coat is typically sought-after because it's considered hypoallergenic. While no dog is percent allergen-friendly, this breed's coat can be a good option for those who tend to sneeze, sniffle, or itch around dogs. Bernedoodle breeders typically offer a tiny, miniature, and standard size, which allows for flexibility with the care and living needs of each pup. A smaller mix could easily live in an apartment as long as she gets plenty of walks and exercise. The standard Bernedoodle can reach up to 29 inches in height and weigh up to 90 pounds. A mini is between 18—22 inches tall and weighs 20—45 pounds. A "tiny," bred from a toy poodle, is only 12—17 inches and weighs 10—24 pounds, according to the United Bernedoodle Registry. Temperament Affectionate and playful, Bernedoodles are a perfect family pet. They are especially fond of younger kids and provide a wonderful lifelong companion as children grow into adults. Though they're intelligent pups , they tend to be goofy and love attention from their humans. Though they can't get enough of their family, Bernedoodles might first be apprehensive, sensitive, and skittish around strangers. As with all breeds, it's important to socialize your Bernedoodle puppy so she'll be comfortable and affectionate around new people, too. She can be very charming and charismatic with positive reinforcement training. Personal space is not a part of their vocabulary, and they should not be left alone much. Loneliness can result in separation anxiety, which could cause nervous habits like whining or chewing. They will end feeling more fulfilled and have less anxious, OCD behaviors. And no matter the size, this hybrid is especially gentle-natured and loves children. They're so gentle, in fact, they don't make good guard dogs: They bark infrequently and are more likely to befriend an intruder than scare them away. Care Most often, a Bernedoodle will have a wavy or curly coat that's ideal for those with allergies. In some cases, a Bernedoodle can have a straighter coat similar to that of a Bernese mountain dog. This means they'll shed more and might not agree with an owner who's allergic to pet dander. Once the litter is a few weeks old, a Bernedoodle breeder will be able to tell what kind of coat each puppy will have in order to match the right dog to the right owner. But with that curly coat comes a greater need for grooming. Bernedoodles don't shed much , so they'll need frequent brushing to prevent painful matting. Most doodles love being brushed, and the routine allows the owner to bond with their dog. Keep in mind a very curly, "hypoallergenic" dog will need a haircut every few months. Just because they're low-shedding doesn't mean they're low maintenance! They'll need daily walkies to burn off their energy, but so long as their physical needs are met, they likely won't turn to undesirable behaviors like digging to keep themselves entertained. They'll also need consistent social stimulation to reinforce positive behaviors. The more exposure they have to new pets and humans, the more likely they are to be well-behaved when introduced to a foreign person or situation. A Bernedoodle's smarts makes her typically easy to train. It also means she can learn behaviors good or bad quickly—that's why it's important to keep up with training, even past her puppy days. Training a Bernedoodle requires positive reinforcement and, in some cases, a high level of patience. Should the puppy inherit the Bernese's willfullness or the poodle's high energy, they'll need more of your time and attention. Health The Bernedoodle lifespan is 12—18 years. Luckily, the hybrid breed does not inherit the same health risks as the Bernese mountain dog. The Bernese side of their lineage has a life expectancy of only seven years and a high rate of cancer , hip and elbow dysplasia , heart disease , and epilepsy. And while Bernedoodles are far healthier than a purebred Bernese, they can still be "predisposed to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ocular diseases, and some allergies ," Christman says. Just be on the lookout for [warning signs like] excessive drooling and ability to gain some weight quickly. Hot spots are primarily caused by excessive licking or chewing of an area. This is why it's so important to keep up with grooming—a Bernedoodle is more likely to pick at their skin when her coat is dirty and matted. History Being a relatively new breed, the history book on Bernedoodles is a short one. After years of breeding Bernese mountain dogs, Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Bernedoodles wanted a way to make the purebreds more allergen-friendly and free from the health issues that plague the breed. Thus, the Bernedoodle or at least the first intentional pairing of a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle was born in .Now, dog owners everywhere have fallen in love with the loyal, loving breed that looks like a huggable teddy bear. She has more than 26, followers! Actress and filmmaker Greta Gerwig reportedly takes her mini Bernedoodle, Wizard, everywhere with her. Was this page helpful? What Is the History of the Bernedoodle? First created by breeder Sherry Rupke in , the bernedoodle hails from Canada and traces its genetics back to a mix of the Bernese mountain dog and the standard poodle. The resulting mix of these two intelligent, loyal, and loving breeds led to an affectionate pup with the gentle nature of the Bernese mountain dog and the intelligent, loyal attitude of the standard poodle. Most bernedoodles exhibit an even split of genetics between their parents and appear with Bernese mountain dog markings and the short, curly fur of the standard poodle. However, because this is not a purebred dog it is a crossbreed, also sometimes called a hybrid dog , there is no breed standard. So the exact characteristics of your bernedoodle will vary based on their parents and the specifications the breeder is selecting for. There are three sizes of bernedoodle around today — tiny, miniature, and standard — though the standard remains the most commonly seen. Bernedoodles with the tri-color pattern of Bernese mountain dogs are the most popular, and this breed is loved for its gentle nature, loving attitude, and energetic friendliness. They make a perfect choice for a family dog or for first-time dog owners that want a playful dog without extreme exercise and high-maintenance care needs. What Do Bernedoodles Look Like? This dog ranges in size from small to slightly larger than a medium-sized dog, and they have friendly faces complete with floppy ears. The coat of the bernedoodle will either be very curly and short or a bit longer and straighter depending on whether the Bernese mountain dog or standard poodle is more dominant in their genetics. Bernedoodles come in many different colors, including black, white, rust or red, blue, tan, sable, and silver, and they will be available in patterns such as tri-color, piebald, or merle. What Size Is a Bernedoodle? The bernedoodle comes in a few different sizes — tiny sometimes called toy , miniature, and standard. Tiny bernedoodles will stand between 10 and 17 inches and weigh between 10 and 24 pounds, while miniatures will stand between 18 and 22 inches tall and weigh between 25 and 49 pounds. The standard-sized bernedoodle will stand between 23 and 29 inches tall and weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. The standard size of this pup is generally the most popular, but the tiny and miniature versions are also fairly sought after for their cute teddy bear-like appearance. Typically, the coloration of the coat will appear much like the Bernese mountain dog, while the coat is short and curly or wavy, thanks to their poodle genetics. Bernedoodles are affectionate, loyal, and playful and are often thought of as the perfect family pet. They get along well with children and other animals, and their energetic nature makes them a great companion for playing in the park or going on a long walk outdoors. This dog is easily trained, friendly, and eager to please despite a streak of stubbornness. They love spending time with their family members learning new tricks. Bernedoodles learn fast thanks to their higher-than-average intelligence, and they enjoy giving affection as much as receiving it. Are Bernedoodles Affectionate? Bernedoodles are known for being a highly affectionate breed, and they love to receive attention as much as they love to give it. This dog makes strong bonds with their family and will enjoy spending as much time with you as possible simply cuddling, playing, or taking walks. Are Bernedoodles Good With Kids? Bernedoodles have a gentle nature and are typically good with kids. They love to play with children and show affection, though they might play rough with very young children. Overall, if your dog has training and your children know how to properly interact with dogs, this pup will easily blend into a family with children. This means that they are likely to get along with other animals easily and will make friends with both dogs and cats that they meet. However, the temperament of your dog can vary based on their personality, so always be cautious when introducing a new animal to your bernedoodle and monitor their first interactions closely. Are Bernedoodles Aggressive? Bernedoodles are not known for being aggressive or for having a high prey drive. This means that they are unlikely to attack or develop aggressive behavioral traits. However, they need a lot of socializing and time spent with their family to prevent anxiety or boredom from becoming destructive behaviors. Do Bernedoodles Bark a Lot? Bernedoodles are generally quiet, moderate barkers and will only bark loudly when they need to. Your dog might get excited and bark quite a bit, or they may see something suspicious around your property and alert you to it. Are Bernedoodles Intelligent? Bernedoodles are a fairly intelligent breed, mostly thanks to their poodle parentage. They learn commands and new tricks easily and are very sensitive to the needs of their owners. This high intelligence also means that your bernedoodle will need lots of physical and mental stimulation to prevent them from getting bored or engaging in destructive behaviors. Are Bernedoodles Easy to Train? Bernedoodles can be easy to train thanks to their high intelligence and their eagerness to please their owners, but they also have a strong streak of stubbornness thanks to their Bernese mountain dog lineage. Proper training and socialization should be started in puppyhood to help them grow out of their puppy rebelliousness and set the stage for easier training as they mature. Are Bernedoodles Energetic? Bernedoodles often have a lot of energy, and this dog will need a moderate level of exercise to stay happy. Bernedoodles are very playful and will want to spend lots of time with their families outdoors, playing, walking, or running around with their toys. Two long walks daily and time spent playing with their toys is a good amount of exercise for this pup and will use up their high energy levels. Are Bernedoodles Good Apartment Dogs? A miniature or tiny-sized bernedoodle might be a better choice for an apartment dog as long as they get lots of time outside to play and enough space to move around in while inside your apartment. Are Bernedoodles Good Watchdogs? The bernedoodle is very loyal and protective of its owners, and they make good watchdogs as a result. This dog is unlikely to bark unless they see something suspicious, which can be helpful if you are looking for a good watchdog, and their larger size might scare away potential intruders. Plus, this dog is typically intelligent and alert, both good traits for a watchdog. Are Bernedoodles Good Service Dogs? Due to their eager-to-please nature, high intelligence, and loving attitude, the bernedoodle does make for a good service dog. The standard size of this breed can be trained as a guide dog or mobility assistance dog, and all sizes of bernedoodle can help out as medical alert or psychiatric service dogs. Bernedoodles love learning new things and quickly pick up even complex commands, making them a good choice for a service dog or therapy dog. How to Care for a Bernedoodle Bernedoodles are energetic dogs that need to spend lots of time with their family, as they crave affection and can become anxious when left alone for too long. This companion dog should never spend more than 8 hours home alone, and they should have lots of toys to play with to keep them mentally stimulated when you are not around. You will need to give your bernedoodle at least two long walks per day and some playtime out in the yard with their toys. Make sure to train your bernedoodle to prevent any stubbornness or behavioral issues from occurring, and take the time to socialize your dog from puppyhood so that they get along with children or other animals. Your bernedoodle will need to be brushed a few times a week, especially if their coat is very curly, and will need regular grooming to ensure their hair stays out of their eyes. Additionally, your bernedoodle will need a diet of high-quality wet or dry food split into two or three meals a day and lots of love from its family to stay healthy and happy. Do You Need to Groom a Bernedoodle? You will need to groom your bernedoodle through regular brushings, especially if they have very curly fur that is prone to becoming tangled. Brush your dog several times a week and take them to a groomer several times a year every three to four months is recommended for a full bath, help with deshedding, and to trim up any fur that may be making them uncomfortable or getting in their eyes. Do Bernedoodles Shed? Bernedoodles can shed, but depending on whether the poodle or Bernese mountain dog trait is the strongest, they might not shed a lot. Bernedoodles with straighter, longer fur will require less brushing, but they are also more prone to shedding fur throughout the day. What Should a Bernedoodle Eat? Your bernedoodle should be eating a diet consisting of high-quality dry or wet dog food that is supplemented occasionally with healthy treats. How much you feed your bernedoodle each day depends on how large your dog is and whether or not they are a puppy or fully grown. Daily food amounts can range from 1 to 7 cups, split into two or three meals. Consult with a veterinarian if you need advice or feeding recommendations for your bernedoodle. While the bernedoodle is a generally healthy breed, there are a few health issues that they may be predisposed to, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye and heart diseases, allergies, skin issues like hot spots , and Von Willebrand disease. Taking good care of your dog and ensuring you go to regular vet visits will help to counteract any health issues or catch health problems before they become too serious. How Long Do Bernedoodles Live? The bernedoodle breed is known to live between 12 and 18 years; the smaller sizes of this dog generally have longer lifespans than the standard size, as is the case with most larger dogs. Are Bernedoodles Expensive? This price has such a large range due to the many factors that go into bernedoodle breeding, such as size, appearance, and desirable traits. The best way to find a reputable breeder to purchase from is to perform an internet search or to ask families and friends in the areas that you live in. Make sure when researching bernedoodle breeders that you pick one with proper licenses and certifications, and that the living conditions of the breeding dogs and their puppies are humane. Do your best to avoid puppy mills or irresponsible breeding practices, and keep in mind that if the price for a puppy seems too good to be true, it probably is. Can You Adopt a Bernedoodle? You may be able to adopt a bernedoodle from a local shelter or a national rescue organization, but this is not the most common way to add a bernedoodle to your family. Because this pup is typically purchased from breeders, they are unlikely to end up in a shelter for adoption. However, it does happen occasionally, so if you really want to rescue a bernedoodle, keep checking local and national organizations to see if one becomes available. Are Bernedoodles Purebred? Bernedoodles are not purebred dogs, as they are a mixed breed created from the Bernese mountain dog and the standard poodle. Can You Show Bernedoodles? Bernedoodles are not purebred dogs and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club , making them ineligible to be shown through AKC events or shows. However, this pup may be recognized by other local and national crossbreed dog kennel clubs and eligible to participate in shows through these organizations. Perform an internet search if you want to find a mixed breed kennel club or a bernedoodle organization to show your dog in. Bernedoodles are a fairly easy dog to care for. Bernedoodles are also affectionate, smart, and easy to train, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners looking for a loving and playful companion. Is a Bernedoodle the Right Dog for Me? Deciding whether or not the bernedoodle is the right dog for you can be overwhelming. Use our bullet points below to review factors about this dog and make your decision more easily. The bernedoodle is the right dog for you if: You want a friendly family dog that loves being a companion to you and your family wherever you go. You want a dog that is easily trained and intelligent enough to learn more complex commands, even service dog commands with the right training. You need a dog that will easily get along with children or other pets that you may have living in your home. After reviewing all of these points, you should know whether the bernedoodle is the best breed to add to your family. Carefully read our dog breed guide as you decide whether or not to adopt one of these fun-loving, playful, and gentle pups, and make sure to give all of your love and care to any dog you adopt, as this will ensure you both live together happily for as long as possible. Bernedoodle Temperament Conceived in the early s, the Bernedoodle is one of the youngest doodle dog breeds out there. Also known as a Bernepoo, Bernesedoodle, Bernesepoo, and Bernese mountain poo, these super easygoing dogs were bred to be calm and even-tempered. While Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are wonderful family pets, their high-energy temperament can make them a handful for more laid-back households. Enter the Bernedoodle, with the placid, loyal nature of its Bernese mountain dog mother and the intellect and low-shedding coat of its poodle father. Click the link to see all of the beautiful Bernedoodle puppies for sale we have ready to adopt today! Bernedoodle Dog Breed Overview Bernedoodles are loyal, smart and utterly adorable. Everything from their size, hypoallergenic potential, color, weight and demeanor can vary, but they always retain some characteristics from each parent. For example, a dog might inherit the curious, energetic nature from the poodle or be more stubborn and calm like the Bernedoodle parent. Smart, goofy and dedicated are just a few words that Bernedoodle owners regularly use to describe their beloved pets. Bernedoodle Designer Breed History Unlike many dogs on the designer breed registry, Bernedoodles have a well-known history. Originally developed by Bernedoodle breeder Sherry Rupke at SwissRidge Kennels, the first litter of two was born in .In addition to poodles and Bernese mountain parent dogs of various sizes, Rupke has added the Australian Labradoodle to her lines, resulting in the Australian Bernedoodle. These dogs have more consistent litters and tend to be somewhat hypoallergenic, even with straight or wavy coats. Where a dog like a golden retriever is bred to have a trusting, friendly temperament, Bernese dogs are reserved and suspicious of new people, making them slightly better guard dogs. Due to their history as herders and cart pullers, they might have a tendency to herd family members or other pets. Because of their intelligence, they require lots of stimulation and prefer to be with people rather than spending long periods of time alone. As working dogs, they were primarily duck hunters. They tend to favor one person and are very loyal and defensive of their owners. Poodles are one of the most popular choices for crossing purebred dogs because of their low- to no-shedding coat, which is more manageable than traditional dog fur. However, many pet owners prefer that their dog is less trusting and disinclined to approach unfamiliar people. Bernedoodles get very attached to their pet parents and require lots of attention and stimulation. A trip to the shops or an appointment should be fine, but no more than a few hours at a time or the dog may get anxious and fearful. Separation anxiety can result in unwanted behaviors such as accidents, barking, chewing and hyperactivity. Of course, this devotion is what makes them such wonderful companions for dog lovers. Second-generation F2 and multigenerational Bernedoodles might be smaller when a larger percentage of poodle is added into the mix. They usually measure between 12 and 17 inches and weigh between 10 and 24 pounds. Standard Bernedoodle Standard Bernedoodles take longer to mature than mini Bernedoodles and tiny Bernedoodles, which take 12 months each. On average, standard Bernedoodles weigh approximately 70 to 90 pounds. Appearance The Bernedoodle is a beautiful dog with a luscious coat and a teddy bear-like aesthetic. It has some adorable quirks when it comes to appearance. For instance, a Bernedoodle puppy often has a pink nose that turns black once the dog is fully matured. Straight Coat vs Wavy Coat vs Curly Coat In addition to different sizes of Bernedoodles, there are also different coat types: straight, wavy and curly. The latter is the most popular for many people, whether they have a family with mild allergies or simply want to minimize the amount of fur that makes its way onto their furniture. Doodles with curly fur shed less than their wavy or straight counterparts, but they have more stringent grooming needs. Straight coats are the easiest to manage grooming-wise but tend to shed more than wavy or curly coats. Because of their relatively normal shedding, this type of doodle is the least common. Wavy-coated Bernedoodles fall somewhere in the middle. Colors Bernedoodles coats can display in any combination of black, brown and white. All black is common, as is black and white or black and brown. In recent years, an even rarer gem has materialized: the merle Bernedoodle. These dogs have marbled grey coats with white and sometimes brown too. The Bernedoodle Breed and Family Life Bernedoodles are particularly well-suited to family life, even for first-time dog owners. They love being near people and are gentle and caring when it comes to small kids, but they also adore running around the backyard with older children and adults. Because they bond so closely with their loved ones, they make excellent companions and protectors. Training Your Bernadoodle Young Bernadoodles tend to inherit the stubbornness characteristic of both their poodle and Bernese mountain dog parents. Provided they have the right input, doodles are highly responsive to training because of their calm, eager-to-please and intelligent personality. You should still expect them to be mischievous, cheeky and headstrong, but just remember that patience, consistency and positive reinforcement will always deliver the best results. Bernedoodles are highly sensitive dogs, so losing patience or getting upset with them can be entirely counterproductive. Treats, playtime and effusive verbal praise when your dog gets it right will always be infinitely more effective than shouting at them or telling them off when they do something wrong. By doing this, you prevent them from getting anxious or overexcited when met with new experiences. Feed your pet the best-quality food you can afford and be diligent about sticking to a regular routine with feeding. There are four main types of food: wet, kibble, cooked and raw. A combination of dry and wet is often the most healthful and practical choice. When used alone, kibble can lead to dental issues and wet food can lead to digestive issues. Be sure to give a standard Bernedoodle food for larger dogs and miniature and toy Bernedoodles food for smaller dogs. Exercise While activity levels can vary depending on a variety of factors, Bernedoodles are generally considered to be moderately active. Miniature or toy doodles can be excellent apartment pets, but even these little guys will need at least one long walk per day and plenty of space to move around. Because of their intelligence, mental stimulation is just as important as physical stimulation. Grooming Requirements Take bathing cues from how your dog smells, but generally Bernedoodles need a bath every four to eight weeks. Clean its eyes and ears once per week, and give its nails a trim every time you bathe your dog. Brushing it two to three times a week staves off mats and tangles, and a trip to the groomer every three to five months helps your Bernedoodle look and feel its best. Dogs love getting pampered almost as much as we do! Doing it any earlier could result in its fur not growing properly for the rest of its life. Like many larger dog breeds, hip and elbow dysplasia are possible. With these conditions, the hips and elbows weaken and become arthritic. Some of the other potential health issues Bernedoodles potentially face include: Heart disease. However, the Bernedoodle was first intentionally bred by Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels in , as she wanted to combine the Poodles clever and goofy personality with the unfaltering loyalty of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Where the Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed, the two breeds involved in its make-up go way back. The origins of the Bernese Mountain Dog can be traced back 2, years when the Romans invaded Switzerland with their cattle drovers and guard dogs. As with all crossbreeds, you must be ready for any combination of the parent breeds physical and behavioural traits. The Poodle is an active working dog who needs plenty of exercise, thrives on having a job to do, and loves training and exercising their busy brains. The Bernese Mountain Dog is far calmer and laid-back and is often happy lying around watching what is going on. So, you could end up with a light-ish build dog who needs a lot of exercise and training, or you could end up with a heavier dog whose body and brain is more that of a friendly couch potato! Even an active Bernedoodle may not mature for quite some time, so short periods of exercise several times a day are far better so as not to permanently damage growing bones and joints. With this in mind, exercising first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening when the sun is cooler may be necessary. Take advice from both your breeder and your vet. The Bernese Mountain Dog is not nearly as common, and as a result, many people have not been able to interact with one personally, hence the frequent questions we receive about the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bernedoodle. Bernedoodle Personalities and Temperaments? FUN So what is the Bernedoodle all about? The short answer is FUN! Read about which doodle breeds are the calmest here. The Bernese Mountain Dog takes its name from the canton of Bern in the central farmlands of Switzerland where he was bred to work on farms as a helper in various ways, from guarding livestock to pulling carts of farm supplies across the hilly Alpine terrain. As you can probably tell from his job description, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, strong dog who has the energy to do physical tasks. The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for having a sense of humor; running away with your socks or keys is one of his favorite pastimes. Although you may not find their jokes as terribly funny as they do if you do not enjoy slobbery socks or keys! Without his farm chores to do, the Bernese Mountain Dog must find other ways to use his powerful body and energy. This breed will happily snuggle with you on the sofa, but he must also be exercised daily, particularly when young. Bernedoodles Have Gentle and Caring Temperaments The Berner is known for being a gentle giant— patient with children, affectionate and devoted to his family. He is overall amiable and easygoing. However, this does not mean he is a pushover to train. Unlike the Golden retriever and Labrador, the Bernese Mountain Dog does not have a long history of therapy and service dog work. Despite being steady-tempered, he can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training and prefers to do things on his own timetable. One of the strongest qualities of the Berner is his affection. He may very well think his pound body can fit perfectly in your lap. He will want to accompany his owners as much as possible and his loyalty is simply unmatched. The other half of the Bernedoodle is of course the well-known Poodle. In fact, the sporting clip method of trimming the coat was originally used to facilitate swimming. So Standard Poodles are actually quite athletic, moderately active and extremely intelligent. Retrieving is a skill that requires dutiful obedience on the part of the dog, and the standard poodle is no exception. Poodles often excel in obedience competitions and agility exercises. They are also incredibly people-oriented and sensitive. This means they are often easy to train, but also that they require a lot of affection to be at their happiest and reach their full potential. In other words, Poodles are not the type of dog that will be content alone in the backyard all day! The Poodle lends its non-shedding coat and better health to the Bernese Mountain Dog to create a lower-shedding, longer-living, but just as loving of a companion as the purebred Berner. Still, the Bernedoodle may be more difficult to train than other types of doodles such as the goldendoodle. The Bernedoodle will need daily exercise to keep from turning his playful goofiness into a darker humor of chewing up your furniture or other bad habits. This is especially true if you are not at home for much of the day. As previously mentioned both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle are incredibly affectionate, devoted dogs. This is a huge positive to the breed as it makes the Bernedoodle one of the most loving and faithful companions in the dog world, but on the downside, they can become anxious and therefore destructive if they do not receive enough companionship. To summarize, we interviewed a few owners of Bernedoodles to get some firsthand descriptions of exactly what this breed is like.