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Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats. Your vet can help you develop a care routine. Boxadors love to eat and will rapidly gain weight if they are allowed to free feed. Pick a high quality dog food and stick to a feeding schedule; two feedings per day could be ideal to keep this pooch happy. They also need an exercise schedule. A 30 minute hike, walk, or game of fetch, plus an hour of active running around a yard will help burn off pent up energy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Keeping them clean and dry is the best way to avoid doctor visits. If your dog develops a pungent aroma or is scratching their ears excessively, they may have an ear infection and will require a vet exam. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth a minimum of three times a week. Clean your dogs eyes as you would your own. You can use a cloth or your fingers to wipe away discharge or debris that collects in the corners. Boxador Feeding An ideal Boxador diet should be formulated for an active, medium- to large-sized breed. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The main colors of Boxadors are; black, brown, brindle, and white. Rarely solid, their coats typically have a blend of two or more colors. Luckily, their coats are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week will probably do. They may self groom and are considered a pretty clean dog. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any tail pulling or biting on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this pup by reading about their parent breeds, the Boxer and Labrador Retriever. Boxador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Boxadors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Boxer or Labrador Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Medium to large in size and full of life, the boxer Lab mix is an increasingly popular designer dog with active people and families with children. Developed by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever and a purebred boxer, this mix has a lot to offer to the right home. If you are looking for a devoted, outgoing, and smart canine companion, the boxerlab is a great choice! Energetic and playful, these dogs prefer an active lifestyle and need regular exercise to stay happy and thrive. A spacious home with a fenced backyard is ideal for this mix, but not a requirement. If you are an outdoorsy person and can keep your pooch exercised, the boxerlab will make a great apartment dweller. When left alone a lot, this mix is prone to separation anxiety and might become bored and destructive. Whether you are looking for a canine playmate for your kids or an exercise partner, the laboxer might just be the perfect dog for you! Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know about this adorable crossbreed. Boxer Lab Mix Dog Overview Size — 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder, weighs between 50 and pounds Coat — Short shiny coat, color varies Shedding — Moderate shedding Lifespan — 12 to 15 years Temperament — Energetic, eager to please, friendly, devoted Trainable — Very trainable, but might be stubborn at times Activity — Very active needs at least 30 minutes of exercise every day Best For — Active people, families with children, homes with outdoor space What Is A Boxador? The boxador dog is a crossbreed developed by mixing a purebred boxer and a purebred Labrador retriever. Although both parent breeds are officially recognized by the AKC, the boxer Lab mix has the status of a designer breed. Boxadors have several different names and are also known as laboxers, boxerlabs, and boxerdors. While some boxerlabs take more after one parent than the other, others are a perfect blend of both parent breeds. Generally speaking, most inherit a boxer-like frame but are sizably built like their Labrador retriever parents. Although their appearance is unpredictable, there are a few traits you can expect to see when it comes to size, coat, and color. Size Being a cross between a Labrador retriever and a boxer, boxerlabs tend to be medium to large size dogs. Most are between 23 and 25 inches high at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 50 to pounds when fully grown. And males tend to be larger than females. Color The Labrador retriever comes in three colors — yellow, chocolate , and black. On the other hand, the boxer also comes in three different colors — white, fawn, and brindle. Keeping this in mind, it comes as no surprise that the Lab boxer mix can come in many different coat colors. The most commonly seen colors in this mix are brown, black, brindle, and white. Coat While a Lab has a short, double water-resistant coat, the boxer is a short-haired breed with a smooth and silky single coat. Most laboxers inherit the short, silky, and smooth coat of their boxer parents; however, some can have a denser coat of a Labrador. Since your boxerlab will inherit character traits from both its parent breeds, you should meet both the Lab and the boxer parents. Since both boxers and Labrador retrievers are friendly, playful, loving, and devoted companions, chances are that their mix will be too. Although boxer Labs can act as either of their parent breeds, they are generally extremely playful and energetic. Depending on how much your mix takes after its boxer parent, they might act goofy and cheerful most of the time. Boxerlabs form strong bonds with their people and do best in large families that have the time and energy to interact and play with them several times during the day. People-oriented and loving, this mix craves companionship and tends to develop separation anxiety when left alone a lot. If they are forced to stay home alone while you are at work, boxerlabs can easily become bored and destructive. Activity Level As an offspring of two very energetic working breeds, the laboxer is a very active dog with high exercise needs. Being such an active and athletic dog, your mix will need at least 30 minutes of exercise every day in addition to two walks. Activities such as running, hiking, swimming, or agility are all great ways to keep your pooch exercised and in excellent shape. Since boxerlabs love to play, games such as fetch, flyball, Frisbee, hide and seek, and tug-of-war are ideal ways to interact with your pooch and keep them entertained and exercised at the same time. Having a securely fenced backyard can be a big bonus when owning this mix. This way, you can keep your laboxer exercised and in great shape without leaving the comforts of your home. This mix craves companionship and is happiest when involved in all family activities. But, besides love and affection, you should also pay attention to: Exercise As mentioned previously, the lab boxer mix needs at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity every day. In addition to two regular daily walks, you should take your dog for a run, hike, or swim to burn excess energy and stay in good shape. Fun-loving, playful, and goofy, this mix loves games and will enjoy having a variety of interactive dog toys that will stimulate their curious mind. Games such as fetch or hide and seek are also a form of exercise that will also keep your pooch entertained and mentally stimulated. Intellectual Stimulation In addition to being highly energetic, laboxers are also intelligent dogs that can easily become bored without mental stimulation. If left to their own devices without interactive toys, your mix will chew and rifle through your belongings just to have some fun. And when you are at home, interact and play with your pooch as much as you can to stave off boredom and encourage good behavior. Companionship True to their parent breeds, boxadors are outgoing, people-loving, and easy-going dogs that form strong bonds with their owners and families. Bred to be loving companions, laboxers are delighted when they are involved in all family activities and are best suited for large families. This mix craves affection and company and can easily develop separation anxiety and other behavioral problems if left at home alone a lot. Ideally, a boxador dog should live in a large family where they will have company at all times. Grooming Most boxerlabs have short glossy coats that are easy to keep clean and are a fairly low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Brushing your pooch once or twice a week is enough to remove loose hair and dander and keep their coat clean. In addition to regular brushing, you will also need to bathe your dog once every two months or as needed. Diet An ideal diet for a Lab boxer mix should be formulated for medium to large-sized breeds with high energy. Make sure the food you are feeding to your pooch is rich in protein and reinforced with all essential vitamins and minerals. Like their Labrador retriever parents, this mix has a tendency to gain weight easily and can become obese in no time. To prevent weight gain and all health problems associated with it, feed your dog two times a day and stick to a regular feeding schedule. Known Health Problems The boxerlab is considered a healthy breed, but they are predisposed to some of the same health problems that boxers and Labrador retrievers face. The most common health issues seen in this designer breed are: Hip and elbow dysplasia: Both boxers and Labrador retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so boxerlabs can develop it too. Allergies: Like people, dogs can develop food or environmental allergies. Itching is the most common symptom associated with allergies. However, some dogs also exhibit respiratory problems and might cough, sneeze, wheeze, or have a runny discharge from their eyes or nose. Hypothyroidism: This is a relatively common endocrine problem in dogs caused by an underactive thyroid gland. Dogs suffering from hypothyroidism usually experience symptoms of lethargy, weight gain, and changes to the skin and coat. Life Expectancy The Labrador boxer mix has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. But, when cared for properly and taken to regular veterinary check ups, this mix can live longer. Highly intelligent and eager to please, most laboxers are fairly easy to house train, and learn basic obedience. Boxerlabs, like all other dogs, react the best to positive reinforcement training techniques and reward-based training. The idea behind this approach is to reward good behavior using treats or praise and to ignore bad behavior. This type of training has been proven to give the best results and is highly effective even if you are dealing with an extremely willful dog. Besides training, laboxers can also benefit from early socialization and should be exposed to many different people, situations, sounds, and sights from a young age. Early socialization can help your laboxer puppy get used to other people and pets and grow into a friendly and well-rounded dog. Who Should Own A Boxador? Bred to be a loyal and devoted companion, the Lab boxer mix is best suited for active people and families with children. This friendly mix craves companionship and is best suited for large homes and families who can spend time and play with their dog every day. Buying A Boxer Lab Mix Puppy Spend some time researching reputable Lab boxer mix breeders before you decide to welcome a laboxer puppy into your home. Since this is a fairly new designer breed, be prepared to spend more time researching and tracking down a reputable breeder. Once you locate a breeder you like, schedule an appointment to meet the puppies and the mother and to inspect the facilities they are kept in. If by any chance the breeder refuses to show you the conditions the puppies are kept in, walk away and look for another breeder. A reputable breeder will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and will also be able to provide health certificates for both parents and all puppies. However, you may end up paying more, depending on the breeder, your location, lineage, and gender. History Of The Breeds Boxer Originating in Germany, the boxer is a medium to a large-size working dog breed that was used as a guard dog. Although they might seem intimidating, boxers are goofy and mischievous canines that make great family companions. Highly energetic, easy to groom, and loving, the boxer is a great choice if you are looking for a loyal family pet that can also double as a guard dog. Easy to train, friendly, gentle, and affectionate, Labs make great family pets and companions to people of all ages including children. Due to their amazing temperament and high trainability, Labrador retrievers are often used as service dogs for people with disabilities and make great guide dogs. Boxerlabs make amazing pets for active people or large families with children. This loyal, energetic, playful, and friendly mix forms strong bonds with its people and likes to be involved in all family activities. If you are active and have enough time to interact and play with your dog every day, the Lab boxer mix will be a great pet. Are Boxer Labs aggressive? However, they form strong bonds with their owners and are naturally suspicious of strangers. Therefore, early socialization is a must if you want your mix to grow into a friendly and well-behaved dog. Conclusion Medium to large in size and highly energetic, the boxer Lab mix is a fairly new designer breed on the block. Amiable and devoted to their people, this pooch forms strong bonds with its owners and prefers to be involved in all family activities. If so, tell us more about your pooch in the comment section below! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. The boxador is an active dog who's affectionate and loyal to her entire family. As a mix of two highly intelligent breeds , she has earned a reputation for being easy to train and eager to join any family adventure. But she also comes from two high-energy breeds and needs to be kept busy. As a hybrid dog , the boxador can vary in size depending on which parent breed she takes after the most. She will likely stand about 2 feet tall and weigh between 50—80 pounds. At her best, every inch of the boxador is filled with exuberance and love. She will need an active owner who can match her endless stamina, and she will be happiest when kept close to her people. Appearance The boxador is perpetually ready to play. Her toned, muscular body is frequently in motion, often chasing a ball or trying to start a friendly game of tug-of-war. Even if she has the longer snout of the Labrador retriever, she will likely still have droopy jowls. Because of this, she might be prone to drooling —especially when she gets excited. Both of her parent breeds are large dogs , so your boxador will grow up into a big bundle of energy. The boxador is expressive with her eyes and ears, often looking at you with a longing glance and perked up ears to tell you she's ready to go for a long walk. If she takes after her boxer side, her coat will be short and won't shed much. However, because a Labrador's coat can range from short to medium in length, a boxador will likely experience seasonal shedding. The boxador can come in a mix of colors, with the dominant shades being fawn, brown, black, or brindle. And while it's not guaranteed, the boxador often has a white patch on her chest and a muzzle of black fur. This means the mixed breed is ideal for many on-the-go families, as long as you make sure you have time to play with your boxador every day. Bored dogs are not good dogs because they're going to chew on belongings. They need families that are going to be active and keep them busy. She gets along incredibly well with children and other dogs, especially if she is well-socialized as a puppy. Boxadors are motivated by praise and affection, so owners should train her using positive reinforcement training and give her plenty of attention when she does something correctly. She will be highly motivated to learn different games alongside you. Both parent dogs are known for their intelligence and ability to communicate exactly what they need with their owners. So pay attention when your boxador is whining or nudging you—that probably means she needs to go outside or just wants some more playtime. You need to get them all kinds of games and activities. Take them on a jog or play fetch, all of that good stuff. She's not going to want to entertain herself in a fenced-in yard ; she wants you to play with her. While she is a well-tempered dog, the boxador should not be left at home for hours alone. If left by herself, the boxador can be prone to make her own entertainment think: chewing decorative pillows or pulling over houseplants to keep herself entertained. Loretta Moraco, a director at Chelsea's Hope Boxer Rescue that works with boxers and boxer mixes in the Northeast, says many people don't understand the energy level these dogs bring to a household. By training your boxador that her crate is a safe, comfortable space, she will feel more secure there whenever her owners do need to leave her alone for a short period of time. Crate training can also limit undesirable behavior that can happen when boxadors get bored. The boxer side is mischievous and curious, and you don't want them eating something they shouldn't when left alone. As a general rule, boxador owners should be prepared for a dog that wants to run and play 99 percent of the time. While there are some exceptions, boxador owners need to be ready to take their new pet on long, daily walks. She is exceptionally friendly thanks to her Labrador side, and she will thrive when socializing with other humans and dogs. They need doggy daycare and activities and games outside. They're literally like a toddler for a really long time, that's the best I can describe it. Keep them busy, and don't let them get bored. It's a good idea to get her used to regular teeth brushing as a puppy because her boxer side can be prone to dental issues. If she has face folds particularly around her mouth , you'll want to keep them clean with regular bathing in order to avoid any bacteria buildup. Health A healthy boxador can live between 10—12 years, but they are likely to experience health issues in their lifetime. Owners should consider investing in pet insurance if they bring home a boxador because both breeds are prone to certain health conditions that can become expensive in their older years. A boxador's health largely depends on what genetics she inherits from her parents and grandparents. The Labrador side often experiences elbow and hip dysplasia , according to the Labrador Retriever Club. These issues can be addressed with joint supplements recommended by your veterinarian. They can also experience certain heart disorders, as well as a condition called exercise-induced collapse. The boxer parent's genes can make boxadors predisposed to cancers that often impact the brain, thyroid, or spleen, according to the American Boxer Club. They can also be at risk for hereditary heart diseases , including arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy or Aortic Stenosis. They could experience discomfort with her hindquarters later in life if they inherit the boxer's predisposition to degenerative myelopathy. The popularity of boxer hybrids including the boxer-Lab mix in recent years has actually been, in part, an effort to mitigate some of the more heartbreaking health conditions that impact the purebred dogs. They are great with kids, smart, and goofy. And a lot of people who love the boxer breed are now looking for a hybrid dog because they are hoping it eliminates some of the health issues. While many boxadors live long and healthy lives, being aware of the potential health issues is the best way to ensure she is kept comfortable and happy. History As a hybrid dog, the boxador's origin is murky. Mixed breeds are not registered by the American Kennel Club, so their history is undocumented unlike purebred dogs whose history goes back for centuries. The most likely explanation for the boxador is that breeders sought to combine the best traits of the two beloved, active breeds. Especially for owners who worry about the health issues surrounding the boxer breed, the Labrador retriever—as the nation's most popular dog—makes an optimal pairing to offset some of the boxer's health risks. While the boxador's history is largely speculation, she comes from very famous parents. The Labrador retriever originated in Canada as a loyal waterfowl dog before gaining a reputation as a loving family dog. The boxer is the product of breeders in Germany and Belgium who wanted a strong hunting dog. Eventually, the boxer became a farming dog who enjoyed spending time with her family. Because the boxador can be prone to certain health issues, it's especially important that potential owners get health records for the dog they are adopting. If you are bringing home a puppy from a boxador breeder, take steps to avoid a puppy mill scam by working with individuals who are transparent about health screenings and allow you to meet the puppy on-site so you can ensure she was raised in a good home. Fun Facts While the boxer-Labrador retriever mix is most commonly referred to as a boxador, the dogs can also be called a boxerlab or Laboxer. In , the Labrador retriever was named the most popular dog breed for the 30th year in a row. The same year, the boxer was named the 14th most popular dog breed in the United States. A rescued boxador named Wesson is the frequent star on the popular TikTok account willandwesson. Was this page helpful? Breed Profiles By Kate Brunotts 10 min read January 4, 4 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Looking for an exuberant best buddy? The Boxador — a cross between a boxer and Labrador retriever — is a marvelous mutt that has plenty to offer to his family members. What Is A Boxador? These canine companions are sure to love accompanying you on any adventure with a wagging tail following behind them. Most people love life with these enthusiastic and intelligent pups. The Beautiful, Bouncing Boxer These loyal, loving dogs are known for their playful personality and adorable looks. Boxers and most boxer mixes are athletic yet patient pups, who do well with all members of the family, big and small. In fact, boxers are some of the best dogs for babies in the world. Boxers want nothing more than to be around their family members and do well in active households where there is always something to keep them busy. Reaching about 65 to 80 pounds, these muscular pups need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Boxers are also known for holding onto a puppy-like spirit well into adulthood. While this is undoubtedly charming, boxer owners must be ready to put in the work with training. These pups tend to drool and snore quite a bit, though they do not shed heavily. Despite their few shortcomings, these canine clowns are sure to make you laugh and leave a pawprint on your heart. These friendly, outgoing dogs are well-loved due to their people-pleasing attitudes and playful spirits. Labrador retrievers and Lab-mixes usually make amazing companions so long as they get the exercise and mental stimulation they need to keep their tails wagging. These sweet dogs love spending time with their family members and — like boxers — do well with kids and other pets. Labs are medium sized dogs weighing between 55 to 80 pounds. Luckily, these adaptable dogs are fairly intelligent and an easy-to-train dog breed , so long as they earn a treat or two for their efforts. Labrador retrievers were originally developed to help fishermen, and they were also used as bird-hunting dogs tasked with retrieving waterfowl. With that in mind, here are some general guidelines of what you can expect from a Boxador. This outline can help you determine whether or not these designer dogs are the right fit for your family and lifestyle. Size and Shape: Boxadors are medium to large dogs usually weighing between 60 and 90 pounds. These dogs often have a boxer-like frame, but with more bulk like their Labrador retriever parents. Temperament: The energetic Boxador is always ready to play and enjoys spending as much time as he can with his family. These pooches are likely to act like permanent puppies and do well around kids as long as they are taught to understand hoe yo interact gently with little ones. The Boxador is a loyal, happy-go-lucky dog that is always ready for his next adventure. That being said, these dogs may need access to a coat throughout the colder months to keep themselves cozy while out on walks. The main coat colors of the Boxador are black, white, brindle, and brown. Occasionally, these pups have white markings along the snout and chest like their boxer parents. Intelligence: The Boxador is wickedly smart though you may not have guessed it based on his sometimes clown-like personality. With the right incentive, these dogs are sure to learn a whole range of tricks as they are eager to please their families. Training Challenges: Luckily, these pups should be fairly easy to train. That being said, these pups will shed and need a brush at least once a week. Your Boxador will love going on regular runs, hikes, or playing an engaging game of fetch or frisbee whenever he can. Ideally, Boxador homes have a large, fenced-in yard where these sweet pooches can get out some of their endless energy. Health: These pups are pretty healthy, especially for larger dogs, and they have an average canine lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, they are susceptible to health conditions shared by both parent breeds including hip dysplasia, cataracts, and diabetes. Here is a quick checklist to ensure these are the perfect pups for your family. You have a lively household. These sporty sweethearts want nothing more than to spend as much time as they can with their family members. These smart pups love staying mentally and physically engaged, so regular training sessions are a must. These pups are happy to curl up on the couch and offer lots of hugs and kisses, so long as they meet their exercise needs. You have enough time to entertain these active pups. Boxadors are not highly independent pups. These dogs thrive on action and will need owners who can fulfill that need with ample attention, exercise, and engaging activities like training sessions or using puzzle toys. These patient yet playful pups love spending time with children and adults. As long as their needs are met, these sweet pups are sure to make amazing canine companions. These dogs crave excitement and are happiest when they are with the people they love. The life-of-the-party Boxador needs an owner who understands that these intelligent, active, and social dogs need plenty of mental and physical stimulation on an everyday basis to feel their best. Tracking down a Boxador buddy can be difficult as it would be with any designer dog. That being said, you can always scour the internet for these furry friends. If you know any Boxador owners, you could ask them for their breeder or if they know of any upcoming litters. You could even message Boxador owners via social media for insight. Image from GreatDogSite. If you choose to adopt a Boxador from a rescue or shelter a great idea , make sure you spend adequate time getting to know your new furry buddy to get a sense of their personality. Similar Breeds and Breed Mixes to the Boxador Are you still deciding whether or not the Boxador is the best buddy of your dreams? Here are some other similar breeds and mutts to take into consideration. Dalmador: This Labrador retriever and Dalmation mix is known for his friendly, rambunctious personality. These spotted sweeties love spending time with other dogs, kids, and other family members though they can be protective around strangers. Briard: This ancient herding dog is loyal, hardworking, and fiercely intelligent. These confident canines are great with kids and staying active. Beagador: The comical beagador is a cross between a beagle and Labrador retriever. These playful pups are super sweet and intelligent, though they may have a stubborn streak that will require some patience. Golden Boxer: This boxer and golden retriever mix is sure to steal your heart with his adorable looks and eternal devotion to his family. These smart pups make excellent watch dogs and love spending time outdoors. These athletic dogs love to stay busy and need an owner who can provide firm and consistent training. The Catahoula leopard dog is fiercely loyal to his loved ones. Bullador: This Labrador and English bulldog mix creates an active, loving canine companion. The bullador loves meeting new people and playing whenever possible. Boweimar: The boweimar is a cross between a boxer and Weimaraner. These energetic, loving family dogs need plenty of exercise and attention to keep their tails wagging. These playful pups make amazing furry friends so long as their needs are properly met. Do you have one of these silly sweethearts at home? Does he show more of his boxer or Labrador retriever side? Like it? Share it! Your Boxer mixed with a Lab will have very short hair that is very easy to groom and maintain. But if your dog has dominant Lab genes then expect a lot of shedding. Lab Boxer suffers from seasonal shedding, and its coat may be kept in check using regular grooming and the right kind of dog shampoo and grooming products. Since a Lab has black, chocolate or yellow coats and Boxers are either fawn or brindle with white markings; the mixed breed pup will be any of the two. A Brindle Boxer Lab dog is very common and these come with white patches. It contains lavender, sage, and mint plus many botanicals. It can treat hot spots; consequently, it is perfect for dogs that tend to over-groom. Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Dog Shampoo This dog shampoo comes with a soap-free formula using oatmeal, aloe and other natural ingredients. It is perfect for itchy and irritated skin. This dog needs regular bathing at least once every other week. Invest in a high-quality nail clipper. You may also take your dog to a groomer at least once a month. Therefore, you must have your puppy checked by a vet to rule out any health condition as soon as you take it home from a breeder or the shelter. The following are common health conditions of a Lab Boxer mix breed dog. We also warmly recommend these best dry dog food brands; but try to steer clear from the worst dry dog food that has high additive content. If you adopt a puppy, give them the healthiest possible start at life with the best puppy food brands and as they grow bigger and stronger, slowly switch them on adult food. Your pooch may even enjoy the taste of best dry dog food for small dogs, so keep an open mind, and offer them a serving of it to check. Old doggos should be fed with slightly different food, though. If you have a grandpa-dog at home, see how they like the best senior dry dog food. If your dog has allergies, then there are dog food varieties that are right for his needs. Food treats should be avoided especially when training your dog. Use positive reinforcement instead of giving food treats. The following dog food brands will work well with Boxer Lab mix breeds: Canine Formula Taste of the Wild This is considered one of the best dog foods in the market today. Wellness Complete Health Large Breed This is made with rich protein sources such as salmon meal, whitefish, and chicken. It comes with flaxseeds that contain high omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics to promote a healthy gut. It has a delicious flavor and smells that your Boxer Lab will love. Your dog will love this flavor and will be the best choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The Natural Grain-Free dog dry food is gluten-free and will never cause stomach upset. Never give the following human food. Do not feed the following Onion and chives. The Boxer Lab mix is playful, energetic, loyal and loving. Boxador puppies are known for being intelligent and enthusiastic dogs. But their spirited temperament is not right for every family setup. Watch these cute Boxer Lab mix puppies playing! The boxer lab mix, also known as the Boxador, is a hybrid of the Boxer and the Labrador Retriever breeds. Compared to its parent breeds, the Boxador mix itself is very new. But, its parents have long histories living and working alongside humans. Labs originated as working dogs, retrieving game for fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada. When they were first bred in 19th century Germany, Boxers were used as fighting dogs. Boxer Lab Mix Characteristics With cross breeds it is often hard to predict which parent a puppy will resemble. Boxers can weigh up to 80lbs and reach 25 inches tall. Labradors are similarly large. Boxador full grown tend to be between 23 and 25 inches tall and weigh up to 80lbs. Although females are smaller than males. Regardless of the mix of your genes your pup ends up with, your Boxer Lab Mix dog is likely to be a medium to large dog, active, loyal, easy to train and very fond of challenges — of both the physical and mental kind! Boxers are fawn or brindle. Often with white patches. Their offspring can be any mixture of these! The Boxador is usually brindle, and these dogs often have white markings. If you want a black Lab Boxer mix, your puppy will likely still have some white on them. Your best bet is to mix a black Lab with a dark Boxer. But, even a black Lab Boxer mix can have unpredictable coloring, despite the dominant genes for black fur. Do Boxer Lab Mixes Shed? When it comes to coat, the Boxer Lab mix usually takes after its Boxer parent. These pups typically have short, smooth hair that sheds very little and is easy to care for. However if your Boxador dog has more Labrador in its genes you might have to deal with some shedding. Thankfully this is usually seasonal and can be kept in check with regular grooming. Are Boxadors Hypoallergenic? The Boxer Lab mix might have a short coat, but it is likely to be a high shedder at least part of the time. They produce allergens in their dander and saliva, and are not suitable for dog allergy suffering owners. Boxador Temperament The Boxer Lab mix will fall somewhere between its parents. But, luckily, the Labrador and Boxer breeds have quite similar temperaments. Both Boxers and Labradors are very loving and loyal. They think nothing of climbing on their people for a cuddle, despite their large size! Both Boxers and Labradors are usually great with older children. They are considered gentle giants and will eagerly run after little ones. Although they have been known to accidentally bowl over smaller family members in their excitement. Labradors also love playing with canine companions, but Boxers are less reliable in this area. Poorly socialized Boxers can be prone to aggression towards strangers and other dogs. Boxers are instinctive guardians and proud to play the role of family protector. But you can reduce this through thorough socialization during the puppy stages and by meeting the Boxer parent and ensuring that they seem happy and confident around strangers. Even the most friendly breed, like the Labrador, will benefit. Finding them puppy friends to play with will encourage them to be calm and docile with other dogs when fully grown. Attending puppy classes is a great way to do this. But, make sure you also socialize them to unfamiliar people, children, cats, other animals, and more. This will ensure your Boxador dog is as friendly outside the home as he is inside. They require a lot of exercise and enjoy running around with the family or playing a game of fetch. This can result in unwanted behaviors like barking, digging, or chewing. But, be wary of a shorter snout in the Boxador. Boxers suffer from a conformity issue called brachycephaly, which can cause trouble breathing and overheating when exercising. Use positive reward techniques for best results. You could even take your mix to a puppy training class, or attend an online dog training class. Boxador Health and Care Genetic diversity is improved in a cross breed compared with the parent breeds and the coefficient of inbreeding COI is much lower. Put simply, the COI of any mating describes how closely related the parent dogs are. Higher COIs are associated with an increase in health problems. The risk of this happening is lower if the puppies parents are not closely related. There are however, some health issues that are not recessive and can be passed on from just one parent. And there are common ancestors in some of our dog breeds that mean some diseases are present in both breeds. For that reason it is still possible that a cross bred dog could inherit genetic health problems. Labrador Health Labradors are not without their issues. This breed can suffer from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. It can cause lameness and severe arthritic pain. Another issue to be aware of in Labs is eye disease. Retinal dysplasia was first noted in the breed in .Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a degenerative eye disease that is common in Labs. Only buy your puppy from a breeder who health tests the parents for all the potential problems their respective breeds could suffer from. Boxer Health A study found that Boxers are one of the most likely breeds to get cancer. According to Petplan, mast cell tumors are the 5th most common illness in Boxers. This breed is unfortunately also associated with heart disease. Aortic Stenosis is the most common major problem in the breed. The causes are not known but it is genetic and passed along certain bloodlines. ARVC affects males more than females and is most common in dogs older than .Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing and weight loss. Boxers can also suffer from Canine Degenerative Myelopathy. This is a neurodegenerative disease that can cause paralysis. Unfortunately more is not necessarily better and brachycephaly causes breathing difficulties and overheating It may be that being the Boxador rather than a purebred Boxer offers some protection against these diseases. It certainly reduces the skull shortening we see in brachycephalic breeds. This is a bit of a two edged coin because while the Boxer physique may benefit from a longer muzzle, the Labrador physique is unlikely to be improved with a shorter one. Reputable breeders will only breed from dogs that have been tested and cleared of these serious hereditary health problems. To give your pup a long and healthy life, make sure he gets plenty of exercise, a balanced diet and regular vet check-ups. Boxador Life Expectancy Labrador Retrievers have a lifespan of years. And, on average, Boxers live around years So in theory you can expect Boxer Labrador mix puppies to reach anywhere between 9 and 12 years old. In practice studies tend to find that crossbred dogs in general, live longer on average than most purebred dogs. But we currently have no evidence that this is the case for the Boxador in particular. Only you can decide if the Boxer Lab mix is the right fit for your home. These are large dogs with big hearts that will give as much as they take. Boxadors love being part of a family. They are great with children and enthusiastic playmates for families with school age children and up. But this cross breed needs lots of exercise. They are fiercely attached to their people and dislike being left for long periods of time. This is a dog that suits a family with an active lifestyle and lots of love to give. Boxer Lab Mix Rescue Adopting a shelter dog always comes with risk. But Boxadors in shelters need homes and rescuing puppies or older dogs can be very rewarding. Labrador and Boxer breed rescues also sometimes have crossbreeds available. Dogs from adoption centers are usually much cheaper than puppies. But, remember you may need to spend lots of time helping them work through behavioral issues from past experiences. Finding Your Boxador Puppy Never buy a dog from a puppy mill or pet store. Or from the back of a vehicle. Always visit the puppy in his own home in the presence of his mother, who should be relaxed, healthy and friendly. Sadly with any very fashionable breed, or breed mix, there are many out there who are just looking to make a quick buck. Socialize your Boxador very thoroughly, exposing him to all kinds of fun experiences and making sure that he meets many different types of people, places, machinery etc. Given Boxadors intelligent nature and working history, get started on training your dog right away. Boxador Breeders It can be challenging to find a responsible breeder of cross breeds as there is currently quite a stigma against mixed breeding in the dog world. You must ask to see those certificates — they are very important. The parent dogs must have been screened for any genetic diseases and the breeder should be very forthcoming with any questions.

They are also known for their distinctive "bat ears" and squishy faces, compact and muscular body and a broad head with a flat forehead. They come in a wide range of colors, patterns and sizes which makes them appealing to different tastes. French Bulldogs can be found in colors such as blue, lilac, and merle, which are considered to be rare and unique colors. At Country Club Frenchies, we are a reputable and responsible breeder based in Georgia, dedicated to breeding quality French Bulldogs. We have strict breeding practices in place and only breed dogs that meet certain health standards. We are transparent about our breeding practices and are happy to provide information about the parents of our puppies, as well as any relevant health certificates. We have a wide variety of French Bulldog puppies for sale, with a variation of colors including blues, lilacs, merles and tri-colors. Our French Bulldogs are well socialized and have great personalities, easy to train, and make great companions. We also offer stud services for other reputable breeders in Georgia. We understand that bringing a French Bulldog into your home is a big decision and we are happy to provide all the necessary information about French Bulldog care, training and health. Our dogs receive the best care and nutrition, and we also provide information about genetics and how to keep your French Bulldog healthy. We also believe in the option of adoption, and we encourage people to consider adopting French Bulldogs from shelters and rescues, who are waiting for a loving home. French Bulldogs are low maintenance and don't require a lot of exercise or grooming, which makes them a great option for people who lead busy lifestyles. If you're interested in bringing a French Bulldog into your home, please visit our website www. You can gain further insights about us by exploring our informative blog posts. These two breeds are very entertaining and love to please their owners. Both breeds are such clowns and are very comical. Very small in size but with the heart of any big dog. Both breeds are very loving and will have you laughing for days. They are such clowns and love the attention. We occasionally will produce other colors such as brindles, creams, whites and other colors also. Most of our frenchies are of Russian and Hungarian decent. We love these babies as if they were our own kids so producing a healthy sound pup is our main goal. All pups will be checked by a certified vet before being transported to its new loving home. They are all AKC registered coming from some of the best bloodlines sought after today. We strive to pair our clients with their perfect doggie sole mate. By owning and caring for our own babies we know the connection and joy that frenchies give to their new parents. All pups come with a 1 year health guarantee against any life threatening illness. We have a very strict breeding program and all breedings are strategically planed with genotype and phenotype in mind. We mainly produce dilutes blues dd, but we also produce on occasion chocolates bb pups also. Financing Finance Your Pet Today! Financing is available for our valued puppy parents! We partnered up with Lending USA to provide this incredible financing option available to just about everyone! The secure application is provided by Lending USA and your decision is emailed in less than business days. This can be a great way to buy your new bulldog puppy today and spread the payments out over time!

These are dogs that are strong, intelligent, alert, courageous, energetic, and loyal. The breed excels as a guardian and these dogs can be trained to perform a range of important tasks. But most of all, this is a dog that protects the ones he or she loves and holds dear. Naming Advice When it comes to naming your German Shepherd, there are a variety of factors to keep in mind. Check out these super cute Pet ID Tags! Personality Finding the right name may not be immediately apparent, and sometimes it takes a while to decide which moniker fits your pup best. Wait for his or her personality to fully emerge before choosing the ideal name. Spend a little time with your new friend and the perfect name will come. Name Length A good rule of thumb is to keep the number of syllables in the dog's name to one or two at most. Three is acceptable but the shorter the name, the easier it is for your dog to hear and respond to commands. Clear communication is imperative for German Shepherds, particularly during training. Avoid Confusion Some names may sound like commands and this will only serve to confuse your pup. If you name your German Shepherd something that sounds identical to those and other commands, obedience is going to be an uphill battle for both you and your pet. Perhaps one of these names will fit your pet best, or maybe these names will help you think of the best possible name for your particular pup. German Shepherds have distinct personality traits and all of these names can reflect those attributes every time you call his or her name. The act of naming your new companion is a crucial aspect of integrating her into your household. The options are manifold. You could decide on one of the most popular female German Shepherd names or choose to go with a completely unique girl German Shepherd name. The process may seem daunting at first, but the perfect name is often closer than you think. To start, you may consider trying out various German Shepherd names for your female canine. Pronounce them out loud, observe how easily they roll off your tongue. Envision yourself calling out that name several times a day. Would you feel comfortable shouting it out in the dog park? The truth is, selecting the ideal girl German Shepherd name can be a daunting task. These charming names could all make for fantastic choices. Browse through them and see which one resonates with you the most. Best Female German Shepherd Names Ideas When it comes to choosing the best female German Shepherd names, the options are as varied and dynamic as these dogs themselves. These top female GSD names perfectly encapsulate various facets of their personality, appearance, and heritage.

Any puppies that qualify as a German Shepherd Mix are a cross between a German Shepherd and another dog breed. In a mixed breed, you can get any mix of characteristics in the parent breeds. German Shepherds tend to be strong-willed, intelligent, playful, and loyal. To get a full idea of what to expect in your puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the other dog breed in the cross and check out the mother dog in-person to get a general idea about size and temperament. On the German Shepherd side, you have an independent dog with high intelligence and a playful spirit. German Shepherds make great family pets and are born protectors. Because of their protective instinct, they can be suspicious of strangers. Socialization early and often can help curb this suspicion and make them more open to new people and situations. German Shepherds also tend to be loving and have a lively personality. The German Shepherd Mix can have any or all of these characteristics plus any characteristics from the other parent breed in the mix. Before buying a German Shepherd Mix puppy and bringing them home, be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. If the puppies are being family-raised around children, you should be able to get an idea of how they will do in a family setting that includes children. The German Shepherd is a moderately adaptable working dog that was bred to guard, work, and herd. They do not tend to do well in apartments and are best-suited for houses with yards. GSDs prefer to be with their families and do not like to be alone. They also tend to prefer cooler climates as they are sensitive to heat. With a German Shepherd Mix, you could get a moderately adaptable dog that is just like a purebred German Shepherd. You could also end up with a dog that is more like the other parent breed. Talking with the breeder about the other parent breed can give you a good idea of what to expect. German Shepherds can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. You will need to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an idea of any other health concerns to be aware of in your German Shepherd Mix. Health screenings, clearances, and the genetic history of the parents can help allay concerns about potential health conditions. On the German Shepherd side, training and obedience classes are highly recommended for novice dog owners. Although GSDs are highly intelligent, pick up on things quickly, and train fairly easily, they can be stubborn with an independent streak. Regardless of the other parent breed in the cross, you should be prepared to enroll in obedience and training classes with your German Shepherd Mix. The experience will be beneficial to both you and your puppy and will also offer some opportunities for socialization. You will still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an understanding of what to expect during the training process. Professional grooming a few times a year and the occasional bath is also recommended. Regardless of the coat type, your German Shepherd Mix will need to have their nails trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed regularly. Not every dog will allow you to do this, so try to get a tooth brushing session in at least a few times a week to reduce tartar buildup. This will help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, it will help cut down on bad breath! German Shepherds tend to have a high activity level. They were bred to run, herd, guard, and protect, so they are used to working and having a job to do. They are definitely not a lazy dog breed! Be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix. You will still want to go in prepared for a high energy dog with the understanding that your German Shepherd Mix puppy may have an activity level closer to the other breed in the cross. If both are high energy dogs breeds, expect to end up with a high energy dog. A German Shepherd is a large dog breed that generally weighs between 55 and 90 pounds. They also usually stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders. The other dog breed in the cross could result in a smaller or larger German Shepherd Mix. A German Shepherd generally lives for years. You should be able to expect a similar range in your German Shepherd Mix, but the other dog breed in the cross could affect this range. Featured German Shepherd Mix Article. Showing 1 - 40 of 45 resultsPage 1 - 45 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. They're great additions to anyone's life due to their high.Delivery can be arranged. There are 4 of nine pups to choose from, the pics say if the pup is male or.Born on June 29th, just a little over 2 months old. She's very playful and enjoys walks she's great with other dogs. She is 11 weeks old She is a Shephard and bully mix I can't keep her due to.He is neutered. Does not do well.He was born on June 22nd and is 9 weeks old. He eats solid food and use puppy pads already. German Shepherd Blue heeler mix. Located in Hepworth. Mother is onsite. All puppies have been vet checked, had their 1st shots, and.They were born on June 22nd and are 11 weeks old. They eat solid food and use puppy.The mom is the bigger beige one in the photos. The dad is also completely beige. Great and knownfor being a nanie dog, a.All 1st year shots, Ready for their new home. Mom is 50Lbs, Dad 70Lbs, light brown puppy is larger than black puppy who has her.Born right on our front step, these sweet-hearts have been handled from day one. Friendly and playful, each.Contact for further information. Serious enquires only please. Born July .Mom and Dad have excellent temperament and are.Mom is our family pet, quiet and calm and loves children. Ready to go home with you! Females and males available. To a good home healthy ,friendly , energetic puppies. Last male pending Rottweiler x German Shepherd mix puppies. Both parents are onsite, both are well balanced and highly intelligent. Loyal to their people, amazing with kids and.Drayton 2 female and 6 male puppies. Absolutely adorable! No vaccinations. These Dutch shepherd crosses are amazing pets. Dad is 3yrs old and he is a mix of retriever, great.Dad is a Bulldog Terrier. Mom is a Rottweiler Shephard cross, who looks like a mix. They are ready for rehoming as of 17th of September. Urgent Malinois X puppies Sarnia Belgian malinois and German shepherd mix Malinois x this is a hybrid I have 4 females and 6 males they are 12 weeks old. They will need to be walked daily and need a big backyard to run around. Chase is a year old, up to date with vaccinations and is intact. He is playful, energetic and compassionate. Chase is house, leash and.Pad trained and doing well. Puppies have been dewormed, just needs first vaccinations! We recently picked Luca up from a seller who had a litter. He is an adorable puppy who loves to meet new people and explore the world. Want to sell because I got a new job and don't have enough time for him. Asking 75or obo He is NOT fixed. Yes he is.Puppies are.He is good on a leash, house-trained, obedient and good-natured, and is friendly with children and other dogs. Let's introduce the parents: The mother is a stunning King Shepherd mix with chestnut honey eyes. She's an exceptional and devoted mother to her.Born July 30th and will be ready to go as of September 24th! I'd love for them to both stay together and go to a loving home. We love her and she is an amazing dog who is filled with energy and loves to play. She's very friendly and loves attention. Mom is purebred golden retriever brown color dad is golden retriever mixed with German shepherd light grey color. I owned both mom and dad. I have 1 puppy for sale. Showing 1 - 40 of 62 resultsPage 1 - 62 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. They're great additions to anyone's life due to their high.Delivery can be arranged. There are 4 of nine pups to choose from, the pics say if the pup is male or.Born on June 29th, just a little over 2 months old. She's very playful and enjoys walks she's great with other dogs. She is 11 weeks old She is a Shephard and bully mix I can't keep her due to.He is neutered. Does not do well.Please Contact Cute 5 month old rescue puppy German shepherd mix. Vancouver Calm and cute puppy rescued from the streets of Mexico, His mom, a German Shepherd and 8 sibblings were tossed to the streets because mom had an affair with a non German Shepherd. Chester is a.Even at this young age, Dagger exhibits a keen.He was born on June 22nd and is 9 weeks old. He eats solid food and use puppy pads already. Winnipeg Puppies born on August 22nd. Mother is a mix of German shepherd and Great Pyrenees. Father is pure bred Kangal. The dogs are great watch and shepherd dogs as they are trained to be around farm.German Shepherd Blue heeler mix. Located in Hepworth. Mother is onsite. All puppies have been vet checked, had their 1st shots, and.They were born on June 22nd and are 11 weeks old. They eat solid food and use puppy.The mom is the bigger beige one in the photos. The dad is also completely beige. Great and knownfor being a nanie dog, a.One of their other names, the Shichon Teddy Bear refers to their.All 1st year shots, Ready for their new home. Mom is 50Lbs, Dad 70Lbs, light brown puppy is larger than black puppy who has her.Born right on our front step, these sweet-hearts have been handled from day one. Friendly and playful, each.Contact for further information. Serious enquires only please. Born July .Mom and Dad have excellent temperament and are.Mom is our family pet, quiet and calm and loves children. Ready to go home with you! Females and males available. To a good home healthy ,friendly , energetic puppies. Last male pending Rottweiler x German Shepherd mix puppies. Both parents are onsite, both are well balanced and highly intelligent. Loyal to their people, amazing with kids and

Read all details Description Littlest Pet Shop German Shepherd Pet German Shepherd pet has big eyes and big ears Loads of pet-lovin' fun Collect them all each sold separately German Shepherd Ages 4 and upTake this cute, colorful German shepherd pet along wherever you go, and you'll be friends in no time! With this starry-eyed little pup in tow, every day will feel like an adventure. Your Littlest Pet Shop collection won't be complete without your fancy German shepherd pet! Collect your fave LPS pets and play digitally! It's a fun and free way for kids to play games with and keep track of their favorite LPS pets. Each Sweetest Littlest Pet Shop pack includes a pet collector token that brings your sweet pets into your virtual world. Just download the free app from the App Store or Google Play to your smartphone, then use the app to scan the token and start collecting! Watch your collection grow and grow with every pet you add! Learn more at www. Ask a parent first. In-game micro-transactions available but not necessary. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc. Copyright Gameloft. All Rights Reserved. Read More. We can connect with our laptops or smartphones and buy things online instantly from the comfort of our own homes. First, the vast majority of adverts selling puppies online are fake. In most cases, the dogs never existed, and buyers are duped out of hundreds or thousands of dollars. Many of the puppies for sale on Craigslist have come from puppy mills. These places are run purely for profit and will cut corners to boost their income. They keep their dogs in basic accommodation usually kennels , which are often filthy. The puppies are often weak and sickly, and many die pretty early on. There have also been hundreds of cases where people have bought purebred pups, but these turn out to be mutts. The answer is clear: Avoid Craigslist when buying animals! If you find a reputable local breeder, they will welcome you to the site to visit with them and meet the parent dogs. Some may allow you to see the pups, but access is sometimes restricted to stop them from getting sick. Check out the breeder thoroughly, and be sure to ask questions. A good breeder will tell you to do this anyway, as they have nothing to hide and will be only too pleased to connect you with happy customers who will provide testimonials. Even so, these beautiful animals can be found in shelters across America, along with thousands of other dogs. Instead of buying from a breeder, why not consider giving one of these dogs a forever home? If you think you could provide a loving home to a dog in need, take a look at the following site: 1. They are simply two devoted dog-lovers who spend much of their time helping homeless dogs. All puppies can be a challenge. Like other dogs, the GSD will go through teething. It will need potty training and obedience training. They are very social animals that need company, especially human company. Without this, they become frustrated and sometimes aggressive. German Shepherds shed a lot! Your GSD pup can come in one of 11 standard colors , not just the classic black and tan you often see. GSDs have a lifespan of between 7 and 10 years, and they have a few health concerns to watch out for, including arthritis and hip dysplasia. All good breeders test for the main health problems, which is another reason to use them. In conclusion, the German Shepherd is a wonderful animal that deserves a home that can match its energy and intelligence. Related articles:. Breeds The link has been copied! Navigating the world of puppyhood can be both an exhilarating and daunting experience. Among the myriad decisions that new pet owners must make, determining the right quantity and type of food for your furry companion stands paramount. Especially for breeds like the German Shepherd, which grow rapidly and have specific nutritional needs, ensuring the right diet from the start is crucial for their overall health and development. In this guide, we will delve deep into understanding just how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy, taking into account their age, weight, activity level, and unique dietary requirements. Whether you're a first-time dog parent or a seasoned German Shepherd enthusiast, this comprehensive guide aims to shed light on your puppy's nutritional journey. German Shepherd Puppy Nutrition: The Basics The first step in understanding the feeding requirements is to grasp the basics of German Shepherd puppy nutrition. These puppies are an energetic lot. They grow rapidly and thus have specific dietary needs. For instance, did you know that a basset hound beagle mix might have completely different nutritional requirements than a German Shepherd? It's not just about the breed but also about understanding their activity levels, growth spurts, and potential health concerns. Why Exact Portions Matter Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding might stunt growth. Neither situation is ideal. A friend of mine once had a German Shepherd puppy named Max. She treated Max like her child and always felt he should eat heartily. But feeding him without a proper plan led to weight issues. By the time Max was an adult, he had joint problems and other health issues. A puppy's weight is an excellent indicator of its overall health. Regular vet check-ups can help monitor this. Contrary to popular belief, medium-sized dogs might consume less food per pound of body weight than larger breeds like the German Shepherd. And while German Shepherds might not be categorized under italian dog breeds, they still have their unique set of nutritional requirements. If you've ever seen a German Shepherd jump and play, you'd know they're highly energetic. They need a protein-rich diet. For example, while it might be safe for some dogs to occasionally eat pepperoni , a staple diet should focus on specialized puppy food with meat as the primary ingredient. Homemade Food vs. Commercial Food While there's a growing trend to feed dogs homemade meals, it's vital to ensure they're getting all the required nutrients. My neighbor, for example, only feeds her Collie nose dog a homemade diet, but she's extremely meticulous about including all necessary ingredients. With German Shepherds, a mix of both commercial and homemade can be a good approach. Commercial foods often have the advantage of being well-balanced. Common Mistakes to Avoid Not reading the food label: Just like humans, not every food is suitable for your German Shepherd puppy. Study the ingredients. Assuming all dog breeds have the same needs: Just as you wouldn't expect an Italian Greyhound one of the popular italian dog breeds to have the same dietary requirements as a German Shepherd, be breed-specific in your approach. Ignoring water intake: Hydration is as essential as nutrition. Ensure your pup has constant access to fresh water. When To Consult a Vet If you notice signs like lethargy, refusal to eat, or sudden weight changes, it's best to consult a vet. Sometimes, puppies can even get concussions from accidents at play, affecting their appetite and behavior. Always be vigilant and prioritize your puppy's health. Unlike a basset hound beagle mix which might have a more consistent growth rate, German Shepherds can surprise you with their growth spurts. Adjusting their feeding schedule becomes critical to ensure they're getting enough fuel for growth but not so much that it leads to obesity. Transitioning to Adult Food When your German Shepherd reaches around six to twelve months, you'll need to think about transitioning from puppy food to adult food. Remember how our parents told us we couldn't survive on pizza forever? Similarly, as tempting as it might be for a dog to eat pepperoni as a treat, it's essential to understand that what was beneficial for them as puppies might not be suitable as adults. Watching Out for Allergies Food allergies in dogs are more common than you'd think. If you notice symptoms like excessive itching, ear infections, or gastrointestinal issues, your puppy might be reacting to something in their diet. Interestingly, even breeds like the Collie nose have shown tendencies for certain allergies. Consulting with a veterinarian can help determine the cause and adjust the diet accordingly. Treats and Snacks: Yay or Nay? Who doesn't love treating their fur baby? But it's essential to ensure treats don't become a mainstay of their diet. Think of it this way: would you let a child eat candy all day just because they like it? The same goes for treats. They're delightful but should be given in moderation. Remember those medium-sized dogs we talked about earlier? They, just like German Shepherds, require a well-balanced diet. While it's okay to give them an occasional treat, be sure it's suitable for their size and age. Exercise and Feeding: The Vital Connection You might wonder, what does exercise have to do with feeding? A lot! An active German Shepherd puppy will burn more calories than one that lounges around. It's akin to humans — an athlete's diet varies significantly from someone with a sedentary lifestyle. Keep a watchful eye on your puppy's activity levels. If you've got a sprawling backyard where your German Shepherd loves to play and maybe occasionally chase the odd squirrel, they'll likely need more food. But if it's winter and they're indoors most of the time, you might need to adjust the portions slightly. Their lineage traces back to times when they were used for herding and guarding. This means their nutritional demands might be higher than some other breeds. The Role of Genetics While a lot of emphasis is given to diet and exercise, we can't ignore the role genetics play. For instance, just like how some people can be lactose intolerant or have gluten allergies, specific breeds, including the German Shepherd, can be genetically predisposed to certain health conditions. A basset hound beagle mix might have a set of genetic health issues different from a German Shepherd. Such genetic predispositions can affect dietary needs. For example, German Shepherds can be prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where joint health becomes paramount. Supplements like glucosamine can be beneficial in such cases. Advocates believe it mimics the natural diet of wild ancestors. This might involve raw meats, bones, and even organs. But is it right for a German Shepherd puppy? Like with any diet, there are pros and cons. Raw diets can offer fresher, unprocessed nutrients, but there's also a risk of bacterial infections or missing out on essential vitamins and minerals. If you're considering this for your German Shepherd, do thorough research and perhaps even consult with a vet or a pet nutritionist. The Perils of Over-Feeding Just because your puppy gobbles down food quickly doesn't mean they're still hungry. Some dogs, especially active breeds like German Shepherds, have voracious appetites. But overfeeding can lead to a myriad of health issues, from the obvious obesity to other problems like diabetes. Remember the mention of dogs that eat pepperoni? Occasional indulgence is one thing, but consistently feeding your puppy fatty or human foods can be harmful in the long run. The Importance of Hydration While we've talked a lot about food, water is just as crucial. Puppies, especially active ones, need a lot of water. Always ensure that your German Shepherd puppy has access to fresh and clean water. Hydration aids in digestion, keeps the body temperature regulated, and ensures smooth functioning of bodily processes. The Game Changer for German Shepherd Puppy Owners As we've been diving deep into the world of German Shepherd puppies, understanding their unique needs and growth patterns, it's essential to introduce a tool that's becoming a game changer for many puppy owners: the FI dog collar. The Link Between Nutrition and Activity German Shepherds, as mentioned before, are incredibly active dogs with varying nutritional needs based on their activity levels. This is where the FI dog collar shines. Imagine having a Fitbit for your dog. Is your puppy more active than the average German Shepherd? Then they might need a slightly larger portion at dinner. Or perhaps they've had a particularly lazy day? Maybe cut back a little on the treats. Just like you wouldn't feed a sedentary basset hound beagle mix the same as an active German Shepherd, within the breed itself, there are variances based on individual activity. Safety First German Shepherds are curious by nature. Whether they're tempted to eat pepperoni from the kitchen counter or are intrigued by the scent trail of a squirrel, they can sometimes wander off. If your German Shepherd puppy decides to go on an unscheduled adventure, you can quickly locate them. The FI collar provides health insights tailored to your German Shepherd puppy, considering their breed, age, and weight. This feature ensures that whether you have a sprightly Collie nose or an active German Shepherd, the collar provides insights best suited for your dog. You'd want a collar that's as tough as they are. The FI collar boasts a durable design that can withstand the playful antics of your puppy, from rough play to the occasional dip in the pond. Conclusion: In the journey of raising a robust and healthy German Shepherd puppy, understanding their unique dietary needs is paramount. From recognizing the importance of portions, transitioning to adult food, and monitoring for allergies to acknowledging the value of hydration, every step plays a vital role. The modern addition of tools like the FI dog collar amplifies our ability to cater to their needs, providing real-time activity data and ensuring their safety. As German Shepherd owners, while it's essential to know how different they are from breeds like the basset hound beagle mix or Italian dog breeds, it's equally crucial to embrace technology and insights for their optimal well-being. The link has been copied! You might also like. Check out the cutest animals from Littlest Pet Shop! These family packs come with mom, dad and little babies! Check out the tiny newborns! So sweet! I hope y. Their white markings combined with. Littlest Pet Shop London Punk. 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We match families with litters based primarily on puppy preference, not location. That means whether your dream German Shepherd puppy is currently down the street or three states away, partners in our network can always arrange transportation to your nearest major airport—like Orlando International Airport, for example. How can I be sure a German Shepherd puppy Orlando is ethically raised? We understand how hard it can be to find German Shepherd breeders Orlando Florida you can really trust online, which is why we put so much effort into screening our breeders and business partners. Rather than breed our own German Shepherd puppies for sale in Orlando Florida, we act as matchmakers who help connect families who are searching for dogs with ethical breeders and dog businesses throughout the United States. What is an Orlando German Shepherd puppy mill? Puppy mills are often the biggest suppliers of dogs to pet stores. These puppies are more likely to get sick, to act anxious or aggressive, to require expensive veterinary care, and to pass away far too soon. Do you have German Shepherd Orlando Florida puppies right now? From there, adopting your dream dog is fast and easy. Can I be sure Uptown is trustworthy? We get it—online puppy scams are plentiful, especially for popular breeds like the German Shepherd. We wanted to make a place where families can feel safe that their dog is coming from a good home, and where great breeders are rewarded.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We have some terrific litters on the horizon and we look forward to working with you during this exciting process! We currently have 2 girls and 1 boy available, and they are ready to go home today! We currently have 3 girls and 2 boys available! Pups will be ready to go home on September .We currently have 2 girls and 2 boys available. This litter will be ready to go home on October 6. We currently have 2 girls and 4 boys available. This litter will also be ready to go home on October 6. This is going to be a beautiful litter. Contact us for more information! We are currently receiving deposits for this litter! We can't wait to meet their puppies! This is going to be a terrific litter! We do provide shipping with our awesome courier team! Selecting your puppy is easy. You will receive weekly updates full of information as well as pictures and videos. Selections take place at 8 weeks! Whether you are in a nearby city or multiple states away, we'll help guide you each step of the way. Some people come directly to our home and others make the selection from the convenience of their own living room with the assistance of FaceTime, Skype and plenty of conversations! At 8 weeks old, they'll be ready to join your home! Again, we wish you all the best in your journey of finding the perfect puppy. We know it's an important decision and we're here to assist in any way we can. We'd love to hear from you so feel to email us. Hello from the Orths! We are a family breeder with a huge love for English Cream Golden Retrievers located in a small town just outside of Spokane, Washington. Heritage Gold weeks with foundational training Our week-old puppies go home with a great start in our Foundational training program. See our training page for more information including pricing. We are taking reservations now for week-old puppies. Our next planned litters are here and we are taking reservations now for these pairings. These puppies have been chosen for their exceptional learning abilities and superior structure and temperament, and are considered top candidates for our breeding program. These puppies are also ideal for those in need of service-trained dogs. We are pleased to offer these exceptional puppies for adoption, beginning at 12 weeks of age. Please visit our training page to learn more about our Crown Reserve puppies and reserve one today. We also invite you to contact us to schedule a visit with the puppies and their parents, where you can meet us in person and see how our dogs and puppies live. If you are interested in providing a loving forever home for one of these amazing pups, please contact us for the next steps and to complete the puppy application. Every day we are learning how to care for this breed and will continue to update on what we have found that works best for putting your puppy on the best road to happiness and health. Here are some tips, advice and links we would like to share. More Information You can contact us for more information on our upcoming available puppies and the pairings. In order to reserve a puppy, contact us about your interest in upcoming litters by going to our "Contact Us" tab at the top. At that point, I can let you know about the dam and sire pairings, your pick placement, and more about the puppy homing process. If you wish to be included in our e-mail send outs, please tell us that you're interested. Just so you know, our puppies are normally reserved very quickly, so the earlier you reserve your puppy, the better chance you have to receive one. If you would like to take the first steps toward finding out about bringing home a Classic Heritage Golden Retriever puppy, write me an email about yourself, your experience with dogs, or anything that may help me know more about you and the environment you will provide one of our puppies. This is to ensure a thriving future for our puppies. We look forward to placing one of our puppies with your family! New Puppies available. We are a northern California breeder near Sacramento that prides itself on choosing our breeding dogs for top health, temperament, and beauty that conforms to the breed standard. Our dogs are selected from champion lines with health clearances. We will only breed dogs that pass all of these tests, so we can continue reaching to improve the breed through imposing high standards for our dogs. We breed dogs from these lines to continue a heritage of excellence in the breed. This standard is different from the AKC standard for golden retrievers, but both are accepted and licensed. The English type should have a blockier and fuller head, shorter muzzle, lower ear set, rounder eyes, stouter body structure, as well as a lighter color than the American type see comparison figure below. As an adult, it has been a pleasure to now show and selectively breed these beautiful English Golden Retrievers. Raising our English Golden Retrievers is a family endeavor that includes everyone from the youngest to the oldest. It is wonderful to make family memories with our dogs and children together. Our English Goldens are first and foremost pets who live and play among our family. Our children are involved from showing our dogs to whelping the puppies. Our puppies go home to their new families very loved and well socialized. In Northern California, we are located in Newcastle which is at the base of the Sierra Mountain foothills; close to Sacramento, and about miles from San Francisco or about miles from San Jose other cities near us are Roseville, Loomis, Folsom, Orangevale, Auburn, Lake Tahoe about an hour , and Reno about 2 hours. We can deliver our puppies to you if you are out of state, and personally travel with the puppy to bring your puppy to you. We cordially invite you to visit us and meet our beloved puppies and amazing dogs. We're located in the California Gold County just 25 miles east of Sacramento. Surrounded by golden foothills, we offer the perfect place to meet and enjoy the dogs. Expect to be greeted with wagging tails and wet noses during your visit, as our dogs are always excited to meet new people. Please let us know when you would like to visit by booking an appointment. The care and love you, Heather, and all at Classic Heritage devote to these pups is remarkable. The efforts taken to ensure pups are matched with their new happy forever home are excellent. Everyone I met was equally professional, educated, loving, kind, and a lot of fun. All of the dogs are beautiful and happy.We have had the best experience and have the most loving pup so anything we can do to help Classic Heritage we would. We have recommended you to everyone who has asked. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. Size: inches tall and lbs— so essentially a very large Teddy bear. Lifespan: of the best years of your life! Energy Level: Active Coat: Thick, silky, and luxurious. Shedding: Moderately heavy. Hypoallergenic: Unfortunately, English Cream Goldens are not hypoallergenic. What is an English Cream Golden Retriever? Ah, the English Cream Golden Retriever, also known as the striking ivory white counterpart to the traditional Goldens we all know and love. And with a name like that, it comes as no surprise that these dogs are so sought after! Basically, an English Cream is a subtype of the Golden Retriever breed—more specifically a variation of the British Golden. English Cream Goldens gained their namesake as a result of, well, their elegant pale coats, which can range in color from a delicate cream shade to white. The original Goldens came to be as a result of cross-breeding between various different breeds including: Water Spaniels, Yellow Retrievers, Irish Settlers, and Bloodhounds over several generations. In other words, all Golden Retriever subtypes including the British Golden subtype , are members of the same family, or breed. Oh, and we can thank years of selective breeding for that wonderful and uniquely white coat of theirs, too. Because their temperament is friendly, fun-loving, and obedient. These pups are known for being loyal, intelligent, and attentive. Like all Goldens, they are playful and excitable. In short, their great, balanced temperament makes them a great addition to any home! Oftentimes, cheaper golden retriever puppies can ultimately cost you a LOT more money in the long run because they are more likely to have health issues. Are English Cream Goldens more expensive? What is the difference between English Cream and Golden Retriever? The British Goldens including the English Cream are very similar to their American Golden relatives; however, they do tend to sport slightly lighter colored coats overall and are about 2 inches shorter on average. How big is a full-grown English Cream Golden Retriever? The weight range for these sweet pups can be from pounds for full-grown males, and pounds for full-grown females. Additionally, these babies tend to stand at about inches tall, with males being on the taller end of the spectrum. Do English Cream Goldens shed? Yes, all types and variations of Golden Retrievers shed, and this is entirely normal for the breed. However, it is worth noting that because the English Cream Goldens often have a coat that is slightly thicker and shorter than the American Goldens, some owners claim they shed less overall. Problem solved! Are English Cream Golden Retrievers aggressive? The good news is— no, English Cream Golden Retrievers are not aggressive dogs by nature. In fact, their sweet, calm, and lovable disposition make them a fantastic addition to any family including yours. Are English Cream Goldens more calm? Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Life Span Did You Know? The English Cream Golden Retriever is not a separate dog breed from the Golden Retriever ; it is simply a rarer coat color variation. These Golden Retrievers tend to have light white or cream-colored coats instead of honey, golden-brown, or reddish coats. As they are still standard Golden Retrievers, they are recognized by the AKC and other canine organizations and can be registered. An English Cream Golden Retriever has all the same traits as any other Golden Retriever; they are one of the most popular dog breeds and tend to be open, friendly, and make great family pets. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. As long as they are socialized and trained, Goldens tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are even known for being open and friendly with strangers. As one of the kid-friendly dog breeds , Golden Retrievers love attention. These dogs tend to be energetic, full of personality, and are devoted to their families. They also tend to be excitable, which means they can be prone to barking. Training your dog to stop barking early on can help curb this habit and help prevent it from becoming a nuisance. Due to their friendly, gentle nature and intelligence, Goldens can often be found working as service, therapy, or search and rescue dogs. English Cream Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. Their high energy and exuberance make them better suited for homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living, but you will need to dedicate a lot of time every day to ensure they get enough attention, mental stimulation, and exercise. Goldens fare well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they bond so closely with their families and are one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Some potential health concerns to be aware of in an English Cream Golden Retriever can include canine cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Good breeding practices reduce the risk of these health issues and make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. The national breed club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, an NCL DNA test, an ophthalmologist evaluation, and a cardiac exam at a minimum. English Cream Golden Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly trainable dogs that are a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Not only are they one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners , but they also tend to excel at obedience competitions and other dog sports. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered basic commands , move on to other activities or more advanced commands. Anything you learn will help and will only strengthen the bond you are building with your puppy. Plus, there are several other benefits of puppy training classes including socialization. English Cream Goldens may have a lighter-colored coat, but they still have the classic longer Golden Retriever coat that will shed a big year-round and heavier as the seasons change. You will want to bathe them as needed and get your Golden professionally groomed a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Trimming nails once or twice a month keeps them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. Daily tooth brushing is ideal to keep tartar buildup at bay. This, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Golden Retrievers are known for being high-energy dogs. Like Labrador Retrievers , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They do tend to calm down a little as they grow into adulthood, but will still have a lot of energy. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep this dog happy and healthy. Goldens tend to be athletic and versatile dogs. So, once they are done growing and the vet has cleared them for higher-impact activities, you can take them running with you, play frisbee, go hiking, train for dog sports, and more. As one of the most active dog breeds , you will likely run out of energy before they do and they will likely be up for even more activity if you are. An English Cream Golden Retriever generally lives for years on average. Golden Retrievers are one of the dog breeds of famous dogs.

Articles Labradors are everything anyone can want in a dog. They are beautiful. They are super smart. And they are loyal almost to a fault. The only way to make Labs any better than they already are would be to mix them with another equally awesome breed. One of the few dog breeds or groups out there that comes close in terms of general impressiveness is the hound group. This is why the Labrador Hound Mix is such a popular pairing. Labrador Hound Mixes are mixed breed dogs developed from breeding between a Labrador Retriever and any purebred dog from the Hound family of dogs. More often than not, dog breeders use the Basset Hound, the Bloodhound, and Coonhound, for the pairing for their aesthetics. Let us take a closer look at exactly what it is about Labrador Hound Mixes that make them special, as well as what to expect if you end up owning one. Image from Instagram: lucylouslab Labrador Hound Mixes are difficult to describe and predict when it comes to things like their size and physical features. There are way too many variables, especially the fact that the mix can be with a number of unique hound breeds that come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. However, looking at the most common pairings involving hounds like the Basset Hound, Bloodhound, and Coonhound, there are a few features that you may expect. Here is an overview of what you have to look forward to. Size Labrador Hound Mixes vary from medium-sized dogs to large pooches depending on the hound they are mixed with. When Basset Hounds are used for the mix, the resulting Bassador is likely going to be smaller than a purebred Labrador Retriever and will usually range between 40 to 60 lbs in weight and 13 to 20 inches in height. If the mix is with a Coonhound, on the other hand, the Lab Hound Mix will fall in a 50 to 80 lbs and 20 to inch size bracket. The largest Labrador Hounds result from mixing with the Bloodhound. These mixed doggies can grow up to lbs and 30 inches. Build Both Labradors and members of the Hound group are very athletically built. Facial And Skull Features These are the most unpredictable of them all, as Labradors are drastically different in appearance from all hound variations. Image from Instagram: gorgeousgeorgethedoggo Labrador Retriever Hound Mixes can live for 10 to 13 years. The same can be expected from purebred Labrador Retrievers as well as most Hounds. In general, Labrador Hounds are healthy dogs with few disease predispositions and even a few potentially life-threatening conditions. Here are some of the common health problems you may encounter if you have a Labrador Hound Mix. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia in Labrador Hound Mixed Doggies is more commonly found in instances where large hound dogs have been used, and as a result, large mixes are produced. The condition involves an abnormal formation of the hip joint, which results in instability of the entire joint unit. To put it simply, this is where the blood supply to the bone at the joint level is inadequate, resulting in localized death of bone cells. The cartilage over the affected bone eventually detaches, resulting in a world of pain and mobility problems for the pooch. Bloat Bloat is very common in Labradors and Basset Hounds and is a result of twisting of the stomach when dilated and subsequent obstruction of the outlet. The condition may be passed on to the mix and is particularly common in Bassadors. Obesity Obesity is a common issue both in Labradors and most Hound dogs despite both groups of dogs being bred primarily for use as active hunting dogs. When kept mainly as companion pets, overeating combined with limited mobility may result in unhealthy weight gain. However, the fact that they are easy to take care of is not reason enough to slack off, as improper care practices can affect both the quality and length of their lives. To help you take the best possible care of your Lab Hound Mixed pooch, here are 3 of the most important care tips you need to know and practice. Pet Plate is ideal in this case as it takes care of all these variables for you. We recommend you get yourself the iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers For Dogs to make even the shortest of sessions fun and engaging for the pooch. The best part is that you get to choose the distance at which the balls are thrown depending on the amount of space available to you. Comes with 3 mini tennis balls 1. Use other.Learning to initiate fetch on their own? Owner supervision.The perfect indoor or.These allow for early detection of any possible health issue for prompt management, which is usually more successful. Temperaments Of Labrador Hound Mixes A post shared by Lucy Lou lucylouslab Labradors are hailed as the most popular dog breeds, with their charming temperament being one of the main reasons for their popularity. On the other hand, Hounds are usually a bit more standoffish, goal-focused, and independent. So how do these two personalities work together in the Lab Hound Mix? Here are a few common traits you may notice in your mixed pooch. Alert Labrador Hound Mixes make for really amazing hunting dogs and watchdogs due to their alert nature. They are very sensitive to everything from movement to unfamiliar scents and will not hesitate to raise the alarm if trained to do so. Intelligent Most hounds are not known to be very intelligent or responsive. However, there is something about this pairing with the smart Labrador Retriever that makes the resulting mix very intelligent and generally easy to train. Energetic The Labrador Hound Mix is a very active dog and is happiest outdoors, where it can run and work out all its energy. If not allowed to play on a regular basis, Labrador Hounds are likely to get frustrated and develop destructive behavior. Loyal One of the best personality traits you have to look forward to from Labrador Hound Mixes is their unwavering loyalty. These dogs love their human companions and are very protective, especially over children. Affectionate Labrador Hound Mixes may not be the most sociable mixed doggies, but they make up for this with their affectionate nature toward the people that they trust the most. If you want to sharpen your social skills and share this affectionate side with strangers your dog meets, all you have to do is start socialization training from an early age for Lab Hound Mixes. Do Hound Lab Mixes Shed? Labradors are known to be heavy shedders due to their short and dense coats. Hounds, on the other hand, generally do not shed very much, with some specific breeds, like the Afghan Hound being hypoallergenic. Whatever type of coat your dog ends up having, here are a few grooming tips that will come in handy to keep their coats healthy and beautiful. More often than not, the dog will also have a thick coat, in which case we recommend you invest in the FURminator Undercoat Tool. This grooming brush has strong, metallic bristles that are exactly what you need to get through the dense double coat. If your Labrador Hound Mix sheds less, brushing once or twice a week will be enough. Removes loose hair: reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the.FURejector button: just push the button to release hair with ease. This is because even with a good grooming schedule and tools, some fur will make it to your surfaces. The automated vacuum is designed specifically for these kinds of pet messes and will make your life easier. Washing them on a regular basis helps deal with the odor as well as keep their coat healthy and beautiful. Despite the name, this shampoo works wonders on both white fur and other colors, from black to brown and even red. Professionally formulated mild yet effective soap-free formula is ideal for.Many pets right after a bath they try to find a.A Basset Hound Labrador Mix can live for 10 to 12 years if they are generally healthy and well taken care of. Also known as Bassadors, this mix is generally unproblematic when it comes to health issues. The few health problems that Basset Labrador mixes do have are also rarely life-threatening. A Labrador Bloodhound Mix can grow to weigh 70 to lbs and measure more than 30 inches in height. They are among the largest of the Labrador Hound group of mixed doggies. This is largely due to the heavyset nature of the Bloodhound compared to other hounds that the Labrador is mixed with, like the Basset Hound and Coonhound. Do Hound Mix Dogs Shed? Hound Mixed Dogs shed between minimal to heavy levels. The amount and frequency of the shedding depend on a number of factors, with the most important being the dog breed that the Hound is mixed with. If they are mixed with heavy shedders, there is always the possibility that the resulting dog sheds heavily. However, if the hounds are mixed with light to moderate shedders like themselves, then the grooming needs may be more manageable. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular dogs in the world, so you will find lots of mixed-breed dogs with a Labrador parent. One breed that is becoming increasingly popular is a Lab hound mix. A Lab hound is a mix between a Labrador retriever and any dog from the hound family. That means one of their parents could be a bloodhound, greyhound, Basset hound, Plott hound, or even a blue tick hound, so there is a lot of variation within this mixed breed. These dogs tend to be loving and friendly pups ideal for families with lots of energy and love to give. They were originally bred for retrieving game in wetlands, but their intelligence, eagerness to please, and innately friendly nature means they have also become popular in roles such as disability support. Unlike Labradors, which are used to retrieve prey, hounds use their instincts to track animals. The most well-known hounds are scent hounds, which use their keen sense of smell for tracking. These dogs have also been trained to help with search and rescue to find missing people. There are also sighthounds, which tend to follow prey by sight and are faster to run down animals such as foxes and elks. There are scores of different types of hounds. Among the most popular are the bloodhound, Basset hound, greyhound, Dachshund, and the Plott hound. Mixing Labrador retrievers and hounds became a popular practice in the late s and early s when breeders started to mix a variety of breeds with Labs following the success of the Labradoodle. Poodles are also highly intelligent and loving dogs, so Labradoodles quickly became popular as working dogs. While Labradoodles and Boradors a Labrador mixed with a border collie are probably the most popular Labrador retriever mixes, Labradors mixed with Basset hounds, often called Basadors, are also becoming very popular. Appearance Lab hound mixes can vary greatly in size depending on the type of hound giving their DNA to the mix. Labradors are medium-to-large dogs measuring .For example, if a Labrador is mixed with a Basset hound, a breed that rarely reaches 15 inches tall, they will be a lot shorter and stockier than a Lab. On the other hand, if a Lab is mixed with a big bloodhound that can weigh up to pounds and reach 28 inches in height, then you can expect a much taller and overall larger dog. Alternatively, if the hound parent is a greyhound, you can expect another tall dog since they usually measure between 27 and 30 inches tall. However, you can expect the normally muscular body of the Lab to thin out since greyhounds are such slender dogs. The appearance of a Lab hound is also often difficult to predict, but there are a few qualities you can expect regardless of the hound parent breed. Lab hound mixes usually have the face of a Labrador retriever mixed with the long ears of a scent hound. Most breeds of scent hounds have long ears to trap smells for tracking. They might have more skin than usual and look a bit droopy like their bloodhound or Basset hound parent. But if the dog is part greyhound, you can expect them to have a more pointy face with no excess skin. While Labradors tend to have a double coat that is short but thick, hounds typically have a single short coat. This means while Labrador retrievers shed a lot year-round, hounds tend to shed seasonally only, and their coat can easily be maintained with occasional brushing. Which of these two coat styles your dog will inherit is a bit of a gamble, though. So, while you might be thinking of a Lab hound mix as a hypoallergenic alternative to a Lab, just be aware that you might strikeout in the genetic pool and end up with a pup with a high-shedding coat. Lab hound pups will very often inherit the full-colored coat of their Lab parent, which could be black, chocolate, or yellow. But if their hound parent has a patterned coat, like the tri-color coats common among Basset hounds, their mixed-breed pups can have the same color or pattern. Temperament It might be fair to say that with a Lab hound mix, you can expect a dog with the personality of a Lab with their size, coat, and appearance to be more influenced by their hound parent. The same can be said when it comes to temperament; you generally will get a Lab with hound-like characteristics mixed in. Labrador retrievers are highly intelligent dogs that can learn new tasks quickly and easily figure out what is wanted from them in new situations. Hounds are generally a bit less intelligent and intuitive, but they are just as capable of adapting and learning with the right training. However, while Labs are very reward-driven and eager to please, hounds tend to be more independent and not overly concerned with pleasing humans. This can make them a little bit stubborn and harder to train. This is why some people say hounds are impossible to train. Hound Lab mixes will be somewhere on the spectrum between highly trainable and incredibly stubborn, but it is impossible to predict which it will be until they have grown up a bit past the puppy stage. Both Labradors and hounds tend to be very friendly dogs that love to play and prefer to make friends with small people and animals rather than chase them. This means they make terrible guard dogs, but they are excellent family pets. While neither breed of dog tends to bark excessively and will only raise their voice to communicate with you, Hounds can have a tendency to bay or howl, which is a type of barking that many people find very annoying. Thankfully, they can be trained not to do this at inappropriate times. Labradors are high-energy dogs. If your Lab mix was bred with a small hound, you can expect them to not need much exercise, but if they are mixed with a larger breed like a bloodhound or a greyhound, they might need a bit more. Any Lab hound mix will need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, and larger mixes could need two to three times that amount. Their energy can often be too overwhelming for both young children and new parents. However, older kids will probably enjoy the liveliness of the dog and helping to look after them. Labs and hounds are both quite needy when it comes to human love and attention. They tend to easily develop separation anxiety, which can manifest in destructive behavior like chewing and scratching furniture. As a result, they can still become troublesome, even if they usually sleep a lot when you are around. Lab hound mixes do better in households where there is someone around most of the time, or even better, when they can accompany their principal companion on all their adventures. This includes the office during the week and hiking and swimming on weekends. Their Lab parentage means they will probably love a good swim. Potential Health Risks Lab hound mixes tend to have a slightly shorter lifespan than purebred Labs, usually living for around 11 to 13 years. Lab hound mixes, especially larger ones, can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. This is a deformity of the joint that occurs when big dogs grow out of proportion. This can cause them serious pain and mobility issues as they get older. The best treatment for this is prevention by feeding and exercising them properly while growing. They should be provided with good quality food with lots of animal-based protein. Be careful not to over-exercise your pup, despite their high energy levels. Until they are fully grown, they should only get about 5 minutes of exercise per day for every month of age. So, according to this general rule, a six-month-old pup needs only 30 minutes of exercise a day. Vision problems are also fairly common among these dogs, and many will lose at least some of their sight as they age. Their long ears that can close their hearing passageways also make them prone to ear infections and hearing problems as they age. Regular ear cleaning is a must! This means Lab hound mixes have a tendency to overeat and develop obesity when their diet is not strictly controlled. Never leave food out for your pup to graze, and always maintain strict mealtimes with the right caloric proportions. If they need more energy, it is better to invest in better quality food rather than more food. Ask yourself the following questions to help make your decision. Labradors and hounds both need a lot of time and attention. They do best when they can join their humans on most of their adventures, whether this means accompanying you to work or joining you on a weekend hike. Will that fit your lifestyle? Even smaller Lab hound mixes are pretty high-energy dogs, so they do best when they have some space to let off steam. Do you have the space for a Lab hound mix to feel comfortable? While Labs are some of the most trainable dogs, hounds can be far more stubborn. Are you an experienced dog trainer, or are you willing to work with one if necessary? While Lab hound mixes love children, their energy and attention can be a little intense for very young kids and new parents. Kids might find them overwhelming, and parents might struggle to juggle caring for young children and a rambunctious young Lab hound mix. These dogs do better in houses with slightly older children who can keep up with their energy levels. Yes, Lab hound mixes are considered very good dogs because they are both intelligent and friendly. They love humans and make great companions. While they might be wary of strangers, they are more likely to want to make friends than make problems. Is a Lab hound mix big? If your dog is mixed with a relatively small hound like a Basset hound or a Dachshund, expect a smaller dog. But if your dog is mixed with a big hound like a bloodhound or an Afghan hound, expect a pretty big dog. What is a Lab hound mix called? There are a variety of different names for Lab hound mixes that depend on the type of hound that parents the pup. For example, a Basset hound Lab mix is often called a Bassador, while a Dachshund Lab mix is commonly referred to as a Dachsador. Do hound mix dogs bark a lot? However, most hounds were bred to give off a loud howling sound called baying when they have trapped or cornered their prey to alert hunters. Are hound mixes easy to train? Hounds can be notoriously difficult to train. Labs, on the other hand, are very intelligent and eager to please. They are considered one of the most trainable dogs. So, you can expect a Lab hound mix to be a relatively trainable dog, though they may come with a few stubbornness challenges. The Verdict If you are looking for a Labrador mix that is slightly bigger or smaller than a purebred Lab with a good chance of having a low-shedding coat, you might want to consider a Lab hound mix. Choose a mix with a Basset hound if you want a smaller pup or a bloodhound if you want a larger dog. In the end, whatever hound you choose, the resulting mix will be a loving and energetic dog. These intelligent dogs will be a bit more stubborn than a Labrador, but they will also be happier to laze around with you rather than always needing entertainment. Either way, the Lab hound mix is meant to be a companion. You will struggle to find a better companion to join you and your family on all your adventures! Have you ever had a Lab hound mix dog? Share your experience with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch. This mixed breed is slightly smaller than a Labrador Retriever yet somewhat bigger than a purebred Dachshund. Dachsadors are playful pooches that have medium energy levels. Their telltale features are their sausage-shaped bodies, relatively short legs, floppy ears, and long muzzles. These pooches are muscular, heavy, and powerful. On most occasions, these dogs adopt the wrinkly skin of their Bloodhound parent. The Labloodhound mix is an excellent hunter with above-average endurance. These qualities make them ideal as service dogs for the police and military. Unfortunately, these dogs have a pretty short lifespan, at around nine years. Its telltale features are its long legs, broad chest, and small ears. The aerodynamic body of this mixed breed is adopted from its Greyhound parent. Despite having an extremely athletic physique, the Greyhound Lab mix is a couch potato. These dogs like short bursts of energy, but they do get tired quickly. This unique-looking mixed breed is the cross of a Labrador Retriever and a Plott Hound. This hound Lab mix is known for its athleticism, shiny coat, and brindle markings. Plott Hound Lab mixes require moderate to heavy exercise. It is worth noting that this mix is a very vocal dog. They tend to bark if they do not get enough mental stimulation and exercise! These dogs usually sport a bright red coat color similar to a fox red Labrador. On some occasions, a Foxhound Lab mix may have black or white markings on its back. Temperament-wise, this Lab hound mix is sociable and gentle. They are playful as well, especially in their puppy years! This Lab hound mix is a super active pooch that can climb trees. They are speedy runners as well! The temperament of these dogs is simply unmatched as a family companion. As a result, many breeders decided to mix-and-match Labs with different dog breeds such as the hounds. In , the first Labradoodle was bred. While Labradoodles are not Lab hound mixes, their popularity paved the way for Lab hounds. Due to popular demand, breeders were able to sell Lab mixes for a higher price. Their objective was to create a unique-looking dog that has the same temperament as the Labrador Retriever. Unfortunately, the Lab hound mix never dethroned Labradoodles as the most popular Lab hybrid. However, Lab hound mixes still serve as alternatives for people looking for particular traits in a dog. One of the biggest factors why Labs are extremely popular is their affable personality. These dogs are undoubtedly one of the best family dogs out there as they are eager to please their owners! Luckily, most Lab hound mixes adopt the temperament of Labradors. Of course, these hybrids will also inherit some quirks from their hound parents, but for the most part, they are as friendly as Labs. They also make amazing guard dogs if you are after one. One thing to keep in mind is that hounds are natural hunters. These dogs can either be sighthounds or scent hounds. That said, the hound Lab mix is sensitive to peculiar scents and fast-moving objects. Luckily, it is possible to train your dog not to make unnecessary noise. Lab hounds have a pretty decent life expectancy. These pups can live for 9 to 16 years. However, the exact lifespan of a Labrador hound mix will depend on the breed of its parents. Some Lab hounds live longer lives than purebred Labs, while some live shorter lives. The lifespan of these dogs is in the higher end of the range at 12 to 16 years. On the contrary, the Bloodhound Lab mix is on the other end of the range. Sadly, Labloodhounds only have a lifespan of nine years. These pups live somewhere around 12 to 14 years. The most significant factor affecting the health of a Lab hound mix is the health of its parents. A Labrador Retriever Hound mix born from healthy parents is likely to be healthy. On the other hand, one with sickly parents is also likely to be sickly. Fortunately, many Lab hound breeders pay close attention to the health of their dogs. Most often than not, breeders test their dogs for genetic conditions before having them bred. Here are the common health issues affecting Labrador Hound mixes: Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a health condition of a hound Lab mix caused by the misalignment of the ball and socket joint. Most of the time, hip dysplasia is due to genetic factors; however, there are instances that it is brought by normal wear and tear. A Lab hound with hip dysplasia may suffer excruciating pain when moving. Luxating Patella: Luxating patella is a common issue in Labs. Unfortunately, this issue usually gets passed on to Lab hound mixes. Cases of luxating patella are classified into four grades — grades one to four. Each of these grades requires different treatment techniques. Osteoarthritis: Canine osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease common in Lab hound mixes. This health condition affects dogs of all ages, even very young puppies. The common symptoms of osteoarthritis include lethargy, limping, reluctance to jump, and behavior change. Canine Bloat: Gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , also known as bloat, is an emergency health issue in dogs. The typical signs of bloat include pacing, restlessness, excessive drooling, and retching. All of these conditions are life-altering for a Lab hound. While these issues are treatable, it is still best to prevent them. Luckily, keeping your Labrador Retriever Hound in tip-top shape is quite easy. All you need is to keep its weight within the ideal range, promote plenty of exercises, and visit the vet regularly. Here are some advantages of breeding Labrador Retrievers and hounds together: Unique Appearance: The unique appearance of Lab hounds is one of the main reasons they are bred. By combining the Labrador Retriever with different hound breeds, breeders get unique-looking pooches with fantastic temperaments. They usually sell these hybrids for a slightly higher price than purebred Labs. Possibility for Improved Health: Labrador Retrievers and hound dogs have their own health issues. These issues are embedded in the genes that get passed on to their litter. However, when Labs and hounds are bred together, the chances of their puppies developing these diseases are minimized. Fewer Congenital Issues: Many purebreds suffer from predisposed conditions that get passed on as generations progress. Most of these conditions stay hidden beneath dominant genes. As a result, a perfectly healthy lineage of purebreds may still give birth to a pup with congenital issues. One way to stop this from happening is by crossbreeding. Surprisingly, there are plenty of rewards that come in crossing the Lab with a hound dog. However, some drawbacks may also arise from breeding this hybrid. Here are some disadvantages of breeding Labrador Retrievers and hounds together: Unpredictable Temperament: Most Lab hounds adopt the family-oriented behavior of the Labrador Retriever. However, others might still pick up more qualities from their hound parents. That said, some Lab hounds mixes may prove to be unpredictable at times. Unpredictable Size: Unlike purebred dogs, hybrids usually have inconsistent sizes. Due to their mixed genetics, their growth chart may not follow a particular trend. Unfortunately, this is the case for Lab hounds. It is hard to tell how big a hound Lab mix puppy is once it reaches its full-grown age. Possibility of a Risky Delivery: When breeding Labs with small hound dogs, there is always the possibility of a risky delivery. In some instances, Lab hound puppies are harder to push out due to their size. Cases like these require an emergency C-section. As you can see, crossbreeding is a very promising yet risky feat. When done correctly, breeders can produce healthy and unique-looking pooches. Lab hounds do not usually require special care. These dogs can live happy and healthy lives with just the bare minimum. That said, here are a couple of reminders on how to take care of your Lab hound mix! Feeding and Diet Lab hounds are extremely active pooches, especially in their puppy years. Keep in mind that puppy food is different from adult dog food! Sticking to a strict feeding schedule is also ideal for a Lab hound. It is best to feed your pooch around the same time every single day. Three meals a day for Lab hound puppies, while for adults, two meals a day is recommended. Cleaning and Grooming The cleaning and grooming needs of a Lab hound vary with a couple of factors. Moreover, cleaning your pooch also depends on its environment. If you keep your dog indoors, bathing it every four to six weeks is good enough. However, if your dog is always outside, you may bathe it as often as every week. Training and Exercise Lab hounds are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. However, you will still need a ton of patience in training a Lab hound! The best form of training for Lab hounds is known as positive reinforcement training. Essentially, positive reinforcement training takes advantage of a reward system. Whenever your pup follows your command correctly, you may praise it or give it treats. You can also use a dog clicker as an alternative form of reward! Needless to say, these pooches have high energy levels! Fortunately, there are lots of fun activities you can engage your hound in. Some fun exercises include playing fetch, running together, swimming, and going on a hike. Even a simple walk will do! The price of a Lab hound mix is all over the place. Factors affecting the price of a Lab hound puppy are its age, reputation of its breeder, gender, and the breed of its parents. While it may be tempting to buy an inexpensive Lab hound pup from a backyard breeder, it is highly discouraged. Backyard breeders and puppy mills do not hold high standards for the health of their dogs. These sources are usually only in it for the money. On the contrary, reputable breeders test the Labrador Retriever parent as well as the Hound breed for any genetic issues prior to breeding. This way, their puppies will be free from common health issues. If you want to save money, the best option is to look for a Lab hound in rescues or shelters. More often than not, these rescued Lab hounds are originally from reputable breeders, which means they have pretty good health. In fact, many breeders still make a living from breeding Lab hound hybrids. However, it may be challenging to find a breeder that exclusively breeds Lab hound mixes. Often, breeders only breed Lab hounds alongside purebred Labs. That said, the good news is that Lab hounds are pretty easy to find. You may start your search with the places listed below! With over 25 years of experience, this breeder is one of the most trusted Lab breeders out there. Marble Mountain Kennels produce healthy and well-behaved pups with health guarantees. Be sure to check out their available puppies for Lab hound mixes! Ashland Labradors — This Nashville-based breeder is an expert in raising healthy Labs with laid-back temperaments. Moreover, their dogs are home-raised and free from genetic health issues. If you wish to check out their Lab hound availability, you may shoot them a message through their contact us page. Endless Mt. Labradors — If you live near Pennsylvania, Endless Mt. Labradors is a breeder to check out. This breeder specializes in English Lab Retrievers, but they may also have Lab hound mixes. The good thing about this breeder is that all their dogs are house-trained and guaranteed against health issues. Lancaster Puppies — Lancaster Puppies is a website where you can find Lab hound puppies for sale. If you wish to save a bit of money, you can always adopt instead of shop. Here are some sources where you can find Lab hounds for adoption: Labs4Rescue — Labs4Rescue is a rescue organization dedicated to saving Labs and Lab mixes. This rescue is located in Killingworth, Connecticut, and it is run entirely by volunteers. Visit their adoption page for more information about their process. Petfinder — Petfinder is a website that links over 11, shelters and rescues to millions of aspiring pet owners. With this service, you can find hundreds of Lab hound mixes in your desired location! Adopt-a-Pet — Adopt-a-Pet is another adoption website where you can find Lab hounds. Together with 21, pet rescue organizations, Adopt-a-Pet has the largest database of adoptable pets. They also have a ton of Lab hounds, so make sure to check out their listings! Other than these sources, you may also take advantage of social media sites such as Facebook and Reddit. On average, Lab hound mixes are considered moderate shedders. However, the amount and frequency of shedding of these crossbreeds will still depend on their parent breeds. The best way to keep shedding manageable is by maintaining a regular grooming habit. For short-haired Lab hounds, brushing two to three times a week is ideal. On the other hand, Lab hounds with medium hair should be brushed more often. Are Lab Hound Mixes Hypoallergenic? The Labrador Retriever is not hypoallergenic. However, many hound mixed breeds are considered hypoallergenic. So depending on how genetics plays out for a Lab hound, it may or may not be hypoallergenic. If you are concerned about allergies, it is best to stick with a hypoallergenic dog breed. Lab hounds are very energetic dogs. These pups require frequent mental stimulation and exercise. Typically, a Lab hound that does not get enough of these activities tends to bark a lot. Some Lab hounds also exhibit territorial behavior. These dogs may bark at the most random things, such as a squirrel in your backyard or car noise. That said, it is possible to desensitize Lab hounds from common triggers. Many breeders do this to their dogs before selling them. The Lab hound mix is a fantastic dog that comes in plenty of varieties and characteristics. It is the perfect dog for you if you are looking for a unique pup as affable as the Labrador Retriever. For the most part, you will never go wrong with any Lab hound mix. These dogs are intelligent, trainable, and easy to get along with. However, if you are looking for specific traits in certain crossbreeds, then some Lab hounds are a better option than others. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. First, the Hound Lab mix is a very broad description of a dog that could be a mix of a number of different hound breeds. And when it comes to Hound dogs, there are only a few traits they have in common. The other reason a Hound Lab Mix can vary so much in so many different ways is because he is a crossbreed. What Is Crossbreeding? Crossbreed dogs are becoming increasingly popular, and chances are you already know a thing or two about some of the most coveted. Also known as a crossbreed, mixed breed or designer dog, the Hound Lab Mix is a dog with two purebred parents that were specifically chosen to create Hound Lab Mix offspring. Hybrid Vigor is the idea that, due to their wider gene pool, crossbreed dogs like the Hound Lab mix have the potential to be healthier than their pubred counterparts. However, others say that Hybrid Vigor is a theory, and that genetics are genetics either way. Something else you might consider before investing in Hound Lab mix is his predictability. That said, the Hound Lab mix still has a way to go before his story is cemented in history. For that reason, in order to learn more about him we are going to need to take a look at the origins of his parent breeds. He comes in three colors and is a beloved family companion, getting along famously with strangers, children and other animals alike. Thanks to his intelligence and friendly nature, the Labrador is also one of the most commonly used breeds when it comes to service work. Labs are high energy dogs, however, and are best suited for active households with securely fenced yards and owners who have time to commit to training and exercise. Hound Dogs Hounds are believed to be ancient dogs with a history going back as far as 10, BC. Remnants of these pups have been discovered worldwide, but it is believed that Hounds originated in North Africa. Throughout history and even today, Hounds are still used for a variety of tasks from nose work to sight work. There are 31 different hounds breeds today, and all of them were bred for hunting. Those 31 hounds are divided into two groups, including Sight Hounds and Scent Hounds. The two Hound groups do what they sound like they might — they either sniff out or stalk out prey for their masters. All Hounds do have a few things in common, including their knack hunting and the fact that they are active, intelligent and work-oriented. However, those are about the only characteristics different Hound dogs share with one another. Labrador Retrievers are friendly, athletic and intelligent. Hound dogs, regardless of the breed, are likely to be active, independent, and stubborn. While Hound Lab mix dogs can make excellent companions to the right home or owner, the combination between a Hound and a Lab can prove to be overwhelming for some novice dog owners. Hound Lab Mix dogs are therefore best suited to live in homes with owners who are active, have lots of space, and who have a basic understanding of working breeds. We should also note that the Hound Lab mix could have a high prey drive. If you invest in a Hound Lab Mix, keep this in mind and be sure you walk him on a leash and harness whenever out and about. Remember, any dog can nip or bite no matter how well-trained or behaved they are, especially if a small child is treating them too roughly. To better ensure your child and pet get along harmoniously, we would recommend you take some time to work with your children on how to respectfully interact with the family dog. We also recommend you and your family learn about basic canine body language. Not only will doing this help prevent a dog bite in the future, but it can also help strengthen the bond between you and your dog and provide you with a better understanding of him. Labrador Retrievers have a reputation of being intelligent and eager to please. These are two traits that help to make them such wonderful family dogs. Hound dogs are, well, less accommodating to us than their Lab friends. In fact, most Hounds are famous for their independent nature and hard-headedness. This stubborn behavior is a trait that can make a Hound difficult to work with, especially for the novice dog owner. Hounds are bred to follow their noses and instinct, and they are motivated differently than Labradors. The type of Hound your Hound Lab mix is a mix of will determine much of his personality, but for the most part you can expect your Hound Lab Mix to be energetic, intelligent and probably somewhat independent. A good owner of a Hound Lab mix will understand this and will be able to use this to their advantage when it comes to training and socialization. Like all dogs, the Hound Lab mix is going to require routine training and socialization throughout his life, starting from the moment you bring your dog home and continuing on as he ages. Proper socialization should consist of introducing your Hound Lab Mix to as many new people, places, sights, sounds, experiences and animals as possible as early as possible. Making sure these first impressions are positive will help reduce fear in your Hound Lab mix, thus increasing confidence and building trust between your dog and the world around him. Training should be done often and consistently, and the best types of trainers for a Hound Lab mix will keep their training sessions short, gamelike and fun. Remember, Hound Lab Mix dogs can become easily distracted and bored, so use high value treats as motivation and avoid punishment and scolding whenever possible. Regardless of which type of Hound makes up the Hound part of your Hound Lab Mix, you can bet that your dog is going to be active. Ensuring your Hound Lab Mix dog gets enough exercise each and every day is key to reducing potential behavior issues like destructive behaviors including chewing, marking and barking. Hound Lab mix dogs are intelligent, so they are going to need both their mind and their body exercised on a routine basis. This could include a good walk morning and night, hikes, jogs, or even trips to the dog park. Along with an hour of dedicated exercise, the Hound Lab mix will also appreciate free playtime in a securely fenced in backyard. This is a mixed breed that can be prone to having a high prey drive, which means your Hound Lab mix may take off after smaller animals when outside like rabbits, birds or squirrels. This is an excellent and much safer alternative to prong collars, choke chains , and other equipment designed to reduce pulling. Mentally Exercising A Hound Lab Mix All dogs require some form of mental stimulation , but this is especially important for work-oriented dogs like Hound Lab mix breeds. These dogs are bred to have a job, and if they are left to their own devices throughout the day, they can be prone to becoming bored, depressed, anxious and destructive. To help ensure your Hound Lab Mix is happy and healthy, we recommend using consistent training and teaching your Hound Lab mix different tricks and ques as he ages. They like to use their noses to find things, so a Hound Lab mix will probably have fun with a puzzle toy like this digging puzzle toy listed above. Toys like this can help reduce boredom and help push your dog to use his head. We should also note that, while Hound Lab Mix dogs may have the added benefit of hybrid vigor when it comes to their overall health, this mix may still be susceptible to any and all of the same genetic health issues as each of their purebred parent breeds. On average, a Hound Lab mix has a lifespan of between 10 and 13 years. Some of the most common health issues to Labs and Hound type dogs include:. We will help you to decide which one is right for your family, by giving you a rundown of the pros and cons of the top choices. And let you know some general things to expect when you combine a Labrador with a Hound. Because of this, the Lab is a popular dog used in cross-breeding. Purposefully mixing dog breeds is quite a recent trend that became popular after the Labradoodle was first created in .A Labrador hound mix is created whenever a Labrador is bred with a hound breed. Fishermen used them to help with their labor-intensive daily routines. The history of the second parent dog used will depend on the hound breed used. Because there are so many breeds of hounds, it is difficult to make sweeping statements about the group. However, a hunting background is a major common denominator among hounds. What to Expect From a Lab Hound Mix Lab and hound mixes go by a variety of names, including Labbe , Bassador , and Dachsador, depending on which hound is mixed with the friendly and popular Labrador Retriever. But, this means each Lab Hound mix is very different from the next. A mixed breed dog can inherit any traits from either parent used. So, a puppy could be more like its Lab parent, or much more like its hound parent. To get a better idea of what your Labrador hound mix will be like, you should take a look at its parents. Remember, it could be any mix of the two. Lab Hound Mix Appearance The appearance of a mixed breed puppy like this could be any blend of its two parents. To predict how your puppy will look, examine his parents to see what traits he could inherit. Labradors are medium sized sporting dogs. Their coats come in three colors: yellow, black, and chocolate. You could have a black Lab hound mix, inheriting the Labrador color — or something with more complex patterning. There is a slight difference between the working Lab appearance and the show Lab appearance. But, you can read about this more here. Hounds are a diverse collection of dogs that are segmented into three categories. Within these categories exist many distinct breeds of hound dogs, with varying points of origin. Lab Hound Mix Temperament Before we examine the different Labrador retriever hound mix combinations, it should be noted that the offspring of Labs and hounds will reflect the unique temperaments of their parents. No one can guarantee with certainty the precise combination of traits that a Labrador Spaniel mix , Bluetick Lab mix, or Bloodhound lab mix will inherit, nor how these qualities will be expressed. With an impressive energy level, Labs are a popular choice for law enforcement, search-and-rescue, and service dog duty. Some hounds complement their fine-tuned sensory ability with an amazing gift of speed. Dogs in the sighthound category excel at using their laser-like sight to focus in on and stalk prey. In contrast, pooches in the scent hound category use their superior sense of smell to help locate game. Due to the valuable nature of their acute sense of smell, scent hounds are also used to find missing persons. Some experts consider hounds who follow prey using both the senses of sight and scent a distinct category. But all are active, intelligent, and alert. Proper socialization as a puppy helps to ensure adult dogs grow to be happy, confident, and friendly. It will help to minimize aggression towards people and other animals, particularly fear-based aggression. So, no matter what Lab hound mix you get, make sure to socialize them well to as many new things, people, and places as possible before they are 12 weeks old. Even though one parent will be the Labrador — which is known for being friendly — it still needs to be socialized. The friendliest breeds can still benefit from it! Hunters used the small dog for its superior sense of smell. In , Beagles were the 7th most popular breed in the US. Just like the cartoon Snoopy, real-life Beagles are curious and friendly animals who enjoy being around humans. Beagles sport a short, heavy fur that comes in colors that include black, tan, red, and white, with blue ticking a possibility. Their coats require regular brushing and can be expected to shed on a seasonal basis. On average Beagles range from almost 20 pounds up to around 70 pounds, and they typically average one to two feet in height. A lifespan of 10 to 15 years is common. As a whole, Beagles are prone to hypothyroidism and epilepsy, as well as disc issues. The unfortunate result is a Beagle that is left with a curved back and weakened legs. If you are interested in a Lab and Beagle mix, a responsible breeder will provide you with health information regarding your puppy, as well as its parents. Dachshunds, fondly known as wiener or sausage dogs, originated in Germany where they were used to hunt underground game. Friendly and lively, they are a small breed, with a medium level of energy. Their slender, elongated bodies and short legs made them ideally suited for tunneling for rabbits, etc. They like to bond with their special human. But given their hound ancestry, can be a quite vocal companion. The Doxie lifespan averages from 12 to 16 years. Dachshund coats come in smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired varieties and require regular brushing. Doxies are low-lying dogs, with standard-sized canines averaging 8 to 9 inches and 15 to 30 pounds and miniature sized dogs around 5 to 6 inches weighing about 10 pounds and under. Unfortunately these clever and distinctive looking dogs are prone to a few serious health issues. Back problems are common, with over one quarter of the breed ages years old thought to suffer from back issues. For this reason Dachshunds should be picked up with two hands beneath the body, and children need to be cautioned against rough play. Epilepsy and blindness are other major health concerns with this breed. Greyhound Lab Mix The elegant, beautiful Greyhound is a large breed with a medium level of energy. This uniquely aerodynamic, active dog requires regular exercise but can maintain a status as a house dog quite happily. Greyhounds can be successfully trained using supportive and positive methods, but all hounds are known to have a bit of a renegade streak in their personality! Basset Hound Lab Mix With its big, droopy ears and solid, low-lying body, the wrinkly Basset Hound is an adorably picturesque dog. As a result, the Basset Lab mix appearance is a one-of-a-kind look. As an added bonus, this medium-sized dog is not as vocal either! His smooth coat sheds seasonally, and weekly grooming is enough to keep him handsome and trim. Bassets are either tri- or bi-colored with black, white, tan, and red colors distributed randomly on the coat. He is a sturdy, heavyweight dog with a lifespan of approximately 9 years and an endurance level that makes him ideal for search-and-rescue work. But at home, this dog is a loveable companion, with a temperament not unlike the friendly Lab. He enjoys being in the company of his humans as well as other animals, and is relatively easy to train. Like the Basset Hound, this scent hound has a signature look. He has wrinkly skin and long floppy ears, and his fur colors include red, tan, liver, and black. But beware, he is a frequent shedder, and should be brushed daily and groomed weekly. Eye health is also a concern. Coonhound Lab Mix Coonhounds belong to the scent hound group. This All-American dog originated from foxhounds found in Europe. The Coonhound was bred to do what the Foxhound was not meant to do. Namely, hunt tree-climbing game. Thus, the Coonhound found its purpose hunting game in the US, including possums and racoons. But this breed is not very well known in the other 49 states. The Plott Hound is a strong dog, willing and capable of chasing after large animals such as bears and wildcats. He is a sort of gentle giant, though, capable of pursuing large game with a high level of endurance, but also exhibiting a tender streak with his humans. As you may imagine, this medium-sized dog has a medium to high energy level and needs regular, active exercise in order to remain healthy and happy. This is also a dog that likes to bark, so keep this in mind when considering adding her to your household. The Blue Tick Coonhound has a blue and white ticked coat, that can also have tan coloring mixed in. This breed is particularly affectionate and loyal to its family. They are also very intelligent, and will pick up new skills quickly. They have a short, glossy coat. Blue Tick Coonhounds have strong prey drives, so must be socialized well and trained properly from a young age. They also need plenty of exercise in order to avoid destructive boredom. Most would only require a little maintenance, but owners should develop a regular grooming schedule that they follow religiously. However, a Labloodhound tends to shed more so it should be brushed daily. Regular bathing will also help maintain its shiny coat. If your Lab Hound mix has wrinkles on its face and neck, make sure that the skin there is dry and clean. Wipe the folds with a baby wipe or washcloth and then dry thoroughly. This dog has very strong teeth. Make sure you brush its teeth regularly, especially since the Lab Hound is notorious for being a chewer. The draped ears do not allow air to freely circulate and this could lead to an infection. However, it could still be susceptible to genetic illnesses later on in its life. One complication you should watch out for are skin allergies. These can manifest in a variety of forms and is said to be inherited from its Labrador side. Hounds, the Bloodhound, in particular, have always been prone to bloating and cancer. These two diseases are the main cause of deaths for this breed. It will make sense for you to watch out for it as well. Their Hound ancestry can also make them susceptible to back problems, especially if one of the parent breeds is a Dachshund. You should also watch out for blindness, hypothyroidism, and obesity. Owners should also take note that a Hound mixed with a Lab is athletic and active so it could suffer exercise-related injuries like a broken tail, pulled muscles, or split pads. Older dogs have different nutritional requirements, so make sure to give them the best senior dry dog food to meet those needs. Labloodhounds and Lab Greyhound mixes are big breeds. You cannot go wrong if you offer them food made specifically for dogs of their caliber, so we suggest you try some of the best large breed dry dog food. Three decent sized portions of kibble daily are ideal. This will ensure that they consume the proper amount of proteins and nutrients needed for their size. Meats such as chicken, beef, lamb, and pork are ideal sources of protein. If you need help distinguishing proper dog kibble from that which is sub-par, take a look at our guides on the worst dry dog food and best dry dog food before you shop. Wellness Core also uses fruits and vegetables like apples, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, and spinach. The meal is also packed with vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B2, vitamin E, calcium, iron, and zinc. Dog For Dog Food : This brand ensures that your pooch gets only food made from natural ingredients. It used freeze dried grass-fed New Zealand beef, flaxseed, New Zealand mussel, kelp, and other fruits and vegetables. The ingredients ensure your puppy will have the optimum levels of nutrients it needs for growth. It also uses hoki oil for healthy eye and brain development. This dog food formula utilized chicken, chicken meal, and duck meal to help build lean muscle mass. It also has a distinct blend of whole grain fibers, fruits, and vegetables for improved digestion. The meal also has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to ensure your dog has a healthy coat and strong bones. Nutra Thrive dog food supplement for an added energy boost for your big Lab Hound cross! Hound Crossed With Labrador Exercise Requirements As the offspring of two dogs with fairly high energy levels, you should expect a Hound crossed with a Lab to have similar physical needs. You should be prepared to provide your hybrid dog with the proper outlets it needs to remain healthy. Exercise should be done on a regular basis. Spending time exercising or playing with your pet will also help strengthen the bond between the two of you. Your Hound Lab mix will require at the very least an hour of exercise every day and about twenty miles of walking or running distance a week. However, do not exercise or do strenuous activities on hot days. This dog loves the outdoors so running around the park, playing Frisbee, or hiking up a mountain is right up its alley. It also loves to swim, so trips to the beach or even just a walk along the shoreline will be a treat. It might not be able to control its Hound instincts and could take off to follow scents. Check out these toys for your Hound Lab cross: Nylabone Dura Chew: The perfect toy for strong chewers like this hybrid. The various textures keep your dog interested while keeping its teeth healthy. Fill up the toy with kibbles and other treats and your dog will be happily occupied for hours. Mammoth Flossy Rope: As the name implies, this is a huge, cotton blend, three-knot toy. Your dog will love tugging, tossing, and carrying it around. While the Labrador is a hardworking but friendly, Hound breeds are trained to be stubborn and relentless when tracking their prey. Consider the following suggestions when training your Lab Hound: Patience and consistency is key. Keep those two ideas in mind when training this hybrid. Regardless of which side has more influence, training that focuses on positive reinforcement will work best with this breed. It should be reinforced with lots of practice, consistent actions, praise, and rewards. Train early. If you can, begin training as soon as you bring your puppy home. An eight-week-old pup will soak up information like a sponge. You run the risk of having a headstrong dog to work on when you commence training at six months. Socialization should also start early. If not, you can begin the process at home by exposing it to friends, family, and other animals. This large dog needs a home with a lot of space. The Lab Hound should ideally live in a home with a fenced in yard. It needs a barrier as this dog has a natural curiosity and a tendency to wander, explore and follow anything that catches its interest. While it has a loyal, affectionate, and playful personality, it still is too powerful and big to be playing or interacting with tiny tots. It might accidentally hurt its young playmates. The same goes for other pets at home. No matter how well socialized a Lab Hound hybrid is, it could still inadvertently hurt smaller dogs. Mixed breed dogs like the Lab Hound are unpredictable. They can also end up to be the best dogs for you. However, this is a give and take relationship. While this particular breed is affectionate and loyal, it can also be stubborn and destructive. It also demands a lot of attention and regular exercise. You have to be confident you can meet its needs.

Training and Socialization Back to Top The birth of puppies is an exciting time. It's beautiful to watch a mother care for her newborns, especially in the early stages of life. A newborn puppy is completely helpless and dependent upon its mother. The first week of a puppy's life is mainly about sleeping and eating so it will grow. Puppies should remain with their mother and littermates until about age eight to 12 weeks. However, it is most crucial to have a mother during the first few weeks of life. A puppy that has been separated from its mother will need human intervention. Raising a newborn puppy takes a lot of time and intensive care. This is not quite the same thing as caring for a young puppy. They cannot see and can hear very little, if at all. Yet they are able to make noise, which sounds like high-pitched squealing. They have no teeth at birth and are unable to walk. Newborn puppies are incapable of urinating or defecating on their own. In addition, a newborn puppy cannot regulate its own body temperature. Most newborn puppies are instinctively able to find their mother's nipples and begin nursing right after they are born, or whelped. Once cleaned up by mom or a helping human hand they will crawl towards the mother's warm belly, find the teats, and begin to suckle. Fun Fact With proper food intake and mothering care, a newborn puppy should double its weight in the first 10 days of its life. That's more than 22 hours a day, but sleep doesn't happen all at once. Pups will nap on and off throughout the day and night, keeping warm with littermates and the mother's body heat. In between naps, they spend the rest of the time eating and being groomed by mom. Newborn puppies eat about every two hours or more. Because newborn puppies cannot see, hear, or walk, they do not have much exploring to do early on. The puppy's world is all about mom, littermates, and the box they all sleep in. Health and Care During the first few weeks of a puppy's life, the mother dog spends the majority of her time providing food and care. The mother keeps her puppies clean and nurses them. She licks the anus and genitals of each puppy to stimulate urination and defecation. During this time, humans can gently hold and pet the puppies for brief periods as long as this does not seem to upset the mother dog. It's more likely for human contact to be welcomed if those humans are part of the mother dog's family. In general, it's best to let mom do her job and stick to just petting the puppies. However, there are situations where the mother is unwilling or unable to care for her pups. Or, mom might be doing a fine job, but one or more puppies are not growing properly. This is when human intervention is the only possible way to save the puppies. If you decide to care for an orphaned puppy, be prepared to spend most of your time with the puppy for the next few weeks. Warning Any time a puppy is not gaining weight well or becomes orphaned, that puppy should be taken to a vet as soon as possible to assess her health. Puppies can get very sick very quickly without proper care. When in doubt about the health of a puppy, do not delay the vet visit! If the puppy was rejected by her mother, it may be due to a health issue detected by the mother. In the meantime, you will need to do your best to provide the care her mother would have. Create a warm environment for the puppy to sleep. A small box with blankets and a heating lamp is ideal. Keep the lamp at a fair distance so the environment does not overheat. A heating pad and blankets can also work, just make sure the heating pad is well-covered to prevent burns. Bottle feed a special puppy formula every hours. You should be able to find puppy milk replacement at a pet food store or through your veterinarian. Do not feed puppies cow's milk, as it does not provide adequate nutrition and it can cause digestive issues. Use a warm cloth or cotton ball to stimulate urination and defecation immediately after each meal. The amounts of urine and feces will be very tiny. A normal stool will be yellowish and soft. Regularly massage the puppy's body and clean the puppy as needed. Massage will mimic the feeling of the mother grooming, something experts believe is an integral part of development. Food and Nutrition In general, a newborn puppy gets all the nutrition it needs from its mother's milk. The first milk made by the mother contains colostrum, a substance that contains additional antibodies to help the puppy fight infection. This can be absorbed by the puppy for the first day or two of life and provides some temporary immunity against whatever illnesses the mother has immunity against. Be aware that commercial puppy formula will not provide colostrum. Bottle-fed puppies that do not get colostrum are especially vulnerable to illness and may not thrive. A veterinarian may be able to administer serum from another dog to the puppy within the first 24 hours of its life to mimic the effects of colostrum. Newborn puppies will not have teeth for several weeks and are unable to digest puppy food. Do not introduce any kind of dog food until the puppies are ready to begin the weaning process, usually around weeks of age, unless it is otherwise recommended by a veterinarian. Training and Socialization A newborn puppy is too young to go through any kind of training, but there may be some things you can do to get her used to people and her environment. If the mother permits it, handle the puppies regularly for a short time. Take care not to keep the pup away from mom for more than a few minutes. You can use the time to cuddle and pet the puppy, acquainting her with the smell and feel of humans and the environment. Puppy Development Stages - From Puppy To Adult Dog Puppy development from birth to adulthood Understanding the amazing transformation your puppy goes through from birth to adulthood will help ensure they get the right nutrition at each stage of development. Birth Immediately after birth, a puppy should be guided to suckle. The mother passes important antibodies and nutrients to their litter in these first hours and days that support their healthy development. Birth Behavior At birth, puppies' eyes are closed, so they cannot see. That being said, a puppy will navigate their way to their mother and litter mates using scent and touch for warmth, care, and nutrition. Puppies will spend the majority of their time sleeping at this early stage. Thanks to the nutrition provided by their mother, they will quickly begin to put on weight. How much weight the puppy gains in their first few days is determined by the breed size. Puppies should normally gain around 2 - 4g a day for each kilogram of an adult dog of the same breed. Birth Environment In newborn puppies, thermoregulation is not fully mature, so in the first hours it's crucial that they are kept in the right environment. Their whelping box should be kept at between .After this, temperatures may be gradually decreased to approximately .The birthing box should also be in a well-aired area that's not too drafty or stuffy. Birth Health The major challenge of birth for puppies is to became autonomous for breath, heat and feeding to survive to this very critical moment. Almost immediately after birth, a breeder will weigh the puppies to give an outline of their condition and identify any puppies under the expected birth weight. Birth weight and growth rate during the first 48 hours are key parameters for breeders to give an outline of a litter's condition and identify any puppies at risk of neonatal mortality. Birth Nutrition It's important that puppies suckle as soon as possible after they are born. Neonatal The neonatal period extends from birth until around three weeks. This stage can also be known as the vegetative phase as, externally, most of a their life seems to be dominated by sleep and a few reflex activities. This is vital to healthy development, and care should be taken to avoid disturbing the litter or the mother. Both senses will be weak at first, but will improve as they progress. The vet will check for birth defects and general well-being. Towards the end of this period it is a good idea to start worming treatments. As they grow older, they may start to show interest in their mother's food. With the introduction of solids, the weaning process begins. Weaning Weaning is a crucial period in puppyhood, as it signifies the moment when they start to gain their independence. A responsible breeder will provide puppies with an increasing amount of human interaction, a range of toys, noise and other stimuli as this stage progresses. The vast majority of food is taken through milk, however, at this stage puppies begin to have more interest in their mother's food. Most will now be able to lap water from a bowl. Puppyhood Puppies begin to learn to live with others. Behaviors learned in this phase will have a huge impact on a puppy's life. Puppies have a natural capacity for learning at this age, so it's important that lessons learned during this time need to be adhered to, and training and wider socialization needs to be maintained. This will help your puppy develop into a confident, well-behaved adult dog. Milk teeth are replaced by adult teeth, and an adult coat replaces the puppy coat. Somewhere between six to 12 months your puppy may begin to lift his leg, or enter her first heat period. Exploring a range of outdoor environments and being exposed to new experiences will stimulate learning, breed self-confidence, and generate a stronger bond between puppy and owner. Getting into good habits now will aid development and set your puppy up for a healthy future. Speak to your vet about a vaccination schedule and whether you should consider spaying or neutering your puppy. See our puppy nutrition guide for more information, or take a look at our puppy products. Becoming an adult Although they are all members of the same species, different dog breeds can be poles apart in terms of size, weight, and nutritional requirements. These differences really come to the forefront during the puppy growth period. The five breed sizes all reach adulthood at varying ages. Extra Small breed dogs can reach full maturity at 8 months, while giant breeds are not considered fully grown until 2 years old. Up to eight or nine months, large and giant puppies experience rapid skeletal growth, with the remaining months focusing on developing muscle until they reach their adult bodyweight 70 times their birthweight in large breeds and times their birthweight in giant breeds. At this point, it's time to gradually transition them onto an adult food that supports the nutritional requirements of their size, breed, and lifestyle. Explore Puppy Range Find the right food for your dog Our adult dog formulas deliver nutrition tailored to your dog's health needs whatever their size, breed, age, or lifestyle. Further reading. Note: Leerburg formerly bred working bloodline German Shepherds until deciding to shift its focus towards producing dog training videos and courses alongside providing quality dog training equipment. This article was written when our breeding program was still active. While Leerburg no longer breeds working GSDs, we believe this article may still provide valuable information for those interested in starting their own breeding program. I have been breeding dogs for over 25 years and I still never get used to a puppy that gets sick and starts to die. This article deals with what I have learned about trying to save very young pups under 2 weeks of age when they get sick. As I write this article, I have a 2-week-old puppy in a box at my feet. Three days ago, he weighed grams. This evening, he weighs grams and is on his way back from the dead. This article is about what I did to save this pup. Maybe my experience will help you save some of your puppies in the future. Before I begin, I have to make the point that healthy puppies begin with prevention. I have written an article titled Save a Puppy's Life which deals with a lot of things a breeder can do to keep dogs healthy. This article will talk about what to do when things go bad and a puppy starts to go downhill. I also want to say that this program is not going to work on all pups. There are so many things that can make a puppy sick. I could never begin to cover the entire scope of problems that come up. But I have proven, through this protocol, that some of these sick puppies can be saved with a little luck and attention to detail. The first issue a breeder needs to deal with is to determine when a puppy is in distress and getting sick. To do so, use a gram scale and weigh the pups. With just weight alone, you will be alerted to the first sign of a developing problem. Here at my kennel, if a pup is born small around grams we automatically start a weight gain chart. The puppy is weighed at least once a day and if there is any question about its energy and sucking ability, it will be weighed twice a day. I begin a weight chart before I even begin to treat a pup. Simply picking puppies up and handling them will also help point out a pup in distress. Puppies will normally scream when they are picked up, but sick puppies have a different tone. Their scream is often louder and more forlorn. In addition, they will often begin to dehydrate. By becoming familiar with the feel of the skin of a healthy pup, you will develop a feel for recognizing a dehydrated pup. You can easily feel the ribs and their skin feels like cardboard. It loses its elasticity and becomes stiff. Dehydration kills pups in a hurry. They can do downhill and die in 24 hours. Dehydration is often caused by loose stools. If the mother is cleaning her pups, this can be hard to spot. What I look for is a puppy whose back end looks wet or slick even though it may be dry. The hair will look slicked down and stuck together to give a wet look. If you see this, you need to step in and help this pup. The first thing to do is to begin to tube feed the pup. I use our bottle feeding formula. Never use plain cow's milk. Cow's milk will give puppies diarrhea and make matters worse. I may add a couple of "cc's" liquid Imodium AD. We need to settle the puppy's stomach and bowels before dehydration takes its toll. The Imodium seems to do this most of the time. Depending on the circumstances, I may administer an antibiotic. This is something to discuss with your vet. Amoxicillin or Clavomox are two very popular antibiotics that can be stored for a long time and easily administered with a normal tubing. These little bottles of antibiotics are cheap and they have a long shelf life because they come as a powder and are not active until water is added. Once water is added, they must be kept in the fridge and are only good for 14 days. The antibiotics we use for tube feeding. Do not add antibiotics unless you have consulted your vet. Determining how often to tube and how much to tube needs to be properly calculated. Refer to the feeding chart on the bottle feeding page. It should be noted that once a pup is taken from the mother and tubed for a day or so, they seem to lose the sucking instinct. This means you are in it for the long haul. Tubing is done with a catheter and a 30 cc syringe tube no needle. You determine how far to insert the tube by holding the catheter next to the puppy's side. Feel for the back of the rib cage to the tip of the nose. This is the length to insert the tube. Less than that will not get the liquid into the stomach, more than that may damage the stomach wall. You will often feel a slight resistance when the tube enters the stomach—this comes with practice. When you open the pup's mouth, insert the tube on top of the middle of the tongue. People ask about getting it into the lungs. If there is any question, pull the tube out and reinsert it. But if you have marked your catheter length at the rib cage with a marker and inserted it all the way without force it cannot be in the lungs; they are much closer to the dog's nose than his stomach. Measuring a catheter for tube feeding a pup. Insert from the nose to the back edge of the ribs feel for the rib line and mark the catheter. I feel that when the puppy is really dehydrated and sick, one needs to be careful not to feed it too much. When an adult dog has diarrhea, your vet will often tell you to not feed them anything other than water for 24 hours. With pups, I think we need to be careful. If it's really not feeling good, it needs nutrition but we should not constantly pump food down its throat every 4 hours. I make a judgment call and will tube 10 to 15 cc of Lactated Ringers 2 to 3 hours after a formula feeding, especially if I feel I still have a dehydration problem. I think this helps flush the system. Water or Lactated Ringers will move through the pup much quicker than milk replacer. It will not cause the pup to back up with food. On the contrary, I think that it helps the digestion process. If any vets read this and disagree, I certainly have an open mind on this issue. Maybe there is something better to use that has more electrolytes than Ringers. While on the subject of medical attention from a vet, in regard to these very young puppies, my experience is that most vets are not going to be able to say, "This is what's wrong. But when it comes to these small pups, I no longer get a vet involved. I follow the protocol in this article. It works as many times as it fails and I am of the opinion that when it fails, my vet could not have saved the pup, either. If you get behind the 8-ball and a pup really gets dehydrated, you are going to have to deal with this. Simply tubing is oftentimes not enough to bring the pup around. Fluids injected under the skin do more to improve hydration than simply giving oral fluids that's why people get IV's when they are dehydrated. Go to your vet and get a bag of Lactated Ringers. You will also need to get a 30 cc syringe. A small pup grams will need to have 10 to 15cc's of Lactated Ringers injected under the skin not in the muscle , twice a day, usually for a couple of days. Sticking small puppies with big needles is not easy. It's in the same category as sky diving or bungee jumping. Some people can simply not do it. They will have to go to the vet to get it done. I have found that when a pup is really dehydrated, this is a "do or die" situation. Under these circumstances, I will do it but I don't like it. I accomplish this unpleasant task by picking the pup up with 2 fingers by the skin at the shoulders. This creates a pocket of skin. I insert the needle just below my fingers, making sure I don't hit a muscle and being careful not to push it all the way through both folds of skin. If you push it through both folds, you have created a broken balloon effect. Pulling the needle back through the second fold of skin has created a hole and that area will not hold fluid. You will now have to try a different spot which makes it even harder on your mind. I only do this a few times until I see an improvement in the hydration. If he improves, you will see an increase in the elasticity of the skin. During this entire process, I take the pup away from the mother and keep it in a small inch by inch cardboard box. I find it easier to monitor the health when it's in this box rather than when it's left in with the litter. I lug the box around with me. I will keep it in my office or my secretary's office. I take it home at night and keep it next to the bed. That way, I can get up in the middle of the night and give it a light tubing of the homemade bottle feeding formula that I detail in my article titled "Bottle Feeding Puppies" or Ringers whichever I feel is more appropriate. When it comes to night feedings, I usually let the puppy tell me when it is hungry. It will cry just like a baby. Only use the homemade formula. I cannot stress enough how bad the milk replacer is that vets sell. It's not just bad, it's horrible. Any Vets that sell this crap lack experience in whelping and saving puppies. I just shake my head when I get emails from breeders who have pups that have dead pups because of it. They lose pups and then go on the internet and search on bottle-feeding and come to my article on how to make a bottle-feeding formula. It's important to keep the pup warm without overheating it. Too warm only adds to your problems. Take an outside wall thermometer and lay it on the box to monitor the temperature. Some people use hot water bottles but I have found that a combination of a heating pad set to LOW under a 2-gallon zip lock bag filled with dry uncooked rice and beans works better. I make sure the box is big enough that the pup can get away from the heat source if it gets too warm. If it is healthy enough, it will crawl off. If it is too sick, you will need to watch for them panting or laying with their mouth open and move it off. There have been times when I have come into the kennel in the morning and found a pup moved off to the side of the litter. It's cold, flattened out, and almost gasping for breath. This is a pup that is very close to dying. The first thing I try to do is warm the pup up. I do this by filling the sink with warm water and immersing the pup up to its neck in the water. I hold it in my hands until I feel that it is getting warm. This has worked for me in the past, but when a pup is that far gone, it usually is going to die. For normal heating, bags of rice are much better than hot water bottles. Uncooked rice and beans hold the heat longer than water. You can put the bag, with a couple of pounds of rice and beans, in a microwave for 3 minutes. Shake the bag around to redistribute the heat and you have a very nice heat source for the pup. These bags also work wonders for your own stiff neck and shoulders those cloth bags that are heated with microwaves that wrap around your neck are just bags of rice. Use a Zip Lock bag of uncooked rice and beans heated in a microwave to keep the pup warm. Puppies must be kept at 85 degrees or greater for their digestive system to work properly. There are 2 important things that need to be done with sick puppies: You need to constantly turn the pup over from one side to the other, kind of like a bird that is constantly turning the eggs in its nest. If you have ever seen a really sick pup in a whelping box just before it dies , it flattens out. Turning and moving the pup will stop it from flattening out. I don't know that this is so important, but it does make a difference. I also feel an important thing in the recovery of a sick puppy is to handle it a lot. Pet it, stroke it, move it around. This helps the natural body functions of the puppy. I also think it helps its spirit. I believe that puppies need to have their spirit treated in addition to their health. Taking it away from its mother makes this process all the more important. Don't underestimate how important this aspect of the healing is. Hold it and cuddle it as much as possible. As I type this, my puppy was crying. He had just been fed so it was not a hunger issue. Petting him did not stop the crying, but the very instant I picked him up and laid him on my chest he got quiet and went to sleep. Things like this never cease to amaze me. Bringing a puppy back from the edge is a great feeling. Unfortunately, a great deal of work sometimes does not work and the pup dies. It's hard to lose one of these little guys after days of close contact. We often think that the pup was just a little weak and needed our help to jump-start it, but this is not always the case. When a pup dies, I look at it like there was something seriously wrong that I didn't know about. When pups start to fail, you never know if there is an internal abnormality or an unknown injury that has caused it to fail. I have learned to look at it as "I did my best but it was not in the cards for the pup to make it. Luck was not on its side. One final point on this issue is that there is always the possibility that after days of treatment which includes getting up a couple of times per night , the pup lives but ends up having some type of abnormality that forces you as a responsible breeder to make the difficult decision about its future. I have had this happen twice. I am open to other ideas from both vets and breeders on this issue. If you have an opinion let me know. I will post the good ones at the end of this article. With luck and the proper care and treatment, a pup has a chance of making it. There is no such color. These puppies are creams with incorrect pigment and incorrect eye color. This is usually a result of browns that have a heavy background of cream. This is why it is so important to never breed browns to cream, red or apricot. Please, before buying a poodle, do your research. You should never be charged more money for an exotic color or a color that is a fault. On this page we will discuss these colors and try to show the difference between them. A glistening, startling white. There are at least two kinds of white, white 1 and white 2. The only visible difference between the two is that white 2 is more likely to have pink skin rather than a bluish black or silver skin. The eyes are jet black, so dark that one hardly can distinguish the iris from the pupil. Eyerims, nose, and toenails are black. The skin is bluish black or silver, a solid color. Common Faults: Such dogs may have a pink skin or a pink skin mottled with black or blue spots. This is a very minor fault and only should be counted by the judge if a white dog of equal quality with a black or silver skin is in the ring, or against a colored dog, equally good, with perfect coloring. It should not disturb the breeder. Such dogs may have white toenails. The same conclusion applies to this as to the skin color above. Such dogs may have a partially pink eyerim or one whole pink eyerim, or a pink spot on the nose or on the lips, with or without pink eyerims. These are major show faults which the breeder must not ignore, and such dogs should be bred only to a strain carrying very strong black pigment. Such dogs may have brown eyes rather than the so-called "dead black. Such dogs may have a small spot of completely black hair, a show fault if the spot is discovered or is in plain sight. The famous Champion Broadrun Cherry had such a spot back of his wide, well feathered ear. No effort was made to disguise it, and no judge ever observed it. We ourselves only discovered it when washing the dog. At any rate, the breeder can overlook such a fault. Question: Will white bred to white produce white? Answer: Not always. Again, we cannot be sure of the number of genes responsible for white or how they are paired, but if we go by the theory that white is inherited in a similar manner to brown, we can see why a black or other colored puppy appears in a litter from time to time from white parents. That is, the parents of such a litter are each a different kind of white and when bred together their recessive genes which would normally block other colors cannot act. Therefore black puppies can appear. There are probably other genes that we do not know about involved in these crosses. It is these and the introduction of other color crosses which produce the mottled skin. Question: Will breeding black to white improve the white type? Answer: Only if there is no other means available and the white is truly inferior in type. As a rule the whites have better coats, better bone, and equally good temperaments. Some of the continental whites are slightly round in the skull and heavy in muzzle. Still, I have seen plenty of blacks like this, too. Question: What is the best color other than white to breed to white for type? Answer: Black. Question: In breeding white to black to improve type, how can one return safely to white? Answer: Breed the hybrid offspring of the black and white union to a white-bred white of the same kind of white as the original white. Question: Will breeding a white and a black produce gray? Question: Does breeding white to white finally produce albinos? Answer: No, not unless one "downgrades" one's breeding. For instance, breeding a dog with inferior pigment to another relative with poor pigment is downgrading color pigment. One should never use albinos themselves for breeding. Question: Suppose an albino has perfect type? Answer: No matter, do not use it. With time, patience, and intelligence one can acquire an equally good type in a sound and healthy animal. Deafness and weak eyes frequently accompany albinism. Question: Are there any colors which should not be bred to white? Answer: Whenever white is bred to another color, a risk is taken. Remember that the white color is caused by two recessive blocking genes in combination with other genes. When white is bred to another color which does not carry these recessive blocking genes, any color which these may have blocked in the white may come out. For example, if a white which carries black that is masked by the blocking genes is bred to a brown, very likely the puppies will all be bad blacks. If such a white is bred to gray the color of your gray is not likely to appear in the puppies. If you are lucky, you may get a blue, but most likely you will get poorly colored blacks or grays. This is provided that the silver carries none of the white genes. In that case you may get a white. Question: Is white popular in the show ring and with the public? Answer: It is the best color of all, in my opinion, for show purposes. The dazzling purity of white arouses sympathy and admiration, and the color contrast of the black eyes and nose is truly beautiful and dramatic. It is very hard for any color to defeat a good white. On the other hand, white puppies do not sell as well as the darker colored ones. People feel that they will get dirty too easily and be hard to keep as house pets. Question: Are there many white lines and top winning dogs from these lines? Answer: There certainly are, in all three varieties. The great winning whites are too numerous to mention. All three of these dogs produced many Best in Show winners. All three are behind a great many winners in their varieties. Both Duc and Promise are behind the excellent white Standard line established by Alekai, which includes many famed winners see Alekai Kennel story. Koeppel's Champion J. Indeed, white Poodles have brought many honors to the breed. WHITNEY University of Nebraska Well-groomed white Poodles, with the contrasting colors of their jet-black noses and white coats have been popular in some of the European countries for a long time and are beginning to be favorites in some sections of this country. There are two kinds: the ivory-whites with a few apricot-colored hairs in their coats, indicating that they would have been apricots if they had not been white; and the snow-whites or ice-whites with a few black hairs in their coats, indicating that they would have been black dogs if they had not been white. Their white color is caused by the activity of a pair of recessive genes, the extremely white piebald genes which prevent the formation of pigment in the hairs. Spotting Many amateur Poodle breeders consider themselves fortunate in having selected solid-colored breeding stocks with which to start their kennels. They even may boast of their solid-colored puppies but, after a while, one of their puppies may be born with small white spots on its chest. Its appearance seems a mystery and immediate resolutions are made to destroy it with the hope that there will be no more born like it. Such hopes are seldom realized! The white spots are the result of the activities of recessive genes which have been in the stock in an inactive state, perhaps for many generations, until in the present mating, when two of them have been inherited by the puppy, one from each parent, forming a pair which at once begin to prevent the formation of pigment in the hair of small areas on the chest. The other puppies in the litter were lucky in not receiving a pair of these genes, but probably received one which they may pass on to their offspring for making white spots in later generations. Some of the dogs in other breeds, as Fox Terriers, Collies, Pointers, Cocker Spaniels and others, have larger white areas or spots in their coats due to another pair of recessive, depigmenting genes. In the white Bull Terrier the white area is so large as to nearly cover the whole coat sometimes it does , leaving only a black spot of color on the head or ear. A third pair of recessive, depigmenting genes, the extremely white piebald genes, cause the large white area to further increase in size so as to actually cover the entire dog, but leaving a few traces of the original coat color in a few of the hairs, as in many of the white dogs of other breeds. The nose, eyes, lips and footpads are not affected but retain their original black color. Ivory-white Poodles The white Poodles having traces of apricot colors easily may be identified by placing either the dog or a generous sample of its hair against a white background of paper or cloth. The ivory tints will be evident at once. There is considerable variation in the extent and depth of the apricot coloring in the coats. Sometimes it may be a conspicuous biscuit colormg on the ears or even throughout the entire coat, but in others the traces are practically unnotice- able to an ordinary observer. Some people state that there also may be pink tints in the coats of some dogs. In many coats the apricot hairs may be readily seen in direct sunlight or by using a reading glass or in microscopic prepara- tions of hair samples. Snow-white Poodles The white Poodles having traces of black hair easily may be identified as ivory-whites by placing them against a white background. No ivory tints will be seen but their coats will be a cold-white color. Some dogs, however have more traces of black in their coats than others, and may appear slightly grayish in places or throughout their entire coats. An examination of the coats in strong sunlight usually will show a few black hairs, or by using a hand lens, or by observing prepared samples of the hair under a microscope. Puppies As the genes for white are recessive, a pair of white Poodles always produce white puppies, which may appear whiter than their parents, owing to more enclosed minute air globules in their hairs than in adult dogs. When the puppies mature, very few of their new, small fur hairs contain air globules, resulting in a diminishing of the intense whiteness in their adult coats. A pair of ivory-whites will produce ivory-white puppies. A mating of an ivory-white, with an apricot-colored dog will produce all apricot-colored puppies in various shades of apricot, which are likely to fade readily in the sunlight. A pair of snow-white dogs may produce either snow-white or ivory-white puppies, depending on whether or not they carry apricot genes in their underlying black color. The submerged black and apricot in the white dogs may carry as many recessive-color genes as any ordinary black or apricot dog. No one can predict with any assurance, what the colors of puppies will be when one parent is white and the other one colored, except in the mating of an ivory- white and an apricot. Two white dogs mated to colored ones have been reported to have produced not only black, apricot and white but also brown and silver puppies. Blue and the undesirable black-and-tan genes may be carried by apricots and blacks, so no one should be surprised to see these colors appear from the matings of some of the whites with colored dogs. As all the genes for the various kinds of white spotting are recessive, a single one of these genes may be carried in a dormant state for many genera- tions in solid-colored Poodles. But when it meets another similar gene in a puppy, white areas are developed in the coat. It was reported some years ago, that after 19 successive generations of black breeding, a pure white extreme white piebald puppy was born in a litter of black puppies. At that time it seemed unexplainable, but with the present knowledge of the laws of in- heritance, such a sudden appearance of a white puppy is no longer mysterious. From: This is the Poodle — Lester H. It is dazzling. It stands out especially when the group and best in show awardsare done at dusk. But since every fault stands out so clearly the white showdog must be much better than a black. Whites have improved so tremendously in the past few years that they area very popular color again with the public, in fact the Toys than any otherfor a medium priced tiny pet. Pale creams with their jet black noses anddeep eye rims and appealing little faces are also eagerly loved. Actually the color "white" in poodles covers as wide a range as any othercolor. Granted a white may vary from the white of fresh snow to a cream sopale it appears to be white. The great difference in whites occurs not really in the color of the mature dogs coat as in the color of the pigment. There are whites with black noses and dark skins, whites with brown noses, whites with pink skins and whites with spotted noses or black noses and spotted skins and finally whites with dark and fading noses. Now the public does not usually expect a jet black nose at six wks. Many lines of whites are, as puppies, buff colored all over. Some misinformed people call these apricots. Most turn creamy white at maturity. Now a breeder insists on a black nose at six wks. There is very little difference on the mature coat color of a stark white to a pale cream but there may be a much wider variety in the pigment by which Imean nose color, eye rim color and skin color. The Poodle Standard in color reads in part: "White poodles have black noses, eye rims and lips. Black or self colored toenails and very dark eyes. I have seen best in show white miniatures with spotted skin and many with faded noses and these have become champions. However, most breeders will agree that a dark skinned snow white with jet black non--fading pigment is the ultimate aim. Bred together they breed true. However, for practical purposes the almost black skinned light creams which appear white are also excellentas seldom does the pigment fade and they almost always have dark skinfurthermore they can usually be bred to off nosed whites for all black nosed puppies. Personally I would far rather have an ecur or milky colored white with great pigment than a stark white with fading nose or a half pink eye rim. The faint difference of coat is so little compared to the total effect. Variations of whites at 6 wks. Coat color varies a. Skin color varies a. Note spots on stomach. Remains spotted throughout life. Nose pigment varies a. Jet deep blackshould not fade. Will fade at maturity. Some people like pink skinned white with black noses and others prefer dark skinned white with black noses. Either is correct. White bred to white usually produces white. In my experience it always breeds true. Only the all over dark skinned whites with no skin color-break may be bred to color. Pink skinned and especially spotted skinned whites are dangerous as the spots may become spotted hair instead of only the skin. Unless you really know your line it is safer to stay within your color. But when you have a white irrespective of what colors it came from you can on my experience, safely breed it to another white irrespective of it's color background. When you have your litter of tiny black nosed stark white puppies with their little fat purple stomachs I can assure you there is nothing so beautiful. You will never get tired of just looking at them. To get pigment in your puppies, chose a black skinned, black nosed sire either white or light cream 3. Do not breed a spotted skinned white to a darker colored dog. Use ordinary corn starch as a cleansing agent. Keep on white paper or towels. There are, however, two very different types of whites and they are often difficult to distinguish between at maturity. These are the true whites ice whites or paper whites and the cream whites which are so light faded as to appear totally white. The two terms "white" and "cream" should not be used loosely and incorrectly as they so often are. It can be seen that they are absolutely different colors, though both recessive-the first the total absence of color, the other the furthest dilution of brown. Professor David D. Whitney's summary and conclusion after extensive examination of hair samples of a number of white breeds, including white Poodles, stated "The Poodles with icy white coats belong to the black hair type, those with warmer tones in their white coats belong to the yellow hair type. Corroborated by microscopic examinations and breeding reports. Thus, scientific data confirms the experience of practical breeders. It is, of course, obvious that white dogs of colored breeding that carry even a tiny amount of color even in a few hairs of their coat are not genetically white, and undoubtedly carry cream and possibly apricot genes as well. The late Commander T. Norman Hinton wrote in the English Our Dogs of considerable work done by him and other British breeders on this subject. His finding was that many white Poodles that look white are in reality faded creams and not genetically pure white at all. He believed, after a great many years of breeding whites exclusively, that the puppy that is whelped cream and later turns white is simply a faded cream and should be considered cream throughout life. The fact that the color bred whites usually offered far superior genetic background for type as in the cases of Ch. Snow Boy of Fircot and Ch. Summercourt Square Dancer of Fircot made them popular at stud. In addition to superior type, the cream whites usually have dark skin pigment, black points and non-patterned skin. The cream whites, primarily through Square Dancer and his great influence, have dominated the Miniature show ring for years. The glistening ice white Standards as best exemplified by the earlier Alekais are seen less frequently due to black crosses at Alekai and elsewhere. Cream or cream whites are often beautiful animals with excellent pigment. Acadia Command Performance, Best in Show at Westminster in , was a beautiful example of a faded cream. The point being made is that there are two different types of whites and breeders should be aware of this fact. Fortunately, two whites or faded whites , irrespective of their back- grounds, will produce a whole litter of whites or faded whites with no mismarking problems. By Mackey J. Not just tan, more yellow in tone and a lighter color than the lightest tan. The eyes are deep, soft brown; the jet black eye should not appear in a cream, being unbecoming to this color. Eyerims, nose, lips, and toenails are a very dark brown or black. The skin is blue and sometimes a tawny pink; it , should not be spotted. Common Faults: Such dogs may have white toenails. This is a very minor fault and should not worry the breeder. Such dogs may have liver nose and eyerims. This, too, is a very minor fault and should not worry the breeder. Such dogs may have lemon colored or pale tan ears. This is a fault in the ring but need not disturb the breeder. Such dogs may appear streaked in color, such as lemon or pale tan streaks up the back. This is a show fault but need not disturb the breeder. Such dogs may have light brown eyes, almost yellow in tone. This is a fault in the ring, and the I breeder should hesitate before using such a dog. Light eyes are hard to overcome, particularly in light-colored dogs. Such dogs may fade to almost a pure white and have, nevertheless, brown rather than black eyes and brown rather than black noses. They often do, and this is just unfortunate in the ring, as it destroys their chances. It need not disturb the breeder unless he, too, has considered the dog as a white. The difference between a true white and a faded cream is as follows: The true white has no lemon or pale tan in the coat. There is no "streakiness" in the coat of a true white, while there is in a faded cream. Question: Is cream a true color? Aryswer: Yes. It is not just a dirty white. The puppies are born cream, sometimes darker than the adult. Question: Could one establish a cream line? Answer: We think one could, but it would be difficult because creams seldom reproduce the same shade as themselves. They usually tend toward white. We do not know of a cream line. Question: What is the best color to preserve cream? Answer: Another cream related on the cream, not white, side of the pedigree. Question: What is the best color to breed away from creams? Answer: White. Question: What colors are not advisable to breed with creams? Answer: Black, blue, brown, cafe-au-lait, gray, and apricot, in that order. Question: Have there ever been any great show winning creams? Answer: Indeed there have been, both here and in England. Champion Braevel Biscuit was another. Question: Is cream a popular color in the show ring and with the public? Answer: Not particularly, as this color all too often is considered a poor white. The color is not as dramatic as the pure white. The public often considers a cream a poor white, thus cream puppies do not sell too well, By Mrs Hoyt — The Book of the Poodle The color of good, rich Jersey cream. AKC removed this color from the poodle color choices years ago. Champagne is now encompassed into the cream category now. Cream standard pup at 6 weeks Cream miniature puppy. Poodle Colors March 18, Poodles come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, to the point that the terminology can become quite bewildering. In this article, we shed some light, rather than hair, on the rainbow world of Poodle colors, exploring the most common coat hues and patterns before delving deeper into the weird yet wonderful world of ticked and parti Poodles. Table of Contents 12 Common Solid Colors of the Poodle Most Poodles, regardless of size, come in solid colors, some of which are more common than others. Although black Poodles are often overlooked in favor of lighter-colored puppies or rescues, they are no more aggressive or less intelligent than any other color Poodle. There is one slight health discrepancy, however, in that studies have found that black and other dark-colored Poodles are more susceptible to squamous cell carcinoma of the digit SCDD than other lighter-colored dogs. Due to their poor visibility at night, these dogs should always wear an LED collar when getting walked in the dark. Some may take a year to develop the blue tinge to their coats, while others hang onto the vestiges of their puppyhood black for 24 months. A quick examination of their paws may also reveal some silver or white hairs between the pads. As a blue Poodle puppy ages, so its color clears, becoming almost gun-metal grey. Some shading is acceptable in blue Poodles, but to be true to the breed standard, they should, like the black Poodle, have black noses, dark eyes, and black toenails. Silver Another diluted version of the black Poodle, like the blues, silvers are born black but will start to clear much earlier. By the time they reach six weeks, silver hues will be apparent around the face and paws, with the rest of the coat following suit over the next year or so. Silver is recessive color, making it more difficult to breed for, and silver puppies are only really guaranteed if both parents are also silver Poodles. This process is caused by the Progressive Graying gene which is found in some black, blue, and brown Poodles. Although some Poodles are born gray and remain that way throughout their lives, others will start to change color at around two or three months of age, gradually fading as they mature. Regardless of how the gray coat is produced this color is recognized by the AKC. Like the black, blue, and silver Poodles, gray dogs should also have black noses and nails and dark-colored eyes. Cream Cream is one of several off-white colorations found in all sizes of Poodle, and distinguishing one from another can be challenging. A cream Poodle is fairly easy to identify as it is one of the few light-colored Poodles that have black rather than liver-colored noses. Establishing whether a Poodle is white or cream is more difficult as both have black points and a pale cream, in certain lights, may appear white. Experts will no doubt dismiss this confusion as pure ignorance as the two are very different. While white indicates the complete absence of color, the cream is a very diluted brown, not far from apricot. Indeed, many cream-colored Poodles are born light or even medium brown and then clear as they mature. White White is one of the most popular and most common colors for Poodles. Despite being white, a white Poodle belongs to the black hair type and therefore has a black nose, nails, and eye-rims, as well as dark-colored eyes, giving it a striking appearance. In the past, a white Poodle with pink toenails or a patch of pink skin would still have succeeded in the show ring but, these days, the AKC insists on white Poodles with black extremities only. This color needs to be washed with a special shampoo for Poodles often to stay bright and clean. Both the Toy and the Miniature Poodle carry this trait, however, and it does appear to affect those with white pigmentation more than other colors. Brown Once lumped together with Red Poodles, brown Poodles should ideally be the color of dark mahogany or a rich walnut brown, as opposed to chestnut. Nevertheless, brown Poodles boast more color variations and a wider range of hues than almost any of the other colors. Most brown Poodles are born dark and then fade as they mature, producing stunning shades of cinnamon brown and coffee. One of the biggest problems facing the brown Poodle is its tendency to have very pale yellow, almost green eyes. This is an undesirable trait in the show ring but difficult to eliminate in breeding. The most sought-after brown Poodles have amber-colored eyes, a liver nose, and dark toenails, as per the breed standard. Rufus is a recessive allele, which is perhaps why red Poodles are so rare. Red Poodles are particularly prone to color change, with some fading as they age and others darkening. Apricot Like red, apricot is a relatively new color for Poodles, having only been accepted into the breed standard comparatively recently. The first apricot-colored Standard Poodle was born in but categorized as liver at the time. Since then, apricot Poodles have won a variety of prestigious awards, and their popularity has continued. Last year, world-famous Lionel Messi welcomed an apricot Toy Poodle named Abu into his family, adding a splash of color and cuteness to the Messi tribe. Although Poodles of this color may look similar to red ones, the cafe au lait hue is closer to silver than red. Silver Beige Unlike cafe au lait, silver beige is a diluted shade of brown, and most silver beige Poodles are born brown, clearing around their face and paws within the first six weeks of life. Silver beige is much more popular than cafe au lait, but the two are frequently confused. While cafe au lait puppies are usually born that color, silver beige Poodles are born brown and subsequently fade to silver beige. Parti Poodles Parti Poodles have large amounts of white on their body. This can be mixed with any of the regular colors: red, black, brown etc. These dogs are highly sought-after. You will probably have to look for a bit in order to find the Parti Poodle of your dreams! This is produced by a specific gene and can even be seen in pure white Poodles that, if they have the ticking gene, will appear dirty. More of a marking than a color in its own right, it can be difficult to spot the spots on a Poodle puppy. More commonly found on parti Poodles than solid colors, ticking becomes increasingly obvious as the puppy matures. While the United Kennel Club sees ticking as an acceptable trait in a Poodle, the AKC disqualifies such dogs from conformation classes, as it does parti Poodles. Some Poodle owners are convinced that certain colored dogs are cleverer than others. The idea behind this theory is that black and white Poodles were the original breed standard colors and have therefore been bred for temperament and intelligence, rather than color. You may indeed have a particularly intelligent white Poodle at some stage in your life, but you could equally have an Einstein-style Tuxedo Poodle. At the end of the day, Poodles are as varied as humans, and some are blessed with superior intelligence just as others are endowed with an especially friendly temperament. What is the Most Popular Poodle Color? Whites are common and much-loved for their regal appearance, while the black is easier to keep to clean, making it popular among more practical Poodle owners. Are Parti Poodles More Expensive? Do Poodles Have a Favorite Person? While most dog breeds adore whoever feeds them, Poodles are a little more particular, selecting their favorite human based on their personality, rather than their ability to provide care and sustenance. The Bottom Line The world of Poodles is full of color and variety. While traditionalists may prefer to stick with the standard breed colors, those drawn to the exotic may find the parti Poodles more attractive. An ancient breed dating back to the 15th or possibly even 14th century, it seems unlikely the Poodle will ever lose its popularity. She spends all her waking hours with her Australian Cattle Dog, Koala, either walking, horse-riding, running, or just hanging out. Originally from the UK, Nicky been living with dogs for over 40 years and is a passionate dog-owner. With a Masters Degree from the University of London under her belt, Nicky has had a diverse career, training and riding horses, running safari lodges, and hosting volunteers. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day. Echo continues to be an amazing mama taking wonderful care of her babies!! We have had another busy week and the puppies have made so much progress. We have fallen into a daily routine. In addition to this, we continue the ENS exercises and weigh-in for each puppy. The puppies are moving faster and when Echo returns to the whelping box the puppies scurry around ready for another meal. Weight-in We continue to weigh the puppies daily and keep a record of their progress Double BirthWeight Milestone Echo had done an amazing job feeding her puppies. All our puppies have been gaining weight daily. Puppies should double their birth weight between 7 — 10 days. The first puppy doubled her birth weight on day 7 and the rest followed over the next few days. All our puppies have doubled their birthweight and continue to grow with each passing day. As you know, the Goldendoodle breed is an intentional mix of Poodle and Golden Retriever. We have a few smaller puppies in this litter. The below picture shows the comparison of our largest puppy and our smallest puppy. At first Echo was constantly in the whelping box and puppies just cycled through taking their turn eating without any intervention on my part. Now that Echo spends time away from her whelping box when she returns, all the puppies want to eat. Their vision will continue to improve over the next weeks. By doing just the right things at just the right time, we can give your puppy the best start possible. These timelines are simply guidelines. Daily cuddles Puppy socialization starts at birth. We handle our puppies as soon as their mamas feel comfortable and give them all daily cuddles. My grandchildren are great helpers with this. I love to share this learning experience with them; teaching them to love and respect animals and to be gentle. Puppies will practice walking on all fours, strengthening their hind legs Puppies will become more aware and start to interact with their litter-mates Puppies will start to vocalize Share this:. White Poodles are classified as light to non-shedders. They will drop a few strands of hair here and there throughout the year but will not undergo heavy seasonal shedding like other breeds. White Poodles, like all other Poodle coat colors and patterns, are considered to be hypoallergenic as they do not produce or release much allergy inducing dander into their immediate environment. Sometimes smaller sizes of Poodle such as Toy Poodles are considered to be more hypoallergenic than other Poodle sizes as smaller dogs produce less dander than larger dogs. You can make your dog even more hypoallergenic by keeping up a good grooming routine as it will stop them from releasing allergens into your home. A brush down with a slicker brush every other day is ideal to remove any loose hairs. As for washing, a bath with a gentle dog shampoo every 3 months will remove dead skin cells, dirt and debris. They get to a height of up to 10 inches .Are White Toy Poodles Rare? White Toy Poodles are not that rare despite the coat color being a recessive trait. There are many other coat colors that are quite rare for Toy Poodles like apricot, red and sable. They are 10 to 15 inches .They are 18 to 24 inches .Toy Poodles are fully grown between 6 and 7 months of age. Mini Poodles are fully grown between 7 and 12 months of age. An adult sized dog raincoat to keep them dry during wet weather An adult sized dog life jacket to help with swimming in lakes and oceans An adult sized dog jacket for cold winter weather A dog cooling vest if you live in a hot climate High quality no-pull dog harness to reduce stress on their neck while walking And other similar products.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. White Labradors are a very attractive and distinctive looking dog. But are White Labradors really Labradors? Are they healthy and happy pooches or does their pale color result in health problems? Read on to learn everything you need to know about these wonderful dogs and why most of them make excellent family pets or show pooches. He did have some qualities that I thought were different from the many Labs I raised over the years, but I would not consider it outside the norm for a Labrador Retriever. Different Types Of White Labradors On the most basic level, white Labradors are Labradors that have a coat that is white, or almost white, in color. But their coat takes on this unusual pigment for a Labrador for a number of different reasons. These dogs are the same as all other Labs; it is just that both of their parents had the right genes to give them a coat that approaches white. They will have the same black or brown nose and eyes as other Labs, as well as the same intelligence and temperament. They will also face the same health risks, but no additional ones due to the color of their coat. Yellow Labradors come in a range of colors, from fox red, to golden, to cream, and of course, white. White is just another natural variation within the spectrum. White Labrador dogs are usually specifically created by breeders, who have been broadening the color range of Yellow Labradors for decades in order to widen their market. White Labradors are more likely to be English Labradors than American Labradors because of the history of the breeding. This means they will also have the stockier, broader look of the English Lab. Albino Labradors Unlike Yellow Labradors with a white coat, which are healthy dogs that do not differ from their darker colored brothers and sisters, some White Labradors are the result of albinism. This is a genetic condition universal throughout the animal kingdom, but rare in dogs, affecting maybe one in every 20, The result is a pooch that has white hair and extremely pale skin. They are usually easily distinguishable from Yellow Labs that are white as they will also lack pigment in their eyes and nose. Their eyes are often a distinctive red color, though they can also be blue. Albino Labradors often develop health problems as a result of their lack of pigmentation. They are very susceptible to sun damage, which can easily result in tumors and skin cancer. Their eyes are also very sensitive to the sun and can easily become damaged. They are also often born blind or suffer from eye deformities. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish these pups from albino dogs, but they will have normal eye color. This condition is also relatively rare among Labradors, as it is a recessive trait. It can come with similar health concerns as the areas of the skin that lack pigment can also be easily damaged by the sun. But they are not at the same risk as far as the eyes are concerned. Silver Labrador White Labradors should also not be confused with Silver Labradors , which occurs as a result of the dilution of the darker pigment of black or brown dogs. They can be registered with the Kennel Club as Chocolate Labradors, but they are excluded from shows. But just like Yellow Labradors with a white coat, these Chocolate Labradors with a silver coat are natural within the color range of Labradors and they do not have different personality traits or health conditions as the result of the color of their coat. Considering this, and the fact that White Labradors are relatively rare among Yellow Labradors, they are not always easy to come across. To find a White Labrador, you will need to speak with a breeder that has chosen color as one of the traits for which they are controlling. However, it is not advisable to work with a breeder who is only or primarily controlling for color, as health and temperament are still more important features in a dog than color. Bear in mind that English Labs look different; they tend to be stockier and broader in the chest and face. They also have different personalities. They tend to be more playful and silly, but have less energy. They have become very popular dogs on the show circuit, while their silly and friendly personality makes them great family pets. It can be difficult to tell if a Lab will grow to be a true White Lab when they are a puppy, as lots of Yellow Labradors are born with a very pale coat, which gets darker as they age. Of course, while seeking out a white Yellow Labrador might be something you want, seeking out an Albino Lab or even a Leucistic Lab is not advisable because of the related health conditions. However, that is not to say there are not Albino Labs out there that need someone to adopt them and give them a loving home. American Or English Labrador? As seeking out a White Labrador probably means choosing between an American and an English Labrador , it is worth considering the differences between the two. Both dogs are friendly, good-natured, and companionable, and also intelligent and highly trainable. This is why they make excellent companion dogs and working dogs. But both were originally bred as retrievers. American Labs are those that have been bred for working, while English Labradors have been bred for conformation, which means they have been bred to more exactly align with the definition of the species, which is why they are an excellent choice for show dogs. They are called English Labradors because they are significantly more common in the UK. Meanwhile, you guessed it, the working-style Labrador is more common in the USA. But, while this is how the breeds are characterized, this is far from prescriptive, and you will often encounter English Labs as working dogs and American Labs competing in shows. So, these are not strict definitions but rather a useful guide to help you distinguish between the two extremes of the breed. They are all registered as Labrador Retrievers with the Kennel Club. That said, there are some key differences to look out for. American Labs are usually a bit taller, ranging from .This height difference results because American Labs tend to have longer legs, while English Labs are stockier. But American Labs are also heavier than their English brothers and sisters, ranging from 70 to pounds, while English Labs are usually between 60 and 85 pounds. The appearance of the two dogs is also different. English Labs tend to look heavier and more substantial, with a barrel chest. They also have a wider head and a fuller face with a shorter muzzle. The neck is thicker, and so is their coat so they also shed a bit more. American Labs also tend to have more energy than English Labs, and as a result, it is often thought a firmer hand is needed to keep American Labs under control. For this reason, they are often considered better as working dogs, and when they move into the home, they need a very active family. Because English Labs are considered calmer and quieter, they are more versatile as a family dog and also easier to train for shows. I would consider him an American Lab based on looks although his breeder said he had both American and English in his ancestry. His energy level was closer to that of an American Lab, but his goofy temperament more closely resembled an English Lab. Yes, White Labradors are very rare. Albinism is extremely rare in dogs, affecting maybe one in every 20, White Labradors that are pale Yellow Labradors are also rare. White Labs are at the extreme color range available for these pooches, and it is required that both parents have and pass on the genes that allow for this extremely light color. Exactly how big your Labrador will get depends on a lot of things, but color is not one of them. As a general rule, if your White Labrador is an American Labrador, you can expect them to weigh between 70 and pounds. English Labradors, while they look stockier, tend to be lighter, between 60 and 85 pounds, They also tend to be smaller than their American brothers and sisters. A healthy White Labrador will have the same life expectancy as the majority of Labrador Retrievers, so about 12 years. However, White Labradors that are Albino will have a significantly lower life expectancy, as they are much more likely to develop serious medical conditions, such as skin cancer and tumors. Are White Labradors Purebred? Yes, White Labradors are purebred dogs within the Yellow Labrador Retriever category, and they can be registered for shows and with the Kennel Association as Yellow Labradors. Do White Labradors Shed? All Labradors shed , and they tend to shed a lot. They have a double coat, which means they have a lot of hair to leave behind. It can be especially challenging in the shedding season, which is Spring and Fall. So, yes, you will be finding those beautiful white hairs all over your home. He definitely shed more than any other dog, Lab or otherwise that we had in our home. Do White Labradors Turn Yellow? Some of the hair of a White Labrador, especially around the tips of the ears, can turn yellow with sun exposure. In addition, many Yellow Labradors may appear white when they are born, but their hair will darken over the first few months of their life. So, you cannot always tell if a Labrador will be white during the first few months of their lives. Final Thoughts When breeders refer to a White Labrador, they are referring to a Yellow Labrador that has been specifically bred to have very pale fur. This is more common among English Labs than American Labs, but they are a naturally occurring phenomenon that occurs from the breeding process. These dogs share all the same wonderful traits as other Labradors. They are friendly and intelligent, and they make excellent family dogs, working dogs, and show dogs. However, these White Labs should not be confused with Albino Labs or Leucistic Labs, which are dogs with rare genetic conditions, meaning they lack pigment in their skin. These dogs can suffer from serious health issues as a result of sun exposure. While there are dogs out there of this variety that need a loving place to call home, it is not the same as adopting a White Labrador. They do need special care and attention. The first time Archer met his new companion was also the first time the little girl ever spoke. Do you have any experience with White Labradors? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Yellow Labradors have always come in a range of shades. This range has been deliberately broadened in recent years through selective breeding of more muted tones. But despite this, there are only three recognised colors of Labradors — black , chocolate and yellow. Yellow Labs can now be commonly seen ranging from darkest rich fox red, through shades of golden, pale yellow, cream and even white. White Labs and fox red Labs are both classified as yellow Labs. Even though the hues look very different, they are just variations of the same base color. Changes in Trends What is considered desirable or fashionable changes from one decade to the next. And certainly differs between the show and working communities of Labrador breeders. Currently, working or American Labradors prefer the darker shades of yellow, and English Labradors are often much paler. English Labs differ from American or Working bred Labs quite dramatically in terms of their shape and personalities. In general your white English Labrador will be fun loving, a little silly and very sociable with people and other dogs. He might take a little longer to mature than his working bred cousins and may have less of a hyped up drive to retrieve or run around all day. A white English Lab will also often have a broader chest and head, as well as slightly shorter legs. The Albino Labrador Albinism is an interesting trait that is found throughout the animal kingdom. It is caused by a gene which switches off coloring. Albino Labs will have white hair or fur, and pale skin. They may also have red eyes, although very pale blue eyes can also be seen in some albinos when some pigmentation remains. True albinism in dogs is rare, and it is not a desirable trait as unfortunately it comes with health problems. Albino Lab Health Albino Labs can suffer from sensitive skin. This is an issue that leaves them particularly vulnerable to sun and heat damage. Not only can an albino Lab be easily sunburnt, the sun can also damage his eyes. This vulnerability can make these dogs prone to tumors and skin cancer. Many Albino dogs are born blind, or suffer from eye deformities. Fortunately, a white Lab is almost always not actually an albino Lab. It is actually just a very pale version of a yellow Labrador. White Labrador Retrievers will have pigmented noses and dark eyes, as well as distinctive white fur. Their fur will almost always contain touches of cream or yellow, especially around the ears. A white Lab puppy will often have yellow ears. Finding a White Labrador Puppy White Lab puppies will come from parents who have the genes for yellow coat color, and who have been selectively bred to have the palest version of this color. In a litter of puppies the shades of color can range just as dramatically as they do in adulthood. Some pups can look far more orange and others will be at the paler end. Puppy coats will also change color as they grow. So white Lab puppies may appear more or less pale when they mature. Even if you love white Labradors, remember that the most important thing about a puppy is their personality and their health. As with any puppy search, the way to find a white Lab puppy is to look for a litter of Labradors bred in a way that is appropriate for the breed. White Labrador Retriever Breeders If white Lab puppies appeal to you, then make sure that the breeder has not focused on color to the detriment of health or temperament. Color should always be a secondary consideration when breeding a litter or choosing your puppy. First make sure that all of the other boxes are ticked, and that you are happy with your breeder. Make sure both parents are fully health tested. For Labradors this will mean low hip and elbow scores, and clear eye tests as a minimum. Think of the Type of Labrador If you want a pup to show in the ring, then go to an established show breeder who will be able to help you select the best pup for your purpose. If you are looking for a family pet, make sure both parents are treasured members of the family too. When buying any Labrador puppy, making sure the breeder is a good breeder is key. Here is some more information on how to find a good breeder, for any color of Labrador. The main ones which Labrador owners deal with are regarding potty training and biting. You can find lots of information on dealing with both of these common issues in our extensive Puppies Section. Bringing a new puppy home is a big decision. If you have any doubts about whether you are ready for a Labrador check out this article to help make the right choice. They are loving, loyal, caring, and very affectionate with their owners. Labs tend to have very sweet personalities and make lovely family dogs. Most Labrador Retrievers come in different colors such as yellow, black, and brown, but have you ever seen a white Labrador? So, what is the white Labrador, how are they different and how can you get one? These are the answers that we have for you, in this simple guide. What is a White Labrador? In general, Labrador Retrievers come in a range of colors, from yellow to black, to cream, and even fox red , but the most common you will find is the yellow lab! Even if you have a black Labrador or a yellow Labrador, they will be able to produce pups of all different colors and shades. The white Labrador is simply just a variation of the yellow Labrador. It is a paler and lighter color in comparison to other yellow labs. Some white labs can be whiter than others, whereas other white labs may have hints of yellow on their coats. It registers Labrador Retrievers as either black, yellow, or chocolate. However, the AKC does recognize that there may be differences in the yellow shade, as this can range from very pale, light white, or cream, all the way to caramel colors and fox red shades. Whilst some white Labradors may look like a different breed of dog, they are actually just a paler version and variation of the typical yellow Labrador. How are White Labradors created? White Labradors can be created in the same way as any other Labrador puppies. When yellow Labradors give birth, they can often produce a range of puppies in either chocolate, yellow or brown colors. Many years ago, the preferred look for a Labrador was a dark, rich yellow color, almost a caramel shade, and so many breeders tried to achieve this color coat when breeding puppies. However, as times have changed, most people would like the lighter colored Labrador, and so the lighter shades of labrador have become the most common and most popular. Through selective breeding, these dogs often produce puppies in much lighter colors, and can also produce white labradors as a result. White labs will most often be born to two lighter shaded yellow labrador parents. No, white labs are not considered albino Labradors. Albinism is a genetic condition that means that there is a total lack of pigmentation in the skin, eyes, and nose. This is different from just a lighter shade of labrador, or a white Labrador. Therefore, in most situations, a white Labrador will not be an albino Labrador. Albino labradors will have very pale skin, fair fur, and even red eyes due to the loss of pigmentation. On the other hand, a white Labrador will simply have lightly colored fur, whereas their nose and eyes are more normal colored. In addition to this, white Labradors may have slightly darker ears, where they may appear more yellow or golden than white. It is also important to note that Albino Labradors have a condition where pigmentation is missing in their genetics. This is clearly a health issue, where the skin is hypersensitive to light, sunburn, and other environmental factors, causing burned skin and even cancer. Therefore, these dogs are not commonly selectively bred as it is not a desirable genetic trait for dogs. Types Of White Labradors White Labradors, just like other labradors, are categorized into two different types: Show type dogs, and Working type dogs. In general, the show-type Labrador is called an English Labrador, whereas the working type lab is referred to as an American Labrador. The white English Lab will tend to be wider and more chunky than other types of lab. These dogs tend to have larger heads and shorter bodies, and can typically look more robust than other types of Labradors. As these types of labs are show dogs, they can be rather difficult to train, and tend to have fun-loving personalities, or can be quite silly and goofy. These dogs are the perfect family pets, and are more for show than for excessive training and working. American Labrador On the other hand, the White American Labrador tends to come in darker shades of white, and are closer to yellow colored labradors. However, white American Labradors are possible. These types of labs are working dogs, and will therefore have slimmer, slighter bodies as they are most suited to training and agility roles. As a result, they are very energetic, highly trainable and intelligent, and can be used for working roles. This will give you the highest chance of creating light, white puppies. However, white Labradors are never guaranteed even with two pale-colored parents. Most Labrador litters do vary in color and their coats can still change as the dog grows older. Some very pale labs may even turn more yellow-colored as they become adults. In this sense, you could say that white Labradors are rather rare, and you can expect to pay a little bit more for a white Labrador than a regular yellow Labrador. You have to be careful, as a puppy can look white when it is very young, but that does not necessarily mean that they will remain pure white as they age and get older. In most cases of white Labradors, they are never truly all over white, some will have darker ears. White lab breeders If you are looking for a white lab, then you will need to ensure that you purchase from an experienced, reliable, and trusted breeder. This will ensure the health of your Labrador puppy for the years to come, and you will know that your dog has no underlying health conditions or genetic problems. Due to the rise in demand for white Labradors, some breeders will breed their yellow Labradors excessively in order to raise their chances of white puppies. This can be very unhealthy for the parent dogs and can cause a rise in health problems and genetically inherited diseases. To ensure that you get a good, healthy puppy, make sure that the breeder is registered , and that they do not use breeding practices that are detrimental to the health of the dog and the puppies. You should also only ever buy a puppy from a breeder who is able to show you the mother of the litter, and if possible the father, so that you know there are no obvious behavioral or health, and wellbeing issues. Price of white lab Due to the rareness of the white lab, you can expect the price to be more costly than others. However, you can be lucky, as some breeders will sell white labs for the same price as the other labs in the litter. Are white Labradors rare? Yes, white Labradors are extremely rare, however, they are not a separate color of the breed, recognized by the AKC. Instead, they are noted as a variation of the yellow kind of Labrador. For the white Labrador to occur, both parents will need to carry the color gene and pass it on to the pups but this does not necessarily mean that the litter will all be pure white. Some white Labradors are lighter than others, and some are just a slightly lighter shade than yellow, or white mixed with yellow. Due to the extremity of the color, the white Labrador is very rare and extremely desirable, so prices for these pups may be higher than usual. Which color Labrador is the smartest? Whilst all Labradors are very eager to please and easy to train, it is thought that the black Labrador is the smartest and most intelligent. The black Labrador is most often regarded as a working dog, and is, therefore, a very quick learner and actively eager to work and be trained. Are white Labradors aggressive? No, in general, white Labradors are not aggressive. As a breed, Labradors are not known to be aggressive and are very gentle creatures. They are the perfect family dog, however, they do still require training, as if they are not trained, they can have some behavioral issues. Conclusion To conclude, the white lab is a color variation of the yellow lab. The yellow lab usually is darker yellow and has a golden tone, whereas the white lab is much paler and lighter in color. However, white labs are not to be confused with albino labs, which have lost their pigmentation in the fur, eyes and skin due to the condition. White labs are simply the same as other yellow labradors in the breed, just much lighter in color! We have a stack of interesting articles to read about Labradors. Check them out below.