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Visit the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory website Labrador retrievers have coats of three basic colors: yellow, black, and chocolate. These colors are determined genetically, just like almost all of the traits that offspring get from their parents. The modes of inheritance of these coat colors are autosomal not related to the sex of the dog. The information for black or chocolate comes from two versions of the same gene different versions of a gene are known as alleles. This gene is different from the one that causes yellow hair. There are four known alleles at this gene in the Labrador Retriever: one is the allele for black designated as B and three different alleles that result in chocolate collectively designated as b. In determining if your puppies will be black or chocolate, the black coat color B is dominant to the chocolate b. Therefore, a puppy will only be chocolate if each parent contributes a chocolate allele bb. If one or both parents Bb or BB contribute the black dominant allele, the puppy will be black BB or Bb , although a Bb puppy would carry chocolate and could therefore produce chocolate puppies. Black Labrador Retriever. Photo by Katy Robertson. Chocolate colored Labrador Retriever. There are several known alleles of this gene in dogs, but for Labradors the most common are E produce black and brown pigment and e only produce yellow pigment. An e allele at the MC1R gene prevents expression of the black or chocolate color in the hair follicle and the puppy's hair ends up yellow. Interestingly, the black or chocolate pigment is still expressed in the skin, just not in the hair. In order to be yellow, a Labrador must have two recessive alleles of the MC1R gene ee. This means both parents contributed a yellow allele e. However, if only one Ee or no EE yellow-causing alleles are contributed, this puppy will be either black or chocolate depending on which alleles are present at the TYRP1 gene see above. Yellow Labrador Retriever. Two yellow labs can only have yellow puppies ee , since they both only have the yellow allele e to contribute to their offspring. If they are bred to each other, there is a chance that some puppies will get a copy of e from each parent and have yellow hair Bbee, BBee, or bbee. If you are interested in breeding your Labrador and would like to know the genetic make up of your dog to predict the color of your puppies, genetic tests are available. The tests are easy, non-invasive, and simply require that you take a swab of the inside of your dog's cheek and send it to the laboratory. Primary Category. Articles When we think of Labrador Retrievers, the classic triad of black, yellow, and chocolate coat options. However, this popular dog breed actually comes in more colors and patterns than that. Besides the common Black Labrador you normally see, there are actually 13 different aesthetic options Labrador Retrievers can come in, in terms of coat type, colors, and patterns. These include rarer variations like the Dudley Labrador and Merle Labrador variations. In the sections below, we shall take a closer look at all these variations in terms of how to spot them and anything else that makes each unique. Dudley Image from Best Bully Sticks Dudley Labradors are a variation of the Labrador breed born without any pigment on their nose, eyes, or paw pads. These surfaces appear pink, red, or a very light shade of pinkish-brown. Dudley Labradors are usually light-colored and may either be a very light shade of yellow or all-white. Their eyes are also a characteristically light shade of brown. The genes responsible for the Dudley trait on Labradors are generally unproblematic. However, the lack of pigmentation leaves the nose of the Labrador exposed to sunburns. Merle Image from Instagram: smillasdogdiary Merle Labradors are some of the most unique-looking dogs in general and not just in the Labrador breed. They can be recognized by the presence of dark, mottled patches on a white or other light-colored coat. The patches on a Merle Labrador are of different sizes and distributed randomly. The merle gene responsible for this trait also affects pigmentation and can give the Labrador blue eyes, especially if they are bred from two Merle Labs. Unfortunately, the gene is also associated with eye and ear diseases which are also more commonly found in double-merle settings. What makes them common is the fact that there are several genetic combinations that give this trait. They are also unique in that Black Labrador puppies can result from breeding yellow or even chocolate-colored Labs. Due to their wide availability, Black Labradors are arguably the most popular variation. They are also believed to be smarter and more hardworking than the other variations, even though there is no scientific basis for this. They have a predominantly black coat with tan markings. The markings are usually distributed in a predictable manner over the body. This includes markings over the eyes, on the snout, neck, chest, and limbs. However, these will have mixed features and may not fully look like typical Labs. It appears as a dark shade of brown, very similar to chocolate or liver. Among the 3 most acceptable Labrador colors, Chocolate Labs are the rarest. This is because the genetic combination responsible for the trait only appears rarely. Even with breeding between 2 Chocolate Labradors, there is always the risk the puppies may not all be chocolate. What makes them different is that their shade of chocolate brown is a bit lighter and has a rusty red quality to it. In some cases, the shade is so light that they look almost earthy brown, like that of a fox. No matter how light or dark the shade of red is, it is important for it to be a solid color so that the Lab can be considered a true red variation. Like Chocolate Labradors, the red variety also has a reddish-brown-colored nose. Yellow Image from Paw. The shade of yellow varies from a rich, almost golden yellow to a light tinge of yellow that can easily be mistaken for white from a distance. The shade of yellow on Yellow Labradors is also nowhere near as intense as that on Goldies. This is different from really pale Yellow Labradors, which may sometimes have more pigmented fur on the ears, paws, and snout. Contrary to popular belief, White Labradors are actually not all suffering from albinism. They get their white coat from a rare and recessive leucistic gene. They get their grayish-blue shade from a dilution gene that waters down the intensity of what would have been a black coat. This dilution gene on Blue Labradors affects not only the fur but also other black-pigmented surfaces like the nose. At first glance, it may appear black, but on closer inspection, you will notice even its nose has the same slightly watered-down shade. They are not as common as the single solid-tone coat types. However, they are way more common than the other patterns that Labradors could possibly come in. The markings occur mainly with Black Labradors and Yellow Labradors. The white fur, in these cases, is distributed mainly to the neck, chest, belly area, and paws. They are best appreciated on Yellow Labradors or brown Chocolate Labradors due to the contrast. The stripes are most pronounced over the back, torso, and limbs. It is also common to find Brindle Labradors with a combination of patterns, in which case white markings are the most common pairing. Short Haired Image from YuMove According to the American Kennel Club breed standards for the Labrador Retriever , the short-haired variety is the only recognized and accepted coat type. Thus the fur is straight and coarse to the touch. The short-haired Labrador has a double coat with a softer undercoat that offers protection from simple injuries. Interestingly, short-haired Labradors tend to shed a bit more than their longer-haired companions and thus need more attentive coat care. However, their faces typically have shorter fur. Despite long-haired Labradors being so gorgeous, the trait is considered undesirable and is a result of recessive genes in the dog breed. The fact that it is recessive means that two long-haired Labs have to breed to produce puppies with the same trait. When comparing the three classic variations, the Chocolate Labrador is the rarest among the rest, Black Labrador and Yellow Labrador. This is because the chances for the required chocolate gene combination to manifest are much lower. In general, blue and white are two of the rare Labrador colors, whereas the merle pattern is considered to be very rare in purebred Labs. What Color Lab Sheds Least? There is no single Labrador color that sheds any more or less than the other varieties. The myth that Yellow Labradors shed more than black or chocolate ones is commonly busted from the fact that yellow fur strands are a lot more visible and easier to spot on clothes and furniture than the darker strands. The intelligence of a Labrador has nothing to do with its coat type, color, or pattern. However, there is this belief that Black Labs are the smartest. This is simply due to the fact that they are the most commonly found around the world. A fox red and traditional yellow Lab, flanked by a pair of black Labs. Black, yellow, and chocolate are the three traditional coat colors recognized by the AKC. If you ask the American Kennel Club , those are the only acceptable colors for a Labrador. And even then, those dogs must have other specific color features like dark noses and lips to count as true Labradors. But lately, non-traditional Labrador retriever colors have increased in popularity. The coats on these dogs look like faded versions of the traditional colors. Charcoal, silver, champagne, and white Labs have all emerged on the scene. So where did these new colors come from? Are they associated with health problems? A yellow Lab rests with her black pups. The dogs that Labs originate from, St. Once multiple generations of Labrador retrievers reproduced, recessive-gene colors like chocolate and yellow emerged from other bloodlines. The sire and dam that produce the litter of puppies pass down those genes to the offspring. Natalie Krebs The black coat color gene is dominant, Wilson explains. The chocolate coat gene, on the other hand, is recessive. Say two black Labs breed and produce a litter of pups. If just one of the parents—in this example, the sire—has all-black genes, none of their puppies will be chocolate. All the pups will be black Labs. Chocolate Labrador retrievers carry the recessive gene for coat color. If two chocolate Labs produce a litter, all the pups will be chocolate, too. The same is true for a black Lab that breeds a chocolate Lab. If the black Lab only has black genes to pass down, all their puppies will be black. But if that black Lab has a recessive chocolate gene to pass down, the litter could include both black and chocolate pups. Two chocolate Labs can only produce a chocolate litter, Wilson explains. All these dogs—the parents and the offspring—only have recessive chocolate genes. This yellow Lab was bred from a black female and a fox red male. Natalie Krebs Yellow coats come from an entirely different pair of genes than black or brown coats. Yellow Labs have the widest range in coat color while remaining within the AKC breed standard, Wilson says. Yellow Labs must have dark, heavily-pigmented noses, eyes, and lips, but their fur can range from a lighter vanilla to fox red. But in reality, the earliest yellow Labs were fox red, Wilson says. The color was first documented toward the end of the 19th century, and today, this coat variation is well within the AKC breed standard for yellow Labs. One of the more common falters is the light brown or pink nose, lips, and eyes. But from a health perspective, says Wilson, yellow Labs with light features are more prone to complications. Yellow Labs fall outside the AKC breed standard when their lips, nose, and skin around the eyes is pink, rather than black. These types of Labs are often referred to as Dudley Labs. This can make the skin more prone to sunburn or melanoma. Lighter, more sensitive eyes also make it harder for the dog to work properly in the field. Black Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular bird dogs in the country. Alex Robinson The best traditional Labrador retriever color is, of course, a matter of personal preference. Each color has their pros and cons. Yellow Labs Are harder to disguise in marsh and timber Are tougher to keep track of during an upland bird hunt since they tend to blend into grassy cover Identifying ticks, cuts, and abrasions is easier on their light coats Black Labs Are easier to disguise in many waterfowl environments, including marsh and timber Are easier to spot while working thick upland cover Their dark coat makes it harder to notice ticks, blood, and thorns Chocolate Labs Are the least traditional of the traditional Labrador retriever colors Have amassed a loyal following over the years Blend well into most habitat types and environments Non-Traditional Labrador Retriever Colors If a puppy inherits the recessive dilute gene from both parents, its coat will be diluted, or lighter in color. Chocolate Labs will turn silver in appearance. Black Labs will become charcoal, chocolate Labs will turn silver, and yellow Labs will turn either champagne or what is known as polar white. Dilute breeding to produce non-traditional Labrador retriever coat colors has its controversies. The practice is particularly frustrating to the traditional Labrador retriever community that strictly adheres to AKC purebred standards. Wilson rehashes a story of the first documented silver Lab, which she says was supposedly born in Wisconsin in to a chocolate Lab female and a chocolate Lab male. But the breeder, who Wilson says she knew about through a friend, was having trouble with a Weimaraner on his property at the time. When the litter arrived, some of the pups were chocolate Labs and some were silver. Silver Labrador retrievers have become wildly popular across the country. They forwarded the information to the AKC, who dispatched a field inspector to determine the genetics of the pups. This was a tricky assignment in the era before modern DNA testing and microchips. The breeder presented a chocolate female as the dam and said the sire, which had been on loan as a stud, was back in the northern part of the state. Silver Labs can have the exact same personalities and capabilities as traditional-colored Labs. Courtesy of Peggy Stalnaker Stalnaker, who breeds dilute Labs at DuckCreek, doubts this version of the silver Lab origin story, given what she knows about dilute genetics. Her hunch is that a few true recessive dilute puppies were born by accident. Stalnaker points out that this book was published well before the first documented cases of dilute Labs in the United States. The charcoal Labrador retriever is darker than silver and comes from a black Lab with the dilute gene. When dilute Labs became popular, she explains, attempts to meet consumer demand resulted in some problematic inbreeding. This resulted in dilute Labs that were less genetically diverse and had higher chances of genetic health issues. But Stalnaker puts all her dogs through extensive genetic testing to determine any predispositions for these issues, which range from dwarfism to exercise-induced collapse syndrome to excessively dry noses. Their fur would be really thin. She has avoided this by breeding in non-diluted Labs that possess the dilute gene. This means some of her puppies are traditional colors and some are diluted. But the diluted Labs have less disorder-prone genetic codes thanks to the genetic diversity from the non-diluted sire and dam. Her customers have been happy with their DuckCreek Labs. She recalls one man who flew to Kansas from south Georgia to pick up a silver puppy and fly it home. She cites the time commitment as a barrier. Despite criticism from traditional Labrador loyalists like Wilson, some owners still register dilute Labs under traditional AKC colors. Choosing a certain color Lab is really a matter of personal preference. If anybody is nasty, I just block them. The new variety of Labrador retriever colors is probably here to stay, since the consumer demand is high. But the dilute Labs will probably remain on the outskirts of the Lab community for the foreseeable future, while the traditional Labrador retriever colors of black, chocolate, and yellow continue to win hearts and field trials alike. Katie Hill Katie Hill is a staff writer for Outdoor Life where she covers outdoor news, hunting, and conservation in the West. She still lives in Missoula. Their fun-loving and positive personalities combined with their gentleness and willingness to please their owners makes them the perfect family pet. Statistically speaking, Black Labs are the most common of all Labrador color variations. This is due to how coat color is inherited in this breed. Without getting too far into a scientific explanation for this, there are nine different possible gene combinations for coat color. Four of these lead to a black coat, three to yellow, and only two to chocolate. Due to random chance, Black Labs make up nearly half of all Labradors. Yellow Labs often have a very light brown or tan colored coat that can appear yellowish. Chocolate Labrador Image Credit: skeeze, Pixabay The rarest of the three major Labrador colors, the Chocolate Lab is beautiful and adorable with a deep brown, chocolate-colored coat. Chocolate Labs are regarded as the most energetic and hardest to train, and while there is no research-based evidence to support this, Chocolate Labs are the only Labs not used as service dogs by the leading dog training organizations. This is possibly due to a higher energy level. Their absence from service dog institutions may also be due to the fact that Chocolate Labs experience more health problems and tend to have shorter lifespans than their Black and Yellow counterparts. On average, Chocolate Labs live about a year and a half shorter than other colored Labs. Simply put, they have the genetics of a Yellow Lab but present a darker coat that appears reddish. White Labs usually have very pale brown fur that can appear purely white, especially in the sun. Their fur normally has light brown or yellowish tinges around the ears and paws. Albino Labs do carry additional health problems such as deafness, blindness, and other eye issues. Austin, Shutterstock Silver Labs are stunning, regal, and sleek. Their light grey coat shines beautifully in the sun, and their appearance is as striking as it is adorable. These pups are similar to Red Labs in that they have the same genetics as one of the major three Lab colors. Silver Labs are really Chocolate Labs, even though they may look more like Blue Labs, but their coat is light or diluted, and the result is a silvery appearance. Like their chocolate siblings, Silver Labs, unfortunately, inherit some additional health issues and tend to live shorter lives than Black and Yellow Labradors. Defining Physical Characteristics What is it that makes this breed so recognizable? Labs are often stocky and athletic with a broad chest and a thick, wide skull. Labs have short, dense fur that is water-resistant. In fact, they were named after the Labrador Sea off of Newfoundland where they were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl. No matter where they go, Labs seem to bring joy and happiness with them. They are loyal, loving, and affectionate. What more could you ask for in a dog? Labs have short, dense fur that is prone to heavy shedding and matting, so you should plan to brush your Labrador at least two or three times a week to cut down on shedding and keep their fur looking sleek. Labradors of all coat colors should be bathed about once every other month with a dog-friendly shampoo. Bathing more often can eliminate those healthy skin oils we mentioned, so avoid giving your pup a bath more often unless they find their way into some mud. Final Thoughts Labs come in three main colors but can have lots of different coat shading that makes them appear unique and especially striking. See also:. However, you can encounter several other Labrador colors thanks to genetic variation and different breeding practices. Below are six of the most common color varieties. Black Labrador Since four out of nine potential Labrador color gene variations result in a black coat, black Labs are the most common coat color in Labradors. So, the takeaway here is that black Labs are always the dominant coat color. People love black Labs for their soft, shiny coats. The black Labrador pose for a photoshoot! Yellow Labrador Yellow Labs come in as the second most common color after black Labradors. Unlike black Labs, which have an unmistakable, predictable color, yellow Labs can come in many different shades. The genetic makeup of yellow Labradors includes one-third of the possible Lab color combinations. The genetic codes include eeBB, eeBb, and eebb. A Labrador sniffs a smoked dog bone 3. Chocolate Labrador Chocolate Labs are the rarest of the three primary Labrador colors. There are only two genes that will produce these dogs—EEbb and Eebb. As with yellow Labs, chocolate labs vary significantly in their coat color. Some chocolate labs have a light brown coat, others a medium brown, and some are even so dark that they appear mixed with black and brown. Aside from their genetic predisposition to an earlier death, these dogs can also suffer from the same issues as other Labs, including patellar luxation, osteochondritis dissecans, and canine hip dysplasia. So, if you have your heart set on buying a chocolate Lab, keep in mind that you may lose your best four-legged friend about 1. A chocolate Labrador Retriever having its coat brushed 4. They get their dark, reddish coat from the same gene as yellow Labs. But since yellow Lab genes can present a wide variation in yellow colors, it causes some puppies to enter the world with an almost red coat. Red Fox Labrador Retriever looks up. Silver Labrador You might have trouble recognizing a silver Lab as a Labrador when they walk by, given that this is such a distinct color deviating from the three primary colors. And, unfortunately for silver Labs, these dogs are a color variation from chocolate Labs. Another issue that silver Labs frequently face is color dilution alopecia. Alopecia is a condition when the immune system harms hair follicles, which leads to skin issues and hair loss. So, should you be interested in breeding your Labrador, please be responsible and never breed a silver Lab. Silver Labrador Retriever sitting in the forest. Like red fox Labradors, white Labs have the same genetic makeup as yellow Labs. Nevertheless, no one will mistake these dogs for pure white; they almost always retain a light cream-colored look, thanks to some yellow fur. Albinism is a life-threatening and rare genetic condition resulting from a lack of pigmentation. Albino Labs often die young and suffer from conditions like blindness and deafness. A white Labrador Retriever sits quietly. If you think mating two black Labradors is a guarantee for producing black Lab puppies, think again. Black is a dominant gene in Labs, but the color yellow always overrides black and chocolate. Instead, check out the chart below to see the puppy colors from mating different colored Lab parents. Parent Colors. Find out how we get chocolate, black or yellow puppies and what color pups we might get when we mix Labradors of different colors. Strictly speaking, there are only three different types of Labrador color: black Labs, brown Labs usually referred to as chocolate and yellow Labs. These are the three colors recognized and accepted by the Kennel Club In practice, there is a wide range of shades of yellow Labrador color, from palest cream to richest fox red. But what makes a Labrador brown, or black, or yellow. And what about Silver Labradors? Where does this new and controversial coat color come in to play? Where do Black and Chocolate Labradors come from? The information that determines whether or not your Labrador is basically black or basically chocolate is passed on through a pair of genes. Why black is a dominant color: It is normal for dominant genes to switch off, or over-ride, recessive genes. And that is exactly what happens here. A dog with BB genes will be black, because he has no little b gene, the one that gives us a brown coat. But a Bb dog will be black too, because if the dominant black gene is present, it switches off the brown gene. How chocolate Labradors are made: Even though a dog inherits a little b gene, the dog will only appear brown if no black gene B is present at all. Two black genes BB gives you a black Labrador One of each Bb also give you a black Labrador Two brown genes bb gives you a chocolate Labrador Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog at the bottom will actually look brown. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. Remember, the dog in the middle of our list above will look black, but pass the brown gene on to about half of all its offspring. But things are never that simple are they? Because of course some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. And these genes have a different kind of power. The result is a yellow dog But little ee is recessive, and if the dominant E gene is present, it switches off the masking gene. It only takes one big E gene to do this. So the dog will only appear yellow if no big E gene is present at all. There are three possible combinations of eee gene that a dog could inherit. There are nine different possible combinations. Nine different possible Labrador genotypes! The chart below lists them genotype is the genetic makeup, phenotype is the appearance of the dog. Original Labrador Retriever Color Black is the original, archetypal Labrador color, and genetically the most dominant. Chocolate and yellow puppies were frequently euthanized at birth. To understand that we have to look at the genetic difference between black and chocolate Labs. Labrador Retriever Color Genetics Both types get their color from a pigment called eumelanin. Labs with lots of eumelanin pigment in their coat are black. If they have a little less, they appear brown instead. We use letters to tell each place apart — a bit like giving each locus its own zip code! The B locus is home to a pair of genes called B genes. There are two types of B gene your Lab can get in their pair: One we call big B — it contains an instruction to make lots of eumelanin, and causes a black Labrador coat. And one we call little b — it contains an instruction for less eumelanin, and causes a brown or chocolate coat. Big B is a dominant gene, and little b is a recessive gene. Dominant genes to switch off, or override, recessive genes. So dog with BB genes will be black, because he has two genes for a black coat. And a Bb dog will be black too, because the dominant B genethe recessive b gene. Only a dog with a matching pair of bb genes will express the instruction for less eumelanin in their coat, and be brown. Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog with two copies of the b gene will actually look brown. But the dominance of the black color enabled our chocolate friends to remain hidden and rare with the breed, for many decades. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. In fact, it would take two black Labs both carrying the little b gene to produce chocolate puppies. Like this: Statistically, one quarter of their litter would be chocolate colored. And of course, some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. These genes are located at the E locus. And — you guessed it — we call them E genes. Just like B genes there are two versions of the E gene, big E and little e. Big E is the dominant gene. It does not interfere with the B genes. Little e is the recessive gene. It has the potential to mask the B genes that would otherwise give us black or brown coats. And the result is a yellow dog. How Yellow Overrides Black and Chocolate Only the little e gene can mask the instructions for black or chocolate fur. There are three possible combinations of E gene that a dog can inherit. It could have two dominant genes EE two masking genes ee or one of each Ee. Only the middle of these three dogs will be yellow. Nine Different Possible Labrador Genotypes! Every Labrador has a combination of B and E genes — called their genotype. There are nine different possible genotypes. Here they are in full: Can you see why each combination of genes turns out the way it does? Because as you can see, the second dog down the list may look black but he could throw brown puppies, and the fourth dog down the list may look black, but he could throw yellow puppies. The fifth dog down the list is also black but he could throw yellow and brown puppies. Puppy colors are easier to predict when both parents owe their appearance to the recessive genes b or e. Mating Two Yellow Labradors Two yellow Labradors mated together will never throw brown or black puppies. All their offspring will be yellow. This is because yellow dogs do not possess the big E gene which is needed to switch off the masking effect. Mating Two Chocolate Labradors Two brown Labs mated together will never throw black puppies because brown dogs do not have the big B gene. But two chocolate Labs can produce yellow puppies, if each of the parents carries the little e gene — like this: In the mixed litter, statistically one of half of the puppies will be chocolate and one half yellow. Depending on their genotype, two black Labradors can indeed have yellow or chocolate puppies. Remember from our grid above that there are four different possible genotypes for a black Labrador. The genotype refers to the genetic code that the dog carries. And the four different possible black genotypes down the side to represent the father. Inside the grid are the puppies that could be born from each combination. If and only if, both parents carry a little e gene, then some of the puppies may be yellow. Remember that your puppy needs two little e genes one from each parent in order to be yellow. If only one of two black dogs carries the little e gene, all their puppies will be black. Yes it is, check out the bottom right hand square in the diagram above! Notice that it can only happen if both parents dogs have this genotype: EeBb. In other words, they both carry a little e and a little b. This is good example of how complicated, and unexpected, Labrador colors can be. There are six different possibilities for litter color combinations depending on the genotype of the parents. You can even get a litter of all black puppies from a chocolate mother and a yellow father or vice versa! Here are the color possibilities: yellow, black, and chocolate puppies yellow and black puppies. Labrador Colors 1. Black Labrador Most black Labs are entirely black. But, some have one or two white spots on their fur. This interruption in their solid black coat is due to genetic traces left from their late ancestor, the St. The black Labrador Retriever was historically the most common coat color. Even today, nearly half of all Labs are black! When Retrievers were first bred, black coated dogs were the only pups deemed acceptable. Their popularity was driven by two reasons: Black is the favorite coat color for hunting. Four out of nine gene combinations result in a black coat. Sadly, until the 20th century, all other Lab colors would be euthanized shortly after birth. They were not valued the same way black Labradors were. Black Labradors were perfect for their original purpose, hunting. Their dark coat color helped them blend in and move stealthily while hunting or participating in field trials. These Labs tend to have the strongest hunting instincts as their black coats were historically bred for hunting. Even to this day, they are focused, diligent workers. These shiny, sleek dogs are not only beloved in the field, but they also make wonderful pets. Many owners regard black Labs as the calmest and most affectionate of all Lab colors. However, there is no scientific evidence to back up this claim. Chocolate Labrador Chocolate Labs are the rarest of the three major Lab colors. These dogs are rarely used for hunting or working, but are champions in the show ring! Their color stuns judges and earns high marks in conformation shows. The shade of brown that chocolate Labradors can come in varies. Some are a rich chocolate while others are a dark brown color known as liver. Some even have a beautiful red hue within their brown fur! The chocolate color exists on a spectrum and can vary greatly due to genetics. Some of these assumptions have become widely accepted in the Labrador community. Chocolate Labs are regarded as the most rambunctious with a bit too much energy for their bodies! These pups are spunky and often hard to train, which may explain why they are not used as service dogs. Even if these Labs are a bit energetic and naughty at times, they are just as beloved due to their affectionate nature and goofy personality. The unfortunate truth about chocolate Labradors is that they often suffer from more health problems than other types of Labs. Some of these health concerns are minor and include hot spots skin irritation and ear inflammation. However, some are more serious and can shorten their lifespan. They often live a year and a half less than the other Labradors. Yellow Labrador Yellow Labradors may not be the most popular Labrador Retriever color, but they are the most beloved. Many owners claim that yellow Labs are the friendliest and most outgoing. Their outstanding reputation is reinforced by their heavy presence in daily life! Yellow Labs are often seen in movies such as the adorable Lab who played Marley in Marley and Me or the sweetheart who acted as Old Yeller. The media have also boosted their popularity as has their recognition as common service, search and rescue, and therapy dogs. Similar to chocolate, the yellow coat color exists on a spectrum. Some yellow Labs are a light brown or tan, others are yellow like a lemon, and then there are cream-colored Labs. There are also fawn Labradors. Fawn Labs are darker, but are not quite red. The yellow Lab may be the Labrador Retriever with the most variation in its coat color! Yellow Labs are just as hard-working as black Labs, although they are not as commonly used for hunting. They are very similar to black Labs and are just as highly trainable, affectionate, and hard-working. Silver Labrador Silver Labradors are by far the rarest of all colors. These dogs are a light gray to blue color that looks silver in the sunlight. These Labradors are often mistaken for Weimaraner mixes because of their silver coat. Silver Labs actually have the same genetics as any type of Lab, despite looking very different. They are just as smart, fun, and loving as any other Retriever. They have a dilute gene that overrides the designated chocolate coat color. Rather than being chocolate, these dogs have a silver or blue coat color. This same coat color dilution can occur in yellow Labs and in black Labs. Diluted yellow Labs are known as champagne and diluted black Labs are known as charcoal. However, Silver is the most unique. Not many silver Labs exist due to the recessive nature of the dilute gene. Silver Labs are undoubtedly stunning, but they have a higher potential of developing health issues. They often develop color dilution alopecia which presents as itchy skin or patchy fur. Fox Red Labradors have the same genetics as a yellow Lab, but just have a deep yellow or brown hue to their coat. This deep brown looks rusty red and makes them look just like a fox. Labrador Retriever fans adore fox red Labs because of their friendly personalities. They have lovingly nicknamed these dogs Ruby Labradors. Clifford, the beloved big red dog, is even based off a fox red Labrador. The red color gives them a rugged look that many owners love! However, this love does not extend to the American Kennel Club. The American Kennel Club does not recognize fox reds as a unique color and registers these Labrador Retrievers as yellow labs. Judges often view this dark pigmentation as a serious fault, so it is unlikely that a fox red Lab would ever win a conformation show. Some people are highly suspicious of the fox red color. They often argue that fox reds are not purebred and that they are mixed with Golden Retrievers. This is not true. It is all the beauty of a Golden Retriever without the high maintenance and long coat that Goldens are known for. White Labrador White Labradors are just a variation of the yellow Lab. They have the same genetics as a yellow Lab, they just happen to be much paler. White Labs are the lightest shade of yellow possible. This color exists on the opposite end of the spectrum than fox red Labs do. The shade of their fur is typically a pale yellow that looks white in the sunlight. They may also have brown or yellow ears and paws that are darker than the rest of their coat. Their white fur gives them an aura of royalty. Just like any yellow Labrador, white Labs are regarded as kind dogs who love everyone they meet. They make horrible guard dogs as they make friends with everyone and are quick to trust every stranger they meet! They are often pampered and spoiled beyond belief. There are no known health issues associated with this color. Most white labs are healthy because they are just a pale yellow, not true white. Albino Labradors are rarer and also sensitive to bright sunlight. Merle labs may suffer from deafness, blindness, and shortened lifespans. Discussing Labrador Retriever colors can be controversial. Are silver and red Labs purebred? Do personality traits differ between different colored Labs? Should silver, red, and white have their own color category? The answers to these questions are not simple. They say that behavior is determined by genetics, socialization, training, and health. In their opinion coat color is just cosmetic. On the other hand, there are owners and breeders who argue that coat color affects the personality of a Lab. These owners and breeders have lived and interacted with Labs of all colors. In their opinion coat color is linked to characteristic personality traits. These Lab lovers have agreed that: Black Labs are the calmest and most skilled at hunting. Yellow Labs are the friendliest and best with people and children. Chocolate Labs are the rowdiest, most energetic, and difficult to train. On the side of science, color does not affect the behavior of a Labrador Retriever. However, breeders and owners have recorded the behavior traits associated with each coat color. It is up to you whether to decide if color matters for Labrador Retrievers or not! Which Is The Rarest Color? Silver is the rarest Lab color. Silver is rare because it can only come from a unique genetic makeup. The dilution gene needed to produce this silver hue is a recessive gene and is often masked by the genes for a chocolate coat. If you ever happen to see one of these silver beauties, take the time to really admire them as you may never see another one again! Which Color Is The Best? This is definitely an opinion question that has no right answer! Each color of Labrador suits a specific type of owner: Athletic, hunting owners will want a black Lab. Yellow Lab owners claim that their dogs are the best due to their friendly personalities. Chocolate Labs win the most prizes in conformation shows. Silver Labs are the rarest, to complicate the argument even more. It is up to each owner to decide which color they love the best. An argument can be made for each Labrador color as to why that color is the best. Among Labrador owners it is widely accepted that black Labs are the calmest. This could be a result of their hard-working, hunting instincts which cause them to be much more focused and level-headed. Chocolate Labs who parade around show rings are often the most rambunctious. If you ask the experts, you will get the answer that coat color has no effect on Labrador behavior. However, if you read various Labrador Retriever websites and forums, or talk to Lab owners, you may hear a different story. Whether you decide to believe this claim is up to you! There is no scientific evidence to back the claim up that black Labs are the calmest Labradors. Summary Each color of Labrador Retriever is beautiful and unique in its own way. Silver Labs are rare, black Labs are sleek and elegant, yellow Labs have an aura of kindness, white Labs are elegant, red Labs are devoted to their work, and chocolate Labs are gorgeous and show ready! Labrador coat colors are the perfect example that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. Want to learn more about Labs? Read: English vs. American Labrador: Top 10 Differences. Which coat color is your favorite and why? Let us know in the comments below! She is a passionate dog lover and was raised with an affectionate, calm Yellow Lab Golden Retriever mix that fostered her love for her canine companions. Kelsie is actively involved with multiple humane societies and has cared for the dogs of over 45 different families. You May Also Like.

Pugs can become famous themselves too, such as in the case of Sir Henry, the Pug belonging to society lady Uschi Ackerman with its own Facebook page and Pug collection. These charming dogs with an often surly or melancholic facial expression win hearts in a flash with their cheerful, humorous and lively manner. They are neither aggressive nor combative with counterparts or other pets, but instead are sociable and get on well with everyone. They are adaptable and easy-going, hence make ideal companion or family dogs. The history of the Pug breed has not been clarified exactly, but presumably originates from East Asia, most probably from China. It was tradition there to breed small dogs that have short, wide and flat heads as a common feature. The first European country the Pug made it to was probably the Netherlands by sea around .The House of Orange had a special relationship with this breed after a Pug called Pompey warned its owner, Wilhelm the Silent, of an assassin by barking loudly and saving his life. In the 18th century, the Pug experienced a boom, which was reflected in paintings, chinaware, songs and stories. The cornerstone of a healthy life — the right diet from the very beginning The Pug is a small dog breed and reaches a height of around 26 to 34cm and an ideal weight of approx. You should make sure its food has an adapted amount of calories, since if not, the Pug can reach a higher weight than foreseen and develop an unstable bone structure. By nature, the Pug has a compact physique with good, strong muscles. Hence, it needs sufficient exercise and a balanced needs-based diet. In order for the little Pug to make a healthy start to its life, you should take care to ensure its puppy food contains a balanced and appropriate proportion of calories, minerals, trace elements and vitamins. Feeding recommendations for puppy food are based on the current weight of the puppy and the predicted weight of the dog as an adult. The weight of the parent animal of the same sex acts as a guideline for this. Properties of Animonda vom Feinsten Junior: Balanced energy provision with all required nutrients. Easily digestible due to lack of grains and soy. Contains high-quality animal protein. No chemical flavourings, colourings or preservatives. It has been carefully formulated with all natural ingredients to provide wholesome nutrition and contains no artificial colours or flavours, no dairy, no soya and no added wheat. Harringtons provides the conventional benefits associated with premium pet foods. These tasty meals will delight your dog and provide a healthy diet. All have been carefully formulated to provide wholesome grain free nutrition and contains no artificial colours or flavours, no dairy, no soya and no added wheat. Puppy recipes have been developed to ensure the best start in life, with all the vitamins and minerals needed for bouncing energy and healthy growth, and help support immunity. Complete and Balanced: meals rich in all the nutrients your dog needs. No Nasties: no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Grain Free: naturally gluten free - no grains or bulkers. Healthy Growth: calcium for bones and high quality proteins for muscle growth. Beneficial Oils: Omega 3 and 6 - helps support your puppy's natural immunity. British and Irish Farmed: we only work with suppliers we know and trust. A Wholesome Bowlful: we believe nothing is better for your dog than nature's most nourishing food. We carefully prepare all our meals right here in the heart of England with natural ingredients from British and Irish farms and only use suppliers we know and trust, to make delicious and nourishing food for dogs. Made with natural ingredients. High in tasty meaty proteins. No cereal or soya fillers. All the vitamins and minerals your dog needs. No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. All natural meaty goodness with added vitamins and minerals, for great tasting, complete and balanced recipes every meal time. It's fun being as fit as a Butcher's dog. That's why hundreds of owners love the difference our foods make to their dog. See the difference in your own Pug. We only use ingredients chosen to help support their nutritional development. Everything is sourced locally where possible, and cooked gently to retain more nutrient value. Healthier, better tasting recipes Our recipes don't just taste better than normal dog foods, they can help your dogs feel better too! They have been designed by vets and experts to provide the maximum amount of nutritional support possible, and this can lead to healthier Pugs. Happy tummy, happy Pug Pugs do best when fed on a very sensitive diet. That's why we use such easily digestible ingredients. When combined with smarter kibble shapes, and our included probiotics you'll notice a change in the tummy health of your dog. Research studies show that increased gut health leads to much happier dogs. Prepare for extra doggy-dancing! No more allergy issues For starters, everything that goes in to our dog food and treats is hypoallergenic. All our recipes are formulated to be extra sensitive, and the results speak for themselves. We also carefully choose the nutrients present in our foods so that your dog's system is supported against allergy problems. If you have specific issues, then our foods can definitely help. Ethically produced, gently cooked kibble made from the best human quality ingredients in our land. Howled about by almost everyone! Read our fantastic reviews. And the total number of dogs all breeds in the reports are .So while this is something that should be monitored and many more studies need to be done, it's important to keep in mind that this is a very small number compared to the estimated 77 million dogs in the U. The latest update is that there are no recalls at this moment that are linked to this issue. The Best Food for Pug Puppies and Adults What to Avoid: Quite a few ingredients that are found in a lot of dog food brands can be severely detrimental to a Pug and cause everything from allergic reactions itching, rashes, wheezing, running eyes, etc. Corn which includes as corn germ meal, corn gluten meal, and corn bran High grain counts which includes high levels of wheat, oats, barley, and other cereal grains which may be listed as hominy feed. Rice can be an exception; with rice, the hull, bran layer, and cereal germ is removed and for this reason, rice is often tolerated very well. By-products which are animal body parts deemed unfit for human consumption and can include brain, lungs, undeveloped eggs, and more. Generic meats or oils which can legally include roadkill and deceased zoo animals. What to Look For: All-natural preservatives; there are vitamin blends that work very well to preserve dog food and this often will show as mixed tocopherols. Natural flavoring Protein will come from wholesome animal sources including chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, bison, and beef. There will be no by-products or generic meats. If you offer grains, gluten-free grains are usually best. No other fillers or controversial additives. Helpful extras such as glucosamine and chondroitin beneficial for joint health , omega-3, 6 for healthy skin and coat , probiotics for immune health and antioxidants to help prevent disease. Some of the best food for Pugs includes: Best Formulas with Grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health for Small Breeds. The base of this kibble is turkey and oatmeal which is easy on the stomach for most Pugs. There is also salmon, brown rice, peas, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. There are excellent levels of a wide-range of vitamins and minerals, good levels of omega-3 and 6, and glucosamine and chondroitin which are extremely beneficial joint supplements for Pugs. This is made in the US. Note that this offers puppy and adult formulas as well as 'healthy weight' for Pugs that need to lose a few pounds, and a senior formula. This line of Halo offers holistic recipes. This one has non-GMO produce and meats that are antibiotic-free and hormone-free with factory-free farming. The grains in this are oatmeal and pearled barley which are generally known for being well-tolerated. This is sized ideally for Pugs, and has no artificial additives, by-products, or corn. And, this is made in the US. Best Grain-free Formulas: 1. This is one of the best grain-free kibbles for Pugs; it's really top-of-the-line. The base is chicken and turkey. There is a wide selection of vegetables and fruits compared to some other brands spinach, broccoli, carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, apples and blueberries. Levels of omega fatty acids are ideal, via both salmon oil and flaxseed. And, there are good levels of glucosamine and chondroitin which as mentioned earlier are important for joint health. There is no corn, wheat, by-products, fillers, or artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives and this is made in the USA. This is another excellent choice that is formulated for dogs under 70 lbs. There are several great bases including lamb, beef, chicken, and salmon. There are zero chemical preservatives and no artificial ingredients. Added extras are healthy antioxidants, omega-3 and 6, and the very important glucosamine and chondroitin which are very beneficial for breeds like the Pug that are prone to joint and hip issues. This is a holistic kibble that offers non-GMO veggies and fruits and sustainably-sourced wild-caught fish and is ideal for Pugs that are carrying a few extra pounds. The base is salmon and whitefish, so most dogs love the taste. There are no chemical preservatives, corn, by-products, coloring, or fillers. Switching a Pug onto a Different Food If you just got a new Pug puppy, you may want to feed your little guy or gal something different than what was being given. And in many instances, this will be a good idea. The sooner you start your pup on a superior food that you've chosen yourself, the better. If you have an adult Pug, you may decide to switch foods due to an intolerance to certain ingredients some dogs do best with certain proteins like beef as opposed to chicken or vice-versa or maybe you realized that your Pug was not on the brand and you want to make a change. No matter the circumstances, if at all possible, it is best to change to a new brand of dog food in a gradual way because a quick switch can disrupt the digestive system. The goal should be a incremental change over the course of 3 weeks. Home Cooking Owners decide to home cook for their dogs for a variety of reasons: It can be less expensive; though, this depends quite a bit on what you buy and if you can purchase ingredients in bulk. It may be done to fully avoid preservatives, additives, by-products and other subpar ingredients; you know exactly what you are putting in. This can help avoid an intolerance or allergic reaction to an unknown ingredient. It is very flexible and adjustable. It can be a good choice for picky eaters. Other sources include beans such as lima beans, kidney beans, and butter beans must be cooked. Vegetables - This includes peas, carrots, spinach, zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, and butternut squash. You can also offer asparagus, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli in moderation since these foods can cause gas, Pumpkin in moderation is fine but typically reserved to help ease upset stomach issues. Fruits - This includes blueberries, raspberries both are low calorie, high in antioxidants, and water-packed , strawberries, huckleberries, banana, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, mango, kiwi, pear, peaches no pit , plums no pit , nectarines no pit , fresh pineapple, and apple no core, no seeds. Additional - This includes oatmeal plain , white or brown rice if no intolerance , quinoa, potato, sweet potato, cottage cheese, plain whole white yogurt, and eggs most dogs do best with scrambled eggs vs. Read more about home cooking for a Pug. Snacks and Treats We've covered the frequency of giving snacks and treats, but let's recap. Dry snacks, meant to satiate a dog in between meals should be given 3 to 4 times per day. And moist treats, meant to reward training and reinforce good behavior, should be given as needed. Now, the question remains on what to offer. All snacks and treats should be held to the same high standards that you have in place for your Pug's meals, meaning no synthetic preservatives, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, soy, corn, by-products, high wheat levels, or generic meats. If your Pug's calorie intake needs to be carefully watched due to issues with weight gain, there will also be a need to opt for some low-calorie treats. And, to see more options, including moist treats for giving reward, continue on to the best snacks and treats for Pugs. After 2 to 3 days, if the problem has resolved, adding in additional ingredients can be done. Any diarrhea lasing longer than 3 days or moderate to severe vomiting lasting more than 12 hours should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Water Different elements will dictate just how much water a Pug dog requires , though a general rule of thumb is that each day, dogs need to drink about 1 ounce for each 1 pound. Offer bottled spring water or use a filter device like the. Related Articles: When a Pug is a Picky Eater - If you find yourself constantly scrambling to find foods that your Pug likes and their taste buds seem to change weekly, this will help you get things back on track. When a Pug is Always Hungry - If your Pug's appetite is ferocious and nothing seems to satisfy, these issues may be at the root of the problem. When a Pug Won't Eat - If your Pug puppy or dog refuses to eat or getting them to eat feels like a chore, these tips will help. How to Stop a Pug from Begging - If your Pug wants your food and is relentless about getting it, these guidelines will help stop this sort of behavior. Top 10 Pug Dog Eating Problems - A roundup of the most common eating-related issues seen with this breed and exact steps to resolve them. Do you have your book? All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Add all to basket Product description Specially tailored dry dog food for Pug puppies up to 10 months old, helping to support skin and coat health as well as digestion and immune system health, with digestible proteins in tailored kibble. The Pug is one of the most popular companion dogs, whose character strengths lie in its charm, dignity, intelligence and balance. A growing Pug requires a tailored food such as this Royal Canin Pug Puppy to meet special requirements and nutritional needs during its short, sensitive growth phase. Royal Canin Pug Puppy dry dog food offers nutritional balance in a tailored recipe with a moderate fat content. This combines with high-quality L. This kibble has been specially tailored to ensure your Pug can easily take on sufficient nutrients, with the ideal shape for the brachycephalic head shape. It also encourages chewing, without your dog wolfing down its food. Royal Canin Pug Puppy also contains fatty acids from borage oil to keep skin healthy and support a strong skin barrier function. Royal Canin Pug Puppy at a glance: Breed-specific dry food for Pug puppies up to 10 months For a healthy puppy life: The special recipe meets the needs of puppies and supports the immune system, skin health and digestive system Bodily defences: an antioxidant complex to help build a healthy immune system High digestibility: thanks to high-quality L. This means that Royal Canin offers your dog high-quality, balanced nutrition. Technological additives: Clinoptilolite from sedimentary sources 10g. Contains preservatives and antioxidants.

Also called Barbone and Caniche, the teacup-toy Poodle is an intelligent and loyal breed. If you want a best friend who is big enough to keep up with your adventures but small enough to ride in your lap, this energetic dog may be a match for you. Affectionate, eager, and playful, they are ready and willing to do what it takes to make you happy. Their intelligence makes them relatively easy to train, and early socialization will help your pup grow to be calm and happy around pets, children, and unfamiliar people. They are a delightful all-around dog that has such strong qualities, it has been a parent breed for dozens of hybrid breeds. Their eyes are dark and brilliant and reveal their intelligence. Their nose is refined at the end of a long, narrow snout, and their teeth meet in a strong scissor bite. A miniature variation dictates that Teacup-Toy Poodles will have a squarely-built body with a deep chest and muscled shoulders. Their stance is elegant but sturdy, and their tail stands straight up. Their hair is typically dense, curly, and even wiry. Their coats come in many colors: White. Ask for Our 'Special Order' Option. Teacup Poodle puppies are one of the most impressive dogs in the canine world. Not only are teacup Poodles extremely friendly and affectionate to their owners, these loveable beauties vibe well with young children, strangers, and other dogs. Our delightful toy puppies are also incredibly clever and easy to train. After learning a few tricks, our adorable teacup Poodles will keep you entertained for hours with their playfulness. Are you ready to open your heart and home to your fur-ever friend? Have a look at our available Toy Poodle puppies for sale, or contact us for information about our upcoming litters or the special order option. Temperament: Poodles are highly intelligent and adaptable dogs that are known for their delightful temperament. They are playful, affectionate, and loyal companions that make wonderful pets for individuals and families alike. One of the most notable characteristics of the Poodle temperament is their intelligence. They are quick learners and excel at obedience training and other forms of mental stimulation. Poodles are also highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to larger homes. In addition to their intelligence, Poodles are also affectionate and loving dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They are known for being highly attuned to their human's emotions and can be extremely intuitive and sensitive to their needs. This makes them great companions for people who are looking for a loyal and loving pet. Poodles are also highly sociable dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners and meeting new people and pets. They are outgoing and friendly, making them great pets for families with children or other pets. Poodles also have a playful side to their nature and enjoy games and activities that involve interaction and engagement with their owners. Overall, the Poodle temperament is highly desirable, making them one of the most popular breeds in the world. Their intelligence, adaptability, and loving nature make them wonderful pets for a wide range of people and lifestyles, and their endearing personalities are sure to bring joy and companionship to any household. Available Puppies Appearance: Poodles are a distinctive breed known for their elegant and sophisticated appearance. They come in four sizes: standard, miniature, and toy, and teacup and have a variety of coat colors including white, black, brown, silver, apricot, and red. One of the most notable features of the Poodle is their unique coat. Poodles have a dense, curly coat that is hypoallergenic, meaning they are a great choice for people with allergies. Their curly coat is also water-resistant, which makes them excellent swimmers. Poodles have a long, narrow muzzle and oval-shaped eyes that convey a sense of intelligence and alertness. They have long, furry ears that hang close to their head, giving them a regal and elegant appearance. Poodles also have a long, slender neck that flows smoothly into their well-proportioned body. Another defining characteristic of the Poodle is their distinctive gait. They have a springy and energetic step, and their movements are graceful and fluid. This, combined with their elegant appearance, gives Poodles a sense of aristocratic refinement. Overall, the Poodle is a visually striking breed that boasts a unique and sophisticated appearance. Their curly coat, elegant body structure, and distinctive gait make them one of the most recognizable and beloved dog breeds in the world. Learn more Exercise Poodles are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. While the amount of exercise they require may vary depending on their size and age, all Poodles need daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. A typical exercise routine for a Poodle may include a brisk walk or jog in the morning and evening, along with some playtime or training sessions during the day. Poodles also enjoy playing fetch, running around in a securely fenced yard, or going on leisurely hikes with their owners. In addition to physical exercise, Poodles also benefit from mental stimulation. They are highly intelligent and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Puzzle toys, obedience training, and other forms of mental stimulation can help keep Poodles mentally stimulated and engaged. It's important to keep in mind that Poodles can be prone to weight gain, especially as they age. Regular exercise not only helps to keep them physically fit but also provides them with mental stimulation and helps to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Monitoring their diet and exercise routine closely is crucial to prevent them from becoming overweight or obese. Overall, Poodles are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. With the right amount of exercise, attention, and care, Poodles can live long, healthy, and happy lives. Learn more History The Poodle is an ancient breed with a history that dates back several centuries. While the exact origins of the breed are unclear, it is believed that they originated in Germany, where they were known as the "Pudel," which translates to "splash in water. Their unique coat, which is hypoallergenic and water-resistant, made them well-suited for this task. Over time, Poodles also became popular as circus performers and were trained to perform tricks and acrobatics. During the 16th century, Poodles became popular with European nobility and were frequently depicted in paintings and artwork of the time. They were also a popular choice for the court of Louis XVI, and were often seen in his court as well as other royal courts in Europe. In the 19th century, Poodles were standardized into three different sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. This allowed for greater versatility in the breed, and they became popular as companions and family pets. Today, Poodles are one of the most popular breeds in the world and are beloved for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and distinctive appearance. They continue to be used as retrievers and are also trained for a variety of activities, including obedience, agility, and therapy work. Learn more Maintenance Poodles require regular maintenance to keep their distinctive curly coat in good condition. Their curly coat can easily become matted and tangled, so it's important to brush and groom them regularly to prevent this from happening. The frequency of grooming will depend on the length of the Poodle's coat. For example, a Poodle with a shorter clip may only need to be groomed every six to eight weeks, while a Poodle with a longer coat may need to be groomed every four to six weeks. Regular brushing is also important for Poodle maintenance. Brushing helps to remove any loose or dead hair from their coat, as well as prevent matting and tangles. Poodles with longer coats may need to be brushed daily, while those with shorter coats may only need to be brushed a few times a week. Bathing is another important aspect of Poodle maintenance. Poodles should be bathed every three to four weeks, or more frequently if they get particularly dirty or smelly. It's important to use a dog-specific shampoo that won't irritate their skin or strip their coat of its natural oils. Poodle maintenance also involves regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. Their nails should be trimmed every two to three weeks, their ears should be cleaned weekly, and their teeth should be brushed several times a week to prevent dental issues. Overall, Poodles require regular maintenance to keep them healthy, happy, and looking their best. Consistent grooming, brushing, bathing, and other forms of maintenance can help prevent common issues like matting and tangling, and keep them looking and feeling great. Healthy Puppies for Healthy Puppies All you need is one of our babies to experience the greatest love. All the poodle puppies we have are like part of our family and we have given them the best love, care, attention, and training possible. Our teacup poodle puppies for sale get up to date on all of their vaccinations, micro-chipped for permanent identification, before they leave for their forever home. All our quality teacup poodle puppies come with five year health guarantee with their health records, puppy starter kit with a free towel, and blanket. These teacup poodles puppies are the perfect addition for your family and for more inquiry you can click on Available puppies or the Contact using the link below. These poodles have all the qualities pack it into one small package. Poodle Puppies For Sale crave attention and love and need your affection all the time. Their loving nature helps them get along with anyone. They have small body these means they must handle with extreme care. They love to be the center of attention. Individuals keep them for fellowship but loyalty can make them modest watchdogs. They are a small version of Toy Poodle. They have a height between 7 to 9 inches with a weight of 2 to 6 pounds. They have a life span of 14 to 18 years. Appearance Toy Poodles Puppies For Sale have a long and straight muzzle with dark and oval-shaped eyes in black and brown in color. Their ears hang close to the head and have long and flat ears. Their front and back legs are proportional to the size of the dog. Their tail is set and highly carried. They have oval-shaped feet that are small in size and toes are arched. Coat and color Poodle Puppies For Adoption have either curly or corded coats. Their coats are in a solid color such as black, blue, silver, gray, cream, apricot, red, white, and brown. They have thick medium length curls. These curls are silky so need extra care. They can easily develop knots in their fur if not brushed frequently. They are hypo allergic and their dead furs come off but stay trapped within their tight curls and only fall out during brushing. Personality and Temperament Mini poodles are a playful and cuddly dog. They love attention and always want to be close to their owners. They are so close to their owners that they suffer from anxiety after separation. They cannot leave at home alone for a longer period. Their attention making character make them very loyal. These puppies are extremely playful but need to play with caution. Rough play can harm them unexpected injuries internally or externally. A few short walks and a small amount of playful time are enough to keep them enough. They have watchdog nature so they will bark excessively if they are not trained. Due to their intelligence, this problem can be fairly resolved. Due to their pleasant character socialization comes naturally to these puppies. They love to meet new people and seek attention. They can easily get along with other puppies but try to keep them from large animals to avoid injuries. These puppies have tricky coats to maintain and need constant supervision. They also need some diet restrictions and many medical conditions. Physical Requirements Teacup poodle puppies have moderate energy levels and not need too much exercise per day. Two 10 minutes walk and 20 to 30 minutes of playing are good enough for them. The right precaution can be easily helpful for their long walk and playing. Owners should never take their eyes off from these puppies while taking out. Grooming Grooming can be the most difficult aspect for these adorable dogs. Quality Teacup Poodles have curly, medium length, thick coats. Their coats should be brushed daily. Their tight curls can easily tangle so it is important to brush them often to remove dead hairs from their coat. Also, monitor their tears stains. One can easily see brown gunk below the inner corner of their eyes. Feeding them multiple times is important to protect them from low blood sugar. Buy food that is high in protein to maintain the energy they need for their playful personality. It is important to start their training as soon as you buy them. The first training that should be given to them is to control their barking. These puppies are smart so its important to keep their mind stimulated. Keep them away from the games that confront them physically. Socialization is very essential for them. If they are not introduced to people at a younger age they become nervous in the future. Toy poodle puppies love toys and running around at home. Our sires and dams were specifically selected based on breed standard, beauty, intelligence, health, and temperament; our sires and dams as well as the babies are kept on a very strict regime of vitamins and supplements and best vet care. Full name.

Tramin Tenderheart is a great name for Maks - He is the sweetest teddy bear! We sometimes call him Twinkle toes because he loves to do this little twisty jump in the middle of a zoomie. See pic to the left! Rebel Starr of Mandalore - Mando Our dogs are our family members. Goldens Retrievers are very loving, smart, sensitive and loyal animals. They are also extremely active, curious and playful. Our dogs are used to being a part of the family, not shut up outside away from people. Puppies take a lot of patience, love and consistency. Goldens need a lot of affection, attention and daily exercise. They thrive on being with their human family. The love they give back to your family is incredible. Please don't pick a dog because it is cute. Look at the qualities in their personalities and make sure you know what you are committing to. We are a small family breeder for companionship. We use a very reputable Vet that specializes in breeding. We don't sell our dogs after they are finished breeding. We don't have a lot of litters. Our puppies come from a home full of positive encouragement and lots of Love! We have been a dog family for over thirty-five years! We have fostered dogs, cats and rabbits for the SPCA. We started to breed Goldens in and the rest is history! Our family believes in making a difference for families and their puppies! We are always finding new ways to help your puppy learn and adapt fluidly into its new home transition. We use Puppy Culture to build a foundation for each puppy in trust, companionship, love and learning skills. Each dog has its own personality and we want to take the time to introduce you to them! We know you will love them as much as we do! Meet our fur family HERE! Discover our next up and coming litter news and updates! We will post all the latest information HERE! If your just visiting this is the place to find the cutest pictures of our previous litters! We hold onto these pictures so our extended family can keep these precious moments forever! Find our past litter pictures HERE! Are you ready to take the next step? You can contact our family HERE with any questions or to schedule a meet and greet with our family. If you are ready to expand your family with a Farley Golden this is the place to fill out your Puppy Application. Do you love golden retrievers? Montana Mist Goose "Goose" Goose is our 7 yr old male. He is medium sized at 72 pounds but thinks he is a lap dog. He is the most loyal companion I have ever had. He would be happy sitting next to me on our couch all day. He has also been the most calm dog I have ever owned. Even as a puppy he was extremely calm and never chewed a thing. Goose works as a therapy dog with special needs and elderly patients and has his Canine Good Citizen CGC certification. Click here for pedigree info. We love the English Golden Retriever for its calm personality, beautiful coat, and health standards. We have had American Golden Retrievers before and fell in love with the English Cream because of their calm personality and beautiful build. However, every dog has a unique makeup and I have known several American Golden's living years and English Cream Goldens that get cancer. We choose our Goldens for their health, their calm and friendly personalities and ability to be great family additions. We only breed one or two litters a year so that our pups can be raised indoors and are exposed to lots of kids and noises while they are in their critical development stage. Our pups become confident and well-adjusted dogs and many of our families come back to get pup siblings. Many of our pups have gone on to become therapy dogs like their dad. We have both Dams and Sire on-site and invite you to meet them when deciding on a puppy. She has a beautiful wavy thick coat and a playful personality and weighs around 60 pounds. She is great around kids and is a great family companion. She has excellent hips and elbow r esults here , and clear heart and eye tests r esults here. She lives in the Heights with her host mom, Claire, and gets to visit often. Delta loves to swim and is full of energy when she is not napping on the couch. She also just loves everyone. This beautiful dog comes from champion bloodlines and has all of her health clearances results here. She is clear of all genetic diseases that affect this breed and has produced beautiful pups. Click on the image for more pictures. She lives in the Heights with her host family with 3 active boys, and gets lots of attention and loves to chase balls. Her mom describes Ruby as the best dog she has ever had. She is clear of all genetic diseases that affect this breed and should produce beautiful blocky pups. Available Puppies We are taking deposits for future litters. We typically only have litter a year but we have formed a partnerships with a breeders to provide our Texas families with healthy, well-adjusted puppies that are bred with the same rigorous standards we use here. Our puppies are usually sold before they are born, so please be willing to wait between 3 months and a year. We spend thousands of dollars making sure we give our babies the best chance possible for long healthy lives. The upfront cost of a dog is a drop in the bucket when looking at the lifetime cost of owning a pet. Goose Montana Mist Goose was our first English Cream colored Golden Retriever and he was remarkably calmer and easier to raise and train than our previous American Goldens. Goose became a Therapy Dog at 1 year old and is currently working with hospital patients and special needs adults and kids all over town. On top of his calm and loving demeanor, he has a beautiful blocky head and light white coat reflecting his champion bloodline. Our dogs are chosen for their health and personality. We try to ensure we give our puppies the best chance possible for a long healthy life. We choose to breed these golden after reading the research on the lower cancer incidents in English Cream vs. I always suggest meeting the parents whenever possible in your search for a puppy and we love our puppy families to come visit with us. As parents of young children, having dogs with reliable and calm personalities is of utmost importance to us. The golden retriever is a great family dog and we want to improve the breed by only breeding healthy dogs with great personalities. We are based in the Heights in Houston, Texas and our puppies are raised in our home with our 2 boys and lots of visiting kids. All of our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies receive lots of love, attention, socialization, and are started on basic training. Our goal is to raise and have confident, secure puppies that are able to adjust quickly to new environments, things, people, places, and to choose families that can continue their training and care. Both were bred to mighty Bruce. These litters will be born in mid to late September with the puppies going home in the latter half of November. We do have a reservation list started for these litters so please contact us if interested. Please follow us on our Facebook page for more frequently updated content Also, feel free to call for information on these upcoming litters. Thank you for visiting Weatherby Goldens. We are located in the beautiful state of Texas just south of Houston. We enjoy breeding and raising intelligent, beautiful and healthy English Cream Golden Retrievers. All of our dogs are registered with the AKC, imported from Europe and carry champion bloodlines. Our Goldens live with us at our home for they are not just our pets but our cherished family members. Our Goldens have brought so much joy to our lives. They are such amazing animals. There is nothing like the feeling of owning one of these special English Cream Golden Retrievers. Please enjoy our website and do not hesitate to call or drop an email our way if you have any questions.

We have answers. What should I know about Golden Retriever puppies for sale near Auburn? Golden Retrievers are one of the most beloved breeds, known for their gentleness, loyalty, intelligence and trainability. This sociable breed loves to be with people and craves attention and affection. They can get along in almost any environment, but need plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay content. They are also natural retrievers and may try to carry items around the house. Grooming needs vary depending on the variety of the Retriever. However, in general, daily brushing and occasional bathing is recommended to maintain a healthy coat. With Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Auburn, what is their coat like? The Golden Retriever has a unique coat that is generally medium length, straight or wavy, and thick. Color variations include a lustrous golden color or variations of golden shades, ranging from dark gold to light cream. Their coat is water-repellent and has a thick undercoat that allows them to repel rain, snow, and even cold weather, making them excellent swimmers. Their coat also helps them stay warm and comfortable in cold weather. What's the best dog food for Auburn Golden Retriever puppies for sale? The best dog food for Golden Retrievers depends on their individual dietary needs. Generally speaking, look for a diet made up of premium-quality proteins, digestible carbohydrates, healthy fats, and high-quality ingredients, all in appropriate concentrations. Pay attention to the ingredients list to make sure there are no artificial flavors, preservatives, or by-products. High quality products are usually grain-free and gluten-free. If you're unsure which food will suit your pup, it's best to consult your veterinarian about the most suitable food. Am I ready to adopt Golden Retriever puppies in Auburn? Before bringing your new Golden Retriever home, there are several steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy environment. Start by providing a safe, confined space for your pup to stay in while you're away. Place items such as toys, a bed, and water bowl to make your pup feel comfortable and secure. Next, begin puppy proofing your home by removing any items that may be harmful or toxic. Make sure all electric cords are tucked away, furniture is secure, and household plants are unattainable. Check your pup's area for sharp objects that could cause injury. Are Golden Retrievers for sale in Auburn considered big dogs? Yes, Golden Retrievers are considered big dogs. These gentle giants typically weigh between 55 and 65 pounds, with males being slightly larger than females. As puppies, they can seem quite small, but they quickly grow into their full size within years. Golden Retrievers have high exercise needs and need a significant amount of space to stay active, both indoors and outdoors. They are also known to be incredibly loyal and make great family dogs. How much exercise do Golden Retriever puppies near Auburn need? Golden Retrievers typically need a moderate to high level of exercise each day. It is recommended that they receive at least 60 minutes of different types of activity including rigorous play, walks, runs, or swimming. They require activities which brings physical and mental stimulation. It should also be noted that larger breed of the Retriever can require more daily exercise than the smaller varieties. Allocating some time each day to ensure enough physical activity is important to maintaining a healthy and vibrant lifestyle for your Golden Retriever. Are Golden Retrievers in Auburn good with kids? Yes, Golden Retrievers are an excellent companion for children. They are generally very gentle and friendly. They show a lot of respect for all members of the family, including children. They tend to enjoy physical activities, such as playing catch, and they often have a kind and tolerant demeanor towards younger members of the family. Golden Retrievers are often so devoted to their family, that they have earned the title "the best family pet". This breed is also well-known for being docile, obedient, and easy to train. How do I train my Auburn Golden Retrievers for sale? Training your Golden Retriever should be a positive and interactive experience for both the pooch and the owner. First, start simple. Begin by teaching your pup basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Reward your dog with treats for positive reinforcement and help him make the association between the command and the desired action. While teaching more complex behaviors could take some time, being patient and consistent will result in a well-mannered Golden Retriever. Creating a structured routine with designated potty, play, and training times is also recommended. Share 0 Shares Everyone knows what a Golden Retriever is and how adorable they are! They are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the USA and are known to be loyal, loving, caring, and just a bundle of joy! There are three types of Golden Retrievers — English, Canadian and American with colors ranging from golden, lightly golden, and dark golden. Besides different types of Goldens and their colors, there are also some differences between how male acts and a female acts. Also, the size and temperament of the two can differ slightly. I have linked an article about the differences between a male and female Golden if you are interested in checking it out. To bring home the perfect Golden Retrieve means that you need the perfect breeder. It is important to find a breeder who focuses on the health, longevity, and temperament of their dogs. The Golden Retriever puppies should also be well socialized before going to their forever home and be screened for genetic hereditary problems including hip and elbow problems. Make sure their Goldens are also AKC registered as well! If you are interested in buying a Golden Retriever puppy in Alabama, here are the most reputable Golden Retriever breeders in this state. She first started breeding in with a very beautiful French import, Touch of Silk thus Silkspun who lived on to the ripe age of .Since then, she has been fortunate enough to be able to import, show and breed lovely examples of English-type Goldens with great temperaments. Because of this, she has some of the best Silkspun families all over the United States! Each litter is bred with great intention, with regards to health, temperament, and pedigree for healthy future bloodlines! All dogs are tested for health defects including DNA testing. She welcomes calls and home visits when set up in advance and there is a screening process to ensure proper homes for future pups that include a questionnaire, and phone calls and visits, if possible. There are loved by the community and have 5-star reviews on Facebook! One owner loves Laurie and her dogs so much that she bought two at the same time and is looking for a third puppy soon! She is very helpful and will walk you through the steps of becoming a new parent and is dedicated to making sure the puppies are well behaved and loved. Name of Owner. Purebred Golden Retriever Puppies Buying a puppy is a big decision. We made that decision easy. Not knowing where your puppy has come from could lead to genetic health and socialization issues, and ultimately disappointment. There are even tons of puppy scams on the internet, some of which even try to imitate us! We believe dogs are not like family — they ARE family! Unlike other puppy adoption agencies in Ohio, we allow and actually encourage you to meet our Golden Retriever puppies for sale before you agree to take one home. Remember, too, that when it comes to getting a puppy, ultimately, you get what you pay for. You get a Golden Retriever you love, vetted for good health, from a breeder you trust. He has a very fun loving spirit and has made our family complete. Marcus and his family are very gracious and great to work with. We would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a Golden! She will be turning 9 months in a few weeks. I had a wonderful experience getting her through your company! So glad I got her. All Rights Reserved. View all adoptable dogs Our Mission Our mission is to find safe, loving, lifelong homes for Golden Retrievers. No Golden Retriever will ever be turned away, regardless of medical needs or age. Every furry friend goes through a wellness check with our experienced veterinarians. We make sure every dog is up-to-date with current vaccinations, are spayed and neutered if necessary, receive heartworm treatment and are treated for any other medical issues that are needed. We have a c 3 classification with the IRS, making your donation tax deductible. We also meet the requirements for corporate matching, employee giving, and volunteer grant programs. Help us out today! Volunteer We are always in need of kind-hearted volunteers to join our team. Check out a few of the great volunteer roles available and then fill out an application form. Our Volunteer Director will get in touch and match your time and talent to our needs. Volunteer today! Community Events These community events are vital to new volunteer recruitment as well as finding homes for our dogs. Most events are held on the weekends throughout the year. Volunteers are always needed to help set up, man our table, and help tear down. We are located in Cullman, Al. One hour north of Birmingham, AL. We are a small family owned kennel. We wanted to teach them life skills of owning a business and how to handle finances. Also, we wanted to teach them at a young age that life requires responsibility. We live on a working farm and everyone has to do their part. For now, Dad is the manager, until our boys and girls are able and mature enough to own it themselves. Then they will take over as owners of GFK. Our dogs are very much apart of our family on a daily basis. We have great temperament, loving dogs, with champion bloodlines. Our dogs are great with children and eager to please their human masters in the field. Our Labradors love the water! All our puppies will have vaccines appropriate for their ages before leaving our home. Our puppies come with AKC papers. Our family will strive to help find the right dog or gun dog for your expectations. We have litters periodically throughout the year. Parents are located on a 14 acre farm out in the country. Contact us to reserve your puppy. We also provide stud service. We will greatly appreciate you adding one of our lab pups to your family Karry Homan. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. 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 the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Auburn Alabama and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted!

Occiputs are bigger in some breeds, like Golden Retrievers, and smaller in other breeds. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! From wolf-like Huskies to strangely formed Pugs, both evolution and human breeding programs have further changed their appearances, including head size and shape. After all, lumps can be a sign of cancer in dogs, humans, and other animals. These bumps are so well-known that the iconic Pluto from Disney features this bump in his appearances. Another attribute linked to the occiput is sense of smell. This is because Bloodhounds, Golden Retrievers, and other strong sniffers tend to have a large occiput. However, these beliefs are actually false. The occiput is a piece of bone that sticks out from the skull of a dog, also called a protuberance for the way it juts out. The occiput goes back a long way, to the days when dogs lived in the wild and evolved from wolves. They developed this protuberance because their predators liked to try to crush their skulls in order to kill them. To survive, dogs developed the bony occiput on their heads, which served as protection from predators and support for head movement. New dog owners may be unaware of this fact, leading them to seek medical attention for their dog, believing something may be wrong. Cancerous growths often appear indistinguishable from benign ones and are best spotted by veterinarians trained to spot the differences between them. There are many types of growths and bumps to be on the lookout for as your Golden Retriever grows and ages. Some are benign, meaning harmless, and some are malignant, which means cancerous. Abscesses are treated by vets who carefully lance the abscess and flush it out with a sterile solution. Lipomas are most common in older Goldens and overweight dogs, but are usually benign and nothing to worry about. A lipoma is actually considered a tumor, which sounds scary, but actually just means abnormal growth. Lipomas are examples of benign skin tumors. Hives Allergies in Golden Retrievers Dogs have allergies too! This can result from a bee sting or plain old contact allergy and will normally go away on its own. To help them go away and your dog remain comfortable, a vet may recommend antihistamines to reduce the hives. A sebaceous cyst can present as pimple-like bumps on your Golden Retriever, and they also rupture or pop like human pimples do, with the same creamy liquid inside. Histiocytomas Benign and Golden Retriever Puppies Histiocytomas are small, hard bumps that may appear on the heads, ears, and legs of Golden Retriever puppies. These are generally always benign and will disappear on their own. A Mast Cell Tumor, or MCT, is insidious because they can appear similar to a wart or other harmless growth, leading you to believe nothing is wrong. How serious mast cell tumors are can be determined by a vet. Surgical removal can be done for mast cells if caught early, but aggressive cases can be very serious. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! If caught early, even malignant growths may be safely removed, and your Golden Retriever will live a long, healthy and happy life. Recommended Reading:. The spot may be small or large and vary in shape and colour. The site does not cause any physical injury to the dog. So, the site is nothing to worry about. The bump does not result from anything the dog has done. The spot also helps to protect the dog from injury when jumping or landing from heights. This bump is responsible for the distinctive coat colour of the Golden Retriever, as well as its unique appearance and personality. Some breeds of Golden Retrievers do not have a halo, such as the English Bulldog. In addition to helping with hunting and retrieving skills, the bump is part of what makes up the perfect dog. There are many reasons Why Golden Retrievers have a bump on their head. Some of the most common ones include: 1. Golden Retrievers And Abnormal Skin Growths Golden Retrievers are prone to developing abnormal skin growths, which can cause concern among pet owners. These growths can range from harmless fatty tumours to more severe forms of cancer. In addition, keeping your Golden Retriever on a healthy diet and providing regular exercise can help prevent the development of these growths in the first place. Proper care and attention can help your Golden Retriever live a happy, healthy life without abnormal skin growth. Abscesses Malignant Infection In Golden Retrievers Golden Retrievers are known for their affectionate and gentle nature but have some health risks. One of these risks is the development of abscesses malignant infections on the head and neck. These abscesses can occur from bacteria or fungus, which can cause severe pain and swelling and may require treatment. Spots can spread to other body parts if untreated and may require surgery. To diagnose an abscess in a Golden Retriever, a veterinarian will typically take a sample of the skin and examine it under a microscope to look for signs of infection. In some cases, the veterinarian may inject antibiotics directly into the abscess to help reduce the severity of the condition. If left untreated, spots can be severe and lead to death if not treated quickly. Golden Retrievers are the most likely breed of dog to develop lipomas, and they are often found in areas with a high breed density, such as at dog shows and other competitions. Lipomas are generally not harmful and can remove without surgery. Lipomas are a common benign tumour in dogs, including Golden Retrievers. These lumps can appear anywhere on the body and are usually harmless, but it is essential to have them checked by a veterinarian to rule out potential health concerns. While the exact cause of lipomas is unknown, they are more commonly found in older dogs and those who are overweight or obese. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help ensure that any health concerns, including lipomas, are identified and addressed promptly. Hives Allergies In Golden Retrievers Golden Retrievers are famous for their friendly and affectionate personality but are also prone to developing abnormal skin growths called hives. Hives in Golden Retrievers typically cause intense itching and can easily lead to secondary skin infections if not adequately treated by a veterinarian. These growths often require specialized treatments, such as anti-itch creams or medications that help control the inflammation. However, there is no known cure for hives. Instead, treatments usually focus on relieving the symptoms and treating possible secondary infections. At the same time, avoiding exposing your pet to known allergens is helpful. By keeping their skin healthy and avoiding Exposure to Allergens, you can help prevent future issues with abnormal skin growths in your furry friend. Cysts Benign And Golden Retrievers A bump on the head is not always a sign of a severe health problem. A cyst, a benign growth on the skin, most likely causes a spot on the head. Benign tumours of all shapes and sizes are common in golden retrievers and other breeds of dogs. Most cysts are minor and do not cause any problems. They are loving, friendly, and playful. But like any other dog breed, Golden Retrievers can develop skin tumours histiocytomas. Histiocytomas are benign tumours that can grow anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the head, neck, and ears of Golden Retrievers. Puppies born to mothers with histiocytomas may also be at risk for developing tumours. In that case, it is essential to regularly schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have your skin examined for signs of histiocytomas. Production in mammals mast cell tumours is a type of cancer that arises from the overgrowth of mast cells. Golden Retrievers are prone to developing mast cell tumours because their long fur traps more sweat and sebum, leading to MCT formation. Mast cell tumours in Golden Retrievers may cause persistent itchiness, weight loss, baldness, or difficulty breathing. Mast cell tumours are a common type of cancer in Golden Retrievers. These tumours can be malignant, meaning they have the potential to spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health problems. Owners need to be aware of the signs of mast cell tumours to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Symptoms may include lumps or bumps on the skin, itching, redness or inflammation, and changes in behaviour or appetite. Treatment for mast cell tumours may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these methods. With prompt diagnosis and proper treatment, many dogs with mast cell tumours can go on to live happy and healthy lives. Conclusion Collectively, the factors mentioned above can lead to a bump on the head of a Golden Retriever. In addition, breed-specific concerns include eye disorders like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal dysplasia, allergies, and ear infections. Moreover, they are prone to specific tumours, such as lipomas and cysts. To sum up, understanding why Golden Retrievers have a bump on their head can give us a deeper appreciation for their unique and well-adapted physical traits. Plus, learning about the evolution and history of dog breeds can be a fascinating topic in its own right. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Some Golden Retrievers are prone to developing small, harmless cysts or fatty tumours as they age. Another possibility is that the bumps could be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as an infection or allergic reaction. This bump also helps the dog judge distances more accurately while hunting and navigating uneven terrain. The vaccine may cause the dog to develop a lump on the head. Additionally, the spot helps to protect the eyes from being damaged by flying debris. It is important to note that just because a particular physical characteristic may be present in one species, it does not necessarily mean it should be replicated in another. While a bump on the head may be a desirable trait for some humans, there is no evidence to suggest that it would benefit dogs. Intentionally causing harm or altering the natural appearance of an animal can be considered unethical and potentially harmful to its health. Doberman Pinschers Cavalier King Charles Spaniels While swelling of the face and head, as well as difficulty opening the mouth, are clear signs, a blood test or a muscle biopsy will provide an official diagnosis. If diagnosed early, the prognosis for MMM is good. Bone Or Skin Lump? A skin lump will move around a little when you touch it. If the bump happens to be a skin growth, your vet will be able to diagnose it. Many skin lumps turn out to be non-cancerous , however, there are some that are malignant cancerous. Therefore a visit to the vet is your best chance of ruling out cancer or being able to catch it early and treating it. More common in younger dogs, these bumps usually go away on their own and are generally always non-cancerous. Sebaceous Cysts These pimple-like bumps usually develop on the head, but can also appear on the back of your Golden Retriever. They form when the glands become clogged with dirt, oil and debris, and appear as a single raised bump that is white or slightly blue. A sebaceous cyst can rupture or pop just like a human pimple. Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma This is the most common form of skin cancer and typically affects older dogs. Appears as raised wart-like patches or lumps that are firm to the touch. It is most often found on the head, lower legs, rear, and abdomen. Back in the day, before science discovered the true purpose of an occiput for protection , many people believed that the large bump on the skull meant their dog was super smart. This belief seemed even more possible because dog breeds that are intelligent such as Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers, have larger occiputs. As cute as the story is, unfortunately, it is a myth! There is no scientific evidence that indicates a pointed head refers to intelligence. Another common myth that has been floating around was the thought that a larger occiput meant the dog had a greater sense of smell. This myth came about because Bloodhounds have large occiputs, and they have a very keen sense of smell. But, again there is no scientific evidence to back this up. A pointed head simply means your Golden Retriever has a different skull structure. Final Thoughts As we have learned, the reason why your Golden Retriever has a pointed head is because of a bone called the occiput. More than likely, you have heard of this large bump being referred to as a knowledge bump or smart bump. An occiput only grows at the same rate as the skull, which is why it is more noticeable in puppies. An occiput that gets larger in an adult Golden Retriever may indicate certain health issues. It is best to consult your vet if you notice any changes. Does your Golden Retriever have a pointed head? Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you! Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love.

Call Today! We breed from only the best quality bloodlines in the world adhering to the strict German SV standard. Our dogs are health tested hips, elbows, back and DM and are titled from both showline and working lines, raised in the house and already started before they go home! What else separates us from other Michigan German Shepherd Breeders? Von Buchmann German Shepherds, aka Michigan German Shepherds, is not a kennel but we are a home where our handful of dogs, bred to the strict German standard, stay inside with us and are a part of our family. They are family members to us. We stay small so every dog can get the attention and time they deserve, and our puppies can be raised in a family situation. Our puppies are not only born in the house, but they stay in the house. Our German Shepherd puppies go from our whelping box right to crate training and house breaking introduction. We get several comments from families they are very easy to finish housetraining. Phoenix von Buchmann IGP3 ang a normal hips and elbows dm clear, queen of the house and grandma to all of our showline babies Preserving the breed is at the utmost importance to us so our dogs are bred to uphold German SV standards. We breed to the German SV standard to ensure we have the most stable and healthy dogs for your family. I, Peggy Buchman, grew up with German Shepherd dogs and have loved them my entire life. My daughter started training German Shepherd Puppies and dogs in IGP, service work, and pet training and it has brought back all of my favorite memories of them. What a wonderful experience this has been, breeding and raising German Shepherd puppies. Watching the development of them as they grow with their new families, feedback has been amazing. Many families have come back for a second and third German Shepherd Puppy. We have dogs in sport homes, service homes, and mostly family companion homes where comes our most important focus, temperament! Since we raise our own dogs and keep from our own stock we have a great understanding what is behind your puppy and his or her pedigree. Raising and training our own dogs to the German standard takes a lot of commitment, time, expense, and is never easy. Please scroll down and slide left to scroll through our many Testimonials. We are hands on in all aspects of our German Shepherds. Training and Handling our own dogs for Titling, Showing and Breed Surveys Even down time is exciting with our acreage to take leisurely runs, even going on family travels Up North "I take pride in the German Shepherds I am producing here at von Buchmann German Shepherds" - Peggy Contact Us Today Real Testimonials Mia is such a little love at about 40 pounds now with beautiful markings! She has been easy to train since she is so food motivated. She has a great personality and temperament. We just love her so much and thank you for a great bloodline!! Susan S. He is an amazingly sweet, loving, playful and handsome little guy. Donnie D. Hank is doing great! His color is fantastic and his listening skills are superb!!! He very much enjoys our outings and meeting new people still!! And does very well with it! Simon E. My puppy, which I name Kimber has been nothing short of amazing. She is a very beautiful GSD, healthy, and very willing to learn new things. I have actually train Kimber to be a diabetic alert service dog for myself, which she picked up very well and is happy to work. Peggy was more than willing to help evaluate which puppy of the litter would have the best attitude for my life being around several young children. We interviewed other breeders but you could immediately tell that Peggy truly cared about her dogs and took care to ensure we would get a puppy that was a good fit for us. She answered all of our questions and continued to do so long after the actual adoption. Our dog has been a wonderful addition to our family and our next German Shepherd will be from Von Buchmann! High quality German Shepherds and a breeder who cares, you really can ask for more. Denise B. We purchased our first puppy from Von Buchmann German Shepherds in .Since then, we have been back to get two more puppies. Peggy is a very knowledgeable breeder and her dogs are beautiful and well trained with great temperaments. We are very pleased with Von Buchmann German Shepherds. April R. Besides his physical beauty, he has a protective yet loving temperament, listens and responds to all commands, was well socialized and mannered, and only barks when alerting me to perceived danger. You will not be disappointed. Susan H. We bought our first German Shepherd from this breeder and have been over the moon impressed with how this pup fits perfectly in to our family. Peggy did a great job of recommending the perfect puppy based on drive and temperament for our family with three young boys. Our pup is currently 11mo old and such a joy. Ever the professional, Peggy answered all of my possibly annoying first time dog owner questions with care and grace. She has been a resource for us months after our purchase and I would not hesitate to contact her with questions in the future. I highly recommend this breeder without reservation. Kelli S. Their temperament, physique, coats and general health are outstanding. Jodi H. I give Von Buchmann German Shepherds a 5 star! I have a beautiful 18 month girl from Phoenix. Peggy Buchmann matched the perfect pup with what our family wanted in a Shepherd. Our pup was used to a household environment, family life, and well socialized for her age when we got her. The follow up with Peggy has been amazing. She is quick to answer questions and offer support and suggestions. Peggy takes her breeding seriously and strives for great temperment, good health, and beauty with her pups. Tammy S. Very knowledgeable, caring and responsible breeder that is always responsive to concerns or questions! Our second male from her is now 7mos and is incredible! Mark M. We have had our beautiful Luca with us for nearly 10 years. We will not hesitate to look to Von Buchmann for our next family member. Thank you for such excellence. Kristen R. You never pressured me into purchasing a pup and you answered all my questions. The one thing that will stand out in my mind is You, Wendy I would recommend you to everyone who asks about a Good German Shepherd. Wendy would NOT place a pup just to make a sale she cares where the pups go and to whom they will be with. This coat factor comes from the beginning of the breed when the dogs used to start the German Shepherd breed were more "Collie Coated". During the development of the breed and the standard it was determined that this coat was not water proof for the dogs out tending the herds. Also the long hair that grows between the pads on the feet also hindered their ability to do their work in the winter as snow would pack on the hair between their pads. The SV standard did not allow them to be bred, up until just a few months ago. Now Long Coat German Shepherds are allowed to be shown and breed surveyed. So if you have a long coat a long coat carrier and a short coat non carrier you will not get a long coat from that breeding. This because one is a carrier and one is not a carrier, even though both are short coats. Does this mean that all puppies that 2 short coat German Shepherds that carry the long coat recessive gene will only produce long coat puppies? No, they will produce usually more short coats then long, but not always. Example: Onis IS a long coat recessive gene carrier. So when she is breed to Jerry Lee we have long coat puppies. Yes, even though Onis is a short coat German Shepherd as is Jerry Lee, they both carry the long coat recessive gene. Therefore we know that a long coat or two will be in their litter's. These are the only difference between the long and short coat the difference's are all visable there is no genetic difference's between them. We uphold a strong belief that German Shepherds are the most versatile breed of dogs. As one of the highest quality German Shepherd kennels in Michigan , our standards for breeding are essential for maintaining the superiority of our bloodlines, which are a result of careful consideration and research. Each Vom Dinaburg German Shepherd puppy receives the love and tenderness of a family home, with the socialization needed for superior attitude, perfection in temperament, ease of trainability, and a stellar personality. This combined with their large bone, incredible black and red color, beautiful structure and breed type makes them the highest quality of German Shepherd. We believe these components are essential for dogs — whether owned as family companions, or used in more complex training. Our dogs often used for military or police training, Search and Rescue, Guide dogs, or Therapy dogs, or devoted and affectionate family pets. Vom Dinaburg German Shepherds are excellent companions. Our dogs are bred with SV standards as one of the most important criteria. When you own a Vom Dinaburg shepherd, you have one of the highest bloodlines in the United States. Vom Dinaburg Shepherds are able to complement their owners; they enjoy recreation, sports, and are constantly striving to further develop their skills for shows, protection, or Schutzhund competitions. Our puppies come from established bloodlines with a long history of positive people pleasing personalities, making them an essential aspect of any home. A Vom Dinaburg shepherd will quickly assume a primary spot in your home and in your heart. We provide dog training up to your specifications and needs. Private lessons are available in your house or in ours. We help with solving any behavioral problems in any breed of dogs. Our training methods are based mostly on positive reinforcement. Good handling in the show ring is very important and may result in a much higher placing of your German Shepherd Dog. Show handeling and conditioning are available upon request by experienced handlers. Helping with showing in the breed surveys. We offer world-class imported German Shepherd puppies for sale Please feel free to call us with any questions you might have regarding purchasing new pup or a young adult, Stud Service, and Dog Training. Please visit soon, as we have new information updates frequently. Our German Shepherd Kennels are located in Southwest Michigan and we offer to ship nationwide, and delivery services. We created this German Shepherd Kennel for the serious German Shepherd enthusiast who is committed to maintaining these world-class pedigrees, and working heritage set forth over a century ago carried on through the Verein Fur Deutche Schaeferhunde Club. Our commitment is only matched by our love for the breed and its extraordinary capabilities. In Germany, Purebred German Shepherd Breeders would be required to show their dogs at the German Sieger Shows to obtain breeding titles, which would continue to improve the breed. VA4 Taifun vom St. DM stands for Degenerative Myelopathy. There has only been a few stud dogs in the history of the breed that have ever produced a vise world sieger and Uran is one of them. Kolenda Kennels is a German Shepherd Breeder that is a personalized kennel and dedicated to improving the breed, located at th Ave Dorr, Michigan , located in Grand Rapids Michigan area. When buying a puppy it is a good ideal to visit the kennel. You should be able to interact with their dogs, especially the mom and dad of the puppy you are considering. This is the only way to check the temperament of their breeding dogs. By visiting the kennel you can inspect the cleanliness of the facility, and how the puppies are being taken care of. You can interact with the puppies and also, check the temperament of the puppies themselves and over all health. By visiting the kennel you will also be able to see the over all looks and structure of the breeding dogs. By doing these things this would help improve the German Shepherd Breed itself. It would make it difficult to breed and sell inferior puppies, which would help keep the breed from deteriorating. When my wife and I decided to make being German Shepherd Dog Breeders our full-time career we decided to put together a German Shepherd Kennel that is dedicated to breeding the best Imported German Shepherds. This way, we could offer this beautiful, outstanding tempered dog to the public.

But why is the whelping box so important? Properly built whelping boxes actually protect the pups during their most vulnerable stages. Safety Shelves Shelves line the interior of the box so the newborns don't get wedged between the wall and the mother's back avoids smothering risk. Temperature Control A constant temperature must be maintained at all times during the early stages of development. Wagon Style Covered Roof Helps regulate the temperature and insulate from heat loss. The roof creates a "den like" feeling for the mother. They're placed on stands 24" high beside our bed for constant monitoring and mommy's reassurance. Did you know? Most newborn deaths occur from puppies becoming chilled. At birth, the puppy's body temperature matches mom's. It then instantly falls by a number of degrees based on the specific room temperature. A newborn puppy doesn't have the ability to generate body heat by himself until he's 1 to 2 weeks old so it's vital that a constant temperature of 80 to 85 degrees be maintained. Powered by GoDaddy This website uses cookies. We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. What do you need in the way of dog breeding and whelping supplies? Dog Breeding and Whelping Supplies Before anything else, preparation is the key to success. Alexander Graham Bell Dog Breeding and Whelping Suppies Your pregnant dam is depending on you to help her deliver a healthy litter of puppies. If you haven't read, our previous article about your Shih Tzu Pregnancy Stages , I hope you will do so before continuing. It is true that many Shih Tzu bitches go through labor and delivery entirely on their own without any help from their owners, there are also plenty of examples of girls that depend on the human dog parents to help them out, especially new mothers. In this article, I hope to put your mind at ease about bringing a litter of healthy, happy Shih Tzu puppies into this world without much stress on your part. With the right dog breeding and whelping supplies, your job will become much easier. But before I give you the nitty-gritty of details, let me remind you of some of the typical facts of delivering a litter. Most litters whelp in the middle of the night. Most are uneventful, but some require help from a human especially those that are breech or are having difficulties. Difficult births or dysocia require the immediate help of an emergency veterinary clinic, Most puppies are born live and well, but there are also those that are just hanging onto life and can be helped by the breeder standing by to assist. Most puppies immediately attach onto a teat and begin nursing immediately, but there are others that need assistance. Most are of normal weight, but there are those that are especially tiny or are the runt that need special intensive care. There is always that rare dam that goes behind the couch, whelps a litter of six puppies and then is discovered the next day without a drop of blood or discharge and six healthy puppies all warm, nursing and happily content. This is, however the exception, rather than the norm. The successful litter is planned to the minute detail and that includes a whelping kit that anticipates all potential problems long before they ever occur. What should be in your whelping supply kit? I have divided this supply list into three parts: Supplies for Whelping - must haves for all whelping situations Puppy rearing supplies 1. Supplies for Dog Breeding and Whelping Every little girl that is giving birth to a litter of puppies deserves to be warm and comfortable. They want to be in a location close to you but in an area that won't be disturbed by other dogs including the father of the litter. There are many options available today to create a great experience for your girl. You will need a litter or whelping box. This can be as elaborate or simple as you like. Ready-made whelping boxes come in different sizes and are normally equipped with pig rails, and an opening for Mama to come and go. This style works very well with larger dogs but may not be necessary for small breed dogs such as Shih Tzu. Nevertheless, they are always sturdy, washable and easy to put together and take apart. Here are two of these traditional type whelping boxes I found on Amazon for you to consider. Alternative Whelping Box Ideas If this is your first litter and you are not sure if it will be your last, you might want to choose an alternative. Here are a few suggestions that have worked for me with varying levels of success: Homemade Wooden 2 by 4 foot box made of pressed wood boards and lined with puppy pads and soft blankets. The bottom side of a large plastic puppy crate. I discarded the top portion that had the handle and then kept the bottom, lined it with puppy pads and blankets. Large under-the-bed plastic container like the ones used to store Christmas wrapping paper rolls. Medium to Large plastic trays used to mix cement. This is my go-to whelping box currently. The one listed below only got 3 stars on Amazon for mixing cement, but it is ideal and very inexpensive for whelping a litter. You will want to equip your whelping box with comfortable bedding and warmth. Neonates cannot maintain the body temperature, so it is up to you to provide additional warm by way of heat lamps, heating pads or hot water bottles. I do not recommend water bottles, because they need constant monitoring. Heating pads, if used should be those that do not have an automatic turn-off. Heating lamps are good, but they maintain a constant high light environment which can be stressful to your Mama. My choice is a constantly on heating pad. They can be used until the puppies start moving around and become interested in the electrical cords at which time they must be removed. Set the temperature on low and place on one side of the whelping box. If the puppies or mom get overheated, they can crawl or move to the other side easily, Timing the Time of Labor: Thermometer Your Dam's temperature will drop to around 98 degrees F about 24 hours before she goes into labor. You will want to have a rectal thermometer and lubricating gel to take her temperature. A normal dog's temperature is between and .Once the temperature drops below 99 degrees, labor is near. Keep your thermometer clean and in your dog breeding and whelping supplies tool box. Weight Scale: Puppies Weights A scale is necessary if you want to record the weight of your new born puppies and you really should. This is important because you will want to assure your puppies are gaining a little weight each day. You can use a postal scale or purchase a scale that will allow you to weigh older puppies and even adults. The one listed below is one like I use on all my puppies and adults and will work for dogs up to 30 pounds. Instruments for Delivering Puppies I keep a tray of dog breeding and whelping supplies ready for the next litter and stock it as needed. You will want to have on hand, surgical scissors, hemostats or umbilical clamps, or dental floss bulb syringes, large cotton gauze pads, and infant bulb syringes. Clamps: You will want to clamp off the cord so you will be able to cut it and free the puppy from the placenta. Curved hemostats work best, but you may also want to consider umbilical cord clamps or even dental floss for tying it off. Hemostats are cheap and I would recommend purchasing a couple of them to get you through a large litter. Scissors: If your Mama decides not to chew her way through the umbilical cord, it is up to you to cut the cord to free it from the placenta. Sharp medical or surgical scissors are necessary to clip the cord. A regular pair of household scissors just won't work as well. A small infant bulb syringe is the best way to do this. Suction the nose then the mouth. Gauze Pads: I like to keep gauze pads on hand in case Mama is having difficulty and needs a little help bringing her puppies into the world. Never, never pull a puppy out, but work with her contractions. Breech births may need a little help from you. Wash clothes and Towels: Your Dam will undoubtedly try to clean up her pups and keep them warm. If you want to help, you can try to dry off puppies with clean wash cloths and towels. Keeping the whelping box dry and clean is also important, so you will want provide dry bedding. You can use disposable wee pads or continually replacing soiled bedding with clean fresh towels or blankets. Have plenty of extras available to replace after each whelp. These include Ora-Cal for Mama, nutritional drops for mama and puppies, antiseptic for umbilical cord stump, disinfectants for instruments, hydrogen peroxide to keep mama clean, and colorful bands to identify puppy. Oral Cal works similarly to oxytocin to increase uterine contractions. Never give this medication until after the first puppy has been born. High caloric nutritional drops are helpful for an extra help for both mom and puppies during labor and delivery and afterwards. Betadine liquid or swabs: To prevent infection, some type of antiseptic for the umbilical cord stump is recommended. Betadine liquid can be applied with a cotton ball or you may choose to purchase iodine pads to apply to the umbilical cord. More Dog Breeding and Whelping Supplies to Check Out Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent way to clean up blood stains and your Mama is likely to have quite a few on her hair, tail, back legs, stomach, vaginal area. This is a simple way to clean her up after she gives birth without having to give her a bath. Colorful Bands will help you identify individual puppies. When the entire litter looks alike, it is important to be identify individual puppies. You can use nail polish but these bands are just as easy. Dog Breeding and Whelping Supplies to Check Out: Easiest Way to Tell Puppies Apart Alcohol, alcohol pads or other type of disinfecting solution for disinfecting instruments such as scissors or hemostats Clock or watch for timing births. As part of my dog breeding and whelping supplies, I keep a supply of pre-made forms where I record litter information. It is convenient to keep these forms on a clipboard near the area where mom and puppies stay. That way you can record any observations or notes in real-time. If you are interested, I've made my form available for you online to download. Trash bags for trash Disposable puppy wee-wee pads for unusually messy births. Paper towels, disinfectant Book, magazine or computer laptop, phone, etc to help pass the time in between whelping pups. The name and phone number of your vet or other emergency vet hospital just in case Collar, harness, dog leash, if your mama needs to go out. Take her out on a leash because you don't want a puppy whelping in the middle of your yard. Flashlight: For use when taking your mama out at night. What more could you ask for? This is the ideal situation that you want for every litter and in the Shih Tzu breed, this scenario happens more times than not. Being prepared for the unexpected is important especially if something should go wrong. Here are a couple more additional supplies I keep on hand for the first couple of weeks. I will discuss puppy rearing more extensively in another article. Puppy Formula Hand feeding means that you are giving your puppies a canine formula in addition to or in lieu of their nursing on mama's nipples using a bottle or syringe. I recommend keeping a can of Goats milk formula on hand for the possible puppy that needs additional calories or if you feel one or more of the puppies is too weak to compete for sufficient food from the mother. There are other times when this formula comes in handy. If your Dam has a very large litter, you may also want to supplement their feeding just to help mom out until her full milk comes in. Also, there is the occasional litter when mom's milk has not come in and you will need to take over feeding the puppies entirely. This is a huge job that needs to be done about every 2 to 3 hours around the clock while you wait for your girl to produce enough milk. Don't start feeding your puppies until you know it is absolutely necessary. The first milk that the mom produces is called colostrum and is rich in antibodies needed for immune support. Syringes, Bottles, Nipples You will need a way to get the milk into the puppy and I recommend using a syringe with a rubber nipple top. Small dog bottles and nipples work well too, but for tiny Shih Tzu puppies an insulin syringe with a specialized nipple works best. Some people use sponges and that is an option too. Tube Feeding for Extremely Weak Puppies is an option only if you know what you are doing. Do not attempt to tube feed unless you have been trained by a vet or vet tech. If you want to keep a kit on hand for this type of emergency, I recommend the one below. It has everything you need to do a tube feeding should you ever need to do so and can reduce your stress level if you have a weak or sick puppy. A good addition to your dog breeding and whelping supplies tool chest. Dog Breeding and Whelping Supplies Pin If you found dog breeding and whelping supplies helpful, May I suggest these additional dog breeding articles for you to check out on Miracle Shih Tzu.

On the other hand, we recommend a 42 inch crate for standard and large Goldendoodles. If you want to give your large Goldendoodle a bit more space, a 48 inch dog crate will be okay. As long as you have enough space, it would be fine to give them a little more space. Top Picks: Best Goldendoodle Dog Crates It was a rather difficult task filtering out so many wonderful dog crates that are perfect for Goldendoodle. We recommend this crate not just for Doodles, but for nearly every dog breed. Plus, tens of thousands of happy customers love it! Best Features Midwest Homes does a fantastic job because they focus on dog safety. If you have a pup that likes to chew their crate, this is perfect. In addition, all the corners of the crate are rounded. Goldendoodles are quite energetic, so this is a pretty important feature. One of the best features of the iCrate is the standard divider panel. Especially with the large variation, Goldendoodles grow quickly and a lot. A panel lets you adjust the space of the crate according to the current size of your Doodle. Sometimes, too much space for a little pup can cause even more anxiety. So, this is pretty important if you plan to get the 42 or 48 inch crate. Fortunately, the iCrate is built with a collapsible design. The removable plastic tray allows you to easily slide out the bottom of the crate to clean up — hassle free! Your Goldendoodle is likely to make a mess, so this feature saves a lot of time. Double doors are a great option because it allows multiple access points to your Doodle. For such a large crate, this will definitely be useful. If we had to nitpick, we would like to see thicker wiring on the frame of the crate. Still, she likes the collapsible feature. Dan says the iCrate was super easy to set up and take down. He bought a 42 inch for his 55 pound Doodle. His favorite part is the incredibly sturdy and hard plastic on the bottom removable tray. She loves how easy it is to assemble by herself! As expected from the tech giant, the Amazon Basics Dog Crate is a fantastic crate with all the options we love. Best Features The Amazon Basics dog crate is one of the best crate on the internet, for good reason. Like with the iCrate, the Amazon Basics uses a dual slide bolt lock for secure your Goldendoodle. It also comes with a removable plastic tray, which allows you to quickly clean up the crate. In the event your Goldendoodle has an accident, simply slide out the bottom, wipe it down and slide it back in. One of the best features we like with the Amazon Basics is the divider panel. Having such a big crate, multiple entrances gives you easier access to your dog and whatever you decide to put in the crate. If you want to put away your crate, no need to worry! Whether you want to store away your crate or move it to another location, this feature comes in handy. As a result, they have the same limitations and cons. We would have liked to see thicker frames and wiring on the Amazon Basics. For more information about the Amazon Basics dog crate, check it out at Amazon. What Goldendoodle Owners are Saying Roger bought a 36 inch for his Goldendoodle puppy to begin crate training. At first, he admits he was a little wary because of how cheap this crate costed. He loves how the divider panel can be adjusted as his dog grows bigger. Hinges are smooth and the latches are secure. Roger even mentioned that the metal clamps on the joints seem to be high quality! Rossy bought a 42 inch for her 55 pound Goldendoodle. Her favorite part of the crate is how easy she was able to take our the bottom plastic tray to clean out any accidents. We love this dog crate for a lot of reasons, mainly because of the affordable price. But with a slightly cheaper price, it lacks some important features that we like. Best Features The New World metal dog crate is crafted with high quality metal that makes it ultra lightweight and durable. Like the other options, the New World metal dog crate also comes in a collapsible design. All quality dog crates will come with a removable plastic tray. This feature is essential and fortunately, the New World crate comes with this. The New World metal dog crate comes with dual slide bolt latches. Good luck to your dog trying to escape this one. Double doors is a great option for such a large dog crate. It gives you easier access to your Doodle and whatever you decide to put inside chew toys, bowls, etc. The Cons The biggest downside to the New World dog crate is the lack of a standard divider panel. Goldendoodles can grow fairly quickly within the first year of their existence. Also, we would have liked thicker wiring for the frame of this crate. If you want to learn more about the New World dog crate, you can check it out at Amazon. What Goldendoodle Owners are Saying Kip says that this does the job. His only complaint was that the top latch sticks just a bit. By herself, it only took 2 minutes to set this up — it just folds right up. These dogs love people and are subject to separation anxiety when you leave the house. Fortunately, a crate cover can help. In addition, a crate cover provides extra security and comfort for your Goldendoodle. This reduces anxiety and stress. In fact, crate covers are recommended by veterinarians for dogs that experience some form of anxiety. Best Features This crate cover is compatible with all the recommended dog crates on this list. Using hook and loop tabs, you can secure the flaps to the edges of the crate. When it gets a little too dirty, just toss it in any standard machine washer. It also comes with a one-year warranty! Do you use any of these dog crates for your Goldendoodle? If so, let us know what you think in the comments section below. And if you would recommend another dog crate for a Doodle, leave a link below! Post navigation. If you travel, this soft crate is a great temporary home for your Goldendoodle. No assembly is required. Strong steel tubes make up the frame. Puppies and others who still chew things are one questionable group. The MidWest iCrate Kitis a best seller. It features several options such as a single or double door. With your purchase, you receive a free divider panel, dog tray, and carrying handle. Proper ventilation, large door openings with low thresholds, and rounded corner.We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. If you purchase a large kennel, you can move it to different spots in your home without damaging the flooring. Midwest manufacturers a series of crates and sizes for each. Some assembly without tools is required. Assembly takes a few seconds. Look for the Instructions in the box. The kennel folds flat for easy storing and travel. The bottom is not waterproof, so consider placing a rag under the kennel for easy accident cleanup. You receive a durable plastic kennel that protects your Goldendoodle during air travel or a car trip to the vet. The four-way vault door adds a layer of security. Ventilation keeps your pet comfortable. The product includes two Live Animal stickers, clip-on bowls, and ID stickers. Top Handle available on 21 inch and 28 inch sizes Airline Adaptable: The Petmate Sky Kennel meets most airline cargo specifications for easy and safe travel, but pet owners should always check with individual airlines We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. To find what size kennel for a Goldendoodle is best from the plastic category, be sure to measure your Goldendoodle well. Then, pick the best product size according to height and weight. By going up a size, your dog should be able to rest comfortably inside the shell without feeling cramped or anxious with plenty of space for the dog bed. Bridie is a proud Goldendoodle mom! Part-time health worker, life-time dog writer and lover. She loves to help people best care for their puppies. Load More. And, golden he is! This loving, adaptable, and friendly designer dog is the perfect addition to most families. The best of the best of the beloved Golden Retriever and the Poodle comes shining through with this crossbreed. If you are thinking of rushing right down to get a Goldendoodle, be sure to read up on this affectionate guy. Breed Goldendoodles are a designer dog, a product of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The brainstorm to mix the two popular pure breeds came about in by English author and animal enthusiast, Monica Dickens, who happens to be the great-granddaughter of the famous writer, Charles Dickens. It was in the s when the concept of blending two full-blooded breeds came to be a hot trend. This breed is known as the Groodle in Australia. They had higher aspirations too. This breed also makes an excellent therapy dog. The Poodle, being intelligent and friendly, was one of the most common breeds to mix with another. Goldendoodles have been a favorite breed for years. So, it was that the two were united, in hopes that the optimal traits of the two parents would prevail. Although with mix-breeding, there are no guarantees and anything could happen, overall, the results were amazing. Goldendoodles ace the challenge of bringing the best of both breeds into existence. Generally, the mix is with a Standard Poodle and a Golden Retriever. There are some Goldendoodles that have Miniature or Toy Poodle mix, however. Since no hybrid dogs are recognized with the American Kennel Club or any of the other prominent all-breed purebred registries like the Canadian Kennel Club. The Poodle is one of the oldest breeds on record. He hails from Germany where he was bred to fetch waterfowl that had fallen during a hunt. This curly headed dog is quite intelligent and has become a favorite housedog. He comes in a variety of sizes including Standard, Miniature, and Toy. He is appreciated for his hypoallergenic coat as well as his endearing personality. When he was a hunting dog, he had a tough job to do. Fetching birds that had been shot, especially in bodies of water, could be quite grueling. Just imagine the tenacity it took the Poodle to endure the harsh winter climate that is common in Germany and to go out for hunts, day after day as was customary in those days of old. The water was often freezing cold or rough and choppy from high winds. If you picture the Poodle taking a leisurely swim to fetch a rubber duckie, think again. That took willpower. Poodles can be independent and even stubborn at times. Those things were necessary traits for the job he had to do. You may see a bit of the Poodle traits in your Goldendoodle, both awesome and not so awesome ones. Remembering from whence the characteristics came from is sure to give you a bit more patience. The Golden Retriever is a hunting dog who originated in Scotland as a gundog in the midth century. He is a beauty though a serious worker too. In fact, he loves to work. Initially, retrieving type dogs were reserved for the wealthy because they were mainly used to retrieve game that had been downed on land or in the water. It was important that a dog be able to service both land and water because the area consisted muchly of marshes. For this reason, only the best of the best Retrieving dogs made the cut and were bred. The result was the Golden Retriever we know and love today. As guns became more accurate, the need for more efficient gun dogs came to pass. The Golden was right on target, fetching from land or water with great speed and incredible accuracy. But the Golden Retriever stepped up to the challenge and aced his calling. The Golden Retriever is a hunting dog who originated in Scotland as a gundog. Of medium build with a strong and sturdy body, this dog is a real looker and is quite athletic and strong. It is in his blood to perform tasks just as his ancestors did. In modern days, he has service jobs like being a guide for the blind and is also a beloved family pet. That is why he was a hands-down choice when considering what breed would parent a breed designed to be a loveable family dog with a social, happy, and playful personality. Some Goldendoodles favor the Golden Retriever parent most. The naughty chewing habit may shine through too. Goldendoodles, like Golden Retrievers, are very trainable so the bad behavior can be nipped in the bud. He needs to work or at least to think he is. Goldendoodles are a well-loved hybrid dog. Appearance Goldendoodles, like many designer breeds, come in multiple sizes: small, medium, and large. The Miniature Goldendoodles stand about 13 to 24 inches while the Medium stand inches. The Large Standard Goldendoodle is about inches high. The average weight for the Large is pounds. The Miniature ones weigh in around pounds and Mediums tip the scale at around 40 to 50 pounds. Females run in the lesser weight and height. The Standard size is the most common of this designer group. The look of a Goldendoodle can vary as much as his size does. When a Goldendoodle is bred with a Poodle or any other variance other than a Poodle and Golden Retriever as parents, there is a tendency for the puppy to take on more of the Golden's side as being dominant. They will have curly and wavy coats that lay in loose ringlets and will usually have very expressive, almost mischievous expressions. First generation Goldendoodles are likely to have Poodle eyes which are dark and intelligent looking and a roundish skull if they have Poodle blood running thicker through them where those taking after the Golden Retriever side may have the Retriever will have eyes that are a bit lighter and are friendly and kind looking, more slanted than the round-eye Poodle look. Retriever faces are larger and more elongated than Poodles are. The coat of Goldendoodles can be a number of colors. Cream, gold, red, apricot, brown, chocolate, and gray are among the most popular colors. Nutrition It is vital that you feed your Goldendoodle a healthy diet that is specialized for his specific needs. You should consult with his veterinarian to find out what his nutritional needs are exactly and how often and how much food to give him. Be sure to limit treats and provide great quality food for him. Then, he may taper off and eat once or twice per day. His energy will need to be fueled so keep that in mind when choosing his feed. Also be certain to have lots of fresh water available to him at all times. Those with more Retriever will most likely require the least. Those who have the Poodle coat might need a trip to the groomer every now and then. In general, they do not have a shedding coat, but they do need to be brushed on a regular basis, like once or twice a week, in order to keep dead hair off and to prevent tangles and mats. Use a gentle shampoo and you may want to have his hair that grows over this eyes trimmed up too. Pay close attention to his ears. Keep them clean and dry. Toenails will need to be trimmed. It is a good idea to trim the hair that grows over their eyes. Toenails should be trimmed as in any other dog breed. Exercise Goldendoodles are high energy dogs. They can definitely be calm and love snuggling or laying by the fireplace too but they do require getting their energy out to be a really good, laid back, dog. Goldendoodles have strong working dog roots. He needs a purpose so be sure to give him one. He will need at least two thirty minute walks each day and some active time in between. Fetch is a favorite game for this designer dog. He will eat it up when you play along with him in interactive games, especially when toys are involved. Metal stimulation is imperative. If you have a spot where he can take a dip, let him. He also likes to hike and to run alongside you. You might also consider putting a little doggie backpack on him when you take him for a walk. This will give him the illusion that he is working and serving a purpose which is especially important with the Goldendoodle since he gets the working genes from both parents. If you slip a water bottle or something of significance in his backpack, all the better. More Information Personality The Goldendoodle is packed with personality. His is loveable and friendly. He falls in love with everyone and vice versa. He can help lead a blind individual and attend a party too. He is at home on the range as well. This loving and loyal pup makes a wonderful family dog. He loves to play and is funny to watch in action. He finds it humorous to be a clown or to be on the mischievous side at times. To get a better feel for what a pup might be like if you are ordering one, you can take a look at his parents, not only in physical appearance but find out about their personalities too. Chances are the little mates will have characteristics of both parents in their own unique blends. Goldendoodles are sharp. They get their intelligence from both parents and that was in the plan when the two purebred parents were united. The Goldendoodles may have more of a playful side though so be sure they have plenty of stimulation, both physically and mentally lest they find trouble to get into. They are not exempt from that by any stretch of the imagination. From performing their comical acts to guiding the handicapped, they are eager and willing to do just about anything for their humans. As far as negative traits go, there are only a few and they are quite minor. They tend to love a little too much. Because of their separation anxiety, they tend to get into trouble when left alone. You may return to find the sofa in sheds or your best pair of shoes devoured. If the problem is severe enough, you may consider crating him when no one is home with him. Some Goldendoodles take after their Golden Retriever parent and chew. You may also encounter some Poodle presence. The fact that he is so eager to please and smart will help you breeze right through that obstacle too. He just needs to know what is acceptable and what is not. Training The Goldendoodle puppy is pretty simple to train. He loves to please his people and is smart too so it will probably go very well, even for a first-time pet parent. Potty training is first up. Then, obedience is next. Obedience training is for his safety, in part, and for your sanity as well. If he tries to do his own things, well, blame his Poodle parent. Socialization is important in training. When he is young, expose him to a number of different dogs and humans and even a few cats too. Take him to various surroundings - some which are busy and loud and others that are quiet. Be sure to include children and the elderly in his conditioning. Treats, praise, and positive tones are what motivates this dog in training. Remember that he is such a good student, he is a treasured service dog such as leading the blind. He will most likely be happy to cooperate. Tricks are on the class schedule too. You can teach him to roll over and possibly to play dead as well. This dog is lots of fun to train, especially when you get him on board and eager to learn more. Incorporating things he loves helps too. Health Goldendoodles typically enjoy a life of between years. They were bred in hopes of getting all the healthy genes from both parents and as little as possible of the inherited health issues. That is not always the case with designer dogs though. They are actually at risk for certain hereditary health problems from both sides, but at a lesser intensity than they are if they are purebred. You can ask for a hip and joint checkup and also for other health issues such as eye conditions. The best thing is prevention but if your dog already has a problem, the sooner you get him seen, the more likely it is that he will be alright. Here are some conditions to keep an eye out for: Hip Dysplasia is not uncommon in this hybrid. That is a condition where the hip joint is deformed or else can be attributed to environmental issues. The hip slips out of the socket and can be very painful, inhibiting or preventing him from walking. Vulnerable to have Elbow Dysplasia too which is the same thing but is with the elbow rather than the hip. If your Goldendoodle shows signs of this, please take him to see his veterinarian right away. Patellar Luxation is a condition in which the hind leg can slide in and out of its socket. It can be very painful and debilitating. There is surgical help for severe cases. If you note your Goldendoodle limping, favoring a leg, or seeming to be in pain, have him checked out immediately. This disease can be crippling. It is where the blood does not clot properly. Humans can have this ailment too. Ear infection plague this dog breed. Be sure to keep his ears clean and dry and if he is pulling at them, have him checked. Serious ear infections may require surgery and can lead to deafness. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a disease that involves the deterioration of the retina and tends to take place gradually. Night blindness comes first usually or he may lose sight on and off and more so as the disease progresses. Allergies are not uncommon in Goldendoodles. He may have a sensitivity to food, the environment, or even to things he inhales. Narrowing down the source of the allergy is helpful and then solutions can be sought. It is serious and can be life-threatening. It is seen mostly in deep-chested dogs who are large in size. If they eat one large meal a day, their chances of getting this condition are increased. What happens is the dog is not able to belch when air is caught and that causes the stomach to twist. His stomach contains the extra air and his blood pressure begins to drop and continues to do so, sometimes sending him into shock. If you think your dog has this condition, call your vet immediately. There is no time to waste as this may be fatal. Hypothyroidism is a thyroid gland disorder. It is found in humans and in dogs too. The Goldendoodle has a tendency to have thyroid issues. It can be so severe it causes epilepsy. If your Goldendoodle seems quite tired and has hair loss, have him checked right away. There could be an underlying condition such as one of those above. Is a Goldendoodle Right for Me? Do you still think a Goldendoodle might be the dog for you, even after finding out more about him? Do you live in an apartment or small space dwelling? He is best in a home with a backyard or some stomping ground. It is imperative that someone be home with this type of dog much of the time or that you be willing to take him with you. Are you willing to exercise him an hour or more each day? Will you challenge him mentally and physically as well? If so, especially if you have an active lifestyle you intend to involve him in, this could very well be your dog. The Goldendoodle is a package of all things good, just waiting to be unwrapped. He s fun and friendly, smart, and is adaptable too. The best of the best of two beloved breeds have been lovingly brought together in order to bring you this fine designer dog. Amazon The perfect way to determine the right size crate for your Goldendoodle is to measure it. Measure your pet from the top of the head to the paw, keeping them seated, and add 4 inches to the result to get the appropriate crate height. Then measure the length from the bottom of the tail to the tip of the nose and add four inches. It also lets the doodle lie on any side by stretching out its paws in front of them. Apart from that, determining the right size crate for a Goldendoodle puppy is tougher than for a Goldendoodle adult. Fortunately, there is a standard crate size recommendation for the Goldendoodle puppy, as well as some helpful hints. So the right size crates for Goldendoodles are: For a standard-sized Goldendoodle, you should buy a inch crate. For the mini Goldendoodle, choose a inch crate as this will be sufficient. For the puppy, consider a large-sized crate with a divider. It will let you offer the required space throughout the growth of the puppy. Once the pet turns into an adult, simply remove the divider. What crate size is suitable for a beagle? The right time to crate the Goldendoodle There are plenty of times and situations when you should crate the dog. It also improves their well-being. So if you need to go to an office or maintain the yard, simply crate your Goldendoodle. This way, you can keep them safe and keep the house from destruction. Another appropriate time to crate your doodle is if they get excited. In this situation, crate-ing them will help cool them down. You can also offer them some toys while they are in the crate so they feel comfortable instead of afraid. Traveling is another vital reason to crate the dog. Taking the pet for a long walk in a crate helps keep them safe and allows them to carry it easily as well. Lastly, crating a new puppy is beneficial, especially if you have an older pet. Goldendoodle puppies are energetic and can disturb other pets as well. So, a crate will not only give a break to the older pet but also keep the puppy safe. Wrong Time To Crate The Goldendoodle The most important thing to remember is that you should not crate your Goldendoodles for more than 5 hours per day. Otherwise, it can bring plenty of difficulties. For example, Goldendoodles are a highly social breed, and social interaction makes them happy. Crating them for an extended period of time or on a regular basis can cause depression and increase their risk of behavioral issues. However, if you need to leave the house for an extended period of time, enlist the assistance of a family member, friend, or dog walker to keep the dog company. Chipped claws or broken teeth are also clear signs of keeping the pet away from the crate. Even you should talk to the vet if you notice such behaviors. Overall, getting the right size crate and crate training for the dog is a handy process to offer them a positive experience. Convince the doodle that the crate is a good thing and entice them into the crate using a treat. Teach them to sit and lie in the crate. In the initial stage, leave the doodle in the crate for a few hours. However, you can leave the pet throughout the night in the crate. Crate training and potty training can both take around 6 months or even longer. Final words In the end, you have got all the essential information to decide what size crate for Goldendoodle. Choosing the right size crate for your goldendoodle should be a straightforward task for you. Instead, crate trains your dog and introduces them to their new home in the most stress-free way. Standard goldendoodles can range in size from inches tall at the shoulder Goldendoodles are powerfully striking dogs, known for their gentle and affectionate demeanor. Typically, goldendoodles can range in size from inches tall at the shoulder, with some rare cases even hitting 28 inches at full adult growth. This means goldendoodles can come in a variety of sizes, perfect for people looking for different levels of energy or exercise needs when it comes to sharing their home with a pup. Furthermore, goldendoodles have become increasingly popular over the past few years due to their gentle nature and trainability making them an ideal choice of pet for many families. The length of a standard crate should be at least 30 inches, but no more than 36 inches The goldendoodle is a hybrid breed that requires plenty of space to stay healthy and happy. As such, if you are looking for the perfect crate for your goldendoodle, make sure to consider its size; the length should be between 30 and 36 inches. The width of a standard crate should be at least 18 inches, but no more than 24 inches When transporting your goldendoodle, safety is key. According to the American Kennel Club, there are certain standards that must be met when providing safe transportation for your beloved pet. One of these standards is the width of the crate — it must be at least 18 inches but not more than 24 inches in order to ensure that your goldendoodle is comfortable and secure for their journey. Finding the right size of crate will help protect them from any sort of accidental injury or discomfort during transit. This generous height allows them enough space to be comfortable while they are inside and also prevents nervousness or restlessness due to cramping. If you have a puppy, make sure to get a crate that will accommodate their full adult size Bringing home a goldendoodle is an exciting time that comes with lots of preparation and responsibilities. See also Training Your Mini Goldendoodle to Bark Less One of the most important pieces of equipment to consider is a crate for your pup. Remember that pups need plenty of room to move and lay in comfortable positions, so factoring this into the size of the crate is key. Standard goldendoodles can range in size from inches tall at the shoulder, so make sure to get a crate that is at least 30 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 24 inches tall. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your goldendoodle has a comfortable place to call home. Related posts:. Check Price This one also comes in a variety of sizes, so it can work for your Goldendoodle no matter what size or age they are. The iCrate comes with single-door or double-door options, as well as a divider panel that is excellent for growing puppies. This crate is incredibly secure, as it has slide-bolt latches, rounded corners, and a durable finish. Plus, it easily folds for travel and storage. The iCrate also comes with a removable plastic tray to make for easy clean-up. However, keep in mind that the latch may be simple for your dog to figure out how to unlatch and escape from the crate. The divider panel is also known to be challenging to put in place and remove. Additional Crate Products to Purchase Now that you may have a crate purchased, you may need some additional products to give your Goldendoodle the best possible experience with it. As we mentioned throughout this article, dividers can be incredibly helpful for making your crate the correct size for your puppy as he or she is growing. The perfect divider panels ca n be found here. Check Price Dog Bed To make your dog crate as comfortable as possible for your Goldendoodle, you will want to purchase a high quality dog bed to stay inside of it, especially if you crate your dog overnight or for longer periods. Not just for comfort, this can help with their joints long term, too. While you may be tempted to just use a blanket, dogs are more likely to chew them up. Not only will you be out a blanket, but your dog will have learned a new destructive behavior. Dog beds made from tough fabric will last longer. This dog bed from MidWest Homes, found here, is the perfect option. Check Price It comes in a variety of size options, so you will be able to find the ideal choice for your fur baby. It is also machine-washable, so you will easily be able to clean it if your pup has an accident in the crate! All dogs should have space where they can feel safe, rest, and have shelter. A crate is perfect for this! It gives them somewhere to escape and relax that is entirely their own. Besides, a crate has multiple purposes that can help better serve both you and your Doodle. One way that crate training is beneficial is because it can assist with potty training by teaching your Goldendoodle to control their bladder and bowels. By nature, dogs will generally do their best not to soil the space that they sleep in. Because of this, they will want to keep their crate as clean as possible. Of course, puppies are bound to have an accident here and there. So, make sure that you stay around as often as possible when your puppy is in the crate to clean up after them. This is similar to what dogs do out in the wild, looking for a dugout or den. Goldendoodle puppies tend to chew on various objects as their teeth are growing in. When You Should Crate Now you may be wondering, when is the best time to crate train a dog? One time to keep your dog in their crate is when you are unable to supervise them. For example, if you need to do yard work, you can put your dog in his or her crate while you do so to keep them safe. Another excellent time to put your Goldendoodle in his or her crate is when they need to calm down from being too excited. Keep in mind, though, that you should not act like this is a punishment. You want to teach your dog to enjoy being in their crate — not be afraid of it. Try not to let your anger be a factor at all. Give them a toy to play with for about five minutes to calm them down, and let them out afterward to see if it helps. If not, you can repeat the process until they are calmer. A loose dog in the car can be dangerous, so keeping them in the crate can help keep them — and other passengers — safe and calm. It also will limit distractions. For more information about driving with a dog, check out this article from DogTime. Typically, Goldendoodle puppies will be energetic, and this may be overwhelming for an older dog. Having a crate can give the older dog a break and keep your puppy safe. You can alternate which dog stays in the crate until they are more used to each other. For starters, a general rule of thumb is not to leave your Goldendoodles in their crate for over five hours. The exception to this would be overnight, of course. There are a few reasons for this. Goldendoodles are an incredibly social breed and need social interaction to stay happy. If they are left in their crate for too long or too frequently, then they may begin to develop behavior issues or even depression. I know what you might be thinking at this point — what if I have to work all day? In this case, come home for lunch, if at all possible, to let your dog out for a little bit. This will just worsen their condition and make them more stressed out. They are most likely doing everything that they can to escape. If you see any of this behavior in your Goldendoodle, consult with your vet to find out what your best options are. You should also refrain from crating your Doodle if the vet tells you not to due to medical reasons, such as inflamed joints or arthritis. Overall, do your best to make the crate a positive experience for your Goldendoodle. Here are some additional steps to take before crating your dog to ensure the best possible experience: Take your dog for a walk — this helps get out their energy and release their bladder Spend time with them — Goldendoodles are very social and have a lot of energy Final Thoughts And, there you have it. Although you may have some struggles at first getting your Goldendoodle to adapt to a crate, we can almost guarantee that your Goldendoodle will end up getting accustomed to and maybe even loving! You just have to give it time and lots of patience and maybe a few treats. Best of luck! Plastic crate Crate Weight Each crate has its own pros and cons. A soft-sided crate made from polyester and a plastic crate is lightweight, while a wooden crate is heavy. A wire crate is the most durable one. For a dog owner, who lives in a large house, finding enough space will not be a serious problem. Consider a more portable crate if you live in a small home. How long your Mini Goldendoodle puppy can stay in a crate Dog owners use crates for different purposes. Some owners buy a crate for puppy training and rest, while others keep the dog in a crate all the time. Some Mini Goldendoodles really like to stay in a crate. They feel safe and protected there. You will see if your Mini Goldendoodle likes to spend time in a crate. It will help you determine how much time the dog should stay in a crate. In fact, there are many ways you can do that. You can also give your Mini Goldendoodle some treats when it agrees to stay in a crate. The Mini Goldendoodle is a very nice and friendly dog that can become a great addition to your family. Choose the right crate size to make your puppy feel comfortable and safe. Nobody goes to the market to buy a baby shoe without first knowing the size. The same applies to crate size for Goldendoodle. You will need a measuring tape to measure your Goldendoodle accurately. This is critical because it will enable you to determine the accurate crate size. To assure its comfort, add four inches to whatever measurement you get. Find out how tall your Goldendoodle is by taking their measurement. If you measure the height, you can ensure it relaxes in the crate without bumping its head. Determine the ideal Goldendoodle crate size. If you need more space, you can always pick up a size, but be aware that a smaller Goldendoodle may be able to squeeze between larger crates. How to Crate Train a Goldendoodle A growing dog can learn a lot from being trained to use a crate. Most people, though, lose hope after a few days. We would like to help you get past this problem. In this area, you will learn how to train a Goldendoodle puppy to use a crate. Remember, it can be a complicated process but with time, everything will go smoothly. Step One: Determine the Crate Size To successfully crate train a Goldendoodle puppy, the first step is to choose the right crate size. You do not want a crate that is too big, or your puppy will pee and poop in it. You also do not want a kennel with small crates because they can be uncomfortable. Entice them with something that they love — chew toys. For the first few days, you should have training goodies on hand, and when you are away, you should have special treats and engaging toys. The ideal items are chew toys like KONG toys or beloved toys that your puppy only gets while you are away. Giving your puppy goodies while teaching them is the objective here and giving them something entertaining to do while you are gone. You will see faster results if you make crate training your Goldendoodle dog enjoyable. Step Three: Understand Your Goldendoodles Getting a Goldendoodle puppy familiar with a crate is the next step in crate training them. Place your dog box in a room with lots of visitors. The living room or another place where your puppy will spend most of his time. In addition to the previous step, you can include a few toys—but not the prized ones—and a couple of throw blankets to make it feel cozy. Keep the crate door open, and if your puppy enters the crate voluntarily, reward them with a treat and compliment them on a job well done. Your dog will quickly realize that getting into the crate is good. You should give in even if they come in and out often to obtain treats. With the help of this positive reinforcement, your Goldendoodle puppy will learn that when he enters, pleasant things will happen to him. Step Four: Use Play Fetch to Keep Your Goldendoodles active A game of fetch may help your puppy enter the crate on his own if he is having trouble doing so. In the same room as the kennel, start by playing a game of fetch with his favorite toy. Throw the toy into the crate after some back and forth. At first, your puppy could seem a little wary, but that is okay. Tell him it is ok and encourage him gently. Give your puppy a treat and praise when it goes in to grab the toy. They will soon overcome their anxiety about the intimidating large metal item and enter independently. Then you can resume rewarding them every time they come in by themselves. Step Five: Feeding Your Goldendoodle Feeding your dog in the crate is another tactic to introduce them to the idea of crate training. Give your puppy the crate command after preparing their supper. After doing this for a few days, you should tell it the proper order so that they enter the crate before receiving food. A constructive technique to show them that the crate is not a frightening or punishing place is to conduct all everyday activities there. Step Six: Do not rush things — Start small It is time to let your puppy out of the crate now that they know it is fun and a way to receive treats. However, you should not just toss them in and call it a day. To begin with, go slowly. Take care of all their requirements first, including eating, drinking, using the restroom, and taking off their collars. Give your puppy a treat and a special toy before putting him in the crate. Walk out the door to give your dog the impression that you are leaving the house. Nevertheless, start with 5 minutes, do not go any longer. Every Goldendoodle should have access to a room where they can rest, feel protected, and find shelter. This is the ideal use for a crate! The crate your puppy is in will serve as their bedroom. It provides them with a private sanctuary where they can unwind. A crate also serves several functions that can benefit both you and your Doodle. Crate training is beneficial because it teaches your Goldendoodle to regulate its urine and bowel movements, which can help with potty training. Dogs will typically try their best not to soil the area where they sleep. They will want to keep their crate as tidy as they can as a result. Puppies will inevitably make mistakes over time. As a result, be careful to check on your puppy frequently while in the crate so you can clean up after them. When dogs get used to their kennel, they frequently enter it to relax or sleep. This is comparable to what dogs do while searching for a dugout or den in the wild. Finally, a crate can help prevent teething in your Doodle. As their teeth erupt, Goldendoodle puppies frequently chew on numerous objects. You can teach them that it is improper to chew on your clothing, shoes, or other personal objects by educating them to only bite on chew toys when they are in the crate. What to Avoid when Crate Training? Having learned how to crate train a Goldendoodle puppy, you need to know certain things to avoid. While it sounds straightforward to train your Goldendoodle, a few things might go wrong during the first several months of training. This might undo all the progress you have achieved for months. Here are some things to avoid at all costs if you want your puppy to pick things up quickly. Invading their Space Invading the place is the first mistake that individuals make. This crate is still a learning tool for your puppy. Additionally, you want it to have a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for your pet. You should let your puppy be if he is sleeping, eating, or exploring things in the crate. Using the crate to punish your Goldendoodle Using the crate as a punishment tool for your pet can also undermine crate training. Do not use a crate as a timeout if your dog destroys your favorite pair of shoes or has an accident in the house. Every time you leave the house, your dog will think he has done something wrong if you use the crate as a punishment tool. Because your puppy is oblivious to his mistakes when you leave, it may even develop separation anxiety in the future. Saying goodbyes and farewell to your doodle Most times, people do not consider how they say goodbyes when crate training a Goldendoodle. Your pet might get anxious once you talk a lot about leaving. Your puppy will learn that your departure is terrible through your tearful farewells. In addition, your puppy experiences anxiety while waiting for you to get home from work. As a result, you will want to remain calm during each situation. Give your dog the crate command and walk away imperturbably, as if you were just brushing your teeth. Also, take care of business first when you get home. They will be pleased, but they will soon need to go pee. You can greet them when you return by playing a nice game. A pet can get uncomfortable and even suffocate in a too small crate, while a too big crate can prevent the creature from feeling snug. Even a wider crate will tempt the dog to rest in the corner and relieve himself on the opposite side. The best way to get a comfortable crate size for Goldendoodle puppy is to measure it. It is the best technique that will also save you cost and space. Then add four inches to the measurement from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose. It is preferable to provide the Goldendoodle with a larger crate so they can stand up and spin around easily without bumping their heads. The Doodle can lie down on any side by putting its paws out in front of them. In addition, finding the proper crate size for a Goldendoodle puppy is more difficult than for an adult Goldendoodle. Fortunately, there is a recommended crate size for standard Goldendoodle puppy. Crates should be the following sizes for Goldendoodles: 42 inches Goldendoodle dog crate size is suitable for a standard Goldendoodle. Choose 36 inches Goldendoodle crate size for the miniature Goldendoodle since it is big enough to accommodate it. Overall, consider a large crate with a divider for your Goldendoodle since it will enable the necessary room for your puppy to grow. Simply take out the partition once it reaches adulthood. Goldendoodle and Appropriate Size of Crate Goldendoodles are a new breed of dog that came about when golden retrievers and poodles were bred together. Nevertheless, the type and size of your Goldendoodle will depend on the size of the parents and the breeds crossed with. Here is a rundown of the Goldendoodle size and their equivalent crate size. Mini Goldendoodle The average adult weight and height of miniature Goldendoodles are 15—35 pounds and 13—17 inches, respectively. You require a crate size for mini Goldendoodle puppy to be at least thirty inches for these mini breeds that are toy-poodle mixes. Medium Goldendoodle Medium Goldendoodles weigh 35 to 50 pounds on average as adults and stand 17 to 21 inches tall. Although the weight and height of medium Goldendoodles can vary slightly the crate size for medium Goldendoodle puppy is at least 36 inches. Standard Goldendoodle Standard Goldendoodles will mature to an adult weight of 50 to 75 pounds and a height of 22 inches or more. There are several times when you should put your Goldendoodle puppy in a crate. It also makes them feel better. However, when is it necessary to use a crate? First, put your pet in the crate when you are not around to watch them. So, if you need to go to work or take care of the yard, just put your Goldendoodle in a crate. Nevertheless, do not forget to feed or give them other things they need. Therefore, you can keep them safe and prevent damage to the house. Another time to get a crate is when you observe your puppy getting extremely excited. In this situation, you need to place them inside the crate pending when they cool down. Nevertheless, you should not use a crate to punish them. To make them feel secure, you can provide chew toys to keep them active. Furthermore, if you are traveling to another city, you can get a crate for your puppy. Putting the pet in a crate for a long walk keeps them safe and makes it easy for you to carry the pet. Lastly, putting a new puppy in a crate can be helpful, especially if you already have an older pet. Goldendoodle puppies are highly active, and their noise can bother other pets. Therefore, a crate will give the older pet a break and protect the puppy. The most important thing to remember is that Goldendoodles should not be crated for more than five hours per day. If not, there may be many complications. For instance, Goldendoodles, who thrive in social situations, are happy dogs. In addition, you should not kennel a Goldendoodle if it has separation anxiety because doing so will worsen the situation. Broken teeth or chipped claws are other significant symptoms that the pet was not kept in the crate. This suggests that the Doodle is unhappy in the crate and is attempting to get out. If you see such actions, you should also consult the veterinarian. Finally, you should not crate the Doodle if the vet advises against it due to health problems like arthritis or inflamed joints. To provide the dog with a blissful experience, buying the correct size cage and crate training are helpful processes. Remember, your pet should not fear the crate. How to Clean Your Goldendoodle Crate? Dogs usually keep their crates clean, which is one of the many fascinating things about them. But after a while, even a clean crate can start to smell bad. Take all the blankets and toys out of the crate. Throw the mats into the washer. Disinfect the toys or throw them in the washer with the blankets if they can handle them. Use a hand-held bath or a microfiber cloth washed in clean water to clean the crate. Put one tablespoon of soft dish soap per gallon of warm water in a bucket. Clean the metal by rinsing the cloth in warm soapy water. Use a brush to get rid of rust or dirt that has built up. Make sure you remove all the soap because dish soap can make dogs sick. Use a disinfectant by sprinkling it on and wiping it off with a sponge. Look up with your pet store about cleaning products that are safe for pets. Spray the metal crate liberally with the acid solution after filling a spray bottle with it. After around 15 minutes, rinse the acid solution with regular water if the vinegar smells repulsive. Use a washcloth to soak up all the water, so the metal does not rust. When the crate is dry, your pet can go back in. We suggest getting a inch dog crate for a Miniature Goldendoodle. On the other hand, for standard and large Goldendoodles, we recommend a inch crate. A inch dog crate will be fine if you want to give your big Goldendoodle a little more room. A inch dog crate is the best size for a Miniature Goldendoodle. You can also use other crate size if it provides the needed space for your doodle. Because standard Goldendoodles are a big breed, you will need a big crate—at least 36 to 42 inches wide for a pound Goldendoodle. Leave the Doodle in the crate for a few hours in the beginning. However, never keep a puppy or adult Goldendoodle in a crate for longer than five hours. In addition, ensure you use the crate size for eight-week-old Goldendoodle rather than choosing a smaller one. Your Goldendoodle puppy should not be in the crate for more than 4 hours. If they wait too long, they will start to feel anxious, angry, and distant, which are all signs of depression. An adult can spend the night in the crate if they go to the bathroom before and after. Conclusion The crate size for Goldendoodle you choose will depend on several factors. However, following the correct Goldendoodle dog crate size chart, you should get the perfect one for your puppy. However, it is important to buy a good crate since your puppy might use it for a long time. Nevertheless, knowing the crate size for your Goldendoodle is not enough as you need to learn how to clean it if you want your pet to stay comfortable and healthy. Related Posts. What size crate for a Miniature Goldendoodle? The right size crate for a Miniature Goldendoodle is around a two-foot crate that comes built-in with a divider. It is helpful as you just put the divider in the crate so your Miniature Goldendoodle will be able to use it from puppyhood until he becomes an adult. The key here is not to give too much room in the crate to a small pup as he might use it for potty time. Some Miniature Goldendoodles will require a smaller crate, some will require a bigger crate. However, it is essential to select a crate that will fit your Miniature Goldendoodle for its adult-sized body, not only its puppy body. If you are not sure how big your Miniature Goldendoodle will grow, it might be smart to wait until your pup turns 1 year and gets to its full size. If you choose to crate train your Miniature Goldendoodle from an early age, you might end up getting two different crates. I waited for my Miniature Goldendoodle to turn 8 months and then bought him a crate. I waited this long just so I could get a clear picture of how big my dog was going to be. When selecting a crate for your Miniature Goldendoodle, it is very important to know that they should have space to move around. Your Miniature Goldendoodle should be able to stand up and turn around inside the crate. A small crate for an adult-sized Miniature Goldendoodle will definetly not be comfortable and might affect their overall health. Too large of a crate might cause more trouble for Miniature Goldendoodles that suffer from separation anxiety. No dog likes to use the place where they rest as a bathroom. Determining the crate size for a Miniature Goldendoodle is not the only thing that you need to consider when selecting a crate. As a pet parent, you must consider the type of crate, material, and bedding. These choices should be made depending on how long will your Miniature Goldendoodle stay in the crate, and where the crate will be located. Miniature Goldendoodles are small to medium-sized mixed dogs, but their size can depend on the two dogs combined. The size of the parents will determine the size of the Miniature Goldendoodle. My point is, there is no way to precisely determine the size of your Miniature Goldendoodle while he is still a pup. That is why I suggest you get a two-foot crate with a divider. That way, when your puppy is still young, you can use the divider leaving him an area big enough for him. As he grows older and bigger, you just move the divider leaving him more and more space to move around. A friend of mine bought two crates for his Miniature Goldendoodle. The first one he used until his pup turned 9 months and then he switched to a two-foot crate. He could have saved money if he knew that there were crates with a divider built-in. Is it safe to use a crate for my Miniature Goldendoodle? It is perfectly safe to use a crate for your Miniature Goldendoodle. Moreover, with proper crate training, your Miniature Goldendoodle will have his own place where he can relax and sleep after a long day of activities. Did you know that crates can be used as an emotional, mental, or physical break from the stresses of life? I look at crates as a safe haven for dogs. My Miniature Goldendoodle just loves when my mom drops by at our house. Then, when she leaves, he is so devastated and always ends up getting into trouble. This is when crates come in handy. Crating your Miniature Goldendoodle whenever your mom, dad, or neighbor comes to visit you will keep their behavior under control and also provide them with a safe place where they can relieve stress. The crate for your Miniature Goldendoodle is a comfortable place, the same like our bedroom is to us, humans. If we take the size and the material of the crate into consideration, we can choose the best crate for our Miniature Goldendoodles. The key here is to choose the appropriate size, high-quality material of the crate itself, and the most comfortable fabric for the bedding. Why do Miniature Goldendoodles need a crate? Miniature Goldendoodles need a crate because they need a safe place to hide whenever life is too stressful and difficult. They are very emotional dogs and can easily get overwhelmed when you go to work, or when the house is filled with people. Having a crate means that your Miniature Goldendoodle can get away from the distractions and deal with the stress. A crate is also a very comfortable place to sleep. It is also their own place and their safe haven. This must be respected by everyone in the house, including your children and other pets. No one should be inside the crate or use it for whatever reason. What are the benefits of having a crate? There are many benefits to crate training a Miniature Goldendoodle. Most importantly, those benefits are both for the parent and the dog. The most important benefit is providing safety for the Miniature Goldendoodle. A crate is a place of refuge and a safe place to hide when life gets complicated. Regardless of what age and size your Miniature Goldendoodle is, you still need a crate. Crate training your Miniature Goldendoodle will discourage it from using the house as a bathroom. How do I ensure that the crate is a positive and happy place for my Miniature Goldendoodle? The best way to ensure that the crate that you bought is a safe and happy place for your Miniature Goldendoodle is to make it as comfortable as possible. The key is to provide a stress-free area with privacy, great bedding, and food and water nearby. I call my crate a 5-star hotel for dogs. When crate training your Miniature Goldendoodle , make sure to place inside some of your clothing with your scent on it. The next thing that you want inside the crate is lots of toys. Finish off by providing the best possible bedding for your dog. Go for a happy and positive ambient. Do not send your Miniature Goldendoodle to the crate as a punishment, ever.

glamorous poodle puppies - Share 0 Shares When looking for Golden Retriever puppies for sale in California, it is important to keep the quality of the breeder in mind. You want to make sure that the breeders use healthy parents that have undergone testing for genetic health as well as health for eyes, heart, hips, and elbows. Golden Retrievers are prone to cancer , so a knowledgeable breeder is imperative. Consider looking into a breeder who uses English Golden Retrievers in their program. English lines have been shown to have up to a two-year longer lifespan than purely American lines. English Golden Retrievers are often lighter than standard American Goldens. Another aspect to consider when looking for a Golden Retriever puppy in California is if the parents have any Championship titles. This could be in conformation, obedience, agility, or even hunting. Depending on what you want to accomplish with your puppy, these aspects might be important to you. If you are wanting a purebred Golden Retriever, it is also advisable to get a puppy from an AKC registered breeder. It is a small family kennel that breeds English Golden Retrievers. They are passionate about raising quality dogs bred from genetically healthy parents that also pass their health certifications. The puppies are raised inside the home and treated like one of their own dogs. They are well socialized and go through a great enrichment program during their developmental time at Nicholberry farms. Many puppies from this breeder have gone on to become certified therapy dogs. There is even a part of their website dedicated to their puppies that have gone on to be working dogs from therapy to bomb detection to acting! They clearly love their puppies and are a great opinion for considering a future furry family member. To ensure the safety of our readers and the right fit for a new pet, we work hard to make sure only the most trusted breeders are featured on the site. We have a dedicated team that works hard and has done extensive research that involves checking both the breeder and their dogs, to verify that the breeders featured on our site are highly reputable and trustworthy. Feedback on Google and Facebook is also taken into consideration before they are listed as a breeder to have the highest standards possible. We hope that this gives you a little more information about how we list breeders on our site. Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale in California: Golden Retrievers are a hugely popular breed worldwide, thanks to their reputation as loyal pets and good hunting dogs. However, with so many breeders to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one is the best fit for you and your family. California is a great state to get a Golden Retriever, and there are plenty of reputable and ethical breeders to choose from. I have compiled a list of the top 14 Golden Retriever breeders in California, based on their breeding history, customer reviews, and service quality. Most of these breeders are hobbyists who breed for love, not money. With this list, you should be able to find the perfect Golden Retriever for your family. They are located in Southern California and they pride themselves on being an ethical breeder of quality Golden Retriever dogs. They source their breeding stock from all over the USA and Europe. This allows them to get the best genetics possible and produce healthy offspring. They want all of their puppies to go to good homes where they will be loved as family members. Additionally, all puppies are sold with limited registration. This means that the new family will not be able to breed their dog. The breeder only wants their puppies to go to homes where they will be treated as family dogs and not used for breeding purposes. The pups come microchipped, vets checked, dewormed, and doggy door trained. They also come with a 1-year health guarantee. Golden Retriever Breeder Info:.


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glamorous poodle puppies - When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Well-bred Labradors are relatively low maintenance, fit and healthy dogs. But your Labradors continuing health and well-being does depend entirely on you. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, grooming, preventive measures and regular visits to the vet are the real key to maintaining a high level of wellness and good health. All these actions are your responsibility and solely under your control. Daily routines will be diet control, exercise and physical inspections. Weekly routines will be grooming, ears, eyes, teeth and nail care. Quarterly routines could be shared between visits to the vet, a canine dentist and bathing. And the annual routine will be vaccinations. Just remember that prevention is always better than cure, so doing your best to prevent any illness and catching problems at the earliest possible stage is the goal to aim for. The following are all areas where you only need a little knowledge to effectively take care of your Labrador well. And if you cannot dedicate this time and effort, then in the nicest possible way, you might be better suited to a pet with less demanding care requirements such as goldfish. Making Safe Your Home and Garden Labradors are a lively and inquisitive breed, especially during their first three years so you need to keep dangerous household items out of their reach. Conceal electrical wiring…we all know of their infamous love for chewing. Sharp teeth and electricity do not mix! A Labrador can easily choke on wrappings or trash that may be swallowed along with edible scraps. Labs are smart and opening cupboards and drawers soon becomes easy for them. Be mindful of the toxicity of certain plants — Over plants have been identified as toxic to dogs , so be sure to research any plant before bringing it into your home. Fence of any ponds or pools in your yard. These are just a few points to consider around your home and garden, there are many more. Just try to put yourself in your Labradors shoes and take a good look at his environment as he would see it. Try to see how he could get into trouble and take measures to prevent it. Click here for a more detailed guide on puppy-proofing your home and garden. Brushing also helps to shake loose dirt out of and spread the natural oils throughout their coat for that desirable, healthy glossy look we know and love. Related article: The Best vacuums for removing pet hair from your home. Frequent baths will strip their oils, leaving them prone to wet and cold in winter, causing dry skin and making their coat look dull and not shiny. Keeping Nails Trim Most Labradors will need a nail trim every 2 to 3 months, although some may never need it. Regularly walking your dog on hard ground, especially sidewalks and roads, will have a natural filing effect and keep your dogs claws in order. This can make them sore and bleed. Ear Care What with a Labradors slightly drooping ears and their love of water, the inside of their ears can sometimes retain too much moisture, causing bacteria to build up and infections to form. I shall be writing an article on this very soon. Just some of the problems a Labrador may have with its teeth are gum disease, loose teeth, cracked or broken teeth, root abscesses and a build up of tartar. These can be very uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to further problems if neglected. Therefore, you need to inspect their teeth regularly, take measures to clean their teeth and even visit a professional canine dentist every 6 months or annually for a thorough check up and any necessary treatments. Treat their teeth like you would your own. Dealing with Parasites Controlling fleas, ticks and other parasites is essential for keeping your Labrador healthy. Immediate problems include extreme irritation and skin sores, but extreme infestations can lead to more dangerous problems including Lyme disease and tape worms. If you stick to a regular grooming schedule as you should! Simply brush your hand against the lie of your Labradors fur and watch for any small moving dots and check for any clearly visible ticks. There are many safe and effective over-the-counter flea control products , many of which contain formulations to prevent ticks at the same time. Finally, depending on where you live in the world, you may need to put your Labrador on medication for heartworm. Where mosquitoes are a problem, they can pass on heartworm and this can be fatal. Even the medicine for heartworm makes your dog very ill so prevention is definitely better than cure! Diseases such as distemper, rabies, hepatitis and parvoviros to name just a few. Your puppy will have had his first shots at five or six weeks before you got to take him home, and he will need a few further shots over a period of up to 18 weeks. A rabies shot usually follows at 6 months of age or so. After this, your adult Labrador will need just a single booster each year to stay protected. For many facts on vaccinations and the schedule you should follow when vaccinating your puppy, please click here. Dogs need a balance of vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins different to that of a human and feeding them on human leftovers can lead to malnutrition, as can a diet based on cheap filler packed dog food. You should perform a little research to find and use a recognized healthy brand of dog food that will cater to your Labradors needs. To help with this, please see our articles that list 4 of the best foods for Labrador puppies opens in new window or the best dog foods for adult Labradors opens in new window …yours really will thrive on these handpicked, quality foods! Additionally, the best thing you can do is set up a feeding schedule for your dog, twice per day being the recommended, and be mindful of any extra treats. Your Lab should always be well fed but not over-fed. I shall discuss this more in a later article. An Important Note On Drastic Changes In Eating And Drinking Habits If your dog is off their food, drinks way too much or way too little for a period of time more than 36 hours, you should call your vet as this is almost surely a sign of an underlying problem. They are voracious eaters and will eat just because they can, not because they need it. Excess weight can lead to all sorts of issues including arthritis and heart problems. To prevent this, control their diet and give them plenty of exercise for them to burn off those calories. They really do need very little exercise of just a few short minutes a couple of times per day. Too much exercise for a puppy can cause skeletal formation issues and plays a large part in joint problems. Take it easy until your puppy is at least a year old. Bedding and Shelter A Labrador should always have a soft surface to lay upon. To prevent this you should get your Lab a large sized dog bed or line a crate to offer a soft and comfortable place to rest. If your Lab spends any amount of time outside, you must provide shelter to offer an escape from the sun in summer, and preferably the shelter should have a raised floor so the wet and cold is kept away in winter. If your Lab puppy gets used to sleeping in a bed of yours or your children, it will be a hard habit to break and will more than likely end in separation anxiety and night-time whining. You want your Labrador to be comfortable alone for periods of time and should start forming this habit ASAP. Training The importance of training your Labrador cannot be overstated. A dog is a dog and not a human. You need to teach your dog how to behave and what your instructions are asking them to do. Before a puppy can become a trusted, well-behaved dog they have a lot of learning to do…and you a lot of teaching! To learn from the written word, I am part way through building the ultimate resource in the form of this site. Routines for feeding, exercise, grooming and visits to the vet are all easily managed with a little knowledge and by planning a schedule in advance and sticking to it. Spending quality time with your Lab is also key, especially regular grooming sessions. You should also attempt to learn your dogs normal living habits, how much he eats, drinks and sleeps. Anything To Add? As always, if you have any questions, would like to offer feedback, suggestions or further advice on the subject, please do so in the comments section below. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. 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. They help you find the information you need right now. You might also want to check out our sections on Labrador Puppy Training. Do let us know what you would like to see added to the site. We are always happy to have your comments and suggestions. When To Collect Your Puppy We highly recommend that puppies are not removed from their breeder until they are 8 weeks old. There are lots of good reasons for this. It helps puppies develop good bite moderation skills before they are adopted into a family, ensures that they are ready to adapt quickly to their new life. And it helps to reduce the sad numbers of puppies bred for a quick profit. Puppies sold under seven weeks old often have health problems and need special care, and extra veterinary attention. Check out the following articles for further information: When can puppies leave their mother Your first puppy Your first puppy is a huge adventure. You have so much fun ahead. Labradors are generally very friendly dogs, but they can also be very distractible. So do start daily training games, using plenty of food. You can get regular training tips from Pippa by email, using the box below. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. These dogs are so popular for some great reasons: Bouncy, cheerful, loyal, and enthusiastic Good with kids and other pets Above-average intelligence and trainability when positive reinforcement training methods are used Loves to play games, especially fetch People-oriented and eager to please Even temper and gentle disposition However, no dog is perfect! Labs originated in Newfoundland in the s and were bred from St. They were valued by fisherman for their trainability, trustworthiness, and work ethic. Fulfilling their retriever name, they would dive into icy cold waters to help pull in fishing nets and occasionally catch stray fish that had escaped. Today the Labrador comes in two varieties: the American tall and lanky or English short and stocky. Both American and English ancestries present all three color versions—black, blonde, and brown. When given plenty of vigorous exercise and attention, these sweethearts are gentle and well-behaved in the home. All you need is a ball to throw and your Lab will love you for life! The Labrador Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Labrador. By knowing about health concerns specific to Labrador Retrievers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Labrador Retrievers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Labrador Retrievers. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Lab looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your Lab is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Labrador Retrievers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Labrador Retrievers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Labrador is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Labrador Retrievers Bloat Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Labrador is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Your Labrador Retriever is prone to a chronic liver disease called hepatitis that may develop around middle age. Hepatitis is usually diagnosed through blood testing or liver biopsy, and can be treated with medication and special diets. Signs of liver disease do not usually occur until most of the liver is already damaged or destroyed, so early detection and intervention through routine blood screening is essential for early treatment. Bleeding Disorders Your Labrador Retriever is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test as we may not otherwise know whether your pet has hemophilia until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. If the immune system destroys red blood cells, your dog quickly becomes anemic, weak, and lethargic. His gums will look whitish or yellow instead of a normal bright pink color. Sometimes an emergency transfusion of red blood cells or platelets is needed. Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Labrador Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! The cranial cruciate ligament is one of four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, including your Lab. Usually, surgical correction can stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary for the best outcomes. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like when playing Frisbee are key in avoiding these painful injuries. When Labrador puppies are allowed to grow too quickly, the cartilage in their joints may not attach to the bones properly. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans, or OCD. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Our recommended growth rate for Labrador Retriever puppies is no more than four pounds per week. Feed a large-breed puppy diet rather than an adult or regular puppy diet. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, causes a wobbly, drunken gait in affected pets. Wobbler disease is the result of a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck that pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. When pinched, the nerves do not send signals to the brain as they should causing the pet to be unable to feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice with wobbler disease are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Treatment options include medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Labs have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Bleeding Tumor Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Labrador Retrievers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Lymphoma Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Labrador Retrievers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Unfortunately, Labrador Retrievers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. This is a common problem in dogs, and your Lab is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite, and reduced activity level followed later by a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss. Treatment usually includes oral medications and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and Labrador Retrievers are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us at or call an emergency hospital. Heart Disease Some breeds like your Labrador can be born with a variety of heart defects. Defects can also cause problems with heart valve function or the electrical signals that control the heartbeat. Special testing will be recommended if we hear a heart murmur or if you notice any unusual symptoms such as tiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly, or fainting. Exercise Induced Collapse Exercise induced collapse, or EIC, is just what it sounds like — a young, apparently healthy Labrador collapses to the ground suddenly while exercising. After a few minutes, the weakness passes and he is able to get up again. Dogs affected with EIC cannot run or exert themselves for long periods of time, especially not in hot weather, so a day of hunting or strenuous hiking is not a good idea for these pets. Heat stroke can also occur in conjunction with EIC. Genetic testing can be done to diagnose this disease and to screen dogs before breeding. Muscle Disease Labrador Retrievers may develop a disease of the muscles called myopathy between three and seven months of age. Physical signs of myopathy include bunny hopping, loss of muscle tone in the limbs, a stiff gait, and carrying the head low. Typically, affected pets are treated through reduced stress and occasionally with medication as well. Most dogs with myopathy are stabilized by twelve months of age and are able to have a normal life span. While they are suitable as house companions, strenuous exercise is not recommended, so no hunting or working! Taking Care of Your Labrador Retriever at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Lab live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Labrador Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Always walk your Lab on a leash as she has a tendency to run off after interesting smells and people. She has a passion for water, and swimming is a perfect form of exercise for this water retriever. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Labrador Retriever needs help.