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I own a seal brindle Pit Bull puppy myself, they are not a rare pattern any more. The seal brindle coloring is not a genetic flaw, the occurrence of this is caused by the darker dominant color over the less dominant fawn color. Many of your probably have heard friends or neighbors saying, I have a reverse brindle Boxer. You are asking to yourself, well what in the world is a reverse brindle Dog? Depending on your location in the world, these names are used interchangeably. Seal Brindle Boxers, Seal Brindle Boxer Puppies I will concentrate on Boxers in this article as they are the most popular breed being referred to as seal brindle dogs. The coloring of the seal brindle boxers are greatly affected by the light source. The brindle coloring is much more visible in lighter environments. In dark lighting the brindle color do not show and the dog will just appear to be black. You will especially notice this when the flash is off in your camera while taking pictures of seal brindle boxers. Here is a beautiful picture of a seal brindle Boxer, you can tell the lighted areas of the picture will stand out and the darker areas will just look black. There are no black boxers, if you look carefully in the head and back legs this dog is indeed reverse brindle. Seal brindle Boxers are just recognized as regular brindle dogs with the American Kennel Club. The brindle in them hovers over and makes them appear black. If a parent has a dominant brindle gene, most likely the puppies will be brindle regardless of their mothers color. It is also interesting to note that dogs such as Boxers can be seen only in brindle, fawn and white colors. The white coloring is due to no coloring at all, this happens when the flashing genes from both the parents are given to the puppy which leads to flashing. When only one parents donates the flashing gene it aids to white markings on the coat of the dog. If you are wondering about the nail colors, yes two white flashing genes will make the dogs nails all clear. Pit Bulls come in one of the most variety of colors among dog breeds. Seal brindle dogs share darker nails compared to other dogs. Here is a picture of a seal brindle Pit Bull Dog. Here is some of the coolest Brindle Boxer merchandise that you can buy! What is Reverse Brindling? A Reverse Brindle Boxer is a type of Boxer that has a unique coat pattern. This pattern is characterized by light and dark stripes running across their body in the opposite direction from normal brindling. Depending on the individual dog, the stripes may be slightly more noticeable or less distinct. For example, reverse Brindle Boxers are often found to have a light-colored undercoat and dark stripes that run across their backs. Regular brindle coloring is the dominant brindle gene on boxers. A reverse brindle pattern is harder to find but is part of the Boxer breed standard. Is a Reverse Brindle Boxer Rare? They are very rare. The price increases if the puppy has a good pedigree or rare and desirable markings. According to the American Kennel Club, reverse brindling is part of the boxer breed standard. The brindle ranges from sparse but clearly defined black stripes on a fawn background to such a heavy concentration of black striping that the essential fawn background color barely, although clearly, shows through which may create the appearance of reverse brindling. Reverse brindle coats on a boxer do not them their own breed. For the most part, Boxers with Reverse Brindling generally behave in the same manner as their traditional brindled counterparts. They are loyal, intelligent, and devoted companions who can be a great addition to any family or home. They tend to be friendly with people they know but can be wary of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs. Boxers are a healthy dog breed with few genetic health issues. However, as with any dog breed, they can be prone to certain issues, such as hip dysplasia and other joint problems. Share this:. Boxer dog breed. The Boxer dog is a medium-sized dog breed originally developed in Germany. He had imported Boxers from Germany and then sold them to pet shops all across the country. These dogs quickly became the ideal mixed breed. Boxers are sport dogs! Boxers are often associated with bad boys in sports. They need to be exercised daily. Boxer mix-breeds are very energetic. Due to their sporting reputation, they can be bought for a reasonable price and used as trail dogs. You may like : why is my dog panting? Boxers coat colors. There are generally two options for those who want to get a Boxer. Fawn and Bridle are their primary coat colors. However, all boxers have white markings with underbelly and around the feet. Another color for Boxers is white. Due to their genetics, they are susceptible to many diseases such as deafness. Therefore, the white Boxer is less desirable. What is Brindle? Brindle, also known as tiger-striped, is a type of color coat. Complex gene processes result in the Brindle color. When one gene from each parent is mixed with a recessive characteristic from the other parent, the result is called Brindle. Each parent has one copy of each recessive trait, while the offspring will have two copies. So the offspring are usually less strong than pure-breds. Therefore, it is harder to pass on other characteristics. Brindle pattern is common in cats and dogs. Horses can also exhibit the brindle pattern, but it rarely happens. Who is Black mask Boxers. Boxers with a primarily black appearance are few and far between, although they do exist. Sealed Brindle is not a color that is different from any other shade of Brindle. It is a term used in North America simply to describe a dog with such a heavy concentration of brindle boxers stripes to have the appearance of being a dark dog. While brindle coats are often fawn with darker stripes, they appear the other way around with deep brownish basic coat and conspicuously paler streaking. Note that white markings can appear in brindle and fawn boxers alike. Not all boxers have white coloration, however. White brindle markings on boxers typically show up on their feet, faces, stomachs, and chests. When boxers have particularly sizable white markings, it gives them a predominantly white look. Brindle Boxer American kennel club recognition. The truth is, if you have a flashy brindle Boxer, you may be out of luck. In the latter part of the AKC Boxer breed standards, it is stated explicitly that Boxers with white markings covering at least one-third of the body shall be disqualified. If you have doubts about the breed standards, you may reach out to the AKC through their dog registration page. The perks of having your Boxer AKC-registered include eligibility in pet shows, agility contests, and more. When the brindle gene from each parent is mixed with a recessive characteristic from the other parent, the result is called Brindle. Brindle coat pattern is common in cats and dogs. Brindle Boxers. One of the most famous Boxer colors is fawns, and brindles are the two main types of boxers. Boxers call Brindle when they have a striking, eye-catching tiger striping pattern. This pattern has been stripped of its black striping and placed on a fawn background. What are the Brindle colors? Black and tan are the most widespread brindle colors. There are also white brindle varieties. Black Brindle and tan Brindle look great together. White Brindle can be very pale or very dark. You may like: why does my dog stare at me? What is reverse Brindle? Reverse Brindle is a possibility with any brindle breed. The reverse is a coat color in specimens of certain dog breeds. To be Brindle or reverse is a genetic matter. Breeds with the pattern tend to have Brindle as their dominant color. As mentioned before, the brindle pattern in boxers is a dark striping on the fawn background. On the other hand, the reverse Boxer has fawn striping on a dark background. Reverse brindle Boxer and pure-bred Boxer. Reverse brindles crosses are common in mixed breed Boxers, French Bulldogs , Corgis , and many other dog breeds. The dogs may look similar, but they do not have the same appearance. Pure-bred Boxers are more likely to be crossbred and to show some inbreeding. However, Boxers with reverse brindles can still have some inbreeding. If you carefully examine the dogs, you will still tell that they are mixed breeds. The reverse Brindles in a pure-bred lacks the prominent color markings and is, therefore, less strong than crossbred dogs. You may like : English Cream Dachshund Characteristics. Mixed breeds with a reverse dog are known to display a few specific characteristics. The chest and face will often have silver or white markings. These areas will be darker in Boxers than pure-bred Boxers. The white stripes running along the back of their head are another feature. Another noticeable trait is that pure breed Boxers with reverse seal brindle will almost always have some amount of black fur on the body. It does not necessarily mean that the dog was dyed but can still be considered part of the overall Black Boxer coat. Most pure-breed Boxers will have some black fur. You may like : why do dogs have whiskers Black Boxers vs. White Boxers. On the other hand, Black boxers can only be found in pure line litter. A pure white Boxer crossed with a black poodle will result in a half-white Boxers. It is easy to see the difference. This resulted in offspring with a darker coat. Reverse Brindle vs. Fawn Boxer. Reverse Brindle is also an alternative to the fawn-boxer. However, the main difference between the reverse and the fawn boxer is that the reverse will use a black undercoat, while the fawn will use a white one. These colors make them very appealing. They can mix with other dogs without problems. You may like : what vegetables can dogs eat? Which one is better, Brindle puppy or reverses Brindle puppy? It all depends on your needs as a family pet. You should consider getting a fawn or Brindle if you plan to get a pure-bred dog. They are more intelligent, loyal, friendly, and they can be good guard dog. There can be no doubt that choosing a dog breed is an often complex and sometimes overwhelming process. One to two hours of exercise, and play per day is sufficient. Brindle Vs. Reverse Brindle — How They Compare? Typically, one of the colors is brown or beige or something in between , with the pattern manifesting itself as either long stripes along the back or shorter, less uniform stripes. As the name suggests, reverse brindles have the opposite coloration of a regular brindle, i. For example, reverse brindle boxer puppies will typically be more expensive than regular brindle boxer puppies. Flashy reverse brindle boxer puppies are also rare; therefore, the price is likely to be on the most pricey end of the spectrum. When finding a breeder of flash reverse brindle boxer puppies, it is essential to carry out due diligence and only use official and authorized breeds. Alternatively, the American Boxer Club website is also a great resource for locating flashy reverse brindle boxer puppies. They have reams of pages that include breeder feedback and referrals, which will help you to identify reputable breeders from which to buy your puppy. Dark Brindle Boxer Dark brindle boxers can appear black at first sight, but in reality, they just have powerful black stripes that overpower the fawn underneath, which is visible upon closer inspection. In fact, this is widely regarded as the rarest type of boxer in existence. In reality, boxers that appear to be black merely are brindle and have close-set black stripes.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Is there anything cuter than a two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy? At eight weeks old, they are absolutely, impossibly, unbearably adorable! At two months old, a Golden Retriever is ready to leave their mother and littermates to join their new family. Some breeders will keep a puppy for a couple more weeks before sending them home, but eight weeks is very typical. Puppies at this age are usually playful and curious, with brains like little sponges. This usually only lasts a day or two, and then their true personality will shine through! They are in the prime socialization window here, which is the time between three and sixteen weeks when puppies are most open to learning about the world. Proper socialization can help you buffer against potential behavior issues as your pup matures, and teaches them how to feel and act in different situations and environments. It helps them feel confident and self-assured. A two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy is constantly learning! Make sure your puppy is learning that they are safe and that they can trust you both at home and out in the world. A fear period is a temporary span of time where a puppy may be more sensitive to things like strange people, strange dogs, inanimate objects, sounds, etc. It usually lasts about a week and you may notice your puppy showing signs of fear such as cowering, running away, growling, or barking. It can be a little scary as the owner of a puppy to see them acting this way. The good thing is that a fear period is short-lived and will pass. If they are concerned about something or someone, help them get more distance so they can observe the thing while feeling safe. They have a lot of needs and are totally dependent on you to meet those needs. Be patient as you help them learn how to live in our human world, and you can develop a strong, positive bond with your new companion. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! This is heavily influenced by genetics, but is not always the best indicator of their adult weight. Some lines of Goldens are bigger or smaller than average, so puppy size will reflect that. Your vet can help you make sure that your puppy is at an appropriate weight if you have any concerns. Eight-week-old Golden Retrievers need around 18 hours of sleep each day. Oftentimes, a puppy that is wild and bitey is in fact overly tired and in need of a nap. It may seem like they need more exercise to drain that crazy energy, but they actually need sleep. Using crates and pens can help ensure that your puppy is getting enough sleep at night and throughout the day. Many two-month-old Goldens are not good at putting themselves down for a nap, even when they really need it. So, you may need to step in and help your puppy settle in for some sleep. Make sure that their crate or pen is nice and comfy before you put them in for a nap, so they are more able to relax and fall asleep. Every puppy is different, so yours may prefer a nice cushy bed , or they may actually like laying on the bare floor. You can take note of what kinds of surfaces your puppy lays on around the house and then recreate that in the crate or pen. Covering the crate or pen with a blanket can also help make sleep easier for a two-month-old puppy, as it cuts down on the visual stimulation. Products like Adaptil spray or diffuser , and the Snuggle Puppy toy can also help a puppy settle in for sleep. Chewing and licking are naturally calming behaviors for puppies, so it can also help if you offer something like a stuffed kong , which can assist in transitioning the puppy from awake to asleep. Playing Classical music can also help a puppy feel more calm and able to sleep. At this age, most two-month-old puppies are ready for sleep after about an hour of awake time, so by following these tips, you can help make sure your puppy is getting enough quality rest. Instead, you can give them a break and see if they choose to get up, or simply scoop them up and walk home. Sometimes people get a Golden Retriever to be a running or biking companion, which can be a great thing when the pup is a fully grown adult, but is too much exercise for a young puppy. Playing with toys in the house or in the yard can be a great way for young pups to burn some of that puppy energy. If you have a yard, letting your pup safely explore and run around outside can also be a nice way to get in some exercise. You may also find that your puppy needs more sleep on some days, and on other days, they need more playtime and exercise. Golden Retrievers as a breed can also vary a lot in terms of exercise needs. Some are pretty laid back and chill and others are up for anything and want to go hard. These differences can be reflected in how much energy your puppy has, as well as in what kind and how much exercise your puppy needs. Training is an excellent way to build a positive bond with your puppy and create a way to communicate with each other. Group puppy classes can be a good option for getting started with training, as the trainer will help you learn how to train your pup. You can also hire a certified, professional trainer to come to your home and provide personalized training guidance for you and your puppy. Before you sign up with any trainer, be sure to ask them what kind of training methods and tools they use, to avoid causing any physical or mental distress for your puppy. Potty training is definitely a top priority for two-month-old puppies. They have small bladders and bowels and will need frequent trips outside to help them learn appropriate potty behavior. Crate training can also be started at this age, as learning how to be okay with confinement is an important life skill. Eight-week-old Golden Retriever puppies eat about a half cup of food three times per day. There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to feeding your two-month-old Golden. Puppies at this age need more frequent meals than adult Goldens, so three meals a day is recommended. Because two-month-old Goldens are undergoing so much growth at this stage, feed them high-quality food that can support them as they mature. Most Goldens have big appetites and will happily gobble down their meals when you serve them. Using slow feeder bowls like this bowl on Amazon , or other food dispensing toys, such as the Planet Dog Snoop , can help slow down their eating and provide them some mental stimulation while they eat. Puppies like to put things in their mouth as a way to learn and play. Unfortunately, it can be pretty painful for humans, as those puppy teeth are needle-sharp! There are, however, some things you can do to minimize and deal with the biting. First, ensure that your two-month-old Golden is getting enough sleep. Overly tired puppies tend to get super bitey and frenzied, so naps are key to preventing your puppy from turning into a piranha. Your floor might look a little cluttered, but it helps to keep toys within reach for a quick redirection. Third, you can simply give the puppy a break if they are on a biting spree. You could step on the other side of a baby gate or put them in their pen to calm down a bit, and then resume the play. This communicates to the puppy that when they bite, they lose access to you and the fun stops. A common piece of advice when dealing with puppy biting is to yelp in response to their nip, as if you were another dog. This is actually not a good way to handle puppy biting and can actually make it worse. Other puppies will be further excited by the yelp sound and come at you with even more intensity, resulting in harder bites. Good Beginnings Bringing a two-month-old Golden Retriever home is a very exciting thing. It can also feel pretty overwhelming as you figure out how to care for and train them. You might be sleep-deprived and have a couple scratches on your hand from those sharp puppy teeth, but try to keep in mind that this is the beginning of a special relationship with an incredible animal. Focus on bonding with your puppy, teaching them about the world, and creating good habits from the start. Have any questions about raising eight-week-old golden retrievers? Let me know down in the comments! Read the rest of our Golden Retriever puppy series here:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Male Labradors A male Labrador becomes fertile after six months of age and reaches his full sexual maturity once he's 12 to 15 months old. An adult male Labrador can mate at any time. If the Labrador is healthy, he may be able to keep his fertility and be sexually active until old age. It's pretty straightforward with male dogs. However, several other factors come into play when we try to breed a female Labrador. So let's talk about breeding female Labradors in detail. Female Labradors A female Labrador will have her first heat cycle after she's six months old. This is the phase in which she can get pregnant. It reoccurs around every six months until late in life. We'll talk more about the heat cycles of Labradors in the next section. You should never breed a female Labrador during her first heat cycle. She is quite young at this point, and you don't want to impose the stress of pregnancy and lactation on her as she's still growing. Even though she may be sexually active, she isn't completely mature physically. Mating during the first heat cycle increases the chance of pregnancy and other health-related complications. We shouldn't breed the female Labrador until she's physically mature. Since Labradors fall into the category of large breeds, they mature around the age of 18 to 24 months, so it's best to avoid breeding until the third heat cycle or until she's around two years old. Litter Sizes Explained Understanding Female Heat Cycles Understanding the heat cycles of your female Labrador is essential to avoid failed breeding attempts or unplanned litter of pups. When we say that a female Labrador goes into heat, we mean that her body is preparing itself for possible conception. It's your dog's reproductive cycle. Phrases such as heat cycle, breeding cycle, and periods, all refer to the same thing. A Labrador stays in the heat for around three to four weeks; there's no exact number of days, though. Although your pet may stay in the heat for up to four weeks, the days when she's most fertile begin after days into the heat cycle. This high-fertility period lasts for around five days, so you should mate the Labradors between the 10th and 14th day of the female Labrador's heat cycle. This heat cycle is divided into four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, anestrus. Let's briefly discuss each of them. Proestrus: The female dog is getting ready for pregnancy. Male dogs will start getting attracted to her, but she won't allow breeding as of yet. This stage typically lasts for nine days. You'll see physical signs such as the swollen vulva and bloody vaginal discharge. Estrus: At the beginning of this stage, the ovary releases eggs. The estrogen levels in your dog's body decline, while the progesterone levels go up. The female dog is fertile in this stage, ready to mate, and she will follow her bodily instincts and accept a male. This stage also lasts for around nine days. Diestrus: This stage lasts for two to three months or until the female Labrador gives birth if she's pregnant. She will no longer be accepting males. A bloody discharge may still be present, but it gradually stops. By the end of this stage, the hormonal levels in your dog become normal. Anestrus: This is the final stage of the heat cycle of your female dog. There's no sexual activity during this phase. Most female Labradors go into heat twice a year. The ovarian activity of a female dog starts to decline in the sixth year of her life. Most of them stop conceiving after they're seven years old. We've discussed that we should wait till the third heat cycle of a female Labrador before breeding. But what are the health concerns if a Labrador gets pregnant too early? You need to allow your Labrador's body to grow up. If the female Labrador gets pregnant before maturing physically, it'll put extra strain on her. The physical strain of carrying extra weight is a burden on the growing joints. Apart from that, pregnancy will suck out nutrients from your dog. Since the female Labrador is young, her immune system isn't fully developed. This means that she's more vulnerable to diseases and infections than an adult dog would be. Various bacteria can infect her reproductive tract, causing abortions, stillbirths, miscarriages, and even the death of the newborn puppies. Your dog may even end up dying while giving birth to the puppies. Because she hasn't fully grown, her pelvic canal may not be large enough for the puppies to fit through without endangering their own lives and the life of the mother. Here, she must go through surgery, which increases the chances of health complications for her. Since she is also not mature biologically, she is more likely to abandon her puppies than an adult mother. She may fail to care for them, which lowers their chances of survival. Performing Health Checks Before Breeding Both parent Labradors require long-term care to produce beautiful, strong puppies. They need to be physically and mentally healthy. The female Labrador should have decent muscle tone and a balanced weight before breeding. Apart from physical health, they also need to be in good mental condition. A mentally stable female Labrador will make a better mother than one that's insecure or has an unstable temperament. A month before breeding, the female Labrador should go through pre-breeding physical examinations by a vet. You need to get her checked for common health problems, such as elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and eye disorders. The vaccinations of both parent Labradors should be current, and the female Labrador should be tested for parasites as well. DNA Testing Another health check that I would highly recommend for any dog owner, but especially for one that is considering breeding, is to have DNA testing done. In recent years human DNA testing has become extremely popular with companies like 23andme emerging. People are interested in understanding their background, health sensitivities, etc. This is no different for dogs! This kit tests for over health conditions and uses over , markers to identify and build a complete genetic profile. It is simple and non-invasive. All you have to do is perform a quick oral swab and mail it in! Conclusion We've just talked about a lot of different things. Here are the important points from this article: Male Labradors reach full sexual maturity after 12 to 15 months of age. Female Labradors have their first heat cycle after six months of age. We should wait until the third heat cycle before breeding, which happens after 18 to 24 months of age. The mating should take place between the 10th and 14th day of the female Labrador's heat cycle, as she's most fertile during this period. Conception before physical maturity can cause health complications. We also need to perform pre-breeding health checks to ensure that the female Labrador is healthy and ready to conceive. What happens if you breed a female Lab at a young age? As a responsible breeder, you should be patient and wait for the natural breeding age of both male and female Labradors. When you plan to breed your dogs to get Labrador puppies, you will need to have a complete understanding of the heating cycles. A brief discussion on breeding age. Male Labradors can mate within 12 months of their age. While on the other hand, you should wait for the third heat cycle of your female lab before putting her into mating. It will be good to wait for two years to let the female lab mature enough to carry a large litter. At what age can a male Labrador mate? Soon after 6 months of age, a male Labrador is mature enough to breed and start the mating phase of its life. There is the recommendation to wait until two years because, in the 12th month, Labradors are sexually mature adult dogs. What is the best age to breed a male labrador? However, several factors play a role when you are about to allow a Labrador to breed. Male dogs of the medium to large breed need to be full size, so breeders should not put them into the stud services before two years. Some heart problems, along with hip and elbow dysplasia, may take place in them. Also, for the owner of the female Labrador, there is advice to confirm the age of the male lab before allowing any breeding. At what age can a female Labrador mate? The heat cycle phase comes after the completion of six months each year until late in life. Now again, here is a tip for you to never allow breeding during the very first heat cycle of the lab; otherwise, she may suffer from complications. At this age, she is quite young, and you should not impose the pressure of lactation and pregnancy because she is still going through her growing age. Even though female Labradors may be sexually active, she is not mature physically enough to carry multiple puppies in the womb. When is a female labrador ready to mate? Since Labradors are a large dog breed they hit their proper maturity level between 18 to 24 months. This is why you need to wait until after the third heat cycle for the female lab for them to have a large and healthy litter. Critically, not all dogs and breeds are similar in their cycle; some go into the cycle once every year. Some dogs may have their cycle multiple times each year. Abrupt changes may prompt a trip to the vet to guarantee that all is going great and in excellent condition. Female labrador heat cycle The cycle itself lasts 3 to 54 weeks. When is it too late to breed Labrador? But, with their growing age, some health issues and a reduction in litter size make it too late for the lab to breed. There is a possibility that female Labradors may suffer from genetic problems. If you are allowing the female to breed later in life, there are chances of getting serious uterus infections. However, there are some different opinions; if your female lab is healthy, you can safely let her breed over her lifetime. According to the research, Labradors usually have six puppies in each litter which reduces to four with her growing age. According to the American Kennel Club, there should be no breeding or mating when the lab is more than 8 years old. Moreover, the professionals never register the older females at the time of mating. In older age, male labs may face some difficulty in mounting, and age arthritis makes the overall mating painful. Therefore, the rule of thumb for the females is to pause breeding soon after noticing a decrease in the litter size. While on the other hand, male Labradors freeze the quality semen rather than allow breeding at the 13th year of age. As discussed above breeders should wait till the third heat cycle of the bitch Labrador before putting her into the mating phase. A 6-month-old Labrador with a healthy body can feed 4 to 12 puppies. Her immune system is not fully developed to tolerate this sudden reduction of minerals and nutrients. Furthermore, your darling lab may end up dying if you are careless to allow her to breed within the first heat cycle. Depending on the laws where you live, you may need to apply for a license from your local government. To find out if you need a license, inquire with your local law enforcement or animal control office. In many places, breeders of hunting dogs are exempt from licensing. A whelping box is a large box where your female dog will birth and nurse its puppies. Your whelping box should be 2 feet 0. Your female lab and her puppies will spend the first three weeks after birth in the box. Afterwards, the puppies and mother dog will be able to move into a cage or similar enclosure. In addition to a whelping box, you'll need cages to house your grown dogs, juveniles, and any other dogs you plan to keep as breeding stock. Grown dogs will need cages that are 42 inches cm long and 30 inches 76 cm high. Juveniles and younger dogs will fit in smaller cages, but make sure to move them into large cages when they are mature. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source The dogs should be able to easily stand up, turn around, and lay stretched out in their cages. If they can't, the cages are too small. Collect towels and sheets from friends or family. If you can't get enough, you can purchase new towels or sheets to use as bedding. Then, spread them out in your whelping box and cages. This will turn the whelping box and cage into a comfortable place for your dogs. In addition to cages, your dogs -- mature and juvenile -- will need access to open space. As a result, you should create two or three at least 20 by 40 foot 6 by 12 m fenced areas in your yard. This way, you'll be able to have dogs of different sexes and ages outside at one time. When your puppies are weeks old, you need to take them to the vet for an examination and their first set of puppy shots. If you don't take them to the vet for vaccination, you could put them at risk of contracting dangerous illnesses. Ultimately, a responsible breeder will stay in touch with their vet throughout the breeding process. Go to source Advertisement. There are many ways to go about this, I have found over the last 30 or so years of standing dogs at stud and breeding litters myself these are the most common things asked of me by new breeders. Dear Potential breeder for indeed everyone who mates a bitch is a breeder, NOT just the big competition kennels of commercial establishments , I am going to presume you are using one of our stud dogs here at Wylanbriar. In presuming that, I am taking for granted that your bitch is hip scored, elbow scored and the result is and holds a valid Annual BVA eye test certificate. It is imperative you hip and elbow score and eye test your bitch before mating her, and the results come back, and you act responsibly on those results. Its very simple, please do just enquire, I have testing kits here and its just a simple quick mouth swab and not expensive. Firstly you need to think if you have the right setup to breed a litter. You will need to be relatively fit and able bodied as it is very physically demanding, both during the mating when I will ask you to hold your bitch steady, and, then, more so, for the duration of the 8 weeks the pups are with you. You will need to be able to set aside a room for the whelping box initially, then for the bigger, active, smelly, pooing pups. Alternately you could move them around 5 weeks of age to an outside shed or kennel. They will make a hell of a lot of a noise several times a day for 5 minutes to 45 minutes usually when hungry, overtired, full of beans, restless, unable to sleep etc etc. This noise, at 6 or 7 weeks from 5 — 10 puppies is ear splitting and can cause neighbour trouble if the pups are outside. It can cause relationship problems and nerves frayed to the edge if they are inside. So to the questions I am usually asked: Before Mating. Once mated I personally would not touch a bitch with unnecessary chemicals so therefore do not deflea, detick or worm once mated, its completely unnecessary anyway. Do it before. Some vets advise worming two weeks before whelping with Panacur wormer over 3 — 5 days. I have never done this and have never found it necessary. One tablet once a day is fine so human dose. Give this through her season and pregnancy and finish around a week before whelping. Equally have her as fit as possible as a fit bitch tends to mate, whelp and rear puppies more easily. You will then not miss day one of her blood discharge which is crucially important to working out when to go to the stud dog. On day one of her season call and inform the stud dog owner that she is now in season. If you do not make this call you cannot expect them to refuse other bitches for yours who may have informed them. Even if your dog is used to meat and biscuit, change the biscuit for complete adult formula dry dog kibble. Add a little meat to it if you have to make her eat it up but she will need the goodness that complete food gives her which she would have to eat about four truckloads of meat and biscuit or poor quality complete food. I always recommend James Wellbeloved complete dog food. They may then class her as a commercial breeding dog and stop covering her or increase her premium. Be aware that no pet insurance company covers anything to do with mating, pregnancy, whelping or rearing pups. They consider this your choice and your risk. You will have to play it by ear. You should be offered two matings 48 hours apart. This is the best chance of getting your girl into pup. You will be offered a free return next season if she misses the first time round. Do not underestimate how many you will need, around 20 or so a day towards the end of the litter, get others collecting too for you. The common course of a season for most Labrador bitches is, for around 8 — 10 days they will lose varying amounts of red blood. They will wee quite a bit and hopefully their vulva will swell a little or a lot. You must be able to personally deal with touching your bitches vulva to check, dabbing her with a tissue and so on and studying her discharge. If not you will really struggle both with the physical intimacy of the mating and most certainly the whelping where being hands on is essential. However some bitches bleed right through and some lose so little blood that watching the discharge is impossible. It is usually a blood test but can be a vaginal swab. The test results will be returned to you the same day and the test should be done in the morning. The test is to find when a bitch ovulates. We also have more economical independent testing recommendations, for reputable companies, please do enquire for details. There is not, with most bitches a tiny window for catching eggs but quite a broad one, hence most healthy females mated by healthy dogs at the right time conceiving usually around 8 in 10 bitches here conceive on the first try. However mating too early before the eggs are released will render that mating useless as the sperm will find no eggs to fertilize. Breath and give it a day or two. Put it this way, in general, FAR more bitches miss if mated only on day 11 than those whose owners mate only on day 16 or 17 if they have a normal ovulation pattern. The Premate test will tell you if your bitch is too early to mate, whether ovulation is due to occur shortly, or whether it has started. Too early you can test again 48 — 72 hours later. Starting shortly means come in around 48 hours time for your first mating. Already occurring means come that day or the next day for the first mating. This is not a foolproof test but it is the best science has come up with and is very effective on healthy bitches with normal cycles. The premate test will also help a bitch on her first mating or one who is known to be difficult to mate because, should she object to the stud dogs attentions in no uncertain terms, it will be assumed, if not Premate tested, that she is not yet ready for mating. If she is Premate tested ready but is objecting at Wylanbriar we will continue to do all we can to naturally mate your bitch unless it causes her real distress in which case extra time will have to be given and a return visit, but bitches are rarely different on the second visit to the stud dog if Premate tested ready the first trip. However for a bitch who is well socialized with other dogs of all sexes, most are reasonably compliant about being mated. However be prepared that you will have to hold your bitch steady, head only, by her collar, and you will have to be confident enough even if she is vocal or growling that you must not let her go. Some bitches stand like a rock and are silent for the duration of the mating and the tie. Some are not and are extremely vocal, crying, shrieking, whining, and almost always wiggling and squirming. You must be capable of holding your bitch as steady as possible and comforting her. The mating does not generally hurt but it is a shock to a bitch, especially when they tie, and can provoke some unusual reactions from the quietest calmest girl. Equally the most nervous nelly can take it in her stride and impress everyone with her confidence and tolerance in some cases, but be aware you can never know till you are here! The Mating — Bring your bitch in a snug collar. Bring her pedigree and hip, elbow and eye certificates which I will want to see before the mating. Stud fee will be by bank transfer after the first mating. At Wylanbriar if children do come, they will not be allowed into the mating room as many are upset by the physicality of the mating process and the vocal reaction of many bitches. This is something for the boy to get himself aroused by and for me to judge his reaction to before we mate. They will send you a set of registration papers for each puppy to go home with. Be prepared for anything! I will need you to be firm and confident and calm. I will handle the dog, nothing other than holding your bitches head steady will be required from you. Do not risk a mismating by taking her where other males may be. It continues regardless even if the bitch has conceived. After Mating Do anything about your normal feeding regime for your girl. Until she is around 2 weeks from whelping she needs to remain on her normal portion of her normal food. She needs no supplements if on a good quality complete food as recommended. Supplements will only unbalance the food. There is a tendency for people to give Calcium supplements. Too much Calcium is worse than not enough and most healthy bitches produce enough to rear a litter if fed a good complete diet. Your bitch must remain fit. She is only pregnant hopefully and not ill. She needs usual exercise until her pregnancy makes her slow down naturally around 10 days before whelping. Some bitches are very active till the very last day. Let her guide you but do not fall into the trap of letting her get lazy. Apart from anything else a bitch overfed during the early weeks, and under-exercised can make you think she is in whelp by her extra podge, and infact is not. THEN you have to get that podge off her to try again next season which is very difficult. The only things I do not allow are excessive jumping in a competition sense, just in and out the car once a day or so is fine or swimming in still water like ponds and small lakes. Swimming in the sea, rivers, large lakes etc is positively encouraged and can benefit a pregnancy. The only signs of pregnancy in the early weeks up to week 5 are, a slightly swollen vulva not returning to its usual neat small form after she comes out of season. From about 2 weeks onwards a slight sickness at any time of day, white or yellow bile, but usually on an empty stomach. Nipples protruding and swelling a little from about week three after mating. A ultrasound scan can be done at around 25 days of pregnancy onwards. I find about week 5 is the most useful for an accurate reading. A bitch is pregnant for 63 days approx give or take a couple of days either way. Pups can be conceived on one or other of the two matings or a few on both. So her due date needs to be kept a little loose in your mind and plans made accordingly. From this stage till she whelps slowly swap her adult food, day by day, over to an equal volume and weight of puppy food. Around a week before her due date swap her to three meals a day to help her loaded belly! The puppy formula is smaller in size so is less bulk to digest and has more calcium and protein than the adult formula, so although the amount is not upped, what she takes on board will be by way of the extra the puppy formula offers her. She will not need it yet and she will not cope well with large quantities. When your bitch is in the process of whelping do not offer her food unless she seems hungry. However once she has finished whelping, offer her something light like scrambled eggs or a little soaked puppy food with plenty of glucose powder in it for energy. Once she has whelped and has recovered with a few hours sleep the real feeding increases kick in and she will need to be fed 5 — 6 times, day and night, with around gms of puppy complete per feed. She does not need supplements unless directed by a vet. Amounts will of course vary according to how many pups she has. I am speaking of a bitch with an average litter of between 6 and 9 puppies. More pups will require more food, less will require less. Liquid is essential and personally I add a little full fat goats milk or Nutrolac Puppy Milk powder to encourage drinking to an inch or so of warm water in a bowl around 5 times a day, alongside, leaving her normal water bowl down within reach at all times, I also add a good shake of glucose powder each time too for energy. Glucose powder is cheap and can be bought in any large supermarket or chemist. I use around boxes start to finish with a bitch with pups. Make sure you know the emergency number of your vet as most bitches whelp at night. Very generally, a bitch will be restless and pant quite heavily for anything from one to ten hours before the first puppy is produced. She will try and dig in the garden, dig in the house, dig up her bed and generally pace, whine and be stressed. This stage is nerve racking for everyone. Do not let her out your sight but do not confine her to a room or the whelping box. The stress, packing and digging all help to bring the first pup on. Allow that first pup to be born wherever she fancies it, then take him to the whelping box and this will encourage her to stay there for the others. Bitches can go anything from 5 minutes to 3 hours or even more between pups with no harm to them or pups. If she is physically pushing and noting is occurring for more than about 20 minutes call your vet for advice. But if she is sleeping, just laying, feeding pups, panting lightly or heavily or just walking about, that is fine. She can go quite some time. Longer than 3 hours between pups should prompt a call to the vet. Keep a whelping bitch active, the best way to bring on a puppy she is having trouble pushing out is to clip her lead on and walk her briskly round the garden. The movement will often help wiggle him into the correct position to be born easily. Keep the room warm but not HOT You should be more than comfortable in it in a light jumper but have a small box with a towel in, then a hot water bottle, then another towel for the pups to lay in whilst mum is distracted having the next puppy. Do not allow the pups to make direct contact with the hot water bottle. Laying another towel over the top of the box will not suffocate them and will nicely keep the heat in. I whelp in the kitchen and regulate the warmth in the room by way of turning the oven on and off. I do not use heat pads or lamps as they can discourage the bitch from laying with her pups simply because a lamp that is hot enough to warm a puppy is usually too hot for a bitch to lay comfortably underneath. If you have a healthy strong litter of multiple puppies and a mum who is happy to spend at least some time in the whelping box, and you have a centrally heated house, you will not need extra heat sources at any time of year in the UK. Cool puppies down, if it is excessively hot by putting water bottles frozen in the freezer in the whelping box. If they want the coolness they will migrate towards them, if not they will stay away from them. Noisy puppies are usually either hungry or too hot. If they have just been fed or mum is laying with them then usually the room needs cooling a little. Draughts are a killer NOT coolness. Be prepared to lose puppies, however when a puppy is born, rub it with a towel, head down, until it wriggles and shrieks. This can take quite some rubbing on a slow puppy, especially one born late on that has sat inside mum for a long time. Puppies with cleft pallets usually die within 3 days of birth. A typical cleft palette puppy is one who is fine at birth but at day 3 is smaller and less active and thinner. He will fade off if you do not intervene. My own advice personally is to put to sleep any puppies with cleft palettes. It is a problem in our breed that rears up occasionally and no reason for it is established. After Whelping Allow your bitch to decide how much time she spends with her pups. Some stay there for days and need taking out to wee on the lead to get them to move, some go in, feed briefly and jump out straight away. Most are somewhere between these two extremes. Something many do is decide that the pups need feeding and force mum in to feed. If you do this you stop the bitch learning about how to raise her own family. In general you are NOT more capable of making that decision, she is. She will soon learn that yelling means they want food. But if you keep putting her in before they yell or have only yelled a little she will not learn this and YOU will raise this litter not her! Allow her to start going out for short walks as soon as you like, day one if she so desires. Obviously avoid really crowded dog areas but a quick wipe with a cloth and a weak dettol solution on her legs and undercarriage when she gets back will mean she can jump straight in again. Keep other family dogs and cats away from the whelping room for at least two weeks. Then allow mum to decide if she is happy to have them anywhere near the whelping box. No defensive behaviour should be punished, they should just be separated for a little longer. NEVER allow Terriers to go anywhere near the pups until they are at least 4 — 5 weeks of age and then only supervised. They can and do attack pups frequently and through no fault of their own, just through their genetic makeup. Please do call me with any other questions. I have an article on Feeding through pregnancy, worming and so on, weaning etc etc, should you require, please just ask. Breeding a litter of puppies has huge appeal for many people. And indeed, absolutely anyone can breed from their Labrador. Whether or not they should is of course a different matter. And one on which many Labrador lovers have strong feelings. Public opinions about dog breeding It is quite common for Labrador owners thinking of breeding from their own dog to post up on internet forums and groups, asking for advice and information. Unfortunately the reaction they get from regular members is often enough to send them scurrying away without further comment. I say unfortunately, because once someone has been driven away, the opportunity to guide or influence them has been lost. This is a shame because there is possibly only one thing worse than a completely unprepared person producing a litter of puppies. And that is a completely unprepared person producing a litter of puppies without help. Who should breed from their dogs? There are those that believe no-one should breed dogs at all. They feel that there are too many unwanted dogs in the world already, and that no more puppies should be born. The chances are, if you are thinking of breeding, you already know of a family whose girl had a litter with no problems at all. Should my dog have puppies — Getting at the facts The facts are there are pros and cons to breeding. You need to consider the age, health and attributes of your female dog, and consider how breeding will affect her. And if you are to go down this route with minimal risk and maximum enjoyment, you need to do so with your eyes wide open, and armed with plenty of information. In this article we try to take a balanced view, and to give some objective and considered advice to those tempted to take the plunge and begin Labrador breeding themselves. Popular reasons to begin Labrador breeding In this section we take a look at some of the reasons why people want to breed from their dogs. And we look at the important factors which you need to consider before going ahead with breeding from yours. There are some reasons for breeding from a female Labrador which have no foundation in fact at all. There are reasons for and against spaying at an early age, or even at all. You may wish to consider these before committing your animal to such a major surgical intervention, but that is another subject. It is certainly not to her advantage physically, to have a litter before removing her uterus. Myth: Having a litter will calm her down The temperament of your female dog will depend on a variety of factors, including the genes she has inherited, the way you manage her, and how mature she is. Many dogs grow a little calmer with advancing maturity. If your dog is a bit excitable and hyperactive before having puppies, she is likely to be so afterwards. And what is more, will have produced half a dozen or more excitable and hyperactive puppies. It will be good for my children to see puppies born and raised I want another female dog just like mine It will make me some money These three reasons have some foundation in fact, but there are a huge number of influencing factors which could be involved in your case. One or more of these might mean for you, that breeding from your dog is not such a good idea. Reason: It will be good for my kids There is no doubt that in an ideal world, with a perfect pregnancy and easy labour, and half a dozen or so live healthy puppies, there is some pleasure to be had for all the family in the raising of a litter of puppies. However, life is not always that straightforward, and it is important to consider the consequences of a less than happy outcome. Although it is not common for a Lab to die in labour, it does happen. Only you can judge the effect that might have on your children. For one or more puppies to be stillborn or die in the first few days of life is more common. A midnight dash to the vets for a caesarean section, and difficulties getting the dog to feed her pups afterwards are a distinct possibility. These are not easy things for adults to cope with, let alone small children. A litter of healthy puppies will occupy a lot of your time, for several weeks. Whilst hand-rearing puppies is exhausting, and caring for sickly puppies is gruelling and distressing. Your children will not benefit from your lack of attention or the stress levels in your home during this time. Reason: I want another dog like mine This is a completely understandable motive for breeding from your dog. And it is important to take a really objective look at your dog and to try and see her through the eyes of others. Your dog shares the most genetic information with her siblings. Buying a brother or sister, from another litter by the same parents is the best way of getting a dog like her. Of course, it may be that her parents are no longer alive or being bred from. But another dog from the same line of close relatives bred by a knowledgeable breeder is likely to give you a very similar dog. Breeding your girl to a dog of your choice, without any real knowledge or understanding of his genetic lines, is likely to produce uncertain results. It is something to consider. The quality of your Labrador: When we have a really exceptional dog of great quality, it is only natural to want to breed from her. If your female has been winning awards for her appearance and structure on the show bench, or successfully passed her Gundog Grades, if she is doing well in agility or obedience competitions, or succeeding in field trials or working trials, you at least have some measure of her quality as judged by other people. This in turn will give you some idea of the potential for demand for her puppies. The principle factor you will need to assess is her temperament. You will need to particularly consider her disposition towards people, especially children, and her trainability. It is these two qualities which she must excel in order to stand a chance of producing good puppies. It would be very wise to get several unbiased opinions on these important factors. Reason: It will make me some money This is not always a reason that people admit to, but it is certainly a motivating factor for many people in the decision to breed a litter of puppies. Unfortunately, the costs involved in gaining health clearances for a Labrador will often outweigh any income gained from a single litter. So unless you wish to breed on a regular basis, you are most unlikely to gain any financial benefit at all from breeding from your dog. On the contrary, you stand a good chance of ending up considerably out of pocket as we shall see below. This is an interesting argument and though in principle a fine ethical stance, it is a difficult one to define precisely. Most of us would agree that you should not breed from a substandard animal, but what exactly constitutes a better dog is a very subjective matter. Indeed the breeding of pedigree dogs by so-called experts has come under a great deal of scrutiny lately. But most people would agree that you have a moral obligation to do your best to ensure that the puppies you produce will be healthy happy puppies that grow into healthy, happy, good-tempered, trainable dogs. Fulfilling this obligation can be a time and money consuming responsibility. Making healthy Labrador puppies There are a number of inherited conditions to which Labradors are susceptible. It is vital that anyone breeding Labradors ensures that both parents of any puppies they produce, have been checked for these conditions before getting their dog pregnant. The scientific community is clear and increasingly urgent: generations of breeding to standards based on solely on appearance has allowed bad welfare choices to be made. And now we need to breed for health as well as good looks. Apart from your moral obligation to do so, the consequences of failing in this duty can be serious. Without these clearances, you stand an increased chance of producing unhealthy puppies, of failing to sell your puppies most new owners know to ask for health clearances , of being sued by angry owners of unhealthy puppies that you have sold them, and of having unhealthy puppies being returned to you and the cost of their veterinary treatment being laid at your door. Health clearances The minimum health clearances required for a Labrador are hip scoring and eye testing. Many breeders nowadays also test for a range of other disorders, and elbow score their dogs as well. These tests are a crucial part of maintaining and improving the health and happiness of our Labradors. The costs of these tests are considerable and if you decide to go ahead and breed from your dog it is a good idea to get the cheapest tests done first. That way, if your dog fails the cheaper test, you will be spared the costs of the more expensive ones. Information on health screening tests for Labradors can be found in our health screening section. Protecting against inbreeding Part betterment of the breed and part making healthy Labrador puppies, protecting against inbreeding is an important part of maintaining healthy breeding lines for all pedigree dogs. Inbreeding occurs when related dogs mate. Whilst most people will instinctively recoil at mating very closely related Labs, few people realise the damaging effect of mating dogs who share a great- or great-great-grandparent. The average number could be as high as .Fortunately, because our genes come in pairs, as long as one copy is correct, we never feel the disadvantages of carrying a faulty copy. Passing on faulty genes Put simply, the each generation of puppies is being fathered by only a fraction of the male dogs in the previous generation. This leads to homozygosity — puppies begin to be born with two copies of a faulty gene — and this time the disadvantages of that fault are expressed. Luckily there are a lot of Labs in the world, so protecting against inbreeding is very achievable. These travel costs you make need to make the journey several times also need to be part of your decision making. You need to be objective about this, if you mate a dog that is overweight for example, you may be putting her safety at great risk. How old should my dog be to breed from her? A female dog needs to be physically and mentally mature before she has puppies. But she should also still be youthful. It is not fair to put an older dog through the stress of pregnancy, whelping, and raising a litter. This means that she should be at least two years old, and probably not more than four when she has her first litter Do you have the right support? As you will be acting as midwife when your dog goes into labour, you will need a mentor, someone who has whelped a lot of litters, to advise you. This may be your vet, though not all vets are experienced at dealing with a normal whelping. It could be the person who bred your own dog, or just an experienced friend. But you will need someone who can advise you and who is willing to be phoned at 3 in the morning. And there could be quite a few of them! How many puppies do Labradors have? Many Labradors will have six to eight puppies. Some may have as many as twelve or more. Some as few as one or two. Litters of ten are not at all unusual. The extremes come with their own issues, but even if your girl has an average litter, that will still be half a dozen or so homes for you to find. Finding homes for puppies? Prospective owners can pick and choose. So you need to consider if and why they might choose you. Is your female Lab a show winner? Has she won several Field Trials? Is she an agility champion? Working Trials? The hard fact is, these are the qualities that puppy buyers may be looking for. They want to know that the parents of their pup are successful in some way. No matter how lovely and how beautiful your dog, there is a very good chance that you could be left with several rapidly growing puppies, long after the cutesy eight to nine week stage has passed. Could you cope with this? Providing long term support Once your puppies have left and gone to their new homes, in the eyes of many, your responsibility continues. New puppy owners often need help and support, and the person they are likely to turn to, is their breeder. So you need to consider how you might feel about this, and whether or not you would be prepared and willing to take a puppy back if the new owner really cannot cope. Unless you can do this, you are simply adding to the mountain of unwanted dogs currently languishing in rescue centres throughout the land. The financial costs of Labrador breeding There are a range of costs to take into account when breeding from your female for the first time. These include Health clearances Worming and veterinary antenatal care Extra food for pregnant and lactating female dog A secure and appropriate whelping box and plenty of soft washable veterinary bedding Heated pads for pups to cuddle up to when the mother dog is not with them A fund must be available for a caesarean section and any other emergency postnatal care that may be required by your lactating dog or her puppies Worming medicines for puppies Kennel Club registration for each puppy Food for weaning First vaccinations and vet checks Costs of extra care and vaccinations for any pups unsold after eight weeks. If you have to take unpaid leave from work to be with the puppies you will need to factor this into your costs as well. Breeding a single litter can leave you substantially out of pocket, especially if your girl needs a caesarian section not uncommon. The greatest cost is probably the mental and physical effort that you will be putting in to the whole exercise. During the weaning process, puppies need feeding six times a day to begin with, and this is quite a pleasant if somewhat sticky process. However, this is only a small part of your responsibilities. The two most challenging factors to take into consideration are Time Mess The time factor: A pregnant Labrador requires your absolute and undivided attention from the moment she goes into labour until several hours after her last puppy has arrived safely. This whole process can take 24 hours or more. That means no sleep for you. After that time, your dog requires that a responsible adult is on your premises and available to see to her needs, and those of her puppies for the next seven to eight weeks. Keeping puppies clean, fed and generally well-cared for is enormously time-consuming. So you either need a boss willing to give you six weeks off, or another adult available to replace you at home. The mess factor: Most Labs make a pretty good job of cleaning up after their pups until you start to wean them at about three weeks old. If all has gone very well, then for the first three weeks you will be able to gaze at this adorable pile of Labrador loveliness with a deep sense of pleasure. Everything changes at weaning time. From this time onwards, cleaning up is your job. Bear in mind that all puppies have the primary objective of covering themselves in poo during their every waking moment. As fast as you clean them up, they will get messy again. This process is no fun at all. And the bigger and livelier the puppies get, the less fun and more challenging the cleaning process becomes. You will need the biggest mountain of newspaper in history, and a lot of hot soapy water and patience. The cleaning up process takes place every time you feed six times daily , and in-between where necessary. This is hard and smelly work, especially with kibble fed puppies. Is this the right time for you to breed from your Labrador? To sum up, here are the factors that you need to consider carefully before making a final decision to breed from your female Lab Are your objectives realistic and is mating your dog likely to achieve these objectives? Is your dog of suitable quality to ensure quality puppies? Is she is tip-top condition? Can you afford the necessary health checks, stud fee, veterinary treatment and other costs of raising a litter? Do you have an experienced mentor to help and advise you throughout pregnancy and labour? Can you be at home for seven to eight weeks without a break? Are you prepared to interview and vet prospective new owners and to turn away unsuitable buyers? This can be a time consuming and sometimes uncomfortable job. Can you house and care for any puppies that are unsold after eight weeks? Are you willing to take responsibility for any puppies that are returned to you later it happens. Are you prepared to take the risk to your dog of undergoing pregnancy and labour? It is probably worth underlining that even the best bred litter will sometimes fail to sell, especially in times of economic hardship. It is not unheard of for rescue centres to be given an entire litter of twelve week old puppies that the owner has simply been unable to sell and does not have the resources to house now that they have outgrown their puppy pens. If you are still unsure about breeding do take your time with this important decision. And if you are yearning for another dog please spare a thought for the many thousands of unwanted Labradors in rescue societies awaiting re-homing, often through no fault of their own but as a result of divorce, emigration, or the death of an owner. Please check our health screening section for details of the current health checks now recommended for Labradors in the UK. Has your Lab had puppies? Share your experiences with owner dog owners having the same dilemma using the comments box below! But it is also very hard work and is a very real responsibility. From breeders I have spoken too the one piece of advice they all seem to agree on is to plan ahead and make sure the breeding pair are from good stock and physically sound. Of course there are two distinct reasons why anyone would want to begin breeding Labrador Retrievers. The first to produce a litter for themselves and family, the second is as a commercial operation. Whatever your motivation it should be remembered that not all pregnancies result in a happy, healthy litter. And, if you have the female dog, breeding a litter at home can be a great experience for the first time breeder or it can be an unmitigated disaster. Things To Consider It is obviously very important to make sure you have the best possible pairing of dogs. Each dog must have a good temperament, be in top physical shape and free from disease. Each animals lineage should be checked to ensure there are no inherited problems. When breeding Labrador Retrievers there are three main health factors to consider: Progressive retinal atrophy — inherited eye disease OCD Osteochondritis dissicans — inherited joint disease Any of the above are serious defects and it is the breeders responsibility to ensure that the dogs are tested and x-rayed prior to mating to ensure they are free from them. The temperament of the breeding pair is just as important as their health. Labradors inevitably end up in a family home so it is essential that they are temperamentally suited to sharing a home with children as well as adults. Another essential point to consider when breeding Labrador Retrievers is to check the pedigrees of each of the breeding pair to ensure the dogs are not too closely related. The implications of using closely related dogs are poor health in the puppies, questionable temperament and a weakening of the bloodline. Before mating it is advisable to let the dogs get to know each other and, ideally, each dog should be over two years-of-age. By this time any temperamental or health issues should be apparent. Breeding Labrador Retrievers is not a decision to rush into but it should be remembered that finding the right pair of dogs is only the beginning of the process. Once the mating has taken place and pregnancy is confirmed the real work begins. Taking care of the bitch during pregnancy can take a lot of work as can the whelping process. After the mum has produced her litter taking care of the puppies, and finding good homes for the puppies is a time-consuming and potentially expensive undertaking. Of course the last point, finding good owners, should not be underestimated. Rest assured there is no way you will let the puppies go to just anyone. Be prepared to reject potential owners if you are not satisfied that they will offer a caring and loving home to a puppy. I suppose the cardinal rule here is to trust your instinct. You will know who is suited to owing one of your pups. Share this page:. Breeding Labrador Retrievers Golden Labrador puppy Many people think that breeding dogs is easy, but the truth is that if you want to produce healthy dogs that also adhere to the established breeding standard it will require time, knowledge, devotion and patience. Breeding in general requires a lot of experience and one has to really educate oneself by means of researching and consulting the experts. Here are some of the considerations we need to look at to before even pondering the idea of breeding a Labrador retriever. Breeding affects the development of the female dog bitch and breeding a Labrador retriever during its first heat cycle is not advisable. A bitch needs to mature first and full development usually takes place after the first heat cycle. Make sure that both dogs male and the female are far from each other during this time to avoid injuries. Male dogs are very persistent at this state. The actual heat cycle of a female Labrador retriever starts with a display of a clear type of discharge then it leads to bleeding as its vulva swells. It usually lasts for ten to fourteen days. During this time, the female is ready to breed. She raises her tail and moves it to the side. During the actual Labrador retriever mating, it is preferred that you hold the head of the female to complete the process because there is still a possibility that the female changes her mind during the intercourse. Breeding takes from ten to forty minutes. Once the actual mating takes place, it should not be preempted because it can damage both dogs. For optimal breeding results, repeat the process every other day. You can stop once the female no longer accepts the male. Never try to force the female into mating. Take note of the first and the last days of breeding. If it exceeds, consult a veterinarian. During the gestation period, the pregnant dog should be fed well with premium dog food. These foods provide the necessary nutrients for her and her litter therefore supplements for calcium, minerals and vitamins are not necessary anymore. The food consumption of the mother should be heightened before her pregnancy. This will also be evident during the nursing period. Do not limit her food intake, allow her to eat as much premium food as she wants to and provide her with the nutrients she needs for herself and to feed her young. During her pregnancy, expect that there will be behavioral changes and your dog may demand more sweetness, affection and attention from you. An increase in appetite and vomiting usually happens at the early stages of pregnancy. During the latter stages of pregnancy, she looks for a secure place for delivery and becomes closely attached and clingy to her owner. An interesting aspect of breeding a Labrador Retriever is how the mother often delays the delivery until the owner get home. Delivery usually takes place during two hours. Have a box for her ready where she can deliver anytime. Have a vet ready at anytime for checkup and in cases of emergency. Newborn Labrador retriever puppies usually aspirate fluid into the lungs and it is a good idea to remove it. This is done by means of proper holding of the puppy and helping it gasp to help the fluid and mucus out of the lungs. A vet can help in making sure that both the mother and the newborns will be healthy. Breeding a Labrador Retriever is an amazing experience but should only be considered if you are willing and able to devote enough time, effort and money to the project.

The following list is for those living in Illinois or the surrounding area interested in finding a Pug puppy. In Illinois, numerous breeders produce Pug puppies. You must find a breeder in your area who shares your goals for the type of pet you want to have a successful and well-rounded Pug. If you intend to make a deposit, meeting your breeder in person is important, not by phone or video call. Unfortunately, scammers and puppy mills frequently exploit unsuspecting buyers by providing sick animals without any assurance or assistance. When you purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder, they may provide you with as many details as possible from the beginning to the end of the life of your Pug puppy. The health of pugs is usually good when they reach adulthood. Pugs indeed make fantastic pets, but before purchasing a puppy, it is a great idea to research the breed. This will help ensure the dog has the most suitable living conditions to thrive. A pug has generally been classified as a small, intelligent, and energetic dog with high levels of energy and intelligence. Towards the end of their lives, some Pugs are more prone to various health problems. These include sinusitis, breathing problems, hip disorders, joint pain, and problems with their eyes and teeth. If you are looking for a breeder, you should look for one that guarantees that all Pug puppies will be tested before they are placed in their care. During his lifetime, a dog will inevitably develop several health problems. Breeders, however, will take the time to ensure that the puppies produced by their breeding programs are intelligent, strong, and come from the best maternal line possible so they have the best chance of getting on with their lives. There is a comprehensive range of reliable and trustworthy Pug puppy breeders across Illinois, and this article lists the top 5 Pug puppy breeders in Illinois. Some kennel clubs limit the color of the Pug breed to no more than four shades. Nevertheless, some of the breeders on this list specialize in all types of Pugs, no matter the color. Choosing among so many Pug breeders in Illinois may seem overwhelming. Research and contact breeders to determine if Pugs are appropriate for you. Pugs are lively, energetic animals who require regular grooming and veterinary care to remain healthy. When you purchase a Pug puppy from a breeder, inquire whether the breeder can assist you during the transition period. You will also like:. Best seen on a computer, too many photos for most phones. Our puppies are all born in our home, or Kim and Justin's home. We love them to be house dogs and we work together to have a terrific line of quality Frenchies. Frenchies technically are born at the veterinarians since they have c-sections. French Bulldogs also often need to be bred by AI, and are normally born by c-section. C-sections also mean the moms will only have a few litters in their lifetime. Raising Frenchies, French Bulldogs is definitely not for everyone! The price of hard to raise puppies in breeds like French Bulldogs is simply greater due to the difficulty and cost involved in getting quality genetics and then of raising the puppies. Kims puppies at her home have started potty training at 6 weeks of age All puppies are microchipped and current on vaccinations. See the other pages: "About our puppies," "what comes with your puppy", and "is a puppy really right for you. Please do not get a puppy, or dog if you have any hesitation about long term responsibility of a furry best friend. We love our puppies and dogs and only want them in a home where they will be a part of the family! Frenchies are heat and cold sensitive, some more then others. Some are amazingly agile, fast, and athletic and do tolerate a wider range of temperature since we breed for a more open airway. Others are at risk of collapsing if overheated when simply out on a warm day and playing. Many make terrific therapy dogs. They are very sturdy and tolerant of children. See Fiona's story on the parent page. I need new photos! She has really grown, super cute! One up ear and one floppy ear yet. Mom, Mazzora, one of my favorites Mom, Mazzora, one of my favorites 6. He is a handsome guy, a unique heavily brindled blue, crate trained and well started on house breaking. Love to play and is catching on to sitting for pets, well socialized with other dogs and people. He is quite the ham, loves to bring you toys and bounce around in triumph. Very well natured getting along with lots of random dogs he's met along the way. We wont know if they are actually pregnant for awhile yet. The puppies would be 8 weeks old in December. Deposit information: Until puppies are born it is just an educated guess as to what colors they may be, or if the mom is even pregnant for awhile! We of course don't know gender, or color until birth. At times we have deposits prior to puppies being born, when that happens those families pick first and then the remaining puppies will be shown as available. We will post puppies as available until a deposit is received, then mark them as sold, or pending pick up. Always check by phone or email to be sure the website is updated for the puppy you are interested in. A deposit holds a specific puppy, or a place on the list for choosing a future unborn puppy. You can always pass and wait for the next litter when a specific color, or gender is desired, or just personal timing if you place a deposit. Past puppies and color references in the slide show! Brindle Pup with his new family Brindle. Please contact me for a potential ground transport, or nanny by air transport. Snub nose breeds are excluded, nanny or ground transport only. Contact us for details. About Us Art loves all the critters too. He's also capable of fixing anything he puts his mind too. A handy man is just the best! Its not unusual for me to be up every 3 hours around the clock feeding babies of some variety, puppies, but also baby pigs, bunnies, and some other critters that seem to just fall into our lap. We have had extended family and friends visit, move in and stay, or live here as a temporary home as they each build their own dream. My Uncle AL moved here in .In my aging mother and frail aunt also moved here full time. We completed their own little house here on the farm in fall of .My cousin Brenda lived here for a time. Then Aryne, a young mom with 3 little boys, we met in December moved in April .She needed a place and we needed help with paperwork and getting the house for my mom and aunt completed. She has her own place now and a few furry friends of her own including a cavalier named Sophie, and her poodle boy Sonny. My daughter left her corporate job, now works here part-time and is raising their wonderful boys. My only 2 grandchildren. I am SO fortunate they live close so I am a part of their life! Nothing like a job that you can show up and go home, whenever it works best for your family. Family is 1! Libbie worked here awhile, a sister to a friend of ours mid to spring .She added more help for the puppies and dogs to have socializing. She has had some schooling to be a therapy dog trainer. Plus she's great at paperwork! She is now doing her own thing; original art work! If you would like a custom puppy, or dog portrait please contact her, she is exceptionally good! She also does art of other animals and people, Seriously talented! In January one of Art's older sisters had a rough time and moved in. She wasn't able to use the stairs in order to have the big bedroom downstairs that extended guests usually use. She needed her medical issues brought under control, plus her very aged dog and old cat moved in with us too. The dog was at the vets regularly with severe intestinal issues, testicular cancer a good reason to neuter pets when young! He is doing much better health-wise now, although is a confused very old dog. The old dog ruined the carpet when Renee was unable to take him out often enough. We replaced it with easy to wash vinyl in November .Renee doesn't drive so Art and I had spent a lot of time on the road getting her and the dog where they needed to go all of .For specialty vet care we go all the way to Hannibal MO. We love Advanced Vet Care up there! Her cat was doing ok, but apparently had cancer and why she just wouldn't really improve. When she was no longer comfortable she was humanely taken to the vets and put to sleep. Very sad. Very sweet beautiful cat. I think she created a rainbow ladder for other needy cats to find their way here. We ended up with 21 additional cats added to the farm in ! We have spayed and neutered them all, took awhile. Many have slowly found their ways into good homes. One strangely moved up the lane to the neighbors house. We seen her all the time but only recently learned he keeps food out for her and gives her lots of attention.Renee found a really nice apartment, October .We were going to build her a place here, but she doesn't like me much, and she wanted her own place, which worked out so much better. Cujo, the old dog, is still hanging in there. Things evolve. In winter we hired Brandy, an accountant part time, who was also a full time college student. Her husband, Mike, lucky for us, wasn't very busy so he started working here helping with basic livestock animal chores, some help with the dogs, plus big time farm clean-up and renovation. My son, Keith, and Mike work great together and have steadily organized and repaired the things Art and I couldn't get to with the furry critters taking all our time and attention. Mike and Brandy are now living on the farm, hopefully for a long time, but the farm is probably a stepping stone as they of course have their own dreams. With the Covid pandemic it was very fortunate for us to have help who lived here as Kim and Libbie were home on the stay at home order. Kim is also now home schooling the boys. Brandy had family matters and college on-line taking all her time for awhile. Mike was my only help, which he did livestock chores morning and night, keeping up with long term goals of building and repairs with Keith and helped with dogs when I just couldn't keep up from early April to this update, mid-May. Kim would come by and couple hours here and there as she could. I had to set up an auto-reply on email as we were getting thousands of emails, doing all the dog chores with Art gone, and almost no help with the jobs Kim, Libbie and I did for office work it has been all I could do to try and keep up. The critters come first. They are doing terrific! The Covid hasn't effected them in the least, even if I am ready to drop from exhaustion! She is doing the accounting farm stuff. Kim worked a bit more to help with registrations and the things Libbie was doing that has piled up. Ethan started work in May and caught on really fast. He has been terrific with helping with dogs and puppy cleaning. Let me go back to working just the typical 1. Its August now .Brandy and Ethan are going back to school, Kim will have her 2 boys being homeschooled. Art is back and slowly getting his health back and helping as he can. I just heard the first 4 cases of covid are in Bunker Hill, the town closest to us. Prayers everyone reading this and their families and friends are ok! I can still look across the fields and trees and feel blessed every day to be so fortunate to have a beautiful space to call home with friends and family all living here, never a dull moment. Like many, the stress of Covid is always on our mind with so many susceptible people living here, plus friends and family who are all at risk. I feel so bad for those many people isolated during this stressful pandemic when accustomed to going out and socializing! Hopefully everyone has windows to be able to notice the shapes in the clouds, dream of new projects, complete some goals, and catch an occasional rainbow! Hang in there! Having issues coping, look up many articles on ambiguous loss to understand the immense invisible stress, and please call; hotlines, friends, or family and get help! There is beauty all around us, and in us, despite our emotional brain blocking what our senses can pick up in the here and now! Recommendations Food: Please remember no food is perfect, adding "toppers" to dogs food for variety and interest. Real people food with no additives, like cooked chicken, beef, green beans, carrots, ect.Its a great little pet shop that offers dog washing, training and list of services and products. We usually feed Fromm Surf and Turf to the puppies who we have retained, to any of our potential moms, or bred moms and stud dogs. We often add some of the other kibble to their food for variety. There are other Fromm foods that are great, we just have not used all of them. Fromm Beef Frittata, and Heartland Gold adult have made our rotation. We have tried many, many dry foods over the years. Many are great for a few months or a couple years, and then we see strange things happening in the dogs. Eventually it dawned on me that any food can not be perfect, advertised as: "for the life of your dog" really is not a good idea unless you add variety with scraps, or toppers. Seriously, how can any man made food be perfect? People don't know everything, new nutrients and needs for those nutrients are discovered all the time. The healthiest dogs are those who get lots of exercise, and a variety of real foods. Look at the label of what you eat, and what is in most dog foods. Both can be scary. Wetting any dry dog food and letting it absorb the water, before giving it to them is said to help the dog digest any dry kibble better. We would have hard time doing that as we like to full feed our dogs and puppies. We cant afford to throw away and waste wet food not eaten. We do wet puppies foods when they are very young. Since any dog can eat a different amount on any given day we rarely measure their food making them eat one amount each day. The English bulldogs we purchased as adults only one is on measured feed. More exercise is working for every other dog, despite the fact they are said to "require" food limitations for weight control. Trainers: Kim, my daughter has gone from a high end coorpertate world for 18 years, where she was the only female and also the youngest ever to be promoted to the position she held until being a stay at home mom summer .I could not be more proud of my grown kids for being honest, kind, harding working members of society. She has more patience and more persistence then any person I have ever met. Absolutely perfect for training! Plus she loves animals and its all done with love and their best interest at heart. Now that she has time she is going to train a limited number of horses in the basics of eventing for her instructor who has retired race horses. The horses can be hot headed, and are always a very sensitive lot. The horses just bloom under her riding! We have had families getting our puppies ask if we can start housebreaking for them, or trained puppies. We just did not have the time to offer that service. Puppies will be well socialized with children, other dogs, and cats. In addition they will be housebroken or well started depending on age and how long the puppy is in training taught to walk on a leash, crate trained, and learn "sit. She may be willing to board and train other puppies, but will have some age, and vaccinations requirements. Price may also be different. Older puppies and dogs are much harder to re-train then puppies are to start correctly. Plus since she has children, dogs, and cats she will not put any of them at risk if an older puppy, or dog is having aggression issues. ALL aggression issues are a direct result of a puppy, or dog not having the right guidance. Personalities are different, but respect for people is training. I have heard great things about Kennelwood Villiage in St. It is wonderful for dogs in sports, and dogs recovering from injuries, or older dogs who are just stiff a sore. You should see them melt under her hands! Her work is top notch. She can do whimsical and also very detailed realistic work. She will do custom portraits of your new puppy or dog, besides has art in several mediums, and jewelry for sale. Please email: elisheva.

Box Charlotte, NC This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Necessary Always Enabled Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. Non-necessary Non-necessary Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Helms family .We are conveniently located about an hour outside of Charlotte, in Norwood, North Carolina, in the small community of Cottonville also just 15 minutes from Albemarle, NC. Our property is sixty acres of fields, grass, woods and a creek for our Goldens to explore and enjoy. We are situated off the main road, so our girls and boys can play to their hearts content every day. So take a look around, and visit with us. We believe in taking as natural approach to their health as possible, so our pups are raised with limited intervention, aside from their vaccinations and regular dewormings, These babies receive lots of socialization from our small children and other visitors we have : We also supplement with NuVet Plus, and send home samples with each pup. We are AKC inspected, and welcome your visit by appointment, can't wait to meet you! See our Reserving a Puppy page for answers to frequently asked questions and to download a copy of our reservation form and health guarantee.We are continually updating these as we receive them. This allows us to carefully select our moms and dads, to ensure you the healthiest pup! We screen for hips, elbows, eyes, and heart, as per the Golden Retriever standard. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for El Paso Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Charlotte? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Charlotte? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We have answers. Any Golden Retriever for sale in Charlotte you may bring home to an apartment will acclimate to limited living space. And while they have gentle temperaments and get-along attitudes, keep in mind that these are medium-large dogs that are full of energy. How big do the Charlotte Golden Retrievers for sale eventually get? Male Golden Retrievers usually weigh between 65 to 75 pounds and tend to reach a height of around 23 or 24 inches. Females are generally smaller, weighing from 55 to 65 pounds and standing around 21 or 22 inches high. Are Golden Retriever puppies in Charlotte available for in-person pickups? Each of the breeders and businesses in Uptown's coast-to-coast network has different policies on how they like to handle the transfer of your puppy. You can speak to them directly about transportation, as well as your pup's health, current diet, different milestones, or any other aspect of your puppy you'd like to know about. How is Uptown different from other places with Charlotte Golden Retriever puppies for sale? Visiting each of the Golden Retriever breeders in Charlotte might be nice. But that's just not a practical plan for most. Even if you could, you're still seeing only a small fraction of the pups you could be choosing from with Uptown. We've created a space that's safe for you to search a huge selection of puppies in Charlotte and across the country. What are the origins of the Golden Retriever puppies Charlotte breeders have? To create a new hunting breed in the mids, the Scottish aristocrat began by crossing a Yellow Flatcoated Retriever with a now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel. His breeding program, which later included various Spaniels and Setters, resulted in the Golden Retriever. How does Uptown Puppies work? All you need to do is start scrolling through the pups on the site -- maybe with no plan, or perhaps with a special Charlotte Golden Retriever for sale in mind. Pick a pup. Chat with the breeder. With your questions answered, you can next talk about transportation, and soon enough that puppy will be yours! How do I know that the Golden Retriever puppies for sale Charlotte breeders have are healthy? Each of the Charlotte Golden Retriever breeders and businesses in the Uptown network can offer complete "nose-to-tail" health exams. That means checking out everything from the basics of eyes, ears, and teeth to more complex diagnostics of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems, and more. Absolutely not! And be wary of "deals" when looking for a puppy. Any pup with a cheap price tag almost certainly comes from a disreputable breeder who would never make it into our network. A puppy from a bad breeder may come with health and behavioral problems that could cost you in visits to the veterinarian later. What will training these Golden Retrievers for sale in Charlotte be like? As they're eager to please and one of the smartest breeds around, Golden Retrievers usually take to training very well. And as the top Golden Retriever breeders Charlotte has can tell you, the pooches love to learn through games that keep them engaged. Treats also help greatly with training sessions. Couldn't I just get a dog from a shelter? You could. And as dog lovers, we don't advise against shelters. We just offer a different service and experience. For one, a Golden Retriever from a shelter won't likely come with any information. Whereas a Golden Retriever for sale Charlotte breeders and companies list with Uptown comes with a wealth of info that could prove important to your canine's care.

Naturally, Labrador puppies would require more feeding times. Hence, you should only set a few hours interval between meals. As for adult Labs, optimal feeding times would be one in the morning, afternoon, and night. Almost identical to human eating hours. Along with implementing a time frame for mealtime, owners must be open to modifying combinations of puppy food throughout the first two years of the pup. Abrupt growth spurts may bring changes in their eating habits. Once your dog reaches one year old, its dog food is enough to sustain its energy for longer. Always ensure to follow the correct feeding schedule when feeding kibble or other types of dog food to ensure nutritional requirements are met. Regardless if you have chocolate , red fox , or Dudley Labrador , make it a priority to visit a pet nutritionist to obtain an accurate feeding time and quantity specifically designed for your pooch. They help in hunting, farming, and even therapy. As such, they require an energy-loaded diet and dog foods that are rich in protein and carbohydrates to keep up with their activities. Since they belong to the large breed classification, they are also prone to common health risks such as arthritis and other joint diseases. To prevent this, scour the local pet store with dog food that contains omega fatty acids, B vitamins, beta-carotene , and amino acids. These nutrients are essential to obtain, whether from a raw food diet, home-prepared meals, or commercial dog food. Here are some of the best dog foods we recommend for your Labrador Retriever: Wet Food: Like kibble, commercially available wet dog food is common and already a complete and balanced diet for your Labrador puppy or adult dog. Its smooth texture is well-loved by purebreds and mixed breeds alike. Eating wet food that contains Docosahexaenoic acid DHA , glucosamine, and Eicosapentaenoic acid EPA helps support the condition of their joints and heart. Dry Food: When on the hunt for the most suitable dry dog food, always look for grain-free and made from whole food sources so it can easily be digested. Also, check the food labels and ensure that it has a perfect balance of carbohydrates and fats. Highly fortified and breed-specific kibble is also recommended. Homemade Food: Considering how much your adult dog or Lab puppy eats, a healthy diet made from scratch can be a great alternative to avoid obesity. Just mix everything together with a little water to incorporate them better. Furthermore, this diet opts for low sodium content. Owners should include fish and flaxseed oil, carrots, eggs, liver, and beans into the raw puppy food diet. Since Labrador Retrievers are energetic and active dogs, it is best to give them a moderate to high-fat diet. As long as they are able to exercise daily, they can easily work it off and avoid being overweight. However, if they are more on the lax side, adjust their food intake from low to moderate calories. If they cannot burn off the calories, enroll them in a low-fat or low-protein diet instead. Excessive carbs can increase their blood sugar and may put your dogs at risk for diabetes. It may take extra time and effort, but the investment will definitely pay off. Once you learn the appropriate feeding pattern, then having a healthy dog with strong joints and a better digestive and immune system is easily attainable. That includes sharing our belongings, space, and most especially, our food. However, the American Kennel Club reminds owners to be aware of what human food is safe for dogs. In this section, you will learn which foods are okay for consumption and which food can harm our Labrador Retrievers. Physically, it can block their esophagus if not chewed properly. Moreover, some may also contain salt that can be fatal to their heart. Chocolate: Chocolate in any other form should not be given to dogs. Chocolate has toxic substances called methylxanthines that put a stop to their metabolic process. It can still be toxic even in the smallest amount as it may cause diarrhea or vomiting. Garlic and Allium Plants: Alliums such as garlic, chives, leeks, and onions are not good for dog consumption. Although regularly seen across social media, feeding your pooch ice cream is not recommended. It contains loads of sugar, and some dogs may be lactose intolerant as well. As an alternative, owners can always freeze berries and apples as a regular icy treat. On the contrary, here are some of the most friendly human foods for all dogs, including Labrador Retrievers: Milk: Milk is a great supplement of other nutrients for dogs. Just be mindful that your dog is not lactose intolerant. It should only be given in small quantities as a treat. Popcorn: On a movie night, dogs can also munch on popcorn. However, ensure that it is unsalted, unflavored, and air-popped. In moderation, it is a good source of thiamine and riboflavin for eyesight. Remove any unpopped kernels to avoid choking. Seafood: In addition, seafood such as salmon and shrimp contain good fats and are high in antioxidants. Seafood boosts their immune system and brain health. Be sure to thoroughly cook salmon, fish, and shrimp all the way through to avoid parasites. Eggs: Eggs are also safe for dogs so long as they are also cooked well. Cheese: Cheese can also be given to dogs in moderate quantities. Go for low-fat cheese as a treat. Mozzarella and cottage cheese are some that can be fully enjoyed by dogs without the fat guilt. A small amount of prohibited food is not worth an emergency trip to a vet. Throughout their life stages, a dog will not just undergo one food switch. Age, health, and other factors can fuel a change in their diet. As stated earlier, an abrupt change in their food will only cause an upset stomach and indigestion. There are a couple of reasons to switch food. Add the new food into each meal gradually and reduce the portion of their current food. This method can also be followed when changing from dry kibble to raw feeding and vice versa. Some reasons for change can be prompted by age. Different life stages will require different nutritional requirements for your dog. Other reasons may be caused by allergies, brand availability, and weight management. It is still best to consult your trusted vet about changing their overall food regimen. They just enjoy feeding their pooch with tons of food and love seeing them get fat. However, that is not considered proper care for them. Experienced dog breeders know precisely what an overweight dog looks like and how to feed them properly. Labradors are known for their love of food. They are incapable of switching off their hunger signals even after eating. As a result, Labs have a higher number of overweight dogs in the United States. Like with other dogs, overfeeding a dog can lead to obesity. Thankfully, there are ways to address this and protect the health of our pooch in the long run. An eye-opening first step is to have a handy Labrador food guide. Having this will help you gauge the correct amount of food your dog needs depending on its age and other factors as well. Log what they eat and how much they eat during each meal. Calculating their calorie intake is also helpful for medical purposes and when switching food. Furthermore, avoid feeding overweight dogs table scraps. Many owners are guilty of this habit. Much like table scraps, it is also best to limit dog treats. Entice dogs with treats only on special occasions and during training. These are just some of the simple things you can do to control an overweight pooch. When it comes to other methods, it is always advisable to speak with your vet. Dogs lose their appetite due to some reasons. Do Labrador Retrievers Eat a lot? Yes, Labrador Retrievers are a food-motivated breed. This is why owners need to control their food intake. Can Labrador Retrievers Eat Bones? Bones are a good source of minerals, so they can be good for Labrador Retrievers. However, it may come with serious physical trade-offs. Give only large, raw bones and supervise them from time to time. Dispose of the bone after 3 to 4 days. Can Labrador Retrievers Be Vegetarians? Yes, Labrador Retrievers can thrive with a proper vegetable diet in place. In fact, soy and other whole grains are perfect substitutes for meat for protein. However, a vegetarian diet is something that needs professional input from vets. Final Thoughts Labs are the most popular dog breed in the United States. Thus, there are a lot of available materials on how to take care of and feed this easy-going pooch properly. For starters, it is highly recommended to have a Labrador feeding schedule to guide you with the amount and frequency of feeding. Although Labrador food is accessible for purchase anywhere, you can also introduce them in a raw diet or homemade meals. Regardless of what type of food you choose to give, you need to ensure to feed your dog a complete diet that supports their growth and overall health. As an owner, it is a big responsibility to provide them with only the best, so these high-spirited companions can have a happy and longer life. Will you follow this Labrador food guide? What are your feeding methods with your pooch? Share and comment your thoughts below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Before adopting a Labrador Retriever puppy, many owners go to great lengths to deduce the optimal food for their pup. From raw feed to canned food from a local pet store, there are plenty of dog food options for owners to consider, but which is the best dog food? Whether you feed your puppy a raw food diet or commercial dog foods, there are lots of ways for your pup to consume a balanced diet. There are plenty of sources that will describe the benefits of one diet over another, but remember that no one knows your puppy better than you. The decision to feed your dog a diet that you think is best is yours to make. There really is no right or wrong answer when it comes to selecting a food for your puppy. Your pooch will likely enjoy eating wet food just as much as they enjoy commercial dog food. So long as you feed your pup an adequate amount of food, they are likely to live a long and healthy life. If you would like specific advice about feeding your individual puppy, you may wish to consult with your veterinarian or other dog food expert. When you first bring your puppy home, it can be alarming if your dog does not touch its puppy food during the first few days at home. Is this cause for concern? Noticing that your precious pup is not eating can be a frightening realization. Prior to being welcomed to its forever home, your Lab puppy was accustomed to living with its mother and siblings. Therefore, being uprooted from this life can initially be a startling experience for a dog. Fortunately, puppies should develop an appetite within a day or two of entering their forever home-they just need a short time to adjust to their new life. If, after a few days, your puppy is still not eating their dog food, it may be a wise idea to have your puppy evaluated by a vet. Feeding A Two-Month-Old Labrador Retriever Two months old is about the earliest point at which a Labrador puppy can be brought home by their new family. When a Labrador puppy begins to eat solid food, it will not be eating a ton of food. So, owners can start their Lab puppy off with somewhere around 0. As your puppy grows older and gets bigger, owners should look to increase the amount of food for their Labrador pup. By the time a puppy is nearing three months old, it should be eating well over 1 cup of food every day. Some puppies may be consuming close to two cups of dog food at this time. This increase in size means that their appetite has also surely grown since bringing them home. By the time a Labrador puppy is around 3 months old, it should be eating close to 1. Large three-month-old Labrador puppies can be away a substantial amount of food as they are near four months old. Some puppies will be able to consume around 3 cups of food daily at this point in their lives, but most will be eating closer to 2 cups of dog food every day. If your pup seems hungry and looks to be a healthy weight, there is no need for owners to be concerned about how much food their three-month-old Lab is consuming. Your precious pooch will start to look more like an adult with each passing day. Therefore, it is essential to feed your dog enough food to promote the weight gain that makes dogs thrive. Four-month-old Labrador Retrievers should be given at least two cups of food daily. The biggest, most ravenous Labs will eat close to 3. However, only dogs on the large end of the puppy spectrum will need to eat this much at this time. Average four to five-month-old Labs should eat anywhere from 2 to 3 cups of food daily. Labrador Retriever teenagers are characterized by disproportionate body parts, distracted behavior, and dispositions that range from silly to ornery. Therefore, getting enough food to support such development is imperative. A six-month-old Labrador will surely be able to eat at least 2. This will ensure proper growth for your pooch. As your puppy reaches the point in which it is 7 to 8 months old, continue to increase the amount of food that your puppy receives. Labrador Retriever puppies that are close to 9 months old can eat more than 4 cups of food daily. However, your furry friend is more likely to consume 2. Instead, your pup is likely nearing its adult size. So, how much food should ten to twelve-month-old Labs be eating? Puppies that consume quantities of food on the low end of the spectrum should be consuming at least 3 cups of food every day during this time. On the other hand, large Lab pups that are between 10 to 12 months old could be eating 4. If your puppy is on the brink of adulthood, it would be wise to consider weaning it off of its puppy food in favor of adult dog food. All Lab puppies should be offered adult dog food when they reach maturity, as such food replaces nutrients that are essential for puppies with ingredients that benefit adults. Whereas puppies should eat food that increases their body weight, adult Labs should eat food that maintains their weight. So, if you think it may be time to switch your Labrador Retriever to an adult dog food diet, consult with your vet and find a food that is best for your adult Lab. Of course, the mature size of your pooch will dictate how much food it can and should be consuming every day. Generally, it is advisable to feed an adult Labrador anywhere from 3 to just over 4 cups of food every day. Gauge the weight and appetite of your pet to determine the perfect amount for your furry friend. Though the above recommendation will be perfect for most adult Labs, there are some instances in which mature Labradors will require more adult food. Pregnant Or Lactating Labs A Labrador who is pregnant or lactating will require substantial amounts of food to nourish herself and her litter of pups. Therefore, owners should be prepared to offer vast quantities of food to their Labrador mothers. While a typical adult Labrador will consume 3 to 4 cups of food every day, Labrador mothers should be offered around 6 cups of food at least to keep up with their enormous energy requirements. If your mother Labrador snarfs this food down and still seems hungry afterward, be prepared to offer her additional food. Especially Active Labs If your Labrador is an athletic specimen, it may need to consume more than a typical adult Lab to fuel the exercise regime that such a dog is accustomed to. Dogs that receive more than one hour of daily exercise could be considered especially active dogs. Owners can begin by offering these pooches 4. If they still seem hungry, owners can increase the amount of food given to these dogs. Once a dog reaches the golden years of its life, it is once again time to switch up its diet. Senior dogs should consume food that caters to the needs of their aging bodies. These pooches can get away with eating a low-protein diet whereas such food would not be appropriate for puppies or adults. Given that senior dogs are usually not especially active dogs, they do not require as much food compared to adult and large puppies. Therefore, supplying a senior Lab with anywhere from 2 to just over 3 cups of food daily should be plenty for your pooch. Now that you know how much to feed your Labrador, you are likely curious about the number of times that your dog should be fed every day. Some may be looking for a quick answer about how often to feed a Labrador every day, but the truth is nuanced. When it comes to feeding your Lab, it turns out that Labs of different ages should be fed different amounts of food every day. Read on to discover the perfect number of meals for your Lab. An infant Labrador Retriever should have its daily food allotment broken up into at least 4 meals every day. This will help supply these petite pups with the energy that they need to get through the day. Lab puppies that are four to twelve months old do not require as many meals as their younger counterparts. However, these dogs should still receive three meals per day to support their rapid metabolism. Feeding one meal in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening is optimal. Adult Labs do not need to eat as many meals are puppies due to their slower metabolisms. Supplying an adult Labrador Retriever with two meals every day would be perfect for these dogs. Ideally, adult dogs will be fed one meal in the morning and one in the evening. When your furry friend reaches the point in their life where they are considered to be a senior dog, your pooch will have the slowest metabolism in their life. The slow metabolism for senior Labs means that these dogs do not need to eat as frequently as they did when they were younger. In fact, senior Labrador Retrievers can get by with eating a single meal every day. One to two meals per day is ideal for a senior Labrador Retriever. Owners can see if their senior Lab prefers one or two meals each day by allowing them to try each option. Is this because these dogs are prone to obesity or simply because there are so many Labs out and about? It turns out that Labrador Retrievers are more prone to obesity than many other dog breeds. Labs have evolved to be very active dogs. If owners fail to provide their dogs with proper exercise and feed their furry friends excessive amounts of food, there is a good chance that owners will end up with overweight dogs. Why Is My Labrador Overweight? If you are someone who owns an overweight Labrador, you are not alone. Overweight Labs are still lovable pooches, but they could stand to lose some pounds for their own good. Obviously, feeding your dog less food is likely to be one of the keys to helping your canine companion to lose weight. However, you may be wondering what else you can do to help your Labrador lose weight. Well, if you do not frequently exercise your dog, then this is a good place to start. Try feeding your dog its typical amount of food but increasing its exercise to see if it starts to lose weight. For those that are still struggling to get your pooch to lose weight, be sure to cut out table scraps and dog treats from the diet of your dog. Moreover, be sure that you are not free feeding your Labrador Retriever. Free feeding is acceptable for puppies when they are infants, but Labradors that are any other age should not be free fed, for this can also result in a chunky pooch. If you fear that your dog is consuming its food too quickly, there are plenty of feeding methods to help your pooch slow down. Obesity in dogs is a serious issue. We briefly touched on this subject when discussing the best foods for Lab puppies, and the same advice will apply here. Some owners feed raw to their Labs, while others may feed kibble. Does this mean that those who practice raw feeding are likely to own healthier dogs compared to those feeding kibble to their dogs? Of course not! High-quality dog food may take many different forms. A raw diet could provide your dog with all of the nutrients that it needs, but it is not inherently better for your dog than dry food or homemade food. Ultimately, owners know their Lab better than anyone else, so they should have the final say regarding what to feed their dog. Deciding what to feed your Labrador can be an overwhelming prospect. Consult A Veterinarian Inquiring with a trusted veterinarian about the diet of your Labrador Retriever will help an owner determine the optimal food intake for their precious pooch. They may also recommend certain dog foods that can be purchased to feed a Labrador. A feeding chart will provide information related to how much food to provide a Lab based on its age. A feeding guide may even break down how much food to feed a Labrador based on its weight. There are plenty of Labrador Puppy feeding chart options and feeding guides for adults. Finding a feeding chart that was created by a trusted source like the American Kennel Club can help you make an informed decision about how much to feed your furry friend. Ultimately, a feeding guide is a good place to turn if you find yourself in need of a quick answer about the topic of how much to feed your Lab. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress. You are planning to adopt a Labrador puppy, or already are a proud pet parent of one, you must be anxious about how best to assure optimum growth and health to your pup. This piece of writing is an attempt to give you some useful information about the kind of food which you can feed and also about how best you can feed it. In earlier times, the breed was mostly utilized and appreciated for being a versatile hunter. It can hunt on land as well as water; besides, this intelligent dog is a possessor of a gentle temperament, which makes it easily fit into the role of a friendly family dog. Types of Dog food Broadly speaking, the food for your pet is available in three forms — Wet, Dry and Raw. Wet food is the commercially manufactured food which offers chunks of meat, with or without gravy, with added vitamins, minerals and other important elements to make it nutritionally complete and balanced. Dry food consists of pellets called kibbles of food, which are easy to store and convenient to serve. The ready-made food bits meant for puppies consist of nutrients in the right proportions to support a healthy growth. Raw diet consists of raw meat, bones, fruits and vegetables. There are benefits and risks involved in administering a raw diet, which one should be aware of before adopting a fully raw diet. You may go for dry, wet or raw diet, or a combination of them. You may also consult your vet to guide in case you are confused about your choices. Labradors are always hungry and that is because of their huge appetites. As a pet owner you need to monitor the amount of food they eat, as their greed for food can easily drive them towards obesity, and consequently towards various diseases. Commercially made food Many companies categorize their foods on the basis of life stage puppy, adult, senior , breed large, medium or small , or may offer pet food specifically targeting a particular breed like Royal Canin Labrador Junior , which seeks to take care of a Labrador dog up to 15 months of age. The formulation of diets like this are based on the assumption that all pure breed dogs have their unique needs, which if addressed would bring the dog to an optimum level of health. Information from the breeders If you have brought the puppy from a breeder, then he would supply you a diet routine which needs to be followed, some food or may be some information regarding feeding. Follow it religiously for some days to give some sort of familiar touch to the puppy that is undergoing the stress of being separated from its mother and siblings. In absence of any information from the breeder, best thing would be to consult a vet. Milk for the puppy? Beware of confusing food labels Learn how to read a food label. The food label is given in decreasing order, making the first ingredient the biggest element in the food. That is why it is very important to know what the first two or three ingredients of the food are. Ideally, the first element of any dog food should be a specific kind of meat like chicken, duck, beef ; meat-by-product, meat or animal should not be mentioned on the package as they present an ambiguous picture. Leftover of slaughter houses can find its way to your dog food, something which cannot be classed in the category of healthy and complete food. So if you care for your dog, be aware and make the right selection. Water Make sure that water is available to the puppies at all times of the day, except for one hour before sleeping time. Divide the daily diet The daily dietary requirement of your Labrador pup should be properly divided into portions of meal to be fed at regular intervals. This would help in managing digestion and for keeping its overall health at a good level. You can begin by feeding four meals a day to your 8 to 12 weeks old puppy, and have a time marked for each. Have a gap of at least 3 hours in between each meal so that the little doggie is able to digest it well. Two meals a day is also something which most dog owners continue to feed even after the dog grows up. Feeding your dog once a day after 12 months of age can work as long as you feed it raw meat. The dry kibbles tend to swell once the dog drinks water, and this may cause bloating and also damage its stomach, hence is strictly not recommended. Teach the dog to eat at meal times Your dog would learn to eat the food when it is offered to it if you take back the bowl after a specific interval of time, say 15 to 20 minutes. Household scraps Avoid giving leftovers from your own meals to your puppy, unless you have enough knowledge and experience in dealing with the nutritional requirements of a growing canine. The nutritional needs of your puppy are different than that of humans; also it may differ from one breed of dog to another. The growing pup needs complete and balanced diet to achieve its potential growth, otherwise lifelong disabilities or problems can find easy entry into its life. As, your heartfelt, but nutritionally lacking edible additions might unbalance the diet of your dog. How much to feed? How much food to feed your dog each day is something no one can precisely tell. But the guidelines on the package of the food you are feeding, along with your observation of how the dog is doing with the quantity fed, would help you decide an adequate quantity. The important thing to remember is that the dog should neither be too fat or too slim. Following some instructions related to diet, regular appointments with vet, observing the puppy and showering it with lots and lots of love would give such environment to the little canine in which it would thrive. About Petsworld Team The blog editor of Pets World is a pet aficionado and fervently follows her pet-obsession. A pet parent to animals big and small for the past two decades. The sum of all experiences gathered is an amalgamation of useful knowledge and research. More like this.

Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle 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! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Bakersfield California and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. We are an Australian Labradoodle breeder, breeding only the finest Australian Labradoodle puppies. Our Australian Labradoodles are outstanding in every way. They not only have regal beauty but soulful natures and outstanding temperaments that are consistent within our pooches. Read More Our years of dedication to breeding selection with an emphasis on conformation, health, temperament, and overall regal beauty are evident in all our Australian Labradoodles. Since , all our breeding dogs were handpicked by me from the finest Australian and American lines. The following colors of Australian Labradoodle puppies with beautiful non-shedding coats can be found here: Red, Apricot, Cream, Carmel, Chocolate, and Black; other colors and patterns available on occasion. It was an honor to serve as President for our breed an organization from to .Prior to that from to I served in various committees as well as the Vice President. We are proud to go to such great lengths to health test ALL our breeding stock! We are honored to be accredited by the Better Business Bureau and offer their seal of approval. You are truly getting the cream of the crop when you purchase one of our precious pampered pooches. Enjoy our website and if at any time you have any additional questions feel free to contact us through our Contact Us page. Be sure to follow us and keep up on the latest news! We started with Bulldogs which is still a great love of ours. Unfortunately in my husband and our son Grant developed terrible allergies, it left us looking and researching a new breed. We started researching other dog breeds that were hypoallergenic or allergy-friendly. We fell in love with the majestic beauty and regal elegance of the Labradoodle and purchased our first breeding Labradoodle in .The minute we saw them it was love at first sight. Here you will find general information on the Australian Labradoodle breed including size, coat, and coat types. Australian Labradoodles are very loving, social, highly trainable and excellent companion dogs with majestic beauty that compares to no other. Their eagerness to please and smart, soulful nature makes them perfect for therapy work or a perfect family pet. Then look no further than an Australian Labradoodle! Australian Labradoodles are exceptional dogs for individuals, families with children, and anyone who wants a friendly and loving pet. At Country Club Labradoodles, we breed the finest Australian Labradoodles and match them with the perfect forever families throughout California. Labradoodle Puppies for Sale in CA As dog lovers, we believe every dog deserves to live a long, happy, and healthy life in a home filled with love and care. The stimulation, exercise, and initial training we provide help our Australian Labradoodle puppies become confident, well-behaved, and affectionate dogs. All our Multi-Generation Labradoodle puppies for sale are up to date on vaccinations. We breed variations of chocolate, cream, and caramel-colored Labradoodles. Although our breeding program is in California, we offer puppy delivery and shipping options throughout the continental U. Australian Labradoodle Guardian Homes Occasionally, we hold back certain puppies from our litters with especially exceptional pedigrees, personalities, and traits for future breeding. However, as we are a small breeder and believe dogs need as much human interaction as possible, we like to put our breeding puppies in loving guardian homes. As a guardian, your Australian Labradoodle puppy will be part of your family, live permanently in your home, and be cared for by you. New puppies coming end of the year accepting deposits. Puppies coming at the end of August. They will be chocolate and white, caramel and white approximately 30 to 35 pounds full grown. Puppies coming in October, will be approximately 25 to 30 pounds full grown.

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Questions about Bulldog puppies for sale in Seattle WA? We have answers. How much are Bulldog puppies for sale in Seattle WA? Bulldog puppies for sale in Seattle are never priced exactly the same. One Bulldog for sale in Seattle may be female, which raises the price, while another one may be a certain color or quality. Due to the fact that Bulldog puppies need to be delivered via C-section raises their price compared to regular pooch puppies! What if there are no Bulldog breeders in Seattle? Uptown Puppies offers you the ability to connect with Bulldog puppy breeders, companies and businesses from all over the US. Just connect with them and they might even fly their pooch to you so that it arrives safely at your nearest major airport! How are the Bulldog breeders and businesses screened? At Uptown Puppies, our team makes sure that all the breeding facilities are up to standard of all the Bulldog breeders Seattle, businesses and companies selling Bulldog puppies for sale Seattle. What matters to us most is the cleanliness of their breeding facilities, as well as health care of their puppies! Why is Uptown Puppies so different from other puppy finder websites? We know what a battle it can be when looking for Bulldog puppies Seattle. What is a Seattle puppy mill like? Puppy mills in Seattle are places where doom and gloom follow. Seattle Bulldog puppies for sale are found here, but worse for wear. Their moms never get the opportunity to run and play, only forced to give birth litter after litter for their owners to use them to make money. Bulldogs for sale in Seattle that come out of here alive usually get very sick and can cost you thousands. I want a Bulldog puppy now. Is that possible? Go buy that fluffy new dog bed, as well as a few dog toys, because a new Bulldog Seattle puppy will be yours real soon! Look at our site, find the Bulldog for sale Seattle that speaks to your heart, and get started! What type of dog is an English Bulldog? An English Seattle Bulldog for sale is the national dog of England. Back in the day, they were bred to drive cows to market, and participate in a sport that was rather bloody, called bull-baiting. Today though, these dogs want nothing more than to get cozy and fall asleep by your feet, only to be awoken by a big plate of food! Are Bulldogs big? What kind of personalities do they have? They have really heavy bodies just try pick one up! Who are the most famous Bulldogs in History? Bulldogs Seattle can really have many talents. Tillman is the name of a skateboarding Bulldog who holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest m on a skateboard by a dog. Tyson the Bulldog was also a skateboarding dog who appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show. What are the funny behaviors of Bulldogs? Seattle Bulldogs for sale can be really messy eaters because of the shape of their face. They literally stick their entire face on the food when they eat or drink! They can also be very stubborn dogs - so just keep treats around! We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Necessary Always Enabled Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. German Shepherds are considered healthy dogs that can live many years. You must be able to pay for these dogs every month of their lives. For the most part, providing your dog with a lot of exercise and high-quality food will prevent the dog from developing unforeseen health issues. You will need to buy a dog-safe toothpaste, dog-safe shampoo, and certain medications, such as heartworm prevention, to keep your dog healthy its entire life. Not only do you have to feed your German Shepherd a lot of food, but you want to feed your dog food that is high quality and healthy. As long as your dog does not have any known illnesses or issues, you should not have to pay monthly prices. At the minimum, you should take your German Shepherd for an annual visit, assuming it is healthy. You also need to pay for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Most of these medications last for 1 to 3 months at a time. It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to get pet insurance. If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service. If you do not want to pay for pet insurance, you can simply set up a savings account instead. So long as you have a house and a yard for your dog to play, the home environment is generally suitable for dogs. Some environmental maintenance things you will need to buy include doggie bags. You need these if you take your dog for a walk or if you have a yard that you have to maintain. You may also need to pay for carpet cleaner, deodorizer, and other items to keep the house clean, despite your heavy shedding German Shepherd. This means that your German Shepherd can help you out when you are in a pinch, but it also means that you need to provide your German Shepherd ample entertainment, or else your dog could become destructive. At the very minimum, you need to buy heavy-duty toys for your German Shepherd. German Shepherds can be really rough with their toys. So, we recommend some sort of brand specific for rough-playing dogs, such as Kong. These boxes will offer toys, treats, and more for your dog, but these boxes can be pretty expensive too. Additional Costs to Factor In In addition to initial costs and monthly payments, there are some other additional factors you need to think about. For starters, obedience training is really important for dogs of this size. Obedience training can be a bit expensive at first, but it will be worth it in the long run. You need to pay for a pet sitter or kennel whenever you go on vacations and your dog does not come with you. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy, you may also have to pay to replace or fix items the puppy damages. Think about accidents or unforeseen illnesses too. These can cost a whole lot in vet visits. Owning a German Shepherd on a Budget If you want a German Shepherd but are worried about destroying your budget, there are ways that you can own one of these wonderful dogs without spending a fortune either. Unfortunately, there is little you can change about the price of these dogs up front, but you can save on the monthly expenses. The most important tip for taking care of a German Shepherd on a budget is to know when to splurge. When it comes to dog food, make sure to select high-quality food. This will be more expensive upfront, but it will ensure that your dog is healthy for as long as possible, resulting in fewer bills. Splurging on heavy-duty toys is another great idea. These toys will cost more at first, but they should last much longer than cheap ones. For instance, there are a lot of coupons and promo codes you can use when purchasing toys, food, and other items for your German Shepherd. Even if you find coupons, only spend money on the essentials. Not to mention, buy crates and beds that are suitable for the dog as it grows. Many people make the mistake of buying crates and beds suitable for the puppy, but the puppy soon outgrows them. The initial cost primarily accounts for the dog itself and any other items required when bringing the dog home for the first time. Even after the German Shepherd has made your home its home, you will still have to pay some pretty hefty bills for the remainder of its life. Although the initial and monthly costs for this dog are a bit high, they are required for this dog to live a happy life. If you cannot afford to provide a German Shepherd the sort of life it needs and deserves, simply do not get a German Shepherd. Less - The German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs , well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the German Shepherd Dog is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. The head is in proportion to the size of the body, strong without appearing coarse or fine. Gender differences are readily apparent. The German Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. Lack of confidence is a serious defect in the character of a German Shepherd. The structure of this breed was designed for efficient locomotion, particularly at the trot, so poor movement is another serious fault. History Less - The German Shepherd Dog is a relatively young breed, developed almost single-handedly in the first half of the twentieth century by a German cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz, president of the Verein far Deutsche Schaferhunde S. Using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock, von Stephanitz developed a distinctive breed in a very short period of time, due in large part to the authoritarian practices of the German dog fancy at that time. Von Stephanitz emphasized utility and intelligence in his breeding program, enabling the German Shepherd Dog to switch easily from herding duties to other fields of work, particularly military and police work. All things German were shunned and popularity slumped. After the war, however, movie star Rin-tin-tin stimulated interest in the breed again. The striking good looks of this breed, combined with its remarkable intelligence and loyalty, have made it a favorite working and companion dog. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. Deworming Spaying or neutering If you were to add up the cost of all of these services separately, and not part of an all-inclusive adoption fee, the price tag would invariably be considerably higher. Additionally, you can also feel good about adopting a GSD puppy from a shelter, as the proceeds acquired through adoption fees are used to help support the shelter from which you adopted the puppy. This allows a shelter to continue to rescue new animals and relocate them in safe homes. One potential downside to adoption is the time and effort that it may take you to find the right pup for you. Unlike a breeder who is able to provide you with rather specific dates, there is no telling when a new GSD puppy may be available through a shelter. Additionally, purebred GSD puppies tend to be adopted out very quickly, so if you choose this option you must be very diligent and persistent. Be prepared to make lots of phone calls on a daily basis, as it is unlikely that a shelter will call you specifically when the puppy you want arrives, as many others will undoubtedly have the same request. This is because purebred dogs that are ethically raised by responsible breeders are expensive to breed in general. Also, in contrast to a purebred shelter puppy that spends a short portion of its life at the shelter prior to adoption, a breeder must pay all of the costs associated with raising an entire litter for a minimum of 8 weeks, as is mandated by law in many states. Next comes the cost of pre-breeding health checks performed on both parents, prenatal care, stud fees, shots, food, wormings, vet visits, and a host of other unexpected medical costs. You must also figure in the time and effort that it takes to socialize an entire litter, coupled with the fact that many breeders are dealing with more than one litter at a time, and it is easy to see how the costs can quickly add up. Essentially, a purebred German Shepherd puppy from a breeder will cost more because they are more expensive to raise. However, a purebred puppy from a reputable breeder will also come with health and temperament guarantees, so you do actually get what you pay for. For more detailed understanding of adopting a German Shepherd puppy from a shelter versus purchasing one from a breeder, we have an excellent article here that will answer all of your questions and remove all of the guesswork for you. The Cost of the First Year of German Shepherd Puppy Ownership While the amount of money that you spend to acquire a German Shepherd puppy will vary in accordance to the different factors that we have described above, keep in mind that acquiring the puppy is just be beginning of your financial commitment. It is important that you pay attention to these costs, as they can be significant, and may have a bearing on whether or not acquiring a GSD puppy is a good economical choice for you. While there are other related costs, the main costs that you will incur during the first year of GSD puppy ownership can be apportioned as follows: Initial Cost of Your Puppy As described above, this is entirely dependent on whether you adopt from a shelter or purchase from a breeder. This cost varies widely and can exceed several thousand dollars on the high end. Dog Food With so many different dog food brands on the market today, this cost can also vary considerably. From basic dry dog food to available gourmet raw diets, you can spend as little or as much as you choose. Grooming While you can groom your GSD puppy yourself, many people opt to take their puppy to a professional groomer. Necessities such as nail trimming can be intimidating to the first-time puppy owner and may harm the puppy if performed incorrectly. Training While it is our preference that you take the time to properly train your GSD puppy on your own, as this is a unique and irreplaceable bonding experience on many levels for you and your GSD puppy, many people opt to seek professional obedience training. Some people simply do not have the time to do this, or perhaps it is their first dog and they are unsure of where to begin. If this is the case for you, then you should plan on this expense during your first year of GSD puppy ownership. It is, however, important to understand that individually these items do not cost very much, but if you love to spoil your puppy, then costs can add up very quickly! Crate and Divider A crate is another essential item that there is just no getting around purchasing if you want your puppy to be well-trained. Be sure to not make the mistake that many people do by purchasing too small of a crate and then having to upsize as their puppy grows. It is wise to purchase a large crate as well as a crate divider. This way, you are able to place the divider so that the volume of the crate can be increased as your puppy grows in size. Veterinary Care A preliminary veterinary health check and vaccinations are essential. If you adopt from a shelter, these are likely included in the adoption fee. However, if you purchase your puppy from a breeder, you may incur these costs after bringing your puppy home. Keep in mind that you can, and should, also plan on unexpected veterinary bills. What happens when your puppy gets into something that he definitely should not have, and even worse, after veterinary office hours? It is wise to prepare and set aside some extra funds for such emergencies. Heartworms can be deadly, so heartworm preventative medication is a must. Ticks can also transmit disease that may cause severe illness, such as Canine Anaplasmosis , and fleas are wildly uncomfortable for both human and puppies alike. Table: First Year of German Shepherd Puppy Ownership Costs Now that we have gone over the basic essential expenses of GSD puppy ownership during the first year, we can get more specific as to the expenses that you may incur, depending on your own personal preferences. The table below provides a reasonable estimate of all costs associated with the first year of German Shepherd puppy ownership. Keep in mind that, while this is a reasonable estimate, it is still an estimate. There are certain services and items within the table below that are elective, such as boarding the puppy while on vacation or obedience classes. However, as discussed above, there are certain mandatory, nonnegotiable expenses such as food and veterinary care that you must take into consideration. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.