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Wyoming Pug Rescue Be patient! It might take months to find the perfect pug for you. Be patient with the process. Do your research. Before agreeing to work with a rescue, read their reviews, their policies, and check their c 3 status. You can do a search for their records here. The adoption process can take anywhere from days, to weeks, to months. Does the rescue adopt out of state? What is the adoption fee? Is the application open or do you have to apply for a specific dog? Are you allowed to meet available dogs before adopting? Be Kind Pug rescues are run by dedicated volunteers who spend their free time helping needy pugs. Always be kind and respectful. They work hard so that you can bring home your new pup. Common Pug Rescue Questions Are there pug puppies for adoption? Pug puppies are incredibly popular, so getting your hands on one available for adoption might be difficult. The best way to have a chance at adopting a pug puppy is to turn in an adoption application and become approved for adoption early, if possible. Then wait for a puppy to become available. Is there a pug shelter? Are there black pugs for adoption? Pug rescues rescue pugs of all sizes, ages, mixes, and colors. There tend to be more fawn pugs available, but there are also black pugs, apricot pugs, and more. No pug rescue in your area? Use Petfinder to locate an adoptable pug near you. View more available dogs Pug Rescue of Austin typically has more than fifty available dogs at any given time. Not all available dogs are listed on our website and new dogs come in often. Once you have been approved to adopt, an adoption coordinator will review all available dogs with you to help you find the best new addition to your family. We Save Lives Our goal is to never say no to a pug or pug mix in need. Most of the pugs we rescue have been in abusive, neglectful situations. Here are some of their stories: Aug 22, Help Cole Heal Aug 22, Cole, a survivor of a car accident, needs your help to recover. He's facing major pelvic fractures and requires surgery. With feeling in his lower extremities and continence, Cole's determined to walk again. Join us in supporting his journey to healing. She was found starved, covered in infections, infested with parasites, and suffering from various health issues. We are providing her with intensive care at Westlake Animal Hospital, but her recovery will be a long and slow process. We need your support to give Pillsbury the chance to heal and live a pain-free life. Jun 26, .KPR serves the states of Kentucky and Indiana. Permit No. If you are outside of those states, please visit www. An Adoption Application must be completed before you can be considered as an adoptive home for any Pug. There are no exceptions. Before submitting your application, please review our Application Process. It will answer most questions you have about what's involved in adopting a Pug from KPR. KPR can not answer any questions about a Pug until you have an approved application on file. This is due to the high volume of inquiries we receive. We are all volunteers who are very busy rescuing, caring for, and transporting rescued Pugs. We do NOT have a central facility where you can visit our rescued Pugs. Our Pugs live in foster homes, where they are observed, evaluated, and cared for until we find their ideal adoptive family. Adoption Donations are not negotiable. We understand that you may not agree, but we ask that you respect our policies. Please understand that we spend much more on medical bills than we recover in adoption donations for most of the Pugs we rescue, especially our senior Pugs. Our Pugs do not come with a health guarantee. Although we do provide the medical treatment and testing listed above, please remember that we have no way of guaranteeing that they will not have medical issues in the future. For more information, please visit our Application and Adoption Process page. These Pugs are Waiting for their Forever Homes: Click to view more information, Pug Bio is available by hovering over the photo once you open the gallery. Thank you! Looking to see some more adorable pugs? Check out the Kentuckiana Pug Rescue Hospice Program pugs and consider making the pug pledge monthly reoccurring donation to help care for our hospice pugs. Click here!

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. And large dogs need to have many care factors taken care of to thrive. So, the first step is preparing for a home suitable for a German Shepherd puppy that will one day become a big dog. First, make sure you have enough space for them to run and play. If you have a small yard, consider getting a dog run or fence to give them extra room as well as space for you to do important obedience training exercises. And finally, be sure to stock up on puppy food, treats, toys , and other essentials. Separation Anxiety It is common for month-old German Shepherd puppies to develop separation anxiety when they are first separated from their parents and litter mates. It is because they have not yet learned how to cope with being away from their pack, especially in the first few weeks. Separation anxiety can manifest in several ways, including howling, barking , chewing, and pacing. If your German Shepherd shows separation anxiety, seek professional help from a vet or an animal behaviorist. With time, patience, and guidance, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to cope with being away from other dogs and, little by little, start getting used to you and your family. First, it is crucial to understand that basic training for your German Shepherd to potty is a process and will take time, patience, and consistency. No magic solution will instantly train your month-old German Shepherd puppy to use the bathroom outside. Instead, it requires positive reinforcement, consistent follow-through, and a lot of patience. It means taking your puppy out to relieve themselves regularly throughout the day. Your one-month-old German Shepherd puppy should have a potty training schedule first thing in the morning, after every meal, after naps and playtime, and before bedtime. If you stick to this schedule, you will succeed. German Shepherd puppies generally have to relieve themselves every two to three hours, so be sure to set a timer or alarm to remind yourself to take them out. Introducing a Puppy Crate Choose a designated potty area, a. You can find puppy crates for your German Shepherd puppy at most pet stores or online retailers. Start by taking them to the designated area on a leash and letting them explore. Give it a treat if it shows interest in the space. Try again later if the puppy shows no interest or seems scared of the room. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started: Use a leash: When taking your German Shepherd out to relieve themselves, use a leash to keep them focused and prevent them from running off and exploring. Fixed routine: Try to take your German Shepherd to his designated potty area at the same time each day. It will help him develop a regular bathroom schedule. Give them time: When you get to the designated potty area, give your German Shepherd puppy plenty of time to relieve themselves. Reward good behavior: When your German Shepherd uses the bathroom in their designated potty area, praise them and give them a tasty treat. It will reinforce correct behavior and help your German Shepherd puppy learn that going potty outside is good. It will only scare your German Shepherd puppy and could cause it to hold urine or feces in, leading to health problems. German Shepherd puppies that are weaning for a few weeks to 12 years require four meals daily. After 12 weeks, you can switch to 3 meals per day. Your German Shepherd should maintain a diet of cups of puppy food per day, depending on their activity level. The German Shepherd breed is also prone to joint problems, so ensure they get the proper nutrients for healthy joints and bones. A quality dog food for your German Shepherd will have the right balance of calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin. The most common health issues seen in the German Shepherd dog breed are the following. These conditions are caused by a hip or elbow joint malformation, leading to pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis. German Shepherds with these conditions will require lifelong pain medication and surgery management. Bloating Bloating is another common health problem seen in German Shepherds. This condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and then twists on itself, cutting off the blood supply. Some of the most common signs of bloating include restlessness, pacing, drooling, and abdominal pain. Contact your vet immediately if you think your German Shepherd is bloated. Hemophilia Hemophilia is a blood clotting disorder that can affect German Shepherds. This condition can lead to excessive bleeding, even from minor injuries. German Shepherds with hemophilia will require lifelong management with medication and close monitoring by a vet. The best way to prevent health problems in your German Shepherd breed is to get them from reputable breeders who do health testing on their dogs. Be sure to ask about the health history of the parents, grandparents, and brothers or sisters. Having your German Shepherd examined by a vet within the first few days of bringing them home is also essential. It will allow you to catch any health problems early and get treatment immediately. Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that can occur in German Shepherds. This condition is caused by the deterioration of the discs in the spine. It can lead to pain and paralysis. German Shepherds with this condition will require lifelong management with pain medication and surgery. Allergies German Shepherds are also susceptible to allergies , which can be caused by anything from food to environmental allergens. The most common signs of an allergic reaction include itching, redness, and hair loss. If you think your German Shepherd has allergies, it is vital to speak to your vet so they can recommend the best course of treatment. While there is no guarantee that your German Shepherd will never experience any health problems, working with a reputable breeder and taking good care of your German Shepherd will help to minimize the risk. It is essential for their growth. German Shepherd puppies usually wake up several times during the night for a potty break or a quick snack. Over time, your German Shepherd will learn to sleep through the night as they grow and mature. In the meantime, enjoy those cute German Shepherd puppy naps. Also read:.

Our post on Labrador dog price considers all crucial factors for planning Lab ownership in India. The prices we present here take into account items that are best for the dog. For instance, many people feed their Labs homemade food. While homemade food is not a bad choice, it is not an optimal choice for your dog. Hence, our dog food cost takes into account a high-quality commercial dog food and not homemade food. Also, a Lab mix from a puppy mill will cost you several thousand rupees less than a pedigree puppy. Again, our price list does not account for a Lab mix. Instead, it takes into account the price for a purebred Labrador Retriever dog. In short, when you read our price list, kindly assume that the prices indicated here assume medium to high-quality products and services for your dogs. Remember, there are always exceptions on both sides. A Lab puppy from an imported pair will cost your several thousand rupees more. At the same time, a Lab mix puppy from a puppy mill will be several thousand rupees less. We consider these exceptions, and our Labrador dog price in India does not account for these exceptions. Factors that influence the Labrador Retriever price Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the world. People love this dog for is balanced temperament, intelligence, and trainability. Due to these exceptional traits, Lab excels in several roles, such as gun dog, disability assistance dog, therapy dog, police dog, guide dog, and a family dog. Labrador Retriever is similar to the Golden Retriever in temperament and intelligence. However, this dog is not a good guard dog. They look at all humans as friends, which makes them unfit as a guard dog. If you are looking for a guard dog, you are better off with a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler. In the following section of our post, we present an in-depth look at each Labrador ownership aspect. The following are some key factors that play a crucial role in the Lab puppy price in India. Labrador Puppy cost The first expense that you incur will be the puppy cost. Labs are in great demand in India. Finding a quality purebred pup and a reputable breeder in your city will take time. Remember, Labs have a life span of 10 to 12 years. Never buy a pup in haste. Most of us make the mistake of walking into a pet shop and bringing home a puppy having no idea about its pedigree. The following factors contribute to the total cost of ownership of Labrador Retriever in India. A Lab puppy from a reputable breeder will be expensive but will be purebred. In comparison, a Lab puppy from a pet shop or a puppy mill will be cheap but will not be purebred. Always buy your Lab from a reputable breeder. The premium price that you pay will ensure a worry-free ownership experience. Avoid buying your Lab from puppy mills and pet shops. You can buy your puppy from any one of the following places in India. All puppies are cute. Always learn, plan, and then choose your Lab. As a dog owner, you need to first learn about the breed, its standards, traits, and requirements. Then you need to plan, plan your budget, find the right breeder, right vet, and prepare your family. Finally, choose your puppy. Just because a pet shop says they have KCI certified pups does not mean that the puppies are purebred. Only buy your Lab puppy from a pet shop after ensuring the following. Meet the puppy along with its mother. Insist on KCI certification for the puppy and review the parent dogs. Take feedback from other dog owners who bought puppies from the pet shop. Puppy mill Never buy your Labrador puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills work only for profit. Puppy mills work closely with pet shops. The only thing that these dog breeders care about is profit. Puppy mills have several breeding pairs. It is easy to spot a puppy mill. They often use catchy phrases such as show winner, purebred, KCI papers, low price, etc. Brokers Dog brokers play a vital role in bringing dog breeders and dog lovers together. All breeders rely on brokers to help sell their puppies. Good brokers will take you to the breeder directly. They will also lead you away from puppy mills. Never buy your Lab from a broker directly. Always insist on meeting the dog breeder and dealing with them directly. Dog brokers take a small fee in exchange for their services. Dog brokers can also guide you. Brokers understand the dog market better than anyone and can help you choose the right puppy for you and guide you during your initial days of dog ownership. Reputable Breeders Reputable breeders are the best place to buy your purebred puppy. Reputable Labrador breeders care about their dogs, ensure proper health, and spare no expense in taking care of their dogs. Hence, buying from them will cost you more. Another benefit of buying from a reputable breeder is the guidance that they can provide. As a new dog owner, you will need support from experienced dog owners to get started and give answers to any questions or concerns you might have. The premium that you pay for your Lab puppy will ensure worry-free ownership. You can find reputable breeders on dogsindia. Regular home breeders Home breeders are serious dog lovers who breed their Labradors infrequently and are not professionals. Buying your purebred puppy from a home breeder is an excellent option if you can find one. Buying from a home breeder will be less expensive than from a reputable breeder. The downside to home breeders is that they are not professionals and will not have much breeding experience. If you come across a home breeder willing to sell their puppy, do the following. Insist on looking at KCI certification of their breeding pair. Insist on meeting the puppy along with its parent. Ask for a reference, someone who can vouch for the quality of their dogs. The dog food cost for Labrador dog in India Dog food will be your highest recurring expense. We recommend feeding high-quality dog food. For your purebred puppy to reach its full potential, it needs a high-quality diet. Also, Labs are prone to obesity. Feeding rice-based homemade food will increase the risk of obesity. We recommend that you read our top dog food review in India to get a detailed view of the costs involved. The vet factor Before you buy your Labrador puppy, find a vet near you. Meet the vet to understand common health issues of this dog breed. The vet can also give you a good idea of all the medical costs you incur when you own a Lab. The following will be your recurring medical expenses. Vaccination cost. Well, if you are, then this post is going to be of immense help to you. You are going to get insights about what you should do and what you should avoid before getting a new Lab dog. There are many factors you need to pay attention to before welcoming a new Labrador dog into your life. Among these factors, one of the most important ones is the price factor. There are a lot of misconceptions about the price of a Lab puppy. Dog Breeders Near Me In this post, you are going to understand how much it actually costs to get a Labrador pup. Along with that, we are also going to explain in detail how that small little animal can have a big impact on your life. You are also going to know the best practices that will make you the perfect Labrador owner. What is the price of a Labrador Retriever puppy in India? Before we let you know the price of a Labrador Retriever price in India, let me tell you where you should get it from. There are umpteen number of places where you can get a Labrador dog, but not all of them provide genuine breeds. You have to make sure that you buy the dog from a certified Labrador Breeder. While this is just the cost of buying the dog, there are other costs involved too. Owning a dog means to take care of its food and health. In fact, there are many other factors which you need to consider before deciding on buying a new Labrador. From giving the dog your time and energy to looking after food and medical expenses for your dog, there are some fundamental things that you need to consider which are mentioned below: What are the things to consider before buying a Labrador puppy? Do you have the time for looking after your dog? Owning a dog always needs some commitment on your part. You should be able to give enough time to your Labrador and look after its needs. You need to spend time with your puppy and make sure that it gets your attention. It is no use owning a dog if you are not able to spend time with it. Do you have enough space for a Labrador puppy? Labradors are lively animals. They are active and like to move around. They enjoy running around and playing. This means that you need to have a big backyard for these animals. Dog Breeders Near Me 3. Can you afford the overall expenses? Besides buying a dog, there are other expenses which you need to cater to. From food to medical care and vaccinations, you have to make sure that you can afford all expenses that come along with your dog. Will it affect your lifestyle? If you are someone who travels frequently, having a Labrador may not be the best decision. It is certainly not the right dog for you if you stay on vacation for days at a stretch. While you can surely travel with your Labrador, it is not that easy. Is it suitable for your family? Having a dog in the family is not just about your choice. You have to ensure that the dog fits well into your family. Although Labradors are known to be good family dogs, you must take approval from your family before bringing it in. Which is Better Boy or Girl Labrador? Male dogs are more protective of their things and tend to be a bit more affectionate than females. The biggest difference between males and females is that male Labradors just loves food, while female Labs are not as much motivated by food as their male counterparts. What Color Lab is the calmest? Do Labs bark a lot? Like most breeds, Labs bark and for a variety of reasons. Without plenty of physical stimulation and social interaction, they may become more vocal than normal because their pent-up energy causes them to do so. What color is the smartest lab? Although it might seem that color has anything to with the smartness of an Indiviadual Lab, but, It is not so. The smartness of a Lab largely depends on the individual dog and to some extent their up-bringing. What color Labrador is most expensive? Brown Labradors are the most expensive Labs since they are rare and their demand is ever increasing. Which type of Labrador is best? They make wonderful pets, companions and agility dogs. Are Labs good indoor dogs? You bet! Labs are great indoor pets. Can Labradors be left alone? The answer is yes but there needs to be some steps taken towards making sure that your pup does not go crazy without his human family around! Labradors can be left alone in the house if they are well exercised and provided with proper bathroom facilities. Do Labs like to cuddle? Labrador retrievers love to cuddle. They need affection and attention, which is why they enjoy the company of their owner or family whenever possible. Can Labrador survive in India? Labradors are perfect for India where they experience varied seasons and climates. They have a soft, silky undercoat that keeps them warm in cold weather with an outer coat of hard fur to help repel water. Are Labradors dangerous? Of all the breeds of dogs, Labradors are among those that seem to be most loved and least feared. Do Labradors attack their owners? Labradors are known for their love of humans, so it is rare to hear about one attacking its owner. If this situation occurs and your dog has not been socialized properly from an early age then there might be some behavioral issues in order to adjust them back into being loving towards people again! Are Labs expensive to maintain? The Labrador is a popular breed of dog. Is Labrador a lazy dog? Labrador Retrievers are very energetic, outgoing dogs that love to play and run around. Labradors get older, meaning the Labrador is often prone to piling on pounds with ease despite their playful character. Do Labradors get angry? They are often considered to be good family pets because of their easy-going and gentle nature, which is why they make for a perfect companion. But there may also be some Labradors who can exhibit problematic behaviors if not trained properly at an early age! Can a Labrador bite? Labradors are such a kind, gentle and sociable breed of dog. What problems do Labradors have? Many Labradors are afflicted with various health conditions. These often lead to arthritis in the joints over time. Are Labrador puppies hard work? No, Labrador puppies are actually quite easy to train. What size bed does a Labrador need? A medium-sized 24 inch bed is perfect for a variety of pup breeds. Labs, Dobermanns and Rottweilers can all fit on this comfy dog bed! Why is my Labrador lazy? Some of the reasons why your Labrador puppy might be lazy include not getting enough exercise, illness, depression or it may just naturally sleep more than other dogs. Why does my Lab put his paw on me? When you give your dog a pet, he may return the favor by placing his paw on your arm or leg. This is an act of affection and trust that many dogs will do as part of bonding with their owner. At what age will my Labrador calm down? Labrador puppies are often very energetic and playful, which can be both a delight to watch as well as an annoying disturbance in your home. While dogs will eventually calm down after maturity begins at age two year old, it may take longer for some dog than the others! Which Lab is the calmest? Yellow Labs are the sweetest and calmest, while Chocolate Labradors are thought to be little wilder than their counterparts. Can Labrador be a good guard dog? The Labrador Retriever is a well rounded dog. Loyal, dedicated and gentle despite being able to act as your guard dog in times of need. Why you should not get a Labrador? Labs are susceptible to a number of genes that cause hip dysplasia, OCD and heart problems. This is not only painful for the dog but also emotionally painful for owners because it can be costly in terms of surgery or medication. Do Labs smell bad? Their double-coated fur is made up of a dense outer layer that repels water with its oily exterior—making Labradors near perfect swimmers! What is the best way to pick a Labrador puppy? The average dog needs at least one bathroom break every 8 hours, which is times a day on the dot. How many hours does a Labrador puppy sleep? Are Labradors good for beginners? The Labrador Retriever is a very tail-wagging, active dog breed. They are especially suited to families who enjoy the outdoors and have plenty of space in their home for an energetic canine! Opting for this particular type can be a smart move if you are a first time dog owner. How often should a Labrador be bathed? A Labrador should be bathed once a month to avoid excessive dryness and skin irritation. They need the natural oils from their coat in order to live healthy lives! What Color Lab sheds least? Are Labs easy to potty train? You can begin training your new Labrador Retriever puppy where to go potty and how to communicate his needs from the moment you bring him home. What is a good Labrador hip score? If you are thinking about purchasing a Lab, make sure to buy one that has good hip scores. A Labrador with an average or low score can lead to poor physical health and even death over time. Which is the best breed of Labrador? The black Labrador is the most preferred of all Labradors and has a variety of jobs. They can be used for hunting, as pets or agility dogs. How do I know if my dog is a purebred Lab? Will a Lab attack an intruder? Do Labradors need a big backyard? Labradors are a very playful breed, which means they need plenty of space to play. This includes the size of your backyard and lots room for them to run around in! How can you tell a quality Labrador? This can help you tell whether the pup has been mixed with another type of dog breed and if it should be bred in future generations. Should I let my lab puppy sleep with me? Do you sleep with your Labrador puppy on the bed? He needs time for adjustment, independence, and knows who his dominant pack leader should be — you! Is a Labrador a big dog? Definitely not. They are medium sized dogs — the perfect size for water sports and adventuring with you! How can I keep my Lab puppy busy? Labradors are known for their high energy levels and need to get a lot of exercise each day. Can Labradors be left outside? They can, but only if you take the right precautions. First off, they will need a space that is large enough for them to roam around in and not get lost. Hope these tips help you in deciding whether or not buying a Labrador puppy is the right decision for you. Do you already own a Labrador? If so, let us know if we missed something from this article. We would love to know your thoughts. They are amazing family-friendly and energetic dogs. They are excellent at doing any job given to them. So if you are planning to make them your family member and are worried about their price, caring tips, or things which should be known, then relax, because this article Labrador Price in India, covers all the detailed aspects of all the information regarding factors affecting their prices, most asked FAQs and much more hence making your task easy. So do read it till the end to get complete information! On average, Labrador Price in India can range from around 10, to 35, rupees or more. Breed: American, English, and Canadian labradors are the three main subvarieties. These variations have a significant impact on the cost of a Labrador, with prices ranging according to the particular variety you choose. Age: Given that puppies are typically more expensive than adult dogs, age is another crucial consideration that you need to keep in mind. Due to how adorable and adaptable puppies are, there is a strong demand for them. Location: Depending on the city or location you live in, the price of a Labrador may vary as the costs are typically more in urban cities. Breeder reputation: A well-known breeder who is very popular for breeding dogs properly most times will cost you more than the other local or less popular breeders. Demand: Demand for a breed can also affect the price, and this holds true for Labradors as well. If Labradors are in high demand in your area, you can expect to pay a higher price for a puppy. Coat colour: The price of a Labrador might also depend on the colour of its coat. A Labrador with rare colour like chocolate or yellow tends to be more expensive than labra with common colour like black. Grooming cost: if you want to take your dog to professionals for Grooming, such as bathing, clipping, and nail trimming, it can cost you anywhere from INR to INR 2, per month or you can save money by doing it yourself. Other accessories cost: This can include things like toys , bedding , and leash , which can cost anywhere from INR 2, to INR 10, These accessories are more likely a one-time investment as you not going to buy another until it gets damaged. About Labrador Dog Breed History and Origin- The Labrador is a dog breed, that originated in Newfoundland, where it was originally the all-around dog of local fishermen. Their job was to help fishermen pull their nets and bring back objects that had fallen into the water. He began breeding and formulated the first labrador retriever named Evan, who was the ancestor of all present-day Labradors. Since then, Labrador retrievers have become so popular by today that a black Labrador was elected mayor in a small town in Kentucky, America from to .Appearance- They stand out from other animals thanks to their large heads, floppy ears, and happy smiles. They can have short, dense fur that is black, yellow or chocolate in colour. Because of their waterproof coat, they make outstanding swimmers and retrievers. Temperament- The Labrador is a very balanced dog breed away from extremes. They are not tremulous or shy, but they are not aggressive either. They are generally fundamentally positive towards everyone and extremely human-centred. Due to their past, they love water swimming, but they adapt easily and quickly to almost any circumstances. They love activities and movement. They love being in constant company. We can also say that they are one of the greediest dogs in the world. They love to eat and are very prone to gaining weight. Life span and size- On Average, Labrador can weigh between 25 to 36 kg or 55 to 79 lbs and can grow between cm or 21 to 24 inches in height. Labradors have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, but 14 to year-old dogs also occur among them. Trainability- The Labrador is an easy-learning and versatile dog that can be trained for almost any type of task. It is used as a lifeguard for hunting, drug searches, for truffle searches, but also as a therapeutic and guide dog. What is not suitable for them is that they cannot be trained as guards in protective work. The hardness is far from his personality. The Labradors were not bred for this and that is why it is not their job. The maximum a Labrador would do to a burglar is that he licks the burglar to death but will not attack under any circumstances. Activity— labradors love to move and do almost everything together with their owners and their family. Although they are not long-distance runners, they like to fetch balls, play jog, and run smaller distances and in the water, they are in their element. They swim and dive underwater and they are unstoppable when they see water. Health- Due to their popularity, almost all forms of dysplasia and ophthalmic diseases, such as progressive retinal, atrophy or hereditary cataracts occur among them. Since these diseases can already be screened in parents, it is especially important for Labrador buyers to choose a puppy from well-controlled dogs and breeders and thus extend their healthy lifespan as long it is possible. Pros and Cons of owning a Labrador in India Pros — They are fairly stable dogs, unlike some other breeds. Can turn out to be the best fun outdoor partner. Very loving and can bond with anyone whether it an adult, kid or any other animal. Have a long lifespan. This breed learns things quickly which eases the training process. Labradors are versatile that have been used as guide dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs. Cons- Need to keep an eye on their diet as they can get obese pretty quickly. If you are looking for a guard dog stay away from this breed as they will love everyone. Labradors do shed heavy. As the owner of the labra, you need to spend the most time with them. Puppies do need proper training and socialisation to develop into well-behaved dogs. The cost of a Labrador puppy in India can range from 10, Rs up to 35, Rs. Is a Labrador high maintenance? Labrador retrievers are often regarded as low-maintenance dogs when it comes to caring and grooming. Although they shed frequently, brushing and caring for their short, dense hair is not too difficult. They could be considered high maintenance in terms of the time and effort needed to meet their demands, though, since they are high-energy dogs who need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Will a Labrador protect its owner? In general, Labrador Retrievers are not aggressive toward people and are noted for their warm and amiable personalities. They may, however, defend their owners and family members, particularly if they perceive a threat. The issue is that this canine with a big heart considers the majority of situations to be unthreatening. Can Labradors sleep alone? Labrador Retrievers are social dogs that enjoy the company of their owners and other animals. Some Labradors may struggle with being left alone for extended periods of time and may develop separation anxiety. However, with proper training and acclimation, many Labradors can learn to sleep alone and be comfortable in their own space. Gradually increasing the amount of time they spend alone can help make the transition easier for them. Do Labradors bark a lot? Labrador Retrievers are not known to be excessively barky dogs. However, like all dogs, they may bark for various reasons such as boredom, anxiety, or to alert their owners to potential danger. Some Labradors may bark more frequently than others, and their barking behaviour can be influenced by factors such as their training, socialization, and environment. Proper training and providing them with plenty of physical exercises and mental stimulation can help reduce excessive barking in Labradors. Do Labradors need beds? Yes, Labradors need beds for comfort and to provide a designated sleeping area. A comfortable bed can help promote better sleep and overall well-being for your dog. Can you leave a Labrador alone for 8 hours? Leaving a Labrador Retriever alone for 8 hours can be challenging as they are social dogs that enjoy the company of their owners and other animals. However, with proper training and acclimation, many Labradors can handle being alone for this length of time. Also, Read- Bloodhound Dog Price in India Final Thoughts Finally, we have come to the end of this article and it can be concluded that Labradors can no doubt become your great companion due to their amazing adaptability quality with family members and other pets. But the only thing to keep in mind is that they are highly energetic dogs so you should always keep some time for them to make them exercise, and play with them so that they will always be cheerful. Lack of exercise will make them aggressive. Also, socialise them from an early age and also remember to take proper care to give them a healthy and happy life. I hope you found it helpful!! Thank you for Reading! They have a strong, athletic build with a broad chest and strong hindquarters. Labrador dogs have short, thick, and water-resistant coat that comes in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. They have a strong head with a broad skull, strong jaws, and a well-defined stop. Their ears are medium in size and hang close to their head, while their eyes are medium in size and shaped like almonds. Labrador dogs have long, thick tail that is often docked. History of Labrador Dogs Labrador dogs were developed in the 19th century in Newfoundland, Canada as a working breed. They were used to haul fishing nets, pull carts, and assist fishermen in rescuing people from the water. In the early 20th century, Labrador dogs were imported to England, where they were used as gun dogs and family pets. Today, Labrador dogs are one of the most popular breeds in the world due to their friendly, loyal, and intelligent nature. Labrador Dog Temperament Labrador dogs are known for their friendly and outgoing personality, making them an excellent choice for families. They are intelligent and easy to train, and they are highly loyal to their owners. Labrador dogs are energetic and need plenty of exercises, so they do well with active families who can provide them with daily walks or runs. They are also good with children and make great playmates. Labrador dogs are generally good with other dogs and animals, although early socialization is important to prevent any potential aggression. They may be a little reserved around strangers at first, but they warm up quickly once they have had a chance to get to know them. Factors that Affect the Price of a Labrador Dog Breeder reputation: One of the biggest factors that affect the price of a Labrador dog is the reputation of the breeder. Reputable breeders invest time, money, and effort into breeding healthy and genetically sound Labrador dogs, which often results in a higher price. Pedigree: Another factor that affects the labrador retriever price is its pedigree. Labrador dogs with a long line of champion ancestors may be more expensive due to their potential for show and breeding purposes. Location: The location of the breeder can also affect the lab dog price. For example, Labrador dogs from urban areas may be more expensive due to the higher cost of living in these areas. Demand: The demand for Labrador dogs can also affect their price. If there is a high demand for Labrador dogs in a particular area, breeders may charge a higher price for their puppies. Age: The age of a Labrador retriever can also affect its price. Puppies are generally more expensive than adult Labrador dogs, as they have the potential for breeding and showing. Size: The size of a Labrador dog can also affect its price. Labrador dogs that are larger or smaller than the breed standard may be more expensive due to their rarity. Labrador Dog Training Training a Labrador dog can be a rewarding experience for both the owner and the dog. These intelligent and eager-to-please dogs are often very easy to train and excel in obedience and agility classes. Here are some tips for training a Labrador dog: Start training early: Labrador puppies are highly intelligent and are ready to learn from an early age. It is important to start training as soon as possible to establish good behavior and to prevent bad habits from forming. Use positive reinforcement: Labrador dogs respond well to positive reinforcement such as treats and praise. Avoid using punishment or negative reinforcement as it can lead to fear and aggression in your dog. Be consistent: It is important to be consistent with your training methods and commands. This will help your dog understand what is expected of them Video credit — Furry Friend Labrador Dog Health Issues Labrador dogs are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Some common health issues that Labrador dogs may experience include: Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint, causing it to become dislocated or malformed. This can lead to pain and difficulty walking or moving. Obesity: Labrador dogs are prone to obesity due to their love of food and tendency to eat more than they need. Obesity can lead to other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. Eye Problems: Labrador dogs can suffer from various eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal dysplasia. These conditions can cause vision loss or blindness if left untreated. Ear Infections: Labrador dogs have long, floppy ears that can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to ear infections. These infections can be painful and may cause hearing loss if left untreated. Bloat: This is a serious condition that occurs when the stomach becomes distended and twists, cutting off blood flow to the rest of the body. Bloat can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Labrador dog Care Tips To keep your Labrador dog healthy and happy, it is important to provide proper care and attention. Some care tips for Labrador dogs include: Provide proper nutrition: Labrador dogs require a balanced diet of high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs. Avoid feeding them table scraps or too many treats, as this can lead to obesity. Exercise regularly: Labrador dogs are energetic and require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. This can include walks, runs, or playtime in the backyard. Grooming: Labrador dogs have thick, short coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and shiny. This includes regular brushing and baths, as well as checking and cleaning their ears and trimming their nails. Protect against parasites: Labrador dogs are prone to parasites such as fleas, ticks, and worms. To protect your dog, use preventative measures such as monthly flea and tick medication and regular deworming. Keep up with vaccinations: Labrador dogs require regular vaccinations to protect against diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your dog. Here are some common expenses you can expect when owning a Labrador Retriever: Food: The cost of dog food can vary depending on the brand and quality you choose. On average, you can expect to spend around Rs 1, to Rs 4, per month on high-quality dog food. Grooming: Labradors have a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Grooming expenses can include bathing, brushing, and nail trimming. On average, you can expect to spend around Rs 1, to Rs 2, per month on grooming. Veterinary care: Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative care such as flea and tick prevention are essential to keeping your Labrador healthy. The cost of veterinary care can vary depending on the services required, but on average, you can expect to spend around Rs. Training and socialization: Proper training and socialization are important for ensuring a well-behaved and well-adjusted Labrador. The cost of obedience classes or private training sessions can vary depending on the trainer, but on average, you can expect to spend around Rs. Toys and accessories: Providing your Labrador with toys and accessories such as a leash, collar, and dog bed can also add to the cost of owning a Labrador Retriever. On average, you can expect to spend around Rs. Boarding and pet sitting: If you plan to travel without your Labrador, you may need to consider the cost of boarding or pet sitting. The cost of boarding or pet sitting can vary depending on the facility or pet sitter, but on average, you can expect to spend around Rs. Medical emergencies: In case of a medical emergency, you may need to pay for unexpected medical expenses such as emergency vet care, surgery, or medications. Check online reviews, ask for referrals from other dog owners, and look for any red flags such as poor living conditions for dogs or a high number of litters. Check registration and certification: Reputable breeders will be registered with the Kennel Club of India or another reputable kennel club. They may also have certifications for health screenings and show or working titles. Look for clean and spacious living conditions, socialization with other dogs and people, and access to food and water. This can give you an idea of what to expect from the puppy as it grows up. Ask about health screenings: Reputable breeders will have their breeding dogs screened for genetic health problems such as hip dysplasia and eye conditions. Ask about socialization and training: Reputable breeders will socialize their puppies with other dogs and people and may begin basic training. Ask about what kind of socialization and training the puppies have received. Ask for a written contract: A reputable breeder will provide a written contract that outlines the responsibilities of both the breeder and the buyer. However, factors such as genetics, diet, and overall health can affect their lifespan. Fun Facts about Labrador dog 1. Labrador dogs were originally bred for hunting and retrieving games. They were used by fishermen to retrieve fish that had escaped from their nets and were also used as duck-hunting dogs. Labrador dogs are intelligent and easy to train. They are ranked as one of the top ten intelligent dog breeds and are often used as service dogs and police dogs. Labrador dogs have a keen sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs. They are also used in drug and bomb detection by law enforcement. Labrador dogs are known for their love of water and are excellent swimmers. They have a thick, waterproof coat and webbed paws, which make them well-suited for swimming and retrieving objects in the water. Labrador dogs are loyal and protective of their families. They are known to be great with children and make excellent family pets. Labrador dogs have a friendly disposition and are known to be social animals. They are often used as therapy dogs due to their calm and friendly nature. Labrador dogs have a high energy level and require regular exercise. They love to play and are often used in activities such as obedience training, agility, and flyball. FAQ — Do Labrador dogs bark a lot? Labrador dogs are not known for being excessively barky. However, like any breed, they may bark in certain situations such as when they are alarmed, want attention, or are left alone for long periods of time. Proper training and socialization can help prevent excessive barking in Labrador dogs. Are Labrador dogs easy to train? Labrador dogs are generally considered to be easy to train due to their intelligence and willingness to please. They are ranked as one of the top ten most intelligent dog breeds and are often used as service dogs and police dogs due to their trainability. Proper training and positive reinforcement can help make the process of training a Labrador dog smooth and enjoyable. Are Labrador Retrievers good with children? Yes, Labrador Retrievers are known for their gentle and friendly nature, which makes them great family pets. Do Labrador Retrievers shed a lot? Yes, Labrador Retrievers have a thick, double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily during shedding season. Regular brushing can help minimize shedding. Are Labrador Retrievers good apartment dogs? While Labrador Retrievers are adaptable and can adjust to different living situations, they are an active breed that requires plenty of exercise. Therefore, they may not be the best choice for apartment living unless they are provided with ample opportunities for exercise and play. Do Labrador Retrievers make good service dogs? Yes, Labrador Retrievers are commonly used as service dogs due to their intelligence, trainability, and friendly nature. They are often used as guide dogs, hearing dogs, and mobility assistance dogs. Are there different types of Labrador Retrievers? There are two main types of Labrador Retrievers: English and American. English Labradors tend to have a stockier build and a calmer temperament, while American Labradors are more active and have a leaner build. However, individual temperament and personality can vary regardless of type. Do Labrador dog make good hunting dogs? Yes, Labrador Retrievers are commonly used as hunting dogs due to their intelligence and retrieving abilities. They are often used to retrieve waterfowl and other game birds. Recommended —. If you are still on the fence, read on to find out more about Labrador Retrievers and everything that makes them one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world. Based on your budgetary requirements, you can bring home a Labrador Retriever Puppy of your choice. Labrador dogs are a friendly and outgoing breed of dog. These dogs are considered well-balanced suicide ranges between 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder and the weight goes maximum up to 80 pounds. The most available color for such puppies is yellow along with the hard coat and they are also available in black and chocolate color varieties. Some part of the head is quite wide and the eyes sparkle with kindliness. They look most adorable and innocent. Many people are looking for the best breeds of the puppy out of which black Lab puppies are one of the best breeds of the dog. We will help you to go through certain unique features so that you can take interest in purchasing the Black Lab puppies for sale. The Labrador puppies are renowned for their friendship and affection between the dogs and humans. The cute and appealing personality is responsible for purchasing the Labra puppy for sale in India. We will also help you with knowing the Labrador puppies for saleand find the best fit for you. The Labrador puppies are the most affordable ones and we don't have to invest a huge amount of money in maintenance throughout life. They were originally bred to be fishing dogs that helped hunters fetch waterfowl. While they hauled nets and fetched ropes back in the day, Labradors have evolved to become some of the most loved pets owned by dog lovers around the world. It has been featured in a range of different ads, TV shows, movies, and popular events, making it impossible for people to forget how the breed looks. As they have been captured a million times over time, even people who are not dog lovers can easily identify Labrador Retrievers. While most Labs have been domesticated, a few of them still work as efficient working dogs, thanks to the energy they have carried with them over ages. Labradors are known for their agility, intelligence, and unconditional love for their owners. Labrador Retrievers have two layers of coat — a soft and weather-resistant undercoat that is covered by a short and thick top coat. Three of the most common colors for these dogs include cream, chocolate, and yellow. You can find Labs with many other colors as well, provided the breeder you approach has them. Premium Pet House helps you get your furry friend at the best Labrador Retriever puppy price in India. All Lab puppies at our farms are priced reasonably, keeping your genuine love for dogs in mind. Along with giving you a fair price for the puppies, we also give you an estimate of the monthly maintenance cost you may incur after bringing a Labrador Retriever home. Depending on where you live, we help you take an adorable Lab puppy home at the best price. It needs toys and accessories like a leash, collar, bed, and more to lead a comfortable life. You can either seek pet-sitting services or keep your pet at a boarding facility. Grooming is also an effective way to control excessive shedding, something Labradors are infamous for. The grooming routine of your Labrador should include brushing its coat, trimming its nails, trimming its coat if needed , bathing it, and keeping it aesthetic. It is important to provide extensive obedience and socialization training to your puppy at a young age to make it grow into a well-mannered adult. Make sure you train your pet using the most effective methodologies to make it retain the commands taught. Labrador Retriever Vet Care Expenses In India Once you bring a Labrador Retriever home, it is important to make regular vet visits for health checkups, vaccination, and preventive care. Ignoring these checkups can make your Lab puppy more susceptible to health complications that could have been avoided. This cost will go down as your pet gets older. When it comes to bringing an adorable Lab puppy home, there are two alternatives you can choose from: buying the puppy from a pet shop or approaching a dog breeder. Going to a responsible dog breeder in India is a preferred option as it makes your journey to be a Lab parent better. A trusted dog breeder will provide you with all the necessary information about Labrador Retrievers, from health considerations and dietary needs to exercising routine and behavioral traits. Getting A Healthy Labrador A dog breeder pays keen attention to the health of every Labrador on their farm. A breeder ensures that the dogs they breed are free from congenital health complications. You can also ask the right questions to the dog breeders in India to confirm that the furry friend you purchase is fit and fine! Dog breeders possess complete knowledge about the entire history of Labrador Retrievers. This helps you understand your pet better and become a better Lab parent. Meeting them gives you an idea about how your Labrador Retriever will look when it gets older. All you need to do is give them your preferences regarding the Lab puppy you are looking for and trust them with the rest. They will do their best to ensure that you receive precisely the puppy you were looking for. Extensive Support Our team of experts at Premium Pet House provides you with extensive and personalized support throughout your journey of becoming a Labrador parent. From the moment you get in touch with us, we resolve your queries and guide you along the way as you choose the cutest Lab puppy for you and your loved ones! Multiple Choices Premium Pet House does not limit your choices by giving you a handful of options. We put multiple Lab puppies at your disposal and help you choose the best option. Responsible Labrador Breeding We love the cute little Lab puppies just as much as you do! None of our team members indulges in any unethical or unsafe breeding practices to bring Labrador Retriever puppies to you. All the Labradors and their puppies living on our farms are kept in a safe, secure, and comfortable environment. Rest assured that your pet will be leading a happy and comfortable life before you bring it home! Being the breeders and sellers of dogs, we keep the prices as low as possible to let you overcome any difficulty in making a purchase. Irrespective of where you live, we offer the best prices for Labrador puppies across the country. The breed is known for its pleasant personality that instantly makes it likable. Lab puppies are affectionate and become good friends with everyone they meet. As long as you behave nicely with them, they will have nothing but love for you! Moreover, Labradors are not aggressive at all. No matter how old your Lab is, it will always act like a sweet little puppy. They Are Fast Learners Labrador Retrievers are blessed with high intelligence, making them fast learners. Giving obedience and socialization training to your Lab puppy will not be difficult as it will learn your commands without a lot of repetitions. However, make sure you train your pet while it is still young and capable of forming new habits. Being water dogs, Labrador Retrievers love spending time in the water. Apart from playing games in the water, a Labrador can simply laze around in a pool and spend a considerable amount of time swimming with you. A Labrador definitely makes a family trip to a beach complete with its unconditional love for water! Labradors Are Playful And Protective If you are looking for a playmate that is also immensely protective of you, getting a Lab puppy home is the best choice! Labrador Retrievers possess child-like energies that make them playful and fun companions. It is difficult to have a dull moment around a Labrador. The breed is also very protective of its owner and their family. Best Exercising Buddies! If you have been looking for the right motivation to start exercising and build a healthy routine, your Labrador will help you sweat it out every day! Thanks to their history of being bred for accompanying hunters, Labradors have high energy that makes them the best exercising buddies you can ever have! Your Lab puppy will love joining you for a morning walk, jog, or run as you develop a healthy exercise routine. The child-like personalities of Labradors are an ideal match for the kids in your house. Bringing a Lab puppy home is no less than a beautiful gift for your children! You can leave the two parties with each other and watch them have the time of their lives! Labs make wonderful family pets as they can get along with everyone in your family. From a toddler to a senior citizen, everyone is bound to get charmed by your Labrador Retriever once you bring it home with you! Labradors Are Cooperative With Other Pets If you are bringing a Lab puppy home to other pets or bring other pets home to a Labrador, you can rest assured that your Labrador Retriever will not cause any trouble. Labs are very cooperative with other pets and consider them as family members. Their even temperament and lovable personality lead to cordial behavior with other pets, no matter which breed they belong to. If trained well, a Labrador can even live happily with a cat in the same house. Twice a year, your Labrador Retriever will blow its coat, leading to dog hair everywhere in your house. If you are allergic to dog hair, you might want to think twice before bringing a Labrador Retriever home. However, heavy shedding can be controlled by grooming your pet regularly. The skin of your pet produces natural oils that end up giving a peculiar dog smell. Moreover, the years of a Labrador Retriever give off a yeasty smell. However, if the smell gets too strong, make sure you take your Lab to a vet for a checkup as it may be due to skin or dental infections. The double coat of your Labrador Retriever will block the odor, making them smell more than most breeds. Daily Exercising Needs Labradors are high-energy dogs that have been used by hunters for several years. They need their daily dose of exercise to remain fit and healthy. Once you bring an adorable Labrador Retriever home, take it out on at least two minute walks every day. As the food intake of these dogs is also pretty high, it is important for them to burn their calories to prevent health issues like obesity. While food acts as a key motivator while training a Lab puppy, the motivation may also become too strong when the puppy grows up. Never make the mistake of leaving food open and available to an adult Labrador as it will never know when to stop. Overeating can make your Labrador obese and lead to a host of health complications. Watch what your pet eats and structure its diet to give it a long and healthy life. Prone To Separation Anxiety While Labrador Retrievers love spending time with their owners, their love often turns into separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long. They are not the kind of dogs you tie outside your house. They need human company and love spending time with you. Leaving them alone can make them feel useless and lonely. Always ensure that your Lab puppy has someone to keep it company. They Need Space Labradors often need space to walk around due to their size and energy. You cannot and should not keep your pet confined in a closed space for too long. If you are planning to bring a Lab puppy home, make sure you have enough space for it when it grows up. If you live in a small apartment, make sure you take your Labrador out more often to help it move around freely. They are food-motivated dogs who will never say no to anything that is edible! Always ensure that your Labrador Retriever eats well without going overboard, irrespective of how old it is. It is also important to be mindful of the number of meals you feed your Labrador Retriever. Here is the dietary routine you should follow while feeding your Lab at different stages of its life: Up To 2 Months When your Labrador Retriever is still a puppy, it is advisable to feed it four meals per day. This is the stage where your pet does the most of its growing up. Unlike most other breeds, it is not advisable to free-feed your Labrador at this age. Labradors tend to eat a lot at all ages and you should not give them more food than what is absolutely necessary. Over 6 Months By the time your Labrador turns six months old, you should reduce its food intake to two meals per day. Do not give your Lab unlimited access to food and track what it eats all day. While a few dogs show signs of pain and lameness, others continue living a normal life. Labradors with this condition should not be bred any further. Elbow dysplasia leads to joint laxity and painful lameness. Cataracts Like humans, Labradors are also susceptible to cataracts. While they do not impair vision, they do lead to severe vision loss in dogs. It is not a major issue and your pet will recover from it in a few days. Ear infections This breed of dog office from ear infections because of the breeding ground for microorganisms such as bacteria. Hence, they are always recommended to clean their ears and keep them dry. It starts with your Labrador Retriever getting night-blind and makes it lose daytime vision over time. The health issue manifests itself in your pet by making it tired and stiff as it walks. You may also see your Lab puppy collapse during training or exercise sessions. While there is no treatment to fully cure myopathy in dogs, the best way to tackle is to keep your Labrador warm and at rest. Epilepsy This is another common health issue your Labrador can encounter, leading to mild or severe seizures. The fits can be identified by noticing your pet running around frantically as if it is being chased. If you notice such seizures in your pet, take it to a vet at once. Joint problems Labradors commonly suffer from the disease of joint problems especially at the elbow and at the hip regions. This health issue is also known as elbow or hip dysplasia. The conditions are severe because it starts affecting the joints and stop the normal movement of the body. These health issues are also responsible for inducing pain and prohibition of movement of all the body parts especially the elbow and legs. Obesity and Bloat These two health issues are quite severe for Labrador dogs. Unhealthy eating habits are highly responsible for affecting dogs severely. The stomach gets twisted or becomes swelled when the eating habits are compromised at regular intervals. Hence, feed them regularly with healthy meals. Interesting Facts About Labrador Retrievers Before you welcome the most adorable Lab puppy in the world, here are a few interesting facts that will make you fall in love with the breed even more: Labradors Almost Went Extinct A breed that is extremely popular today was once on the verge of extinction. During the s, families living in Newfoundland were asked to pay taxes to own dogs. Moreover, they were only allowed to keep one dog per family. As female dogs were taxed more, people stopped keeping them altogether, leading to a sharp decline in the Labrador Retriever numbers in Newfoundland. Fortunately, the breed found a resurgence in the UK, preventing it from going extinct. Labradors have lived interesting lives! It was given a life sentence without parole for murdering the cat. Ultimately, it lived in the Eastern State Penitentiary for ten years. This quality has made them the best choices for hunting and fetching. They Are Practically Waterproof Labradors are popular around the world because of their love for water. With their webbed feet and waterproof coats, they are built to thrive in the water! Their double coat insulates them from water and prevents them from getting cold even while swimming in cold weather conditions. When they come out of the water, the coat instantly skims all the water off with a simple jerk, making them dry almost instantly. Breeding a single Labrador can lead to puppies sporting colors like black, chocolate, and yellow. This is another reason why it is better to get a Lab puppy from dog breeders as they are bound to have dogs with a variety of different coat colors. Let us explore some interesting facts about them. The labrador retriever is a highly skilled and cute puppy that is famous for its intelligence. The lifespan of these puppies is about 11 to 12 years. There are three prominent colors of the coat of the Labrador retriever puppies that include yellow, chocolate, and black. Their eyes keep on sparkling and possess a mischievous personality. These are the finest bred of the puppies which are readily available across all counties including India. We have found that these dogs are highly easy to train and we need low maintenance costs yearly. Hence their affordability is the prime factor behind purchasing them. They always love to please the trainers and that is the reason why we can easily train them and get full control. These are quite friendly and have dynamic features that enhance their visual appearance. They sometimes act over smart since they have the special ability to learn to do daily activities which investing many efforts. They can easily learn how to open the door of the refrigerator and how to take out things from the shelf after noticing the activities of the owner. You can maintain healthy relation with them by investing a good amount of time and try to reduce giving instructions all the time since they get irritated by such acts. After observing the behavior with keen interest and observation, we have found out that food is the weakness of such a dog breed. We can administer them for rigorous training by providing sufficient food at regular intervals. The training becomes smoother and hence we can make them learn new tricks every day concerning the procedures of safeguarding the home and the family members. We also need to pay concern about the diet schedule because if they are overly fed, it may lead to health issues. Therefore, the Lab puppy price in India is extremely cheap for any common individual along with that he or she can take the best care by gathering the required provisions.

Urgent Dogs Kaiser - Aberdeenshire Meet Kaiser, his owner had an accident and found that he needed too much looking after from a wheelchair. He has a dislike of strangers entering the home, and medical professionals were also on that list. He came to us at the start of December and has been in foster since. He grew up in a house with two other dogs, numerous cats, as well as a mix of both young and older children. He is a large dog with a big heart but will need someone with experience of the breed to take control. His dislike of strangers means he will growl at them with a deep chesty growl. Coupled with his size, this can be intimidating to anyone not knowing the breed or the dog. Once in the home, he accepts the stranger after a small period of time and settles down without a fuss. On meeting the same person 3 or 4 times, he does remember them and shows a more friendly side, looking for fuss and attention He is walked on lead with his foster siblings and when let off lead, loves to play and run about but when called, has good recall and has no issues hooking back up to a lead. He has all the basic commands, is in great shape, is full of life and looking for a forever home to settle down in. More information. Saving one dog will not change the world, but for that one dog the world will be changed forever. Visit our online store German Shepherd t-shirts, fleeces, badges, mugs, mouse mats, cards and much more. EasyFundraising You can help us raise money for the rescue without even leaving your home. It's easy. Sponsor a GSD You can now sponsor our kennel dogs until they find their forever home. Could you help? Check out our Dogmatic headcollars. Vogrie is booked for Saturday 27th July for our annual dog show. We have to thank a lot of people for supporting our event. Firstly thanks to.The best boy and our rescue Ambassador Ileach has gained his wings and gone.Complete our Adoption Form if you would like to adopt one of the dogs on our site. If you've found yourself in a position where you need help re-homing your German Shepherd please complete our online for and we'll be in touch as soon as possible. Foster Homes Needed If you can offer a warm, loving foster home please get in touch. German Shepherds don't do well in kennels, we would love to have warm foster homes to offer instead of cold concrete kennels. ALL food and expenses will be covered by the rescue. Like to Help? You can help us rescue more dogs like Murphy. Just click the button to send us a donation. All donations gratefully accepted big or small, every penny counts! Please donate now!

Ways to make your German Shepherds eat There are many options to get your German Shepherd to eat again. Here are some solutions that you can introduce: 1 Increase activity to stimulate appetite 2 Introduce a consistent schedule 3 Limit the feeding time to 15 minutes 4 Add high-value food to their meal 5 Make mealtime fun 7 Create a safe eating environment 1 Increase activity to stimulate appetite German shepherd dogs need an average of 2 hours a day of exercise. Those 2 hours should be made up of physical and mental stimulation. Walking and playing fetch are everyday physical activities. Mental activities could include training and puzzle toys. Exercise does not have to be done all at once and can be more accessible when broken up throughout the day. Disruptions can affect their appetites, so keeping consistent is vital. Meals should be offered twice daily, ideally after a walk or activity. Make sure to choose times that you can keep as consistent as possible. Automatic feeders can be used if your schedule varies and it is hard to keep to exact times. Portions are dependent on the weight and life stage of your German shepherd. If food is left out, your dog may start grazing and not eating the entire meal because your dog is used to having it left out. Dry food can become stale and wet food should not be left out for long, or it can cause digestive problems. Limiting feeding time should encourage them to eat while it is available. Plain chicken and unsweetened canned pumpkin can help to settle an upset stomach and entice your dog to eat. You can also add a portion of wet food to dry kibbles. Adding broth to dry food can make it more palatable. Ensure the broth you use does not have added harmful ingredients like onions or garlic and is low in sodium. Treats you already use and know your dog likes can also make a high-value mix to encourage them to eat. You can purchase or create puzzle toys that provide that mental stimulation and fun. A puzzle toy can easily be made by rolling up dry food in a towel and then letting your dog sniff out and unravel it. You could also fill a cardboard box with pieces they must get through. There are many cost-effective ways to make meals fun. If your dog is not eating, he may be shy, and feeding by hand helps them to build trust and be more comfortable. It can also help impulse control, rewarding good behavior by having self-control. Hand feeding can combat resource guarding, letting the dog know that food comes when you are around. These go alongside training, and german shepherd dogs are a working class breed, so being rewarded for work can help increase appetite. It can include changes inside or outside the home. It may be too loud or too many people around while trying to eat. If your dog has a crate, this may be an excellent place to feed them. A quiet and secluded place could also be a great way to get them eating again. Dogs can be sensitive to changes, so keeping a secured area where they are fed is essential. Conclusion A dog that is not eating is worrisome. However, if your dog is not eating and is either vomiting, having diarrhea, or both, contact your veterinarian within hours. Source: AKC Hayley is a writer and animal lover. She is an avid reader which led to a love of writing. Post navigation. Sep 1, Share Determining the causes of a loss of appetite in your German Shepherd is often tricky. The symptom is non-diagnostic and can point to so many reasons. It can indicate minor things or something more serious. Is there nausea or vomiting? Is your pet experiencing GI distress? You should be aware of anything unusual. When symptoms appear together, it can give your veterinarian a shortlist of things to check. Just saying that my German Shepherd is too skinny is vague. It can make learning the root of the problem more difficult. Remember that canines have a keen sense of smell with over 16 times the sensory receptors and 40 times the brain capacity. That means dogs are often more sensitive to different foods. Image Credit: Angeleses, Pixabay 2. You probably know about chocolate. However, there are also several obscure ones, such as avocados and macadamia nuts. Eating Is Painful Dental problems are often a culprit that can turn your pup off its food. Severe cases might make it too painful for your dog to eat. That makes regular dental care imperative. Image Credit: PixieMe, Shutterstock 4. Common types include chemotherapy drugs, pain meds, and some antibiotics. Luckily, the symptoms resolve quickly after your pet goes off the things causing the problems. Fortunately, many are specific to the condition, which makes diagnosis easier. Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss occurs with several of them, including stomach worms, roundworms , and threadworms. They also resolve quickly once they are identified. It can have a similar effect on your canine friend as it does on humans. Think of how you feel in a tense situation. Probably the last thing you want to do is eat. Your body—and that of your German Shepherd—allocate its resources to escaping the threat instead of passive ones like eating. They sometimes experience separation anxiety if they are kept alone for long stretches. It can manifest in many ways, including a loss of appetite. Counterconditioning therapy can help your pup cope better with your absences. Image Credit: DanaTentis, Pixabay 8. Veterinarians can tell you a plethora of stories about the things dogs have swallowed, from socks to rocks to Super Balls. A loss of appetite, vomiting, and pain are the telltale symptoms. The list includes a broad range of conditions, from liver disease to bacterial problems to urinary tract infections. Your vet will likely begin with a complete blood profile. Image Credit: Goran Horvat, Pixabay .Your Pup Has Cancer Cancer often causes a decrease in appetite, too. It can result from the disease or its treatment. The difference is that it can often result in a dramatic weight loss that is visible quickly and noticeably. Keeping your German Shepherd will give your pup its best defense against this disease. Final Thoughts Dogs differ from cats in that they often wear their symptoms on their proverbial sleeves. Related Read:. After covering each one in full detail, you may realize that one of the causes sounds familiar to your situation. The next section will provide the best solutions. There are several reasons why German shepherds stop eating their food. These include disagreeing with their kibble, inactivity, lack of feeding schedule, receiving too many treats, boredom, environmental issues, and underlying health issues. More will be explained about the correct diet and brands in the next section. Recommended Read: Why does my German Shepherd have diarrhea? German Shepherds ideally need around 2 hours or more of exercise per day. Appetite is just one of many things closely linked to exercise. Having routines helps them understand their day and allows them to become comfortable in their environment. Most adult GSDs are fed just twice a day. For puppies, this varies. Day grazing should not be something you engage in with your German Shepherd. By sticking to certain times you are training your German Shepherd to become hungry at those times. Yep, it really does work like that! But it could be the case… If your GSD has been eating the same food for a while, he may just be bored of it. Boredom will not make your GSD sick, so if you do see signs of sickness or being unwell, you can rule boredom out. This may be table scrabs or other forms of food. A change in the environment could be a new neighbor, a new pet, a new person in the household, a loss of someone in the house, or maybe you moved house entirely, the list is quite extensive. Think about your close surroundings and if something has changed. This changes when health issues are present. This is original content produced and published by The Puppy Mag www. There are many common allergens in dog food that may be causing the issues. The biggest culprit being chicken. Yep, chicken, as well as beef, pork, and lamb, are all common allergens, despite being used all the time! Try opting for a premium dog food brand that uses either duck, salmon, or turkey as the main protein source. These digest easily and usually cause fewer issues than chicken. Wet dog food is considerably tastier, juicier, has a higher protein content with fewer preservatives and additives. Adding a small amount to every mealtime will be irresistible for your German Shepherd. This working breed needs this kind of physical activity in order to develop a healthy appetite. Consider his environment Have you recently changed where you put the food bowl? On the flip side, you can try moving his bowl to a different spot to see if that has an effect. If you have young children, allow your GSD to eat in peace. Popular German Shepherd Articles:. Check Price on Amazon 5. If you give treats just to entice your German Shepherd to eat, you are turning him into a fussy eater! So, are German Shepherds fussy eaters? Now and again, a little healthy treat is just fine. You can also try some fruits or vegetables , especially if the treat cupboard is bare. Your German Shepherd may have also eaten something poisonous while roaming in the garden or fields. Dogs are known for eating anything they can find left lying around or even getting into the garbage! Take care with foods like chocolate or grapes , and never leave these lying around where your dog can get at them, as they can be highly toxic. If your German Shepherd has had his recent vaccinations, sometimes these can cause adverse reactions, including loss of appetite. The good news is this should only be brief — just ensure your dog is drinking plenty of water and keeping himself hydrated. If nothing else seems to be working and you are worried, you should schedule a visit with the veterinarian as soon as you can. He likes to eat at certain times of the day Just like you might not like to eat breakfast at 6 a. Though this can be concerning at first, you should be keeping track of how much food in total your German Shepherd is eating throughout the day. If he still eats about the same amount, he simply might prefer to eat at specific times of the day! On a similar note, your dog may prefer to eat little and often. My German Shepherd used to eat one meal in the morning and one in the evening. However, now that she is older, she prefers to eat both meals in the evening. Take your dog on a long walk before feeding — so he works up an appetite. Give him lots of praise when he eats from his bowl. Make feeding time fun — try putting a lid on his food, so he must remove it first. It gets over , top reviews! If your dog refuses his meal, take his bowl away after 15 minutes and then only put it down again a few hours later. Limit treats to training times only. If he senses that you are stressed and anxious about his loss of appetite, he may also become stressed and not eat at all! A sudden lack of appetite and resulting weight loss can signify other issues going on. Switch His Food If your dog slowly lost interest in food over a few weeks, he might no longer like his current food. Here are some ways to target his diet and boost his loss of appetite. Choose a more fragrant food. Try picking food that smells more like meat and has a more intense aroma. Add wet food or soak his food in warm water. I feed her cold-pressed dog food, which she just adores and continues to thrive on. Hopefully, these steps will fix the situation and return your dog to regular eating habits. Take Him to the Vet Vet visits can be costly, but so are the treatment methods for the condition or disease your dog might currently be experiencing. I would always recommend having a decent pet insurance policy in place, as this will always give you peace of mind. A healthy German Shepherd can go up to five to seven days without eating as long as they are still drinking water. However, if your German Shepherd refuses to drink water for 48 hours, it is time to bring your dog to the emergency veterinary clinic. If your German Shepherd is eating only once a day, it may be due to a routine that has been established over time. However, feeding your dog only once a day can lead to health problems such as gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV. Add variety to the diet and check the consumption. German Shepherd Not Eating and Diarrhea. If your German Shepherd is not eating and has diarrhea, it could be due to a variety of reasons, such as a change in diet, stress, anxiety, or a gastrointestinal infection. When your German Shepherd stops eating, you need to take the necessary steps to figure out the source of the problem and how to address it. Add wet food or warm water to boost his appetite and make his food more palatable and fragrant. Keep an eye on his other behaviors to see how his mood and movements have changed. Call the vet and schedule an appointment to have him checked over. Related Posts You May Like:. Health It is not totally uncommon for a German Shepherd will refuse to eat once in a while. Although this is not totally uncommon, it is always a worrying experience for their humans. This article will help you realize some common reasons why GSDs may have a change in appetite to help you know whether or not to be concerned. So, when they refuse to eat, you know that something might be wrong. Sometimes, this might be because of the sensitive gut the breed is known for. But in many cases, it could be a sign that they are sick or in pain. Additionally, this could also be a sign of other conditions like oral problems or parasites. However, there are fussy GSDs that prefer variety. This issue is most common for dogs that are given access to table food or are fed a wide variety of dog food. They might also lose their appetite when they are depressed. In other cases, medicines can cause nausea or digestive upset, which will also keep your dog from eating. If your dog is refusing to eat because of new medications, make sure to bring it up with your vet. Older dogs become less active and have fewer opportunities to work up an appetite. Sometimes, German Shepherds stop eating the dry kibble that they normally eat. Or, they might ditch the kibble entirely in preference of wet dog food. Here are some of the most common reasons why your dog could be refusing to eat dry food: They have dental issues When oral problems get bad enough, your GSD might refuse to eat due to the pain it causes. This could be caused by cavities, a broken tooth, or swollen gums. In this case, a rotation between kibble brands and variants will help. They just prefer another food Dogs might refuse their regular food in hopes that they will be given another that they have tasted and loved. This might be table scraps or another kind of dog food. In cool weather, German Shepherds use up more energy to keep themselves warm. But in the hot summer months, they prefer to lounge around and keep cool. After some exercise, give them time to cool down completely before giving any food. Dogs can survive up to five days without food as long as they keep drinking water. Fasting for this long may have long-term consequences. More critically, it might be a sign of an underlying illness. If they suddenly have no appetite but they normally eat voraciously and never miss a meal, it should definitely be a cause of concern. Just make sure you observe them for any other warning signs. You might also observe changes in their stool consistency or a lack of enthusiasm for their regular activities. Whether or not they have a good reason for refusing food, here are some things you can do to encourage your German Shepherd to eat: Cut down on treats. Your dog can lose their appetite for their regular food when they have plenty of better-tasting treats throughout the day. Make feeding enjoyable. GSDs are always eager to please. Teach them to wait for their food and take it only on command. Then, praise them for finishing their food. Make food more appetizing. Try topping kibble with different types of food that might whet their appetite. Sometimes, a little bit of boiled chicken or beef broth will do the trick. They might not like the print, the ability to see their reflection, or the feeling on their tongue. Using another feeding bowl might help. Give them plenty of exercise. The energetic German Shepherd may need to tire themselves out to work up an appetite. Give your dog the daily exercise they need and then wait at least half an hour after any physical activity before giving them their meals. However, when your dog refuses to eat, you should also keep an eye out for other signs that could be a cause for concern. While many types of food might help jumpstart their appetite, there are several that might do more harm than good. Even if these foods might get them to eat, the effects might be more harmful. Instead, you can first try to give them some wet dog food for German Shepherds or mix in some plain rice and chicken with their kibble. You know what is normal for your dog! If their change in appetite veers too much from their norm it is best to make an appointment with the vet just to be safe.

They crave human attention and affection, the more the better! Often, they will sit by your feet and lean into you or will paw at you to keep petting them. Leaving your Golden alone too long might make him depressed, or could cause unwanted behaviours such as chewing, excessive barking, and other destructive behaviour. But, keep in mind that you are everything to your Golden Retriever and they want to spend their time with you. A high-quality diet is a must for these dogs, as they can easily develop skin problems such as allergies, and they can easily become overweight. Goldens love food, and will eat anything!! It is important to keep control and monitor their food intake so that they do not become overweight. It is certainly not an easy thing to do when they look at you with their sad puppy dog eyes begging for food every time you eat. The biggest mistake you can make is feeding them from the table. I can attest to this because I used to do it! My dog became slightly overweight, and it was a struggle to shed the pounds off of her. Give Them Space Goldens are labelled as a medium to large-sized breed. Breed standards state that adult Goldens will typically weigh between lbs female , and lbs male. Some adults can weigh more or less depending on genetics. Because of their large size, they need room to move. Goldens are not meant to be outside dogs all the time, they would rather spend time with their humans inside than be outside by themselves. Having a yard for them to run and play is beneficial, but when given enough exercise and outdoor time, Goldens can also do well in apartment living. Just make sure that your house or apartment is large enough to accommodate them. Keep Them Beautiful One thing is for certain of this breed, and that is they shed!!! Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful long coat, which is actually a double-coat. Meaning it consists of a thick soft undercoat and a coarser topcoat. The undercoat is what sheds heavily in the spring and fall, and there is moderate shedding throughout the rest of the year. A Goldens double-coat offers protection from the elements, keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Regular brushing is a must to keep their coat looking healthy and shiny, and to minimize shedding. Bathing should be done regularly as well, and since Goldens love water it should be easier to do. Because of their floppy ears, Goldens are prone to getting ear infections. Weekly ear cleaning is recommended to keep their ears free of dirt and debris and to prevent infections. Golden Retrievers are beautiful, and they know it and love to show it off. It is up to their owners to keep them beautiful. Grooming a Golden Retriever does not have to be difficult, you can easily learn to groom them yourself at home to save some money. Socialize Them Golden Retrievers are naturally social. They love nothing more than being taken for a walk and meeting new people and other dogs. Known for their friendly and gentle nature, Goldens will get along with all animals and all people. Now as an adult she continues this with the people that she knows. She will also go up to strangers and sit on their feet and wait to be petted. She loves the attention that she gets. After meeting someone, or another dog she usually gets very happy and excited. I would suggest taking your Golden everywhere with you, take them to the park, for car rides, let them meet new people and dogs. Let them experience new things and you will have a happy dog. Take Them Swimming Natural born swimmers, to say that Goldens love water is an understatement! Especially on a hot summer day, Goldens will love to go in any water source they can find. Some owners have Golden Retrievers that enjoy rolling around and getting dirty in mud puddles, I am lucky enough to not be one of those owners. Swimming is a great form of exercise for your Golden Retriever, so take them with you to a dog-friendly beach or other water spot and have a game of fetch in the water. Provide Mental Stimulation Because they are such intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers are easy to train. They are eager to please their owner, especially when a treat is involved for being a good dog. In order to keep them from getting bored, and becoming destructive, they should be given plenty of mental stimulation. Golden Retrievers are happier and healthier, and more behaved when they are given mental stimulation on a daily basis. This can be done by teaching your dog basic commands and tricks, playing games with them, and providing enough exercise. An example of mental stimulation right now for my dog Ellie is when we are out walking she loves to go into the creek at several spots along the trail and hunt for frogs. She is so excited when she sees one and tries to catch it. They are basically big teddy bears. Craving human attention and affection is what they do and if that means jumping onto your lap and snuggling up with you, then that is what they will do. I remember when Ellie was a puppy I did not want her on the couch. I even tried to put tinfoil on the couch to deter her away from it. How long do you think that lasted?? Maybe a week or less. She would take a running leap and jump onto the couch and realize how comfortable it was, and just stay there. Nothing I could do about it, it was just easier to give in. Now I share a couch with her. She has her side, I have mine. Some Goldens live longer than the average, with many of them living up to 14 or 15 years. Genetics, lifestyle, environment, nutrition and spay or neuter status can all contribute to the health of your Golden. In order to keep them healthy and to ensure a long life with your devoted best friend, there are things you need to do such as: Provide a nutritious high-quality diet. Provide plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation. Keep your Golden at an ideal weight and watch food intake to prevent obesity. Look for any signs of illness and medical problems, and get regular vet check-ups. Play with them, and show them plenty of love. Provide regular grooming to keep them clean and healthy. They may bark at a stranger at the door, but will soon wag their tail and flash their friendly smile at them. They love people way too much to be effective as a guard dog. If someone were to break into their home, a Golden would rather lick them to death than show any form of aggression. The Golden Retriever especially needs a lot of love and attention in order to be happy. They value the time spent with you, and any dog owner knows that the time spent with their beloved Golden Retriever is never enough. A Golden Retriever quickly steals your heart and becomes your best friend. Their beauty both inside and out becomes addicting that most owners of this beautiful breed usually own more than one. Keep in mind that if you let a Golden be a Golden, by letting them do what they love such as meeting new people and going swimming, then you will be rewarded with a happy dog. How do you take care of your Golden Retriever to ensure their happiness? Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you. Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. They are superb with kids and very much compatible with other pets in the house. They are big and their tail is strong, so keep your breakable belongings away from the reach of that helicopter wag. They are great personalities for a pet but maintaining them is no joke. Bookmark this page which lists down cool tips to take care of a Golden Retriever. To prevent it from matting and to reduce the shedding, you must brush it daily. If you do this from an early age, they get used to it and they actually look forward to it. Not only that. While you brush them, watch out for scabs, cysts, scratches and bumps and if it does not go in a day or two, visit the vet. Wrap some wet cotton gauze around your finger and then wipe the inside of your puppy's ears and ear flap. Do it every alternate day and if you notice wax buildup or discharge or foul smell, take it to the vet, do not delay. When their nails start clicking the ground, it is a sign that your boy or girl needs trimming. Active dogs need fewer trims as per vets. It can bleed and it is very painful too. Also, do not cut the nail in one go. Go slow and if you see a circle on the trimmed surface, stop there and then because that is the quick. Never use a human toothpaste because they are very toxic for dogs. Make sure that your fur-child goes on a brisk walk, plays around at least for 30 minutes twice a day. Play fetch, take it for a swim if he loves water. They must have a place to retreat if they feel low or nervous. But never make it an area of punishment as that will stress them out. Teach them basic commands. Nowadays, we also have pet friendly cafes, so take them there. Not just pets, dogs should also know other humans besides you. They must know that people wearing attires unlike yours are also humans they need to be civil with. Do take them to crowded places to take away that fear and so that they get accustomed to loud noises as well. Fast cars and bikes, all these things scare them if they are not used to it. It is the same as human babies. Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Golden Retrievers were first bred in the early s in Scotland as hunting dogs. Although they are still used for hunting, Goldens also excel at many other activities, including search and rescue jobs and guide work. They require ample exercise—swimming in particular is a great outlet for their endless energy, and most Goldens love it! Their beautiful coats require brushing and in some climates a summer trim may be in order. Goldens are intelligent, understanding, and eager to please their families. The Golden Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Golden. By knowing about health concerns specific to Golden Retrievers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Golden Retrievers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Golden Retrievers. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Golden looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your Golden is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Golden Retrievers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Golden Retrievers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Golden is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Golden Retrievers Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your Golden will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Golden Retrievers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Golden Retrievers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Golden Retrievers than other breeds. The sooner these tumors are surgically removed, the better. Unfortunately, mast cell tumors often look very similar to other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, many of which are not harmful. Therefore, all suspicious lumps should be tested and surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal , so early detection is critical. Bloat Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Golden is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Golden Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Goldens. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Golden Retrievers and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea the clear front part of the eye , and redness in the whites of the eyes. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Golden is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Allergies, swimming, overgrowth of hair in the ear canals, and accumulation of earwax can all predispose your dog to ear infections, which are painful and annoying. Goldens are very often afflicted by allergies, which can cause itching and inflammation in the ears and elsewhere. The earlier we diagnose and treat these ailments, the less discomfort and pain your pet will suffer. Be sure to call us if you notice him scratching or shaking his head, a foul odor from the ears, or if his ears seem painful to the touch. By monitoring for ear infections and treating them early, we also reduce the likelihood of eardrum damage that can lead to deafness. Most ear infections tend to recur until we work together to control the underlying cause. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and Golden Retrievers are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us at or call an emergency hospital. Heart Disease Some Golden Retrievers inherit a heart condition known as aortic stenosis. This disease causes a partial obstruction to the blood flow leaving the heart, which means the heart must work harder to pump enough blood to the body. If the condition is severe, your dog may faint or seem to run out of energy during exercise. He may also have difficulty breathing, cough frequently, or have stunted growth. Golden Retrievers are also especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, your pet may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. If indicated, treatment includes medication and dietary supplementation. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Goldens have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Bleeding Disorders Your Golden Retriever is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test as we may not otherwise know whether your pet has hemophilia until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Taking Care of Your Golden Retriever at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Golden live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. Golden Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She excels at dog sports like flyball, agility, dock diving, and obedience events. She has a passion for water, and swimming is a perfect form of exercise for this water retriever. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Golden Retriever needs help. As long as they are socialised well as a puppy, Golden Retrievers can happily fit into family life. They are gentle but need to be treated with respect by all members of the family, including young children, as like any dog their patience will eventually run out. Common health problems in Golden Retrievers Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may encounter some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions. For Golden Retrievers, this is because they can have short legs in proportion to their body and a tendency to become overweight. Eye problems — screening tests are available and dogs should be screened on a yearly basis, especially if intended for breeding. Multifocal retinal dysplasia - abnormal development and growth of the back of the eye retina which can lead to blindness. Generalised progressive retinal atrophy GPRA — slowly leads to progressive blindness over months or years. Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy RPED, or central progressive retinal atrophy — a genetic problem which causes issues in the back of the eye retina and loss of vision. Glaucoma — high pressure within the eye causing pain and loss of vision. Ichthyosis — a skin disease that causes thickening of the footpads and makes other areas of skin rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair. Caring for your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are usually real big softies and can make a great addition to a home. How much noise they make will be down to the individual dog. Training and socialisation Golden Retrievers thrive off training and are very intelligent dogs. They love nothing more than to be given tasks to do to keep them occupied and have fairly good problem-solving skills — for a dog! As long as your Retriever is properly socialised from a young age , they should be confident around new people and situations. Retrievers also like their chill out time but will be more than happy to show you plenty of affection on their own terms. Exercise Golden Retrievers are very active dogs and need plenty of opportunities to exercise , play and get rid of excess energy. Your Golden Retriever will need a minimum of two hours of good exercise per day. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together. Because they are intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers can get bored easily so make sure you keep their brains active as well as their bodies. As their name suggests, retrieving is what they were bred for, so nearly all Golden Retrievers love a good game of fetch! Grooming Golden Retrievers have medium to long coats and generally do shed a lot. They are not a dog to take on if you hate hoovering! Ideally, they should be brushed or combed three times a week at a minimum. Where necessary you can trim their coat with the right tools, but seek advice from a professional dog groomer or vet first. You may also find that your Retriever loves water including any and all muddy puddles and swimming. Make sure they stay safe around the water and if they get mucky, use a dog safe shampoo. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate Golden Retrievers and children If you have a young family then Golden Retrievers can be fantastic with children. If socialised properly from a young age, Retrievers can be quite calm and tolerant. Always supervise children and vulnerable adults with your Golden Retriever and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Golden Retrievers and other pets Well-socialised Golden Retrievers are very easy-going, which usually means they can be great around other dogs and pets, too. Any introductions should be done carefully and following the right advice for your other pet, too. Always supervise your dog with other pets, even if they have known them for a long time. Obesity can cause other health problems for your Golden Retriever, so keeping them in shape is extra important. Make sure to monitor their weight and keep an eye out for any sneaky snacking. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. Use healthy treats in moderation instead. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap before exercising and after eating. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. If you want to buy a pedigree puppy, we recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they have to do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts As they were bred to fetch game, they have a naturally gentle grip, called a 'soft mouth', so they don't damage the birds they carry back in their mouths. Golden Retrievers have an amazing sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs in other parts of the world. They absolutely love water well, most of them do. Most Retrievers will take any opportunity to have a swim. Luckily, their coats are thick to keep out water and keep them warm. Golden Retrievers make really good assistance dogs and are often a top choice for training to be Guide Dogs for the Blind. Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Golden Retriever. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Golden Retrievers are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if the Golden Retriever is the right pet for you? Read the full disclosure here. They rely on you for everything and their health and well-being is well and truly in your hands. In order for your Golden to live as long and as healthy and fit a life as possible, you need to first educate yourself on how to care for them properly and build this knowledge into actions and routines. A balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercise , grooming and regular veterinary health checks are all essential parts of maintaining good health and quality of life. All of these are under your control. By taking steps to do the best for your Goldens health and monitoring their well-being regularly, you can prevent illnesses happening, avoiding pain and discomfort for your Golden and vets bills and heartache for you. At first, being a caring and responsible owner can seem a daunting and herculean task, but breaking it down into little manageable routines really does make it easy. Health Care Routines For Your Golden Retriever You should keep a diary and set up daily, weekly, quarterly and yearly routines to make sure every need is met and your Golden is well looked after. Example routines would be: Daily: Provision of nutritious food and clean water, regular and sufficient exercise, general health check via bodily inspections. Weekly: Inspection of ears, eyes and oral health and hygiene. Comprehensive grooming and nail care. Quarterly: Bath your Golden. In the past, any more often than this was bad for their coat quality and skin. Scheduled visits to a veterinarian and canine dentist, perhaps alternating every 3 months so two visits to each per year. Yearly: Vaccination top-ups. Following is a brief discussion of areas you need to pay attention to in order to care for your Golden well. Particularly during their puppy years they can get themselves into all sorts of trouble around your home and garden so you have to undertake a certain amount of puppy-proofing your home : Fence off swimming pools or ponds in your yard as they will get in there but being so small they may not be able to swim well and could find it impossible to get out unaided. Research the plants and flowers you have in your home and garden as there are in excess of one hundred plants known to be toxic to dogs and Goldens love a good chew! Remove or make safe any sharp items in your home that your Golden may play with, rub against or walk over in their playing. Hide away any electrical cables because a dogs sharp teeth and electricity are a particularly dangerous combination. Goldens can learn to open simple storage units and household chemicals therein are extremely dangerous to your dog. For now, just pretend you are an inquisitive dog, tour your home and garden and imagine just how they could get themselves into trouble in any of the areas they have access to. Then take steps to make those areas safe. Diet, Nutrition and Water Intake Dogs in the wild would hunt and scavenge, eating a wide variety of different foods, taking care of their own diet and ensuring they get all the nutrients they need. Modern dogs no longer hunt and scavenge and instead rely on their owners to provide them everything they need. You need to research, find and provide a good scientifically formulated diet to match their very particular nutritional requirements. You should note that a puppy has different nutritional requirements to an active adult dog, that is again different to a very senior dog who may have somewhat slowed down. There are dog foods balanced to meet a dogs different needs for each stage of their lives and activity levels. One thing you really need to watch out for with Golden Retrievers is over-feeding. And a Golden will never say no, they just love to eat! So please be mindful of their food intake and monitor their weight. No dog should be overweight. It can lead to joint problems, which leads to mobility problems, as well as diseases of their internal organs which can really shorten their lives. As well as good food, your Golden needs access to a good, clean and fresh supply of water every day. Dehydration is a real problem, as is over-hydrating in some dogs. And any drastic changes in their intake usually signifies an underlying health problem and you should seek the advice of your vet. Exercise Golden Retrievers are a sporting breed, bred for working and hence considered a high energy breed. To keep them fit and healthy and to occupy their minds you will need to provide them with lots of opportunity for structured exercise. Notice I said structured exercise! This means you cannot simply let them out into your yard and hope they take care of exercise themselves. They will walk around a bit and mostly just spend their time begging to be let back in with you. You have to plan structured exercise such as running, playing fetch or swimming. You have to take them out for a minimum of 45 minutes of exercise per day on top of their normal walks, and preferably with a good 2 hour bout of longer exercise at least once per week. The five minute rule is that a puppy needs no more than 5 minutes structured exercise per day for every month they have been alive. So a 4 month old puppy needs just 20 minutes, a 5 month old puppy 25 minutes etc. So take it easy with a puppy. Training Just how important training is for your Goldens quality of life cannot be overstated. A dog that listens to and responds to just a few well-trained commands can be kept infinitely safer than an untrained dog. So you should provide your Golden with a decent firm yet soft bed and a nice comfortable lining for their crate if you use one. If you have a yard and your Golden will be expected to spend any length of time outside you should provide a form of shelter so they can keep off the cold wet floor in winter and get out of the sun in summer. There are many options for suitable kennels and many of them are reasonably priced. If you fail to keep up a regular schedule of brushing, their coats very quickly become knotted and then matted and these are all but impossible to remove without the help of a pair of scissors. Regular brushing also helps to keep your Goldens coat clean and removes dead hair. When it comes to bathing, Golden Retrievers have a double coat and natural oils that help waterproof them so bathing too often is actually bad for their coats…at least it always used to be. Just be sure if you do wish to bathe them often that you research the shampoo used and pick one suited to regular bathing for Goldens. Human shampoo will never do as it will strip their oils and is too acidic for their skin and will irritate them. And cheap dog shampoos will strip the oils too. You kinda get what you pay for. To keep their coat healthy and prevent irritation you need to remove all the soap. Note: Click here for a selection of the best dog brushes suitable for your golden Nail Care Depending on how often your golden walks on hard abrasive surfaces, they will probably need their nails trimmed every 10 or 12 weeks. But if your golden is constantly walking pavements and roads, they may never need a trim due to concrete and tarmacs abrasive, nail-file like effect. Anyway, you should regularly check your dogs paws. This can be very uncomfortable for your dog and if it gets out of control even painful. You can quite easily trim your dogs nails at home , or you can take them to the vet where they will do the procedure for you. If you do wish to do it at home, I recommend taking your dog to the vet first and asking for advice on how to do it, being shown and learning from the pros rather than risking it alone from a book. Better safe than sorry! Look inside to make sure they are a healthy looking color, not bright red and inflamed. Also check for lots of small little grainy looking brown dots. These are the droppings of ear mites and a sign of a parasitic infection which should be treated ASAP. Dental Care Dental hygiene is an often overlooked area of dog care by many people but is very important. Much like us, dogs can suffer with tooth decay, cracked teeth, gum disease and a build up of plaque and tartar. Not only does this detract from the overall good looks of your dog, it can be quiet uncomfortable, sometimes painful and can lead to more severe problems if left untreated. So you should regularly check their teeth and gums yourself, make use of available chews that help to clean their teeth and take your dog to a canine dentist every 6 to 12 months. Try to treat your dogs teeth as good as you would treat your own. Parasitic problems Fleas, ticks and other parasites can be a real problem for dogs, leading to many problems ranging from mild skin irritation, to extreme sores and infections, and in the most extreme cases dramatic weight loss, tape worms and Lyme disease. So you should regularly check for parasites in your Golden which is very easy to do if you are sticking to a regular schedule of brushing their coats. Simply spend an extra minute to inspect closer to their skin looking for ticks, fleas or small dots droppings in their fur which would indicate the presence of parasites. Treatment for fleas and ticks can be administered at home as there are many treatments for this available over the counter. Try to make it every 6 months, but once per year as a minimum. This will allow your vet to become familiar with your dog which makes spotting changes easier for them. And it gives them a chance to spot problems early that you without an untrained eye may not pick up on. As always, prevention is better than cure and if there is ever a problem then catching it as early as possible is vital for more effective treatment and minimal pain and discomfort for your pet. Regular visits to the vet allow this early discovery. You will also need to see your vet to have your puppy vaccinated. There are many diseases, some fatal, that can be prevented easily with a course of vaccinations. Distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis as well as the infamous rabies can all be kept at bay with vaccines. A puppy will require shots starting at 6 weeks with a course of various shots taking them up to 18 weeks or so. The rabies shot is administered at about 6 months of age and after this your Golden will require just a yearly top up to maintain protection. Highly Recommended Training Course For a detailed program to follow in the form of a video library, including a step-by-step roadmap for raising a puppy from 8 weeks old all the way to a confident, well-trained and happy adult dog, you could do a lot worse than checking out The Online Dog Trainer. This program contains over follow along videos of an NZ SPCA endorsed professional dog trainer, covering all aspects of dog training, solving behavior problems in real life scenarios, explaining the theory, giving practical advice and more. You can see him getting real results in real-life consultations with his clients, so if you ever have a behavior problem you need to solve, you can follow along for almost guaranteed results. Of course, we are developing a fantastic training resource here at TotallyGoldens. Click here to learn more at TheOnlineDogTrainer. Caring For Your Golden Retriever Final Thoughts Regular grooming will keep your Golden retriever not only looking at their absolute best, but also with your help and intervention it keeps them healthy and disease free too. You May Also Like.

Prices for Labrador Retrievers may be influenced by several things. Expect some to be more expensive than others because these canines are grown and raised differently by each breeder. The following are some typical elements that influence the price of a Labrador Retriever puppy. Physical Appearance The yellow Labrador Retriever often commands a more excellent price than the chocolate or black Lab. Labrador Retrievers are available in various hues, including red, yellow, black, chocolate, and Dudley. They can also be categorized as English or American Labradors; the latter is the more reasonably priced canine. Due to their different uses, American Labradors are more commonly employed for fieldwork, whereas English Labs are primarily utilized as show dogs. Click here to learn more. Purebred puppies sprung from a show championship bloodline are unavoidably more expensive than a Lab puppy of pet quality, even though this has little influence on their ability to be loving companions. Although younger canines will cost more, you will get to enjoy them while they are still puppies. On the other hand, an older dog will likely be calmer and cost less money but may have behavioral problems that need to be addressed. Training A puppy will cost more than the usual price if the breeder has previously trained it. Raising a well-behaved dog is also more likely a result. Different breeds require different amounts of sleep, but how much sleep do Labradors need? Even though it is more expensive, this is a better and more ethical choice than purchasing a dog from a backyard breeder or a puppy factory. If you want your puppy to have this certification, be prepared to pay more for a Labrador Retriever. Health Health problems can arise in Labrador Retrievers. The most frequent conditions are progressive retinal atrophy, which causes blindness, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Therefore, you should always ask the breeder if they have checked the parents for hip, elbow, or eye issues before purchasing a Labrador puppy. The cost of the puppy will be lower if the pedigree has a history of hip or elbow dysplasia. A reputable breeder will provide health records and certificates for both parents. The puppy will be protected from inheriting progressive retinal atrophy and will have a higher likelihood of having healthy hips and elbows. Because unskilled owners misunderstand how much exercise these working dogs require and cannot exhaust them, American Labradors are more likely to wind up in shelters. An English Lab is unusual to come across at a shelter. That is because they are show dogs and frequently have more seasoned owners. They are also much less energetic, making them a good choice for young families searching for their first dog. Although labs are generally calm and easygoing, a rescue Labrador may not be the best choice for new parents. They may require special attention and instruction because of behavioral problems brought on by previous neglect. Other Factors In general, service dog-trained Labrador Retriever puppies cost much more than regular Lab puppies. An assistance dog must undergo considerable training, which adds significant expenses to its upbringing. To avoid unforeseen costs, ask the breeder specific questions about what is included in the bill. How Much Is a Labrador Puppy? This becomes particularly true if the Lab puppy you intend to buy comes from a line of champions. Labrador Retrievers are a friendly, devoted breed that gets along well with kids. Additionally, labs are very clever, driven, and simple to teach. They are, therefore, excellent dogs for new owners. Particularly in America, it is not difficult to discover Labrador pups for sale. A Labrador can be adopted in various ways, including from dog shelters and breeders. For instance, there are several blends, colors, and types of labs. Click here to find out. However, getting a black Labrador puppy from a top-notch retriever could be pricey. Although yellow labs are not uncommon, because of their high level of popularity, adopting one of these puppies can be expensive. It is less expensive to adopt than to purchase from a breeder. When you purchase from a reputed breeder, you also increase your chances of receiving a healthy puppy. They prepare to move to a permanent home when they are eight weeks old. Before this age, no Chocolate Lab should be sold. Make sure the breeder you choose to get your puppy from is reputable. Avoid puppy mills and pet retailers when purchasing pups at all costs. You must be prepared to pay a little bit more if you want a Silver Lab or charcoal or Champagne. Despite their growing numbers, they are still uncommon, particularly in the UK. This fact has led some people to conclude that breeders only chose to breed this uncommon gene for this purpose. Prices will probably decrease as they grow more widespread, but they might never get to the point where they are comparable to regular labs that adhere to AKC rules. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives. The cost of a Labrador Retriever puppy can vary significantly, depending on where you get your dog. If you decide to adopt a dog instead of buying a puppy from a breeder, you may get your dog for free or only be looking at a couple of hundred dollars, which will offset the rescue costs. These dogs are extremely popular, being the most registered dog in America and England since , and thus finding a Labrador Retriever to call your own is not a challenging task. A beautiful black Labrador Retriever dog Should you buy a Lab puppy or an older dog? There are pros and cons to buying both puppies and older Lab dogs. Labrador puppies are more expensive and require more vaccinations initially; however, older Labradors may have health issues or require intensive training to iron out negative habits. They are some of the cutest in the doggie kingdom. A Labrador Retriever is a large dog and this is going to cost more in the long run, than say, buying a Chihuahua. Large breed dogs like Labradors eat a lot, and this expense can be pretty significant, depending on the brand of dog food you buy. For instance, a Labrador Puppy will consume around pounds of dry puppy food a year, whereas an adult Lab will eat about pounds of food each year. That said, be sure not to overfeed your Labrador Retriever, as these food-obsessed dogs are prone to developing obesity. Dogs that are bred to be show or field-quality dogs can be significantly more expensive. How to find a reputable Labrador breeder and avoid puppy mills Be very wary of Lab puppy mills and backyard breeders when looking for your new dog. These parent dogs are often not health screened and sometimes live in very poor environments where their sole purpose is to have more and more puppies. To this end, a Labrador dog that is too cheap should be seen as a red flag. A breeder who generally cares for their pet will undoubtedly charge more, but then you have peace of mind knowing that the parent dogs are happy and healthy and well looked after. These fees often already include spaying or neutering costs, vaccinations, and microchipping. These include the following: Two adorable yellow Labrador Retriever puppies staying warm 1. Age Generally, the older the dog, the cheaper the initial purchase price. Young eight-week-old Lab puppies are going to be the most expensive choice. The double coat of the Labrador Retrievers comes in three main colors, namely chocolate brown , black, and yellow Labrador which is a creamy color. Black Labradors are generally the most expensive of the three. Silver Labradors are also a possibility but are pretty rare and also costly. Read our article here to learn more about Labrador Retriever colors. Purebred or mixed Labrador Retrievers are commonly mixed with other breeds to create interesting crosses like the Borador , Bassador , and Boxador. Mix breed dogs are generally less expensive than purebred Lab puppies and have fewer health issues, so they can also be cheaper in the long run. Parents that are champion or show quality dogs are going to produce more expensive puppies. Labrador dogs that have been specifically trained for specific roles like service dogs, guide dogs, and search and rescue dogs will also be more expensive than those destined for a life of leisure as the family pet. Labrador type Did you know there are two types of purebred Labradors? The most common pet Labrador is the American version, whereas English Labs are more common amongst show dogs. American Labradors are generally more athletic compared to the fluffy, broad-chested English Labs. Labrador puppies registered with the AKC are more expensive. Gender Female Labrador dogs will typically cost more than male Labs because they have breeding potential. That said, dogs that have already been spayed or neutered and are not bred for subsequent litters should cost around the same. These should include screenings for hip and elbow dysplasia as well as progressive retinal atrophy PRA. A DNA test for exercise-induced collapse is also sometimes performed. In addition, most reputable breeders will bear the costs of the first worming and vaccinations as well as tick and flea treatments and microchipping your pet. As mentioned, Labs are one of the most popular dog breeds, and being so in demand can push the price of puppies up, especially if you only have limited breeders where you live. Training and socialization Some breeders take the time to train and socialize their Lab puppies. There are grooming, exercise, food, training, and health care costs to consider. Vet expenses are one of the most significant cost considerations. These include regular vet checkups, vaccines, deworming, spaying or neutering, and attending to any health issues that may arise. Some common health concerns with this dog breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ear infections, and eye problems. It is a good idea to add pet health insurance into your budget as this will help pay for any emergency medical treatment or health problems should the need arise. Seven yellow Labrador Retriever puppies indulging on their meal A quick search on Amazon will yield thousands of Labrador dog food options to choose from with various price tags. Be sure to check out our article on the best dog foods for Labs to help make your selection. Professional groomers will usually bathe and shampoo your Lab dog and also clean the teeth and the ears. Introductory obedience group sessions can be a good idea to socialize your puppy and learn a few basic skills. Another cost is a dog license. Two newborn Lab puppies getting as much sleep as they can There are some essential things you need to take into consideration before getting a Labrador puppy. Do you have the right space for your Labrador Retriever? Labrador Retrievers are big dogs that need space. They will need a house with a yard where they can expel their excess energy. Do you have time for your Lab dog? Labs are not couch potatoes, especially when they are puppies. These dogs require active owners who can dedicate time to exercise and play with them. They need to be walked at least once a day and may also enjoy a good swim. Can you afford a Labrador dog? As mentioned, the cost of buying a Labrador dog is just the first step. There are many other factors to consider to keep your pet healthy and well-looked after. You need to keep these in mind when asking yourself if you can afford a pet. Will a Labrador suit your lifestyle? Also, if you like a clean house, then a Labrador Retriever is not the best dog for you. These messy pups like to swim, and they shed a lot. A new Lab puppy is also likely to make a mess in the house a few times while being potty trained. Will a Labrador Retriever dog fit in with your family? Labrador Retrievers are known to be excellent family dogs. Just be careful with bringing a tiny puppy into a home with young kids. Labs, however, are very gentle dogs and so make excellent family pets when your kids get a bit older. What are great names for a Labrador Retriever? There are so many great dog names that you can choose for your Labrador Retriever. A good name should be easy to call and preferably just one or two syllables as it will be easier for your dog to learn. These names could include options like Max, Rover, Ace, or Buddy. Other popular Labrador Retriever names are inspired by coat colors such as night, shadow, onyx, or raven for a black Lab and sunny, blondie, goldie, or summer for a yellow lab. Conversely, chocolate Labs could go by the name Hershey, brownie, brandy, cookie, or muffin. Labrador Retrievers are some of the most loving, intelligent, and fun dogs out there. There is a reason why they are one of the most popular breeds in the world. That said, getting one of these puppies is a significant investment. If you can afford the cost of buying a Labrador Retriever and the monthly expenses that incur looking after a pet, then no doubt a Lab will be a fantastic addition to your home and possibly your most loved family member. Do you already have a Labrador Retriever at home? How much did you pay for your Labrador dog, and is there anything you wish you knew before bringing your new pet home? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. Further reading: The Cost of Popular Pooches. Over the years, this breed of dog has consistently ranked in the top five for most popular dog breeds. In fact, for nearly 31 years, the Labrador Retriever was ranked as the number one most popular dog before getting knocked out of the number one spot this year by the French Bulldog. And with this breed, often referred to as simple the Lab, remaining high on the list for most searched for and most loved dog, we want to know how much it costs to own one. What are the costs associated with these dogs, from actually getting the puppy to feeding them and beyond. How much does it cost to own a Labrador Retriever? Crufts returns this year after it was cancelled last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. And we should also point out that a Chocolate Lab is going to cost more than a Black Lab or a Yellow Lab since this color of fur is rarer. Next, we have to talk about feeding your Lab. Considering the Labrador Retriever is medium to large breed dog and often on the larger side of things , you are looking at a diet that may cost a bit more. Now we have to talk about those vet visits. That being said, there are some health concerns that all Labrador Retrievers may face over the course of their lives our pup was lucky enough to not have to deal with these issues, although he did have to have his eyelids fixed as a puppy and that can significantly increase their vet bills. Finally, you will absolutely want to consider grooming when it comes to your Lab as they are another breed that has a double coat. Of course, dog toys, beds and other supplies are also a must for your pup, so these are added expenses that should also be considered. However, if you have ever owned a Lab, you know they are absolutely worth the cost. Less - The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized , short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in .Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article. Your Labrador puppy will need a bed, collar, leash, poop bags, food bowls, food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and a dog crate. It is important to get any dog licensed to avoid legal issues. Training Labrador Retrievers are easy to train and do not require professional training. But, some keepers choose to take their Lab to puppy school. Because they are highly motivated, Labradors also do great in agility training. This is also a great way for them to use up their energy. Owners can either build their own agility course or pay to put their dog in agility classes. Vet Fees and Insurance One of the most expensive parts of owning a dog is all the vet visits. This includes all of their shots and monthly checkups. A way to help reduce the cost of veterinary bills is through buying pet insurance. It is best to start paying for a pet insurance policy when your Labrador is a puppy. Senior dogs are more expensive to cover since they are more likely to develop health problems. Food When it comes to feeding a Labrador, they are not cheap. Labradors eat a lot of food. They are medium to large-sized dogs and weigh around 70 pounds. These prices are based on feeding a high quality kibble. Wet food can easily cost several hundred dollars more. Backyard Breeders One important thing every potential owner should remember is to avoid backyard breeders and pet shops. It is true that these places sell dogs for a much lower price. But, that does not mean they will be cheaper over their lifespan. Backyard breeders do not screen their dogs to determine if they have inheritable health problems. This results in Lab puppies being born that are more likely to develop health issues such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. These breeders also do not provide proper veterinary care for their puppies. Many are sold while having worms or fleas and having received no socialization. Ethical Labrador breeders ensure their breeding stock is screened and their puppies are healthy and socialized before placing them into their new homes. Labrador Retrievers can develop diseases of the eye. The form of this disease that is very common is Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration. Caused by an inheritable genetic mutation, it ultimately leads to blindness. Screening will help to prevent you from buying a puppy that may become blind later on in life. Dogs with this disease will lose their sight between one and eight years of age. Hip and Elbow Scores Another health problem that Labradors are prone to is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a genetic skeletal disease that causes the hip joint to not form properly. This results in the femur grinding against the hip causing deterioration and loss of function. Many Labradors with this condition end up having to undergo surgery to reduce pain and regain function in their hips. The average hip score for a Labrador retriever is 12, so any score below that is considered good. Ideally, good breeders will only breed dogs with hip scores under .This will prevent you from purchasing a Labrador puppy that will require expensive surgery later on in its life. Purpose American Labradors are best suited for active families. Families that enjoy activities such as swimming, running, and hiking. They are great for families with older children who can engage and play with them more. American Labs would also do best with owners who can dedicate more time to them because they require a lot of exercise every day. People who work from home or part time would be ideal. English Labradors would make great pets for quieter families because they have a calmer personality. They are also gentler and would do well with a family that has young children. Since they are less active, they are suitable for a busier family who has less time to exercise them. Their docile, patient attitude also makes them excellent candidates to be service dogs so they would be a great dog for people who need one in their life. Summary The price of a Labrador can vary depending on if you get one from a breeder or rescue. Its color, pedigree and health will also influence the price. All Labradors are prone to health conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and hip or elbow dysplasia. Make sure the breeder screens for these health conditions before breeding. This will help to ensure your puppy is healthy. The cost to keep a Labrador healthy, exercised and happy can get pricey. But, if an owner has done their research and prepared themselves, then Labradors make an excellent addition. What Lab do you prefer? American, English, or mixed? Let us know! He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. Outside of Marvelous Dogs, he enjoys trail running and agility work with his working Labrador Retriever. You May Also Like.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Breeder of Authentic Australian Labradoodles Australian Labradoodles If dog breeds developed over hundreds of years to fulfill a specific needto hunt for prey, pick up birds, pull sleds, guard property, search and rescue, etc. In the Age of Anxiety, Australian labradoodles are what we need: a therapy dog. Sociable, huggable, intelligent, funny, and intuitive: this is modern-day man's best friend. We have the highest standards for the breeder dogs we add to our program, for the way we operate our business, and for the customers we select to become a family to our puppies. We are located in Westport, CT. Before adding a breeder to the program we test them thoroughly to ensure that they are free of genetic diseases; we have their hips and elbows certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals; and we have their eyes examined and certified every year. Our dogs live in our house or with carefully selected guardian families. The more puppies are exposed to different sensory experiences and socialization, the better companion dogs they will become. Puppies who have a positive experience when they hear the noise of vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, and beeping cars for example, will not be afraid of these loud noises later on. Puppies who play with children and all kinds of different adults will be outgoing and friendly. During the 8 to 9 weeks that the puppies are here, we let them experience a variety of situations which will help them become trusting and confident adult dogs. We also familiarize our puppies with the crate and begin potty training. It gives us enormous satisfaction to know that a labradoodle will bring as much joy into your life as our dogs bring into ours. Thank you for visiting True North and please get in touch if you have any questions. We would love to hear from you. A magnetic compass almost never shows true north. In fact over millions of years, magnetic north wanders considerably and occasionally reverses so that the magnetic north pole has been near the geographic south pole at some periods in the earth's history. In the arctic region, a magnetic compass is not very useful. In life's journey we are often uncertain where we stand, where we are going and what is the right path for us personally. Searching for our true north enable us to follow the right path: as we go, we need to develop our own inner compass. Finding true north is essential for accurate navigation. Email: bluebaylabradoodles gmail. True North Labradoodles have been a family-run labradoodle breeder in business for over 10 years. They breed healthy Australian Labradoodle puppies with excellent temperaments and beautiful coats in various sizes. Their specialization is multigenerational Australian Labradoodles in the mini and small-medium size range. They also do live video chat to keep buyers updated on their Labradoodles and provide advice and support after receiving your puppy. Location: Westport, Connecticut Email: truenorthlabradoodles gmail. They are all color tested before they are bred, so you can be assured of getting a beautiful non-shedding puppy that will grow up to be part of your family. They breed medium-sized Australian Labradoodles with a lineage dating back to the fourth generation. They do live chat with their puppy owners to help them raise the puppies and provide advice on anything they need. They love all of their Labradoodles and have a large extended family that is an integral part of raising the puppies, including children. All of their dogs are health screened and have a genetic health guarantee for two years. This small in-home breeder serves the tri-state area and all of New England. Location: Southington, , Connecticut Email: tristatelabradoodles yahoo. So do your homework to ensure you obtain a healthy and happy Labradoodle puppy. The state of Connecticut is an excellent location to raise a Labradoodle. The Labradoodle flourishes in this climate, which has mild summers and comfortable winters. On a concluding note, we have given you the 5 best labradoodle breeders in Connecticut. We hope that this list and information were helpful to you and it will help you decide on the right breeder for your next adorable Labradoodle puppy. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. 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 Wilton Connecticut 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. Welcome to the Connecticut state page on TrustedPuppies. Renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and charming small towns, Connecticut is a unique and exciting place to find and raise your new Mini Labradoodle companion. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional Mini Labradoodle breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the perfect furry friend for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable Connecticut dog breeders who specialize in raising amazing healthy puppies. Our CT breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy. Discover the charming dog-friendly scene in Connecticut, featuring inviting restaurants, scenic dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Newtown Kennel Club Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of Mini Labradoodle canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable Mini Labradoodle breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Connecticut. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your Mini Labradoodle puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect Mini Labradoodle puppy on TrustedPuppies.

Home of Champions and Grand Champions! Our dogs live and are raised in our home. We live on 7 acres surrounded by mountains and wild life. Our goal is to produce healthy dogs in body and mind who can live long disease free lives. They will be great companions, service or competition dogs. We focus on health and temperament. We breed only healthy dogs who can pass along worthy traits, such as a solid temperament, correct conformation and excellent pigment. We avoid tight line breeding and prefer to breed dogs who have no common ancestors in 4 to 5 generations. All our dogs are DNA tested, non-carriers of any detectable diseases. Only those dogs that pass the health and temperament test are introduced into our breeding program. To her I owe much of my knowledge, hands on experience and a very successful first breeding in December .Foxhunt Lust for Life is our first love, he inspired us on educating our selves about the evolution of this breed. It is indeed and evolution since the White Shepherd was not meant to be a breed of its own at the origin. It is because of politics and the Parent Club's definition of beauty that the White Shepherds became outcast from their original breed. You may ask, what is the original breed? It is the German Shepherd dog. To tell you about the origin of the German Shepherd is beyond the scope of this introduction. I will only point out that the German Shepherd creator , a German Cavalry Captain, Max Emil Friedrich von Stephanitz bought what he felt was the benchmark prototype of what a working dog should be: intelligent, strong with endurance, loyal and beautiful. Around , he found all these pre-requisites in Horand von Grafrath who he renamed Hektor von Schwaben. Stephanitz declared him the very first German Shepherd dog. He then proceeded to mate Hektor with other " worthy" mates. Among them there were white dogs. The writing under the picture , literally translates to: "long coated stock German Shepherd dog". It also happens to be white. I believe this is how the white , long coat gene of German Shepherd dogs was introduced into the German Shepherd breed. In Europe it has become a different breed. The history is fascinating and I will tell in greater details in other parts. At the moment I invite you to get to know us and to be patient as we build our web site. All with their own unique personalities and amazing qualities that a dog owner would love to have! There are four females and two males and they are right around cats and very affectionate towards kids. And they need a forever home and a loving and caring and family. They can grow up and be a part of it. Buy Now 5 Girl 2 boy German shepherds going on 1 month 7 adorable just almost a month old. Heir is an American staffordshire Pitbull Terrier. Shepherd intelligent mixed with the power of a pithily makes a great guard dog and wonderfully lifelong companion!!! View Detail Geman Shepherd The dogs have paper and first shots, if interested we can be reach at xxx-xxx-xxxx or xxx-xxx-xxxx. Pure breed. She is AKC registered, has her first shots and vet check, and is ready to go. Call xxx xxx xxx5. These German shepherds are available to become the latest addition to your family. There are 11 puppies on all. Attached is the picture of their mother Paris. Contact Jonathan at xxx. Jake is located in Rochester NY View Detail Solid white German Shepherd puppies needing new homes We just have male and female puppies available at the moment so send us inquiries anytime via xxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. Puppies will come with first vaccination and veterinary check. Currently 4 weeks old. They will be ready for the 25th of February. Parents are both purebred German Shepherd. Call me xxx-xxx-xxxx. Thanks for looking. There is a litter of 8. And the mothers parents have won show medals. View Detail German Shepherd Pups I have a male and female pure breed German shepherd pup they will make the perfect house pet very smart dogs great holiday gift please contact me if interested for more information or pictures xxx-xxxtwo View Detail Dog on sale Nice dog just 3 months older it's. Male please send me a email at xxxxxxx xxxxxxx. We are moving! No pets at new apartment. He loves life, lots of fun. He enjoys family atmosphere, loves to hug. View Detail German Shepherd Sables, black and tan, and solid black. These pups are large boned, straight backed black and tan puppies. My name is Ralf aka Ralfy aka Ralfy Palfy. My fosters gave me the last nickname because they say I will make someone a great Pal. You see, I was found on the side of the road barely alive after being hit by a car. I couldn't walk very well because my pelvis was broken in three places. But after visiting this place called the veterinarian, I started feeling much better. Unfortunately before my accident I had never met kind humans and still to this day, I'm very easily startled and scared of new people. It's going to take someone very special and patient to earn my trust. But once you earn it, I'm the sweetest and most gentle dog ever. I love love love chest rubs and ear scratches. But my number one love of all time is treats!!! I love all flavors so if you decide to take me home, don't be shy when shopping for me! I enjoy sunbathing and relaxing in my kennel. It's my safe place when I feel overwhelmed. I promise to love you if you promise to take the time to get to know me. I will do best in a quiet house with maybe 1 or 2 adults and an older mature doggy friend. I don't care much for traveling and prefer to be a homebody. I do love to play with doggy friends and don't mind cats either. I'm currently working on becoming more confident in public spaces. What do you say? Can you give me a shot? Ralf is kennel trained and potty trained. He is a local adoption only. His current foster is a trainer who is willing to offer two free sessions along with his adoption to set you both up for success and better help you understand what he will need and how you can help provide that for him. He is a Shepherd mix that weighs roughly 50lbs.