goldendoodle puppies under $2000

goldendoodle puppies under $2000

Email: amityhallboxers yahoo. Check our comments section below to see if anyone has left a review of any of these breeders. Remember, we can't moderate the results we show, but they are hopefully a good starting point to narrow down some of the Boxer breeders in Mississippi. Facebook Groups Facebook is another great place to find honest reviews of Breeders. Click here to search Facebook groups that discuss Boxer breeders in Mississippi. You can grab your free copy below. Boxer dogs are a great addition to any home, but you do have to make some considerations about your lifestyle. Whereabouts in Mississippi were they based, what was the Breeders name? It really helps others who are searching for a Boxer Puppy in the Mississippi area if they can read honest reviews from buyers like yourself. Are you a breeder of Boxers? Get in touch and we can add you to our directory. Please feel free to drop us a picture of your Boxer on Facebook or Twitter. And remember to check out our Boxer puppy buyers guide for lots of useful information. Recommended Posts:. Find more Boxer puppies for sale in closest states: Louisiana , Alabama , Arkansas , Missouri , Tennessee , Oklahoma If you have never owned a Boxer before, or are interested in reading more information, check out our Boxer Dog Breed Information page. Latest Dog Articles Most common digestion puppy's diseases We don't like to think of our new puppy falling sick with puppy disease. But youngsters get sick quicker and take longer to get well than adults. It's vital to recognize sick puppy behavior, signs and symptoms of puppy illness, and how to know when you ca How to Defend Yourself against a Mad Dog According to World Health Organization about citizens require emergency care treatment on a daily basis for dog bite injury. Also, about 4. Now, those are insanely alarming statistics. But they are tru Dog Care Tips Few things in life are more fun and rewarding than bringing a dog into your family. Your dog will offer your family years of love and loyalty — as long as you provide him with food, shelter, responsible care, and love in return. You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting a Boxer, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to Boxers". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their Boxer from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon. If you can't find the perfect Boxer puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many Boxers young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos!

The protein will come from readily available sources such as chicken or beef, and not exotic or boutique sources like kangaroo or venison as you saw in second study mentioned above. According to the AKC , quality, regulated animal byproducts can be good for your dog. These byproducts can include organ meats or entrails, which often contain more nutrients than, say, plain chicken breast. Another misconception is that dogs should eat grain-free diets. As you saw in the second study mentioned above, that can actually be very harmful for your dog and cause DCM. But food labels can be a little vague and confusing, so below is an explanation of what some of these terms mean, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual and the AKC. There is one caveat though. For instance, flaked corn, ground corn, and kibbled corn could be sprinkled in an ingredient list and not be listed as the first few ingredients, but in reality, if you were to add them all up they are all corn, after all , you might find that this food is made mostly of corn. The same goes for chicken, chicken meal, and chicken byproduct. Meat vs. Meat Meal vs. The quality of these ingredients can vary widely, so be sure to talk to your vet about this and choose a reputable brand of food. Below are a few examples: Obesity. Golden Retrievers love food and they do have a tendency to become overweight if you let them. This problem can often affect these next two problems… Joint issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to joint issues and growing too fast because they eat too much can often make this problem worse more on this in the next section. Heart issues. Skin issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to hot spots and excess protein in their diets can be a factor that causes them. Many goldens suffer from food allergies. One cup of Brand X food may have calories per cup, while Brand Y has calories per cup. During a vet visit our veterinarian said he looked too small and lethargic for a puppy his age about 8 weeks at the time , and he recommended we feed him a little more. As far as how often to feed your puppy, this same rule applies. For us, we fed Oliver three times per day until he was a little over a year old. Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Get the gameplan for raising them right with the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Those two statements may sound random, but they are related. According to the Banfield Pet Hospital , overfeeding your Golden Retriever can cause them to grow too fast and increase their risk of hip dysplasia. You probably noticed that a raw diet was the fourth-most popular diet Golden Retriever owners feed their dog. Since puppies are growing and adults are just maintaining their weight, they have different dietary needs. And for fats, puppy food should have at least 8. As far as when to switch from puppy food to adult food, talk to your veterinarian. To see a list of other milestones your puppy will hit like when they lose their first teeth, or when their coat is fully grown check out this timeline of Golden Retriever puppy milestones. Like most of the other questions in this post, this is something to talk to your veterinarian about. Many foods will have the same vitamins that pills have already in them, but on the other hand, some breeders require that you give your puppy vitamins for their health guarantee to be valid. First, we unknowingly started him off on one of the brands listed in the graph above that is correlated with DCM. Then we switched to another brand that he just sort of liked. If we were to have another puppy, we would definitely start with the Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy food. How To Switch Food Brands The other day I was talking to someone who was complaining that her puppy was having lots of stomach issues. Dogs have sensitive stomachs so if you want to switch foods, you need to do it slowly. You should take about a week to transition from the old food to the new brand. Also consider how long the brand of food has been around, whether or not there have been any recalls of that brand, and if there is any research behind it. What do you feed your Golden Retriever puppy? Have any questions about what to feed them? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. Royal Canin makes dry food tailored explicitly to particular breeds. Its Golden food variation uses chicken and brown rice ingredients to support digestive health, strong bones, and a healthy coat. Gorgeous coats, healthy body conditions, great activity levels- perfect puppies! With a combination of healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, and more, this dry dog food will encourage healthy muscle development in your Golden Retriever as well as strong teeth, a healthy heart, and improved skin and coat texture. Looking at the ingredients makes me feel that I have purchased a quality product for my guy. With ingredients like real protein, fruits, and vegetables, this dry food increases energy, strengthens bones, improves immune strength, and neutralizes free radicals. Her coat is healthier and shiny. She even trimmed down a little as her old dog food was making her fat. They produce high-quality dog food for your Golden Retriever at an affordable price. Veterinarians recommend IAMS Proactive Health because it uses ingredients like animal protein and antioxidant-rich veggies to nourish your dog and meet their complete health needs. Highly recommend it. Good for maintaining a decent weight too. Gobbles it down! With fish as the main protein, this kibble promotes a gorgeous coat and healthy skin and improves digestive issues. He eats it enthusiastically, and it has really helped him thrive! He is energetic, has a gorgeous coat, and devours his meals! She is a much happier dog. The Save Shredded Puppy Blend includes probiotics to help ease the digestion in growing Golden Retriever puppies with sensitive stomachs. I mix it with wet food, and he loves it. He loves the chunks of shredded chicken! I highly recommend it. This large-breed dry food can help your Golden Retriever maintain a healthy coat and great skin as well as smooth digestion. All of them love this food! Their coats are shiny and soft, and their poops are small! The exclusive formula also increases energy levels! We tried another brand, and it caused all kinds of allergic reactions. We went back to Eagle Pack, and all is right again. Great product! That may be because they have a senior Golden Retriever who is struggling with dental issues or feel that dehydrated food options are healthier. This particular food contains real protein and essential nutrients that can benefit dogs of all ages. Once we got this, she became a food-crazed puppy! This food includes a combination of freeze-dried raw-coated kibble with real pieces of freeze-dried raw meat! This variety has lots of meat sources plus several strains of probiotics. In general, your dog will benefit from puppy food from about 8 weeks of age until they are six months to a year old. Check with your vet to determine the right time to switch from a puppy food to one for adult dogs, as recommendations vary based on the size of your dog. A few days later, you can begin making it a half-and-half blend. Make sure to watch for loose stool from your pup as you transition — if you notice that your Golden is struggling with the new diet, wait for a few days before increasing the blend. When in doubt, check with your vet! Most dog foods come with specific volumes listed on the side. Overfeeding your pet can lead to a variety of health concerns. To determine what food will suit your dog the best, check out 17 of the top dog foods on the market for Golden Retrievers, no matter their age. Check with your vet to determine whether your Golden will need any special dietary considerations. Foods considered toxic to Golden Retrievers are macadamia nuts, chocolate, onions, garlic cloves, grapes, raisins, walnuts, alcohol, and any foods sweetened with xylitol. Try to avoid feeding your Golden food containing any of these ingredients. Grain is an essential component to the diet of Golden Retrievers. The absence of grain has been known to lead to a deficiency in taurine, which can potentially cause heart problems for your golden. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. But there are so many choices. The pet food industry has exploded in recent years. Remember though that, if you intend to switch your dog to a new diet, do so over the course of seven to 10 days to help avoid intestinal upsets or diarrhea. Types of Foods The main types of commercial foods are dry, moist, dehydrated, and fresh. As a large-breed dog, it would take a lot of moist food to properly feed a golden. Why Do the Ingredients of a Food Matter? Of course, your golden is a highly intelligent and sociable dog. Unfortunately, goldens have a higher-than-average incidence of cancer. But AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles consist only of minimum values for all the nutrients required by dogs and maximum values for just a few nutrients that can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts. But, even with such regulation, not all foods are created equal. Feeding a food with low-quality ingredients may contribute to chronic inflammation and obesity. And chronic inflammation can contribute to arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and infection. Foods should be made from wholesome, natural ingredients with no fillers, by-products, or artificial additives. They should be rich in high-quality animal sources such as poultry, meat, and fish. Our beloved goldens are one of the breeds most likely to become obese. If your dog becomes obese, you can even ask your vet about prescription weight-loss diets. There are certain requirements foods should meet. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that adult dogs require a minimum of 18 percent of protein in their diets, whereas puppies require at least 22 percent protein. A good food should contain healthy meats and fats. They should also contain fruits and vegetables. And, of course, the proper mix of vitamins and minerals for optimal health. Natural preservatives such as tocopherols vitamin E , vitamin C, or rosemary extract should be used rather than artificial ones. Large breed dogs and puppies have different nutritional requirements than small breeds do. They grow more quickly than breeds who are small or medium-sized as adults. Golden retriever puppies have a greater risk of developing a crippling form of hip disease if fed a diet that contains too much calcium. Adult goldens can be fed any high-quality kibble or a kibble specifically for large breed dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA , large-breed dogs have shorter lifespans than their smaller counterparts and can be considered seniors when five or six years old. The veterinary community has also been compiling and analyzing data on diet-related DCM in dogs. DCM is a disease in which the heart muscle weakens, leading to the loss of the ability to contract normally and pump blood through the body. Symptoms of DCM can include weakness, lethargy, shortness of breath, fainting, and the inability of exercise. It can become life-threatening. The link between grain-free foods and DCM is still being investigated, as there are many variables to be considered. Note that some dogs are allergic to certain grains and may need to avoid them. But this is best decided by a veterinarian, especially a board-certified nutritionist. Diseases which impact goldens, such as inflammatory bowel disease or atopic skin diseases and allergies, have a strong link to the foods they ingest. And, in determining how much to feed, the manufacturers of pet foods provide guidelines on their labels. But remember that the guidelines are just that. You can always adjust the amount of food he eats depending on his weight and health. In addition to doing your own research, you can consult your vet or a veterinary nutritionist to determine which food and amount would be best for your golden. But remember: there is no one perfect food for any dog. And choosing a high-quality food may also reduce his risk of health problems. What Do the Terms on the Label Mean? The labels on pet foods can be confusing. Learning what the terms mean can help you decipher which one is a higher-quality product. The terms on a label are listed in descending amounts of ingredients. So the first few listed are found in larger amounts than those at the bottom of the items listed on the label. Meat Meat is the skeletal muscle of animals as well as tissue from the heart. This may be beef, chicken, pork, lamb, or salmon. This is the animal flesh without any water extracted. Meat Meal It can include only actual meat, skin, and bone, which can be nutritious. But it can legally contain animals who were dying, diseased, deformed, or had died before slaughtering. Meat meals are the product after the excess moisture has been removed from the meat. These include lungs, kidneys, brains, bone, blood, heads, spleens, stomachs, beaks, feet, feathers, and intestines. Unfortunately, like meat meal, it can contain animals who were very sick or dead before slaughtering which need not be disclosed to the consumer. Whole Meats versus Named Protein Meals These are named proteins such as chicken, salmon, beef, and lamb. They can contain up to 70 percent moisture prior to cooking. Named protein meals, such as lamb meal, have that excess moisture removed being processed into kibble. So meals actually have more protein by weight than whole meats do. Fish Meal Fish meal is the clean ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish or fish cuttings, with or without the oil extracted. Ground Corn Ground corn is the entire corn kernel ground or chopped. Corn Gluten Meal Corn gluten meal is the by-product after the manufacture of corn syrup or starch, and is the dried residue after the removal of the bran, germ, and starch. Brewers Rice Brewers rice is the small fragments of rice kernels that have been separated from larger kernels of milled rice. Brown Rice Brown rice is the unpolished rice left over after the kernels have been removed. Soybean Meal Soybean meal is a by-product of the production of soybean oil. Holistic or Natural These are terms that some companies use. But they have no meaning according to the FDA. So beware that such foods may not be what we think of as being holistic or natural. Organic This means that the food is free from antibiotics, synthetic hormones, pesticides, and preservatives. Of course, higher-quality ingredients cost more. Also avoid foods that have been overly processed or contain hormones or steroids. Meat by-products and poultry by-products are one of the lower-quality ingredients. Try to avoid them. It can also be restaurant grease. Corn and soy are generally regarded to be inferior ingredients and fillers. Remember that if you feed a high-quality food to your dog without fillers, you often can feed less. And I also considered various foods before making my selection. My dogs are doing well on this food. Goldens love their food and eat a lot because of their size. The Dog Food Advisor is a public service website designed to help you make a more informed decision when buying dog food. The write-ups are taken from those found on the Dog Food Advisor website. The links will also lead to information regarding additional high-rated foods. The formula contains a minimum of 34 percent of named proteins. Its high-protein content helps form strong muscles. The formula includes increased amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin to support bone and joint health in larger-sized dogs. This recipe contains the preferred amount of fat and calories to help maintain a healthy weight for a dog the size of a golden. It has no meat by-products or fillers. And no corn, wheat, or soy. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Large-Breed Chicken Formula The top five ingredients are deboned salmon, chicken meal, pea protein, peas, and tapioca starch, with a minimum of 32 percent protein. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Chicken is a great option for those looking for higher protein and an optimal blend of calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins to help keep bones strong. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids found in fish meal and flaxseed ensure a healthy coat. An ideal blend of protein, fat and carbohydrates are also included to assist your large breed dog in keeping a healthy weight. It also has antioxidants to boost immune health and no poultry by-products. Glucosamine and chondroitin are added for healthy joints. It contains a minimum of 27 percent with named proteins. Now Fresh Large Breed Adult contains balanced proteins and fats from turkey, salmon, and duck. The formula also has antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables such as spinach, cranberries, pumpkin, blackberries, and carrots. These are great for building a strong immune system to help fight disease. This recipe is recommended for dogs over 50 pounds and between 15 months and five years of age. It contains extra nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint care for larger-breed dogs. There are no by-products or artificial preservatives. The formula contains probiotics to support digestion. There is no gluten, wheat, corn, or soy Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large-Breed Adult Formula The top five ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. The food contains a minimum of 38 percent protein. The Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed recipe contains added glucosamine and chondroitin to help support healthy hip and joint function, essential for large-breed dogs. Omega fatty acids from salmon oil help ensure a healthy skin and coat. A unique raw-infused kibble recipe is loaded with protein. The recipe has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and is gluten free. Purina Pro Plan Adult Dog Food The top five ingredients in this formula are chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, and soybean meal. It has a minimum protein of 26 protein percent. The formula also has live probiotics to support healthy digestion. Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend combines a hard kibble with tender, pieces of real, shredded chicken for enhanced flavor and texture. It has live probiotics to support healthy digestion as well as omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It contains no artificial colors or flavors. Although this formula is highly-ranked and has been a favorite with consumers, please note that it contains poultry by-product and soybean meal, both of which are often considered to be inferior ingredients. But apparently many consumers have found that their dogs are doing well on this food. Some Suggested Foods for Your Golden Retriever Puppy Of course puppies require a higher amount of protein and fat than adults generally do. But note that adult goldens who are very active, such as dogs who do agility, generally need more protein and fat than other goldens do. But they may not need as much as puppies do. Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Food The top five ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, and salmon meal. The recipe contains a minimum of 32 percent protein. It has 14 percent fat, and 45 percent estimated carbs and has a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44percent. It also has a safe, balanced amount of calcium. Origen Puppy Large Breed Formula The top five ingredients are deboned chicken, deboned turkey, yellowtail flounder, whole eggs, and whole atlantic mackerel. This recipe contains a minimum of 43 percent protein, 18 percent fat and 30percent estimated carbs, creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 41percent. This high-quality food is more expensive than many five-star rated foods. Diamond Naturals Large-Breed Puppy Formula The top five ingredients are lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, and ground white rice. This budget-friendly food has a dry matter label analysis of 30 percent protein, 17 percent fat, and 45 percent estimated carbs. It has a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56 percent. The dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29 percent protein, 17 percent fat and 46 percent estimated carbs. This results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58 percent. This is a top-rated food that is budget conscious. Purina Pro Plan Large-Breed Puppy Formula The top five ingredients are chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, and poultry by-product meal. The dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32 percent protein. It also contains 15 percent fat and 45 percent estimated carbs. This yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47 percent. This formula is highly-ranked and has been a favorite with consumers. Purina Pro Plan is what we are currently feeding our guide dog puppies. But, as is true of the adult Pro Plan food listed above, please note that it contains poultry by-product and soybean meal, both of which are often considered to be inferior ingredients. Final Thoughts There are so many choices when selecting a food for your beloved golden retriever. It can really be challenging to find the right food. But remember because there are so many choices, there is no one right food for your pup. Dog food ratings can help make a choice. So can knowing the basics regarding what the terms on a food label mean. Are you thinking of switching foods? Please leave your comments in the section below. Related Article:.

These include congenital anomalies as well as acquired disease later in life. Boxer heart disease usually falls into two important categories: aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Aortic Stenosis This is a congenital condition, a narrowing or constriction of the outflow tract from the left ventricle to the aorta. It can be detected as a systolic murmur by your veterinarian in young puppies and older dogs. Sometimes the murmur will not show up until the dog reaches enough physical size for the constriction to become evident. This murmur must be distinguished from other types of murmurs, often so-called innocent flow murmurs that disappear as the puppy grows. There is no practical surgical treatment, and if the condition results in arrhythmias, antiarrhythmic therapy is usually instituted. Mild forms of the anomaly may go undetected and are not incompatible with a normal life span. Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy is an electrical-conduction disturbance sometimes referred to as ARVC -- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy , an adult onset disease of the heart muscle itself causing abnormal electrical impulses to disrupt the heart's normal rhythm. This arrhythmia may lead to sudden death or heart failure. Arrhythmias can be brought on by certain poisons, infections notably parvovirus , severe uremia, diabetes, and heatstroke. However, in the Boxer they are most often hereditary in nature. A simple blood test is available to determine whether or not your dog is carrying the genes that may make him most susceptible to this disease. A 24 hour Holter monitor, recording the heart's activity for this period of time, may be needed to diagnose potentially life threatening arrhythmias. It is advised to begin Holters in the young adult and repeat annually thereafter. Struggling in hot weather Collapsing Your vet will discuss weight control and the possibility of surgery to help your dog feel more comfortable with the condition. Epilepsy This common cause of seizures in boxers is often inherited from a parent and usually surfaces between six months and six years of age. Perfectly healthy canines can have one or two unexplained seizures during their lifetime. Turn off any lights and make the room quiet. Note how long the seizure lasts and film it if you can. Phone your vet — if you have coverage with one of our Purely Pets dog insurance plans, you can call the hour vet video service for quick and professional advice. Caring for your boxer dog With the knowledge of the possible health concerns your boxer may experience and the symptoms to look for, you can get your animal help when it needs it. Dog insurance plans cover your pet in case it needs urgent care, but there are complementary measures you need to take at home to make sure it enjoys the life it deserves. What does a boxer dog eat? This breed grows to a medium or large size, and they need a well-balanced, complete diet to keep them fit and healthy. So feeding them the right foods is essential to their quality of life. Discuss with your vet how much your pet should be eating. They can weigh your boxer and measure their height to determine an ideal diet. Feed your four-legged friend at a similar time each day and let their meal go down before taking them out to exercise. How to train a boxer dog This breed is clever, but they can also be boisterous and clown around during training. Use these tips to raise an obedient and well-trained pup: Implement a positive, reward-based training programme from an early age. Maintain a firm but fair attitude with plenty of reassurance for good behaviour. Be patient and consistent to get the best results. Boxers mature at a slower rate than most dog breeds, and their energetic puppy-like ways can make it challenging to control them as they get bigger. Before you bring a boxer into your home, consider whether you have what it takes to keep it controlled. What exercise does a boxer need? As you might expect, this high energy, active breed needs plenty of exercise. Boxers love playing and it can be a rare sight to see one sitting calmly. These dogs need a minimum of two hours daily exercise, which can be split into a few walks. Give them plenty of chances to get sniffing and explore their surroundings as well as some off-lead time for a decent run around. Use every opportunity you get to let them stretch their legs. This could be taking them with you when you pop to the shop or letting them out into the garden on a nice day. Do boxers need grooming? All dogs need some form of grooming to keep them clean and maintain their coat. Boxer owners will be pleased to hear this breed is fairly low maintenance, thanks to their short hair that only needs a weekly brush. Your dog will shed throughout the year, especially in autumn and spring, but the hairs are easy to clean with a hoover. Make sure your boxer has frequent baths to keep their skin folds clean and dry. The excess flaps can cause skin fold dermatitis if not looked after properly. Many owners complement their dog insurance plans with a pet health programme. While the former takes care of your animal in case of an emergency, the latter is sometimes offered by vets to spread the cost of routine treatments and grooming. What are the best accessories for a boxer dog? Is a boxer the right dog for me? The affectionate and loyal nature of this breed might make you consider bringing one into your family home. Remember, boxers are large dogs and need lots of care to keep them healthy and happy. Before you adopt or buy one of these canines, ask yourself if you have the funds and time needed to give them the life they deserve. Cost of owning a boxer Usually, the bigger the breed, the bigger your bank balance needs to be. So, just what causes such a big expenditure? Purchase costs: Unless you adopt a boxer from a rescue centre, you can expect to pay a hefty price for these lovable dogs. Be wary of cheap puppies and check you always buy from a Kennel Club Assured breeder. Set-up costs: This includes everything you need to pay for when you first get a puppy. They need vaccinations, neutering, and lots of accessories. Ongoing costs: Throughout their lifetime you need to provide food, preventative healthcare, more accessories, and vet bills. As boxers are prone to so many health conditions, dog insurance plans are a good idea to help you save on unexpected medical bills. Additional costs: You need to budget for other miscellaneous costs like training, kennels, and a dog walker if you work all day. Time needed to look after a boxer Unless you have the budget to pay for doggy day-care and walkers every day, you need plenty of free time to give your dog the care it deserves. Your boxer needs at least 2 hours of exercise a day plus training. You also need to factor in time for feeding, bathing, and playing with your fun-loving pet. Are boxers good with kids and other pets? Yes, this breed usually makes excellent family dogs that love to play with children. Boxers take pride in protecting their owners but are very rarely aggressive. They fare best with older children due to their large size and boisterous nature. These dogs also love other pets as long as you introduce them slowly. The two most common ways to get this breed are rehoming centres and breeders. There are many rescue centres across the UK that may have boxers, and others specialise in finding new homes for the breed. Dogs from these organisations are usually older, so make sure to check their history for any health or behavioural concerns you need to look out for. When you buy from a breeder, there are a few things you need to check before you bring a puppy home. Make sure they meet the high standards required to be a Kennel Club Assured breeder. The dog should also be well socialised and have up-to-date vaccinations and health checks along with screening tests. The greatest way to reward their ever-growing loyalty is with a lifetime pet insurance policy. Dog insurance plans protect your animal in times of need and could save you thousands in vet bills. At Purely Pets, we know how important dogs are to your family and that they deserve only the best during their time with you. Choose from 15 levels of lifetime cover to fit your budget and needs and manage your policy online at a time that suits you. Are you looking to protect your loyal boxer through every stage of its life? Check out the dog insurance plans at Purely Pets today. For the most part, these health issues can be treated if caught early enough. The breeders test for most of these on the parents of the puppies. There are health tests for these health issues, you should visit your veterinarian to perform yearly tests and talk over health issues of your boxer. Cancer Boxers are at risk of various cancers. They are brain, thyroid, mammary glands, testes, heart, spleen, blood, lymph system lymphoma , and other organs. Benign skin tumors usually respond to surgical removal under local anesthesia. Malignant forms of cancer need specific treatment. Being observant to any unusual worth on your boxer goes a long way to prevention and treatment on time. The aortic valve is the valve through which blood leaves the heart, traveling to the rest of the body. When this valve is narrowed, the heart and specifically the left ventricle, which is the chamber that pumps blood through the aorta must work harder to force blood out through the valve. In many cases, affected dogs do not show any signs. AS is detected on a routine physical examination, when the veterinarian notices a heart murmur. The boxers with severe AS show the following signs lethargy, exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, and fainting. The tests used to confirm a diagnosis of AS are electrocardiography ECG , and echocardiogram ultrasound of the heart. Fainting or even sudden heart failure can occur, and some patients can develop congestive heart failure. It could show up as soon as 6 months or as late as 10 years of age. Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy are an irregular heartbeat in a routine exam, fainting, coughing, rapid breathing, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and sudden death. A 24 hours holter recording the heart's activity for this period of time, an electrocardiography ECG , and echocardiogram ultrasound of the heart. In Boxer it appears to have a predisposition for development of CKD, suggesting that kidney disease in this breed might be heritable. DM is a neurological disease that affects the spinal column and nerves that coordinate the movement of the rear legs. Eventually boxers lose their ability to walk, incontinent and are euthanized. There is now a test that detects DM. Spondylosis Spondylosis is a degenerative spinal condition that affects older dogs, but can also happen due to an injury. Some show no symptoms a boxer knows how to hide his ills, however some of the symptoms are motion issues or inflexibility, lameness or limping. Treatment for mild symptoms may be prescribed pain medication or anti inflammatory drugs. Physical therapy and an exercise program can help also monitoring weight and a weight loss program if the boxer is overweight. Hip Dysplasia HD Hip dysplasia is an abnormal development of the ball and socket joint that makes up the hip. Some of the symptoms are the dog does not want to play vigorously, pain and lameness, hip dysplasia shows in ages between 4 months to a year. Dog should be tested for hip dysplasia at 2 years of age. Symptoms will show between the ages of years old, but it can be diagnosed at any age. Some of the symptoms are: sleepiness, lethargy, weakness, increased appetite, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, the coat can become dull and dry, loss of fur, itchy skin, skin sores or infections, and ear inflammation. Diabetes Diabetes is when the pancreas fails to produce insulin properly. Treatment usually requires insulin shots for life. Some of the symptoms are frequent urination, hunger, weight loss, vomiting and weakness. For more information, browse the following links:. Boxer Dog Health Problems Overview All dog breeds are susceptible to certain illness and health conditions. While a Boxer may be susceptible to certain ailments, this does not mean that your dog is doomed to have all of them. We will go over the most common health concerns with this breed and also steps that you can take to keep your Boxer healthy. Acne It is not uncommon for a Boxer to have problems with acne. Most cases will appear when the dog is in the stage of puberty and may pimples may be a chronic issue during this time. If proper care is not taken, it can develop into a more serious health issue of infection. In addition, aside from the aesthetic element, scarring may occur. Read more about Boxer dog Acne. Aortic Stenosis - Heart Condition This is a canine issue that affects the dog's heart. The Boxer breed is more prone to this than some other dog breeds. Mild cases are sometimes not noticed and the dog will live a normal life. However, this is inherited and once passed down to Boxer puppies, those pups may have more severe cases. Therefore, the detection of this Boxer health issue is important. For dogs that do have a severe form of Aortic Stenosis, this can be very serious. More about Aortic Stenosis Arthritis Many of us have heard the words arthritis and osteoarthritis so many times that we begin to think of this as a normal and accepted part of getting older for our dogs. However, even young dogs can have this health issue. While it is true that as a dog ages, the chances of arthritis increases, your dog does not need to live in pain! There are many types of treatment for this and ways for you to make your dog more comfortable. A Boxer dog owner should be aware of the signs, diagnosis methods and treatments for this health issue, to help their Boxer dog live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible. And can be avoided in many cases. If the signs of canine bloat are not noticed and treatment is not given.Bloat can happen to a Boxer dog of any age. Thankfully, the chances of getting this are greatly reduced when an owner understands how to prevent it. While cancer strikes dogs of all breeds, an owner should take time to keep an eye out for early symptoms. As with humans, catching this early greatly increases the odds of survival. Boxers dogs are particularly prone to the development of mast cell tumors, lymphoma and brain tumors. White Boxers, and colored Boxers with white markings should be protected from the sun, as they are vulnerable to develop skin cancer if sunburns occur. And more about Boxer dog mast cell tumors and surgery Cardiomyopathy Heart Condition Boxer cardiomyopathy is a very complicated Boxer health condition. Studies are still underway to understand more about this issue. Currently it is known that cardiomyopathy causes the heart of the dog to beat too quickly or unsteadily. This can happen at random intervals and hard to detect unless you know what symptoms to look for. If the uneven beats happen in too great of a sequence, the dog may weaken to the point of unconsciousness, coma or worse. And more about Boxer dog mast cell tumors and surgery Degenerative Myelopathy While this is not common, the Boxer is among the top 3 breeds to develop this. Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive, incurable disease of the spinal cord. It is not painful. However, it is quite serious. It starts with weakness in the rear legs, resulting in paralysis. Then, unfortunately, progresses to the front legs. More about Canine Degenerative Myelopathy with the Boxer Dog Ear Mites This can be quite a problem for dogs, ears mites are extremely contagious and will quickly jump from dog to dog or cat to dog. When a Boxer has ear mites, this can cause quite a bit of discomfort for the dog and you will want recognize the symptoms so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. This can be caused by a wide variety of bacteria, allergies or foreign elements. There is help for all types. Learn about symptoms, treatment and prevention. Cherry Eye, Corneal Dystrophy and Uveitis are some of the most common eye health issues with this dog breed. More about Boxer Dog Eye Diseases and Problems Heartworms Sadly, many owners believe that Heartworms only strike unclean dogs or those that are not loved and taken care of. However, this is a widespread very serious canine disease. Worms from 6 to 14 inches cm long grow and burrow into a dog's heart. They multiply; up to worms can live in a dog's heart and arteries. It is vital for dog owners to understand prevention and treatment. The Boxer dog, among other dog breeds, is prone to this health condition. Passed on genetically, this type of canine disease is progressive — meaning that it will worsen as time goes by. It may cause loss of motor function, loss of coordination and in sadly, in some cases, paralysis. While more common among certain breeds, a dog of any breed may develop this. The Boxer and the Boston Terrier are both prone to this. Both dog breeds do have similar bone structure of their heads and it is also seen among some small breed dogs. With vomiting and bloating occurring, it is important to have this treated. There may be rapid weight loss due to the symptoms. The time span between eating and vomiting is what will distinguish 'regular' vomiting from this stomach disease. While a dog may vomit right after eating when having this health problem, he or she will also vomit up to 24 hour later…when there would usually be no food left in the stomach. With this Boxer dog stomach problem, the vomit will usually contain large pieces of undigested food. It is diagnosed by carefully documenting when the dog eats and when the dog vomits. Barium studies with X-rays may show the narrowed stomach outflow. In mild cases, the vomiting does not happen often and a dog can live a normal life without treatment. In severe cases, treatment must be given right away; if not, the dog can succumb to this canine disease. Surgery may be needed in some cases. Thankfully, the majority of surgeries are very successful. When puppies are born, these are passed on to them from dam to pups. For healthy Boxer dogs, this does not cause any concern and the dog will not have any health issues. A dog will often show strange symptoms such as repeated behavior as if a movie is looping over and over again , drooling, staring into space, confusion, falling down, stiff limbs or unconsciousness. Learn about the different types of canine seizures, the symptoms of each and what to do if this happens. They were used for bull-baiting and to chase wild game. This history means they are excellent runners and playful jumpers. The Boxer is used today by the police and military. The Boxer dog breed is deep-chested and is usually well-muscled under its smooth coat. They are considered a medium-sized dog breed—weighing in around pounds with an average height of inches. Caring for a Boxer Dog In the past, many Boxers had their ears cropped, but this trend has grown less popular in recent years. They have a prominent lower jaw and a short nose, which makes them sensitive to overheating. Their high energy and spirited nature typically make Boxers good pets for the active household. Boxers are prone to health issues, so it is important to talk with your veterinarian and have a strong preventative health routine in place. Boxer Dog Health Issues Boxers are predisposed to a few health conditions including cancer, heart disease, and joint problems. Cancers Cancers are some of the most common health conditions seen in Boxers. These include: Brain tumors Mast cell tumors which can be on the skin or internal organs Canine lymphoma a cancer of the lymph nodes and lymph system Osteosarcoma cancer of the bone Mammary cancer breast cancer Spaying prior to the first heat cycle substantially decreases the risk of developing mammary cancer in adulthood. Talk with your vet to learn the risks and benefits of early spaying for your dog. Depending on the type of cancer that a Boxer develops, treatments may vary. Surgery is often used to remove the affected tissue. Referral for consultation with a boarded veterinary oncologist is recommended. It is important to recognize that treatment is generally only recommended by veterinary oncologists for as long as quality of life can be maintained. Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM Dilated cardiomyopathy DCM is degeneration of the heart that causes the muscle of the left ventricle to become very thin and pump weakly. The symptoms of the disease may occur suddenly or progress gradually as the disease worsens over time. DCM can eventually lead to congestive heart failure. DCM is a very serious condition that requires intensive treatment and not all dogs will return to normal. Treatments include medications like: Antiarrhythmics: to control arrhythmias Pimobendan: to lower vascular pressure and increase muscle strength Diuretics: to remove excess fluid from the body ACE inhibitors: to lower blood pressure and resistance Cardiac glycosides: to slow the heart rate Vasodilators: to dilate the blood vessels A correlation between DCM and grain-free diets has been found but is not fully understood. The normal heart muscle is replaced by fatty and fibrous tissue which causes abnormal electrical activity and therefore irregular heart rhythm. ARVC varies in severity. ARVC is treated using medications that control the abnormal heart rhythm antiarrhythmics. This occurs when the stomach fills up with food or gas, causing expansion and increased pressure. The stomach can then rotate, which causes inadequate blood supply to the spleen and stomach. If not treated quickly, shock, tissue damage, and even death can occur. Increased risk is seen in older dogs that have a deep chest like the Boxer , are fed from elevated bowls, and are fed only once per day. Immediate veterinary intervention is needed to stabilize and treat GDV. The longer a dog has this condition without intervention, the greater the risk of death. Initially, fluid therapy, oxygen therapy, and decompression of the stomach may be performed. To repair this condition, surgery is required to return the stomach to the right location and secure it in place gastropexy. To prevent GDV, a prophylactic gastropexy can be performed. In other words, surgery can be performed to secure the stomach in the right position to prevent GDV from occurring. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to be underactive. The thyroid gland controls the metabolism. In hypothyroidism, the body either attacks its own glands or the gland is replaced with fat. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed using bloodwork. It is treatable with a thyroid hormone replacement medication called levothyroxine , which will be a lifelong medication. In humans, this is known as the anterior cruciate ligament ACL. When this ligament breaks down, it is at risk of tearing, which destabilizes the joint. Surgery is typically required to stabilize the knee. Maintaining a lean body condition helps to prevent CCL disease, as the excess weight adds to the breakdown of the ligament. They need quality protein for healthy muscles, including the heart. There is a correlation between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy, to which the Boxer is predisposed. How to Feed a Boxer The Boxer breed can thrive on being fed one meal a day—or every 12 hours. Older dogs with deep chests should be fed smaller meals twice a day to help decrease the risk of bloat. It is not recommended to use raised food bowls; this can actually increase the risk of bloat. How Much Should You Feed a Boxer Just like humans, the recommended caloric intake required varies between individuals due to different physical size, metabolism, and activity level. The best way to determine how much to feed your Boxer is to talk with your veterinarian and consult the feeding guide labels on your chosen dog food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in skin and joint supplements , fish oil , and even in some specially formulated dog foods. These fatty acids will act as natural anti-inflammatories that help to support the skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart. They are known to jump and paw when they play—training to teach them to stay down is beneficial. Additionally, Boxers can be protective of the home and family and may not interact well with other dogs unless socialized early. The Boxer may not be the best breed for young children or frail adults due to their jumping behavior. Boxer Dog Behavior This happy, playful breed is known for jumping up. They also can be reactive to other dogs and may be protective of the home and family. Many Boxers like digging in the yard and may even tunnel under a fence. While every individual is different, most Boxers are not excessive barkers. Early leash training can help to prevent pulling on the leash while walking, which is common in Boxers. Boxer Dog Training Boxers are very intelligent and trainable but requires patience due to their high energy. They will learn if given clear and consistent commands. Socializing Boxers with other dogs at an early age may help prevent aggressive or fearful interactions with other dogs in adulthood. Fun Activities for Boxers. Advertisement The breed is one of the most popular in the UK, with one in every dogs in Britain a Boxer, according to the study. Boxers have relatively flat faces - known as moderate brachycephaly - which researchers suggested may increase their risk of conditions such as breathing problems and skin fold infections. However, until now, there has been limited evidence on the breed's overall health. In the new study, the team analysed the records of 3, Boxer dogs who received veterinary care in the UK in .The analysis revealed that, unlike more flat-faced breeds like pugs and French bulldogs, Boxers were at no higher risk of breathing problems or skin fold infections. Alison Skipper, co-author of the study, said: 'The Boxer, which is a moderately brachycephalic flat-faced breed, has fewer common health problems directly related to its body shape than the extreme brachycephalic breeds. Otitis externa inflammation of the external ear canal was found to be the most common condition, followed by epulis gum mass , corneal ulceration an open sore in the outer layer of the cornea , and gum disease. Otitis externa inflammation of the external ear canal was found to be the most common condition, followed by epulis gum mass , corneal ulceration an open sore in the outer layer of the cornea , and gum disease stock image Somewhat unsurprisingly, researchers found that fighting dogs are the most aggressive. This group includes American Bulldogs pictured Advertisement Meanwhile, one in seven .Cancer was also found to be the most common cause of death .The team also found key differences in the risk of conditions in male and female dogs. Female Boxers were found to be at higher risk of gum disease, skin masses and urinary incontinence, while males were more likely to experience heart murmurs, aggression, and ear discharge. While previous studies have suggested that coat colour may influence the risk of certain conditions, the team found no difference between white and non-white dogs. The team hopes the findings will help vets to take preventative measures to protect Boxers, and provide their owners with information on the health issues to look out for. Bill Lambert, Health, Welfare and Breeding Services Executive at The Kennel Club, said: 'We're pleased this study indicates that most disorders faced by Boxers are fairly common for all dogs, and that there don't seem to be any prevalent extreme health conditions, including those which can be associated with other Brachycephalic breeds. They were bred from a German hunting dog that was crossbred with English bulldogs. Boxers are well-loved, high-energy family dogs that are sweet with children and vigilant guards of the family home. Some of the conditions that afflict Boxers have a genetic basis, and are more likely to happen to Boxers than to dogs of other breeds. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions, and when possible, avoid breeding dogs with those traits. But these conditions can still happen. Boxers are more likely to develop health problems such as heart problems, degenerative myelopathy, bloat, and ulcerative colitis than other dogs. Boxer Cardiomyopathy Boxers are more likely to develop a specific heart condition than other dogs. The condition, Boxer cardiomyopathy , is actually named after the breed, though other dogs can develop it. The most common sign a dog has Boxer cardiomyopathy is if it has trouble breathing. Your dog might cough or wheeze frequently. Your dog might start panting during walks or playtime. If you think your dog might have Boxer cardiomyopathy, you should avoid exercise until the dog can be examined by its veterinarian. Eventually the weakness will be more apparent, with loss of bowel and urinary control. The dog might struggle to get up because the disease also causes muscle atrophy. Boxers with degenerative myelopathy can become paralyzed by the disease. There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. But if your Boxer has the disease, there are a few things you can do to help them suffer less. Kinesiology tape has been used successfully to help dogs with degenerative myelopathy. A dog that spends lots of time lying down is at risk of bedsores. Boxers that become partially paralyzed by degenerative myelopathy are candidates for wheelchairs. Dog wheelchairs can help to slow down the progression of degenerative myelopathy by removing stress on the joints and allowing more mobility and exercise. Both stress and lack of exercise can contribute greatly to the progression of the disease. Boxers with Bloat Bloat, or gastric dilation , is another health risk that boxers are more likely to suffer from than other dogs. Bloat is a potentially fatal stomach condition that is common in large dogs with deep chests, like boxers and shepherds. Bloat is caused by unhealthy eating habits: if a Boxer eats one large meal a day, or eats too quickly, they run the risk of bloat. If you notice your dog likes to scarf its food, you can give it smaller meals throughout the day. Also, make sure your Boxer does not run around or get over-excited within an hour or two of meals. Panting can cause a dog to swallow air, further expanding the stomach and contributing to bloat. Bloat can sometimes result in Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus. In GDV, the over-filled stomach twists around, cinching the ends closed. This is a true emergency, requiring immediate surgery. Nothing can escape from the twisted stomach, and the blood supply to the stomach and spleen is compromised. In a few hours, the dog can die from loss of blood supply to the stomach as well as physiologic shock. Ulcerative Colitis in Boxers Many Boxers also develop ulcerative colitis. In fact, non-Boxer dogs rarely develop the condition, which may have a genetic basis. Ulcerative colitis is another digestive system problem; dogs with the disease develop ulcers in their intestines. Boxers with the disease will have trouble absorbing water and have diarrhea or loose stool , and might lose weight as a result. Puppies one year old or younger most often develop the disease. Your vet will treat your Boxer by prescribing anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. In some cases, your vet may recommend a change in diet. And remember—if your dog has any of these health problems, they should be treated by a veterinarian. They have incredible immune systems, they possess hyper-athletic physiology, and they have an incredibly high tolerance for discomfort. A boxer is a physical specimen, even by comparison with other dogs. The boxer dog breed is as athletic as dogs get while still being sweet, obedient, and playful read more fun facts about boxer dogs. However, as is the case with most purebred dogs, boxers are prone to certain health problems. Degenerative Myelopathy The first major health issue that most dog owners should be aware of is degenerative myelopathy. This debilitating condition affects the nervous system and lower spinal cord and eventually leads to partial or full paralysis of the lower limbs. These sudden unexplainable bouts of clumsiness will be few and far between to begin, but any sign of paralysis in the hind legs should serve as a warning sign. Unfortunately, there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy, as it is a debilitating nerve disease with irreversible effects. Even still, rapid action and treatment is a necessity for keeping your Boxer as healthy and happy as possible. Things like canine wheelchairs, kinesiology tape, and certain kinds of prescribed medicines from the vet can help your Boxer pet lead a life that is as close to normal as possible. If you notice any regular bouts of clumsiness or temporary paralysis in the hind legs, it is imperative that you take your Boxer in to be checked for degenerative myelopathy. If you fear your Boxer may be suffering from this disease, your veterinarian will be able to help with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Boxer Cardiomyopathy Boxer Cardiomyopathy is a canine heart condition that is more prevalent in the boxer dog breed than any other breed of dog. While other dogs are just as susceptible to developing this kind of heart condition, due to their genetic makeup boxers are at high risk for this disease. Characterized by an irregular heartbeat and fainting spells, boxers affected by cardiomyopathy are often at high risk of sudden heart failure. Most boxers who suffer from Boxer Cardiomyopathy begin to show symptoms of the disease at two years of age or earlier. Complications can arise as a result of waiting, so it is always a best practice to consult your Vet as soon as you notice any health problems in your dog. Symptoms like heavy wheezing not during exercise , fainting, coughing, and an irregular heartbeat could all be indications that your Boxer is suffering from Boxer Cardiomyopathy. Take preventative action and visit your Vet for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan. Bloat is a more common name for a condition called gastric dilation, wherein the gastrointestinal system swells, preventing digestion of food and passage of stool. The most common cause of Bloat is simply overeating, which Boxers are prone to do. The result of excess food combined with excess stomach acid is rapid inflammation and Bloat. In some severe cases, Bloat can require surgery. Bloat can cause the stomach muscles to twist on themselves, which prevents blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If this goes without treatment, it could be catastrophic for your Boxer. Even in more mild cases of Bloat, uncomfortable methods of extraction are often employed. The best treatment for Bloat is to avoid it altogether, and Bloat can easily be managed by you as an owner. Simply control how much you are feeding your Boxer, and be sure to avoid overeating. Most Boxers are susceptible to massive appetites, and they require large amounts of caloric intake daily. Hip Dysplasia As a superior athletic specimen, mobility is key for your Boxer. Hip dysplasia is one of the biggest long term threats for the health and well being of the Boxer dog breed. This degenerative joint condition is a genetic malformation wherein the hip joint does not properly fit into the hip socket. The discord between joint and socket creates a painful sensation wherein your Boxer is limited in his mobility. Activities like walking become a chore, while fun activities like running and jumping become downright impossible. However, hip dysplasia becomes more of a risk the older your dog gets. If left untreated Hip dysplasia can lead to other joint conditions like lameness and arthritis. Typically, hip dysplasia is treated with a long term medication plan to control inflammation and pain. If your Boxer is severely limited in his mobility, you may be interested in looking into canine physical therapy, which can help your dog in their pursuit to learn new ways of moving. Seizures Seizures may be one of the most frightening medical episodes to watch your Boxer endure, but they are an unfortunate reality for boxer owners. The same thing that makes your Boxer a lovable bundle of renewable energy is the very cause of potential seizures, their brain. Most commonly, and especially in boxers, these types of seizures are brought on by Idiopathic Epilepsy. Idiopathic epilepsy refers to a single or series of epileptic episodes that have no apparent cause. These epileptic fits stem from some unknown genetic malformation of the brain, and this type of epilepsy is found in large dogs and boxers. Additionally, Boxers, especially those with heart conditions, are susceptible to seizures because of their increased energy levels. While it may be scary, seizures are treatable, both in the moment and long term. In the moment, it is important to remain calm and allow your dog to seize. Your instinct will be to restrain your dog, but this action could cause more harm than good. Once the seizing has subsided, take your dog to your Vet immediately. Seizing could be a side effect of some greater health risk, so it is always imperative that your dog is taken in for analysis after an epileptic event. There are medications and treatment plans that can help your Boxer cope with seizures and epileptic events. General Health The best way to keep your Boxer healthy and happy is with a good diet and lots of exercise. Your Boxer is full of natural energy, and his excitement to run and play will likely outlast your enthusiasm and energy levels. Nonetheless, it is imperative that you are constantly engaging with your Boxer. Boxers are one of the most demanding breeds, not just as a result of how much energy they have, but how much energy they require in return. Even in spite of some of the health problems listed above, your Boxer will still have more energy and desire to be active than many other breeds. Boxers require a calorie-rich diet of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to match their high metabolism.

Thank you for your message! I will contact you shortly. Pam is such an expert at what she does, and is very passionate about breeding the healthiest and happiest pups possible. Our vet says Schone is one of the healthiest French Bulldogs she's seen! We're so grateful we found Imperial Kennels and would love another puppy in the future! I recommend Imperial Kennels to anyone! We love our little boy from Imperial Kennels! Shannon Heigel I've had my sweet baby Olive for almost 3 months now and she brings me so much joy! She is sassy, feisty, so funny and loveable. I've wanted a Frenchie for almost 10 years as long as I've had my Boston, Mila and the timing and circumstances finally fell into alignment when I found Imperial French Bulldogs. Pam is experienced, knowledgeable, and was always there to answer my questions. I did a lot of research before making my decision and even waited to write a review. So thank you, Pam and Pam's grandkids, haha! You have made a happy home happier and it is greatly appreciated. Health, disposition, socialization and conformation are extremely important to us. We offer a one year health guarantee and ongoing support. Our babies are vet checked and current on all vaccinations. All puppies are raise in our home and receive the best of care. We are happy to provide references from former buyers and also from our vet. Visitors are always welcome! I have one female French bulldog left looking for her forever home. She is the sweetest most loving girl she loves to cuddle and play. She was born November 30th and will be ready to go to her forever home February 1st. She is priced at .Please give me a call or text me for more information. My wife is a traveling nurse and we are on the road a lot. Having our mowgli has been hard since we like to go and it can be hard with him. Her temperament is amazing she is so calm and sweet! View Detail 5 month old crate trained French bulldog. Always dreamed of having a frenchie. Selling for a lot less than what we paid. Just looking for a great home that will give him the love and support he needs. From our loving home where the mother redides. Mother is petite size with short legs. Puppies are ready to go to a loving home. View Detail Toy frenchie Female fawn and male brindal frenchies looking for a good home. Papers available! He is able to be registered. All of his vaccinations and wormings will be up-to-date. He will come with a 2-year health guarantee. Have had all their shots and worming. Email only "xxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. All puppies. Raised in house. Puppies will be up to date on age appropriate vaccinations and a health certificate will be included at the time of sale. She got vaccinated and dewormed up to date. She is registered with AKC. Her father is lilac merle tri French Bulldog and her mother is black tri blue carrier French Bulldog. Flow has beautiful blue eyes and has very unique pattern of blue merle coat with faint tan points. She has adorable face with very loving, playful personality. Comes with 1 year written health guarantee. View Detail Email me at xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. This pups will make you a wonderful family pet. Has a very nice personalities and is a super friendly, outgoing pup. Very playful and loves having your attention! This pups can't wait to meet your children. You are sure to fall in love at first sight! Mum is trentdale fleur De lis and dad is dreaming the dream. All carry the blue gene. Raised in the family home with children and other pets. Kc registered and wormed to date. Vet checked and had 1st vaccination and will be microchipped at 2nd vaccination. Raised on royal canin and nearly paper trained. Will leave home with an extensive puppy pack including food. These girls are the perfect package. Have a great personality as they are all good with kids and other home raised pets as well. Fill free to call or sent a text at xxxxxxxxxx for further discussion. Has had all Deworming and first set of booster shots! Last one out of a litter of 7. Mom and Dad are both full blooded and AKC registered! For pictures email xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx. She is kc registered and comes with 5 generations certificate. She is fleas and wormed to date and will have 1st injection and microchip done before she leaves us. Questions about French Bulldog puppies for sale in South Carolina? We have answers. How does French Bulldog puppies for sale in South Carolina work? Our mission is to make it as easy as possible for you to find your perfect South Carolina French Bulldog for sale. All you need to do is message them for more details when you see the puppy of your dreams. What kind of dog is a French Bulldog? A French Bulldog South Carolina will grow up to be an affectionate dog with just enough goofiness to always make you smile. Compared to other breeds, they need relatively little exercise. Why are French Bulldogs really expensive? French Bulldog breeders in South Carolina have a few additional expenses compared to many other dog breeds. French Bulldogs have extremely narrow hips so they need to be artificially inseminated as well as deliver their pups by C-section rather than naturally. We are totally pro-shelter, and shelter dogs make a wonderful choice for many families. How can I check that my puppy will be healthy? We only work with companies offering South Carolina French Bulldog puppies for sale who place a priority on the health of their pups. Each of these companies will make sure every pup has a full veterinarian check-up before they travel to their new homes. Can I just walk my Frenchie or do they need more exercise? But they do need plenty of playtime and mental stimulation to keep them happy and content. Do you suggest a specific brand of food for French Bulldogs? How does Uptown deal with transparency of puppy breeders? We only ever partner with businesses who meet our high standards, and that includes providing all the details about each pup. Can Frenchies make good apartment dogs? South Carolina French Bulldogs for sale are a fabulous choice for an apartment dog. Frenchies are perfectly happy to lie under the AC for a nap rather than head out for a super long hike! Are French Bulldogs easy to train? These little pups are eager to please and love getting praised when they do something right. Positive reinforcement training is a great choice for these fun little dogs, as are puppy training classes so you can learn how to get the best from your new pup. Fill out an application if you wish to meet her! If you meet the above qualifications and you think you can be my perfect home, please continue readingDo not send an e-mail unless you have read all the way to the bottom of this Page 1. Go to our web site and fill out an application. Nothing will move forward until you do. We will give you a call within 7 Days after receiving a complete application, please do not serial e-mail us, we will work your application in the order it was received. We also work these applications between our paying jobs, taking care of our animals and families. Patience is the key! Once we speak to you and feel you are a good fit, we will set up a meet and greet 4. Once we meet and do a home visit we can then and only then finalize an adoption. Every member of your household must be present for this meeting 5. We do adopt out of state and will do a home visit out of state as well 6. We will not put our dogs on mass transport or hand off transport to get to your home. We will make every effort to meet you part of the way but that is not always possible. Unless you have outside working dogs we will not adopt to a home with outside dogs 9. Fence is required for me. Must be 25 or above to adopt exceptions may be made case by case If you have any additional questions please e-mail adopt carolina-loving-hound-rescue. To see more adoptable French Bulldogs in Greenville, South Carolina, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria!

Where does the Golden Retriever Chow Mix come from? As with any other designer dog, the origin of the Golden Retriever Chow mix is unknown. At some point in the past 20 years, people decided to mix the Golden Retriever and Chow Chow, which resulted in the Golden Chowtriever — a fierce but loving crossbreed. To fully understand this crossbreed, we can learn more about the traits it can inherit from its parents. They were exceptionally good at retrieving waterfowl without damaging the game, thanks to their soft mouths, which made them the top choice for many hunters. Fast forward to today, Goldens have taken the world by storm. Their outgoing, playful nature, helped make them the third most popular breed in the US, and the rest of the world. Yet, this dog offers brains as well as brawns. They even rank as the fourth most intelligent dog breed in the world — right behind the Border Collie, Poodle, and German Shepherd. This purebred can be found in three different types: American , Canadian , and English Golden Retrievers. Meet the Chow Chow The Chow Chow originates from northern China and is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, dating back to years ago. This fluffy breed was produced as companions for Chinese nobles, and some dynasties had over Chow Chows at any given time. When it comes to its physical appearance, everything you need to know is in its name. The average height of an adult specimen is 17 to 20 inches 43 to 51 cm and weighs 40 to 90 pounds kg. Chows have a very dense double coat with a thick mane around the neck area. Its silky smooth fur comes in a variety of shades — from red to black — but multiple colors are considered outside the breed standard. They have a somewhat longer lifespan — 11 to 13 years. But there are organizations for designer dogs that recognize this hybrid, like the Dog Registry of America, Inc. What does a Golden Chowtriever look like? There is no standardized appearance for any mixed breed, but generally, the Golden Retriever Chow mix will charm you with its dark eyes and dropped ears. Then at the end of their body is a slightly curved yet puffy tail. Since crossbreeds are full of surprises, this fido can have the unique tongue color of the Chow. It can be the same black and blue pattern, or it can still be pink with dark spots. Watch this video of a Golden Retriever Chow mix named Bizkit enjoying beach day! If you look closely, you can even see some dark spots on its tongue: How big does a Golden Retriever Chow mix get? They can reach up to 25 inches .These canines are more suitable for a home that can offer ample space, both indoors and outdoors. Golden Retriever Chow mixes are considered heavy shedders throughout the year. One standardized thing is the color of its coat. The Golden Chow mix can be found in solid colors such as golden, black, brown, red, and blue. Are Golden Retriever Chow mix dogs aggressive? Neither parents are known to be aggressive, but there is quite a significant disparity between their two temperaments. Golden Retrievers are lovable goofballs who live to please their masters, while Chows are more independent and can be stubborn. A typical Chowtriever is loving, playful, and friendly. They love being around their family, but can be suspicious of strangers. With proper socialization, it will show its good side. We can expect them to be overprotective because of their history being bred as guard dogs. This hybrid may be good with kids but always supervise playtime. If they feel threatened or mishandled, the Chow Golden mix can nip in retaliation. If you have a family with little ones, think twice before bringing in this hybrid. They may be more suitable for families with older children. Avoid this by making sure your pet gets proper obedience training, and then slowly introduce and socialize your Golden Retriever Chow mix in a controlled environment. Taking care of a Golden Retriever Chow mix This designer dog requires at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. Give your Golden Chowtriever 3 cups of dog food divided into three meals throughout the day. Dry kibbles are not only a convenient option, but it also has more nutritional balance. You can also feed your furbaby some vegetables and fruits. How to groom a Golden Retriever Chow mix? As we mentioned earlier, this crossbreed is a notorious shedder and will require daily brushing. Other than that, grooming sessions can be done every month or two. Expect more hair and be prepared with a bristle brush, greyhound comb, and a rake for shedding season, though. Tartar accumulation with this pooch can lead to gum inflammation and infection. Health: How long does a Golden Retriever Chow mix live? One of the common reasons behind crossbreeding is to create a healthier dog than its purebred parents, also known as hybrid vigor. And though the Chow Chow Golden Retriever mix is considered a hardy breed with a lifespan of 10 to 14 years, it can still suffer from genetic illnesses, like hip dysplasia. Most vets recommend glucosamine supplements for dogs who are susceptible to having joint problems to reduce stiffness and swelling on their joints. And because of its thick coat, this doggo may have allergies caused by fleas. The golden rule no pun intended when getting a dog is to ask to see the parents and their medical documents. Of course, the price may vary depending on the availability of the puppies, parent quality, breeder location, etc. Goldies can have 4 to 12 puppies, and Chows can have 4 to 6 pups. So, we can safely say that this crossbreed will likely have a litter size within that range. Another option is adoption. Here are Chow Chow mixes and Golden Retriever hybrids that you might like. The Chusky comes from a line of very active, working parent breeds. They need to be walked at least three times a day, in addition to their playtime with other dogs. Due to their activity requirements, this breed is not suited to live in an apartment. In those cases, the only way to keep it tangle-free is by brushing its hair three times a week. Unlike the Goldie, this hybrid makes for a good guard dog. If a stranger is approaching, it will be sure to notify you either by barking or howling. With very active parents, this canine will need lots of exercise — around an hour, topped off by 2 to 3 hour-long walks. The verdict: Should you get a Golden Retriever Chow mix? Golden Retriever Chow mixes can be excellent dogs, but they need experienced dog owners who can deal with their stubbornness and wary nature. If you can provide the kind of home and time that this fido requires, this might be the dog for you. Do you think you have what it takes to take care of a Golden Retriever Chow Mix? Or maybe you already own one of these furry fellows? Let us know in the comment section below! With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners. When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events. Leave a Comment. The first breed, called the Golden Retriever, is a large-sized dog with a thick coat and it has been around for over years. The second breed, called the Chow Chow, is native to China and its history dates back more than 2, years ago. The Chow Chow is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and good temperament. It also has a long coat that requires regular grooming to keep it clean and healthy. In addition, this breed can be territorial toward strangers but will bond closely with its owner s if trained properly from an early age. The Golden Retriever Chow Chow mix is the result of two different purebreds coming together to create one new breed. This particular hybrid was bred from the common cross between the Golden Retriever and Chow Chow. These dogs are medium-sized and can weigh anywhere between 40 and 70 pounds 18 - 32 kg. Their short lifespan is due to the fact that they are rather fragile and may suffer from health problems due to their mixed heritage. They can also be prone to hip dysplasia, which can cause pain and disability later in life. However, if you take good care of your pup, you will be able to give them a long life full of happiness and love! It weighs between pounds, with males usually being larger than females. The Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix life expectancy is 10 years on average, but some have been known to live up to 14 years old. It has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. The coat of a Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix may be any shade of gold or red, although it is usually tan at the roots but fades to yellow or cream on its underside. It has long fur around its neck and chest that hangs down in front of its face. This breed needs to be around its family and friends, who provide it with the leadership and guidance it desires. The Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix can become severely depressed if left alone for too long or without enough human interaction, so make sure you set aside some time each day with your new pet to bond over playtime or training exercises. He does need some type of daily walking routine, however, as well as time spent in a fenced-in yard where he can run around freely without worrying about getting hit by cars or other dangers outside his home. You will also be loyal to your family and protective of them. Because of this, you might make an excellent family dog if you're looking for one. You're intelligent and easy to train, making it even easier to get along with people in general. This means that if there are children around the house or neighborhood who need a new friend, they'll love having you around! The price of a golden retriever chow chow mix depends on the age, location and breeder. The price is higher in the United States than other countries. They will follow you around the house and keep an eye on you if they sense that something is wrong. They make great companions because they are always happy to be by your side and offer their companionship at any time. If one of the family members has children, then the mix will get along well with them as well because they are patient and kind toward kids of all ages. They do not mind playing games or having fun with kids whenever there's free time! The same goes for older people as well—these dogs have no problem spending time with seniors who live alone or need some company while they're lounging around at home. Note: The older person must be careful not to let their own health issues interfere with this relationship. It's important for these dogs to show affection towards other animals so that everyone feels comfortable together. This dog is an active dog and needs lots of space to run around in. This dog will also need at least one hour of exercise every day, preferably two or more hours depending on their energy level. The Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix is not recommended as an apartment dog because they love to play outside and run around in the grass. The best home for this breed would be in a house with a large yard where they can play with children or go out for long walks with their owner everyday. They need lots of fresh water to drink and should be fed at least once or twice a day. You can feed them dry food, but you should also add some moisture to their diet like canned food. Make sure that the wet food has a high protein content in it as well. You may have heard about how dogs are carnivores; however, this is not entirely true! Yes, they do need meat in their diet but they also need carbohydrates and other nutrients as well. If you give your dog too much meat all the time then he will not get enough vitamins and minerals from his diet which could cause health problems down the road so make sure that you balance out his diet with other foods as well such as fruits and veggies! Care You should brush your Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix dog's coat regularly to prevent tangles, which can cause hair loss. Brushing also keeps the skin healthy by distributing natural oils throughout the coat and removing dead hairs that could irritate a dog's skin. Since shedding is common in dogs, daily brushing will help remove excess fur before it gets stuck to your furniture or carpeting. You'll need to groom your Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix at least twice per week with a metal comb or pin brush; once you've removed all tangles, use a slicker brush on the body and face until they're smooth and shiny again! A wire-toothed rake may be necessary for removing knots from longer coats if they're resistant to other brushes. As an alternative method of maintenance grooming, you can trim their nails every weeks with pet nail clippers instructions available online. This can be achieved through walks and playtime with toys. The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on his age, breed and overall health. Older dogs need less exercise but may still enjoy short walks at slower paces. A good rule of thumb is to take into account that most dogs require at least one good walk per day plus some additional time playing outdoors in an enclosed area like a yard or fenced-in park setting. They also have an eagerness to please their owners and will try their best to do everything you ask of them. If you're looking for a dog that can be trained well, the Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix is an excellent choice for your family. The good thing about these dogs is that they are smart enough to recognize what their owners want from them without any issues at all. Grooming As we mentioned above, this hybrid will have a medium-length coat. This means you'll want to brush your Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix at least once a week to keep the hair from matting up. We also recommend bathing it once every two months or so, which is the same as with other breeds of dogs that don't require frequent bathing. You can decide whether or not you want to use dry shampoo between baths based on how much time and effort you're willing to put into caring for your dog's coat. When it comes time for your Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix's bath, make sure you use shampoo formulated specifically for canine pets rather than human shampoo. While regular human shampoos may smell great on humans but leave your dog smelling less than ideal afterward—and many contain harsh chemicals that are harmful when absorbed into the skin's surface directly through frequent contact with water over time—dog shampoos are designed specifically for dogs' sensitive skin and delicate fur types so they won't cause irritation during repeated cleanings throughout each month cycle! If your dog has a long coat, you will need to bathe it more often than if it has a shorter, fluffier one. Yes and no. Yes, because they're friendly and loyal. No, because they need lots of exercise and may not be able to handle small children. But these dogs are great with kids! Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix can be friendly with other dogs, and they may or may not get along with other pets. You should always supervise your Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix when it is interacting with other animals to make sure that the animals are getting along well. Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix is a quiet dog. Don't expect him to bark at anything or anyone passing by. If you love the sound of your neighbor's guard dog, this might not be the right dog for you. While this mix is great with strangers and kids, it doesn't make sense to have a dog that will bark at everyone who comes over anyway. You would want your Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix to be friendly with anyone who enters your property and he does just that! Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix dogs are not aggressive, but they may be a little more protective than other dogs. They have the tendency to bark at strangers and other animals that come into their territory. The good news is that Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix dogs are friendly and loving towards their family members. They are also good with children, so you don't have to worry about them hurting your child accidentally when playing around in the yard or inside the house. Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix dogs get along well with other pets, too! Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix dogs are not high maintenance at all. In fact, they're one of the easiest dog breeds to maintain. They love being brushed and bathed, so you won't have to worry about getting your Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix dirty or tangled too much. Your Golden Retriever will also appreciate having its nails trimmed regularly. If you want to brush your Golden Retriever's teeth yourself, it's best to start when they are young because then they will get used to having their mouth touched during daily routine activities like brushing their teeth and cleaning them up after eating or drinking water from the bowl! Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mixes do not shed at all. Their coats are short, smooth, and soft to the touch, which makes them a great option for anyone who is sensitive to allergies or has a loved one who is. They are easy to train and can be taught how to do many things such as solving problems, learning tricks and agility. They make great family pets because they love being around children and other animals. It is important that you spend time with your dog every day so that he or she can bond with you and feel loved by you. They are energetic and love to be active and therefore, they can walk for hours with their owners. They love being outdoors and exploring the world around them, so if you live in a city that allows dogs to be out on-leash without a leash, then this is the perfect breed for you as they will certainly enjoy running around your neighborhood or park! Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix dogs can swim. They are not good swimmers, but they can manage to swim if they need to. They are more comfortable in shallow water than deep water, and they can get out of the water without any issues. If you have a Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix dog, it is important that you keep them away from deep bodies of water so that they don't accidentally drown. Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix are affectionate dogs who enjoy cuddling up to their owners. They are not clingy or shy, however, and they do not mind being left alone for long periods of time. They are social dogs that love human contact, but they also thrive on independence. Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix enjoy playing with other pets and children in the family. They are energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise to remain healthy and happy — they should be taken on walks every day or allowed access to a yard where they can run around freely or both! In addition to walks, having toys available for your dog is important because it helps them release some of their energy more easily than going for a walk does by itself! Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix dogs are very loyal and affectionate. They are not clingy, but they will want to be with you as much as possible. They can be protective of their family and may growl at strangers who get too close to their home. If you are looking for a family dog, this can be the perfect fit for you. They are easy to train and loyal and loving with their owners. They will keep your home secure while you're away because they don't like strangers or other animals entering their territory. This mix is not aggressive nor are they prone to barking excessively when guests come over, which makes them great pets for first time dog owners. They get along well with children and other pets as well, making them an ideal family pet that everyone can enjoy! Even though the Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix is one of the most hypoallergenic dog breeds, it's not entirely hypoallergenic. What makes a dog breed "hypoallergenic" is their minimal shedding. The term 'hypoallergenic' refers to how much hair they shed and how easy it is to clean up after them. A dog that sheds very little will have less of a mess on your couch, carpet, or clothes than one that sheds more often. On average, Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix dogs shed heavily during seasonal changes but not consistently throughout the year as some other breeds do. They also tend to shed less than other crossbreeds like Labradoodle and Labradorski a mix between Labrador and Siberian Husky. Conclusion As you can see, the Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix is a very friendly dog that is great for families and children. They are loyal companions and will be happy to spend all day with their family. They also make excellent pets for people who work from home or have a quiet job where they can spend time with their dog all day long. If not well-trained and socialized, these dogs could cause serious trouble; thus, we only recommend them to experienced owners. Some Golden Chows are reserved and aloof, like Chow Chows. Others love to be around people, like Goldens. They love to run and play, and many love the water. Not only do you have to train them consistently, but you also have to keep up with their significant exercise demands. Chows and Goldens are both smart dogs, but that intelligence manifests itself in different ways. A Golden Retriever will use its considerable brainpower to try to find ways to make you happy. Chows love their owners too, but their brains are often used to scan for threats and offer protection. Golden Chows can closely resemble either parent breed in this regard, but they often fall somewhere in the middle. They love to spend their time playing and goofing off with their families, but they become all business as soon as a threat appears. Are These Dogs Good for Families? A Golden Chow tends to bond tightly to their family, so the dog would likely give their life to protect your children. If you decide to bring a Golden Chow into your family, then training is in order—for both the kids and the dog. The dog needs to learn how to tolerate unpredictable little people, and the children need to be taught how to behave around animals. Some love other animals and can make fast friends at the dog park, but they tend to be the exception rather than the rule. If you want to increase the likelihood that your dog will tolerate other pets, then socialize them early and often. These are complex animals, and to raise one properly, you have to do your homework. Excess weight is a problem for this breed, especially since many of them can suffer from hip dysplasia and other joint issues later in life. Find a suitable diet we recommend one high in fat and protein , and feed your dog a set amount every day. We also think you should give your pooch a regular glucosamine supplement to help with those achy joints. Image Credit: William Wise, Dreamstime. About 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous exercise usually does the trick. These dogs are smart, so mental stimulation is equally important. They tend to do better interacting with people than trying to figure out puzzles, so make sure any mental challenges involve both of you. We like agility training for this purpose, as it taxes the body and mind equally. Golden Chows are playful with family members, so you may even be able to just run around in the backyard with them for exercise. This means that small children can often get bowled over by overly enthusiastic dogs, so try to keep their energy levels in check. It needs to be done regularly—every day, if possible—and it needs to be done thoroughly. Along with training, socialization needs to happen from day one. Make sure your dog is confident and comfortable in a variety of situations, including around other people and pets. Socializing them properly will go a long way toward nipping future problematic behaviors in the bud. As for training styles, positive reinforcement is always best. We reviewed the best clickers for training your dog — check out our favorites here! Many Golden Chows suffer from dental issues , so brushing their teeth regularly is essential. You also need to keep their ears clean and their nails trimmed. Still, you should monitor your dog regularly to rule out the following conditions. Minor Conditions. However, have you ever considered a Golden Chow? This might just be one of the best choices from all the puppies and dogs available for you. These protective but gentle dogs are fantastic companions, but they are not the dog for everyone. In this article, we will take a look at this remarkable mixed-breed dog. What Is a Golden Chow? It is an attempt to take the best of two wonderful dogs. The history of the Chow Chow Golden Retriever mix is not well known. They have only emerged in the last 20 years as part of a growing trend to cross breed different purebred dogs. Some of these cross-breeds have been successful. The Labradoodle is a classic example. The hybrid is now standardized, meaning that owners know what they are getting when they buy one. The Golden Chow has not got that far. The appearance and temperament of the dog can vary depending on the parents. The first parent breed of this mix is the Chow Chow. The Chinese developed this dog more than 2, years ago as an all-around working animal. They served as farm animals, temple guards, and even army dogs! Many people are wary of the Chow Chow. It is known for being aggressive and standoffish. Some insurance companies will even increase your rates if they know that you have one of these as a pet. Without proper socializing, this dog can be mean and scary. Martha Stewart is also a fan and owns three. The other half of the equation is a lovable Golden Retriever. This breed is young compared to the Chow Chow. These dogs were developed in Scotland as hunting companions. Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular family dogs out there. This is because they are obedient, affectionate, and easy to train. They are known for being fluffy, aloof, and devoted pets. Golden Chows can be very similar to Golden Retrievers—or they could be very different. The answer depends largely on your individual dog and its genetics. As a hybrid, this dog tends to lean one way or the other. This is true for both appearance and temperament. Chow Chows usually weigh in at about 50 to 75 pounds and will stand 20 to 25 inches tall. They are considered medium-sized dogs, but they are at the larger end of the scale. Both the Golden and the Chow Chow are somewhat big dogs, so this cross is no small pup. Chow Chows can have a variety of appearances. Some will look like fluffier Golden Retrievers. Others might look like thinner Chow Chows. No matter what, you can expect a thick double coat that will need daily brushing. It will generally be more of a red or gold color, but this is not always the case. An interesting characteristic that you might find in your dog is its tongue. Chow Chows are known for their blue-black tongues, and it looks like this is a dominant trait. Your dog might have a splotchy multi-colored tongue. The mouth will also probably be darker as well. But lest that discourage you, check out this video of super adorable Golden Chow puppies. Temperament is where these dogs differ most from a Golden Retriever. This is because the two parent breeds are very different. Goldens love affection of all kinds, including from strangers. Chows are wary of people in general and are protective of their homes. If your dog leans more towards a Golden, it will be an attention-seeker. It will also be friendlier towards strangers. It will have many of the lovable traits that you look for in a Golden but might be more reserved and relaxed. A Golden Chow that leans more toward Chow traits, however, will not be as friendly. These dogs will be more protective of their homes and are suspicious of anyone who enters. If you are considering a Golden Chow, you should be prepared to change your lifestyle. These dogs will take up a lot of your time and energy when it comes to training and exercise. If they are more of a Golden Retriever, they will be easy to train. Goldens live to please people, and they are naturally obedient. They are focused to the point of obsession and will work hard to achieve any task that you give them. Goldens are also extremely active dogs. As hunting companions, they were bred to be outside and running around for long periods of time. Their favorite game in the world is fetch, especially if you throw a stick or ball into a lake or ocean. If your dog is more of a Chow Chow, training will be more difficult. You will need to establish yourself as the alpha dog right away. Chow Chows typically require more discipline than other dogs. This should never be physical though. You will likely find a unique training program that works for your dog. It is important to socialize Chow Chows and Golden Chows from an early age. The Chow side needs to learn that other animals and people do not pose a threat. The Golden Chow is only recommended to experienced dog owners. It also is not a dog for families with young children. Conclusion The Golden Chow is a difficult dog to raise. However, the reward is a sweet, loyal, and protective dog that will keep your family safe. Already Have a Golden Chow? Check out our feeding guide here.

A lot of people make the mistake of buying an English Bulldog without doing much research, only to later discover that these dogs have a lot of special needs. In this guide, I will lead you through all you need to know before buying an English Bulldog, and also what to look for, particularly with the breeder. What should I know before buying an English Bulldog? Although English Bulldogs are known to be sweet, loyal, and very people-centered, they are also prone to a host of health problems. This is the most important aspect of all… you need to be prepared for the potential for high vet bills. These specific needs can make them time-consuming and expensive dogs to keep. Unfortunately, far too many English Bulldogs end up abandoned once they develop costly health problems. As a result of decades of breeding to ensure a flat nose and stout figure and those famous wrinkles , English Bulldogs are unfortunately prone to a few genetic disorders. These include hip dysplasia, brachycephalic syndrome, and ventricular septal defect, where a hole develops in the heart. However, many of the other conditions that plague this breed are avoidable with a little foresight and care. As they are a brachycephalic flat-faced breed, they find it harder to breathe than other dogs. This is especially true in summer when they are prone to heat exhaustion. Additionally, they are also predisposed to a multitude of skin conditions. If the folds around their face are not kept clean, it can cause bacteria growth that can result in irritation and even infection if left for too long. With that said, these are charming and loyal dogs. Full of personality and affection, they make perfect family pets and ideal companions for the right owners. This next step will depend on whether you want to adopt an adult English Bulldog or a puppy. Each choice has its advantages and disadvantages, so it depends on which one will suit your lifestyle better. Buying English Bulldog puppies Aside from the cuteness overload, arguably the best advantage when it comes to buying an English Bulldog puppy is that you can train them early on to fit in with your lifestyle. However, if you have the time, experience, and patience to get through those initial months of training, you will have the opportunity to build an excellent bond with your new pup. Buying a puppy can present a lot of challenges, but providing you know what to look for, it will be a rewarding experience! By ensuring that they are getting adequate training from day one, you can help them to avoid bad behaviors. In a similar vein, by making sure they are getting the right healthcare early on, you can ensure that they avoid any unnecessary health complications. Buying an English Bulldog puppy from a reputable breeder also means that you can be sure about their heritage. English Bulldogs are not cheap from the get-go, but as puppies, they will require plenty of trips to the vet for all their initial check-ups and vaccinations. Buying an adult English Bulldog Buying an English Bulldog who is fully grown means that there will be fewer surprises. On the downside, any bad habits they have developed will be firmly ingrained. Buying an adult English Bulldog who has already been trained can be a lot easier. The only challenge here is that it may take some time to find the right dog to fit your needs. On the flip side, there are also plenty of adult English Bulldogs looking for a home who have behavioral issues. Although some of these issues are minor and may only need remedial training to correct, there is also the risk of encountering more severe behavioral problems. A dog who displays fearful or aggressive behavior may take years of training to correct and is not a task for an inexperienced owner. The only danger here is that you may not be adopting a purebred dog. Aside from this, there are also dedicated rescues just for English Bulldogs. How to buy an English Bulldog Arguably the most crucial step you can take when choosing to adopt an English Bulldog puppy is to ensure that you are going through a reputable breeder. An honest and dedicated breeder will always put in the time and effort to ensure that any puppies they are raising are as healthy as they can be. The puppies should be socialized from a young age, and the breeder should have no issue with you coming to visit the kennels. This is where you do not want to hunt for a bargain. English Bulldogs are expensive to breed, owing to the unique complications and special needs involved with this practice. Although you could go for a cheaper puppy, you risk adopting a dog with severe health issues. As a general rule of thumb, a cheaper dog can end up costing you far more in the long run. Also, many good breeders should be able to provide you with a bill of clean health before you adopt, and they should offer you a guarantee. Once you adopt, they should give you at least two days so that you can get your new puppy checked out by your own veterinarian. If you find any unexpected health issues within this period, the breeder should be willing to offer you a refund or to replace your puppy. What to look for when buying an English Bulldog puppy Once you have settled on a reputable breeder, now comes the best bit: picking out your new puppy including what to look for when buying an English Bulldog. For one, you need to ensure you pick the happiest and friendliest puppy in the pack. If the puppy is curious and shows confidence when approaching you, that is an excellent sign. Instead, enter the enclosure where the puppies are kept, and sit down to observe them. As hard as it can be, resist the urge to reach out for any of them, and instead allow them to come to you. Doing this also allows you to observe their behavior. The puppy that you pick should be friendly, easy-going, and well natured. Other signs to keep an eye out for include: Clean eyes and ears: The puppy should not be squinting. Red eyes in particular can be a sign of a serious problem. Look for a straight tail that shows no restriction while moving: Additionally, the tail should not be pointing down. These can all be an indication of screw-tail — a malformation of the vertebra in the tail. This condition can result in severe discomfort for the dog, and expensive treatment later on down the line. See how often you should walk your English Bulldog. Where you can, avoid puppies with abnormal coloring: This type of coloration includes chocolate, black, blue, and lilac. All of these colours are clear indicators that the puppy may develop severe health issues as it grows older. Decide on a male or female puppy: In general terms, males tend to be more energetic, whereas females can be more relaxed. Be cautious if the price is too cheap. An unusually low price could be the sign of an unhealthy English Bulldog puppy. That said, by keeping an eye out for some of these signs, you are more likely to be adopting the healthiest puppy that you can. English Bulldogs only have 3 to 4 puppies in a litter and only should be bred a handful of times over their lifetime. Questions to ask an English Bulldog breeder Before you settle on buying an English Bulldog and have ticked off all the things you should look for, please, please, please question the breeder extensively. Ask how many litters the mother has had: an English Bulldog should only really have 1 litter a year, preferably only one every couple of years. More than that is a warning sign that she has been bred more than she should have been. Make sure your breeder is knowledgeable: on looking after his breed. Also Google the breeder first to see what other people have said about them. Ask if the puppy has been assessed by a vet: You also want to be sure the puppy has had the right vaccinations. Injections should be sorted out by the breeder before the puppies are available to buy. By doing so you can see what the puppy might grow up to be like and whether the mother is healthy. Ask if the parents have had health checks: This will also help you decide whether the puppy will grow up healthy with no genetic traits. Things to look out for on the health check include hip problems, cataracts, cherry eye, deafness, and soft palate problems. The best breeders will be transparent and honest. Ask how old the parents are: A mother younger than 3 years old ca present a problem as health problems might not yet have appeared yet. Try to buy an English Bulldog puppy whose mother is older than this age. Ask where the puppies have been living:You want to buy an English Bulldog puppy who has been socialized a little. Ask how often the puppies have been handled: Puppies that are handled from a young age will also be easier to train. Conclusion Regardless of these issues and health concerns, English Bulldogs are beautiful and sweet companions. They are full of personality and will be sure to make you laugh with their confidence and quirkiness. However, they do require a lot of care and attention… and any potential problems can be reduced providing you know what questions to ask and what to look out for when buying an English Bulldog puppy or adult dog. I write about the things we've learned about owning dogs, the adventures we have, and any advice and tips we've picked up along the way. Recent Posts. This mid-size breed is 16 to 17 inches tall at the base of the neck. Males are about 54 pounds and females 50 pounds. Adult dogs are prone to becoming overweight. Bullies have thick necks, short faces, and heavy wrinkles that need frequent cleaning. A bulldog coat is straight and short and sheds a moderate amount. The bully has low grooming requirements. The standard colors for bulldogs are fawn, red, white, or brindle tiger-stripe. They can also have 2 piebald or 3 tri-colored colors. English bulldogs are laidback and only need 20 to 40 minutes of exercise per day. But they are physically unable to swim. The bulldog is people-orientated and needs a moderate amount of attention. Bulldogs are brachycephalic flat-faced and do not do well in hot weather. They tend to overheat and have breathing difficulties. Still interested in owning an English bulldog? Due to potentially serious health risks, reputable breeders have a significant investment in each puppy. You can find bully pups online and in pet stores. They are usually more affordable but also poorly bred. These dogs typically end up costing their owners thousands more in vet bills due to ongoing health issues. Buying English bulldogs through these venues also keeps in existence an industry that thrives on the unhappiness and pain of defenseless animals. A breeder must follow stringent guidelines before the BCA will endorse them. When picking a reliable breeder, it is essential to know their reputation. How long have they been in business? Are the dogs allowed to mature before breeding? Is the breeder comfortable with you visiting their facilities? A reputable breeder should come across as open and honest and welcome your visit. Preferably, the parents will be together, and the animals can go outside to play. Check if the puppy has been socialized with cats and children as well as with other dogs. You should not buy an English Bulldog puppy if they offer to fly it to you. Are they healthy and friendly toward other animals and each other? What do they look like? Those adorable puppies are likely to grow up to look like and act like one of their parents. Meet the Puppies Of course, you are going to fall in love. Puppies are adorable! But step back a moment and make sure you pick the right puppy. Study the puppies to avoid obvious health issues. Here is a list of what to look for when buying an English bulldog puppy. If the puppy is five to six weeks old, she should walk and breathe normally. Rasping, rattling, or wheezing is a red flag. Is the puppy happy and friendly? His tail should be straight and move easily — not restricted or pointing down. The puppy should not need to squint when looking at you. Is the dog deaf? White or predominately white bulldogs are prone to deafness. The puppy should be aware of his surroundings and be lively, not sluggish or overly tired. If elongated, the soft palate can cause issues. Be cautious about selecting the runt of the litter as they may have more health issues. Temperament Is the puppy friendly? Did she come to you? Look for signs that the pup is fearful. Is he whimpering, crying, or urinating due to fear? Check for aggression or rebellion. How does the puppy act if restrained for 30 seconds? Will she follow you? Will the pup let you carry him? You want your puppy to be confident, curious, easy-going, and good-natured. Gender Male or female? Many believe a female bulldog is easier to train, and the males are less emotional. Every dog has its own personality, so judge the pups by their temperament. Body Type All bulldogs have slightly different body shapes. Observing the parents should give you a good idea of how large your dog will grow and its body type. Perhaps its head will be a bit larger or its legs a bit shorter. Color English bulldogs come in eight standard colors. The piebald 2 colors and tri-color bullies combine these colors. Brindle tiger-stripe — is a striped pattern with a different colored base. Fawn red — ranges from a pale tan to deep deer-red. White — a popular choice that may be pure white or have a few freckles in another color. Lilac — rare color variation, the purplish-gray color is a mix of blue and brown hues. Black — a rarer color, the shiny black coat may have a fawn undercoat. Blue — the coat will appear gray in the sun or against darker-colored objects. Chocolate — another rare color. A deep, rich brown. Seal — very rare. These dogs have light-colored eyes and a reddish or brownish cast to their coats. Their legs and tail will be darker than the rest of their coats, and they will have a dark stripe down their backs. Some experts suggest that bulldogs that are black, blue, lilac, chocolate, or seal color could have more health problems than the brindle, fawn red , and white dogs. The Breeder Should Question You A reputable breeder cares for his dogs and wants them to have a good forever home. It is usual for them to question you on your suitability as a dog owner. They will not be enthusiastic about selling dogs for breeding or showing, so you will pay a premium if that is your intention. A good breeder will not hand over the puppy until it is eight weeks to three months old. Before eight weeks, puppies need their mothers for health, developmental, and weaning reasons. Separating them from their mothers too soon can lead to health and behavioral problems. With another month, the bully pup learns a lot and is less miserable to leave his dam. Expect to sign an agreement with the breeder that you will have your pup spayed or neutered when they reach the correct age. Medical Records and Certification Every dog breed has some health issues, and even the best quality bulldogs can suffer from many ailments. Minimize the potential for underlying severe health issues by purchasing from a reputable breeder. Breeders with quality dogs care about their reputations and work hard to produce healthy puppies. The breeder can provide those records. A puppy with a historical bloodline of purebreds and champions shows that the line still meets the original bulldog standards and should have fewer health issues. Open 7 Days Choosing a Healthier Puppy The reality is that veterinarians generally have vastly different criteria than breeders for choosing a healthy puppy. Breeders adhere to standards that are for the show ring, not health, whereas veterinarians are more interested in health. So with this in mind, What do you need to know to choose the healthiest pup you can? We suggest you follow these guidelines: 1. Look at the parents as well as the pup, but you gain more from the parents. Choose as wide nostrils as possible. Choose the longest noses you can find yes we agree shorter noses are cuter, but that comes with a price. That price is a sadder pup through life and far higher veterinary costs. So please be acutely aware of this when choosing your pup. Choose longer necks and narrower chests. Cambridge studies are showing that this is a better predictor of less breathing concerns than even long noses. In our opinion the classic stocky dog that many breeders prefer are the worst for health concerns including back problems. See a more detailed explanation below. If possible, watch and play with the parents for 15 minutes. How noisy are they? How much do they need to stop and rest? Behaviour: Ensure parents and pup are friendly and happy, and that you can open their mouths and play with them. It is irrelevant what your breeder tells you about breathing concerns as they pretty much all say their dogs have never had any breathing concerns! There is no testing, standard or certificates for breathing concerns so you need to follow the above guidelines. Shorter, wider necks, narrow nostrils and shorter noses all mean a much higher chance of breathing concerns. Longer noses, longer necks, wider nostrils and narrower chests are less chance of more severe concerns. There are some back scoring systems in place that your breeder may or may not have engaged in. Our concern is the current systems which are employed are grossly inadequate, passing healthy backs that potentially still have severe and significant problems. A grade 3 is a severe deformed vertebrae that has a high chance of causing pain or a prolapsed disc. A grade 2 is a moderately deformed one and a grade 1 a mildly deformed one. An overall score of 15 has been considered a pass, and reasonable to breed from. Potentially, such a score may entail 5 shocking grade 3 vertebrae if no other deformed ones exist , or 10 moderately deformed ones. Ask for the x-rays for both parents and pup if they have been done, and get your own brachycephalic vet to look at them and interpret any score that it comes with. At the very least, ask the exact score, how many of each type of vertebrae and where in the spine they are. There are different areas that carry different risks. In our opinion the standard is severely inadequate for breeding which is allowing this problem to continue. DNA Testing This one worries us the most. DNA testing is done for a number of extremely rare conditions that are almost nonexistent anyway, and none of them test for hemivertebrae or breathing concerns , allergies, hip dysplasia , cherry eyes , or any of the encephalitis seizure problems these breeds can suffer.

Having a German Shepherd as a dog can make you anxious daily, not knowing what it is doing in your absence. Can German Shepherds be Left Alone? Check out our article Do German Shepherds get along with cats? According to research, the maximum number of hours to leave your grown German Shepherd is 4 hours. If your German shepherd is still a puppy, leaving it alone for more than one hour is not advisable. Young German Shepherds are very energetic and ponce around. They can sleep for as many as 19 — 20 hours a day, but when they are awake, they become very active. The older German Shepherds require attention for the sake of their bladder or if they are sick. Can you leave a German Shepherd alone for 8 hours? German Shepherds can be left alone or even in the company of other dogs. Still, it is not advisable to be left alone because of their separation anxiety and curiosity. The most your German Shepherd can and should be left alone is 4 hours. German Shepherds suffer from separation anxiety and distress when left for too long and find ways to either get to their owner or destroy the home. To begin leaving your German shepherd puppy alone, you must put them in an environment that makes you confident of their safety. It must be an environment that does not incur extra costs to replace things. There are a few tips to help you keep your mind at rest when at work. A pet cam is an amazing option for dogs like German Shepherds because of their separation anxiety. Using the pet cam provides an opportunity for your German Shepherd to see you and hear your voice even while at work. Just make sure the food provided is more than enough. If your dog has the freedom of movement in the home, you want to make sure things are in order when it comes to feeding your dog in your absence. Activity German Shepherds hate boredom and would go to any length to be entertained. They desire a lot of activity to satisfy their curiosity and restless personality. Make sure there are things to keep it busy , or else it can create sources of entertainment for itself. There are several ways a German Shepherd can be kept busy. Television and music can be left on in the house to keep it engaged Make available enough toys for it to chew on and play with Make requests from friends and neighbors to check on it and play with it Employ a dog walker to keep it active and engaged 4. Train your dog to go to the bathroom You do not want your dog messing up the whole house with pee and feces. Let your dog pick a particular spot for this, and you can train it to use a potty. Get a pee pad to signify these areas or get synthetic grass to mark them. Having a potty trained dog is important. It is easier with German Shepherds due to their intelligence. Taking your dog out for a stroll is always important. Helping your dog exhaust energy helps it through staying the day. Exercises depend on the health condition and the type of weather conditions available. Jan 19, Your German shepherd would tell you that they should never be left home alone. In their perfect world, you would be home with them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, days a year. There will be times when you have to disappoint your shepherd and leave the house to do things like go buy more dog food and toys. There is no avoiding that there will be times when your dog will have to be left alone. In those times, how long can a German shepherd be left alone? How long dogs can be safely left alone depends on several things. Their age, health, and behavior all play a huge role in how long they can be left on their own. Many experts will tell you that a dog should never be left alone for more than 4 hours. Yet, plenty of people regularly leave their dogs alone for longer than 4 hours, right? How long you decide your dog is safe to be home alone will depend on how comfortable you are leaving them and their age and overall health status. Plus, there are other things to consider when leaving your pet. Things like, do they need more frequent potty breaks, do they get anxious when left alone, are they used to being alone, what is your living situation like, and more, all need to be taken into account. But there are some rules of thumb that can guide you in your decision on how long they are okay to be alone. So, a 3-month-old puppy should not be expected to hold it for more than hours, depending on when they last ate and drank. Even the best-trained puppies will have accidents in their crate, through no fault of their own, when they are left alone longer than that. After puppyhood, a healthy dog should be able to manage on their own without a potty break for 4 hours. It helps to schedule mealtimes around this schedule if they will be indoors. Most dogs do fine alone for this amount of time. Senior dogs, however, may begin to need more bathroom breaks before 4 hours. Often, they are not as comfortable as they once were while home alone. They may require more consideration than they once did. Senior dogs can also get anxious more easily, especially when they have vision and hearing loss and have more physical ailments. Health of the Dog Although healthy dogs can easily manage for 4 hours alone, this may not be true when they are sick or hurt. Pain and disability can also give the most stoic dog anxiety when they are alone. Their need for medications, etc. Dogs that tear up the house, get into the trash, or chew the furniture are obviously not candidates to be home alone, with free roam of the house. Dogs that can be left alone know the difference between chewing on their toys and tossing your couch. If you plan on leaving any shepherd alone, they will still need plenty of daily exercise, training, and interaction to be happy and easy to live with. Separation anxiety can also affect German shepherds. Anxiety can also cause them to become destructive and even engage in behaviors that can cause them harm. If you have a shepherd with anxiety or other behavior problems, you may need to get professional help before leaving them alone. A dog door that opens into an escape proof dog run or high fenced yard is ideal. Who do you trust that is available to check in on your dog? Give them a call and make prearrangements, in case you ever need help. This of course is not the answer for everyone but if your pup enjoys the company of other dogs, they may appreciate sharing their day with one. Just be sure to find a reputable one that has cameras so you can keep an eye on how your dog is really doing. We hope you get to spend plenty of time with your wonderful German shepherd. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. Unfortunately, many people are gone for way too long, and their energetic dog breeds start getting into trouble from lack of mental stimulation. So, how long can German Shepherds be left by themselves? For puppies, this time period gets even smaller. The younger the dog, the less time you should leave them alone. They sleep a lot throughout the day, but their time awake is spent playing and exploring the house. Adolescent German Shepherds Adolescent dogs are anywhere between 6 and 18 months old. Their bladders are more developed, and they are a little more mature. Currently, it is usually okay to leave them on their own for a few hours. Still, you should limit that time because they are still full of energy. However, German Shepherds are social animals, and they love the company of their families. Despite being able to hold their bladder at this age, they are more likely to act out and howl, trying to get you to come home. This disturbs neighbors, and their lack of entertainment could cause some destruction around the house. Senior German Shepherds Senior dogs are usually older than 8 years old and need to be checked on, like adolescent dogs. German Shepherds are highly prone to hip and elbow dysplasia which is painful and could get them in dangerous situations. Older dogs also have sensitive stomachs and digestive issues. Try not to leave them alone for more than 2 or 3 hours. There are some solutions that you should seriously consider if you want to keep accidents to a minimum. Hire a Sitter Image Credit: Sam Wordley, Shutterstock Dog sitters or dog walkers are excellent solutions that many owners turn to when they spend their days at work. This breaks up the monotony of the day for dogs and ensures that you maintain a close bond with them. Even ten minutes of fetch can keep them feeling entertained. German Shepherds are especially loyal and all they want is to spend as much time by your side as possible. These cameras are set up around the house. How to Leave a Dog at Home Dogs do well with a consistent schedule and throwing it out of balance could give them expectations that only let them down in the future. If you must leave your German Shepherd at home alone, start by ensuring there is nothing dangerous for them to get into. Set out a lot of toys for physical and mental stimulation. Some dogs may have to be put in a crate or confined to an area with dog gates. Dogs are pack animals, and they often benefit from having a playmate. Pay attention to German Shepherd ear positions. These dogs have a way of communicating with us through their body language. Similarly, German Shepherd tail positions can tell you a lot as well. This is why so many innocent dogs are abandoned or re-homed. German Shepherds are extremely social dogs and they need as much interaction as they can get. Without it, there are some serious problems that could arise. Separation Anxiety Dogs are capable of both separation anxiety and depression. This is a significant concern for breeds like German Shepherds. Symptoms of anxiety are shortness of breath, drooling, pacing, howling, barking, whining, and increased heart rate. This could mean that they chew on your furniture, eat your shoes, or tear through your carpet. Some dogs get so bored that they have even been known to chew through drywall to try and escape. Restlessness After being forced to lay around all day, a lot of German Shepherds get extremely restless at night and keep their owners up. This ruins their sleep cycle and gives them random bursts of energy that also ruins yours in the process. Final Thoughts If you spend 8 hours a day at work without the ability to come home or have someone spend time with your dogs, then you might be better off not having a dog. Before bringing any breed home, do your research and make sure that you live a life that suits both of you and is going to give them an interactive and stable environment that keeps them both physically and mentally healthy. German Shepherds should not be left alone for more than 8 hours a day. They are easily bored so if they are left alone for that long, they may start engaging in destructive or problematic behavior such as digging, chewing and barking. Do I need to exercise my German Shepherd? Yes, at the minimum, the dog should be exercised for at least 45 minutes, twice a day. Do German Shepherds shed? Yes, they have a heavy undercoat that requires regular brushing, at least once a week, more often if the dog is blowing its coat. If you are concerned about dog hair on the furniture and on your clothes then you should consider adopting a different breed that sheds less. Are German Shepherds good with children? Most German Shepherds are excellent with children. Much of it depends on the temperament of the children and the temperament of the dog. In general, German Shepherds are great family dogs. Are German Shepherds good with cats? It depends on the cat and its temperament and behavior. Do German Shepherds need to be crate trained? It is a good idea to crate train when the dog first arrives in your home. For puppies, it is easier to house train them using a crate. In addition, keeping a new puppy or even an adult dog in the crate when you cannot provide supervision, will keep them from chewing on items that should not be chewed on. When you crate train, the dog learns that the crate is their own safe place to go. The crate simulates a den-like environment which is comforting for the dog. Another advantage of crate training is when you take the dog to a boarding facility or to the vet, the dog is less likely to be stressed because they are already used to staying in a kennel or crate. The crate should never be used as a punishment. Should I go to a breeder to get a German Shepherd? It is a personal choice and a decision you would make based on what you feel is best for your situation. That being said, we strongly advocate adopting from a shelter or a rescue. There are so many wonderful German Shepherds that end up at the shelters through no fault of their own. Many of the dogs we rescue from shelters are purebred so we encourage you to meet our available dogs and see if you find one that steals your heart. However, this should be a gradual build-up. That being said, the limit should never exceed four hours daily. German Shepherds do not respond well to being left alone for long periods. They are high-energy dogs that thrive on companionship and affection. Dogs are, after all, derived from wolves who are pack animals. They see you as their pack and need to be part of the family. Even though they will choose one master, a German Shepherd will bond with each family member differently. So, how long can German Shepherds be left alone, legally? Legally, no law specifies exactly how long German Shepherds, and all dog breeds, can be left alone. The Animal Welfare Act is a federal law that regulates the treatment of animals, but this only applies to dogs bred for commercial sale and those being transported or imported. Various animal neglect and cruelty laws vary by state, but the general rule in North America is that you should not leave dogs alone for more than four hours at a time. Factors to consider when deciding how long to leave your dog, in addition to age, are training, breed, housing and lifestyle conditions, and whether they have any previous experience of being left alone. My German Shepherd Willow all alone enjoying a snooze! There are similar guidelines in the UK where veterinary experts also recommend four hours as the maximum period for all dogs to be left alone. German Shepherds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia which may cause them pain or discomfort. Ensure they have an orthopedic bed, such as the Big Barker , that is clinically proven to reduce joint pain and stiffness. This bed is a real bed made for big dogs, is suitable for any age of large breed, and can help prevent arthritis, joint pain, and other mobility issues. German Shepherds are also prone to sensitive stomachs and digestive issues, and older dogs, like humans, need to pee more. How to Leave a Dog Alone Make sure you stay confident and show consistency and patience when you first leave your German Shepherd puppy home alone. Once you have made sure the area where you are leaving them is safe from any hazards, here are some important points to follow: Start off slowly, a few minutes here and there, and build up. Exercise the dog first to get them tired. Mental stimulation is just as important. Allow them to take their potty break. Use a crate or put up dog gates to confine them. Allow them access to clean fresh water. Leave interactive or chew toys for them. Play calming music if they are prone to separation anxiety. Another option is to hire a trusted dog walker to visit your home and take your dog out for a long walk or two. Walk your dog before and after you go to work. Even a short minute walk before you leave the house is enough to expend a little bit of energy whilst maintaining your close bond with them. As soon as you get home, take your German Shepherd for a long walk or, even better, some off-leash running, and play some games such as fetch. Some people have an hour of free time during the workday. You can go home and play fetch to prevent your German Shepherd from feeling lonely and provide some fun exercise for them. Flexible working is also a great solution, especially if you can start early, avoiding rush-hour traffic and being home quicker in the afternoon. Another possible solution is to work at home. Not only that, but it will save you money from having to hire a dog sitter or paying a friend every day. Get a dog camera for peace of mind. You can talk to them and even shoot out treats all from your phone! They offer a perfect solution to interact with your German Shepherd without being there. Check out the options below to see which is best for you and your dog: Give them enough toys to play with. One or two toys might not be sufficient, especially if your dog is easily distracted or gets bored quickly. Try to leave four or five of their favorite toys in their crate or wherever you leave your dog during the day. Ask visitors to stop by to play with your dog. Even if someone can come over for 15 minutes, it may be enough to keep your dog happy and entertained. It would be better if they could take your dog on a long walk, but a quick game of fetch will be more than enough to burn off some energy and curb their loneliness. When you leave them again, they will be tired and will no doubt go back to sleep. Getting another dog might seem extreme, but a buddy might be exactly what your German Shepherd needs to feel more comfortable and less stressed. In general, dogs of opposite sex pairings get along better than dogs of the same sex. Getting a second dog is a massive commitment you must consider thoroughly. Consider leaving your dog in the hands of a doggie daycare center near your home. Remember to introduce them to the daycare group as young as possible; they will quickly get used to being left and easily settle. If they are left for extended periods, they can develop various emotional and physical health issues. This is one of the sad reasons why they are often abandoned, re-homed, or even worse, euthanized. German Shepherds are very social dogs and need a job to do, even if that just means interacting with you. Regular activity and exercise are essential for this energetic, loyal, and protective breed. If you leave your dog alone for longer than four hours per day, it will most definitely cause poor results. After all, there are reasons for the recommended guidelines! The best way to find out is to start with trial periods and increase in small increments. You can also invest in a dog camera, as mentioned above, where you can watch and interact with your dog, all from your smartphone. Here are a few things to be aware of if you regularly leave your German Shepherd alone for more than four hours: Separation anxiety. Symptoms could include an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, excessive drooling, pacing, and uncontrollable barking, whining, or howling. Check out this recent study from the University of Lincoln, in the UK which states that separation related problems in dogs should be seen as a symptom of underlying frustrations rather than a diagnosis. They may also display destructive behavior. Digging, urinating, or even worse, eliminating can occur. You will need to address these extra signs of separation anxiety or distress. If your GSD has unfortunately developed a problem with excessive chewing , here are 8 steps on how to stop it. They could become extremely restless during the evening. It might not sound like a big problem, but restlessness causes your German Shepherd to have difficulty sleeping. They will often have random bursts of energy throughout the day and night, ruining their sleep cycle and yours in the process! As you can see, all sorts of negative outcomes result from not properly caring for your German Shepherd and failing to keep him happy and entertained. Long-term neglect can also lead to these other physical and mental health problems: Blood pressure and heart disease caused by stress. Gastrointestinal problems. Bladder infections due to the dog being unable to relieve themselves for hours on end. You must never punish your German Shepherd for showing distressing signs of separation anxiety. Your dog is not doing these things out of disobedience or spite but because he is trying to cope with being extremely stressed. Check out my article for more info on German Shepherd Separation Anxiety. If you have the option of leaving your dog outside when you go to work, it can provide them with tons of space to run around and get some exercise. Some dogs bark at people walking by, especially German Shepherds who are very protective dogs. Make sure to properly train your GSD, so this is not an issue or prevent him from accessing those areas of the house. This is especially important in places with bears, mountain lions, and other predators. Unfortunately, your yard will pay the price and will soon appear like a moon crater! Cons of Inside If your German Shepherd puppy is impatient and super inquisitive, he might start chewing on furniture, the carpet, or other items. Make sure you leave him enough chew toys to play with, but it will be inevitable sometimes. Leaving your German Shepherd alone is not a good idea if you live in an apartment. Although GSDs can live in apartments they need to be exercised frequently throughout the day. As large energetic dogs need an appropriate amount of space to feel comfortable. They could excessively bark or howl if they become distressed or separation anxiety sets in. This could not only lead to noise complaints but can have serious health implications for your dog. Training them to behave indoors and outdoors is also beneficial as this helps to keep them socialized and ready to be friendly when you introduce them to other people or dogs. A bark now and then from your backyard is actually a good thing. Unless your German Shepherd is constantly barking up a storm, one or two here and there will be perfect for warding off strangers or intruders. You can invest in a dog agility course so that your German Shepherd can sprint up and down and enjoy himself without messing up your garden! They come in all shapes and sizes. A small yard will not be good enough. Neglect is just one word to describe leaving your dog outside alone for longer than four hours. Remember, not all German Shepherds are the same, which means that even four hours might be too long. You and I now know that German Shepherds may become anxious or restless if left outside for too long and start to chew on tree roots, destroy flowers or plants and engage in other destructive behavior. This will inevitably cost you time and money to replace. Before you make any decisions, remember that your German Shepherd will need an adequate amount of room. Here are a few suggestions to contain your dog inside: Leave them in a dog crate. This large size will be enough for them to move around and stretch out comfortably. Plus, they need a good crate pad to protect their joints, such as an orthopedic one. Check out my favorite crates here. My GSD loved her crate and often went to her special place to rest or chew her favorite toys. Gate off an area inside your house. You can use dog gates to fence off an area to keep them contained. Dog gates allow you to section off various off-limit areas of the house, leaving you to decide how much space your puppy can have to roam around. Consider letting them roam free throughout the house. Most owners of indoor German Shepherds eventually try this route. It provides them with enough space, and they are already familiarized with their surroundings — my GSD Willow was two years old before she was allowed to roam freely around the house. German Shepherds are social animals and can experience separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods of time. German Shepherds are known to be loyal and social dogs that can become very attached to their owners. When left alone for extended periods of time, they can experience anxiety, stress, and even depression. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are wonderful dogs to own. They do require lots of attention since they are so loyal and protective. Give them enough food and water before you leave and plenty of exercise. You can leave your German Shepherd with toys, music, or the TV to keep them entertained. If you leave your GSD alone for too long, they could suffer from separation anxiety and distress. German Shepherds form a strong bond with their owners, so you should only adopt one if you know you can be there for them. Related Posts You May Like:. If you are thinking about getting a GSD you may be wondering, can German Shepherds be left alone, and for how long? This article will dive into those questions and give you helpful tips for leaving your German Shepherd alone. Yes, German Shepherds can be left alone! However, the time a GSD can be left alone will depend on their age. Generally, if your German Shepherd is a puppy, they can be left alone for one hour per every month of age. Here are some things you should do before leaving your dog alone: Tire your dog out That saying a tired dog is a happy dog is very true when it comes to German Shepherds. Also, a tired dog is one that is less likely to get into trouble. Establishing a routine where you talk your dog on a walk , play fetch , go to the dog park, or some other form of exercise before you leave the house makes a big difference. After a fun activity, your dog will likely relax and nap so they will be less concerned with you leaving. Just make sure the activity is something that makes your dog exhausted, so if you know your dog still has a lot of energy after walks, you want to find an activity that tires them out more before you leave the house. Get your GSD used to spending time alone early If you get your dog as a puppy, make sure to get them used to being alone immediately. German Shepherds that become overly clingy and used to their humans being around are more prone to separation anxiety. The best way to do this is to start off leaving even young puppies sometimes for very short amounts of time. Crate training is also key for a potty-training German Shepherd because you want them to be safe and not have accidents for the short time you are away. Start by leaving your pup in a safe location and just go into another room for minutes at first. Never come back in the room if your German Shepherd is whining , barking , howling , groaning , or crying because they will learn that doing those things gets you to come back. When your dog is quiet and calm go back. Keep doing this gradually extending the time by 5-minute increments and start going further than just another room maybe go outside and do some yard work for 20 minutes. Be calm about leaving Lastly, never make a big deal about your coming and going. Acting like your leaving is no big deal will help you GSD think the same. Our dogs feed off our energy, so if we get all hyped up and make a big fuss every time we leave the house, our German Shepherds will think our leaving is a bigger deal than they should. Remain calm! Tips For Leaving Your GSD Alone Here are some helpful tips of things to before leaving your German Shepherds alone to make the process smoother: Make sure they are empty before leaving First, and most obviously, take your dog potty immediately before leaving. Also, try and make sure your pup pees and poops before your leave the house, not just one or the other. Leave enough time before having to leave to walk your dog around a little so they can do both if your German Shepherd takes a little longer to do their business. A crate is a great safe place to leave your German Shepherd when out of the house, especially for younger more mischievous pups. The key is to pick a place where your dog is limited in what they can stick their noses into, at a nice temperature, and provide someplace comfortable for them to lay like a good dog bed. Giving them a homey spot to call their own will make them want to go there and be more comfortable while they are alone. This is especially important for puppies but also a factor for adult and senior dogs. If you know your dog can only hold their bladder for 3 hours, you should make sure you can get back in two and a half hours to be on the safe side. If your dog has to struggle to hold themselves every time you leave, they will be more likely to not want to be left alone. Doing so will greatly decrease the time they will be able to hold their bladder while you are gone. For example, a dog that can usually hold themselves for four hours may only be able to hold themselves for three if they drank a lot of water while you were out. Leave them with a stuffed Kong to keep them occupied A stuffed Kong is a great tool every GSD parent should have in their bag of tricks. Giving your German Shepherd with a tasty treat helps them to really not care about your leaving. When my girl was a puppy I would stuff a Kong with peanut butter, plain yogurt, or some other Kong filler and she would happily lick away without even noticing my departure. This also contributes to tiring your dog out, because not only will they be exhausted from the activity you did, they will also be tired from trying to get all the yumminess out of the treat. Consider a dog walker or pet sitter Sometimes things come up where we have to leave our dogs for a longer time period, whether it is for work, or some other appointment. These options will allow you to leave your dog longer without having to rush home for a potty break. As a general rule, German Shepherds can be left alone for one hour for every month of age up to about nine months old. So, a three-month-old puppy can be left alone for three hours. Whereas a nine-month-old puppy can be left alone for a full 8-hour workday. It is important to remember that these are basic guidelines, some dogs maybe can stay home for slightly more or less time depending on how well they can hold themselves. You want to make sure your dog has enough mental stimulation , physical stimulation, and attention and affection on a daily basis. Final Thoughts German Shepherds can definitely be left alone, but the time that each individual GSD can be left alone will vary. Some of these factors include their age, health conditions, and how long they can hold themselves. Although German Shepherds will become capable of holding themselves for an eight-hour day around nine months of age, you should strive to make sure they are getting enough attention, exercise, and engagement from you when you are home to keep your GSD happy and healthy. Home safety Age German Shepherd puppies, like all puppies, have limited bladder capacity. At this time, a properly trained and socialized German Shepherd will be able to safely tolerate periods of up to four to six hours of alone time. In order to stop your GSD from developing separation anxiety, It will be up to you as the owner to put systems in place. This may not be the case if you rescue a German Shepherd as an adult. Prior history, therefore, trumps age as the determining factor in how long your dog can be safely left alone. In their company, it may be possible to leave your dog alone for longer periods of time. While nothing can replace your presence, other friendly animals can be a nice stand-in when you must be away for extended amounts of time. Examples would include: Your German Shepherd is new to the family. Home safety Finally, you need to consider whether your home is safe for your German Shepherd. GSDs are extraordinarily strong! Anxious GSDs are known to have pulled down curtains, torn apart couches, ripped off crown molding, and even dug under fencing to escape. Not only is this super stressful and potentially dangerous for your dog — but the repairs can end up being quite expensive as well! Hopefully this little checklist can help you evaluate how long your German Shepherd can be safely left alone. As previously mentioned, the German Shepherd dog breed is one of the more sensitive breeds. This also means that GSDs are more prone to separation anxiety. This is a condition where they become so anxious about being left alone that they act out in destructive and aggressive ways. The bad news: your German Shepherd may develop this condition even if you do your best to create a welcoming and comfortable home environment. This video shows how easy it can be to help a GSD with separation anxiety feel calmer. Like their wild wolf cousins, dogs naturally seek out smaller, enclosed spaces to hide, rest, whelp, and care for the young. A research study showed that wild dogs also exhibit denning behavior. They prefer to den near people, but the point is that they do den just like wolves. A frequently mentioned tip is to tire them out before the fireworks are scheduled to begin. As Forbes explains, this strategy treats fireworks like a noise phobia. Any type of phobia takes energy. This same principle can work well with separation anxiety, or a separation phobia. Unable to take your GSD for a long walk to tire them out? Try hiring a local dog walker or pet sitter to do this for you! As an added bonus, this allows your dog to develop another relationship. This can help ease any issues associated with being overly attached to you. If your budget allows for it, another great option is doggie daycare. This can be a great way to socialize a high energy GSD puppy. Daycare services can provide detailed notes to owners on a daily basis. Some even provide live video feeds so that owners can check in throughout the day. German Shepherds need significant amounts of daily physical activity. They were developed to work tirelessly for long hours herding and guarding livestock and, later, people as well. It can be playing with a sensory ball that emits lights or sounds. You can even record yourself saying common commands with these toys! Another creative idea to try playing music made specifically to appeal to dogs. For some dogs, this is very calming. Dog puzzles also exist and have different levels of difficulty. These puzzles allow you to change how and how often the treats are dispensed once your dog masters the basics. A variety of these toys exist today. A lot of these toys allow for things like scheduling times to dispense treats, voice recordings, speaking to your dog live, video conferences with your GSD, and more. Many offer live video feeds of your dog at home so you can check in to see how your GSD is doing during the day. What toys and treats does your dog love most? What has worked well for you to keep your German Shepherd active and occupied while you have to be out of the house?

Email: [email protected] 4. Boxer Blvd The simple story of Boxer Blvd. All this family wanted was to breed and raise future best friends and equal family members. They wanted to show the world that Boxers, despite some stigma around them, can be wonderful pets. Boxer Blvd. They can offer you Euro and German Boxers, as well as many different Boxer coat colors , including brindle, reverse brindle, black and white, mahogany, and black. All you have to do is pick a puppy! You will need to contact the breeder for information about the price since every litter can be submitted to changes. Ohio State Boxers I always appreciate an honest breeder who sells puppies with limited registration paperwork. Raising high-quality Boxers is the main goal of every good breeder, and Ohio State Boxers is one of them. Meeting new families and making them happy by allowing them to adopt one of the Ohio State Boxers is what keeps the people behind this small breeding business going. You will appreciate the fact that you can drive there to pick the puppy in person. Video calls are fine, too, as long as you show great interest in enriching your life with a Boxer puppy. When the time comes for a puppy to leave for its new home, it will be checked by the vet, dewormed, vaccinated, and have its dew claws and tail fixed. You get a puppy ready to face its new world. All you need to do is love him and take great care of his health. Ohio State Boxers invites you to come over and see their modern kennels and green fields where their puppies spend their days playing around and exercising. She fell for his Boxer who was competing in dog conformation shows back then! All jokes aside, the couple joined forces and began breeding Boxers, with lots of prior experience coming from Glenn. Just a year after they first met, Cindy bought her first Boxer. Many breeders claim they want to produce only show-quality Boxers, but not Cindy and Glenn. Over the years, the couple kept on learning how to become the best Boxer experts in the state of Ohio. For this reason, we included these online Boxer breeders for you to check as well. Thus, you can also check a Boxer breeder here. The great thing is that it has an online marketplace to search for a Boxer puppy from any of the states. Since they cover all kinds of breeds, you may find an available puppy through this website. Another thing to note is that you also need to prepare for other costs. In short, aside from the actual cost of the puppy from a breeder, you still need to spend money on other items. Like a new baby in the family, your pup needs some items and some changes. A new puppy at home is a concern for all the family members. Thus, they need to prepare for it as well. As you have your meeting, try to make a schedule of tasks and distribution of responsibilities. Prepare your home. Preparing a home for your Boxer puppy means making it a safe place to play and live. Thus, you need to secure every item that can potentially harm your pet. Moreover, you need to secure your items that your pet can damage, such as shoes, carpets, floor mats, and so on. Shop for supplies. Like all other puppies and babies, Boxer pups needs items for its daily life. The essential things it needs would be beddings, food, and food bowls. You also need to buy a leash and collar for identification. Create a schedule. Besides your pet, you also have your responsibilities. Try to schedule how your pup should do for the day and when you need to pay attention. The great thing about creating a schedule is that it will benefit both you and your pet. Choosing a Good Boxer Seller and Breeder The best Boxer puppies only come from those who take an extra mile in caring for them. Below are certain qualities that you should look for in a Boxer puppy breeder. The Boxer breeder should only breed Boxer puppies. A single breed should be the first thing to remember when searching for a reputable Boxer breeder. Every breed has a mating season to which they breed. If the Boxer breeder sells quite a lot of pups but only has a pair of parents, you can think that it forces the parents to mate so they can have puppies to sell. The Boxer breeder should train pups in their first weeks. Every reputable Boxer breeder gives all the pups around eight weeks at least to stay with their parents. In such a time, the breeder should train the pups before it moves to its new home. The Boxer breeder would continuously be in touch. Other states. For the complete list please see our Boxer Breeders List page. Prices may also vary depending on the gender and the lineage of a Boxer. If you want a pure-breed Boxer, expect to pay more money for it as compared to those that have been mixed with other breeds. A reputable breeder charging more for their puppies does not necessarily mean that he is selling high-quality Boxers. The factors that influence the price of a boxer puppy are as follows: Gender: Male dogs cost more than female ones because they have been proven to be better guard dogs and protectors. Pure-bred male Boxers can also produce a higher number of offspring as compared to females. White color: White is an uncommon color among pure-bred Boxers, thus increasing the price of a white puppy. However, it is not always true as some breeders only charge high prices for their puppies to attract buyers and then they sell low-quality ones after scaring away most of their customers. You need to find reputable Ohio Boxer breeders who can provide you with detailed information on their lineage and history before buying one. You can also ask your veterinarian about the breed line of the dog you want to buy and check out its medical records. Boxers do not usually bark for no reason unlike most dogs, which is great if you live in an apartment. This breed can make a good watchdog because of its loyalty and alertness. CONS: Boxers have high levels of energy that sometimes can be hard to handle. The Boxer breed tends to drool more than other breeds out there. You can do this by searching for them online or asking your veterinarian about reputable ones to work with. Visit their facilities and see if they are clean enough. If not, look for another breeder as you should avoid buying puppies from dirty and poorly maintained facilities. Ask the Boxer breeder whether he screens his breeding stock for genetic disorders and asks for health certifications to ensure that his dogs will produce healthy offspring. Also, ask him if there is a return policy in case your puppy does develop any medical conditions later on so you can bring it back and claim a refund or exchange it with another pup. It is important that you meet both of the parents of your Boxer puppy. This is to ensure that they are healthy, and you can also get an idea on how big your puppy will grow when it reaches adulthood. You should not buy puppies from sellers who cannot provide proof of vaccinations for their dogs. It is essential to keep your pets safe from infectious diseases so always purchase only pups with proof of vaccinations against parvo, distemper, rabies, etc. Make sure that you carefully read any contract or agreement before buying a Boxer pup. Some of these questions include inquiries about their breeding operations if they perform any kinds of medical tests on their adult Boxers prior to breeding them, how often do they clean their kennels and runs, etc. Visit the facility first before buying a puppy from them. Make sure that it is clean and spacious enough so your pup will have enough room to play around. Also, look for other puppies kept at the same place as this can provide an idea of whether their facilities are properly maintained or not. Visit more than one breeder as this way, you can compare their qualities and prices as well. People who have previously bought pups from them can give unbiased information about their pets so you can use this as a gauge if their dogs are worth buying or not. If a breeder is reluctant to provide you with references, think twice before buying their puppies as this may be an indicator that they are not reputable or do not have enough clients to ask for referrals. You might even get to hear about the experiences of other people who have worked with or bought Boxer puppies from your Ohio breeder. This is an important thing for you to do as it can help you make better decisions when it comes to choosing a Breeder in Ohio. Meeting past customers will also give you better insights about the Boxer breeders in Ohio so it is important to take advantage of this information. This can help you avoid falling into the wrong hands and finding yourself with a poor quality puppy or one that has inherited genetic disorders. You can find out more about the breeder by finding out the vet they use. This is important as our pets tend to be more susceptible to diseases as they grow old or become overweight which can lead to various health problems that may affect their lifespan. It is best to meet the breeder first before buying a pup from them. A breeder should be able to welcome your questions and concerns about their dogs and pups that they provide. If a seller is reluctant about giving you documents, refuses to show their facilities or does not let you visit them, these are some of the signs of an unethical breeder who is only after your money. Another sign to look out for when it comes to finding a good Boxer dog breeder in Ohio is if they ask money from you without providing any tangible proof that their dogs are healthy and have been inoculated against all kinds of infections. Avoid getting into commitments with them as this way, your chances of falling prey to frauds and scams become higher and higher. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy In order for your Ohio Boxer puppy to have a very comfortable and enjoyable stay in your home, there are a few things that you should do first before bringing it into the house. The first thing you can do is prepare an area where it can sleep. You must also check the temperature of the place where your pup will be staying at by using a thermometer. The same goes with very hot areas as your Boxer might end up overheating. Water and food bowls should also be placed inside the area where your soon-to-be pet will stay at. Add some pillows, toys, bedsheets and other comforts to make it feel like its own room. Potty Training Your New Boxer Puppy Ohio breeders — Before you bring your Boxer home, It is best to know as much as possible about it before you decide to bring one into the house. The use of newspapers is also effective in places where pups relieve themselves but only for a short period of time as they can develop health and sanitation problems if left alone for too long. Remember, patience is a virtue in training your Boxer Puppy. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter.

Dedicated to a Healthy Legacy. Boxer Puppies and Young Boxers pictured. Subscribe to get news on litters! We own a farm on 29 acres in Morriston, Florida, near Ocala. We moved to Florida in .Throughout my life I've had boxers. Had other breeds but always came back to the Boxer for their unmistakable loyalty and dedication. My Boxers are champions and their heritage is champions or have been in the show ring. Made in America. All of our puppies are proudly made in America. All the food and everything we use to raise up our puppies is made in America. All products in our kennels are made in America. God bless our troops. Proud to be American citizens. Jesus is Lord! He is featured on our MALE page. To have our boxers be everything they are meant to be we knew we must start with a good foundation. We believe we have achieved this with our boxers. We have spent time and research on choosing all our boxers. Boxers are born to show off and they do plenty of that. AKC Boxer Breeder. Florida, the sunshine state, the perfect place to own a AKC Boxer puppy. Looking forward to working with you. Enjoy the journey! Files coming soon. A new look for: americanboxerpuppies. We have been a K9 breeder for over 20 years and have been breeding boxers for over 12 years. Our boxers are raised in a social, healthy and loving environment. Through my life I've had boxers. Had other breeds but always came back to the boxer. For their unmistakable loyalty and dedication. My boxers are champions and their heritage is champions or have been in the show ring. God bless our troop! Listons Boxers. AKC Boxer breeder. Florida, the sunshine state, the perfect place to own a AKC boxer puppy. Our web site americanboxerpuppies. They have areas to exercise and play. We have top of the line breeding. Our boxers are related to one of the top boxers in the US. From our home to yours we strive to have you bring home a healthy and well balanced puppy. A Furever Friend Boxers are fun loving, playful and ready for a venture. They love to snuggle and great with children. Email Address. Either in 1st generation or even several generations out. Here we will discuss some ways to know. Appearance The most obvious sign that a dog is not a purebred is when something about their appearance seems 'off'. Now with this being said, one must allow for various deviations that can occur even with purebred Boxers with strong bloodlines. One element is the ears.Cropping is a choice that owners make and therefore there are plenty of quality Boxers that have larger, floppy ears. This practice is also not legal in many countries. Another element will be the tail. As with cropping, tail docking is an elected procedure and not legal in many countries. Most breeders in the United States and in other countries in which this practice of docking is legal, will have this done when a newborn is between weeks of age. Some will opt to not have this done, thus leading to purebred Boxers that have longer, swinging tails. Size is a hot topic regarding this breed. Being one of the largest of the "medium" breeds, the size of purebred Boxers can vary quite a bit. Gender plays a role.Still, there may be other differences in appearance which cannot be explained by the above variances. When this is the case, one may want proof. When purchased from an experienced breeder, you can and should ask to see all paperwork.The papers should show at least 5 generations back, letting you see that the sire and dam, their parents, their grandparents, and so on are all purebreds. You should be given papers when you buy your Boxer puppy. In some cases, you will be given limited registration.This is a normal practice and simply means that you do not have the right to bred. If you do not have papers but want to know if your Boxer is a purebred, you may certainly inspect your Boxer dog to see if he or she meets the AKC dog breed standards, however this will not give you solid proof by any means. DNA does not lie. Genetic markers in the DNA will prove if a Boxer is purebred or not. How is this done? In some cases, a blood sample will be taken; however the majority of the test are done with saliva samples from the dog. How long does it take for the results? Results are given in about weeks in most cases. Will this prove that my Boxer is a purebred and then I can register him? Yes and no. The DNA test will prove if your Boxer is a purebred but with most dog clubs, the DNA test alone will not allow you to register your dog without papers. Many dog clubs if given the DNA results, will however use Limited Privilege Registration to allow you to enter your Boxer dog into agility and sporting events. Depending on where you live, some dog clubs will allow your Boxer to be registered as a purebred if you show pictures of the dog which show conformance and you have witnesses sign a notarized letter that the Boxer is thought to be purebred. How long do Boxer dogs live - This section discusses the leading causes of death among this breed and steps that you can take to help your Boxer live as long as possible. Boxer dog looks skinny - There is a phase that may occur from the 14 to 22 month mark during which time the Boxer may appear to be too lean. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. Welcome to our website! A photo of Rocky, the best Boxer ever, and the one who started it all! We are a family owned operation that breeds champion bloodline AKC Boxer puppies. Our objective is to produce the highest quality puppies, for family pets and companions. We do not offer nor do we guarantee our puppies for show or breeding, instead we would rather they be considered by the people that adopt them as family members, preferably as children! Our love for Boxers came about after we welcomed our first Boxer Rocky into our home. He is an amazing dog, and has been the backbone of our program, providing many of the adult Boxers that we have today. Although he is no longer used for breeding, his amazing personality seems to be what everyone we encounter is looking for in a Boxer. It's no accident that we chose to keep his puppies, they have the same laid-back and relaxed personalities as Rocky. We are vigilant to assure that our puppies are the finest available, we use the best technology to closely monitor the mother and her babies for the first eight weeks. We work with and handle the puppies daily, pampering them helps to create superior emotional health. Three days after birth dew claws are removed and tails are docked by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations and deworming is completed utilizing a strict program, all documentation is provided. Pre-crate training begins at six weeks of age. Puppies are socialized with adult dogs and other animals, such as cats at an early age. All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners. All else Copyright Riverhillboxers. All Rights Reserved. The contractual agreement between you and the breeder Agreement made to not breed the dog in the future Agreement made to not enter it into competitions No restrictions on the Boxer puppy Read on to see why these factors affect the price of Boxer puppies. Reputation Of The Breeder Breeders spend a lot of time and money to build up their reputation as trustworthy Boxer breeders. The more renowned a breeder is, the more they are able to charge for their dogs. However, some puppy mills and backyard breeders will shoot up their prices to appear to be reputable breeders. Therefore, you should go through a trusted association to find a reputable breeder. Do not be fooled by good advertising. The individual Boxer puppy you want to purchase must have its own papers that document its registration with the American Kennel Club. These papers cost money and will increase the price of your Boxer puppy slightly. This is important because pedigree changes the price of the Boxer puppy; I will discuss this next! Pedigree is important when it comes to determining what your Boxer puppy will look like, its temperament, and the chance of it developing genetic issues in the future as it grows up. Determining who the dam and sire of your Boxer puppy are is important in determining price. If your Boxer puppy has a champion sire or dam, then the price of the puppy will increase significantly. Champion heritage drives the price of the Boxer puppy up because the buyer is almost guaranteed to get a perfect specimen of what a Boxer should be and has a better chance at winning competitions with their Boxer puppy when it grows up. The breed, unfortunately, suffers from hip dysplasia, cardiovascular myopathy, severe arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, several cancers, and aortic valve disease. The American Kennel Club recommends that all of these tests, including thyroid screening, elbow evaluations, and certain DNA tests are all done to produce a long-term prognosis so effective preventative care can be carried out from day one. If a Boxer puppy has any health concerns, then their price will decrease, and they will often be sold for a couple of hundred dollars or so depending on the specific health issues they have. As medium-sized dogs, Boxers can leave their mothers safely at eight weeks. Many people who want to compete with their boxers will wait until the Boxer puppy is six to eight months old before purchasing them. During this time, the breeder will invest in behavioral training. When the Boxer puppy is six to eight months old, the breeder will also be able to give you a better idea of their temperament and their adult markings and ultimate size. As a result, these puppies will be much more expensive than the younger ones. Boxers will stand at 23 to 25 inches tall if they are male and .They have tall, regal-looking shoulders that slope down gently to a smaller set of hips. Their heads are quite square and are characterized by their wrinkles that make them appear confused but curious! Boxers that meet the breed standard are a fawn or brindle color with white markings on their chests, bellies, inner legs, and faces. However, the white markings may not be more than a third of their entire body. If your Boxer puppy meets the breed standard, then their price will increase because they can be used for competitions. However, if they do not meet the breed standard, then their price will be decreased, as this is seen as undesirable from a competition standpoint. The first agreement will prevent you from further breeding your Boxer puppy. The second agreement will prevent you from entering your Boxer puppy into any competitions. Both contacts will decrease the price of your Boxer puppy, as they place restrictions on what you can and cannot do with your puppy as it grows up. There are many other costs associated with owning a Boxer! One-Time Bring Home Costs There are a number of things you will need to purchase before you even pick up your Boxer puppy to make them feel more comfortable and happy in their new home! Fortunately, a lot of these items only need to be purchased once or twice, like food bowls and crates, for example. Here is a list of some of the vital things you need:.

goldendoodle puppies under $2000 - You may think it'll be six months or a year before your pal outgrows his puppy ways, but Labs don't show signs of complete maturity until they're about 3 years old. Size Although Labs can vary in height and weight according to genetics and diet, a sign that your Lab is nearing maturity is that he reaches his full height. Usually full height is reached at 1 year of age, but your dog may still appear gangly and awkward—much like a teenager. His frame will fill out with muscle and bone in his second and third years of life, and he'll achieve a weight of between 65 to 80 pounds. Females are generally slightly smaller, weighing in between 55 and 70 pounds. Chewing Puppies chew to explore their environment, exercise their teeth and relieve tension in their jaws. As your Lab ages, the voracious chewing that once encompassed the aluminum siding on your house will subside. A sign of maturity in your Lab is his ability to refrain from chewing everything in the house. Be warned, however, that even a fully mature Lab may chew if left alone for hours or underexercised. Labs need at least an hour or two of full-blown activity daily and enjoy the companionship of their pack—meaning you. Chewing past the age of 2 years is usually a sign that your dog's needs aren't being met. Sexual Maturity A Lab is capable of breeding before he or she is fully physically and mentally mature. Humping, urinating often and aggressively holding down other dogs are signs of sexual maturity. If you do not plan to breed your Lab, ask your vet about the best time to get your pet spayed or neutered. This helps reduce the pet population and also confers some health benefits. Mental Maturity When your Lab reaches 3 or 4 years of age, he is generally considered mentally mature. He will show signs such as following a very specific routine and showing increased affection. Although Labs remain active most of their lives, your mature dog may spend more time on the couch or his bed than he spends jumping around eagerly to get your attention. More Articles. They are almost square in appearance, with a strong body and sturdy legs. The maximum height for a male is 24 inches, which puts them in the medium-size dog category, but their sturdy build can make them seem much larger. Weights range from 85 pounds for a large male to 55 pounds for a smaller female. Field line bred dogs are often taller and somewhat thinner in build. Labrador retrievers are easily recognized by their broad head, drop ears and large, expressive eyes. Two trademarks of the Lab are the thick but fairly short double coat, which is very water repellent, and the well known "otter tail. The feet are described as "webbed," with longer skin between the toes to aid in swimming. The Labrador retriever is a moderately fast maturing breed, reaching adult height from six to 12 months, but possibly still filling out up to 2 years of age. Many Labs reach 12 to 14 years of age. Personality: In general, Labrador retrievers are excellent family dogs, as long as you keep in mind their need for exercise and training. These are dogs bred to work and work hard and they love to have jobs to do, particularly retrieving. Labs are usually good with other dogs, other pets, and children as long as training has toned down their natural exuberance. They are strong dogs and need some obedience training at an early age or they can be seen dragging their owners down the street at will. Owing to their energetic nature, Labradors who are left alone or not well exercised can become destructive — chewing, digging and barking to excess. The field line dogs are especially high-energy dogs, while some of the show line dogs become perfect couch potatoes at an early age. Chewing can be a problem because the strong retrieve urge gives them an oral fixation. Sturdy chew toys, exercise and training all help with this. Living With: Obviously, Labradors have a number of endearing traits or they would not be so popular. They are intelligent and fairly easy to train, partly from their desire to work with people. They are "easy keepers" and can become overweight if they are not exercised and food portions adjusted as needed. Labs are excellent family dogs because they do want to be with people and many do not do well as kennel dogs. Labradors do tend to be protective of their families and homes but are usually happy to greet company, too. With the strong retrieving instinct, they can develop into destructive chewers if not given appropriate toys and guidance. Labs may tend to "mouth" people and the solution is often simply to give them a toy to carry around, so their mouths are already full! These are very strong dogs and early training is necessary to have a dog that walks nicely on lead. The wonderful double coat that keeps the Labrador warm while retrieving in icy water also gives this breed top billing as shedders. Normally, their coats do fine with a quick weekly grooming, but at shedding time daily grooming is needed. The amount of exercise they need varies with the different lines: field line dogs can run all day, whereas show line dogs only need moderate exercise. History: Early in the s, some of the multipurpose dogs used in North America mostly Canada by hunters were shipped back to England. Many of these "water dogs" were of the Newfoundland type, but the smaller ones were often designated "St John's" dogs. In England, the breed was developed and refined probably with some flat-coated retriever input into the breed we recognize today. As is evidenced by their name, Labrador retrievers were bred and selected for their outstanding retrieving abilities, particularly in water. They have worked as partners with duck hunters in all kinds of weather and conditions. Their intelligence and desire to work as a partner with man has led to many other jobs, and to their current status as popular pets. Today, Labradors excel as service and guide dogs, family pets, scenting dogs for the military, customs and arson task force dogs, search and rescue dogs as well as hunting companions and performance dogs. The breed's good nature has propelled it to the number one ranking in popularity in America, a position it intends to keep. Despite their fame as indoor pets, they are even more at home outdoors. It should always be remembered that Labradors are water retrievers at heart and from early on, puppies show a strong desire to carry things around with them and a strong attraction to water, even puddles! Related Pet Care Articles. Labrador Retriever Puppy Growth Chart and Development with Pictures Large breed dogs, like Labs, gain weight and grow rather rapidly in their first year. They also develop certain skills at approximately the same time. Lab puppies at this age are entirely dependent on their mother. They are born without teeth, vision, or hearing. The mother Lab will also stimulate them to eliminate and eat their waste to keep her nesting area clean. Most Lab puppies will have their eyes opened at 2 weeks of age, and their ears will begin to open around this time too. This period can be called the awakening of senses, as they are growing to be more conscious and inquisitive. Try to spend some time with each puppy daily, so they get used to being handled. They should not be removed from their litter for more than 10 minutes at a time as this could cause them to miss out on important life lessons. Mama dogs will teach her pups some discipline and dogs that are taken from their mom before this age often suffers from behavioral issues. You should handle them often and can begin basic training. Treat your puppy gently, with no harsh discipline. Your 8-week-old Lab puppy will be able to start sleeping through the night and have better control over its bowel movements. Potty training can be introduced at this age, but you should avoid bringing them to crowded places. Most puppies get their first vaccination before heading to their new homes. You should keep your new puppy away from other dogs until they complete their vaccinations to prevent them from contracting infectious diseases like distemper or parvovirus. Lab puppies eating their dog food At 2 months, Lab puppies should be fed 4 small meals a day. Knowing how much to feed them is key. Your Lab puppy will begin to test you in order to figure out what their position is in the family. Labrador Retriever puppies at 3 months might ignore commands they are familiar with. Some dogs might start nipping. To combat this, direct them to chew appropriate toys instead. Be patient with them and keep reinforcing positive behavior because they will grow out of it soon enough. They are still establishing their role in the pack and might assert their dominance over little children or pets. You can start incorporating other activities like obedience or agility to divert their attention and help them understand their role in the family better. Some dogs will go through another fearful stage at this age. You can help them through it by desensitizing them and being kind and understanding. They are still puppies at this age, after all. They should not be forced to face their fears in hopes they will get used to it. Appropriate exposure with lots of praise, attention, and treats will do the trick. They will have grown into the dog they are meant to be and will have a consistent personality. They should also have settled into a routine and know their place in the family. Following a UK study, Labs grow into their adult weight by their 1-year-old birthday. Mentally, Labradors will stay a puppy till they are 2 or 3 years old, but some never really do grow up. When Do Labs Stop Growing? Lab puppies generally gain 2 lbs 1 kg a week from birth until they are 6 months old. After that, their weight gain tapers off slowly. Most people think that dogs mature at the same age, but small dogs like a Terrier or a Pomeranian might reach adulthood at 9 months of age whereas a Great Dane might fully mature at 3 years of age. It has been noted that they reach their full height at 1 year of age, and their adult weight at 2 years of age. How to weigh a Labrador dog? Weighing your dog is a good way to keep track of its growth. A less strenuous and stressful way to weigh your dog would be to buy a weighing scale for dogs and weigh them regularly. You can incorporate this into your dog training and reward them every time they stay still on a scale. There are reasonably priced pet scales on Amazon but if you do not have a budget for a dog weighing machine, you can get your dog weighed at the vet. This is because muscle weighs more than fat. A chubby-looking Labrador might have the same weight as a lean and strong Lab. Testing Physical Appearance There is a system called BCS or Body Condition Scoring that allows owners and health providers to assess whether their dog is at a healthy weight from a glance. There are 9 levels, with the 1st level representing extreme emaciation, level 5 being optimally fit, and level 9 being life-threateningly obese. However, if they are outside of that spectrum, you might want to consider seeing a specialist as your dog might have some underlying health issues. It can also cause lots of health problems such as joint problems, respiratory or heart diseases, and even cancer. The bad news is that Labradors are prone to obesity due to their genetics. A large portion of the Labrador population has a malfunctioning POMC gene that stops them from being full. Even without the condition, Labs are notoriously greedy! Look at Midnight eating in her dreams: Hyperthyroidism and Insulinoma are disorders that can cause unexplainable weight gain. How to help your Labrador achieve a healthy weight? If they are suffering from certain disorders, you will need to treat them first. If they are simply being fed too much, remove any excess calories from their diet by cutting down treats including table scraps! You can also encourage them to move more through exercise, play, or work. Being too thin is also unhealthy, especially if your puppy is still growing. Weight loss or not being able to gain weight can be caused by worms, illness, or a lack of calories. Active dogs will need to be fed more than those that lead sedentary lifestyles. What you can do is increase their intake and monitor their growth rate. Another commonly asked question is when to fix their male or female Labradors. The general consensus is that you should fix your dog around 6 months, but there are new studies to suggest that early neutering might create more problems for your dog. Another specialized study suggests pet owners to neuter or spay after 37 weeks. This prevents excessive growth that can aggravate hip or joint problems. Will my Lab still grow after being neutered? Depending on when your dog is neutered. If it is neutered after sexual maturity, it will most likely have already reached its adult size and will not grow any taller. However, most neutered pets gain weight much more easily due to a decrease in sex hormones. This will cause their metabolic rate to slow down so you should adjust their diet accordingly. Differences between variations of Labrador Retrievers English Labs are show dogs that are bred to be more heavyset. Therefore, they can be slightly on the heavy side. As for American or working dogs, they are generally more athletic and lighter. Gender also plays a role in their weight, with females nearing the lighter end of the spectrum and males being on the heavier side. Chocolate Labs and White Labs are usually bred for the show ring. It is entirely possible to have an English Fox Red and vice versa for all other colors. Leading a healthy lifestyle will keep your pup healthy. Further reading: Additional puppy growth chart guides. When are Labradors considered adults? Labradors are generally considered adults when they reach about 18 months of age, though not all Labradors have reached their full size or maturity level by this point. However, this age is hotly contested, and many other Labrador owners have differing opinions. Quick Navigation What makes a Labrador an adult? Determining when a Labrador actually becomes an adult is a surprisingly difficult process. The general consensus is that 18 months constitutes adulthood, but there are many people who disagree with this statement. Labradors reach sexual maturity around 6 months. They can also reach physical maturity before reaching the month mark. Who decided that 18 months is the age we would use to separate puppyhood from adulthood? Labradors just grow, and eventually, they become large enough and mature enough that we consider adults. Many people still consider year-olds to be nothing more than glorified kids. This lack of a legally defined age of adulthood makes it extremely difficult to assign a specific age that Labradors become adults. In my opinion, the best way to decide when your Labrador is an adult is to use your own judgment based on their behavior and growth. Differences between Labrador puppies and Labrador adults Puppies are way more inquisitive One of the biggest differences between young Labradors and adult Labradors is that adults have more or less figured out how their small, contained world works. They know which time food is generally laid out, they know which areas are acceptable for sitting, they know where to go or who to bother when they need to go to the bathroom. This can be a problem for your home, especially if your Labrador puppy is an avid chewer. Despite your best efforts, your puppy will inevitably bite, chew, and attempt to swallow everything in its path. It can be tough to deal with if you have expensive furniture or leave your shoes lying around though. Puppies are oblivious to danger The scariest thing about owning a puppy is how oblivious to dangerous situations they are. For example, adult Labradors are less likely to get themselves tangled up in your feet. They are also more mindful of stairwells and are less likely to fall down them and get hurt. While adult Labradors can still have accidents, they are much more likely to hold it in and wait until they get outside to go to the bathroom. Adult Labradors have grown accustomed to the surroundings of your home and therefore look forward to the wild and interesting adventure that is a walk outside. Puppies are more independent Human beings typically become more independent as the years go on. Labrador puppies go through a stage of life called the flight period. This typically occurs between months old, and is characterized by the following behaviors: The puppy runs away and hides when you call them The puppy stays just out of reach of your hand when you reach out to put a leash on them. The puppy attempts to break free of its leash and run away. If you can successfully train your dog to come to your side whenever you want, the stresses of the flight period will be much less severe. This quest for independence only increases when your dog enters the adolescent phase, which typically starts at around 8 months. It might be a good idea to move any fragile valuables to unreachable places, lest your dog knock them over as he flies around the building. Your dog will become defensive and aggressive toward strange men. Your dog will either become afraid of or aggressive toward other dogs. Your dog may stop listening to commands as it vies for the leadership spot in the pack. Just know that their bond with you might not be as strong as a dog who has spent their entire life living with you and learning to trust you. Do other dog breeds take this long to become adults? Labradors are considered a medium-sized dog, which is where the consensus of 18 months until adulthood comes from. Again, there is no hard and fast rule on when your dog is technically an adult. While there are certain milestones you can use to estimate their maturity level, the best way to figure out whether a dog is an adult or not is to examine their behavior and make your own judgment. When do Labradors calm down? If your Lab seems to be acting out, or is refusing to follow commands, you may need to reflect on their training. Sometimes you need to go back to the beginning to move forward. When Do Labradors Mature — Physical Maturity Large breeds like the Labrador Retriever will reach physical maturity somewhere between the ages of 11 and 18 months. This can vary based on genetics, sex, and more. Physical maturity can affect a lot of things, including, the type of food your dog eats. When are Labradors Fully Grown? This question will depend a little on the size of your Lab when fully grown. Even within one breed, adult sizes can vary a lot. Fully grown Labs can range from 55 to 80 pounds in weight, and from .Females are usually smaller than males. Your Lab will usually reach their full grown height and weight at some point between 11 and 18 months old. But, the exact time will depend on their adult size. When Should I Neuter my Lab? This is because, after being neutered, your dog lacks the hormones that would switch off his growth. Studies have shown that early neutering or spaying Labradors before 6 months old can increase their risk of developing joint problems like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cranial cruciate ligament tear. Speak to your vet to get the latest information on this topic. Neutering or spaying your dog can have a number of health benefits, including the obvious birth control. This study suggests that neutering a Lab before 6 months old can significantly increase their risk of joint problems. So, you may choose to wait until your Lab is physically mature before you neuter or spay them. Puppy food and adult dog food have very different balances of nutrients. Puppy food will contain higher levels of protein than adult dog food. But, this can vary from dog to dog. Some dogs will still be growing at this age, so should wait a little longer. The best person to advise you about this is your vet. They will be able to offer advice tailored to your specific Lab. Generally, Labradors will usually reach sexual maturity somewhere between 6 and 9 months old. Although, this stage could be later. This means it is very possible for your Lab to get pregnant whilst she is still a puppy. When Can my Labrador Breed? As Labradors can reach sexual maturity from as early as 6 months, some Labradors can technically mate from this young age. When your female Lab has her first heat, it is possible for her to get pregnant. Male Labs will usually start showing interest to females at around this age, so you should assume they can impregnate another dog from this age. Whether you have a male or female Lab, you should avoid breeding them at this age. Female dogs need to be both physically and sexually mature before they are bred. But, they also should not be too old. Ideally, somewhere between 2 and 4 years old is the right age for breeding your Labrador. If you are not looking to breed your Lab, you may wish to talk to your vet about spaying or neutering them after they reach sexual maturity. Just remember the affect this can have on their physical growth, and the risk of joint problems. When do Labradors Mature Mentally? The third type of maturity that will be of interest to Labrador owners is mental maturity. Labs have a reputation for being friendly, affectionate, and eager to please. Lab puppies, like any puppies, can be boisterous, destructive, and bitey. This can lead to stress, exhaustion, and hopelessness in puppy owners. The bad news is that this stage of maturity takes the longest to reach. In fact, some Labs can take up to two years to reach full mental maturity. Labrador puppies are known for their biting phase. But, this stage does pass as your Labrador puppy matures. Some of this biting is down to teething. Lab puppies will usually start teething from around 3 or 4 months old. This stage can last until around 7 months old, when your Lab will have their full set of adult teeth. But, not all biting is due to teething. Puppies will also bite during play. So, practice calm behavior and ignore any biting that does happen. These steps can help to shorten the bitey period. When do Labradors Calm Down? Along with biting, Labrador puppies can seem very boisterous and over-excited, particularly when they are playing with you. So when do Labradors mature and settle down? It can take up to 2 years for Labs to completely mature mentally. This means, boisterous and excitable play can last up to two years. But, there are things you can do whilst your puppy is growing to reduce this boisterous behavior. Make sure to reward your puppy when he or she is calm. This could be when they are entertaining themselves with a toy, or just when they are chilling around your house. This way, your puppy will learn that calm behavior earns them great things! And, they will be more likely to act this way in the future. There may still be times when your Lab seems boisterous, noisy, or over-excitable, even with this tactic. But, it will help calm your pup down before they reach their full mental maturity. Can you tell how big a puppy will get? Your puppy will be growing very fast when you first bring them home. But that growth rate slows down quite quickly. So when do dogs stop growing for good? And how will you know when your puppy has reached their adult size? Labrador Puppy Growth Chart We have a fascinating and long running thread on our forum, where members enter the weights of their puppies at different ages. The Labrador growth chart below shows the data we have collected, in a Labrador weight chart by age. Labrador dog weight chart by age and breed Each dot represents a snapshot in time of an individual puppy. You can find his or her age in weeks along the bottom of the chart and his weight in pounds up the left hand side. You can see how all the dots taken together follow a pattern, but there is still a considerable range of puppy weights at each age. When Do Dogs Stop Growing? But what about a two year old Lab, or a one year old? Well, in broad terms, dogs stop growing sometime between one and two years old. But it varies between breeds. Most dogs are fully grown by their first birthday. In general small breeds reach their adult height several months before large breeds do. Yet dog size varies greatly among individuals, even within the same breed. Larger dogs are often slower to mature than little dogs, and carry on growing for longer. Small dogs are sometimes fully grown by the time they are 9 months old. Whereas giant breeds can take up to three years to reach full size. Adult size, temperament, and coat type are all likely to affect energy requirements, and affect the rate a puppy grows. In fact even breeds which end up similar in size can grow at very different rates. There is very little scientific research — but a lot of anecdotal evidence — about when Lab puppies stop growing. In , a UK study following 37 Lab puppies through to adulthood revealed that all of them had reached their adult weight by their first birthday. But more recently, a much larger lifestyle study of over 4, UK Labradors found that their weight continued to increase between one and four years old. When Do Labs Stop Growing? The Labrador puppy growth chart finishes when the dog reaches adulthood. General wisdom from breeders, vets, and experiences Labrador owners is that Labs stop growing during their second year. In fact, he will be quite close to his final adult Labrador height at around nine months of age. Does color change the Labrador puppy growth chart? When is a chocolate Lab full grown? Is it the same time that a full grown black Labrador or yellow Lab? So your average chocolate Lab will be adult sizes at the same time as the average yellow or black Lab. How Quickly Do Labradors Grow? Our Labrador puppy growth chart shows that all Labrador puppies follow the same breed specific pattern of growth spurts and slower growth, even though the actual numbers on the scale will vary from individual to individual. The most rapid period of growth will take place in the first month or so after you bring him home. In , a study of Labrador puppies in Norway found that Labrador weight gain is most rapid at 89 days old in females, and 95 days old in males. So around the week mark. And Labradors usually reach half of their adult weight by the time they are 18 or 19 weeks old. How much do Labs grow after 6 months? Another trend you can see in our Labrador puppy growth chart is that Lab puppies gain weight much less rapidly after their 6 month birthday. Once your Lab has hit this milestone you can expect them to gain a little height, and probably continue to fill out for up to a year or so. In other words, the point when you Lab stops getting any taller. It is estimated that in the UK the average height at the shoulders of a male Lab is cm taller than the breed standard. Will my dog still grow after being neutered? Whether or not dogs should be routinely spayed or neutered is a subject which divides opinion. Labrador owners deciding whether and when to neuter usually end up with a lot of questions, few of which have straightforward answers. Many veterinary care providers and shelters advocate neutering at a young age, or even make it a requirement of the adoption contract. A study found that neutering before 37 weeks old is linked to very slightly more rapid growth, and neutering after 37 weeks leads to very slightly slower growth. How big do Labrador Retrievers get? As we all know, very few dogs fit the mathematical average — they are much more likely to occupy a range of normal sizes. But most of us like a more precise answer than that before we commit to sharing our home with a puppy. So, how big do Labs get? Labradors are remarkably variable in height and weight. The biggest male Labs can be almost twice the size of the smallest female ones. But you want me to give you some numbers, so here are some averages. Many adult female Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches high at the shoulder. This will be the same whether they are a female chocolate Lab or a female black Labrador. Many adult male Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches at the shoulder. But remember, your dog is probably not an average dog! Can you always predict size with a Labrador puppy growth chart? These Labrador height and weight numbers are very broad guidelines, and they may give you a rough idea of how big a pup will grow. How big your Labrador will get depends partly on his parents. Assuming that your puppy had healthy not overweight parents, their own weights will give you an idea of how big your Lab is likely to grow. But there are always surprises in any group or family of dogs! Has your puppy stalled on the Labrador puppy growth chart? It is possible that your puppy will weigh less than the average examples. Labrador puppy weight and size can vary widely depending on a number of different factors, many of which are normal and harmless. American Labrador puppy growth Labrador puppies from working stock are often less heavy than those bred for the show ring or pet homes. Dogs bred for hunting and field trials tend to be faster and lighter in build because they are expected to be agile and quick when working in the field. Small parents Size is also partly genetic. In other words, if your puppy had small parents he might well be on the small size for his age, throughout his life. Again, this is only a general guide. Even puppies from the same litter can vary quite considerably in size when plotted on a Labrador puppy growth chart. How much should my Labrador puppy weigh? But this kind of rule of thumb is of limited use, and there are problems with judging whether or not a puppy is thriving by his weight alone. Because it is so difficult to know exactly what size your puppy will be as an adult, no-one can really say what he should weigh today, or any other day. It may however give you an indication if your puppy is seriously under or overweight. It is rare for puppies to have any kind of growth disorder. Or for their families to starve them by mistake! But it is also normal to worry a little if your puppy seems on the small side. Is my puppy is too fat or too thin? The very best guide to whether a puppy is the right weight for him, is how he looks and feels. Not where he falls on an average Labrador puppy growth chart. Physically examining and observing your puppy will help you decide if they are doing ok in this respect. Just like older Labradors, puppies should not be too heavy. Most experts nowadays like to see a waist on even quite young puppies. Does it matter if my puppy is a bit plump? We all used to think that puppy fat was a good thing. When I was a child fat puppies were the norm. Perhaps this extra layer of fat was helpful in sustaining the puppy during illness before vaccinations were widely available for dogs? Nowadays, the thinking is that puppies should be slim. With a defined waist, just like an older dog. It causes their bones to grow too rapidly as well. And this may result in painful skeletal abnormalities in later life. Chubby Lab puppies might be plotted higher than average on the Labrador puppy growth chart, but if they are a shorter stature they could be following the line. You need to assess your pup by how they look and feel. Weighing your puppy If your puppy has been ill and is very thin, or if he has become rather overweight , you might consider weighing him in order to monitor his progress on a Labrador puppy growth chart of your own. If you can see his ribs, or feel them very easily just beneath his skin, your Labrador puppy is too thin. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian. You can show them your Labrador puppy growth chart too, so they have a good idea of how they are progressing. My dog weighs 35lbs at six months old. Is that OK? I mentioned above that an average Labrador might weigh around 50lbs at six months old. But there is huge variation around this figure. To illustrate how much very healthy puppies may vary, there are 6 month old Labs on our forum weighing 30lbs, and others weighing 60lbs! These are very different points on the same Labrador puppy growth chart, but could both be healthy animals. And the truth is, no-one can tell you exactly what your six month old pup should weigh, or indeed your Labrador of any age. What age does a puppy turn into a dog? When does a puppy no longer belong on a Labrador puppy growth chart but instead have reached their adult size? And when will your puppy be a fully grown up dog? There are three aspects to changing from puppy to dog: physical maturity and mental maturity. Sexual maturity in puppies People are often surprised to discover that puppies become sexually mature before they are full grown. These sexually mature pups still belong on the Labrador puppy growth chart, and will gain weight and height. Most Labradors are physically capable of breeding while still puppies. Though of course they should not be allowed to do so. Many female Labradors come into season for the first time between at between six and nine months old. Though some will be over a year old. And most male Labradors are ready and willing to mate well before their first birthday! Mental maturity in puppies Not only is your Labrador physically still a puppy when he or she reaches sexual maturity. He is also very much a puppy mentally and emotionally. In fact, many experts do not consider a Labrador to be fully grown up and mature until they are around two years old. In practice, there is no exact age at which you can definitely say your puppy is a grown up. Some puppies mature mentally and physically quicker than others. As a broad guide, you will often hear people use 18 months as the divide between Labrador puppy and adult dog. When do dogs stop growing? Most Labradors will have completed much of their growth by their first birthday and will stop growing completely before their second. Beyond this point there is no need to plot their weight on a Labrador puppy growth chart, but instead they should just be monitored physically. Weights vary greatly among individuals of this breed and puppy weight unless very extreme, is not a great guide to health. Enjoy your puppy for what he is, large Labrador or small. Just remember to check with your vet if you think he is unwell or not growing as he should. Is your Labrador puppy still growing? Do you think the runt of the litter is going to surprise you by reaching the upper end of the scale? Were your predictions at X months completely confounded? Share your anecdotes in the comments box down below! In terms of friendliness, affection, intelligence, and loyalty, this breed is hard to beat. A non-aggressive nature, a playful and exuberant disposition, an eager-to-please attitude, and a love of people has endeared the Labrador to thousands of dedicated enthusiasts. What you may not be aware of is that while Labs are absolutely wonderful companions, it can take a while for them to reach that point. Actually, quite a while. When do Labradors mature? Labs will reach physical maturity by 18 months. Sexual maturity will occur between months 6 .Though some maturity will be noted before age 2, a Lab will usually take 2 to 4 years to reach full mental maturity, and by the age of 5, a Lab should be well mannered, calm, and a joy to own. No more puppy issues! No more chewing slippers! Not going to happen. Your Lab will go through several developmental phases, some more drawn out than others, before becoming fully mature. Still, maturity in Labs can be difficult to measure, because, in some ways, a part of them always seems to retain some endearing puppy characteristics. Physical Maturity Most Labs will be close to their final height by around the 9-month mark. By 12 months of age, a Lab has reached his full height. Until about 18 months, a Lab will continue to add muscle and fat to his frame and fill out quite a bit, leaving behind that gangly, adolescent look. Generally, English Labs have a stockier appearance, a broader head with a shorter muzzle, a thicker coat, and are slightly more laid-back than their American counterparts. American Labs have a finer bone structure, more slender appearance, and narrower, longer muzzles. Fun fact: English Labs are more commonly seen in the show ring while American Labs are used more extensively in field trials due to their athleticism and above-average enthusiasm, but both types are Labradors through and through. Sexual Maturity Anytime between the ages of 6 -9 months both male and female dogs become sexually mature, capable of producing a litter. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about having your Lab spayed or neutered. Large breeds like Labs take longer to mature physically, sexually, and mentally, but Labs, in particular, are famous for taking an extra-long time to finally grow up and calm down a little. Brace yourself, because the answer here may be far from what you were expecting. While defiance, limit testing, and destruction should be on a downward trend by the second year, a 2-year-old Lab is still very much a puppy and will have a ton of energy. Labs who are between 2 and 4 years of age usually have an unrivaled zest for life and are always ready for action. For this reason, a sturdy crate is highly recommended until your Lab is fully mature and trustworthy enough to be left on his own in the house. By the fifth year, most Labs will be well behaved, calm, obedient companions with lower energy levels and a true desire to please their owners. Destructive behavior will begin to subside, not everything will still be viewed as a game, less time will be spent roughhousing, and more time will be spent relaxing. Puppy and adolescent behaviors such as stealing shoes, testing the limits, and outright defiance will be gradually replaced by a more calm demeanor and trustworthy behavior. Will the Teething and Chewing Ever End? Take heart! Unfortunately, no. Labradors, by nature, are a mouthy, orally fixated breed. They were, after all, bred to retrieve for hours on end, using their mouths to carry back downed waterfowl and fish a long time ago to their masters. When playing outside, many Labs will constantly have something in their mouths such as a stick, pine cone, ball, anything will do really. Socks, shoes, remotes, table legs, the list goes on and on have you ever seen Marley and Me? Training your Lab what is acceptable and what is an absolute no-no is crucial. Related Posts:. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.


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goldendoodle puppies under $2000 - View All Articles in Labradoodle Breeders Location Depending on your geographical location, you can expect to pay more money in certain areas. Naturally, the Labradoodle price is usually tied to the overall cost of living in that area. Of course, you might be tempted to adopt a puppy from a different state. Any of those can add a few hundred dollars to your total Labradoodle price. Breeder Stock Another factor that influences the Labradoodle cost is breeding stock. Breeding different generations of Labradoodles requires a certain set of parent dogs. For example, F1 or first-generation Labradoodles are often less expensive than F1b or F1bb Labradoodles. See Also: Click the image Demand Needless to say, the high demand can also hike up the price of Labradoodles, especially in more populated areas like major cities. The best reputable breeders have waiting lists that filled 6 months in advance, sometimes even up to a year or two. This in turn means that breeders will charge higher rates to keep up with the demand while not overbreeding the mama dogs. Size, Color, and Coat Type Another thing you should keep in mind is that certain sizes, colors, and coat types can cost you some extra money. For instance, some breeders charge more for Mini Labradoodles compared to Standard Labradoodles. Usually, the most hypoallergenic Labradoodles are found in F1b, F1bb, F2b, and F2bb generations, which also require more genetic testing to achieve. See Also: Click the image Breeder Reputation Lastly, reputable breeders also charge premium rates for their Labradoodle puppies. Ethical, reputable breeders put a lot of time, money, and effort into breeding and raising healthy and well-rounded pups. All of this reflects in the Labradoodle price. Professional breeders have learned all about health and genetic testing. See Also: Click the image In addition to that, reputable breeders know the importance of early socialization , training, and other enrichment methods. Ethical breeders also follow breeding guidelines set by established organizations we mentioned above. Many of them are also affiliated with the organizations and continuously keep educating themselves on the best breeding practices. How much does a Labradoodle cost when adopting a puppy from a professional, ethical breeder? Of course, there are many backyard breeders who have the best intentions in mind and only want to share the joy of this adorable crossbreed. However, oftentimes, these breeders might not conduct all the necessary health and genetic testing on their breeding dogs. Nor can they provide proper health guarantees for their puppies. Additionally, many backyard breeders do not choose new homes for the puppies as carefully as professional breeders. When a litter is born, they just sell all the puppies on a first come first serve basis. How much are Labradoodles when adopting from a backyard breeder? Puppy Mills Finally, we have the worst of the bunch — puppy mills. Unfortunately, these breeders only work for their own financial gain. More often than not, they neglect the wellbeing of their breeding dogs and puppies. Beware of pet stores, as well, as they often source their puppies from puppy mills. Puppy mills usually overbreed their mama dogs and keep them on tight schedules to produce more and more puppies. Meanwhile, the dogs and puppies are kept in unsafe and unclean environments, often in small cages and kennels. Moreover, these pups often come with serious health conditions. How much does a Labradoodle cost when adopting from a puppy mill? Above all, we urge you to avoid these breeders at all costs. As a general rule of thumb, larger, Standard Labradoodles require more calories per day compared to smaller, Mini and Medium Labradoodles. All of them are tried, tested, and recommended by Doodle owners. Training Training and early socialization both play a key role in raising well-rounded Labradoodles. Vet Visits One of the most expensive parts of owning a dog is taking your pup to regular vet visits and wellness checks. And to be prepared for those unexpected vet visits, we recommend you choose a trustworthy pet insurance company. During the first year, you should make sure that your puppy is up to date with all of its vaccinations and preventative care for worms, fleas, ticks , and heartworm. Grooming You might already know that Labradoodles are high-maintenance when it comes to grooming and coat care. Time Investment Like any other pet, Labradoodles require a lot of time and effort from your part. Other Costs In addition to all the Labradoodle costs we mentioned above, there are other everyday items that your dog will need. These include food and water bowls, dog beds, dog crate, a collar and a leash, toys and chew toys, and poop bags. So, you know with absolute certainty that the Labradoodle is the right pup for you. But how can you find quality Labradoodle breeders? As fellow Doodle owners, we know how difficult it can be to find ethical, reputable breeders in your area. Why Are Labradoodles Expensive? Ethical Labradoodle breeders charge higher prices for their pups, as they carefully screen the breeding dogs through extensive health and genetic testing. In addition to that, they provide their clients with genetic health guarantees and implement various forms of enrichment methods when rearing the puppies. How Much Does A Labradoodle Cost: Final Thoughts Adopting a dog is not just a huge emotional commitment, but also requires you to think whether or not your finances allow you to take care of another living being. Hopefully, this article has managed to answer all of your questions about the Labradoodle cost of adoption and the ongoing costs throughout their lifetime. Avoid making the mistake of choosing the wrong Doodle temperament for your family, lifestyle, or current living situation. While this is not actually required, it is highly suggested since it covers vet bills and emergency treatments for injuries. Most of these are optional except for emergency treatments. Owners who need service dogs should be prepared to spend more on special training classes. Dog Walking: Getting a Labradoodle means you get an active dog. For times when you cannot take your dog for a walk or play with them, you can hire a dog walker instead. Medical Emergencies: Expenses for medical emergencies are preferably avoided but are to be prepared for anyway. Accessories and Clothes: If you enjoy dressing up your Labradoodle, you would also want to buy different clothes and accessories for them. There are a lot of places that sell these, so you can either save or splurge. Again, these expenses can arise at specific points in time and can be optional. They also depend on you and how you want to spend on your Labradoodle. You can actually look for this popular breed from breeders or rescue shelters. Given that Labradoodles are well-loved and highly coveted, the chances of you finding this breed are pretty high. Here are some reputable breeders where you can find Labradoodle puppies for sale: Blueberry Cottage Labradoodles — This reputable breeder was from Connecticut and is now based on a acre family farm in West Wisconsin. They specialize in standard-sized Labradoodles that are guaranteed to be in good health. They offer a two-year health guarantee against hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and other genetic conditions. You can visit their website to check for available pups. Interested buyers are assured that their puppies undergo proper health testing and screenings, as well as microchipping and vaccinations. Their pups are also socialized early and are subject to a weekly training program. They specialize in breeding mini and medium-sized Labradoodles. You can find more breeders in our article on the 10 best Labradoodle breeders that are based in different states. While browsing, be sure to read our puppy buying guide so you can safely buy your Labradoodle online. An alternative to shopping for a Labradoodle is to adopt one from shelters, rescues, or adoption sites. They have been trusted and have been working hard for Labradoodles since .You can visit their website to learn more about their adoption process and see the available Labradoodles looking for their forever homes. Doodle Rescue Collective, Inc. They are dedicated to protecting Labradoodles and educating owners and dog enthusiasts. Labs and More — This rescue organization based in San Diego, California, has rescued more than 12, dogs since .They rescue large dogs and mixed breeds, including Labradoodles. You can visit their website, where they have a guide before adopting for those interested. Head over to our 10 best Labradoodle rescues article to find even more options and increase your chances of finding a Labradoodle. You can also visit your local shelter to look for Labradoodles up for adoption. Money-Saving Tips for Labradoodle Owners Knowing that taking care of Labradoodles costs a significant amount, any Labradoodle owner would want to save a few bucks in any way they can. To help, we came up with some cost-effective ways to care for your pooch. Here are some ways to cut down on expenses for your Labradoodle: Groom your Labradoodle at home. While professional groomers can save you time and provide proper grooming thanks to their training and skills, there is no doubt that they can charge quite a bit. Learning how to do basic grooming yourself, especially since this hybrid has a low shedding coat, can surely save you some money. Grooming sessions at home can also serve as quality time with your canine companion. Make dog food yourself. Store-bought dog food and treats are convenient, but the cost adds up. You can try making dog food at home, instead. Not only does this allow you to control what exactly you are feeding your pet, but it can also be cheaper. Buy good-quality items. Getting items that are of good quality and durable can be more expensive at the time of purchase but will actually save you money in the long run. Take your Labradoodle for regular vet visits. Emergency treatments and procedures often cost more than regular vet visits and can help you avoid an unhealthy puppy. Knowing what items to invest in and what to avoid can significantly reduce the cost of owning a Labradoodle. A little creativity and strategizing will go a long way. The expenses for this designer breed are far from cheap. However, you should know that this is nothing out of the ordinary since many popular crossbreed dogs also have similar costs. If you are one of the many people interested in Labradoodles, I hope this guide has helped you decide whether owning one is worth all the investment. We would love to hear your thoughts and insights in the comments below! Owners of Labradoodles are also welcome to share their tips and experiences on the different Labradoodle costs. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. A close up face image of Labradoodle puppy Max The price depends on many factors and can vary from breeder to breeder. While this might seem like a hefty price to pay for a puppy, the low prices that you find on social media or other ads are usually from puppy mills that try to over-breed these beloved animals in inappropriate and unethical ways. Low-quality living conditions notwithstanding, puppies from such places have a high probability of suffering from ailments and issues caused by genetic mutations occurring from rapid breeding. Labradoodle costs around the world In Australia the average prices for non-shedding Labradoodles ranged from AUD. There were some niche breeders that charged much more. Depending on how unique the coat color is, the price will vary. Parti-colored Labradoodles like Tuxedo Labradoodle or Phantom Labradoodle cost significantly more than a solid-colored cream, black, or gold Labradoodle. Sometimes, depending on your location, you may have to shell out extra dollars if you specifically want a multi-colored Labradoodle. Coat texture is another influencing factor. Shiny, sleek coats are more attractive and an indication of a superior bloodline. Hence, they are going to cost more. Curly and wavy-haired Labradoodles will be more expensive than straight-haired ones as they are almost non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Blue-eyed Labradoodles can be even more expensive, owing to their rarity and beauty. Labradoodle Size As they are crossbred, there are no specific breeding standards for Labradoodles. Most breeders classify Labradoodle puppy sizes as standard, medium, and miniature. Toy, teacup, miniature, and maxi are some other terms used to describe the size of Labradoodle dogs. The smaller the puppy size, the higher its price. This is because of the increased demand for smaller-sized dogs. Some breeders have their own standards and classifications when it comes to dog size and weight. While some breeders consider pound dogs as petite, others see them as miniature. Micro and petit are other terms that are used, both interchangeably and independently by different breeders. Usually, petit dogs fall in the pounds range, and micro dogs under 10 pounds. Age Typically, most people prefer buying a young puppy rather than a full-grown dog. Hence, prices are higher for puppies than dogs. For instance, a 6-month-old puppy is going to cost less than a 6-week-old one. A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. Generation Type Another determining factor is the percentage of each parent breed in the Labradoodle puppy. F1B generations have a purebred Poodle and an F1 generation Labradoodle as their parents. While this is a rarer generation, they are cheaper as their chances of being hypoallergenic is lesser than that of others. Generally, F1B Labradoodles are the most expensive generation as they have the highest chance of being hypoallergenic. Location and Demand The Labradoodle breed is one of the most popular crossbreed dogs, a close second to the Goldendoodles. This has significantly increased their value and demand. Dog breeders of bigger cities will have a large client pool and higher earnings. They usually have a hard time keeping up with the demands and hence have to increase their price. Breeders from rural areas have comparatively lower demand and charge less for their puppies. Nevertheless, the demand for low-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs is high everywhere, regardless of the size and popularity of a place. While it might be cheaper to buy your Labradoodle puppy from a rural breeder, you might still have to beat your budget to travel the extra distance or to have the puppy transferred to you. Although the low prices advertised at puppy mills might be tempting, getting a Labradoodle puppy from a reputed breeder is always a better option. Besides being spayed, neutered, and vaccinated, puppies from reputed breeders will also be appropriately socialized. This will make it easier for them to adapt to their new home. Most reputable breeders establish their prices based on their experience, investment, knowledge, credentials, and reputation with previous customers. Some breeders even incorporate training from a young age, and some puppies are potty trained at just eight weeks old. Reputed breeders also have health certificates and genetic records of both parent dogs in place. These certificates are proof that your Labradoodle is in the best of health and hygiene. Other Costs Associated With Labradoodles The preliminary cost of a Labradoodle will be substantially less than the total expenses involved throughout its life. Additionally, you might have to spend more on training foods and treats. Grooming The grooming needs of Labradoodles may vary depending on the type and length of their coat. Although Labradoodles are almost hypoallergenic, they need regular brushing and bathing. Medical Costs Most crossbreed dogs are usually less prone to ailments and diseases. Their larger gene pool also reduces their risk of inheriting diseases. One of the most common health issues with Labradoodle is hip dysplasia. And the surgical procedure to fix this is expensive, which is especially necessary for older Labradoodles. Besides this, there are other health care costs like vaccinations and regular veterinarian check-ups Ohio State Veterinary School source. It safeguards you against any unforeseen situations that may arise in the future with regard to its health. Training and Boarding Costs Although Labradoodles are very intelligent and highly trainable, it is advisable to enroll them in a professional training program to ensure their all-round development. It also helps address their excessive barking and jumping, which is common in Labradoodles. Labradoodles are high-energy dogs that can turn destructive when left alone for a long time. So whenever you go on trips, you will have to leave them at a doggie care center. Can Labradoodles smile? Ideally, you should purchase an adjustable crate whose length you can adjust as and when your puppy grows. Labradoodles are highly energetic dogs who need toys to maintain their mental stimulation and to keep them from getting destructive due to boredom. You might also have to make a one-time investment on a good quality bed as they often tend to chew and scratch at it. Labradoodle Adoption Price While you may want to get your Labradoodle puppy from a shelter, the chances are slim as Labradoodles are highly sought-after breeds that are usually kept in tight breeding groups. This is usually done to cover the cost of medical and maintenance care. Adopting a puppy from a rescue shelter is a noble idea, but you must also prepare to deal with any possible future problems with their health and temperament, as rescue dogs usually have health and behavior problems. My Miniature Labradoodle Max wearing a stylish rain coat Avoiding Disreputable Breeders The pet business has now emerged as one of the biggest industries worldwide. Unfortunately, this has also birthed unethical puppy mills, backyard breeders, and online pet stores, who have little to no knowledge about raising and nurturing puppies. Often, unsuspecting pet lovers trying to save some money fall prey to these tricks and end up with an unhealthy puppy with health and temperamental issues. This leads to them spending a lot of money on the treatment and maintenance of these puppies down the road. So, is there a way to distinguish between good and bad breeders and avoid paying exorbitant prices by accidentally supporting these puppy mills? Start by doing plenty of research on the breeder and consciously avoid backyard breeders, pet stores, and online stores. Additionally, look out for these red flags: Unusually low-priced puppies. The breeder refuses to show the living conditions of their dogs and puppies. Adult dogs are kept in harsh conditions and small cages. Puppies seem reserved, edgy, and nervous around people. The breeder has no health certificates of puppies and its parent dogs. Breeder refuses to provide any paperwork. Here are some standards and conventions practiced by trustworthy breeders: They breed puppies indoors and will take equal care of the parent dogs. They offer ample space and freedom to their puppies and dogs to run, play, sleep, and do everything they desire. They periodically clean and groom the dogs. They promote a healthy bonding of puppies with their mother and littermates. They try to gauge if you are capable of raising a particular dog breed. They offer tips and tricks on puppy care and maintenance. They have health and vaccination certificates from a licensed veterinarian. They offer proper legal protection like providing a guarantee for puppy replacement after around 1. Going through previous testimonials and customer reviews is another way of determining the credibility of a breeder. Find out how long the breeder has been in the business. Have a proper conversation with them and get all your puppy-related questions answered before you decide to get your puppy from them. With their love and affection, these bundles of joy can not only turn your bad days into wonderful ones, their high intelligence and alert minds also make them great guard dogs. Before purchasing a Labradoodle puppy, make sure to research the breeder and never get puppies from breeders who cannot provide health certificates for the puppies and their parents. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. If you are thinking that a Labradoodle might be a perfect addition to your family, you are right. They are friendly and intelligent dogs, and many have a low-shedding coat, which means they can be a good choice for families dealing with allergies or asthma. But exactly how much will it cost you to bring a Labradoodle home? The cost of a Labradoodle actually varies significantly depending on the specific dog and where you get it. We will go through all the things you are likely to have to pay for within the first six months of bringing the puppy home, and what you can expect to spend on the care and upkeep of your Labradoodle throughout their lives. The Cost Of Adopting A Labradoodle How much it will cost you to bring a Labradoodle into your household will vary significantly depending on where you get the puppy from. Whether you are looking for a standard Labradoodle or one of the small breeds that are the result of breeding a Labrador retriever with a miniature or toy poodle, also makes a difference, with the smaller dogs being more expensive. Why Are Labradoodles So Expensive? Labradoodles tend to be expensive because they are such desirable dogs. They are a mix of a Labrador retriever and a poodle, designed to be the perfect service dogs. Labrador retrievers have long been known as excellent working dogs because they are intelligent and motivated, which means they can be trained to complete the required tasks, and they also have a friendly and loving personality, so they know how to behave in public. This is essential when service dogs are able to enter public spaces that will be full of people, children, and other animals. However, the problem with Labradors is that they shed a lot. This means not only that they can be challenging to clean up after at home, but that they can be a health hazard in restaurants and places that need to maintain sanitary conditions, such as hospitals. Enter the poodle. Instead, the hair gets caught up in their coat and needs to be brushed out regularly. They are also highly intelligent, even more so than Labradors, which means they have a great ability to learn new tasks. They are also very loving, having been bred as companions, though they are a bit more wary of strangers than Labradors are. So the idea is that you combine a Labrador retriever and a poodle to get a Labradoodle, which has all the characteristics to work as a service dog and also has a low-shedding coat. But, since breeders are often catering to a specialist market, they do need to be careful to control for the characteristics they want. They need to be very careful to breed for the low-shedding coat since a Labradoodle naturally has an equal chance of inheriting a high-shedding Labrador coat and a friendly personality, as well as intelligence and an ability to learn. This is a lot of work for the breeder, so they charge more. The smaller pups cost even more because they are harder to breed due to the size difference between Labradors and small poodles. However, if you do come across a Labradoodle that does have the high-shedding coat of a Labrador, you might be able to get them a bit cheaper, as they will be harder to sell as service dogs. But be warned! It is almost impossible to tell whether a Labradoodle will have a low-shedding or high-shedding coat until they are at least 12 weeks old. With so much variation in the price of Labradoodles, it can be hard to know whether you are getting a good deal, or if you are being ripped off. Below are the main factors that affect the individual prices of Labradoodles and will push the price above or below the standard. These factors should help you determine whether a Labradoodle is being priced appropriately. Location Yes, just as housing costs more or less depending on where you live, the same is true of Labradoodles and all other dogs. Size As we have already said, size makes a big difference, and small Labradoodles that are the result of breeding between a Labrador retriever and either a miniature or toy poodle are significantly more expensive. This is because they are harder to breed, and they are also highly desirable pups. A mini Labradoodle can cost twice as much as a standard-sized version. Coat Type Labradoodles have three different coat types, which are classified as flat, wavy, or curly. Flat coats are most like the high-shedding coats of the Labrador, while curly coats are most like the low-shedding coats of poodles. Wavy coats fall somewhere in between. It will be no surprise to learn that curly coats are the most popular, and that dogs with these coats are more expensive. You might get a Labradoodle with a flat coat at a discount because they are shedders. This is easier to predict if you are breeding two Labradoodles that both already have the desired coat characteristics, but is very difficult to determine with first-generation Labradoodles. Coat Color Labradoodles come in a much wider range of colors than Labrador retrievers, and many of the more exotic coat colors are highly prized. Dogs like the Phantom Labradoodle and the Tuxedo Labradoodle are very coveted, and this can add significantly to the price of the dog. Breeder Reputation The fact of the matter is, when you are buying a dog from a breeder, you are putting a lot of faith into the assumption that everything they are telling you is true. They are the ones telling you that the parent pups have undergone extensive health screenings and that they have controlled for desirable characteristics. For this reason, reputation is very important among breeders, and you should always do a little bit of research on your breeder before purchasing. If you do find a good breeder with a reputation for producing happy and healthy pups, you can expect to pay more. They are at the top of the market, so they can afford to demand more money. Plus, good practice is usually more expensive to deliver. Additional Expenses When Buying A Labradoodle Puppy There are other expenses related to bringing a new puppy home beyond the price of the puppy itself. When you but a Labradoodle puppy from a reputable breeder, the price usually includes: Initial vaccination shots. However, some pups exchange hands for even more, if they have something which makes them especially desirable examples of what that might be coming up! You may also see Labradoodle puppies advertised for far less. This should be a red flag. A good breeder spends a great deal of money to produce a healthy litter. The costs of breeding a healthy litter include: Health screening for the parents. Travel and accommodation to meet a suitable stud dog. Veterinary costs for mom and her litter. Extra food. Whelping supplies, such as a whelping box, heat mats, and bedding. Time off work to look after mom, and start socializing her puppies. Backyard breeders, puppy mills, and online sellers may offer puppies at bargain prices, but only by cutting their own costs first. So their puppies are more likely to leave home with inherited health problems that require expensive treatment later. Or with behavioral problems like separation anxiety or stranger-directed aggression, which are difficult or impossible to overcome. Lots of people are overwhelmed by the upfront cost of a well bred puppy. Adopting a dog from a shelter is one way to find a dog for less, but without supporting unethical breeding practices. And some regions even have dedicated rescue organizations which specialize in rehoming Labradoodles and other Poodle crosses. This is a much less expensive route and adoption fees often cover things like initial vaccinations and microchipping. Such as whether they carry any late-onset inherited diseases, or are reactive to certain triggers. What Factors Determine Labradoodle Cost? There are a number of factors which may make people willing to pay more for a Labradoodle. Breeder Good breeders are rarely in it for the money. Even if they sell their puppies for a more money than they spent on them, the profit divided by the number of hours they spent caring the dam and her litter works out in cents! All breeders have their own personal philosophy on pricing pups. They might have a reputation and a waiting list which means they can charge more than the competition. They might also charge highly to deter people from buying their puppies on impulse. Provided you ask politely, a reputable breeder will be happy to explain how they arrived at the cost of their puppies. But a breeder who refuses to discuss how they set their price at all may be attempting to cover up the fact that their puppies have been very poorly raised and are not worth the asking price. Breeding Stock Breeders who invest in meticulous health screening of their sire and dam may pass the cost of that onto their buyers, and they have every right to do so. Puppies from thoroughly health tested parents cost more upfront, but they are likely to cost less in lifetime veterinary fees. Labradoodle puppies from parents with show or field titles may also be advertised at higher prices. The puppies of Labradoodles that have been backcrossed with a purebred Poodle will have a greater chance of inheriting the Poodle coat. Other factors There are other things which might affect Labradoodle costs too. For example, in cities and urban areas, miniature Labradoodles might command higher prices than standard Labradoodles. Some factors have nothing to do with the dog at all. For example, many reputable breeders avoid producing litters around Christmas time to avoid buyers passing them on as gifts to other people, or buying them on impulse without really thinking it through. Low quality breeders on the other hand, tend to push their prices up at this time of year. The Cost of Owning a Labradoodle in the First Year Whether you go a shelter or a breeder, adoption fees and purchase price are only the beginning of what it costs to own a Labradoodle. The first year will typically be the most expensive because this is when most major expenses occur. Such as Having the dog spay or neutered. Training classes. Accessories like a crate, bedding, toys, collar and leash. Labradoodles have a high frequency of joint disorders such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which may require expensive monthly prescriptions to manage. Bringing a puppy into your life comes with the responsibility to keep him healthy and happy. From food to medical costs, from toys to grooming, there a number of regular expenses that come with owning a dog. Food is such an essential part of ensuring your dog is healthy and there is a wide range of commercial dog foods available. You can spend tens, or hundred of dollars per month! Always choose a good quality food that lists animal protein as the first ingredient and avoid brands that include meat by-products, fillers, and artificial ingredients that can cause gastrointestinal problems and allergic reactions. This article on feeding a Labradoodle puppy can guide you. Feeding your dog a healthy diet and ensuring an active dog like the Labradoodle gets enough exercise will go a long way to reducing medical costs. However, any dog can develop health issues that require treatment that can run into thousands of dollars. Health problems that the Labradoodle can be susceptible to include: Hip and elbow dysplasia.