housebreaking a pug puppy

Final Thoughts Origins of the Jackador At first glance, on paper, the Jackador might seem a little imbalanced. For starters, its parent breeds are significantly different in size and also have different temperaments. However, the more you look into the details of each breed, the more it becomes apparent just how much they have in common. A Labrador lounges on his dog bed Jack Russells, also called Parson Russells , are terrier dogs, standing as high as twelve inches. Initially bred for fox hunting in Britain, these small dogs are now popular as feisty and loyal pets worldwide. Labrador Retrievers are also well-loved pets but are better known for their preeminence as calm, friendly, family dogs. They are the most popular family dog in America. Although they can vary in size, they can get up to one hundred pounds and twenty-five inches tall. Like the Jack Russell , they were also originally bred as working dogs for hunting waterfowl. So, how did these two breeds end up mixing to form the Jackador? As a relatively new designer dog, the Jackador is not recognized by the AKC, but its growth in popularity may add to the push to do so in the near future. The Jackador tops out at twenty inches tall and around fifty pounds. However, on most of these dogs, you can recognize the distinctive, perky tail, a tell-tale trait of both Labs and Jack Russells. Black, brown, and cream are the most popular among the possible body colors. In addition, white markings around the face and chest, which are predominant in Jack Russells, are also typical. A good predictor of the body color of a Jackador will be the body color of its Labrador parent, who is usually the mother. For this reason, chocolate, yellow, or white is also possible coat colors. Typically, these dogs also have short coats, and thanks to their working-breed parents, the coats are water-resistant. Labradors have rounder heads, while Jack Russels tend to have longer snouts and overall pointier features. Jackadors can vary from one dog to the other when it comes to these visual characteristics. However, you can expect a strong, muscular body with a deep, rounded chest, which are common traits in both parent breeds. Initially, both breeds were bred as working dogs, which lends this mix a decidedly hard-working personality with high energy. Because of its working-dog origins, the Jackador needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and prevent destructive behaviors. Even though this necessitates extra involvement on the part of owners, Jackadors are also easy to train and highly intelligent. The breed abounds in loyalty from both sides and makes a fantastic family dog for children, as this breed is not aggressive. However, Jackadors, like all other breeds, should be adequately trained and socialized early on. They tend to be protective, and if not trained, can become overprotective. Comparing a Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle which breed is better? Health Conditions While these are generally healthy dogs that can live on average around fourteen years, they can inherit any of the issues that commonly plague their parent breeds. On the Jack Russell side, this means watching out for eye disorders like glaucoma or cataracts. Small dogs can also suffer from luxating patella, a kneecap disease commonly seen in older dogs, as well as hip diseases like hip dysplasia and Legg-Calve-Perthe disease. From the Labrador side, a Jackador could inherit a tendency for recurrent ear infections, heart disease, or progressive retinal atrophy, which leads to eventual blindness. As with many breeds, regular checkups at the vet and a proper diet helps ensure these issues are kept at bay. For many of the diseases affecting joints, keeping excess weight off can help protect against overt wear and tear, which can exacerbate issues. Is a Jackador the Right Fit for You? The most important consideration in whether a Jackador is right for you is the amount of time you spend with it. Whether you adopt a puppy or a full-grown dog , Jackadors need a certain amount of time and attention to behave well but also to stay happy and healthy. Without the right amount of time and attention, Jackadors can act out around the house and become destructive. They can also display unwanted behaviors, like aggression, overprotectiveness, and antisocial qualities, if they are not trained or socialized well. But for those with an active lifestyle who can devote a few hours daily to help exercise their Jackador and keep its mind sharp, then the breed can provide years of loyal companionship. Some Pomeranians are very small and like Jack Russells can end up in adoption shelters Where to Find a Jackador As with many designer breeds, these dogs are available as puppies from many breeders, both reputable and disreputable alike. However, if your heart is set on a Jackador, there is a good chance that you can also find one at a nearby rescue or humane society. Check in your local area to see if any nearby rescues are dedicated to the breed. Final Thoughts In the world of designer dogs, the Jackador might seem like an odd underdog. However, while the size of its parents are strangely mismatched, its personality is evidence of this great breed pairing. These highly intelligent, loyal, and active dogs make wonderful family companions and can sport a wide variety of colors and characteristics common to either side of its family tree. Many shelters and rescue organizations likely have Jackadors for adoption, so check with these organizations for a chance to meet your new best friend. 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. To learn more about this crossbreed, it would help to look at the history of Labrador and Jack Russell. We will keep referring to the parent breeds' traits throughout the article to understand where this hybrid comes from and what to expect from it. Jack Russell Terrier The breed gets its name from John Russell, who bred these dogs in the early s to drive away foxes with his barking. They were bred to be hunting dogs and independent problem solvers. This is why JRTs are courageous and self-reliant. They can figure out their own ways to go about things and solve problems. The breed standard of JRTs varies because of their broad genetic make-up. Due to the distinction, the breed has even been divided into two separate breeds in England: one is Parson Russell Terrier, with longer legs, and the other is Jack Russell Terriers, having shorter legs. Labrador Retriever Labradors originated in Newfoundland, Canada, and were brought to England in the 19th century. They are hard-working dogs who used to retrieve fish and haul fishermen's boats from the water. Today, they serve society as guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, etc. We've discussed seven uses of Labradors in a separate post. For the last 29 years, Labradors have been the most popular breed in the United States, and for good reasons. They are smart, friendly, playful, and charming. Their high energy levels and intelligence mean that they are easy to train and can work for hours without losing their focus. What do Jack Russell Lab mixes look like? Like all mixed breeds, Jackadors' physical traits vary greatly. They may look like anything between a small Labrador and a big Jack Russell. They're short-to-medium-sized dogs, usually bigger and heavier than their parent Jack Russell but smaller and lighter than Lab. As with any dog breed, male Jackadors are a bit heavier and larger than their female counterparts. Both of Jackadors' parent breeds have water-resistant coats, so Jackadors will likely be fond of water, but some may be afraid of water because of negative experiences at a young age. Their ears are usually floppy but can also be partially erect, and their legs are proportionate to their height, giving them an athletic build. Coat and Colors Labradors come in several colors like black, white, yellow, and chocolate. JRTs are available in standard brown and white colors. Usually, Jackadors' color is determined by Labs, though it's not always the case. The hybrid can have various colors, but popular ones include black, cream, and brown. So, it's safe to say that Jackadors will also be an active breed that will need lots of physical and mental stimulation. You'll also require chewing toys and perhaps some puzzles to keep them occupied indoors. Similarly, both parent breeds are also hunting dogs, which means Jackadors will have a strong hunting instinct. Training will help reduce this behavior, but it cannot be eliminated entirely. So, it's critical to familiarize them with other animals at an early age, or else they'll instinctively see cats and other small animals as prey. These dogs like to be around their family members, so it's not a good idea to leave them alone for long periods. Doing so can result in destructive behaviors like chewing, barking, urination, etc. Jackadors are usually not an aggressive hybrid. With proper training and socialization, they can become excellent family companions, though it's essential to introduce them to kids at an early age. They must learn to be gentle with children and not chase them. Jackadors can also inherit the loud barking from their parent JRT, which means they will like to make themselves heard. Lastly, like their parent breeds, Jackadors are very loyal, loving, highly energetic, and intelligent. Jack Russells have a mostly white coat, so Jackadors are likely to inherit markings on their head and chest from their parent JRTs. A white chest or partially white face is common in these dogs. Brushing your Jackador's coat once a week and bathing occasionally will keep him clean and happy. Increase the brushing frequency to once or even twice a day during the shedding season. Exercise Labradors are highly energetic dogs, and so are JRTs. As a result, you can expect Jackadors to be just as energetic and active. Be ready to devote lots of exercise and playtime as this hybrid will drive you crazy if you don't give them enough physical activity. Their small size can allow them to adjust to apartments - traditional Labradors not so much! However, you'll have to make up for the lack of physical activity in the form of more exercise and playtime. Having a decent-sized house with a backyard will make a massive difference as it'll give your Jackador space to roam in. Both of the breeds are also very intelligent, so they must receive mental stimulation as well. JRTs are independent problem solvers, and Labs are always eager to work, so consider getting toys, puzzles, and food dispensers for your pet. How much time does your pup need for exercise? Usually, 30 to 60 minutes a day is enough, along with long walks and some running. It's best to divide this period of activity into small chunks throughout the day. As we've discussed, Jackadors become bored and restless without their daily dose of physical activity. They will begin targeting your furniture and chewing everything they can, so they must run around, play, and tire themselves out. Are Jackadors easy to train? Labradors are very intelligent and eager to please their owners. This means they are highly trainable, and you can teach them to do virtually anything, so owners will not have much difficulty training Labs themselves. On the other hand, JRTs were bred to be independent. Like Labs, they are very intelligent and energetic. However, they tend to solve problems on their own and don't depend on their human partners. JRTs are also loud, and they instinctively chase anything that moves. When these breeds are crossed, the resulting Jackadors are also intelligent and energetic, but consistent, rigorous training is required when they're at the puppy stage. This is to make sure they only chase toys and balls rather than cats or other animals. Training is also critical for keeping their barks under control. The Jack Russell Lab mix isn't always suited to homes with small pets or young kids, but early socialization and training will ensure that they are friendly toward children and adults alike. Since both JRT and Labrador are hunting dogs, it's crucial to introduce them to other pet dogs and animals at a young age to avoid any trouble later on. Overall, you can prevent Jackadors' typical behavior issues through positive reinforcement training and physical activity. They'll also benefit from plenty of interaction with other animals and people of all ages from about 10 weeks of age. Are Jackadors healthy dogs? Jackadors are generally healthy, but they can be prone to any of the diseases that plague their parent breeds. It happens when the kneecap is not correctly lined up and usually causes lameness. It's a congenital disease, though the actual misalignment occurs later on in a dog's life. Eye disorders: JRTs are prone to several painful eye diseases like glaucoma abnormally high pressure in the eye , lens luxation displaced eye lens , and cataracts. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: This is another disease that usually only occurs in small breeds. It is similar to hip dysplasia and is often confused with it. In this condition, the ball of the hip joint is deformed, causing arthritis and wearing. Labradors Ear infections: The large, floppy ears can provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, making Labs more prone to ear infections. This can be prevented by regularly cleaning your pet's ears. Heart diseases: Labs can suffer from a range of heart problems. The most common ones are chronic degenerative valve disease, cardiomyopathy, and heartworm disease. Progressive retinal atrophy: PRA is a group of genetic diseases that affect your pet's retina. The photoreceptors inside the dog's eye deteriorate over time, which eventually leads to blindness. JRTs are not very prone to obesity, but any dog can gain weight with the wrong diet and lack of physical activity. On the other hand, Labradors are voracious eaters and can quickly become overweight, so you should monitor the amount of food your Jackador eats, especially if he takes after his Lab parent. Since there's a huge difference between JRTs and Labs, it's difficult to suggest the exact amount of kibble your Jackador should eat every day. In any case, make sure you only give your pet high-quality dog food designed for small-to-medium-sized dogs. Feeding little and often is the safest option, which means you may have to feed your pet at least three times a day. After every meal, you should also give your dog enough time to digest it before taking him out. Check out my Recommended Products section to see which foods I recommend, including custom fresh food solutions you can order online! Should you get a Jackador? The Jack Russell Lab mix is best suited for families that can dedicate enough time and attention to their physical and mental needs. Jackadors can be an excellent companion if you have an active lifestyle, but if your family cannot devote a few hours every day, you'll probably be better off getting a calmer breed. As we've discussed, you don't necessarily need a large home or a backyard, though it's certainly preferred. Early socialization and training are also indispensable, so you'll have to spend extra time on these. JRTs were initially bred to chase away foxes with their loud, consistent barking, so your Jackador might be fond of his own voice. However, he may also inherit Labrador's calm demeanor, in which case you wouldn't have to deal with the barking that much. They may inherit all the best qualities of the parent breeds, or they may get the worst of both worlds. So, only bring a Jackador puppy home if you're ready to deal with whatever traits he will have. We're not trying to scare you, but you should be aware of this fact. Overall, if you're asking yourself, 'should I get a Jackador? Where to find a Jackador puppy Since Labradors and JRTs differ a lot in size, it's unlikely that any breeder will intentionally cross them. However, accidents happen, and Jackadors do exist. Contact reputable breeders around you and online, and inquire about this hybrid. Make sure only to purchase a puppy from a certified breeder and never from puppy mills or pet stores. This will ensure you get healthy puppies whose parents have been screened for diseases. You will probably have better luck finding a Jackador in shelters or online adoption centers. Start by looking for this hybrid in your local rescue shelters. They may or may not have a Jackador available right away, but you can talk to the staff, and they will probably be able to guide you correctly. Head over to Petfinder and other such websites to look for these dogs. Sites like the ones listed below are more likely to have a Jackador than local shelters or breeders. Jack Russell Lab mix lifespan What is a Jackador? Because of the drastic size difference between the parent breeds, the mother is usually the Labrador, and the father is the Jack Russell. But as this is a hybrid breed, it is difficult to predict which physical and behavioral traits the offspring will inherit from their parents. However, both breeds were hunting dogs, so we know this mixed breed will inherit the hunting instinct. Yet they have a rich history of being crossed by accident, due to how closely they have worked together on farms and ranches for generations. To understand this crossbreed better, we must look at the history of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Labrador Retriever. This small breed gets its name from Parson John Russell, who bred these dogs during the s as a baying terrier, meaning the dog would flush out the fox with its steady barking but never killed its prey. The Jack Russell worked alongside fox hounds covering extensive distances without slowing down, being independent thinkers brave enough to enter a fox den with an ability to dig. The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland, Canada. As well as a hunting dog, the Labrador Retriever also excels as a guide dog, therapy dog, and service dog. For nearly 30 years, they have ranked as the most popular dog in the USA. The Jackador is a small to medium-sized dog that is often a little bigger and heavier than the Jack Russell but smaller and lighter than the Labrador. Their ears are usually floppy but can be partially erect with their legs in proportion with their size giving them an athletic build. Both parent breeds have a water-resistant coat, so the Jackador will too. This cute cross combines a tiny dog with a large one. These puppies range hugely in adult height. The Jack Russell Labrador mix stands 16 to 20 inches high and can weigh anything from 25 to 50 pounds. Coat Colors and Patterns The Jackador can come in many colors, but notably black, brown, and cream. The Labrador tends to dictate the coat color, but you can often have a white chest or partially white face from the Jack Russell breed. Managing Grooming and Shedding The Jack Russell and the Labrador have short, water-resistant coats that are easy to maintain, so the Jackador will require brushing once a week and a bath when needed. Both parents are shedders, so during the molting season, your Jack Russell Labrador mix will be the same and require brushing more frequently. Your hybrid breed will also need their teeth brushed regularly, their ears cleaned, and their nails trimmed. Jack Russell Labrador Mix Temperament The Jack Russell and Labrador Retriever are working dogs bred for long hours in the field, so the Jackador will also be an active dog requiring plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They need to be introduced to small animals early as this mixed breed, from its hunting heritage, may chase after them as prey, especially if they take more after the Jack Russell parent. They can also inherit loud barking from their Jack Russell parent and like being heard! But like their parent breeds, the Jack Russell Labrador mix will be loyal, loving, energetic and intelligent. You need plenty of time to exercise and play with this mixed breed as they need two walks each day and lots of playtime so they can get rid of some of their energy! Both parent breeds are intelligent, with Jack Russells being problem solvers and Labradors eager to work, so consider getting chew toys, puzzles, and food dispensers to keep your pet occupied. When it comes to obedience training, it all depends on which parent your mixed breed takes after. With its eagerness to please, the Labrador is easy to train, whereas the Jack Russell is an independent dog who can solve problems independently, so it tends to have a stubborn and mischievous streak! Early socialization is crucial to ensure your Jackador is friendly and gentle towards other people and children. Are Designer Dogs Healthy? Mixed breeds like the Jack Russell Labrador mix tend to be far healthier than purebreds. However, they can be prone to some of the health issues that plague their parent breeds, so you need to be aware of some of these conditions, which include: Jack Russell Terrier. Brown, black, cream, golden, all possible with white markings Temperament: Outgoing, energetic, friendly, intelligent, independent Most Suitable For: Active single individuals, active families, possibly unsuitable for the elderly What Does a Jack Russell Lab Mix Look Like? It will likely borrow from both parent breeds for its overall physical appearance. The Jack Russell Lab will likely have triangular, folded ears, like the Jack Russell, and a short snout and button nose, like the Jack Russell Terrier. Luckily for those who like to get outside in the rain you mad bastards, you! You can expect your Jackador to inherit a solid color or a tri-color mix of brown, black, golden, or white in coat colors. Are you looking for a way to treat your furry friend? Sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win a free month of Barkbox! Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to get emails from myk9life. We'll respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe any time. Not much information is available at all. Thus, we look to their parent breeds to inform us about what to expect from a Jack Russell Lab mix. The History of the Lab The humble Labrador Retriever is up first in our foray into the parent breeds. The Labrador was first created in the s by mixed breeding between a St. The Labrador was originally bred as a sporting and hunting dog but is now primarily a companion pet. Although modern Labrador Retrievers are currently used in many countries as police dogs, disability-assistance dogs, and performing military functions. Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the Western world. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog in the United States! They were first recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in and have long enjoyed huge national popularity, mostly due to their multi-functional nature and the ability to be a loving and loyal companion pet. How Did Labs Come About? The Labrador Retriever is the evolution of crossbreeding between English hunting dogs and the St. Unfortunately, little corroborating information exists. The Jack Russell Terrier was bred by the Reverend John Russell, who produced the dog as a hunting dog to aid in the hunting of foxes. The Jack Russell was small and agile enough to follow the fox into its den and finish the kill. Jack Russell Terriers typically come in various brown colors, some lighter than others, mixed with black and white color patterns. While originally bred as a hunting breed, Jack Russell Terriers are more commonly found now as family pets. The Jack Russell Terrier is a beautiful family dog for the active family unit, requiring intense physical exercise. They love to run and play. This makes them largely unsuitable for the elderly and apartment-style living. They can sometimes exhibit disruptive behaviors like excessive barking if left alone for long periods. The Jack Russell was first bred by the Reverend John Russell in the midth century in England as Russell sought to create the perfect fox-hunting dog. The Jack Russell quickly caught on among hunting pet owners in the UK and has maintained steady popularity. The Jack Russell is one of the most challenging crossbreeds for owners, largely due to certain undesirable characteristics. Excessive barking and certain health conditions that include dental diseases. This hyper dog breed is still crossed with many other different types of dogs, however. Bo-Jack Jack Russell Terrier and Boston Terrier Interesting Jackador Facts To mix things up and give you some fun and exciting information, I wanted to provide you with a quick list of some of the top qualities and exciting information you may not know yet about the Jackador. She always needs to be around me and follows me around literally everywhere. The Jackador will behave very similar to this and is known to experience separation anxiety and form a strong bond and loyalty towards the pack leader in the home. To give you an idea of what I mean, I have a video on my YouTube channel explaining how my Jack Russell reacted when being left home alone in the beginning. Here it is. Similar to a Jack Russell Golden Retriever mix , the Jackador is full of energy and needs the ability to use it. Whether this is through exercise, play, or training , it is essential with a dog like the Jackador that you can provide your dog the ability to burn off this energy. This will help you avoid negative behaviors that stem from boredom or not having the ability to burn off some of that excess or pent-up energy. My JRT is consistently looking for animals in the backyard and trying to track them down. On the flip side, my yellow lab has almost no prey drive. With the Jackador, you have a good chance of getting the prey drive of the Labrador or a mix of both dogs reducing the overall prey drive of the Jackador. Especially if you take your time doing your homework and research before adopting. With some patience, consistency, and a routine schedule, you can test your Jackadors intelligence and begin training immediately after adoption. Most larger dogs do not live as long as smaller dogs. With the Jackador, you get a medium-sized dog with a lifespan capable of reaching well past the double digits. You can expect a Jackador to live on average for years. The Jackador has the potential and likelihood of becoming one of the best family dogs you can choose to adopt. Much like the Jack Russell Terrier and the Labrador dog breeds. Families looking for a loyal dog with a strong love and amount of affection for their families should be looking or considering the Jackador. Overall, this dog is excellent. The only downfall may be the training and supervision required to have a Jackador around young children or babies more on this later. Nonetheless, suppose you are looking for a dog breed with a strong potential for becoming an excellent family dog. The Jackador is definitely one of the best options you have. The most distinct behavior of the Jackador is going to be the energy and playful demeanor. Up next, the Jackador can also be somewhat stubborn during training and requires patience as the dog owner. Digging is also a concern with the Jackador. Both the Labrador and Jack Russell Terrier is known to dig in their early years during puppyhood. Additionally, the playfulness of the Jackador can lead to unwanted jumping on the company out of excitement or the craving for attention from anyone willing to provide it to them. Excessive barking may also be a concern with the Jackador until it is appropriately trained out of them. Without proper training and guidance, a Jackador may be an overwhelming dog breed for many owners. Especially first-time dog owners. On the flip side, with patience, proper training, a loving home, and some consistent routines, the Jackador can become one of the best dogs you could raise and have as part of the family. The choice and responsibility that fall on you are the points I am trying to make. Be sure to do your best and provide what a Jackador needs for the best results. I want to make sure you understand that the Jackador will do best when given plenty of chances to socialize and the more they are exposed to other pets and social situations. This is typically true of any dog. I highly recommend you begin the socialization process when your Jackador is young. This will help eliminate anxiety and potential issues as your Jackador ages and can help your Jackador become an excellent dog when exposed and around other dogs or animals in the home. Jackadors With Children and Babies Jackadors are not necessarily the best dogs with children or babies but not because of anything that is their fault. This is a hyper dog breed that tends to be a bit clumsy. It is essential that if you have young children or a baby, you supervise the interactions at the beginning with your Jackador. Aggression is not necessarily the concern. The concern is more based on jumping and rowdy behavior. With training and some discipline, your Jackador will learn what is permitted and not permitted around children or babies. This can be said about most dogs, so it should not come as much of a surprise to anyone reading. Work with them and show love, and you can absolutely adopt a Jackador whether you have children or babies today. Not to mention, it makes the process much more enjoyable for both you and your Jackador Now, with 3 years under my belt owning both parent dogs of the Jackador, I wanted to fill you in on a few other key things you should understand about the Jackador to determine if they are the right dog for you or not. Jackadors Demand Plenty Of Exercise With hyper dog breeds, you have to understand how important exercise is. This could be argued for any dog breed, but Jackadors absolutely need plenty of exercises. Exercise will help eliminate nervous behaviors and help your dog respond to all training and discipline in a better fashion. Not to mention, it is an excellent way for your Jackador to get additional socialization when they are young. With Jackadors, some joint or popular exercises you can consider include the following:. Not only for their appearance and temperament, but because they get the best of two different dogs, and they also tend to have fewer health problems! A Jack Russell Terrier Lab mix the Jackador is a small to medium dog that stands inches high and weighs between 25 and 50 lbs. Its friendly and intelligent nature makes it a great companion or outdoor dog for singles, couples, or families. We can tell you all about it in this article. Everything, from general information to history, to exercise needs and diet, to health issues, and more. Therefore, it inherits traits, both physical and behavioral, from both parent dogs. Due to the difference in size between both breeds, as a general rule, the mother is the Labrador, and the father is the Jack Russell. However, it could also happen the other way around. The Labrador has been a member of the AKC since as a sporting dog. Both Jack Russells and Labradors were originally bred as working hunting dogs. The Jack Russell Terriers hunted foxes and other smaller animals. Labradors were used to track and then retrieve animals, mainly water ones such as ducks. So Jackadors, as a cross of both parent breeds, have inherited the working hunting dog instincts and traits. And just as both parent breeds, Jackadors are highly social and loving, very intelligent and loyal, and full of energy. Plus, they are super cute! History of the Jack Russell Terrier Mixed Breed The history of a dog breed can do a lot to determine both physical traits and general temperament, as most dogs were originally bred for a specific purpose. That means specific traits were developed and favored over time until they became the norm. As a crossbreed, the Jackador has inherited traits from both Jack Russell and the Labrador. In order to get the full picture, we need to dive into the history of both parent breeds. He is the person that originally bred these dogs, back in the early s. The purpose of the breed was to drive away foxes and to hunt different types of small mammals. They were bred to be independent and intelligent, capable of solving problems by themselves. This is why Jack Russells, as a general rule, are courageous, active, and independent. However, throughout history, there have been many variations of the Russell Terrier. Later on, they spread to other parts of the world. They were originally bred as working hunting dogs, and their main job was to retrieve prey. Mainly, they were used in water environments, thanks to their excellent swimming abilities. Nowadays, Labrador Retrievers are the most popular breed of dog in the United States. They are also one of the most popular breeds overall worldwide. But they are still classed as working dogs. Today they are used as guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and similar. They are incredibly intelligent and high-energy. They are also one of the best breeds for families, as they are playful, gentle, loyal, and very sociable. Crossbreeds just kinda happen naturally sometimes. Then people catch on and start breeding them on purpose. What does a Jackador look like? The appearance of the Jackador can vary from litter to litter. They are generally a small to medium breed but this could be anything between a big Jack Russell, or a small Labrador. Basically, they can inherit any of the traits from both parent breeds, and can end up looking more like one, the other, or a perfect in-between. So in general, the Jack Russell Terrier mix will weigh between 25 and 50 lbs. They will have a height of between 16 to 20 inches tall. Also, male Jackadors will be slightly bigger than their female counterparts. They have an athletic build, with proportionate legs. Their ears will most often be floppy, but could also be partially erect, as it depends. As for the coating, both Labradors and Jack Russels have water-resistant coats. So Jackadors will also inherit this. Jackadors are big fans of the water. They will enjoy swimming , plus excel at this skill. There will always be some Jackadors who might not like water. This will usually be down to them having had a bad experience with it at a young age. As for the color of the coating… Labradors are either black, white, yellow or chocolate. Jack Russell Terriers are brown and white. The Jackador will be a mix of all of this, and will usually inherit the coloring of the Labrador parent. Most often, Jackadors are either black, cream, or brown. Temperament and Behavior of the Jackador Every single dog has its own unique personality. Nobody can say otherwise. However, different breeds of dogs will have different temperaments and behavioral tendencies, due to the instincts and traits that have been bred in through their original purpose and design. When it comes to the Jackador, the temperament is a mixture of both Labrador and Jack Russell. It very much depends on the parents. So one of the first things you should do is ask about the parents of your prospective Jackador! Overall, both Labradors and Jack Russell Terriers are working dogs. So the Jack Russell Terrier mix is incredibly active and inherently wants to be of use. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. This then leads to destructive or disruptive behavior. As a crossbreed between two hunting dogs, Jackadors will also have very strong hunting instincts. This means they could inherently chase cats and other small animals and will see them as prey. A Labrador is less likely to chase cats compared with a Jack Russell who has a higher prey drive. With people, Jackadors are incredibly friendly and loyal. They love being around their family, and will not do very well when left alone for long periods of time. This is because they need to be with company, and not alone. But they are very loving and affectionate and great for families. The only other thing to watch out for in Jackadors, apart from the hunting instinct, is the barking. These dogs make themselves heard and will be prone to barking. So training from an early stage will be needed to manage this. Grooming Needs of a Jackador Both Jack Russell Terriers and Labradors have quite short hair, which is water-resistant and easy to maintain. As such, Jackador dogs are pretty easy to maintain grooming-wise and should be fine with being brushed once a week, and bathed only when needed. However, both parent breeds are big shedders during molting season, so the Jackador will be the same. When it comes to shedding season, there will be hairs everywhere, and brushing will have to be increased to every two days, or sometimes even every day. Other than that, there are no significant grooming needs to be aware of. Exercise Needs of a Jackador Both parent breeds are working dogs with a lot of energy…so yeah, the Jack Russell Terrier mix is equally as high-energy and active. They will need a lot of exercise. This means they will need at least two walks a day, and plenty of playtimes to get that energy out. Around 60 minutes a day or so should do the trick! Luckily, their small to medium size allows them to fit into apartments, so you can keep a Jackador within a regular home. However, it is preferable for them to have some sort of garden. There they can have plenty of space to burn through their energy. Otherwise, you will have to dedicate a lot more time and effort to exercising outside of the house. Jackador dogs also need plenty of mental stimulation. Consider mental challenges like: Puzzle toys Training sessions that challenge their abilities and learning. If they do not get enough mental stimulation, the Jack Russell Terrier mixed dog will get bored. And when bored, they can develop destructive behavior such as chewing and scratching furniture within the house. They will also try to get your attention by misbehaving. Are Jackadors Easy To Train? The Jackador is easiest to train when they are puppies. That training needs to be rigorous and consistent to be effective. Both dogs are intelligent. Training is a big part of caring for a dog. It is very important in order to establish appropriate behavioral patterns, basic commands, and to provide mental stimulation. But how easy is it to train a Jackador? Well, Labradors are one of the easiest dog breeds to train. They are incredibly intelligent and super eager to please and obey. They can be taught to do almost anything, which is why they are guide dogs. Jack Russell Terriers are equally intelligent. But they are quite independent and prefer to solve problems by themselves. This means that they can be a lot more stubborn and mischievous, and a more stern style of training is required. Jackador dogs are a mix of the two, and it mostly depends on which parent breed they take after. They will be very intelligent and energetic, and they will really enjoy training. However, you will need to be very consistent and stern, and start the training process as early as possible, in order to ensure it is effective. Apart from basic commands and behavioral patterns, training for a Jackador should focus on reducing the hunting instinct, and limiting the barking. The training should start as early as when they are a puppy, and socialization should be incorporated into the training from about 10 weeks of age. The Health of a Jackador Different dog breeds have higher risks for different specific health problems and issues, so this is something to look into beforehand. Crossbreeds, such as the Jack Russell Terrier mix, will inherit all of the health risks of both parent breeds. But the good news is that crossbreeds are a lot healthier overall, and the risk is significantly lower, as they do not tend to suffer from health issues as much. Nevertheless, you need to be aware of the main health problems of both the Labrador and the Jack Russell, so you know what to potentially look out for in your Jackador: The Health of a Labrador Ear infections: this can be easily prevented by regularly cleaning out the ears, and it is common in dogs with floppy ears. Heart diseases: the most common ones are chronic degenerative valve disease , cardiomyopathy , and heartworm disease. Progressive retinal atrophy: This is something that affects the retina of the eye, causing it to deteriorate over time and ultimately causing blindness. The Health of a Jack Russell Terrier Eye disorders: Jack Russell Terriers are usually prone to eye diseases such as glaucoma , lens luxation , and cataracts. Patellar luxation: this is pretty common amongst all small dogs. It occurs when the kneecap is not lined up properly, causing lameness. It will usually happen when they begin to get old. Legg-calve-Perthes disease: also common amongst small dogs, it is similar to hip dysplasia in that the ball of the hip joint is slightly deformed, causing arthritis and other problems. If you want to be able to know, in a more exact way, exactly which health risks are more significant in your Jackador, then the best way is to figure out the exact percentage of breeds in your puppy. Knowing if it is more Labrador or more Jack Russell will help you understand the health a lot better. And for this, you can simply take a DNA test, there are plenty available in the market, and you could also ask your vet for one. Food and Diet of a Jackador Figuring out the right diet for a crossbreed can be pretty challenging. This is especially true as Labradors and Jack Russell Terriers have very different diets, due to the difference in size. So you will instead have to figure out a unique diet plan that works for your Jackador, depending on which parent breed it takes after the most. It is worth noting that Jack Russell Terriers are prone to remaining athletic and fit all their life. But Labradors, on the other hand, can very easily become fat if given too much food! This is because Labs are missing the hormone that signals when their stomach is full. So make sure you give the right amount of food, and no more, and that it is high-quality and paired with plenty of exercise. So here is the important question: should you? Jackador dogs can be easily kept in a regular house or apartment, and they make excellent companions. Are you able to take good care of the Jackador, so that all needs are covered? If yes, then you can absolutely get one! If not, then try looking into a different breed of dog. To get a new Jackador puppy, you will have to find a reliable breeder, but these can be quite rare and can get pretty expensive as they are highly sought after. In all honesty, you will have a better chance of finding a Jackador if you look for one in shelters and adoption centers, where crossbreeds are a lot more popular. There are many online services that can help you look for a Jackador, and that will check different adoption centers and shelters automatically. Petfinder is one of the most popularly used and is very reliable. You can also check out this Labrador Russell Facebook page. Frequently Asked Questions How big will a Jackador get? The size of your Jackador will depend on whether it takes more after the Labrador parent, or after the Jack Russell parent, so the growth can vary quite a lot. The average size of a Jackador dog is between 16 and 20 inches in height, and between 20 and 50 lbs in weight. However, there have been cases of a Jackador being slightly bigger, although not by a lot. Are Jackador dogs good? The answer to this is pretty subjective, as it depends on what you consider a good dog to be like. Jackador dogs are friendly, intelligent, and very active. They are excellent companions and natural working dogs that can be easily trained. Plus, they are super cute and playful! Read More About Labradors.

Insufficient relaxation or sleep time Other animals harassing your dog Lack of positive attention from you Inconsistent or unclear behavior rules taught by you Insufficient physical or mental exercise You give incorrect attention during arousal behaviors You can correct the lack of exercise through a balanced German Shepherd exercise routine for health. Boredom, due to lack of mental stimulation, is also correctable. Read this guide on using mental stimulation exercises for German Shepherds to improve their behavior. Motherhood, hypothyroidism, and physical pain all contribute to stress and hostile episodes. While motherhood passes, other medical conditions need treatment. Talk to your vet before trying to address aggression on your own as an underlying medical condition may exist. Triggers are immediate actions or behaviors that increase or begin the act of aggression in your dog. Determine what sets off your dog by watching their body language signs listed above and noting their environment. This requires identifying the trigger, eliminating any stressors, and creating a training modification program that is consistent to meet your GSDs end goals. Use the stress list, found above, to help you figure out stressors that you can control. Track what things cause your dog to react hostile. Use Safety Precautions to Prevent Injury Try a control management tool such as a muzzle or headcollar to regain control when out in public. Gentle Head Collar This control tool provides gentle corrections and prevents jumping, lunging, and pulling. It does, however, provide better safety and control. If you need more confidence in handling your aggressive German Shepherd, then place the head collar on them before going outside. Aggression Treatment To have the best chance of success with training an aggressive German Shepherd, use the entire treatment protocol listed below. Using all the steps of treatment gives you and your dog more positive results. The following chart provides the training step and the action to help lessen aggressive behavior. The program can take many months depending on what issues your dog exhibits and how deep those issues are. Instead, take an approach that touches on all of the daily life skills. In a nutshell, the NILIF technique means that for everything your dog wants in life they must perform a command that you give them. You can make yourself more predictable to your dog by teaching them that rewards only come when he asks nicely with a calm behavior, like a sit. Your dog earns all rewards such as food, treats, praise, and affection by giving you the behavior you want. Most importantly… Teach your dog the basic obedience skills to reinforce your expectations and use this obedience training in your daily routines. Instead, use positive reinforcement that promotes and rewards desired behaviors. Here are some problems and solutions to help prevent your German Shepherd from becoming aggressive. Rather than think your German Shepherd has simply become aggressive, look for the areas of their life that tend to upset her. German Shepherd Aggression Prevention There are many reasons you must consider when wondering why your German Shepherd is becoming aggressive. Use a complete training regimen to ensure success. Aggressive German Shepherds are a potential threat and a safety hazard. Safety is your priority. Both for you and your dog. Your patience and persistence help your GSD become a success story! The correct thing to do is to make sure your dog is kept away from harming any person or animal. Please share this to help others! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Genetics, learning history, and environment all play a role in behavior. Here are the four questions you can ask to get the full picture: 1 What kind of information has the breeder or rescue organization given? Has the breeder become aware of other puppies in that litter showing aggression? Does the rescue have any information on either of those things? Is your GSD puppy showing aggression only when there are items of value nearby, like toys or bones? When do other dogs walk by your house? When his food bowl is present? Keep a puppy behavior diary — make notes of when you see behaviors of concern so that we can identify those specific environments. GSD puppies are typically fantastic communicators — they are born with the ability to use body language to express themselves to us and to each other. A fearful puppy may show his teeth, pin his ears, piloerection, growl, whale eye show the whites of his eyes in a doggy glare but keep his distance. More aggressive behaviors are similar to the above but they are much more inclined to break that space bubble and move in to make contact with the threat. However, a GSD puppy who is struggling with anxiety, pain or neurological issues, may take several hours or days to return to their normal state. These puppies require veterinary assistance to look further into WHY — a Veterinary Behaviorist who is qualified in both behavior and medicine. It is not only scary and upsetting after your GSD has become aggressive with you, but very confusing. They use their teeth for everything, especially while interacting with their people. Encourage him to go into his crate and get him into the car and to the vet for professional help to rule out any medical issues first. The short answer is YES. Whenever you see the behavior of concern, especially in a puppy, the very first thing to do is to see your veterinarian to rule out any chances of an underlying medical issue — medical trumps behavior, always. Ask your vet for assistance in finding the best harness for his body shape. Ask them what their training methods are and what you can expect from your first session with them. A GSD, even as a puppy, can certainly have great instincts to begin to protect his family and his environment — however, he does not yet have appropriate experience under his belt to know what to do with possible threats. Like most GSD puppies, they play, eat and sleep hard. If you have a friend or neighbor with a healthy, stable dog that could teach your GSD puppy how to play, this is always best. If, however, your GSD puppy is hurting your older dog — biting legs and neck to the point of drawing blood or causing a fight between them, separate them immediately and book that vet visit. When it comes to children and dogs of any age, there is no grey area. Is your or any child safe with your puppy? You will then need to contact a qualified Canine Behavior Consultant, not just a trainer, to help you. Demographic and epidemiologic data were collected and analyzed. A total of children were identified. The average age was 4. The majority of dog bites occurred in children 5 years of age or younger .Almost all .When circumstances surrounding the bite were documented, over half .Truly aggressive GSD puppies are rare — however, it happens. Qualified professionals will not recommend euthanasia lightly — they will do everything they can to ensure that underlying medical issues or specific contributing environments are ruled out. Conclusion In conclusion, truly aggressive GSD puppies are rare — but not impossible. Hire a qualified behavior consultant to help you figure out the WHY to prevent it from getting worse. Be sure, when looking to purchase or adopt a GSD puppy, to ask about their contracts to make sure that you are covered. If the aggression is based in fear, which it typically is — yes, with the right professionals on your side, your GSD puppy can live a normal and happy life. Fear is complex and time-consuming to work through but it can be done! More posts on German Shepherd Puppies Recommended post. Are German Shepherds Aggressive? Fact vs. Fiction German shepherd dogs are a very popular breed known for loyalty, bravery, and protection. But are German shepherds aggressive too? Find out the facts. German shepherd dogs are a very popular breed known for loyalty, bravery, and protection. The German shepherd dog has a devoted fandom of dog lovers around the world — so devoted that this dog breed even has its own acronym, the GSD. The GSD is often associated with loyalty and bravery. The truth about dog aggression is that it can affect any breed of dog, especially if the dog doesn't get enough socialization from an early age. But there are dog breeds that are more prone to aggressive behavior because of their breeding or because of genetically inherited mental disorders, like rage syndrome , cognitive dysfunction , or hypothyroidism. We'll look at the risk factors and statistics surrounding German shepherd aggression. Plus, we'll share tips for dog owners trying to prevent aggression in their German shepherd puppy or adult rescue dog. A Look at the Facts There are three ways to assess the likelihood that a dog breed will have aggressive tendencies. The first is to look at what they were bred for — this is often the best indicator of a dog's hardwired personality traits. Next is to look at the breed's health and inherited disorders to determine whether they inherit conditions that put them at risk for aggression. And finally, look at the data surrounding dog bites to see if German shepherds bite more frequently than other breeds. This data will help us discover the answer to: Are German shepherds aggressive? Were They Bred for Aggression? German shepherds were originally bred to be working dogs, and this dog has a history of succeeding in all types of work — most of which require a stable temperament. Herding These dogs started out as herding dogs where an aggressive dog might injure the livestock. But, part of the job of a herding dog is also to protect their herd. So, they may show aggression when they perceive something to be a threat to their flock, or in the case of a family dog, to their family members. Police Work German shepherds also work as police dogs. While this may bring to mind the image of an aggressive German shepherd, police dogs actually need to have an even temperament and be able to keep their cool in high-stress environments. Otherwise, they would be at risk for biting innocent civilians. This work requires an intelligent dog that pays close attention to its handler and loves the mental stimulation they get from police dog training, including obedience training, scenting, and search and rescue. Guarding Now we come to the one job that most people associate with aggression — The German shepherd breed is often used as a guard dog. These large dogs have an imposing size and appearance that can scare off strangers, and typically they will act to protect their home and family from a perceived threat. What constitutes a "perceived threat" will be different for every dog. A well-socialized dog may welcome strangers into their home and only act if their owner appears to be frightened or in pain. An undersocialized dog may perceive every visitor as a threat and need to be put away in a crate or another room whenever you have company. German shepherds are rarely aggressive towards their owners or family since that is the thing they're protecting. They may at times become overprotective of family members, but this trait should be manageable with proper training. While German Shepherds are at risk for a variety of health problems from arthritis to pancreatitis , they are not prone to rage syndrome, cognitive dysfunction, hypothyroidism, or brain tumors. However, GSDs are prone to epilepsy , which has been linked to aggression when it's left untreated. If you're buying a German shepherd puppy, ask the breeder about any history of epilepsy in their dogs and in puppies from previous litters. While a responsible breeder will conduct a variety of health screenings, there isn't currently a genetic test that can predict epilepsy. If you've had a German shepherd for a long time, and it suddenly starts to show signs of aggression, take your dog to the vet. Even if your GSD doesn't have epilepsy or another condition linked with aggression, their new-found behavior problem may be a sign that they're in pain. Many dogs will behave aggressively if they're in pain, and your dog may need medical attention and pain relief. According to recent data, German shepherds rank fourth on the list of dog breeds that bite the most. However, when you consider that German shepherds are the third most popular dog breed in the U. And while the study referenced above listed the top breed as unidentifiable, many local reports list Labrador retrievers as the breed that bites the most people. Labs also happen to be the most popular dog breed, which means there are more of them in the U. More Labs means more chance of getting bitten by a Lab — just like how more German shepherds means more chance of getting bitten by a German shepherd. A literature review by the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA found a strong link between the prevalence of breed-specific bite incidents and the regional popularity of the breed. For example, in some regions of Canada where sled dogs are the most popular breeds, Siberian huskies caused the most dog bites. The AVMA review also found that with many but not all large breeds, the number of bites by that breed went up during times when the breed's popularity went up. A few years later, around the time that those Rottweiler puppies would have reached maturity, there was a spike in the number of reported dog bites by Rottweilers. This same study found that, compared to their prevalence in the dog population, small and medium-sized dogs were more likely to bite than large dogs. But bites by large dogs were more likely to be reported because they cause more damage. Because an aggressive large dog is more dangerous than an aggressive toy breed, large dogs are also more likely to get treatment and training to prevent their aggression. And lack of training may be part of the reason aggression was more prevalent in small and medium dogs. This research found that situational factors not related to a dog's breed were more likely to lead to biting. The situational risk factors included a dog owner's mismanagement and neglect of the dog, the bite victim being a stranger, and the dog not being spayed or neutered. Because purebred German shepherd puppies come from breeders, rather than rescue organizations, owners are not typically required to get their GSDs spayed or neutered. So, it seems that any increased risk of a dog bite from German shepherds may be based — at least in part — on the increased number of GSDs in the population. And that's if the breed reporting can be trusted at all. Ultimately, any dog can bite if they're not trained and socialized from a young age. However, because German shepherds are large and powerful dogs, their bite will do more damage than the bite of a chihuahua — making it even more important for German shepherd owners to sign their pet up for obedience training. How to Prevent Aggressive Behavior The majority of aggressive behavior is preventable. Here's what you can do as a German shepherd owner: Start Socializing at an Early Age Dog owners can raise well-adjusted pets by introducing their dogs to as many different kinds of people and environments as possible, starting at an early age. Take your puppy to parks, restaurants, sports games, and any other dog-friendly locales you can find. While you're there, ask people of all different heights, skin tones, ages, abilities, and genders to interact with your German shepherd puppy. And make sure your pup gets plenty of treats at each new location and from each new person they meet. Take Your Puppy to Training Classes Sign up for obedience training to further socialize your pet and prevent common issues like puppy nipping. Look for dog trainers who use positive reinforcement training. While dominance-based dog training used to be a popular technique, animal behaviorists now recommend against it, partially because these techniques can sometimes cause dog aggression. Rehabilitate Older Dogs If you're rescuing or fostering an older GSD or GSD mix and the dog already has behavior problems, work with an animal behaviorist to find the best positive reinforcement techniques to rehabilitate your pet. If your adult dog has aggressive tendencies, train them to enjoy wearing a muzzle and make sure they wear it whenever they're around new people. Recognize the Signs of Aggression Even if your dog is perfectly trained, they may still behave aggressively if they feel frightened or threatened. Watch your dog's body language for early signs of fear and aggression , including a lowered head, tucked tail, pinned-back ears, growling, and snarling. Remove your dog from the intimidating situation before the behavior progresses to lunging or biting. As a vigilant dog owner, you can help prevent dog aggression and keep your pet feeling safe and calm. While any dog can show aggressive tendencies if they aren't socialized from a young age, German shepherds don't appear to be more at risk for aggression than any other dog breed. As a German shepherd owner, we know you want the best for your dog — from the best food for German shepherds to the best dog training. These intelligent dogs are easy to train, so sign them up for positivity-based obedience classes to help them become better behaved and better adjusted canine citizens. To learn more about your dog's health and wellness, check out the Native Pet blog. Read more. If you have previously had pets of medium or smaller size, you might be used to lower activity levels. The same applies if the German Shepherd is your first dog. Unless you have had a big dog before, you will almost always underestimate the exercise demands of the breed. He will no longer override commands or ignore etiquette upon exhausting this energy. Taking the dog on a long walk is a straightforward way to channel this excess energy safely. That said, you must create a minute break between his display of aggression and exercising him because the last thing you want is for your German Shepherd to start associating aggressive displays with reward. Now, he gets aggressive anytime he hears a doorbell because the association has taken root, and he is in fear. Unfortunately, a German Shepherd forms most of his lasting associations when less than six months old. That means any older rescue dogs will require a lot of patience to have aggressive defense mechanisms deactivated. It is advisable to use the services of a professional dog trainer if your rescue seems to be aggressive because of PTSD or trauma. In the meantime, avoid being harsh with punishments and do not opt for negative reinforcement as a mode of discipline. Read more on exactly how to discipline a German Shepherd. While sexual aggression is often associated with the male gender, even female German Shepherds get aggressive when in heat. Spaying or neutering your German Shepherd can resolve aggressive displays that occur because of sexual maturity. Nonetheless, before you get your dog snipped to resolve his anger issues, you must be sure that the aggressiveness is indeed a result of sexual energy and talk to your veterinarian first. It helps to look at the aggressiveness levels over a longer period. Suppose the levels of aggressiveness correlate with development and sexual maturity 5 to 6 months and are inconsistent across a few weeks. In that case, you can be sure that this is because of the changes in their body. Sexual aggression can be of two kinds. The first is a result of frustration. It is also the assumption that makes owners wonder whether male German Shepherds are more aggressive than females. Male German Shepherds are more aggressive than females in general, but females tend to be relatively more aggressive during periods of heat. Males remain more dominant even after neutering, while female GSDs lose the bulk of their aggression upon getting spayed. That brings us to the second kind of sexual aggression. When a GSD undergoes sexual maturation, internal changes in their body make them feel anxious. Internal changes can be temporary when the dog gets sick or permanent in reaction to environmental changes around the dog. Either way, German Shepherds are not the best at handling change, internal or external. Showing compassion and making sure they have more routine in their life can help reduce these aggressive tendencies. Poor Training Some aggressive behavior seems abnormal because it is conditional. A German Shepherd might be perfectly well-behaved throughout the day but start being aggressive around strangers. German Shepherds descend from a line of highly disciplined work dogs, making it pretty hard for them to be unpredictable even with average training. However, if an owner gives mixed signals unknowingly, he ends up with a well-behaved GSD who seems to act out unpredictably at times. Your German Shepherd is aggressive towards strangers because he is not socialized correctly. By lowering his threat radar and getting him to meet more friends, you reign in his aggression toward other people, especially strangers. You can also show dominance to get him to stop being too possessive. This happens because some German Shepherds need more emphasis in certain areas than others. When you give a GSD the standard training regimen, you might overlook the fact that certain areas, like socializing and dominance, need extra work. Here are some aspects that your German Shepherd might need further training. Command reception — This is a part of early German Shepherd training, where you establish yourself as the dominant guardian. Dominance management — The German Shepherd should not feel protective to the point of being too possessive. By establishing yourself as alpha, you can discourage aggressive tendencies. By establishing a predictable consequence of aggression, you can get your dog to associate aggressive outbursts, loud barking, etc. Common Aggressive Behaviors Continuous Low-range Barking, Growling, or Snarling Because humans project their own psychology and actions onto dogs, they assume that anger is expressed in volume alone. Dogs barking excessively express intent to attack, especially when their volume is low. So, pay attention to your German Shepherd when his barks barely break a growl. Your dog may also bare his teeth. Snapping, Clawing, or Lunging While clawing can be an instinctive reaction to being anxious, your German Shepherd is displaying aggression when it is accompanied by snapping. This is also a moment or two before the dog jumps at someone, so it is advisable to hold his leash tightly. That said, do not tug on his leash, as doing so might make the GSD more stubborn. If your German Shepherd is the anxious, aggressive type, then his fear-driven anger is visible from his tall posture combined with ears pinned back. Becoming still and rigid or staring are other indicators of dangerous behavior. Check out the below photo of my German Shepherd with raised hackles piloerection. Although piloerection is a sign of aggression, you must look at the whole picture. In this case, it was a simple case of another dog walking past the house, and Willow was excited. Notice how her ears were alert and not pinned back. My German Shepherd Willow with her raised hackles. Having a Tail Held High or Moving Stiffly This behavior is too subtle for most people to notice but displays the kind of anxiety that turns a dog aggressive. If your German Shepherd holds his tail unusually high and moves it stiffly from side to side upon introduction of a specific stimulus like a person , then he may be about to get aggressive. You can read more about the meaning of German Shepherd tail positions in this article. It is better to manage this before it becomes a problem. The following section on preventing aggression will give more insight into this. This is why it is crucial to avoid judging your pet and instead focus on how to stop him from being aggressive. When this something is external like a stranger approaching , then training is easier, but if the trigger is internal, it becomes hard to discourage specific aggressive reactions. Internal triggers are also hard to see. Still, when it comes to external triggers, you can bring him in decent proximity to the trigger that otherwise leads to aggressive behavior. You want to desensitize him to the trigger — in other words, get him used to other dogs at the park. The treats can be accompanied by praise and a soothing tone. This is known as counterconditioning. So rather than seeing other dogs as scary, your German Shepherd sees them as a chance to earn a tasty treat. Your German Shepherd, already calm, will not likely get mean at this distance. Do not push your luck and try walking him further. The farthest boundary is enough. You will have a chance to shorten the distance between your doggo and the park. The park in this section is a substitute for any external trigger. This could be a stranger, a specific friend, or even a vehicle. As long as the trigger is visible yet far enough away for your German Shepherd to be relatively calm, you can give him treats and have him start associating the previous trigger with a positive outcome. Repeat the Steps While Increasing the Proximity You now have to judge when your German Shepherd is sufficiently secure at a certain distance from a trigger. Then you must decide how much more distance you can cover to bring him closer to the trigger without switching on his aggressive side. I would recommend closing the distance by as little as a few feet per day. If your German Shepherd stays calm, shower him with praise and rewards. Keep repeating until the trigger no longer causes an aggressive outburst. However, you cannot focus on discouraging aggression without thinking about how you can make your dog more comfortable. From taking your German Shepherd to a vet to switching back any recent changes in diet and habitat that may correlate with anger issues, you can do your best to single out the internal source of fear or anxiety in your German Shepherd. While you cannot make your pet associate his internal triggers with rewards such as treats, you can give him compassionate company. Your presence, words, and tone can contribute to calming down your best friend. What To Do if Your German Shepherd Growls: For external trigger management, I recommend taking your dog to a certain distance from his trigger and rewarding him for being calm. At this point, one might think grounding the German Shepherd is a good solution. It is not. Your German Shepherd will get mixed signals if he gets rewarded on some walks and grounded after others. Simply retreating and taking him away from the trigger is the best option when he starts growling at the stimulus. The worst thing you can do is nudge him toward what he seems to be fearful of or anxious about. Even if you have pocketed treats to give him for being calm, you cannot reward him once he has shown even the slightest sign of aggression. However, you can ensure you choose the correct timing when giving treats as a reward, which is a fundamental part of dog training. At the precise moment your German Shepherd stops his mean behavior, such as growling, snapping, or lunging, you reward him. That way, he quickly associates his calm demeanor with the reward. Progress toward the stimulus even more gradually, and keep rewarding your dog disproportionately for being calm. Overall, a growl equals no treats, no grounding, and moving away from the external trigger. In fact, distance is one of the best ways of preventing an aggressive reaction before it occurs. Here are some ways to prevent German Shepherd aggression from occurring in the first place. A well-socialized dog is a well-liked dog, and since German Shepherds are excellent at picking up on body language, they can see if people like them or are cautious of them. An asocial GSD will make people nervous, pick up that energy and become nervous himself. Such a dog can also be aggressive towards other dogs and trigger them to be defensive, leading to altercations. Follow my guide on socializing a German Shepherd to ensure your pet is socialized appropriately even if he is older. Female German Shepherds Male German Shepherds are more aggressive than females owing to their gender traits, energy levels, and overall nature. Sometimes, females can get aggressive depending on the environment or other trigger factors. Black vs. Long-haired vs. Short-haired German Shepherds Long-haired and short-haired German Shepherds are equally aggressive and have similar temperaments. Here are the key takeaways from the article: German Shepherds have a protective instinct that is naturally asocial if not managed with training. Socializing your puppy is critical to preventing aggression. Male GSDs are more aggressive than females unless the female is unspayed and in heat. Spaying or neutering your GSD can significantly reduce aggression. You can lower aggression by gradually exposing a dog to his triggers while rewarding him for staying calm. You can prevent an aggressive episode in a German Shepherd by pre-training him to relax on command. Related Posts You May Like:. German Shepherds tend to be calm and collected dogs. However, they can be pushed to become aggressive in certain situations. Fear Fear aggression is a type of aggression in which the dog is afraid and has an intense fear-based reaction to people or other animals. This type of aggression is often triggered when the dog feels like it needs to protect its property, including its food, sleeping area, toys, or other belongings. Dogs with this type of aggression can present with signs such as growling if their space is invaded, biting if an intruder gets too close, defending their food bowl with their teeth, and snapping at anyone they perceive as a threat within the household. Social Aggression On the other hand, social aggression is defined as dogs acting aggressively towards people or animals to try and exert control over them. This could include the dog growling, barking, or biting when someone tries to touch them; or when visiting family members attempt to hug or kiss the dog. Redirected Aggression Redirected aggression is a type of aggression in which an aroused dog behaves aggressively toward an innocent bystander after being unable to attack the target initially motivated to bite. It can also happen during play between pets. This can include two dogs playing too aggressively or focusing too much on being dominant. Unfortunately, another dog playing nearby may take the brunt of the attack. Frustration Aggression German Shepherds may become aggressive when they are frustrated. For example, a German Shepherd may become aggressive when it is not given enough exercise or confined to a small space. German Shepherds may also become aggressive if they are teased. If not given enough exercise and companionship, German Shepherds may be more likely to get into fights with other dogs. If this behavior is repeated, it can lead to more severe aggression such as possessive aggression, dominance aggression, etc. A lack of discipline from the owner will also contribute to possessive and dominant aggression in German Shepherds. Once these behaviors have been displayed several times by the dog, the owner loses control over the situation. This makes it difficult for them to enforce commands they may give to the dog. Dominance Aggression Although similar to territorial aggression, dominance aggression is the most common type of aggression in dogs and is usually displayed when the dog feels like it needs to assert its dominance over people or animals. Dogs may also become agitated and aggressive when someone approaches them while eating or playing with a toy. This is because estrogen and testosterone can cause aggressiveness. Although, you should consult your veterinarian to know if getting your dog spayed or neutered is the best choice and if your dog is the right age for this kind of operation. This is known as injury or illness aggression. Signs that a dog is exhibiting this type of aggression can include whining, cowering, shaking, and even attacking people or other animals. Dogs may become aggressive to protect themselves from further injury or to get away from the person or animal that is causing them pain. However, they only become aggressive when under certain circumstances. These dogs are not usually aggressive unless they have a reason to be. A reason they may become aggressive can be any of the ones listed above. German Shepherds are not usually aggressive against other dogs. However, there is no guarantee that this will always be true because it depends on their environment or experiences with other animals. Some reasons that a German Shepard may become aggressive against another animal include: If they have been attacked by an animal before. If they have seen someone being attacked by an animal before. If they were attacked as a puppy and it was not corrected. These dogs are pretty playful; therefore, any growling or aggression you notice when your dog is around another dog is most likely playful in nature. However, it would be best not to overlook this, as playful aggression can quickly turn to severe aggression. This is why you should never let two dogs be alone without supervision. Symptoms of Aggression The symptoms of aggression in German Shepherds are variable. The following are some of the symptoms that you might see in your dog if aggression is an issue that they face: Depression, destruction of items in the home, withdrawal from human contact. Reluctance to wake up in the morning or even get out of bed. This can be due to anxiety or insecurity when left alone. If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it might indicate aggression, and you should consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist to find out the underlying cause. German Shepherds are often considered one of the more aggressive breeds in the United States, but there are ways to train them and help them feel more comfortable in their environment. With a little bit of work, you can have a well-behaved and happy dog! How to Prevent German Shepherd Aggression Luckily, there are ways to prevent this aggression from developing. Sometimes your German Shepherd may show signs of aggression, including growling, barking incessantly at other people and animals, or even nipping them. It could be a sign of some stress or anxiety. As with any type of bad behavior in dogs or children! There are many things you can do right from the start to help prevent aggression in your German Shepherd: Make sure they get plenty of exercise. A tired dog is a good dog! Ensure they have a good diet and plenty of fresh water. Start obedience training as soon as possible. This will help establish a strong bond between you and your dog and will also help teach them how to behave appropriately around other people and animals. Be consistent with rules and discipline. Dogs need structure in their lives just like children do! Once you know the root of the problem, you can treat it as needed. Here are some tips to help you: The first step to training a GSD is meeting their needs. Ensure that they are fed well, exercised regularly, and appropriately sheltered. Begin with teaching your dog some basics like how to sit on command or stay when told— this should be done without any form of physical contact other than verbal cues i. Once your dog has mastered these commands, you can move on to more complex tasks. German Shepherds are one of the most versatile breeds in terms of obedience training. They can excel in various activities such as agility trials, herding, tracking, and Schutzhund. However, they can also be stubborn at times and require patience and consistency when training. One of the reasons GSDs can be aggressive is that they are bred as working dogs. They are often used by the military, police departments, and search-and-rescue teams. As a result, they can be territorial and protective of their family and property. It is essential to teach them that strangers are not a threat unless you tell them otherwise. Because puppies can learn new things much easier than adult dogs, always start obedience and aggression training while the dog is a puppy. Knowing what to look for can help you train and manage your dog better and keep everyone safe. And remember, always keep an eye on your dog when other people or animals are around-you never know when they might start acting out! Are German Shepherds Dangerous? December 30, German Shepherds were originally bred as protection animals. Therefore, they have protective and territorial instincts that other dogs may not have. There are a lot of mixed opinions about this topic — as well as a lot of mixed science that seems to back up both sides. Most aggressive German Shepherds are aggressive because of their owners. German Shepherds need to be socialized and trained so that their territorial instincts can be harnessed. To accept individuals into their homes, German Shepherds need to be taught that not everyone is bad. In fact, these dogs can be extremely gentle when raised properly. However, not everyone who owns a German Shepherd is responsible. Without the proper knowledge, these dogs may not get the socialization they need to thrive. On the other hand, other owners know perfectly well what the German Shepherd needs — but find it more difficult to provide for those needs than they originally expected. They may get the care they need as adults but then be mostly kept to themselves as puppies. The American Veterinary Medical Association ran a whole study on whether or not particular dog breeds were more likely to be aggressive than others. However, it is essential to realize that these breeds are also more common in the United States. In Canada, most dog bites are attributes to Siberian Huskies and other sled dogs — likely because these are the most common breeds there. Similarly, in Rome, Italy, Mastiffs were found to have the highest bite occurrence. However, they are also one of the most popular dogs in that area. Furthermore, the popularity of different breeds coincided with bite reports. The more popular a breed was, the higher that bite statistic rose. It seems to be largely associated with the popularity of the breed, not their actual aggression levels. Based on behavioral assessments, small breeds seem to be the most aggressive — not larger breeds like the German Shepherd. However, these bites are largely underreported because they do not usually require treatment. Bites on children statistically come from small breed dogs, like Chihuahua and Lhasa Apsos. The statistical difference in bites reported between children and adults likely comes from the fact that children need treatment after a small breed bite, while adults do not. The behavioral assessments for German Shepherds are mixed. This suggests that there is likely high variability within the breed. Some German Shepherds are much more likely to be aggressive than others, in other words. Again, socialization and training play a large role in this. Adopting your dog from a qualified breeder is also important. After all, genetics do play a role as well. There is no evidence that German Shepherds are more likely to bite their owner than any other breed. Like all dogs, German Shepherds will protect themselves if threatened. If an owner is too rough with a German Shepherd, they may try to defend themselves by biting. This trait can be said for all breeds , though. No dog is going to submit to injury if they feel like they can defend themselves. Again, we highly recommend socializing this breed at a young age. Most bites are caused by fear, including those directed at people. For instance, dogs are commonly afraid of umbrellas. At the same time, you should also familiarize yourself with proper dog training. Positive reinforcement training works best, as there is a very small chance that the dog is going to react negatively to treats. After all, dogs bite things they are scared of! Dominance training has been disproven for dozens of years. It can also make your dog react negatively, causing your dog to bite. Are German Shepherds Naturally Aggressive? They were bred to protect herds of sheep and were then utilized for military and police work. Their protective instincts are still with them today, as they are commonly still used as guard and protection dogs. They are not Labrador retrievers in the least! They are very calm family dogs in most cases, especially if they are socialized from a young age. They are not particularly more likely to bite than other breeds when properly socialized and trained. There is a lot of variation amongst German Shepherds, though. Some are more likely to bite than others. Much of this depends on the training, though genetics can play a role as well. If you purchase a German Shepherd as a puppy, we highly recommend purchasing them from a quality breeder. Breeders are not going to breed a dog if they are overly aggressive and untrainable. Dogs are born with innate instincts and behaviors — including territorial behaviors. All German Shepherds will display territorial behaviors from their birth. These are innate instincts. A little German Shepherd puppy is going to be at least somewhat wary of strangers. It will likely take a least a year for a German Shepherd to get large enough to actually be intimidating. Before this time, these dogs will likely be too small and puppylike. However, it can take up to two years before a puppy is full-grown. The instincts will be there from birth, though. German Shepherds can be great pets — for the right family. However, there are many cases when they can make very poor pets. German Shepherd dogs require significant amounts of training. Not only do they need to be taught how to behave, but these dogs are also extremely intelligent. Therefore, you should continue to train them even after they have mastered all the basic commands. However, it is particularly important for German Shepherds. Sadly, good breeders can be difficult to come by. These dogs are quite popular, so there are lots of breeders out there. Many people mistakenly believe that purebred dogs are healthier than mixed breeds. However, the opposite is true. Purebred dogs are prone to a variety of genetic conditions, including the German Shepherd. Hip dysplasia and a wide variety of other conditions are common in this breed. German Shepherds shed a lot. They require daily brushing in some cases. You should only adopt from a breeder that puts temperament at the forefront. You need to socialize German Shepherds a lot. They need to be introduced to many different people so that they know that not everyone is a threat. You only want them protecting you and your family from bad people — not everyone. German Shepherds usually live between 10 to 14 years. However, 15 years is not unheard of. Final Thoughts German Shepherds have the potential to be aggressive. Every dog does. However, with the correct socialization and training, these dogs can easily be trained to accept others into their territory. However, these dogs are a big responsibility. Be sure to carefully consider whether or not you want a German Shepherd before you adopt one. Your actions will largely determine whether or not they become aggressive. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

January 27, "Hi, I'm beautiful, no big deal. Taya is a 6 month old Boxer puppy who has been captivating all of us with her beautiful brown eyes. My favourite thing about Boxers is how their wag starts at the base of their neck and involves their entire body wiggling side to side with joy. Like most Boxers, Taya is an excellent wiggler. Boxers are unfortunately prone to a myriad of dental problems, so when they come in for exams or surgery, we're always very careful to check their mouths for abnormalities or signs of disease that could cause problems later on. During Taya's exam, we discovered that she had a couple of issues that caused us concern. The most serious concern was that Taya had teeth missing from the places we expected to find them. Unerupted teeth are a common problem in Boxers, and can lead to catastrophic complications. Arrows are showing wounds in the soft tissue created by the incisors of the upper jaw This is a view of Taya's mouth from the side. She has an underbite mandibular prognathism , which means that her upper jaw is shorter than her lower jaw. There's an arrow pointing to her upper incisors - ideally these should be in front of her lower incisors. Because her upper jaw is shorter than it should be, some of her upper incisors are digging into the soft tissue of her lower jaw see picture. As well, she is missing a premolar on each side of her lower jaw - there is another arrow showing where this tooth should have erupted. This tooth is commonly missing in Boxers, so it's an important parameter to check on every Boxer puppy. Teeth that are formed but do not erupt through the gum tissue can potentially form fluid filled cysts called dentigerous cysts that destroy the integrity of the jaw bone. The next next two images show a dentigerous cyst found in the lower jaw of an adult boxer, where the missing teeth unfortunately weren't detected while the dog was a puppy. The unerupted tooth is outlined in green, and the borders of the cyst are outlined in red. These jaws are very weak and prone to breakage. Trying to repair a broken jaw in a dog where most of the bone has been destroyed by a cyst is very challenging, so removing these teeth before they become a problem is critically important. This is an x-ray of one of Taya's missing teeth. While they're not visible when looking into Taya's mouth, they're easy to see on x-ray. It took less than five minutes to extract this tooth and close the surgical site. Repair of a fractured jaw can easily take over an hour and is substantially more costly. Taya recovered well from her procedure and is enjoying her new and improved mouth. As a pup grows, works their way through the teething process and becomes an adult dog, they will have 42 permanent adult canine teeth. A puppy will begin to lose his or her temporary teeth at the age of 4 months. Beside from losing them, new ones will be growing in as well. The back molars will begin to poke through the gums at the approximate age of 6 months. Learn how to help your puppy get through this stage of discomfort and pain. A dog will chew just about anything to help relieve the negative sensations. However, with some planning ahead of time and some easy training, your puppy will not destroy your home and you will be able to help your puppy cope. Boxer teething time can be one of the largest hurdles that you and your puppy will overcome; fortunately this phase is temporary!! Teething and chewing problems can occur if an owner does not know how to help their puppy cope with them. When a puppy is teething, without planning and training, they will chew on just about anything they can get their mouths on. The urge to chew and gnaw is quite strong. Training Patience and consistency will always be the 2 most important elements when training a dog to do anything, this is included. Your dog has no idea that they are not supposed to chew on your favorite shoes; they are just trying to relieve their pain. A careful eye must be kept on your puppy so that you can stop them the moment they even think about chewing on something other than your pre-planned and purchased chew toys. The tone of your voice is important. This command word will be one of great importance that is used in countless situations. Your dog must understand from the tone and the actions you make that you mean business when you say this!! Do not allow the boxer to engage you in a game of tug-o-war. A puppy will see that as fun and try to provoke this game as often as they can. As your pup begins chewing on it, praise them for being a good dog. Then, immediately give your boxer on of their chewing and teething dog toys. A dog does not learn very much from an owner hitting them; even if the swat is a light one. All this will do is teach your boxer to be afraid of you and it does not show very much will power on your side. If you want your dog to have control over their behavior, so must an owner. Then, immediately give them their dog teething toy. Adult chewing Your boxer will stop teething at approximately 7 months of age. However, chewing may not stop if your dog has not been taught to use his or her toys in certain situations. When an adult dog chews this is usually caused by; Anxiety As a medium breed dog, a boxer may be kept outside at certain times, given that the environment and temperature is safe and correct. However, a dog left alone for too long outside will make for a very bored dog. If your dog is bored outside and chews on grass, tree branches and other, they will not know how that differs from chewing on the leg of your coffee table. We hear this question a lot. They do appear to be different.However, the difference is actually in the jaw structure of this breed and how the jaw sits. Per breed standards, the bite is undershot. This is a desired trait and proper breeding is done to preserve this element of the Boxer's appearance. This means that the lower jaw juts out a bit past the upper jaw. As it does, it curves slightly upward. This gives the Boxer its distinct look.And because of this unique facial structure, one may assume that the Boxer teeth themselves are different in structure. Now, with this being said, an adult Boxer has the same set of teeth as any other medium to large breed dog: Newborns are born with no teeth at all. They are present under the gums but at birth, have not erupted yet. By the age of 6 week, most of the milk teeth will be there. There will be 6 incisors the front ones on both the top and the bottom for a total of .To the sides of the incisors will be the premolars, 3 on each side, on both top and bottom. There will be Boxer teeth 28 in total for the puppy. Teething begins when the milk teeth fall out and are replaced by canines adult, permanent Boxer teeth. This phase happens at approximately 5 months of age, but there can be early bloomers 4 months or late bloomers months. If a puppy has not begun to lose their milk teeth by the age of 7 months, it is strongly recommended to have a veterinarian perform a dental check to look for potential issues that would be preventing this natural stage in the Boxer's teeth. Once all of the Boxer's teeth have broken through the gums, the adult will have a set of .There will be 6 incisors on the top and another 6 on the bottom as before, but of course, these will be larger to accommodate the larger jaw. There will be 4 premolars as opposed to 3 on both top and bottom. Additional Boxer teeth for the adult dog will be the molars. There will be 2 on each side on the top.And 3 on each side on the bottom of the dog's mouth. The total will be .The 4th premolar on the top and the 1st molar on the bottom combine to create what is called the Carnassial teeth. This is the term given to these particular Boxer teeth which are the largest of all and work well to slice through food. Yellow, Decayed or 'Rotted' Teeth Some owners become concerned when they realize that their Boxer's teeth do not look healthy. The color may be yellow, the gums may bleed, teeth may be crooked.This can all be attributed to poor dental care or a complete lack of dental care. Sadly, this is sometimes not noticed until it is too late. At this point, teeth may need to be pulled and medication given to clear up infections which can spread to other areas of the body. Before and even after these procedures, eating and chewing can be impaired. The best method to make sure that the teeth of a Boxer stay clean, straight and healthy is to provide DAILY dental care at home.And to allow for 1 professional cleaning 1 time per year. It only takes a few minutes to perform this element of grooming and makes a HUGE difference in the health and appearance of the Boxer. Dental care for Boxer dogs should begin from the day that you bring your dog into your family. There is no age in which a Boxer dog is not vulnerable to canine tooth decay. What is the difference between human tooth care and dog tooth care? With dogs, very few will ever get cavities. However, it is plaque, tarter and bacteria build up that can cause serious health problems. Doesn't a dog clean their teeth when they chew on bones? This is a common misconception. Some dog treats and certain quality toys will help clean a dog's teeth a bit, by loosening plaque. They will not clean the teeth enough to prevent eventual infection and decay. Dogs can develop some pretty serious ailments if they do not receive these regular brushings. Some chews work to scrape the teeth to a certain degree. This is good for your Boxer dog, but not enough. For excellent oral health, daily care must be taken to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. This routine should be as normal as taking your dog for a walk or feeding him dinner. Won't it take up too much time to keep cleaning my Boxer dog's teeth? Once a dog is trained to sit nice, this will only take about 5 minutes per day and can save your dog's life. Once you fall into a normal schedule, this should become as natural as any other grooming or care element. What do I do if my Boxer hates having his teeth cleaned? Not to worry. With repetition, just about every dog can be trained to sit nice while you brush his teeth just like dogs learn to sit for grooming of the coat. All this takes is your effort to not give up on doing this task and allow your dog a week or so to become used to it. Before you begin, some things to remember: Never use human toothpaste. Canine specific toothpaste is not a marketing scheme or an unnecessary product. Human tooth paste is dangerous to dogs. Because so much of the paste can be swallowed, the build up of ingested ingredients can be toxic. While smaller breeds would be more likely to become ill.Do not take a chance with your Boxer's health and please purchase a high-quality canine toothpaste. Begin as soon as possible. Puppies that are taught to have their teeth cleaned will grow up knowing it is a normal part of their day. Do not give up if your dog tries to run away from you when you begin; with time and repetition a dog will learn that it is a routine part of the day. What You Will Need: A finger brush for dogs - this can be used first, if your Boxer dog is not used to having his teeth cleaned A dog tooth brush - Much different than a human brush, you should make all attempts to train up to the level of using a dog tooth brush Canine tooth paste - never underestimate the importance of using this How to Brush Your Boxer's Teeth Step-by-Step Have all needed supplies on hand Have your Boxer sit Give the "Open mouth" command and use your hand to manipulate the jaw open; within a week or so a dog will begin to learn to do this himself with very little strength needed on your part Brush swiftly and firmly on all surfaces of the teeth. Do not just brush the front ones! Do the front and both sides. You can hum to calm your Boxer puppy or dog down or simply speak in a matter-of-fact way After a full minute or so, wipe out the mouth with a wet washcloth; but don't worry that paste is being swallowed since a good canine brand will be perfectly edible and digestible Offer praise and a treat preferably a dental hygiene treat if your Boxer at least made an effort. What if my Boxer dog refuses to let me use a brush? Some dogs can be very stubborn. It is recommended to keep at it, but allow 2 weeks for each step. If that fails, you should then try using dog dental wipes. These are special wipes made for a dog's teeth. It will wipe off bacteria and will clean to a certain extent. It is very important that you schedule a once-a-year dental appointment with your dog's veterinarian and not only go if there is a problem. This yearly cleaning will remove buildup that daily cleaning simply cannot do. The vet will also be able to determine if there are any issues developing that need special care. If there are any serious problems,the vet will most likely refer you to a canine orthodontist. As a pup grows, works their way through the teething process and becomes an adult dog, they will have 42 permanent adult canine teeth. A puppy will begin to lose his or her temporary teeth at the age of 4 months. Aside from losing them, new ones will be growing in as well. The back molars will begin to poke through the gums at the approximate age of 6 months. Learn how to help your dog get through this stage of discomfort and pain. A dog will chew just about anything to help relieve the negative sensations. However, with some planning ahead of time and some easy training, your puppy will not destroy your home and you will be able to help your dog cope. Boxer teething time can be one of the largest hurdles that you and your dog will overcome; fortunately this phase is temporary. Teething and chewing problems can occur if an owner does not know how to help their dog cope with this stage. When a puppy is teething, without planning and training, he will chew on just about anything that he can get his mouth on. The urge to chew and gnaw is quite strong. As a Boxer owner, it will be your job to: Train your puppy what is not appropriate to chew on Offer the correct alternatives, so that the puppy has plenty of choices for other objects to chew on Training Patience and consistency will always be the 2 most important elements when training a dog to do anything, this included. Your dog has no idea that he is not supposed to chew on your favorite shoes; he is just trying to relieve his pain. A careful eye must be kept on your puppy so that you can stop him the moment he even thinks about chewing on something other than your pre-planned and purchased chew toys. As soon as your Boxer pup opens his mouth to take a nice bite out of your sofa or wants to gnaw on your hand, you must immediately say "No! The tone of your voice is very important. If "No! This command word will be one of great importance that is used in countless situations. Your dog must understand from the tone and the actions that you make that you mean business when you say this. After saying the command word to your dog: If he already has an object in his mouth - take the object away. Do not allow your puppy to engage you in a game of tug-of-war. A puppy will see that as fun and try to provoke this game as often as they can. As soon as you have the non-approved object away from your pup, immediately give him one of the approved chewing and teething dog toys. Say "Here's your toy" in a happy and excited tone. As your Boxer begins to chew on it, praise him for being a good dog. If your puppy is just about to grab onto an un-approved object, distract him. Say his name loudly to get your dog's attention. Then, immediately give your dog 1 of his chewing and teething toys. Again, say "Here's your toy" in a very pleasant tone and praise him for using it. If your Boxer puppy nips and gnaws on you, try to resist the urge to swat at him. A dog does not learn very much from an owner hitting him; even if the swat is a light one. All this will do is teach your Boxer to be afraid of you and it does not show very much will power on your side. If you want your dog to have control over his behavior, so must you as an owner. The correct training method is to say "No! Then, immediately give him his dog teething toy. Some are colorful pieces of rubber that are basically worthless. Owners are attracted to them because of the colors or perhaps because of the fun and amusing names of them. However, to truly help your Boxer puppy with the teething stage, a puppy must have a large supply of proper dog toys that are designed to help him. What are the perfect types of teething toys for your puppy? They will have 3 characteristics: 1 They will be able to be put into a freezer. Many of these will be filled with water, thus allowing the freezing method to work very well. Chewing on a cold object will help tremendously. It must be shaped in a way that allows your dog to use it to get right onto the gum that is in between teeth and to reach any area that is causing discomfort. What If I am Not Home? Just as you must plan for house training your Boxer even at times that you are not home, you must allow prepare for this. A Boxer puppy can be put into a gated area. However, that area should contain plenty of proper dog toys. To leave your puppy without resources to soothe itchiness and sore gums is just plain cruel. How long is too long to stay home alone? A 4 month old puppy, if going into the gated off area immediately after eliminating, can only hold on for 4 hours. An hour is added for each month your puppy grows older. Creating a space for your dog inside the home can work out nicely. This can be a spare room or this can be the corner of a room. Gates can be used to section this area off or a puppy play pen can be used. This will allow your pup to have plenty of space to walk around, play, rest and sleep and room for plenty of the dog toys. Adult Chewing Your Boxer will stop teething at approximately 7 months of age. However chewing may not stop if your dog has not been taught to use his or her toys in certain situations. When a adult dog chews this is usually caused by: Boredom Anxiety As a medium breed dog, a Boxer may be kept outside at certain times, given that the environment and temperature is safe and correct. However, a dog left alone for too long outside will make for a very bored dog. If your dog is bored outside and chews on grass, tree branches and other, he will not know how that differs from chewing on the leg of your coffee table. Whether you choose to keep your dog outside, inside or both, an owner must supply plenty of toys along with other essentials. See Also: Boxer dog internal stomach blockage - What can happen if you don't proof the house. Boxer Dog chewing and teething November 5, by John Every one of you is aware of the teething process, as and when, it is get started in your baby. With the passage of time, the puppy gets older and the teething process is also beginning. Well, this is a real testing time for the owner or keeper of the boxer. Side by side, in this period, your darling puppy can feel annoyance and impatience. Because, in the teething period, the puppy starts chewing everything that comes to its range. Also it can nip you as well. Now it is the temperament of the owner, which makes the things normal. Never castigate your puppy, but you need to train and redirect him with patience. It is a normal behavior and the big mouth of your boxer is actually the exploring tool through which he wants to quench the thirst of its curiosity. As an older teeth falls, the new one starts growing the same time. When your puppy will reach up to 6 months, the large and flat molars will also begin to appear from its gums. During this period, your puppy might face infuriation, toothache and displeasure. Now to appease the soreness, your boxer will chew anything. But always remember, this is a temporary situation. Things will become normal soon. It is suggested, this problem can be adjusted with some correction and training and there will occur no harm in your bond with your puppy. Give proper training to your puppy The best way is obviously to teach your boxer puppy in a gentle and pleasing manner. Offer him with the suitable alternatives to chew on. And repeat this all with consistency during the teething period. Your boxer will jump on anything to chew as its gums are really irritant so he or she has no idea, what is to be chewed and what not to be. Your puppy is just relieving its pain. So the training is must, otherwise, your puppy will develop this as its favourite habit and it will prevail even in its adulthood. Make sure there is no medical issue with your boxer It is always better to have a medical examination of your puppy in the teething stage. Because sometimes the nutritional deficiencies caused by inappropriate diet might also result in bad chewing. Even there could be gastrointestinal problems in your puppy, so better is to consult with your veterinarian. Remove all other objects in which your puppy might take interest such as shoes and socks, the toys and entertaining stuff of your kids. Also restrain him in accessing to the places which it can be really dangerous for your puppy. Persuade and support him in substitute chewing Always persuade and support your puppy in chewing the harmless and alternative items, toys and other suitable stuff. Some colourful and attractive toys can be so appealing for your puppy. You should have a reasonable quantity of the dog-toys at your home, when you are growing up a boxer puppy. Some frozen liquids are really supportive in the chewing process. All the dog toys should be really solid as those will be in the continuous usage by your boxer. It is even better, if it is having a very low fat and longer in size chewing stuff which is also reachable to the gum of your boxer and it is also stretchable to the itching zone of the jaw. Also discourage your boxer in chewing the unsuitable things Whenever the young chap is about to take an unsuitable or damaging item in its mouth to chew, you should discourage him by a strong tone. If he is still disobeying, take the object slightly out from its mouth and keep a continuous check on your puppy. At the same time, offer him with a real alternative toy in a loving and affectionate way. Because, in this way, your boxer will never learn. Instead, he will become frightened of you. Spend cheerful time with your puppy Be jolly to your puppy in the teething period. Remember, your puppy is a real exuberant, frisky and playful mate. He or she needs attention and will always require fun time. Even if you are away from home, provide your puppy with an area or space in which lots of toys are available. Normally, the boxer puppy stops chewing at the age of months. But its habit of chewing will remain existing, if it is not given the satisfactory training during its childhood. If you keep engaging your puppy in the teething period with fun and exercises, it will not only help you in avoiding the unwanted situations occurring due to the un-suitable chewing, but also boast up the young pup and build a strong and confident personality of your boxer. This will also surely enhance the solicitous and warm-hearted relationship between you and your boxer. Conclusion When will my Boxer puppy lose its teeth? Boxers will grow two sets of teeth throughout their life. The first one is the milk teeth and the other one is adult and permanent choppers. To give way to their adult teeth, Boxer puppies will shed their milk teeth just like any dog. All the 28 temporary baby teeth will fall off within their first 3 to 4 months of life. Also, you may find the shed teeth all over your floor in the coming weeks. Once your Boxer reaches three months old, its permanent incisors will erupt. This will be followed by the canines in their fourth month of life. Moreover, the premolars and molars will erupt last. Overall, the process will take a total of six months. By the end of the teething phase, your Boxer puppy should have 42 adult teeth already. Take note that there could be complications along the way like some baby teeth not falling off as expected. In this case, your Boxer puppy will need a vet visit for the manual removal of the retained milk teeth. Overall, teething is one of the first hurdles your Boxer puppy will have to face. Proper care and management are crucial to help your pooch get through teething with the least possible discomfort. As the milk teeth sheds and the adult ones erupt, your pup will experience gum discomfort. This will lead to excessive chewing, biting, and drooling. Protect your furniture The first thing you need to do is puppy-proof your furniture. This is to prevent your Boxer pup from chewing and damaging the item. You can spray bitter apple on the feet of your furniture to discourage your Boxer pup from chewing it. Bitter apple is a safe formula that has an awful taste that canines hate. This will help save your precious couch from being shredded or your furniture from getting chewed. Provide chew toys Chew toys are indispensable when caring for a teething Boxer puppy. Take note that chew toys for teething puppies should be soft. Give tug-of-war toys Tug-of-war ropes are also helpful for teething Boxer puppies. Aside from that, tug-of-war games help teach your dog how to release a bite. The cold temperature help soothes their inflamed and achy gums. For this, you can freeze slices of banana, carrots, apples, blueberries, and strawberries. In case you run out of these frozen treats, a few pieces of ice cube will do the trick. This can also help your Boxer pup cool down during summer. Keep your pup busy Lastly, keeping your Boxer puppy busy can help take its mind off chewing. Exercise, playtime, and mental drills will help a lot for this doggo. Take note that the Boxer breed is naturally energetic. Playing Frisbee, running in the dog park, and having agility drills indoors are also effective routines. Here are a few tips to keep your Boxer pups teeth clean and healthy: 1. This way, your pooch will get used to the sensation as it grows older. This will help make the dog calmer and accustomed to being restrained while brushing its teeth. For your Boxer, choose the flavor that it likes best. Through this, your pet will find dental care a rewarding experience. It will also make your Boxer more cooperative during brushing. It usually comes with a delicious flavor, though you can also opt for the unflavored type. As your dog drinks the additive, it will help remove bacteria and potentially slow down the formation of plaque. Just make sure that you use an additive made specifically for canines. Provide chew toys Chew toys are useful even after your Boxer is done teething. Aside from that, the chew toy satisfies the natural instincts of Boxers to chew. This is formulated with ingredients that help reduce plaque and curb bad breath. But unlike other treats, dental treats should only be given once a day. This is to prevent stomach upset on the part of your canine. This will let you notice any changes that may point to a health problem. This simple habit can help you save hundreds of dollars from expensive vet treatments because you failed to spot early signs of tooth problems. This is a preventive measure to avoid the formation of plaque, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Take note that as your Boxer gets older, it would be more prone to dental problems. Annual checks will help prevent or slow down these issues. Are Boxers chewers? Boxers are powerful chewers and they can be pretty destructive if not trained well. They can cause a great deal of damage to your furniture, especially when left alone for long periods. This is the reason why Boxers require a dedicated owner who will take the time to train them. Also, Boxers need regular companionship or they will become destructively anxious. Overall, Boxers could remain chewers even after the teething phase. Why do Boxer puppies bite so much? Biting is common among puppies, including the Boxer breed. Puppies use their mouths to interact and explore around, not to mention that they get very excited about almost anything. Are Boxer dogs destructive? Boxers can be very destructive dogs if not trained well. Also, leaving this dog alone for long hours can lead to behavioral problems like destructive chewing. Take note that while Boxers are affectionate dogs, they require early and continuous training just like any breed. This is to curb potential behavioral problems like chewing. They require an owner who can provide training and enough mental stimulation that matches their breed. Do puppies swallow their baby teeth? Usually, milk teeth will become uprooted while your dog is chewing its food or toy. How long does the puppy chewing stage last? Puppy chewing usually lasts until the teething phase is over. This is usually around six months of age. However, if you failed to train your Boxer, its chewing habit may stick and become a behavioral problem. In this case, your pup may become destructive around the house. The key here is early and continuous training. Conclusion When do Boxer puppies lose their teeth? The teething phase starts at around 3 months old and finishes at 6 months. You can provide frozen treats, chew toys, and other activities that will help it through the uncomfortable process. Most of all, you should involve the veterinarian in the process. Written By.

Currently the American Kennel Club ranks them at number 4 in their long list of most desirable. These dogs make their point communicating with expressive eyes, energetic attitude and possibly the Frenchie Talk. French Bulldogs are excellent watch dogs who adapt well to family life or single. They don't mind being inside most of the time. They get along well with cats and other pets and they like to make friends with your guests and family who drop by. No wonder this a favorite dog for city life from Europe to the US and beyond. The Frenchie dog breed comes in a variety of unusual colors. This article will look at rare colors found in French Bulldogs like merle, lilac, blue and more. Those colors come in pied only if the mother and father are both pied in theory. Rare colors in French Bulldog puppies can be exceptionally expensive and there is some debate about how healthy a rare colored Frenchie can be. Frenchies are one of the few breeds that come in a bewildering variety of colors. Most Frenchies are Brindle. This is a dark colored coat mixed with lighter color strands of hair and the most frequently found color in the Frenchie. Fawn is a lighter tan colored coat that can range from very light to a dark reddish tan. These French Bulldogs often have a darker face mask and ears with some brindle streaks thrown in for variety. The third most common color in this breed is white. White French Bulldogs have a very porcelain white coat and most of the time come with a darker mask. Frenchies with tan points - black and tan Frenchie, blue and tan Frenchie, lilac and tan Frenchie, chocolate and tan Frenchie etc. Trindles - French Bulldogs which have brindle in their tan points. All black French Bulldogs - with no trace of brindle is also quite rare. The Blue French Bulldog is one of the rarest colors. For that reason alone people pay very high prices for them. There is usually a waiting list for blue aren't so much blue as gray puppies. You can expect to pay twice or triple as much for a blue French Bulldog than the average price for a standard French Bulldog. Blue Frenchies are quite striking however can be prone to Color Dilution Alopecia or CDA ;a recessive inherited condition that causes patches of hair thinning or loss. This is most commonly seen in dogs with blue or fawn coats. The puppies are born normal looking, but the hair thinning and loss symptoms can start at 6 months up to several years later. It is most often associated with Blue Dobermans. CDA is not curable but it's fairly easy to manage. It is important to mention that our blue Frenchie never suffered from any symptoms to his coat. Not all blue Frenchies will be prone to the coat problems however, your vet can help you keep your blue French Bulldog healthy and happy if any issue arises. Blue Frenchies get cold easily - Some owners have stated the blue Frenchie gets cold easily, we are unsure if this is just a myth or based on actual research. Either way French Bulldogs can't regulate their body temperature well. Having any Frenchie in cold climate is not ideal due to their short coat. If you live in a cold climate there are ways you can keep your Frenchie warm. Always dress your French Bulldog with our specially tailored for Frenchies hoodies , Frenchie pajamas etc. The blue Frenchie skin condition can also impact your grooming regime. We have not experienced any of the above with our blue Frenchie. We also know plenty of the standard color Frenchies who suffer from skin conditions and allergies. We are not trying to promote or discourage buying the standard or rare colors we simply don't discriminate over colors. We love all our French Bulldogs friends that come in all colors of the rainbow. What are the different coat colors of a Blue Frenchie puppy? All Blue Frenchie - meaning all blue without any other colors to the coat. Blue Pied Frenchie - Frenchies with blue coats and patches of white or cream on their bellies, chest, legs etc. Blue fawn Frenchie- Frenchie coat that looks like a mix of blue and fawn. Blue brindle Frenchie - Blue coated French Bulldog puppy with brindle streaks. Blue merle Frenchie - a combination of different patches and streaks that are irregular and unusual. Blue and Tan Frenchie - Blue coated French Bulldog puppy with tan points usually around paws and face. A sable Frenchie usually looks like a fawn Frenchie with darker black hairs covering throughout the coat. There are rare Frenchies with cream or tan sable coats as well. Isabella French bulldogs Isabella color in French bulldogs come from dilution of the recessive gene. A Frenchie puppy can be born with a blue coat and mature to a more of a pale greyish brown or golden coat. For a puppy to acquire this rare coat color he or she needs to have the genotype dd. DNA of an Isabella Frenchie puppy will be ddbb which means that he or she will have two copies of each chocolate and blue gene. The Isabella Frenchie is the only lilac that is testable for the chocolate gene therefore some French Bulldog breeders consider the Isabella to be the true lilac. This rare French bulldog color is usually the most expensive due to their stunning looks and variety of rare coats. Isabella Frenchies usually look different with lighter shades of noses and eyes. Why are they so much more expensive than other popular breeds? Most Frenchies can't have live babies the normal way. They have narrow hips that aren't designed for natural birth. The high price tag reflects the expense of artificial insemination and c-sections to deliver the puppies. They also require constant attention and care when they are born. They require many health and genetic exams. These dogs have always been expensive. Reports have it one of the wealthy individuals named Robert Williams Daniel who survived the Titanic had his Frenchie along with him. While Robert survived when the ship sank on April 15th, sadly his French Bulldog did not make it. Many breeders would agree good breeding practices can greatly reduce the risks of genetic disorders that can lead to hearing loss, hip problems, and respiratory illness in French Bulldogs. Buying a well bred French Bulldog can help avoid a lifetime of vet bills and care. You are much more likely to get a happy, healthy dog who can enjoy a full, rich life. Merle is a pattern in a dog's coat. Merle French Bulldogs can have tiger stripes, spots, or patches. These come in different colors and patterns and are determined by heredity and genetics. Health issues can occur when two merle dogs are bred, therefore breeders usually mate a merle parent with a solid coat parent. While Merle French Bulldogs can be quite exotic and strikingly beautiful, this kind of breeding can come with a number of serious problems from skeletal defects to blindness to deafness to increased fetal mortality. This is why it is extremely important to choose a reputable Frenchie breeder. The blue merle is the rarest of colors that exist in the Frenchie breed. They are best described as gray with spots or how we like to call them cookies N' cream. They are so different from the standard common French Bulldog however, being that rare may not be a great thing especially when one considers all the health problems blue and merle Frenchies can have. It is important to mention that some merle French Bulldogs can live a healthy uneventful life. It is critical and essential to find a reputable breeder with good breeding practices especially when considering a rare color Frenchie. Also expect a blue merle to come with a hefty price tag. One of the most in-demand of rare colors is the Lilac French Bulldog. The lilac Frenchies are only produced occasionally and usually by breeders limited to the West Coast of the United States. They have a purple lilac coat color that can be quite attractive. Price is always higher than the already expensive standard French Bulldog puppy. Excellent Lilac Frenchies have a distinct color and vibrant eyes. This happens when they receive a combination of chocolate and blue DNA from both parents. As you can imagine, this rarely occurs. The Lilac coat can range from cool blue to a very classy looking silver and purple hue. Some have white markings on their chest and face. Another rare trait are their light colored eyes. This remains from the time they are puppies throughout life unlike the standard French Bulldog. The rarest colors of French Bulldogs are blue, lilac, blue and tan, and chocolate and tan. Add that Merle coats. A blue merle is perhaps the rarest of them all. In a world where a standard French Bulldog costs several thousand dollars, these rare colors can sell for tens of thousands. Since rare color Frenchies are prone to health and genetic problems , it is extremely important to find a reputable breeder who uses responsible breeding techniques with the right precautions otherwise you may be sinking your life savings into a dog that will be at the vet all the time, will be sick and may die prematurely. Rare Frenchies are just that - rare. Active breeders may only see one every few years if at all. Most rare colors are produced by breeders who specialize in producing them at a more frequent rate. Breeding rare color French Bulldogs is serious business. Most rare color breeders are running family operations dedicated to become experts in producing the highest quality rare French Bulldogs possible. Breeders expect to spend a significant amount of time answering your questions and sending you information. Be sure to ask them questions about the health of the puppy, their bloodline, and what to expect. The Frenchie is sweet and charming. It's no wonder so many people love their little Frenchie. These dogs are compact, muscular, lovable, and oh so smart. They are just right for apartment life and smaller homes with diminutive yards. Rare colors in French Bulldogs are perhaps the most exciting development in this already delightful breed. Rare colors in this breed can come with health issues so it is imperative to seek a reputable breeder who specializes in rare colors which will greatly reduce the risks of genetic disorders. They surprised me. She is now a mom to a Lilac , Brindle, and a pure Black babies. So exciting. I have a six month old male frenchie. When will he be sexually mature to breed? He has a blue tan coat I believe. Do I get a free puppy after? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Jera Benedict June 02, I have a black and tan make frenchie. I have several female frenchie owners asking what is my stud fee. He is 1 year old. He has the markings if a rottweiler. He has never been sick, has all his shots and was bred by a private breeder a former veterinarian. I have read numerous reports that I should beware of illness and disease. How rare is it to never have healty issues with the Blue Merle? Thank you so much for all the info! Where can I find info about it? Thanks Jules April 13, Very interesting reading thank you! Both parents are Kennel Club registered and Mum has Champion bloodlines. He has really strong red eye in the dark, does this mean he is a true Lilac? Thank you. I had to send AKC pictures for color matching. Frenchiestore Team March 03, Hi Georges, It sounds like one of the parents for your future Frenchie puppy is blue which is a rare color in French Bulldogs. Rare colors in the Frenchie breed can come with health concerns so it is vital you get your puppy from a reputable breeder who specializes in rare colors and does genetic tests etc which will greatly reduce the risks of genetic disorders in your Frenchie puppy. Thank you for your question, we hope we can continue giving you valuable information about the Frenchie dog breed. Thank you for reading and commenting on Frenchiestore blog, we hope we can continue giving you valuable information about the Frenchie dog breed. Gracias Joe A wonderful article. I learned a lot from reading this and gained some insightful information. Thank you for providing. Laurie October 02, Hi Benita, Thank you for the feedback. We hope we can continue giving you valuable information about the French Bulldog breed. We hope you found valuable information about potty training your Frenchie and other related topics that will help with bringing the puppy home. Color variations Blue merle French Bulldog Blue merle French Bulldogs are one of our most sought-after puppies of all the colors. They got their name after the blue patches on their light-colored coat, which are essentially grey with a bluish shine in the light. The shade of the grey parts may vary from very light to almost black, while their base color also ranges from a yellowish cream color to light grey. Lilac merle French Bulldog Lilac merle French Bulldogs are often mistaken for blue merle Frenchies, but they are much more unique and harder to come by. Lilac merle Frenchies have very light, almost ashy or silver colored patches on their light coat. To produce this rare and beautiful color, the parents have to carry the blue, chocolate and merle gene. Lilac merle French Bulldogs usually have light-colored eyes which are glowing red. Chocolate merle French Bulldog Chocolate merle French Bulldogs have dark brown mottled patches all over their light-colored bodies. Choco merle pups also have unique genetics so they are quite rare and hard to come by. Similarly to lilac Frenchies, they are the combination of blue and chocolate but their grey shade is more of a champagne color. Breeders have managed to mix in the merle gene as well producing the Isabella merle French Bulldog, but these dogs are extremely rare. Black merle French Bulldog Black merle French Bulldogs have black mottled patches often covering most of their bodies. Their base coat is also slightly darker than in other merle Frenchies, ranging from light grey to light brown. Fawn merle French Bulldog There are a number of different variations of fawn merle French Bulldogs, like blue fawn merle, lilac fawn merle or chocolate fawn merle. The dark patches these Frenchies have are less distinct looking than in other merles, as they are only a bit darker than their light fawn base color. One of these rare traits is their sparkling blue eyes. Since the merle gene affects the skin pigment as well, when a merle patch crosses the eye area the Frenchie will have bright forever blue eyes. Sometimes only one of the eyes will remain blue, which is a phenomenon called heterochromia. Because of how dominant the merle gene is, merle Frenchies should only be bred to a dog with a solid coat color. They are insanely affectionate making them the perfect companion dogs, they just want to spend every minute of their time with their owners. They are extremely friendly with kids and other animals too; they love basically anyone they meet! Thanks to their easy-going nature, a Merle Frenchie will adapt to your lifestyle very quickly no matter where you live. As you might expect, colors that are considered common for the breed have the lowest prices, while colors which are more unique and harder to produce are more expensive as well. When it comes to Merle French Bulldogs, they are already in a higher price range, but depending on the color variation their prices may further vary a lot. Permanent blue eyes also push the prices up a bit: we charge USD per blue eye.

Interested in adopting? Send an email to andrew goldencavaliers. We have pups available, see our updated litter lists on our Pups-Available page. We just might have the answer! The Farm is now open to visitors. Please note that our farm is now open to visits "by appointment only". Email andrew goldencavaliers. Pups available! Click to see more Golden Cavaliers, a Specialty Crossbreed by our family is a labor of love. As a family man, I wanted to leave a legacy, and what better way to do so than by bringing other families together over a beautiful golden cavalier puppy. It was our daughter Rachel who sparked the idea of a specialty crossbreed. She has a brain injury and gets seizures, and when we first started raising Golden Retrievers, she found a purpose in taking care of the mothers and their puppies. But she needed a bit more easy-going dog. While their temperament was perfect for her — sweet and playful — we thought a smaller dog might be more manageable for her. The King Charles Cavalier Spaniel also has a great temperament, is smaller, and has a gentler energy level and was such a great fit for our family. And so, our Golden Cavaliers business was born. View latest updates and useful posts on our blog. Learn more on our "Pups Available" page! Week 8, and time to bring your puppy home. Debating between pick up or delivery? Consider coming to the farm to pick out your puppy, then having him or delivered to your door the following week. Just Paws Pet Transport is our go-to pet transport service. This is a separate service conducted by a third-party, and there is a separate charge. You can schedule a delivery directly by emailing Matt at justpawstransport gmail. Just Paws is based in Cleveland, Ohio. Delivery charges vary. Ground transport includes mileage, gas, and delivery fee for time. Referrals and Reviews are the lifeblood of any business. Have any Questions? We are passionate about these little treasures and our small breeding program. We are a busy family with 4 children ages .Our dogs are part of our family and live with us, in our home, and under foot. The Miniature Golden Retriever, also known as the Petite Golden and Mini Golden, is a Designer Breed that has been crossbred to produce a healthier dog with the happy people-loving temperament of the Golden Retriever, the small size and sweet cuddly personality of the King Charles Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel, and the intelligent temperament and low shedding coat of the Poodle. Our Miniature Golden Retrievers range in size from pounds. Occasionally we may have smaller puppies maturing at closer to 15 pounds and larger puppies maturing closer to 50 pounds. We will do our best to make an estimate of the adult size of your puppy, but ultimately we can NOT guarantee adult sizes. We breed for temperament, health, and size. Our dogs are DNA tested and annually health screened by our vet before breeding. All our puppies come with a 2 year health guarantee. Start the adoption process today!!! Our Breeds All of our pups are 1st generation crossbreeds. We only breed 1st generation pups due to the puppies consistently displaying an even mix of the two breeds and due to the better health of a 1st generation pup. You can read more about the difference between 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation breeding by clicking here. Cavagroodles previously named Mini Groodles Our unique Cavagroodles are a cross between a Miniature Golden Retriever and a Moyen Poodle — so they have the calmness of the King Charles Cavalier, the playfulness of the Golden Retriever and the non shedding coat and intelligence of the Poodle. Their adult weight will range from 14 — 18 kg and adult height will be range from 35 — 55 cm at the shoulder. They are also not too large — they grow to about 35 — 55 cm high at the shoulder and weight will range from 14 kg. Medium Groodles Our Medium Groodles are not as large as Standard Groodles due to their parentage being a Moyen Poodle and a Golden Retriever — so they grow to around kg and up to around cm high at the shoulder. Standard Groodles range from kg and cm high at the shoulder. Groodles are non shedding dogs well known for their intelligence and affectionate, friendly nature. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook so you can see more photos of our dog family:. Life Span Did You Know? This cross is meant to produce a smaller version of a Golden Retriever that retains the classic Golden look and their characteristic friendly and sweet temperament. Mini Golden Retrievers tend to maintain a temperament very similar to Golden Retrievers. They tend to have a sweet, open, and friendly nature. Mini Goldens get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. These dogs tend to make great family pets and can also be found working as service dogs or therapy dogs. Due to their smaller size, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a highly adaptable dog breed. As long as they get enough exercise, they are happy in apartments as well as larger homes with yards. They also do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Because these dogs are so people-oriented, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they would much rather be an active member of the family. For Mini Golden Retrievers, these could include elbow dysplasia, heart issues, eye disease, and hip dysplasia. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and checking out available health clearances or tests can help allay potential health concerns. All of the dog breeds in the cross for a Mini Golden Retriever are highly trainable. So, these dogs tend to be highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please their owners. They tend to be a good fit for dog owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. They respond best to positive training methods focused on praise, play, and reward. Although the aim is to have the Miniature Golden Retriever look just like a smaller version of a Golden Retriever, there will be variance in the coats because it is a mixed dog breed. You may have puppies that look identical to a Golden Retriever or you may have puppies with tightly curled or wavy coats from their Poodle or Spaniel parents. With the Poodle in the cross, there may be a chance of a low-shedding coat, but you will want to be prepared for a dog that will shed moderately year-round and that requires regular brushing and bathing with the occasional professional grooming session. Floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear infections, but regular checks and careful cleaning can help prevent them. Dental care for dogs is so important. But, it is often overlooked, which is why dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. The Miniature Golden Retriever is likely to be a high energy dog that requires plenty of exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks, plus playtime and some extra activity should be sufficient for this dog. They will likely enjoy any activity that means they get to do things with you, which means they may enjoy hiking with you, taking trips to the dog park , swimming, or even training to compete in dog sports. A fully-grown Miniature Golden Retriever usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Mini Golden Retriever generally lives years. Dwarfism does occur in Golden Retrievers, which results in a smaller Golden Retriever and can also cause additional health concerns. Meeting the parent breeds in person and asking to see health tests can help you verify that you have a Mini Golden Retriever. Miniature Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale. Most of my Mini Retrievers mature from 20 to 30 pounds as full-grown adults. Presently, our poodle percentage will range from 0 to 25 percent. All litters will be clearly marked as to if they contain miniature poodles and how high the percentage is. All adult breeding stock is annually screened for health problems prior to breeding. We sell every puppy vet checked with a health certificate and a 5year written health guarantee. All puppies are microchipped unless reserved otherwise. About the Breed Miniature Golden Retrievers have been designed to provide a smaller healthier version of their predecessor. Minis range in size from twenty to forty pounds depending on which Spaniel the breeder chooses to include in the mixture. Many breeders are also using a small percentage of miniature poodles to reduce dander and shedding. If you see an ad for a Teacup Golden Retriever for sale then chances are you are looking at a breeder specializing in Mini Golden Retrievers. There is no dog named Teacup Golden Retrievers. Teacup is industry jargon that describes a petite or small dog. Since so many people with high anxiety, PTSD, and other stress disorders look to these dogs for comfort, thus the name Comforting Retrievers. Mini Comforting Retrievers This is referring to miniature golden retrievers, which are known as Comforting Retrievers. Golden retrievers that are smaller than normal ones are referred to as Mini Golden Retrievers.

Medium shedding Labradanes: History Of The Breed Breeders started to mix Great Danes with Labrador retrievers in the s when designer crossbreed dogs became popular. The original intention seems to have been to make smaller versions of the Great Dane rather than larger Labradors. Labrador retrievers are retriever gun dogs that were initially bred in the United Kingdom from pups imported from Canada. They are intelligent and eager to please, which has always made them great working dogs, especially near water, since they love to swim. Over the last 50 years, they have often been utilized as working dogs, especially in roles such as disability service. They are ideally suited for this because of their intelligence, energy, and naturally friendly nature. They are one of the most popular pets in the United States. Great Danes , also known as German mastiffs, have been around since the Middle Ages and are one of the largest breeds in the world. They were used for bear, boar, and deer hunting, but they were also popular companions for their masters. They eventually became more commonly kept as pets when hunting practices changed with the introduction of firearms. They are tall, long-legged dogs with a sleek, muscular physique and the ears of a classic hound. They are highly friendly, gentle, and loving dogs despite their large size. Exactly how large they will become as adults depend on the sizes of their parents. Labradors usually measure between .Great Danes are much larger, usually measuring between 28 and 35 inches tall. They typically weigh between and pounds. The mother of the crossbreed is always the Great Dane, as the mother needs to be larger in order to protect against birthing complications. The smaller the Labrador father, the smaller your mixed breed Labradane is likely to be. Labradane pups tend to be on the heavier side, since Great Danes are already large and Labradors have a stockier build, so they can be a bit heavier than they look. Appearance It can be very difficult to know whether a crossbreed Labrador retriever Great Dane will primarily carry on the characteristics of their Labrador retriever parent, their Great Dane parent, or a mixture of both. Generally, they can either have the long face and distinctive jowls of a Great Dane or the smoother face of a Lab. However, most pups tend to have gorgeous floppy ears. When the ear canal is covered, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. The coat of a Labradane can be black, brown, golden, or white, and they are usually the same solid color all over, but you will occasionally see Lab Great Dane mixes with distinctive patterns. Their coats tend to have a high gloss finish and can be quite oily. It is important to consider this when choosing a shampoo. While they usually shed less than a Labrador retriever, they are still moderate shedders and should be brushed at least twice a week to keep their shedding under control. Despite the thickness of their coats, they actually do just as well in hot weather and in the cold, though you should always bring an appropriate amount of water when taking them out on warmer days and look out for signs of heat exhaustion. They are also good at picking up on what is wanted from them in new training situations. However, while a Labradane can always learn new things, the boisterous nature of Great Danes means that sometimes, they might just not want to, and they might prefer to play rather than learn. This means they can need quite a bit of firmness in their training and commands so they know you are serious and that training sessions are time to obey rather than play. Training them properly from a young age will help them know the difference and make them much more controllable as adults. You can read our complete guide on crate training puppies here. Energy Levels The size of these dogs means they will struggle in a small apartment. In confined spaces, a Labradane will tend to feel cramped, and they can sometimes forget just how big they are and be a little on the clumsy side. At the same time, though, these are pretty high-energy dogs that need to be taken out on walks or for a run at least twice a day. If you are a runner, they will have no problem keeping up with you. Between 40 and 60 minutes of dedicated exercise, each day should be sufficient to keep them healthy. In addition to this, your Labradane will thrive if they have at least a modest amount of space to move around and play in, so they are happiest in a home that has a spacious, fenced-in backyard they can roughhouse in. Sociability Both Labrador retrievers and Great Danes like being with people and bond quickly with their families, so you can expect the same from their crossbred pups. Labradanes make great family pets who will love playing with children and will even take a protective attitude towards them. Just remember not to let small children play unsupervised with any dog, regardless of how familiar they might be. This is especially true with Lab Great Dane mixes, as they can forget just how big and strong they are, and accidents can happen. They get on well with other animals and tend to respond playfully rather than aggressively. This means they do particularly well in houses with other pets, as long as they are properly socialized, which is important whenever you introduce a new animal into a home that already has pets. Because they enjoy the company of people, they can only tolerate solitude for short periods of time. Your Labradane will struggle if they are left at home by themselves often while everyone is out at work or if they are left to mind the fort when the family goes on holiday. It is a good idea to think about how your lifestyle is compatible with this breed before getting a Labradane pup. They will love to go on adventure holidays with you and usually enjoy long road trips, too. You can always take them out on the water with you. Great Dane Lab mixes enjoy physical closeness with their humans, and they will love to curl up on the couch or into bed with you if you let them. Health Risks Labradanes are generally considered to be quite healthy, but like many large dogs, they can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. Dysplasia is a deformity in the joints which occurs when different parts of their bodies grow out of proportion. Not only is dysplasia painful, but it can also cause mobility issues. The best treatment is prevention through a healthy diet and an appropriate level of exercise when they are growing. Remember that, despite their high energy, it is possible to over-exercise pups. Until larger dogs are fully grown, they should only have about five minutes of exercise per day per one month of their age. So, a six-month-old pup only needs around 30 minutes of exercise per day. The deep chest of these dogs also means that they can be prone to bloating, so it is important to watch their diet. It is best to feed them smaller, spaced-out meals more often rather than letting them engorge themselves in a single meal. Avoid dog foods with potential irritants such as artificial additives. Great Dane Lab mixes also love their food, and they will overeat and quickly gain excess weight if you let them. It is up to their parents to strictly control their diet to make sure they stick to the right calories intake. Never feed them human food, or worse, food off your own plate, or they will pick up the bad habit of asking for your food. So, are you excited by the idea of bringing a Great Dane Lab mix home? If so, here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding whether these amazing dogs are likely to make a good fit for you and your lifestyle. Where Do You Live? These dogs are big, so they need plenty of space to be happy and comfortable. Are You Normally At Home? Great Dane Lab mixes are very personable. While this makes them great family pets, it also means they struggle when left alone for long periods of time. Will there be someone at home most of the time to keep them company, or will they be left alone for hours at a time while everyone is at work? Also, consider how often you take vacations. Will you be able to take your dog with you? If not, is there someone familiar that you will be able to leave them with while you are away? Are You Active? These dogs need quite a bit of exercise, and they will be happier joining you for a run rather than a slow stroll around the park. Will you have the time and energy to take them out for around an hour of high-energy play every day? Labradanes will also love to join you for adventures such as hikes and swims on the weekend. Are you an outdoorsy type, or are you more of a couch potato? Great Dane Lab mixes are intelligent, which means they are relatively easy to train, but they also need a firm hand. They are boisterous and big dogs, which means they need an owner or trainer with the confidence to train them and keep them under control. If you are a first-time owner, it is worth considering whether or not you are confident enough for this task. Can You Afford Their Care? Labradanes eat a lot, so maintaining their upkeep is a huge financial commitment. They are also likely to need other somewhat pricey items such as crates. Bigger dogs are generally more expensive to care for than smaller pups. Great Dane Lab mixes can be as big as a purebred Great Dane, often reaching 35 inches and weighing up to pounds. However, they are usually much smaller thanks to their Lab parent and can be anywhere from 28 to 35 inches and to pounds. Look at the size of their parents for a general idea of how large your pup is likely to grow. Are Great Dane Lab mixes good dogs? Yes, Labradanes are excellent dogs in that they are intelligent and friendly and are often a great choice if you want a larger dog. They are excellent with children and get on well with other animals, but they also require a big commitment from you. When are Labrador Great Dane mixes fully grown? You will notice your pup grows very quickly in the first six months of their lives, but they will be far from fully grown at that point. Most Great Dane Lab mixes will continue to grow until they are between the ages of 12 and 18 months. The form of their body will also change at the time, gradually taking on a leaner and more muscular appearance. How much does a Lab Great Dane mix cost? Prices can go up even further if the demand in your area is high, and the best breeders also tend to charge a bit more. Alternatively, you may find one of these great dogs in a shelter, but there are few shelters that specialize in this particular crossbreed. Start by looking at shelters that work specifically with Labradors or Great Danes to find the dog that you are looking for. The Verdict If you love large dogs and want a friendly, family-oriented dog, then a Great Dane Lab mix might be just the pup that you are looking for. These gentle giants will love being part of the family and will fit in immediately, even with children and other animals. Bear in mind, however, that they do need lots of love, exercise, and attention, meaning you need to make a commitment to them. In return, the unconditional love you will receive from your Labradane pup is well worth the investment. Do you have experience with Great Dane Lab mixes? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Breed Profiles By Kate Brunotts 10 min read May 25, 2 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Are you looking for a magnificent mutt to take over your home and heart? The Labradane — an endearing cross between a Great Dane and Labrador retriever — might be the perfect fit for your family! These dogs commonly exhibit a combination of traits from both parent breeds, as is the case with most mutts. However, there are a couple of traits that most Labradanes tend to have in common, such as a loyal, loving nature. There are also a couple of similar canine crosses and purebred pooches Labradane lovers may want to consider. This includes big best buddies like Irish Wolfhounds and designer dogs like the Goldendane. But despite their impressive statures, Great Danes can adapt well to relatively small spaces, as long as they are provided the exercise, stimulation, and training they need. Great Danes are known for their easy-going natures and dependable demeanors. In fact, these big doggos are actually super cuddly canines. You can find Great Danes in colors ranging from solid grey, to black to tan, and they also display merle, brindle, or harlequin coats on occasion. As they grow older, it may be more difficult to guide your gargantuan Great Dane, so make sure he has mastered his manners. These good-natured furry friends need plenty of room and moderate exercise to keep their tails wagging. Labrador Retriever The other half of the sweet Labradane can be traced back to one of the most coveted canines: the Labrador retriever. Labs have a history as bird-hunting dogs , so they certainly like to stay active and are happy to accompany you on any adventure. These smart sweethearts also make amazing therapy dogs and tend to follow their favorite humans from one room to the next. Labradors are excellent canine companions, though they need to be placed with an owner who can keep up with their moderately high energy levels, and provide plenty of exercise throughout the day. These medium-sized dogs weigh about 50 to 80 pounds and come in golden, chocolate or black coat variants. Labradane Traits and Characteristics Are you considering bringing home one of these gentle giants? Here are some generalized traits and characteristics for you to take into consideration. With that in mind, still take the time to meet your individual puppy and his parents before committing to your canine. Size and Shape: Labradanes are large furry friends weighing anywhere from 80 to pounds. But as with all mixed breeds, deviations from this range are common. These sweet dogs are highly intelligent, and eager to please their family members. They are also incredibly loyal dogs and known for their friendly, playful nature. These are quintessential family dogs, who do well in households where someone is usually around to keep them company. Coat and Colors: Labradanes usually have a white, brown, black, or brindle coat. Like his Great Dane and Labrador parents, the mixed breed will have a fairly short, slick yet thick coat. Labradanes shed fairly regularly and should have their ears groomed on a regular basis as their large, floppy size makes them prone to ear infections. Intelligence: Labradanes are incredibly intelligent furry friends that should be fairly easy to train. Training Challenges: Luckily, Labradanes are known to be star students out of love for their humans and training treats. Labradanes can also suffer from separation anxiety and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. Health: Labradanes have a life expectancy of anywhere between 8 and 12 years. Best Families and Situations for a Labradane Not all homes are suitable for these unique furry friends. Use this checklist to make sure you can provide a lovely Labradane everything he needs to live a happy life. You have plenty of space. So, Laberdanes are best for homes with plenty of room and a big backyard. Someone is usually home. Labradanes are highly social and love spending time with their humans. The ideal home for a Labradane is lively and usually has someone around to keep these patient pups entertained. These sweet dogs want nothing more than to embed themselves as part of the family unit. How Can You Find a Labradane? Tracking down any designer dog can be difficult, and the grand and great Labradane is no exception. Here are a couple of key ways you can narrow down your search: Start with an online search. Using an online doggie database like Petfinder can make it much easier to determine whether or not there are Labradanes in your area. Look into local shelters. Seek out a ruff-ural. If you happen to know a Labradane owner, you can ask for them to refer you to their breeder. Additionally, you can shoot your shot by reaching out to Labrane owners on social media if you feel comfortable. Keep in mind that not all breeders are reputable. If you choose to purchase your pooch, make sure your breeder is someone you can trust. Here are a few that have similar characteristics to these special canines. Laboundland: These gentle canines hit the sweet spot between their Labrador and Newfoundland parents. Like the Labradane, this mutt is on the larger side with an equally proportionate heart. Bernese Mountain Dog: Berners are known for their good-natured, laid-back demeanor paired with their distinct tri-color coat. These fluffy furry friends do well with kids and other pets. These big best buddies are super sweet and maintain a joyful, puppy-like spirit well into their years. Irish Wolfhound: These purebred pups are one of the tallest breeds you can find and make agreeable canine companions. Irish Wolfhounds are active, loyal, and dedicated family companions. Have you ever met a Labradane before? Like it? Share it! Labradane Overview Labradanes are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Labrador Retriever or Great Dane parents. The most common colors of Labradane coats are brown, black, and white. They are usually solid colors, although small markings might be present in some cases. Labradanes love humans and need big spaces. The Labradane is great with kids, even though they sometimes forget about their own size. Labradanes tend to overeat or eat too quickly, which can lead to bloat or obesity. Labradane History The Labradane came about during the designer dog craze in the s. The Labrador was previously called the St. Labradane Size The Labradane is usually described as a large or even giant dog. As a newer dog breed, exact size standards might vary, but with Labrador and Great Dane heritage you can definitely expect your dog to be on the bigger end of the scale. Most weigh in at to pounds and range in height from 24 to 30 inches. Female Labradanes can sometimes be a little smaller than their male counterparts. The gentle giant reputation the breed has picked up is very warranted. This dog loves to hang out with humans whenever possible, although they might, on occasion, be wary of total strangers. Brisk walks are great for them, and the Labradane is always a star at the local dog park. Just be wary that sometimes they can act a little goofy and not always realize the extent of their own size! It goes without saying that big dogs need big living spaces. A large family environment is preferred—this is not a dog for a single person living in an apartment situation. Labradane Health Labradanes are generally considered to be healthy dogs—although the breed is a deep-chested dog, which can lead to digestive issues and bloat. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Labradanes can become obese due to overeating—consider serving smaller, monitored meals throughout the day rather than letting the dog free-feed. Twice daily walks are standard for a Labradane. Labradanes need to keep up a structured exercise regime through their life, not only to stay toned but to avoid any mobility issues that might arise from inactivity. The breed also likes to be mentally stimulated, so provide interactive toys and consider adding variety to play sessions and walking routes. This will help ward off infection. Labradane Feeding An ideal Labradane diet should be formulated for a large-sized breed with medium energy. Labradanes need to stick to a heathy diet. The breed is usually the same color all over, although small markings might be present in some cases. Labradanes have short and dense coats. Their short hair should be brushed twice a week as part of a regular grooming routine, although in spring months you may notice slightly heavier than usual shedding, so update your regime as appropriate. Bathing your Labradane once a month is recommended. The breed is usually fine living in all climates—although, in hot weather, make sure that heat exhaustion is not a risk during walks. This is a playful breed that enjoys forming close bonds with the humans in their life. Labradanes can also become quite protective of the people they live with. However, if you have very young kids, make sure to supervise play sessions as sometimes this gentle giant of the dog world forgets about its large size. The Labradane is usually tolerant of other animals, including dogs. Although always exercise caution before introducing new pets to each other. Labradane Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labradanes because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Great Dane breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Rescues that cater to large or giant breeds might also be able to help. Here are some rescues you can try:. Video: Labradane Lab Great Dane Mix Playing and Retrieving Temperament and Behavior The Labradane, characterized by a pleasant disposition, makes a great companion desiring to be closely bonded to its human family. Always eager to please its owner, the dog craves for praise and affection. It will welcome your visitors unless it sees something suspicious. Besides its protective nature, its imposing appearance can be intimidating for an unwanted stranger. A Labradane is well disposed toward kids and other pets if raised with them. However, its size can cause problems, as it can accidentally knock over a small child. Make sure that you teach your kids how to approach and get along with these big dogs safely. Care Exercise Even though Labradanes are quiet indoors, they need regular minute walks or interactive playing sessions in a secured area. They should not be overly exercised especially when young since puppies are vulnerable to bone and joint problems. Grooming Their coat needs regular brushing with a firm-bristled brush, as it helps in keeping the fur healthy and clean, thereby reducing the number of baths they need. Brush their teeth times a week and trim their nails once a month. When their ears show signs of infection, clean them with a pH-balanced solution. Health Problems The Great Dane Lab mixes are affected by certain health issues including elbow and hip dysplasia, improper development of bones and joints, PRA, epilepsy, cataracts, gastric torsion, and acute moist dermatitis. Training Start training the Labradanes early because their sheer size could make them difficult to control by the time they become adults. Socialization: To prevent your pet dog from exhibiting aggression or fear when meeting strangers, properly socialize Labradane puppies with unfamiliar people and pets. You may check in your neighborhood for groups that take their dogs to the park or ask the dog walkers to join you on the route. Teaching your dog to chase and fetch: Encourage your pet to go after a ball, Frisbee, or stick by tossing it a short distance. When your dog goes for it, reward with praises and treats. If your dog refuses to bring the toy back, you can use another object and throw it in an opposite direction. This will help in familiarizing your pet to the idea of going back to you once it has grabbed the object. After your dog has mastered this, try calling your dog back and ask it drop the object. Feeding The Labradane needs four and a half to six cups of dry dog food per day. But the Great Dane gentle nature quickly took over and by the end of the century, they were more popular among royalty where they received endless pampering. If we go all the way back to 3, BC and 2, BC, we find drawings and pictures of a similar-looking dog in both Egypt and Babylonian respectively. The Labrador Retriever is a newer breed compared to the Great Dane with early reports showing the Lab popped up sometime during the 18 or 19th century. At that time, they were called the St. The Labrador Retriever takes it name from Labrador, Newfoundland. So what about the history of the Lab Dane mix? As well, there have been several dozen new hybrid mixes created in the last two decades due to the designer breed craze. Appearance Like many designers breeds the appearance of The Labradane can vary with some looking just like the Great Dane, others like the Lab. However, the majority will dawn a unique blend of the two. Both parents are larger dogs, with the Great Dane being particularly tall, so you can count on their puppies being big and most likely weighing around lbs. As well, with both dogs having genes for a black coat, the majority of Labradanes have a short and silky obsidian coat. They have large block-shaped heads that sit on an equally bulky body. The AKC recognizes three coat colors: yellow, chocolate, and black, but sometimes you will see coats that are more red, white, or sliver. Their coat is short, but dense due to its double layer. They have a large block-shaped head like the Labrador, but unlike them, they have a very lean and hard body with a big chest that slopes into a tight stomach. Oh, and they also have those incredibly long legs that define their appearance. The AKC recognizes six varieties of coat colors: fawn, brindle, harlequin, black, mantle, and blue. The Great Dane can come in several colors not recognized by show arenas, however: white, fawnequin, brindlequin, merle, merlequin, blue merle, chocolate, and fawn mantle. Temperament Both the Great Dane and the Labrador Retriever are known for their intelligent, loyal, and friendly nature. The Great Dane is often called a gentle giant, and the Labrador is easily one of the best family dogs around. The biggest difference in temperament is the Lab loves to run and be active while the Great Dane prefers to relax. Now, Great Dane puppies are very active, but this naturally goes away with age, as well, hyperactivity is discouraged because it puts their rapidly growing bones at risk. All-and-all, the Labradane is a designer dog whose personality is easier to predict because the Lab and Dane share so many traits. Lifespan Lifespan can really vary with designer dogs making it hard to predict how long your Labradane will live for. Unfortunately, Great Danes have a very short lifespan with most only living between years. The Labrador Retriever, on the other hand, typically lives between years. Health A Labradane puppy can inherit genetic diseases from both sides, which increases the number of health conditions they are prone to. On the bright side, they have better genetic diversity than their parents, and this is the key to avoiding inherited health conditions. Essentially, genetic diversity helps good genomes block bad genomes from expressing themselves. Their biggest fight is often with obesity, which puts them at risk for several health conditions. So when you look at the long list below, know that obesity plays in factor in many. Due to their popularity, Labradanes are priced quite high. If you are looking for a unique hybrid, the Labradane may be the pup for you. They are gentle giants full of love! Labradanes can weigh over pounds Labradanes can easily weigh over pounds, sometimes hitting close to pounds. Although the average Labrador Retriever rarely weighs over pounds, the Great Dane can weigh over pounds. Labradanes Shed a Lot Labradanes may have short coats, but their shedding can be overwhelming. Labradanes Love to Eat Unlike some breeds and mixes, Labradanes love to eat. These large dogs are happy snuggling on the couch with their favorite person, but they do enjoy playtime and romping around off-leash. While not all Labradanes may possess the same qualities as their littermates, we can take a closer look at the parents to have an idea of what to expect: Great Danes are known for being the gentle giants of the dog world but are sadly known for their short lifespans. These massive canines are excellent companions that rarely have aggression issues, but their imposing size makes them deterrents to unwanted visitors. Great Danes are also a popular choice for service work, often trained in helping people with physical disabilities move around from place to place. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed almost exclusively around the world, mostly due to their cheerful and good-natured demeanors. Although they can be raucous as young puppies, Labs usually mellow within a few years. Labs, as well as Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds, make exceptionally great seeing-eye dogs. Temperaments can vary wildly with mixed breeds, but Labradanes seem to have missed the memo and are known for being relatively calm and mild-mannered. They do best with homes that have adequate space for them, so this hybrid is not the best choice for small apartment living. Shedding is light throughout the year, but it may get heavier during its shedding season. When shedding is light, brushing once or twice a week would suffice. While heavy shedding might require regular daily brushing. A firm-bristled brush may be used as it helps in maintaining the fur healthy and clean. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. You can also opt for a swimming activity since this hybrid dog loves swimming a lot. Proper cleaning and care should be given to their ears as these sites tend to accumulate dirt and bacteria easily. If you suspect any signs of ear infection, clean the ears with a pH-balanced solution. Long nails should also be trimmed to avoid problems concerning tearing or splitting if they are not worn down naturally. Just like other dog breeds, dental health is also essential with your Lab Great Dane. Make sure to brush their teeth at least twice or thrice a week to prevent tooth decays. Regular exercise activities should also be helpful to keep off gaining excess weight. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: These conditions are common among large dog breeds. It happens when the ball and socket joint is malformed, so instead of sliding smoothly across one another, the bones do not adequately meet. Dysplasia causes unbearable pain to your Great Dane Lab mix. Cardiomyopathy: Your Labradene may also suffer from heart conditions, such as cardiomyopathy. Make sure to always to bring your Lab Great Dane to his veterinarian at least once a year. Panosteitis — Also known as Shifting Leg Lameness or Pano, this condition is occasionally seen among dogs with long legs due to the rapid growth of their bones. Bloating: Your dog may also suffer from bloating caused by gas buildup in the stomach. It may inflate like a large balloon wherein the abdomen may become overstretched. At worst condition, the heart and the stomach may not get enough blood and oxygen, which may cause the stomach to die. Bloating can be fatal. Moreover, the key to having a healthy Labradane also lies in the care and attention you give your pet companion. For optimal results, go for the tried and tested best large breed dry dog food and our picks of the best dry dog food brands. The Great Dane Lab diet should include lean meat-rich foods, with the right amount of vegetables and fruits. Make sure not to forget supplying him with a fresh, clean bowl of drinking water from time to time. Moreover, always remember to not feed your dog with foods stuffed with preservatives. If you are not sure how to tell which ingredients to avoid, take a look at our guide on the worst dry dog food and go from there. Make them into a bona fide canine powerhouse by adding supplements to their diet. We would start with Nutra Thrive dog food supplement — after consulting with the vet first, of course! Apart from minding the nutritional value and the ingredient list of the food you serve to your pooch, you have to make sure it matches their age. If your Lab Great Dane mix is but a puppy, there are numerous best puppy food brands that you can opt for. While your dog is a cub, they can also eat food designed for tiny pooches, such as the best dry dog food for small dogs. When they become old and wrinkly, their frail health will be best sustained with these best senior dry dog food brands. Lab crossed with Great Dane Exercise Requirements The Labrador crossed with Great Dane is an energetic dog, so regular exercise is needed to release its excess energy and to keep him happy and healthy. Regular routine practice is not only good for your dog, but it is also beneficial for your health. He requires at least 30 minutes of physical activity or interactive play sessions daily. The Labradanes love to go for walks, but you can also try other outdoor activities. Here are some examples that you can enjoy with your Labrador crossed with Great Dane: Hiking: It is a great way to turn your daily walk to an exciting and fun activity for you and your dog. You can try going to the woods near your area for a little adventure and hike for a few distances. Swimming: Because of the Labrador Retriever in his lineage, the Labradane is also one of those few dogs who love swimming. It also provides relief from the heat during the summer months. You may also add some twist to the activity by using either a Frisbee or a tennis racquet to throw the object farther. Lab Great Dane Training Since the Labradane is a highly energetic breed which can sometimes be overly enthusiastic and boisterous, early training and socialization are essential aspects in calming down this hybrid. This is important because they can be difficult to control once they become adults because of their sheer size. Here are some types of training your Lab mixed with Great Dane may need: Socialization Training: Socialization at an early age has been proven to prevent your Labradane from developing aggressive behaviors, anxiety, and fearfulness later on in their adulthood. It should be included in the training routine of any responsible dog parent. The key to socialization training is to introduce and expose your dog to different people, animals, and environments as early as a puppy. Basic Obedience Training: Your Labradene puppy needs to grasp basic obedience training commands such as sit down, come, stay drop, stop and recall so you can control their behavior when needed. As previously mentioned, this crossbreed can be overly enthusiastic, so you also need to train him how not to get too excited. Encourage them to go inside their crate by using treats as rewards. When training your Great Dane Lab, keep in mind that your puppy must see you as the leader of the pack. Avoid being overly strict while training your pup as he may grow up fearing you instead of showering you with loyalty. Make sure to be gentle but firm in training him. They will easily listen and follow your instructions and are eager to participate in the training session with you. Remember to implement positive reinforcement. Treats and praises can go a long way in helping good behavior stick. Great Dane Labrador and Families Despite his large size, the Great Dane crossed with Labrador Retriever is a great family dog because of his affectionate and loving nature. They are patient, friendly and gentle with children and other pet animals. Careful attention should still be given when they are around babies and infants as they can be overly-enthusiastic and they might unintentionally hurt small kids when playing due to their large size. With proper socialization and training, the Great Dane Lab should make a loveable and excellent family companion. They can be your loyal pet companion as long as you shower them with equal love and care. Be a responsible dog parent by feeding them well, socializing them and giving them sufficient amount of exercises and training. References: Wang, Ping, et al. Walton, Joel, and Eve Adamson. Labrador Retrievers for Dummies. Wiley Publishing, .Lee, Muriel P. Kennel Club Books Llc,

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. If you are looking for help training your dog, there are lots of best dog training books available to get you started. We all know how important it is to train our dogs to keep them healthy and happy, and keep our homes clean and calm. But actually teaching your dog the behavior you expect, and soliciting that behavior from them in the moment when it is needed, is another question. We have all heard that we should use praise to reinforce good behavior, and never use punishment to discourage bad behavior as it can cause behavioral problems. But how do you reward your dog without making them fat on tasty treats? And what do you use instead of punishment in a moment of crisis when your dog is causing problems? The 10 books on the list below are all excellent guides that answer these questions, and many more. Read on to discover my full list of the 10 best dog training books and what each of them covers so that you can find the right one for you and your pooch. There he provides useful and practical tips on training and caring for dogs, and he brings the same approach to this book. It covers everything from potty training to managing aggression, as well as topics such as how you know when you need to take your dog to the vet. It is full of how-tos rather than technical material. This makes it the book you want to reach for in a crisis when you are looking for a quick fix as opposed to deep fireside reading. This book is ideal for new dog owners and tells you everything you need to know to start your relationship with your dog off on the right foot. Another element that makes this book a bit intriguing is that it is written by the Monks of New Skete , a community of dog-loving monks that having been raising German Shepherd puppies for 30 years. As a result, they really know their stuff. They may not be the best authors, but their book is full of excellent advice. This book is definitely to be recommended to new dog owners bringing a puppy home for the first time. Training your dog right from the start will mean a long and happy relationship together. There are many guides out there that explain how to train your dog using a clicker or treat. These guides will also tell you that it is best to only use these during the training process and then switch to praise in the long term. But few explain exactly how you do that. Well, that is exactly what Pat Miller does in this book! A prolific publisher over his 40 years as a dog trainer, Pat Miller certainly knows his stuff. But if you are on the same page as Miller, you will find this book extremely useful as it explains how you should react to your dog in every situation to encourage the right kind of behavior. This books should definitely be on the shelf of anyone who is concerned about the long term behavior of their dog, rather than just fixing an immediate problem. How To Housebreak Your Dog In 7 Days Author: Shirlee Kalstone Year: Format: Paperback or Kindle While the title makes this sound a bit like a diet book, full of unbelievable promises, the information in this book can help you housebreak even the most difficult-to-train puppies. This book focuses exclusively on potty training, but in all its forms, including housetraining, but also litter and paper training. Pet owners who have decided on crate training will also find this book useful, as it has sections dedicated to how best to use crate training as a tool. If you have a problem potty when it comes to housebreaking, this book is a must, and it is also invaluable to anyone housebreaking a puppy for the first time. McConnell has written 13 books on dog training, and for this outing she has teamed up with animal behavior consultant Brenda Scidmore to produce something new. The book is aimed at new dog owners with pretty much no experience of how to raise, train, and care for dogs. It explains everything, and there is no assumed knowledge. While great for newbies, it does mean that more experienced dog owners may find it a bit basic. The book lays out detailed training exercises to help encourage the type of behavior that you want from your dog. It gives tips for positive reinforcement, but probably more importantly, it explains what you can do when things go wrong! The book also identifies key behaviors, which probably indicate that it is time to bring in the help of a professional trainer. This primer will help first-time dog owners feel in control when it comes to training their new pet, making sure this first experience is a positive one. Beyond The BackYard Year: Format: Paperback If you are looking for a step-by-step guide on how to train your dog, then this could be the book for you. It is broken into three parts. The first part gives you just enough of the theory that you can get started, without bogging you down in concepts that are difficult to digest. The second part then lays out a plan for training your dog. The third part deals with problem solving, and problems arise no matter how well trained your dog is. While this book tells you all the techniques that you need to train your dog, what makes it a bit special is that it makes sure that these approaches are always fun. Spending time with your dog should always be fun, for you and for them, no matter what you are doing. This is another great primer for first-time dog owners who want to get off to a great start, but also want to get stuck in without being bogged down in too much theory. In particular, it delves into how your dog senses the world around them and how this translates into their behavior and communication practices. This helps you to understand why they are doing the things that they are doing, to better identify potential solutions to the problem. The main drawback with this book is that it recommends a lot of products, which can break up the flow of the content. But if you can put that to one side, you will find yourself understanding your dog better than you thought possible. It has been recommended to owners of dogs with unknown backgrounds to help figure out what is really happening with them. This book has something interesting to offer to both new dog owners and veteran canine lovers alike when it comes to getting inside the mind of your dog. If you have a difficult dog, this should be enough to put this book on your radar. What really sets this book apart, however, is that it is not just about training your dog, but about training yourself as a dog owner and how to interact with your dog to get the best results. This book is something to be read cover to cover, rather than consulted for how-to tips. But the read is rewarding, and the book is written in an engaging and non-judgemental way. While this book covers a lot of territory when it comes to dog behavior, it is not strictly a training guide. What it will give you is some food for thought that will help you identify for yourself which techniques are likely to work best with your dog. The monks also share some very practical tips around often overlooked things when it comes to behaviour, such as getting your dog on a solid feeding schedule and ensuring that you are grooming them in the right way. This is an updated version of a book originally written in , so it can seem a bit old fashioned at times, but it will provide inspiration to any dog owner and is particularly useful if you own a German Shepherd. McConnell on the list, this is another book that focuses on how dog owners need to behave around their dogs in order to get the best out of them. She delivers the information by combining the scientific theory with her experiences with her own dogs. This does mean that the result is not a how-to guide but rather a thinking guide that will point you in the right direction. One thing this book does do well is explain why positive reinforcement works and why punishment is detrimental to the behavior of your dog in the long run. This is definitely a book to read cover to cover. It will provide you with a good basis to then assess the effectiveness of training tips you come across elsewhere. Buying Guide: Dog Training Books Here I have only listed 10 of the best dog training books available, but there are thousands more, and knowing where to invest your time and money can be challenging. Fortunately, dog lovers tend to like to support one another, so they are likely to review books they have read on popular websites. Checking out the overall star-rating of the book can help you quickly discern which titles are worth a closer look. Once you have narrowed down the list in this way, there are a few things to consider: How much do you already know about dogs and dog training? Are you an experienced dog owner looking to reinforce what you already know or deal with a particularly difficult pooch? Or are you a first-time dog owner with very little knowledge or experience? What you already know is going to dictate what you need. If you are already quite knowledgeable, you will probably find this same book very frustrating to read. You would benefit from a title that deals more with the theory of why some techniques are more effective than others so that you can tweak your own practice. What kind of training does your dog need? Do you have a new puppy that basically needs to be trained in everything? Do you have a difficult dog that just refuses to be house broken? Have you adopted an older dog who has already developed bad habits? Are you looking to train a specialist dog to do particular tricks of work? Each of these dogs will need different types of training, and there are titles available that specialise in each. For insight into some of the most common behavioral problems among Labradors check out our guide to Labrador behavior. Spoiler alert! Expect them to want to chew everything in site, and jump up at you for your attention and affection. There are many different ways to train a dog. You might use a crate, or you might not. You might believe that a loving environment is more important than discipline. You will probably want to find guidance from an author who shares a similar philosophy towards dog training as you. Of course, you can always learn new things from a new philosophy, but you also need to believe in the validity of the training that they are suggesting. The Verdict If you are looking for help when it comes to training your dog the right way, fortunately many experts have shared their years of experience in a number of excellent books. You can find guidance on every problem, from how to reward your dog to reinforce good behavior, to how to behave yourself in order to solicit the right kind of response from your dog. All 10 of the books on my list are full of useful and interesting information. Which one is right for you depends on how much you already know about training a dog, and whether you are looking for solutions to particular behavioral problems. It covers a broad range of training approaches that can be applied to almost any situation. You can also go from his book to his YouTube channel to see some of his tips and techniques in action. If you are struggling with dog training and looking for advice, rest assured that it is available as little as a click away or a visit to your local bookstore. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Brilliant Books for Labrador Parents! Books are wonderful resources for learning more about our Labradors. The Happy Puppy is a uniquely detailed and positive guide to raising a happy, confident and obedient puppy without force or punishment. From potty training to socialization and from biting to recall, Pippa covers every aspect of preparing for, and raising a new puppy. A treasure trove of information on Labradors, this is the perfect companion for anyone who loves Labrador Retrievers as much as we all do. Pippa covers finding a Labrador puppy, rescuing an older Labrador, training, feeding, neutering and health. All in her popular objective and constructive manner. Find out more about The Labrador Handbook on Amazon here. Total Recall is much more than just a recall training program, it teaches you how dogs learn and how to successfully train your Labrador without tearing your hair out. The extensive troubleshooting sections looks at all the ways in which training can go wrong and shows you how to avoid and fix them!

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Black Labrador Puppies Black is beautiful, and black Labrador puppies are magnificent, and are the number one request we receive regarding puppy inquiries. Of the officially recognized three colors for Labradors by the A. In our breeding program, we breed for all three colors. History of Black Labradors Black Labradors have an amazing history dating back centuries. They were bred from the water dogs that are now extinct. Initially, Labradors were hunting or fishing dogs and shooting companions. Up until the year , many believed that all Labradors were black. It wasn't until the mid-century that breeders ventured out and bred for chocolate and yellow Labradors as well. Even now, many people both in the U. The Best Qualities of Black Labradors Buying black Labrador puppies is most preferred by customers but not without reason. They have an amazing history of being bred for centuries as the most favorable human companions! The black Labrador puppies are magical to watch as their striking black color exemplifies the shine of the thick double coat They have an unrivaled temperament known for their devotion and reliability to their owners Categorized as sport dogs by A. Available by phone:. These pups are intelligent, friendly, and eager to please. Black Labs are also known for being loyal, protective, and devoted to their families. In addition to their great personalities, Black Labs are also excellent athletes. They excel at agility and obedience trials, and they make excellent hunting and retrieving dogs. Black Labs are versatile dogs that can fit into almost any lifestyle. They do very well with children. The breed is usually tolerant of climbing and tugging by small children and love to be spoiled. This confident yet tender pup is social and easy-going around new people. Black Lab Puppies Health Considerations Though generally very healthy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around 10 to 12 years — our Black Labs for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Black Lab puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Hip and elbow dysplasia are both hereditary conditions that can cause joint pain and mobility issues. Allergies are relatively common in dogs, and Black Labs are no exception. Symptoms can include itchiness, redness, and hair loss. Exercise-induced collapse is a relatively rare condition that can be triggered by strenuous activity. Symptoms include weakness, dizziness, and collapse. While these health concerns can be daunting, many of them can be effectively managed with proper care. Finding a Black Lab puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. They are also one of the most popular breeds in the United States, in part due to their beautiful black coat. And while the coat does require some maintenance, it is relatively easy to care for. Weekly brushing will help to remove dead hair and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy. Labs also benefit from occasional baths, which will help to remove any dirt or debris that has become trapped in their fur. Meet Black Lab Puppies for Sale. Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are consistently among the most popular dog breeds worldwide, due in large part to their cheerful personalities and obedient natures. If you live in California and want to expand your pack with a new Labrador Retriever puppy, the breeders on this list should be the first places that you check. The 8 Labrador Retriever Breeders in California 1. However, they emphasize preparing their pups to be working dogs, ready to help you with your next hunt. For an additional fee, you can have your new dog taught basic obedience and advanced gun dog training. Summerland Labradors Visit Their Website Phelan, CA Summerland Labradors is a small operation, producing only two to three litters per year, so you need to be on the ball if you want to adopt from them. Kenya Labradors Visit Their Website Santa Margarita, CA The biggest downside in buying a dog from Kenya Labradors is that the animals are raised on a gorgeous, acre plot overlooking the California coast, so the dog might be a bit disappointed when they get to your house. Still, all that room enables these dogs to get plenty of exercise and socialization before they join your pack. This kennel breeds well-pedigreed dogs, and your pup will come with more paperwork than the average new car. Your dog will be accustomed to living like you do long before you pick them up, which should cut down their adjustment time significantly. All their dogs are AKC-registered, and each one has many generations of champions in their heritage. They go to great lengths to try to match each pooch up with the perfect home for them, so your dog will be chosen based on how their temperament fits in with your existing lifestyle. They also guarantee that their dogs will be free of genetic defects up to 1 year of age or your money back. Your new pup will be thoroughly vetted, registered with the AKC, and microchipped before being handed over to you. They also have an extensive blog that answers just about any question that you might have about raising your new family member. You may also be interested in:. His pedigree is here Pedigree. Contessa's pedigree is here. We put a lot of energy into raising puppies. We are involved with them from birth. They are loved all day long. They are exposed to children, adults, older dogs, loud noises, household items, scented to wings, duck calls, a early start with obedience and potty training. Our lab puppies are well on their way to being potty trained before they're placed in their forever homes, as we've incorporated the misty method. Labrador retriever puppies will have a complete puppy packet including information on shots, worming schedule and medication that has been given, that you will need to share with your vet. A written guarantee, and the basic schedule of sleeping and feeding that the puppy has been raised on will also be some of the information in your puppy packet. AKC Northern California labrador puppy Breeder All of our labrador puppies are registered with the American Kennel Club with limited registration , micro-chipped and ready to be enrolled in the AKC ReUnite program before they go into a new family home. This service is included in the purchase price of your puppy. Our labrador puppies are also sent home with a supply of their current food and feeding schedule. We feed large breed puppy food to insure they grow up healthy and avoid any problems with dysplasia as recommended by the AKC. We also send them home with a receiving blanket that has been with them for some time. It has the scent of their litter-mates and their mother to ease the transition to their new home. Contessa Rose Da Serra. As my website states, I am not like other breeders in many ways. First, I want to explain how the average Labrador breeder raises their pups the first few weeks of their life. They expect these tiny pups without their senses fully developed to find their way to a nipple without being smothered. I understand that this is what dogs do in the wild, but this is also why many puppies die in the wild. .Then, on top of that they hope that each of the pups will get enough milk on it's own to make it through the 1st week of life. They expect the Lab mom to do all the work, so they don't have to lose a wink of sleep. This is all very sad to say but it's true. I, on the other hand, care about each individual pup's life, I care that each and every one of them survive so that they can live a full and happy life. So, I make sure that each individual pup is given outstanding care. How do I do this? I began with hand raising each one of my pups the first 3 weeks of its life. What do I mean by hand raise my pup? It means I personally make sure each individual pup is fed every 2 hours- 24 hours a day, the first 2 weeks of its life. At feeding time, I make sure each puppy gets on a nipple so they don't have to struggle to find one. I make sure that each puppy gets an adequate amount of milk. Then, once I see that they have been well fed. I pick up one pup at a time and have the mom lick it to go potty. And then I put them in their little crib to ensure they are safe and not smooth by the mother until the next feeding 2 hours later. At three weeks, we feed the pups every 4 hours. But at this point, even though the pups eyes and ears are open. I still supervise the feeding to ensure that each pup is adequately fed and again not smothered by it's mother. I believe in giving these pups outstanding care. Even if that means that I lose a lot of sleep, and even if it ends up just saving one pups life. That one pup could be the next Labrador that I get a testimony about how it brought so much joy into one person's life! So, in the end, all the work and lack of sleep is worth it. I am up now about to give my pups their 3 am feeding. Hope this helps you all understand what is put into each litter. She is from our breeding between Cash and Bella, both parents are health certified. Sugar is overnight crate trained and has some other training. She has the sweetest disposition; we absolutely love her! However, we have had a family emergency that has come up that may cause us to have to put Sugar up for sale. If you would be interested in Sugar, please email us and let us know about yourself, and the lifestyle that you would be able to give Sugar. We will be reviewing potential families who would be interested in Sugar and pick the best family for her, and make a decision later this month. They are given constant positive attention their whole time with us. We have a big game room that we call the "Labby Room" This room is designated for our labs and their lab puppies. The puppies get a lot of interaction with all our kids in this room. They also become well adjusted to all the sounds of the home life, like the sound of a vacuum. When the pups are born, I will contact you and inform you on how many pups were born. We will post up pictures of each litter soon after they are born. And try to post weekly picture updates so you can watch the puppies grow. We will also post video on our face book page. When the pups are 6 to 7 weeks of age, I will contact you to set up an appointment for you choose and pick up your pup at 8 weeks of age. If you had first deposit in for a male pup you will have first choice of all the males available. If you have second deposit in, you will have the next appointment to choose from the males that are left and so forth. This order of reserving pups would also apply to the females as well. We honor all reservations on a puppy by not selling the puppy to anyone else. So if you are interested in a litter and don't want to make a reservation until "you see the litter". An appointment can be made to view the left-over puppies when they are 10 weeks old, and no sooner. No appointments will be allowed at a younger age, except for the families that made a prior reservation. We will not allow our baby puppies to be exposed to potential life threatening viruses from people that are just "shopping". We wait until all puppies that have been reserved are safely home, before we show any left-over puppies. Any left-over pups will be at least 10 weeks of age before any viewings are allowed, to insure they have at least had 2 sets of shots in. The only other accommodation that we can offer is a zoom call, so you can see the pups before you make a reservation. Most of our sweet puppies are sold before they are even born. Reserve your puppy today!

Once he has reached maturity, you can switch to adult dog food. Not all breeds reach maturity at the same age, however, so this can make it harder to know when to switch. How Long to Feed Puppy Food Puppies need a complete and balanced puppy food until they reach maturity. For dogs, adulthood depends more on breed size than their age. Because large and giant breeds take longer to mature, they need to eat puppy food longer than small- or medium-sized breeds. Medium Dog Breeds: Medium-sized dogs weigh between 21 and 50 pounds at maturity. They tend to reach maturity around 12 months of age. They need to eat puppy food longer than small- and medium-sized breeds. They can tell you when to switch to an adult dog food and help make it a successful transition. Leftovers in a bowl could signal that your puppy is getting full and needs less calories throughout the day. Continuing to feed puppy food past the point of maturity could cause him to become overweight, which can lead to other health problems. Choose a complete and balanced adult dog food formula once your puppy reaches maturity to help him maintain his ideal body condition. When to Switch Puppy to Adult Food Once you know when your puppy will reach maturity, you can decide when to switch to adult food. If your puppy will be full grown at 12 months, you can start transitioning him to an adult formula around his first birthday. How to Transition Puppy to an Adult Dog Food When you stop feeding puppy food, you must change more than just the food he eats. The number of meals and portion sizes will shift, too. Most puppies eat three meals a day , but adult dogs can eat just two meals per day. A gradual transition helps prevent stomach upset. Days 3 to 4: Serve half puppy food and half adult dog food. Days 8 to Serve only adult dog food. If your dog resists eating the adult food or experiences an upset stomach, extend the transition time as needed. Consult with your veterinarian for more help if needed. For more information and tips on puppy and dog nutrition from our experts , visit our Pet Expertise page. Related articles. Those are good as a rough guideline, but not entirely accurate. Active Goldens eat puppy food longer than the calmer ones. Because adult dog food is not as rich as the puppy version, he can only rely on the puppy food to meet his needs until his behavior changes to adult behaviors. Once your dog has almost reached maturity, his behaviors will automatically change. This change in behaviors is another sign your Golden puppy is ready to transition to adult food. Some of those signs are: Your puppy begins to sleep more and becomes less energetic. Your puppy starts losing interest in their puppy food. Your puppy often has stools after eating his puppy food. When your puppy is growing, he needs more calories and protein than an adult Golden to support his growth. That is why puppy food is designed to have more calories, calories, protein, and other nutrients beneficial for his development. But once he reaches maturity, his puppy food, although beneficial during the puppy stage, can do more harm than good. Because of the high-calorie content, if an adult Golden eats puppy food regularly, in the long term, it can cause him soft stools or diarrhea, and obesity. How to Transition Your Golden from Puppy Food to Adult Food After deciding it is the right time to switch your Golden puppy to adult dog food, the next thing to consider is how you will go about it. The best way to transition your puppy is to gradually mix in more adult food to your puppy food until he is ok with having only adult dog food in his bowl. For most dogs, the whole process usually takes about 7 to 14 days. After a few more days, continue to increase your adult dog food intake while reducing the amount of puppy food. At the end of days, if your dog can eat adult food without any problems, then you can eliminate the puppy food completely. One day they are smaller than your hand, and the next day they are too large to sit in your lap comfortably. But there comes a time which you should switch from treating them like babies to treating them like adults. This included switching their diets and the food they are eating. So, when and how to switch your golden retriever to adult dog food? This process seems simple enough, right? You can tell if they are ready or not for the transition by their weight. Using the following table: You can simply follow the chart guidelines and decide when you should start the transition based on this chart. You can also recognize the signs that they are ready for adult dog food when they start skipping meals, tasting different things around the house, or showing other signs that they are looking for more nutritious, solid food. Did you notice that the weight can slightly differ between males and females? What to look for in adult dog food for puppies? When you are buying adult dog food for your pooch, you need to look for a few things, first of all, you should always read the food label. Look for a product that comes with whole-food protein ingredients at the top of their list Foods where that the top ingredients are turkey, chicken, beef, or lamb are your best bets Avoid products that their ingredients begin with poultry, animal, and meat. You can also consult their vet before you start switching their food to avoid any issues in their stomach if you are worried it might happen. What is the best dog food for a golden retriever? Here are some quick recommendations for good foods for adult golden retrievers that I have tried and tested over the years with no issues. They are not perfect, but they are very good. Just a few months ago, your little ball of fluff was tumbling around, getting into mischief. This article will help you determine when to switch your puppy to adult dog food, how puppy and adult dog foods differ , how to select the best adult dog food, and how to transition foods smoothly to ensure that your pup is set up for a life of good health. According to AAFCO, puppy foods should be higher in protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorous than adult dog foods. These macronutrients and minerals help support lean muscle and bone growth. They also provide enough caloric density to enable the puppy to grow and perform basic bodily functions such as breathing, digestion, and movement. Many puppy food manufacturers also include higher amounts of compounds like omega-3 fatty acids to support proper brain and eye development as your puppy ages. Large-breed puppies need specially formulated puppy foods that contain less fat , calcium, and phosphorous to moderate their rate of growth. This helps prevent skeletal diseases such as elbow and hip dysplasia that can result from growing too quickly. You need to ensure that your puppy has the extra protein, fat, and minerals they need to support their growth and development and prevent various bone, joint, brain, and eye disorders. But aside from breed size, you also need to consider whether they are spayed or neutered or if they are a highly active dog that needs more calories. Breed Size Because of their faster growth rate, smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas , Yorkshire Terriers , and Pugs reach adult size sooner than larger breeds such as Golden Retrievers , German Shepherds, and Dalmatians. The guidelines below will help you to determine when to start feeding adult dog food: Small breeds under 25 pounds when fully grown reach adult size at months of age. These breeds will be ready for adult dog food at months of age. Medium-sized breeds such as English Springer Spaniels , Australian Shepherds , and Border Collies are pounds when fully grown, and they reach adult size at months of age. With growth rates between those of small breeds and large breeds, medium-sized dogs will be ready for adult dog food around months of age. Large breeds are over 50 pounds when fully grown. There are many large breed dogs, from the Boxer to the Great Dane , so the point at which these breeds reach mature size and weight can vary between 15 and 24 months of age. With the wide range of breeds under this category and a generally slower rate of growth, these dogs will need to stay on puppy food until they are months old to ensure they have enough protein and other nutrients during this stage. They also need to get those nutrients in the proper ratio to support the growth and proper development of their larger skeletons. Activity Level Athletic dogs may benefit from staying on puppy formulas longer, as the extra protein supports lean muscle growth and function, and the extra fat and higher caloric density can allow energy for high-intensity activities. Spaying or Neutering Breed size is not the only factor when determining when to transition your puppy to adult dog food. Because puppy foods contain a higher calorie density, feeding the correct amount during the remaining months of puppyhood is very important to prevent obesity as the puppy matures into an adult. Spaying or neutering does not usually slow the growth rate of your puppy, but it may affect the growth plates in the bones of large breed puppies, setting them up for joint problems later in life. In addition, unspayed female dogs who will be bred early in life may need to stay on puppy food longer to support gestation and lactation following whelping. Switching Too Early or Too Late Because the timing of switching your puppy to adult dog food is so important, there can be negative consequences from both switching too late and switching too early. Dogs that are taken off puppy food too late may be more predisposed to obesity and associated health problems later in life, given the fact that puppy formulas have more fat and calories per cup than adult dog formulas. The extra protein and calories in puppy foods can also increase the rate of growth in certain dog breeds if they are not fed a breed-specific puppy food formula. If these breeds are left on puppy formulas too long, they can be more predisposed to developing joint problems in the future. Similarly, if your puppy is taken off a puppy formula too early, they may suffer from nutritional deficiencies and growth abnormalities, failing to reach adult size around the expected time and increasing their risk of future bone, joint, brain, and eye issues. How to Pick the Right Adult Dog Food When it is time for your puppy to transition to adult dog food, how should you go about selecting the best adult formula for them as they become young adults? The young adult stage is typically considered years of age, as middle age starts by year in many dog breeds. While most dogs are generally quite healthy during this stage in their lives, feeding them appropriately during their young adult years can help lower the risk of obesity, arthritis , and dental disease as they age. Choosing a Brand The many adult dog food companies are not all equal in terms of quality. Dry Food vs. Wet Food The next step is to decide whether you would like to feed your dog dry food, wet food, or a mixture of the two. Both types of food have positive and negative aspects, and the choice to use one, the other, or both depends on the specific needs of your dog. For example, wet food: Has a higher moisture content than dry food and may be better for dogs that do not drink much water. Has a lower calorie density per volume than dry dog food, allowing dogs to feel fuller on fewer calories, which helps control their weight throughout their lives. Is often more palatable and appetizing than dry food, so it may be a great option for picky eaters or for stimulating the appetite of dogs that are less interested in food. Can be beneficial for dogs with oral abnormalities or dental disease, as it is easier for them to chew. By contrast, dry food: Can be a more economical option than wet food. Is a great option for easier portion control and for dogs that tend to graze throughout the day rather than consume a full meal in one sitting, as dry food will not spoil as rapidly if left out for long periods of time. Is beneficial for dental health, as the crunchy pieces act as an abrasive against the teeth during chewing and help prevent tartar buildup and thus tooth and gum disease. Can be easily used as a tool in puzzle toys for enrichment and mental stimulation. Is be used in slow feeders for reducing the rate at which dogs are able to consume their meals. When your pup eats more slowly, the risk is lower of them swallowing too much air and developing bloat, a potentially dangerous condition. Nutritional Requirements The final step in selecting the best adult dog food diet is to examine the Guaranteed Analysis panel on the bag or can of food and ensure that the formula meets a few major nutritional requirements. Other formulas have glucosamine for joint health or probiotics for gut health. Some dogs are sensitive to chicken and do better on beef- or salmon-based formulas. If you are unsure of the additional needs for your dog outside of the key ingredients and nutrients listed above, consult with your veterinarian. This will help ensure gut regularity with less physical activity. Remember that dog treats and other sources of calories in the diet need to be included when determining the appropriate amount of food for your young adult dog. How to Switch Your Puppy to Adult Dog Food Once you have selected the best adult dog food for your puppy, you are ready to transition them slowly onto their new diet. Because rapid diet changes can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, such as vomiting and diarrhea , it is recommended to introduce the new food slowly over a period of five days or so. Continue to feed your puppy as many times per day as they are used to throughout this process. If your puppy develops vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite, stop feeding the adult dog food and see your veterinarian. How Often to Feed Your Dog For large-breed puppies, it may be best for them to continue to eat three times per day. For medium-breed puppies, they should continue to be fed twice daily when they have been transitioned to adult dog food. For small-breed puppies, you may consider transitioning them to eating twice daily instead of three times per day after they are fully on adult dog food. This may involve providing more attention and playtime for your dog as they become accustomed to fewer feedings per day. Consider extra walks, extra playtime, or brushing to distract them from feelings of hunger. Some dogs may benefit from high-fiber adult dog food to increase feelings of fullness between meals. Your dog may also enjoy cleaned, raw fruits and vegetables such as sliced carrots, cucumbers, or apples without the core or seeds. If you have any questions about transitioning your puppy to adult dog food, contact your veterinarian. In addition, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist can be a great resource for any issues that come up, and they can help develop the best diet and feeding schedule for your new family member. Featured image: iStock. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Check Price Why do we need to switch from puppy food to dog food golden retrievers? They will need more high source of nutritional needs so they can stay healthy and preserve they well-being. But the first few weeks of the transition period are not that easy. Your golden retriever might experience tummy issues. You got to make an extra effort to identify the right food for your puppy during his period of becoming an adult dog. That said, you need to regularly consult with your vet and strategize about the week of the transition period so your dog will become safe with no gastrointestinal tract issues. At first, it may be hard to tell which can be mistaken for health issues or others. But these tell-tale signs are most likely that your puppy is no longer a pup but a developing adult reaching its maturity. Although we, dog owners, hard to accept that they are becoming adult golden retrievers, we still need to prepare for those inevitable events. What we need is to support them and we need to identify these signs. While those new teeth are coming in, you will need some chewing sticks or chew toys for your growing Golden puppy. This is also the time where you need to consider switching from puppy food to dog food which can be done slowly and through a discussion from your vet. Meaning that your puppy is becoming more responsible and matured. They are comparable to any highly active dogs because of their endless energy which makes them want to play all day long. But over time when your puppy is beginning to become less playful, this may be a sign that he is leaning towards adulthood. They may want to play with you every five minutes. He eats slower and eats less Puppies are known for their being voracious eaters. But when they hit their adulthood or while in their transition period to their full-grown dog, they will eat less and you will also notice how slower they eat than they are before. The puppy begins to physically mature Upon reaching 9 months of age, your golden retriever puppy is along its way to becoming mature. There are different kinds of maturity when it comes to dogs and they are largely affected through their gender. For the female dogs, they may have changes in appetite, may appear anxious than normal, and will experience a vaginal discharge of blood. You may not see it happening in an instant, but by the time and as weeks go by, you will realize that your puppy becomes a dog. Usually, the signs are, they listen attentively and responds to you and the other dogs from social cues, they can read if you are angry or happy to them, and they can easily settle down. So watch out for these signs. When he stops growing When your golden retriever has fully grown both physically and emotionally, this is definitely the obvious sign that your dog turned into a full-grown adult dog. This happens when your dog is already 1 to 3 years of age. This is the time where your dog will be needing an adequate source of protein-based nutritional needs such as whole meat mainly with first meat as their main ingredients when buying an adult dog food. Also, you may want to match their type of activity to the dog food you are considering. A general guide for feeding the golden puppy and adult Puppies who are in their first months will develop a built-in timer. This prompts him to eat based on schedule because they are a creature of habit. You should give your golden puppy at least three times a day of meals for the first three months. Prior to that, by the time he reaches four months, feed him at least twice a day permanently. Puppies ages 12 months more or less The above mentioned is the general rule. Yet, there are different cases of how puppies grow depending on their breed size. For golden retrievers, they belong to a medium-sized breed. Their age of maturity will hit by the time they are 9 months of age. While large breeds will hit their maturity when they are 18 to 24 months of age. Transitioning from puppy food to dog food golden retriever After you are completely aware and decided to shift your dog from puppy food to dog food. But be very careful to suddenly give your dog food. The key is to slowly introduce your puppy from puppy food to dog food. Let your golden retriever taste the dog food slowly so that he can get accustomed to the taste of the dog food. Normally this transition process will take about 7 to 14 days. That said, you can start the transition period by giving 75 percent of puppy food and a 25 percent adult food formula for at least 2 to 3 days. After the succeeding days, you can try increasing the adult dog food ratio to 10 percent until it becomes percent adult dog food. As a result, within 10 to 14 days, your golden retriever will somehow liken the adult dog food. If not, you can just go slower with the kibble food ratio until your dog is fully satisfied with the taste. This is among the important process during their transition period. One of the best and appropriate dog food for your golden retriever is this particular Royal Canin. Because it's breed-specific. That said, its nutritional value is specifically curated for a specific type of breed. This is to ensure that what you are getting meets the standard diet of your Golden. There's more than that, this particular dog food has a heart-healthy recipe. And because golden retrievers are vulnerable to heart problems, this will help them prevent any heart disease. Added the fact that it's also made to reinforce the skin of the dog. One of the main ingredients includes Brewers rice, brown rice, chicken by-product, oat greats. It's also packed with adequate vitamins like taurine and DHA for strong vision and helps cognitive ability. All the more, each kibble has a different design and even shape and size which is suited for the dog's jaw structure and biting patterns. This is well suited for a golden retriever because of specific nutrients and dietary needs added. Also, it supports some of the most health problems that the golden retriever commonly faces. So, this is actually worth buying for. Pros Specifically designed for golden retrievers Unique shape and sizes Grain-free. The general rule is to switch your Golden Retriever puppy to adult food once they reach physical maturity. For Golden Retrievers this is between the age of 12 to 18 months. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adults and need to stay on puppy food until they stop growing. Switching too early can have a negative effect on the growth and development of your pup. Golden Retrievers are considered a large breed and reach their physical maturity much later than small breeds do. All dogs differ as to when they reach maturity, which is why there is no one size fits all answer to this question. Can switch to adult food at 9 to 12 months. Medium Breeds: 20 to 50Lbs. Can switch to adult food at 12 to 14 months. Large and Giant Breeds: Weigh more than 50Lbs. Can switch to adult food at 12 to 24 months. He will continue to fill out until the age of 2 when he reaches his adult weight. Keeping your Golden Retriever pup on puppy food until the age of 12 to 18 months is a good guideline to follow. But, there are other ways to tell if your Golden is ready to make the transition. Here are some other signs that will let you know your pup is ready for adult food: Skipping Meals or Leftover Food Puppy food is designed specifically for growing puppies. It is higher in fat, calories, protein and nutrients to help support growth and development. Once your puppy reaches adulthood, he no longer needs as many calories. You may notice that your puppy is skipping meals or leaving food in his food bowl because he is still full. This is a good indication that your puppy is ready to make the switch. Puppies typically eat 3 meals a day, when you make the switch to adult food, you can also reduce the number of meals per day down to 2. Decreased Activity Level We all know that puppies have a ton of energy, and Golden Retriever puppies seem to have even more! But, with age comes a decrease in activity level. Once your puppy starts to mature, you will notice they also start to calm down. Weight Gain Once your Golden Retriever puppy is fully grown, they no longer need high-calorie food. If you continue feeding puppy food to your adult Golden Retriever, you may notice excessive weight gain. Weight gain is a clear indication that your Golden Retriever is past the puberty stage and is ready to switch to adult food. The transition to adult food is important, as puppy food can quickly pack on the pounds. Weight gain is usually seen in Golden Retrievers who are spayed or neutered because owners continue feeding them the same amount of food as before. The age of spay or neuter lines up to around the time your Golden Retriever should transition to adult food, which is when they are finished growing. Puppies require a higher amount of calories, protein, nutrients and fats in order to fuel their growth. While puppies need the proper food to grow and develop, adult Golden Retrievers require food to maintain their bodies. Puppy food is: Smaller in size, making it safer to chew and swallow. Softer in texture, catering to the softer and smaller teeth of a puppy. Contains nutrients and fats essential for bone growth, muscle development, and energy. Carefully balanced for growing puppies. Feeding properly balanced puppy food is important, and large breeds like Golden Retrievers benefit from specially formulated large-breed puppy food. Most vets and nutritionists consider a pup a large breed if they weigh between 55 to Lbs when fully grown. Large breed puppy food is lower in fat and calories than regular puppy food, and it has a carefully balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus. This allows for slow and steady growth, supporting joints and bones. For more information on large breed puppy food, check out this article from PetMD. Different quantities and ratios of nutrients are ideal for different life stages. Keeping your adult Golden Retriever on puppy food can lead to obesity and other health issues such as faster growth, which can lead to hip and elbow dysplasia. Puppy food is too rich and dense in nutrients which not only causes significant weight gain in adults but could result in stomach upset and diarrhea. It could also lead to an overdose of vitamins and minerals. Adult dog food contains nutrients that are suited for dogs who are passed their growth stage. Adult Golden Retrievers need food that helps them maintain their optimal health and weight. The switch to adult food needs to be gradual, over a period of 7 to 10 days. This will prevent any stomach upset in your pup. Basically, the best way to transition your puppy to adult food is to buy a bag of adult food when you purchase the last bag of puppy food. Gradually mix the two foods together, increasing the amount of new food over a period of 7 to 10 days. By day 9 or 10 your Golden Retriever should be eating his new adult food. If at any time during the transition period your Golden Retriever experiences an upset stomach or diarrhea, or simply resists the adult food, you can extend the transition time as needed. Final Thoughts So, as you can see there is a right time and a wrong time when you should switch your Golden Retriever puppy to adult food. Golden Retrievers grow and mature at a slower pace than smaller breeds do, and require the essential nutrients found in puppy food for much longer. It is recommended to keep your Golden Retriever puppy on puppy food until the age of 12 to 18 months. You want to gradually introduce the new food in order to avoid any stomach upset. Is your Golden Retriever puppy ready for adult food? At what age did your Golden Retriever start eating adult food? Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you! Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods.