labradoodle puppies akron ohio

When looking to purchase a merle make sure you are insuring the Australian Labradoodle breeder is having responsible husbandry practices regarding the merle gene. Any breeder of merle multigenerational Australian Labradoodles should be willing and able to discuss all the facts regarding this genome. Click HERE to learn more from our geneticists. Single carrier merles will live a healthy productive life just like any other dog. To ensure that we only breed single copy merles we verify testing of all outside studs or dams used with our breeding dogs since some dogs carry a hidden merle gene, called phantom merle. They are just as strong, silly, and full of adventure or snuggles, and capable of being a service dog as any other Australian Labradoodle! The problem comes down to greed or skipping testing. But doing so can come at a risk of causing serious health issues. A "double merle" known as a homozygous merle have significantly higher risk of being born deaf or blind. To set a president that ill managed breeding practice is not allowed, which is respectable. A German study found .Double Merle can also cause Merle ocular issues. Regarding the blue color in the eyes sometime can lead to full blue iris or increased inclusion of the eyes and blindness. Even though the blue eyes are beautiful we prefer to breed black or brown eyed single merle dogs to reduce the tendency for any health issues. As a merle breeder it is our responsibility to create health happy animals through preventive DNA tests and yearly OFA eye exams. Which, looks like someone had fun painting your dog and no two dogs have the same exact pattern. This rather exotic wild pattern comes in multiple color variations. Merles labradoodles can come in various color pallets; chocolate merle, blue merle, red merle and can be paired with parti, white mis-marks and phantom. Red or cream dogs in a merle litter have a higher rate of phantom merle. Every puppy from our merle litters are dna tested for merle before going home. Our girl Tiffany is considered a "classic" merle where Ranger is a "Tweed" merle. We only know this from extensive genetic testing from Paw Prints Genetics other companies such as Embark don't go as detailed with Merle testing. So all Merle related testing is done with Paw Prints. Read this page, then check out our Current Labradoodle Puppies for Sale Allocation Process It's important for each family to remember, the more specific you are about what you want, the longer it may take to find the perfect puppy. Since temperament is our priority, we will always look at that first. You may want to be flexible. Puppies temperament is given priority in placement with you We promise you that we will do our best to provide you with the puppy of your dreams. We understand that it is very easy to fall in love with a picture of a puppy, but it is extremely important for families to understand that it is the temperament and personality of the dog that is most critical when determining which puppies and families will be best suited to each other. Our years of experience give us the knowledge and insight to understand this balance, and we will not place puppies solely based on looks. The most important factors for you and flexibility If you allow temperament to be the most important factor when looking for your Labradoodle puppy and can be flexible in the other areas, we will be able to identify the perfect puppy for you much more quickly. Two part allocation process Our allocation process is two part. First I ask each family to give me their top choice for sex and color. I post these on the website so that other families have an idea of what pups may be selected before them. This is not a final choice and can be changed during the selection visit. Family visits at 8 weeks At 8 weeks of age, I schedule each family who is able, to come and visit the litter. This will allow you to come to Great Day Labradoodles and meet the litter from which you are purchasing a puppy. I realize that some families will have the ability to come and some may not have that option. The visits are scheduled in the order the deposits are received. During your individual visit you will meet all available puppies and we will talk about your lifestyle and how the puppies each best fit. In general, families do a great job on selection using the insight I provide and the individual time with the pups. At the conclusion of your visit your selection is final and you will take your puppy home with you. Be open minded We ask families to be open minded when it comes to the many varied specifics such as gender and color. The more open minded you are in the allocation process, the more likely we will be to place a Labradoodle puppy in your home as soon as possible. Puppies go home between 8- 9 weeks. Go to our Labradoodle Puppies for sale application to register or click here to send us a message. Puppies are ready for their new homes starting at eight weeks old. We do have fall and winter reservations for and available. Older puppies are priced by their age and level of training. There is no deposit due until your application has been approved. We do not like to accept deposits before speaking with and approving our adopting families. If you would like to be considered for a puppy, please fill out our application located on this website. All puppies have a full 3 yrs health guarantee and lifetime support. Puppies are ready for their new homes starting at eight weeks, if we ship your puppy, they will be prepared to travel at nine weeks in the USA only. All other international destinations vary. We will hold your eight-week-old puppy free of charge for seven days and start potty training crate training , after that date, there will be a .We also offer customized puppy training packages. All deposits are transferable to other litters. We work very hard to find the best fit for our puppies and your family. Occasionally you find the timing unsuitable to receive your new puppy; you will be moved to the next available litter Each Australian Labradoodle puppy is sent home with the following: three-year health guarantee. Their adorable curly fur and expressive faces make you want to cuddle them — and these little guys love nothing more than a good squish. All this and more makes our labradoodle puppies for sale one the most in-demand in our center. Activity-loving families adore these dogs for their propensity towards sports, and anyone who prefers low-shedding pooch benefits from their wooly or fleecy fur. Labradoodle puppies for sale are so cute and come in such a wide range of colors that it makes choosing your new best friend super-hard! While spearheading the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program, he conducted the crossbreeding of a standard poodle and Labrador retriever in view of it being a hypoallergenic guide dog for blind people. The first example of this type of dog, called Sultan, went to live with a lady in Hawaii, where other breeders saw him as an inspiration and this is how Australian Labradoodle puppies started. Both the International Australian Labradoodles Association and the Australian Labradoodles Association of America are working hard to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so these dog breeders can register this type of dog as a purebred dog. Its gentle, obedient and intelligent personality combined with a hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for family members with allergies, but it also makes an excellent service or therapy dog. Labradoodle Puppies Lifespan When properly taken care of, healthy dogs tend to live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of our Labradoodle puppies for sale is slightly above average at 12 to 14 years. Here are the life stages of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles: Puppyhood: First five months Adolescence: Between five months and two years Adulthood: Between two and three years Middle age: Between seven years and 10 years Senior: Over 10 years Labradoodles need the most attention and care in the first and last stages of their life. During puppyhood, their minds are highly impressionable, which is ideal for training. During their senior years, Labradoodles are more susceptible to health problems, which means owners need to keep a watchful eye. Labradoodle Size The size of labradoodle puppies for sale directly relates to the size of their parents and which generation of breed Labradoodle breeders chose. The larger the puppies, the larger the adult dog will be, and the faster their growth will be coming out of the puppy stage. A standard labradoodle puppy will weigh from pounds by the time it reaches two months of age. By a year old, it will have grown dramatically to up to 80 pounds, depending on the size of its parents. Medium Labradoodles occupy a spectrum of sizes between standard and mini Labradoodles, with the specifics depending heavily on the details of the breeding pair that birthed them and the breeding program they come from. Labradoodle Puppies Temperament While Labradoodle breeders originally bred the Australian Labradoodles as therapy dogs, their fun, friendly personalities made them popular pets. Now you can find these sociable dogs in homes across the globe. Here are some of the top personality traits of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. They tend to do best in active households where they can work off all that pent-up energy. You can fulfill their needs through the following activities: Walks or jogs: Labradoodles make great walking companions and can even keep up with you during a jog. Playing in the yard: Enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend in the yard or just let it loose on its own. Dog sports: If you stay active through sports, consider making your labradoodle a part of your routine. Bring it on bike rides, go for a run together or kick a ball around in the yard. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course for your dog using household items. Scavenger hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt for your canine is a great way to exercise its body and brain. In general, Labradoodles need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can also enroll them later at a Labradoodle puppy alumni school for proper training. Friendliness What makes Labradoodles the perfect puppy compare to other dog breeds is their ability to get along with just about anyone. They inherit this trait from their Labrador retriever parent, a breed also known for its outgoing nature. You can trust your labradoodle to form friendships with everyone, from children and older adults to strangers and other puppies. Thanks to their affectionate, sociable personalities, Labradoodles make great pets for first-time owners, families, or anyone looking for a companion. Intelligence Thanks to their poodle parent breeds, Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent dogs. Because Labradoodles are intelligent, they often crave mental stimulation. Labradoodle Puppies Grooming Our Labradoodle puppies for sale have a variety of coat textures that dog owners enjoy, but in general, their low shedding coat needs brushing at least twice a week. Not only does this keep them tangle-free but it also removes excess debris from their coat, keeping them fresh and hygienic. Regularly trim the hair around their eyes and in between their paws to prevent these problem areas from causing irritation. Pooches with fleece coats tend to have longer fur and benefit the most from going to a professional groomer — although every dog loves getting pampered once in a while. At Pride and Prejudoodles, we send a can and a bag of the foods we use for free with your hand-delivered bundle of joy. If you need to change it for any reason, it must be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets. Just bear in mind that a diet is such a crucial aspect of wellness that feeding them good quality food will add years to their lives compared to opting for low-quality feed. Pride and Prejudoodles is here to help. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies for adoption. Our goal at Just A walk Home Kennel is to bring a new life into your family in the way of a happy, healthy puppy whether it is a Standard size Labradoodle puppy, or a miniature size labradoodle puppy we want this to be a wonderful experience for your family. We offer visits with your new puppy and a two year genetic warranty on your fully vet checked family member before they leave. Our Labradoodle puppies are bred for a good disposition along with a non-shed coat that will help for a allergy free home. We also breed for a range of sizes to fit every home. The Labradoodle puppies for sale come in many colors, they are chocolate, chocolate and white parti labradoodles, black, black and white parti labradoodles, apricot, cream, brindle, sable, white, and silver. Our Australian labradoodle puppies are well socialized and are produced out wonderful natured parents to ensure that your dog will be a wonderful family addition, we are able to answer all of your questions concerning your new puppy and to help you decide on the coat and size that will fit your family needs. Bree Dannielle Murner Common Questions.What's a Labradoodle? We breed multi-generation labradoodles directly from Australian breeding stock as well as first-cross-backcross litters F1B. An F1B is a first cross labradoodle that has been bred back to a poodle to enhance the non-shedding, allergy friendly coat. Why Labradoodles and Goldendoodles? Labradoodles and goldendoodles are smart, loving, family-oriented dogs. They have light to non-shedding, allergy-friendly coats, and they do not have the dog smell associated with other breeds. They are highly trainable, friendly companions. Who Are We? We are a family of "doodle-lovers" that breed labradoodles that are Australian and American lines so that others can experience the joy of Doodle ownership. The pups are born and raised at our home. Our children are the "socialization crew" and our dogs are our family pets. We are a small breeder that believes in quality before quantity. Our goal is to breed wonderful companion and family dogs while continuing to advance the labradoodle as a breed. We provide loving Labradoodle puppies — both Standard-sized pups ready for adventure or miniature buddies looking for cuddles. Whatever the size, it's sure to be a pawsome experience Quick Links. Ready to go home beginning of October ! Call Barbara for more info! My parents have done an amazing job raising these puppies and they also have both parents on site. Our Doodles are exceptionally intuitive, loving with calm temperaments! Our Dreamydoodle puppies have been specifically bred to be family dogs. Not hunting, herding or guard dogs but they can be trained to do all of the above if necessary. Our Dreamydoodles are easily trained and very eagar to please. All Dog breeds are developed for very different and specific reasons with varying degrees of success. Most dog breeds have been bred to accomplish a job. A Doodles job is to want to be with you and to make you happy, to play with the kids and to let them pull on their ears without wanting to bite them and they are known to let kids dress them up in funny outfits. As long as you raise your Dreamydoodle with some discipline and clear boundaries from the start not just praise, praise, praise… then you should end up with an amazing adult dog and this is really regardless of your previous dog training experience. Youtube has tons of free videos on puppy training!! My favorite channel is McCann Dog Training!! Dreamydoodle puppies are unique-looking, intelligent, intuitive, sweet and easy-to-train! If you want a Great puppy…. Contact Us Today! Just call me! Parents are on site! We are keeping Tom. My husband fell in love with him. Thar tends to happen after bottle feeding them every two hours for a month. Our Flight Nannies are independent contractors and reasonably priced which has made it more challenging for me to consider using cargo shipping anymore. One of our Dreamydoodle Families! We have a home. We are a Family. The fleece coat types are great for families with moderate to severe allergies. The fleece coat is also extremely silky, soft, and great for cuddling! The wavy and curly fleece coat types both grows in length away from the skin unlike wool which is made up of much tighter curls. This is a Medium coat and requires a moderate amount of brushing to prevent matting. Doodles have one of the more complex coat types to maintain, and most will require a professional groomer every weeks, depending how long you want to keep them. Grooming a Doodle is not an option unless you become a groomer yourself. I recommend combing your Doodle weekly in between your grooming appointments to avoid mats and do not expect your Groomer to attempt to brush out your Doodles mats because most will not. Comb out those hidden mats! All you need to do is spend mins a week using a simple metal toothcomb or a good Slicker brush to stay on top of mats. A Dreamydoodle Puppy! Please be prepared to take your puppy home the day you come visit us! Very few have ever left empty-handed! Contact Barbara at for more info! Need an Emotional Support or a Service Dog? Our Dreamydoodle bloodlines have been specifically bred for several generations to be the perfect candidates for Therapy and Service work. Our dogs are not only great for emotional support or service work, but they can also work double time as an exceptionally sweet family member too!! Are you looking for an excellent dog for your kids? We got you! Our Australian Labradoodles LOVE kids and are known for peacefully co-existing with other dogs and animals of all sizes, no problem! I believe most of our Doodles thrive when they live with another dog or a cat! Even Cats! Loving More than one Dreamydoodle! Many families have returned to get their second or third Dreamydoodle puppy; when it comes to Dreamydoodles it seems the more, the better and happier your dogs become! The families with multiple Dreamydoodles who post picture updates on our Facebook Family group never fail to lift my heart! Dreamydoodles are always happiest together!! Our Standard Size Doodles are 21 to 24 in tall for a male and 21 to 23 in tall for a female; both can range in weight from 45 to 65 lbs. Our Medium Size Doodles aka Moyens are 18 to 20 inches tall for a male and 17 to 19 inches high for a female, with both weighing from 30 to 45 pounds. Our Mini Size Doodles are 13 to 17 inches tall and range between 20 and 30 lbs. So many fun activities to choose from! Pretty cool! Many of our Dreamydoodles have also passed The AKC Canine Good Citizen test , which tests for ten specific skills, and passing is meant to be difficult for both dogs and owners. To pass, they must be able to do all ten steps successfully, for example, Sitting Politely For Petting, Greeting a stranger, Reaction To Another Dog, Welcoming being groomed and brushed, Allowing paws and ears to be handled, and maybe the most dreaded the Supervised Separation! The Labradoodle is a cross between two purebred dogs, the Labrador Retriever and Poodle. The F1 generation Labradoodle can grow quite large and, unfortunately, most likely to shed. Then so on and so forth; each Breeder is essentially developing their unique version of the Labradoodle. Every Labradoodle bloodline is a unique creation with varying amounts of genetics from each family member in their pedigree, just like us humans. Even purebred dogs were initially developed using several different breeds to accomplish the goals of their breeders, for example, goals to develop a dog to use for hunting, swimming, or a non-shedding dog that has all these qualities — like the Labradoodle! Eventually, these purebred breeders became satisfied with the dog they created and they started breeding like with like instead of one with different, and Labradoodle breeders do this as well. How did the Wolf became a Chihuahua? Mixing different breeds for many generations.

Please keep in mind that these are estimates to give you a general idea of how tall your French Bulldog puppy will be. At what age is a French Bulldog fully grown? A French Bulldog will reach close to their full weight around eight to twelve months old and maximum height around nine to twelve months of age. French Bulldogs will continue to slowly fill out anywhere between nine to fifteen months of age. They are considered fully grown around 12 to 14 months old, but may continue to put on muscle until they are two years old. How big should a 6-month-old French Bulldog be? A male French Bulldog will weigh between 17 and 22 pounds at six months old and have an average weight of .A six-month-old female French Bulldog will weigh between 13 and 20 pounds with an average weight of 17 pounds. Both male and female French Bulldogs will stand around seven to nine inches on average. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. French Bulldogs usually reach their full height when they are between nine and twelve months old. As short dogs, French Bulldogs barely double in height from three months of age to 1 year old. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, this is a telltale sign that they are still growing! What is the size of a full-grown French Bulldog? Most female French Bulldogs will weigh about 17 to 24 pounds, while male French Bulldogs weigh about 20 to 28 pounds. Both male and female French Bulldogs will stand 11 to 13 inches tall and have a muscular, heavy-boned build. How do I make sure my French Bulldog is healthy? As a purebred dog breed, French Bulldogs are more prone to genetic health problems. In particular, French Bulldogs are predisposed to skin problems, ear infections, diarrhea, eye problems, spinal injury and respiratory distress caused by their brachycephalic syndrome. Brachycephalic syndrome causes them to have a flat nose and shorter esophagus, creating a heightened risk of breathing problems. The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that about half of French Bulldogs have significant breathing problems and .In addition to this, French Bulldogs are prone to obesity , which can lead to type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, disc disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, and further respiratory issues. Pro Tip: Compare pet insurance plans to save on veterinary expenses and ensure that the cost of care never interferes with the essential treatment your pet deserves. Most French Bulldogs do well with a leisurely walk or active playtime. Be careful with taking your French Bulldog out in hot weather though as their brachycephalic syndrome makes them prone to overheating and heat stroke. As a general rule temperatures over 80 degrees should be avoided for French Bulldogs. As loving pet parents, we never want to think the worst could happen to our furbaby. However, we must prepare for both everyday costs, like vaccinations and veterinarian appointments, and emergencies. Dog Insurance is here to help you with emergency costs, as well as expected costs like veterinarian care see the wellness options many pet insurance plans offer. Only .Pet insurance can help you provide your pup with quality routine and emergency care. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Key Takeaways On average, French Bulldogs weigh between pounds at age one, with inches in height. French Bulldogs stop growing around months old, so pet owners should be mindful of weight gain after their first birthday. As a breed, French Bulldogs are exceptionally prone to obesity, which can worsen breathing problems and lead to a number of secondary health concerns. Use our French Bulldog growth chart to monitor your puppy's weight and ensure they stay within a healthy range. Pet insurance promotes positive veterinary care and offsets the cost of services should your Frenchie get sick or injured at any point in life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. French bulldogs go through several growth and developmental stages as they mature from puppies to adults. Socialization stage weeks : This is when French Bulldog puppies start to become more social and start to learn how to interact with people and other dogs. They become more active and playful. Adult stage years : This is when French Bulldogs are fully mature and have developed their adult personalities. They may become less active as they age but still require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Understanding the developmental stages of a French Bulldog can help you provide the appropriate care and training for your pup at each stage of their life. By providing proper care and socialization, you can help ensure that your Frenchie grows up to be a well-adjusted and happy adult dog. Most Frenchies are born via cesarian C-section due to dystocia — a medical term used to diagnose a difficult birthing experience. Brachycephalic breeds are predisposed to have a difficult birth because of the size of their head and narrow female pelvis. So, what is a French Bulldog litter size? On average, French Bulldogs have a 3 puppy litter, higher litter size is unusual due to the size of the dog. During the neonatal, aka newborn, stage: Puppies are blind, deaf, and toothless. Touch and taste are immediately present after birth. Their mother has the most influence over the puppy. She will feed them and keep them warm too. Puppies will mostly nurse and sleep during this stage. At the transitional, aka baby, stage: Their sense of hearing and smell will develop. Their eyes will open and will develop. Puppies teeth will begin to appear. Also, puppies will start to move. They begin to stand, take their first steps, wag their tail, and even bark. During the socialization stage, the highlights are: By 3 to 5 weeks, play becomes important as puppies become aware of their surroundings. From weeks 3 to 4, pups develop control over their bladder and bowel movements. This is when they start learning to leave their sleeping area before relieving themselves. From 4 to 6 weeks, puppies start learning dog social skills such as play, interaction with littermates, the inhibited bite, etc. Pups also explore their social boundaries, how to communicate effectively with other dogs and improve physical coordination. From the 4th week, puppies begin forming emotional attachments and bonds with the people around them. A good time to meet your future pup. Between 6 to 8 weeks, puppies should start receiving vaccinations source: American Kennel Club. After being fully weaned, pups start to be ready to leave their canine birth family and go to their new human homes. By 7 to 9 weeks, puppies can begin to be housetrained , including potty training. At 9 to 12 weeks, puppies can start learning basic commands as they start focusing on people their new parents. Socialize your French Bulldog daily. At the ranking, aka teenage, stage: French Bulldogs start teething. It will last for several months. You are the main influencer for your pup. They become more active and playful, and their energy levels increase. This is a good time to start more advanced obedience training and socialization. Usually, French Bulldogs reach adulthood between 9 to 12 months of age. They may also experience a growth spurt during this time. They may become less active and playful than when they were puppies, but they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Senior French Bulldog Stage The senior stage is not typically included as one of the developmental stages because it is not a stage of growth and development like the other stages. Instead, it is a stage of aging and gradual decline in physical and cognitive abilities. During the senior stage, French Bulldogs may experience age-related health issues, such as arthritis, vision or hearing loss, and cognitive decline. However, with proper care and attention, they can still enjoy a good quality of life well into their senior years. This includes: Regular veterinary check-ups. A healthy and balanced diet. Regular exercise. And accommodations for any age-related issues they may be experiencing. French Bulldog Growth Chart This chart will give you a guideline for what to expect on how fast your French Bulldog grows and how quickly he or she will gain weight. French Bulldog Adults: Average Weight and Height On average, a full-bred adult French Bulldog weighs between 18 and 28 pounds and is 11 to 12 inches tall. Again, this can vary, and all pups grow at different rates. Everything you need to know about French Bulldog weight can be read here. Can I predict the size that my French Bulldog puppy will be? Double up: Typically, an adult dog will weigh twice as much as it did when it was 4 months old. This may vary. You can also compare your pup to the height of their mother for females or their father for males. Genetics As mentioned, genetics play a major role in the size of a puppy. A high-quality breeder will happily answer questions. A responsible breeder also ensures that the mother is provided with top-notch nutrition before breeding. Diet Like with plants and babies, puppies need proper nutrition in order to grow. Keep in mind some dogs show less interest in food and may not finish their entire bowls at meal times. Vets tend to recommend giving your dog a certain amount of time to eat. After a certain amount of time is up, you pick up the bowl with the remaining food. This is to train your dog that they need to eat all of their food at one time, or they will have to wait until the next scheduled meal time. Check out this complete guide to French Bulldog food. Mental Health If a French Bulldog is under stress or suffers from anxiety, it may show a loss of appetite. If you notice your pup being uninterested in meal times, try changing up its food. When is a French Bulldog full grown? Is my French Bulldog overweight? You can determine if your French Bulldog is overweight by noticing the following: Stand over your Frenchie and feel their ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs, but not see them. While Frenchies may show difficulty breathing due to being a Brachycephalic breed short muzzles can cause obstructive breathing , dogs of a healthy weight should be able to exercise at least for a bit without struggling. Of course, getting a second opinion from your vet is the best way to determine if your French Bulldog is overweight. Can I help my French Bulldog lose weight? Providing your pup with regular exercise and a balanced diet that includes protein, fat, fiber, and water and following the serving size provided on the nutrition facts is the best way to ensure your Frenchie is at a healthy weight. Wholesome food made with natural, high-quality ingredients like this can help your pup maintain a healthy weight. Less active dogs, like French Bulldogs, should eat about 25 calories per pound a day. So, if your pup is 20 pounds and eating about calories daily, its daily treats should consist of about 50 calories. Apple slices and carrots are nutritious, tasty treats. Is my French Bulldog underweight? Can I help my French Bulldog gain weight? When a pup gains too much fat instead of healthy fats combined with muscle, it can face health issues such as joint, heart, and lung problems. If your pup seems to be underweight according to the French Bulldog growth chart or it looks malnourished, certainly contact your vet. Disclosure HappyFrenchBulldog. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always seek advice from a certified veterinarian in a case of emergency. Contact Have questions about our content? Contact us at info [at] happyfrenchbulldog. Footer Nav.

For the complete list please see our Listings of Boxer Breeders page. This price is not too high and it will depend on the age of the puppy that you choose. Typically older puppies will cost more than younger puppies. Always check with your local Boxer breeders to see what they are asking for their pups before agreeing on a purchase. The price does not include any necessary veterinary care such as vaccines and medical treatment if needed, so always remember to factor these expenses into your financial consideration when shopping around for boxers. The cost will vary depending on the breeder, the lineage of the animal, and location in Kentucky. Breeders could charge different prices based on what type of lines their dogs are coming from. If your dog is registered with the AKC American Kennel Club , this could increase its worth significantly when selling to another person or purchasing it. How to Find A Responsible Boxer Breeder in Kentucky Finding a responsible boxer breeder in Kentucky can be very rewarding, but it can also be difficult, time-consuming and stressful. There are many things to consider when looking for a reputable breeder. The first thing that you should do is research. Search online for reviews to see if the person or business has had any issues with previous customers or breeders. If they have, contact these people and ask them about their experience. The more positive reviews you find, the better the chances of finding a good breeder. Also, check out local message boards and Facebook groups — there might be something posted where other people in your area talk about their experiences with different breeders or share information about their favorite breeders to help give insight on who could be a good option for you. If the breeder has a website, look at their site to get a feel for what kind of person they are and how much information they share with their customers. Their website should have pages about their facilities, photos of the dogs and puppies, health guarantees offered on their pups, and more. Remember that it is important to find an ethical and responsible breeder who cares about the dogs and that will guarantee their health. Stay away from calling and asking about prices and availability on the phone. The breeder should want to meet with you and talk about their puppies before giving any kind of price quotes or discussing what is included with the cost of one of their pups. Visit your chosen boxer breeder in person at their location. Talk to the people who work there and ask questions about the dogs and even about themselves You can tell a lot just by talking to people and asking questions, so use this opportunity to learn as much as you can about the breeder. Visiting your potential breeder will also give you a chance to see their facilities and to meet the parents of any puppy that you may take home with you. Look around carefully and ask questions about the animals and what is required of future owners. The breeder should be knowledgeable about the breed, health-conscious, and willing to answer your questions. This includes emailing back and forth or even using video chat so that you can see where the puppies are kept and how other people who have bought from this breeder interacted with them. Price should not be your first priority when looking for boxer breeders in Kentucky. A responsible boxer breeder in Kentucky should be able to give you the names and phone numbers of people who have purchased puppies from them. The best breeders are usually focused on making sure that their pups go home with loving families, so they want to make sure that anyone who buys one of their dogs is responsible. When you do call these people up, ask about the process of buying their pup. If they had any issues or concerns with the breeder, this should be brought up during your conversation. If you follow these steps, you should have no problem finding the right person or place to buy your new puppy from. Meeting past customers will give you a chance to talk to people who have already bought their boxer from this breeder. Talk to them about the process of buying their puppy, and ask if they had any concerns or issues with the breeder in question. There are many Boxer breeders in Kentucky that care about their animals and will only sell their pups to ethical homes. Do your research before you visit anyone, make sure you visit the location of the puppies if possible or speak over video chat , and make sure that all references are checked before agreeing on a purchase or payment. You should ask your breeder the name of the veterinarian they use. You may call and ask for a reference from that vet if needed. A board-certified veterinary surgeon or specialist is a good choice for a dog with orthopedic problems. Hip dysplasia is common in dogs and often requires surgery. It may seem like an off-the-wall question at first because you are just looking for a Boxer Puppy but remember that this dog will be part of your family for many years to come so it is important that he is healthy. The cost of having your Boxer examined by a Veterinarian should not influence your decision on where to buy your puppy from. Although you are excited to welcome your new family member into your home, spending a few hours preparing will ensure that both you and your pup have a safe and comfortable environment in which to play. If you already have a crate at home that you use for traveling or other purposes, this would be an ideal time to introduce him to his new box. While in the cage, give him some toys and treats so he will get accustomed to spending time inside until he gets older. It will also give him a place to call his own and create a den-like environment inside the crate. Try acquiring different types of toys like fuzzy stuffed animals or rubber balls that he can easily pick up in his mouth. Of course, make sure not to leave any type of chew toy unsupervised because accidents can occur if they are eaten by mistake. Since puppies often like to sink their teeth into something during playtime. If the area where he will spend most of his time is accessible to him, such as a bedroom or living room, this would be an ideal place to begin. Remember, patience is a key element to successfully training your Boxer puppy. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. For this reason, we included these online Boxer breeders for you to check as well. Thus, you can also check a Boxer breeder here. The great thing is that it has an online marketplace to search for a Boxer puppy from any of the states. Since they cover all kinds of breeds, you may find an available puppy through this website. Another thing to note is that you also need to prepare for other costs. In short, aside from the actual cost of the puppy from a breeder, you still need to spend money on other items. Like a new baby in the family, your pup needs some items and some changes. A new puppy at home is a concern for all the family members. Thus, they need to prepare for it as well. As you have your meeting, try to make a schedule of tasks and distribution of responsibilities. Prepare your home. Preparing a home for your Boxer puppy means making it a safe place to play and live. Thus, you need to secure every item that can potentially harm your pet. Moreover, you need to secure your items that your pet can damage, such as shoes, carpets, floor mats, and so on. Shop for supplies. Like all other puppies and babies, Boxer pups needs items for its daily life. The essential things it needs would be beddings, food, and food bowls. You also need to buy a leash and collar for identification. Create a schedule. Besides your pet, you also have your responsibilities. Try to schedule how your pup should do for the day and when you need to pay attention. The great thing about creating a schedule is that it will benefit both you and your pet. Choosing a Good Boxer Seller and Breeder The best Boxer puppies only come from those who take an extra mile in caring for them. Below are certain qualities that you should look for in a Boxer puppy breeder. The Boxer breeder should only breed Boxer puppies. A single breed should be the first thing to remember when searching for a reputable Boxer breeder. Every breed has a mating season to which they breed. If the Boxer breeder sells quite a lot of pups but only has a pair of parents, you can think that it forces the parents to mate so they can have puppies to sell. The Boxer breeder should train pups in their first weeks. Every reputable Boxer breeder gives all the pups around eight weeks at least to stay with their parents. In such a time, the breeder should train the pups before it moves to its new home. The Boxer breeder would continuously be in touch. Other states. Boxer puppies for sale Lexington, Kentucky Boxer puppies for sale Lexington, Kentucky Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Lexington Kentucky? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. Boxer puppies for sale in Lexington KY The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Lexington for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. By population, it is the 57th-largest city in the United States, and by land area, is the country's 28th-largest city. Known as the 'Horse Capital of the World', it is the heart of the state's Bluegrass region. Wiki Lexington Drop us a line! We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery. Nestled in the Southeastern region of the United States, Kentucky boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and an abundance of dog-friendly activities, making it a fantastic place for Boxer enthusiasts. Our site features reputable KY breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Kentucky falls into 32nd place among other states, with a dog population of over thousand dogs in the state. Kentucky is a haven for dog lovers, offering a wide array of dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and events where you can enjoy the company of your furry friend. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our trusted Boxer breeders offer safe and affordable flight delivery, with a dedicated flight nanny accompanying your new pup throughout their journey, providing a safe, secure, and comfortable trip as they make their way to their new home in the Bluegrass State. In addition to flight delivery, most breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option guarantees your Boxer puppy is safely transported to your doorstep by a professional who understands the unique needs of pet travel. Begin your search for the perfect Boxer puppy today on TrustedPuppies. A breeder for over 10 years we take pride in what we do and offer the best possible care for our dogs and expect you to as well. If you fit the required adoption criteria then you will be offered a spot on our waiting list for a pug or boxer puppy. No Deposit Required. They are more than just dogs, more than companions, they are Family. If you choose to add a pug or boxer puppy to your family then once on the waiting list you will be notified weeks in advance of when the puppy will be available for pickup. Pug colors range from Fawn, Black and Apricot. Boxers are Fawn. All puppies will be wormed and up to date on shots upon pickup. Dew claws removed. Parents are all onsite in the event you wish to see them at pickup. There is absolutely no doubt that upon arrival you will immediately fall in love with your puppy, but under any circumstances if you are not completely satisfied with what you see you are under no obligation to take it. To be placed on a waiting list please call .Each new litter of puppies will be displayed on the New Arrivals page. Any questions at all feel free to give us a call Pugs Pugs are the clowns of the dog world. Carefully bred generation after generation for their flattened faces, curled tails, and wrinkled foreheads by people with far too much spare time on their hands, today's pugs are perpetual puppies. Pugs are classified in the "toy" group by the American Kennel Club. The breed's only purpose is to be a constant, loyal, devoted, and exceptionally silly companion to the people who love them. Pugs remain playful and puppyish all their lives. They are curious, demanding and have a distinct sense of humor. A male can stand as high as 25 inches at the shoulder; females run smaller. Their muscles ripple beneath a short, tight-fitting coat. The dark brown eyes and wrinkled forehead give the face an alert, curious look. The coat can be fawn or brindle, with white markings. Boxers move like the athletes they are named for: smooth and graceful, with a powerful forward thrust. Boxers are upbeat and playful. Their patience and protective nature have earned them a reputation as a great dog with children. They take the jobs of watchdog and family guardian seriously and will meet threats fearlessly. Boxers do best when exposed to a lot of people and other animals in early puppyhood. Spacious living quarters, large outdoor runs, released daily into pasture for play time! Check Us Out and Like on Facebook! Exercises Grooming From ancient Germany precisely around the 19th century had the now extinct mastiff breed Bullenbeisser and bulldogs brought in from England. At the time of their arrival, they served as hunting dogs for bears, deer, and other ferocious beasts, it would capture the prey with the help of its awesome teeth and detain it until the hunter arrives. And in the first boxer standard club was launched with a comprehensive document that is still in use today. Shortly after, the breed made its way into other European countries and got into the U. S in the late 19th century with the American Kennel Club taking registration of its first boxer around .During the first world war, boxers played the role of a military dog as a pack-carrier, a guard dog, and an attack dog, later they were taken home by the soldiers and got introduced into the domestic world as a show dog, best companion, and a reliable guard. One with so much life, energetic, curious, attentive, active, smart, sociable and incredible fun with children is the boxer, they are also known to be very patient and highly protective of their family members making them the love and desire of many homes. As active dogs, they need a lot of exercise to keep them mentally fit, apparently having a mind of its own, you will find your boxer entertain itself by digging the ground often, chewing, and licking the mouth to beat boredom. They are also very stubborn in character which makes them a terrible choice for first-timers with dogs, they are generally a bit difficult with adult dogs including dogs of a similar breed but friendly with puppies. They usually do not bark unless there is a genuine reason behind it but they love to growl. If you have occupied home with people around all the time or you want a canine buddy the whole time, then a boxer is just the perfect breed to get. Being a highly active dog, they dread loneliness and they can cope finely in both a house and an apartment as long as you provide it with enough room and spaces for exercises and activities. What you must have is a large yard if you are living in a house for it to dig the ground and run around as it likes. And more so, if you are given to being away from home most of the time, getting a boxer may not be the best for you and the dog, because they usually get aggressive when left alone. Boxers are known as loud snorers and they drool greatly too. Boxers are playful and very energetic dogs as such regular exercises are part of a good canine relationship, especially a breed of this sort. Your boxer should be allowed to play in a fenced area and on-leashed since it is likely to jump and leap around in excitement. This puts a boxer as a bad choice for a frail owner as they may find it a tad impossible and daunting keeping up with its excessive activity demands. Being a breed with a short and thin coat its grooming demands are quite easy and little, all it needs is a light brushing of the hair twice every week to maintain its good and gleeful looks. Bathing should be a once in a while since boxers are generally clean dogs and its nails, be trimmed once every month or as often as they grow worn on surfaces, its teeth should also be brushed daily to avoid tartar formation and other dental crises. Our Boxer puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Frequently Asked Questions Are Boxers good family pets? Yes, boxers are particularly fond of their family members especially when goodly trained. Are Boxers trainable? Though the boxers can be a little headstrong, they are very intelligent and with a proper training environment, they respond well. Are Boxers friendly with kids? They are very fond of children and they love playing games with them. Are Boxers friendly with other animals? Boxers are naturally patient with puppies, pooches and small animals but a bit unaccommodating of adult dogs and other animals. Are Boxers good apartment dogs? They can live anywhere you make as a home all you need is to provide it with enough space for exercise. How is Boxers shedding? Given the shortness of their coat, they shed minimally and occasionally, you can also regulate the shedding by frequent brushing of their coat. Are Boxers good for first-time owners? Not quite, as their exercise needs are way too high for their inexperienced hands. Are Boxers loud barkers? But growling is a thing they do most. Are Boxers tolerable to heat and cold? All they need is moderate exposure to heat and cold because of their thin fur body. How long can Boxers live? The average life-span of boxers is 10 years Are you interested in purchasing a Boxer? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

How to buy a French Bulldog puppy on a low budget French Bulldog puppies are one of the most expensive dog breeds to bring home. So how can you get your first French Bulldog puppy on a low budget? There is no such thing as a cheap Frenchie or a low budget French Bulldog due to their breeding per birth price tag. Nonetheless, there are several creative ways you can get a Frenchie puppy with little to no money down and we took the time to explore options and share this valuable info with you. A very fine show quality French Bulldog can cost that much. The high price tag reflects the expense per Frenchie puppy birth of artificial insemination, c-sections, constant care when they are born and multiple health and genetic exams. Why are French Bulldogs more expensive than any other dog breed? Most Frenchies can't have live babies the normal way. 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. Buying a well bred French Bulldog is never cheap and can help avoid a lifetime of vet bills and care. Creative ways you can get a Frenchie puppy or dog with little to no money down: Easypay Finance: Need help buying your Frenchie puppy? Easypay Finance can help. Good credit to no credit applicants accepted. Just as the name suggests Easypay is a streamline straight forward application that allows you to be approved instantly online without pay stubs or bank statements. If your loan is paid back within 90 days you can get a full interest rebate back. Requirements: Have a cell phone and email address. Have a checking account for at least 3 months. Puppy Spot Financing Puppy Spot Financing offers a convenient payment plan through Community Finance to help families buy their dream puppy. Breeders invest time, effort and resources into breeding and often this results in a hefty price for the Frenchie puppy. With a financing option, you don't have to compromise on a quality French Bulldog puppy. All you have to do is fill a form and a Puppy Concierge will contact you within one hour of receiving pre approval to help you reserve your dream Frenchie puppy. Requirements: Employed for the last 12 months at the same job. Pet Loans dot com can help finance your pet purchase price or veterinary care and even your pet supplies. Pet Loans dot com specializes in exotic pet purchases. French Bulldog Breeder financing: Certain Breeders accept financing through programs that are set up to protect them and help the buyer with a flexible payment plan. Ask your chosen breeder if they are able to accept breeder financing through one of the above programs. My Pet Funding allows breeders and pet stores offer the potential buyer the flexibility to spread their purchase cost over time. Rescue a French Bulldog. Call Vic Kasser or Email! We know the economy has been tough so we have teamed up with Terrace Finance and Springleaf Financial to offer you a fast, simple and budget friendly way to take home a new addition to your family. This isn't just any financing either but is financing tailored to your needs. Once approved for financing you can pay off your pet with the same as cash option if your budget allows, or you can continue to make payments until your purchase is paid off. You can also finance part of your purchase and pay the difference with cash or credit card. We advise that you do not place a deposit on a puppy until your application is completely verified and approved, ALL deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable unless we cannot or will not place the puppy with you that you have placed the deposit on. You can click the links below and complete your application on line from the convenience of your own home and get pre approved before you even stop in to see which new addition to your family you want to bring home! So simple and very budget friendly, because sometimes making a monthly payment is much more affordable. Terrace Finance offers people the ability to take home the Puppies they really want and pay for them with comfortable installment payments through their signature consumer loan. If you are approved, you can take home your Puppy with their consumer loan, which offers comfortable payments. At the end of the Installment Lease, you own the Puppy free and clear. Umpqua Valley Kennels LLC is not responsible for declined applications or for applications that do not meet the financing qualifications of Terrace Finance. Please contact Terrace Finance directly with any questions regarding financing. We take pride in our program because we breed healthy and happy puppies that will bring many years of joy to you and your family. Every dog in my program is a part of my family and is raised indoors with us so that they come to you well socialized and happy! We are located in beautiful Southern California. We are dog lovers and have been breeders of pure bred dogs for over 20 years! We specialize in brachycephalic breeds and always have. After many years we were introduced to the French Bulldog Breed. I think everybody should own one, or two, or 5! I have a vision for improvement of the breed. I believe in healthy dogs that can breathe well. Health is our first priority! Featured Puppies Learn more about our available puppies. I would recommend them for sure!! My first experience was delightful and the overall service was impressive. I highly recommend this breeder! This breeder is the real deal. You'll be asked to provide information about yourself and what you are looking for so the breeder can help you find the right match. Once you apply, Milla will get back to you about availability, pricing and next steps. Pricing is based on the structure, pedigree, color and overall quality of each individual puppy. On occasion, we have puppies ready to go right away. Go Home Date: 8 Weeks After Birth Puppies need time to nurse, grow and develop with their mother and littermates before they can join their new families. A newborn puppy should stay with their breeder, mom, and siblings as they develop physically and gain new social skills alongside their brothers and sisters. The age a puppy can go home depends on the breed, and even the individual, but generally is around two months.

To ensure the safety of our readers and the right fit for a new pet, we work hard to make sure only the most trusted breeders are featured on the site. We have a dedicated team that works hard and has done extensive research that involves checking both the breeder and their dogs, to verify that the breeders featured on our site are highly reputable and trustworthy. Feedback on Google and Facebook is also taken into consideration before they are listed as a breeder to have the highest standards possible. We hope that this gives you a little more information about how we list breeders on our site. Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale in California: Golden Retrievers are a hugely popular breed worldwide, thanks to their reputation as loyal pets and good hunting dogs. However, with so many breeders to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one is the best fit for you and your family. California is a great state to get a Golden Retriever, and there are plenty of reputable and ethical breeders to choose from. I have compiled a list of the top 14 Golden Retriever breeders in California, based on their breeding history, customer reviews, and service quality. Most of these breeders are hobbyists who breed for love, not money. With this list, you should be able to find the perfect Golden Retriever for your family. They are located in Southern California and they pride themselves on being an ethical breeder of quality Golden Retriever dogs. They source their breeding stock from all over the USA and Europe. This allows them to get the best genetics possible and produce healthy offspring. They want all of their puppies to go to good homes where they will be loved as family members. Additionally, all puppies are sold with limited registration. This means that the new family will not be able to breed their dog. The breeder only wants their puppies to go to homes where they will be treated as family dogs and not used for breeding purposes. The pups come microchipped, vets checked, dewormed, and doggy door trained. They also come with a 1-year health guarantee. Golden Retriever Breeder Info:. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for California Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in California? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in California? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. This little bundle of joy is on the lookout for a forever family who will cherish them and provide a lifetime of.Read More Golden retriever puppies Riverside, California Golden retriever puppies looking for a new home. Family dogs and very good with children. Had a litter of 13 golden retriever puppies, we are left three great puppies. We have 2 females and 1 male lef.Read More AKC Golden Retriever Puppies Elk Grove, California We have 4 females available for their forever home now Our pups are whelped and socialized in homes with families so that theyre "pre-spoiled: already used to loving and playing with humans. Puppies will be registered and have a health guarantee, 1st vaccines, dewormed, microchipped and a new puppy starter pack filled with needed supplies for new pup.Read More Golden retriever puppies Madera, California We have 7 beautiful baby boys and 2 sweetheart females. Puppies Will be ready for their forever homes soon. No scam. Your welcome to FaceTime me or google duo. I am also available for you to come pick.Puppies are raised in a loving home. We have been raising Goldens for over 15 years. All pups come.Read More.

Her love for dogs prompted a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where she concentrated on behavior and genetics. Ann has attained many performance and breed titles with her Labradors. Over the years, she began to import classic English bloodlines which improved and strengthened her foundation blood. Our Mission To breed and maintain the classic Labrador temperament for whatever your goals may be. We are a small ethical breeding facility. We are stewards of the breed, not just puppy breeders. We breed an average of litters per year of quality black, yellow, and chocolate Labradors. Consequently, a waiting list is generally on hand for upcoming litters. Our small specialized size ensures lots of hands on for every dog, every puppy, every day. We are as dedicated to them as they are to us! Our Facility Dove Hill Labradors is located 1. We are situated on 12 acres surrounded by pastures, creeks, ponds, and woods. Our Dogs We maintain approximately 15 labs, where each one is a member of the family. Some are show dogs, some are performance oriented, and some do both. ALL of our Labradors excel in temperament. Check out our sister website DoveHillsEnglishLabradors. It's part of being a dog.Onyx is a week old black pup now under the care of Najla West. What a handsome character he is. The entire staff fell in love with that face. Your policies on worming, vaccination, feeding, and training dovetail with our policies nicely. We wish all new pet owners received such good advice from their breeders. Lastly, it was delightful to learn that this owner plans to neuter this pup and pursue professional training. I feel confident this pup will have a good life! We bought Jake from you 11 years ago when we lived in Virginia. We loved him so much and he was a central part of our family. He was extremely smart, almost like a person at times, and unbelievably kind. He was so gentle with our children and such a loyal companion for us. Share 0 Shares The Labrador Retriever has long been the most popular breed in the United States of America, it is loved for its loyalty, its temperament, its energetic and playful nature and it makes a very good companion for the family. Virginia State, which is also known as the Mother of States, is a lover of the Labrador Retriever breed and is home to numerous breeding facilities dedicated to producing Labrador Retriever puppies for numerous families in the country. In this article, we list some of the very best Labrador Retriever breeders Virginia has to offer. They are reputable breeders that produce top-quality Labrador Retriever pups for numerous families in the country. I recommend you get a glass of something chill and read on to the end. Although they are new, They produce high-quality, AKC-registered Labrador Retriever puppies of various colors, that make great family pets and are bred according to the breed standards. Their Labrador Retrievers make great family dogs, service and work dogs. All dogs in their robust breeding programs hail from championed bloodlines with impressive pedigrees to match. They are carefully selected based on their health and temperament and are well tested for genetic health defects that could prove harmful to the Labrador Retriever litter. Each breeding parent is certified free of elbow dysplasia by the OFA, they also have their hearts and eyes checked by a licensed vet. Every Labrador Retriever pup from Mountain View champions is raised on 80 acres of property that is a loving, homely environment. It is large enough for each pup to run and play to their satisfaction. They are allowed to socialize with people of different age groups as well as with other pets and are also introduced to a wide variety of sounds, textures, and sights to help them adjust to new environments. Each pup from Mountain View Champion is sold on limited AKC registration, they undergo regular health visits to a licensed vet where they receive their regular deworming and vaccinations. They each have their dew claws clipped and are fed with Kirkland Signature dog food. 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. Take a look at the three best Labrador Retriever breeders you can find in the state of Virginia. The 3 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Virginia 1. Located on rural acreage, the breeder has an expansive facility for breeding and offers boarding services with climate control, radiant heat flooring, and central air conditioning. All parent dogs are vetted for genetic conditions common in Labrador Retrievers, and only the top performers with natural hunting abilities, trainability, and temperament are bred. All puppies are born and raised at home, provided with handling and socialization, and released at 7 weeks. Puppies come with dew claws removed, veterinary records for vaccinations and deworming, and a 5-year health guarantee on hips, elbows, and eyes. Weather permitting, all puppies are introduced to birds, water, and loud noises. This breeder offers English and American Labs in chocolate, yellow, and black varieties. All puppies come with a genetic health clearance and veterinary records for exams, deworming, and vaccinations. Potential owners must fill out a puppy request form and may make an appointment to visit the breeding facility and meet the dogs. The property is fenced, allowing the dogs to enjoy the woods, open fields, and creek. Parent dogs are both English and American Labs and produce black, yellow, and chocolate puppies. All puppies are registered with the American Kennel Club and come with a month guarantee against hip dysplasia. Puppies are vet checked and come with records for first vaccinations and deworming. Tips for Choosing Reputable Breeders Breeding dogs , as well as other animals commonly kept as pets, can be profitable, leading to a rise in inhumane puppy mills. These high-volume dog breeding facilities churn out litters for profit, often ignoring the needs of the parents and puppies. In many cases, the puppies that come from puppy mills are unsocialized and suffer behavioral and emotional problems and health conditions. The facilities are poor, leaving puppies in extreme conditions in wire cages. The mother dogs are often found covered in filth with sagging nipples, crusted eyes, and parasites. When you research breeders, look for small operations with limited litters. Puppies should come with genetic health clearances, veterinary records, and vaccinations. Most puppies from breeders will be registered with limited breeding rights, meaning that your puppy will not be registered as a suitable breeding dog with the governing organization. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. See our labrador bitches here. Started Labrador Retrievers Visit our contact page for more information on trained dog availability! Finished Labrador Retrievers Visit our contact page for more information on finished dog availability! See our stud dogs here. Private Gundog Handling Seminars Contact us for more information on visiting our kennel! SOK Campuses house multiple dams as well as have a full training program. SOK Outposts host only one or two dams and just a handful of training dogs. While we are spread out across the country, we operate as one team and one family. They are bad to the bone in the field and will leave your friends in awe. SOK labradors are carefully selected to produce the highest quality British labradors. The support we provide beyond puppy pick-up day will lead to success with your new labrador and almost assuredly new friends too! Join us on Facebook! He has dedicated the last decade to improving the lines of British Labradors available here in the US. Barton is dedicated to keeping SOK a traditional, family-run kennel that focuses on gundogs who excel both in the field and at home. British Labradors How we select our British Labradors.When selecting our Labradors for our breeding program, we carefully examine every aspect of the dog. If a Labrador has an undesirable trait, their offspring likely will, too. There are several non-negotiable evaluations that take place before considering a dog for our program, such as sound hips and elbows, a clear eye test, size within the breed standard, a proven pedigree, etc. Once we have checked all of those boxes, we look at the overall personality of the dog. We want dogs who have great social skills, good drive and style in the field, and a true off-switch when not working. This off-switch extends beyond napping in the kennel. Once we know a Labrador meets these standards, we evaluate several aspects of field work. We want to breed Labrador retrievers who love the water, have a natural delivery to hand, charge hard going out and coming back for a retrieve, and are able to use their noses to work heavy cover. Labradors who are in our breeding program are team players who love to work together with their handler in the field. Essentially, we only want to breed the type of Labrador that enhances the hunting experience.

How to prevent coughs in dogs? Why do dogs cough? As your pet explores the world with their nose or mouth, they encounter germs, dirt, tiny bugs, bits of grass, and many other particles. If some of this material is breathed in, your dog may cough to expel it. No big deal, right? And if the coughing is accompanied by changes in breathing, it could indicate something more serious. Set goals. Compare with dogs like yours. Monitor sleep. Detect issues and keep them healthy. Shop Dog Trackers Is it a cough or a gag? Coughing and gagging may sound similar when they happen, but they are not quite the same. A cough is caused when your dog forces air out of the mouth and throat. Gagging is more akin to vomiting, but nothing comes out except some phlegm or mucus. Gagging can lead to coughing and coughing can lead to gagging, but either can happen on its own. Gagging is often the result of your dog gulping down large chunks of dry food or swallowing something distasteful. Gagging is a natural process to rid the body of the swallowed or partially-swallowed item. What are the various types of dog coughs? Your pooch feels the same way! Take action sooner rather than later to help your pup recover from the cough and head off a more serious illness. This will help your vet decide the best way to care for the cough and make your pooch more comfortable. Dry, hacking, cough that is deep-sounding Gagging and high-pitched cough Wet and phlegmy Deep and honking, like a goose Each type of cough indicates a different problem. Take a video of your dog coughing and show it to your vet. This will help the vet decide if the cough signals an emergency or could be contagious, like kennel cough or canine influenza. What are the symptoms of kennel cough? Kennel cough typically causes your dog to produce a deep, dry, honking cough. Kennel cough is caused by several types of bacteria or viruses, but it produces only mild illness. Kennel cough is highly contagious and is often spread in group settings such as obedience classes, boarding facilities, or dog parks. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication to alleviate the cough. Be sure to keep your pup away from other dogs until they are no longer contagious. The Bordetella vaccine can protect your dog from getting kennel cough. It can be administered as an injection or nasal spray. Talk to your vet about this vaccine, especially if your dog is boarded frequently. Look around for clues to determine if your dog recently chewed on or ate something that could have lodged in the throat. If you suspect a foreign object is lodged in the throat, seek veterinary care as this could block the airway or cause infection. Just keep a close eye on your pup after an incident like this. Environmental allergens Pollen, smoke, fungi, and other inhaled allergens can cause coughing in your dog. If your dog has allergies, consider keeping them indoors during peak allergy season, or ask your veterinarian for medication to alleviate the symptoms. Toy dog breeds and obese dogs have an increased risk of developing a collapsed trachea. Tracheal collapse occurs when the cartilage surrounding the airway weakens. Treatment for a collapsing trachea includes weight loss and medication to reduce coughing. Pneumonia A wet, phlegmy cough may indicate a buildup of fluid in the lungs. If the fluid becomes infected, then your dog will have pneumonia. One way to know if your dog might have pneumonia is to watch their breathing. If breathing is labored even when the dog is resting and not coughing, that may be a sign of pneumonia. You may notice the cough becoming more prevalent when your dog is lying down. Heart disease is more likely to occur in older dogs. Canine influenza Coughing, along with sneezing, runny nose, runny eyes, fever, and lethargy can signal canine influenza dog flu. Ask your vet about supportive care for your pup, such as fluids and other medications to reduce fevers. If your dog has coughed daily for more than two months, they may have canine chronic bronchitis. This chronic condition is unlikely to resolve, so treatment focuses on addressing the symptoms. Other reasons for coughing in dogs include heartworm disease — which should not be a problem if your pup is on regular heartworm medication. In a reverse sneezing episode, a dog actually sucks air in rather than forcing it out. If reverse sneezing becomes a daily occurrence, contact your vet to rule out any other conditions. Laryngeal paralysis is another condition that may seem cough-related. In laryngeal paralysis, the muscles that surround the voice box larynx become weak. Your pup may pant loudly and their voice may change. Always see your veterinarian when your dog experiences changes in breathing. Lung cancer can cause persistent coughing in dogs. But lung cancer is not a common reason that dogs experience coughing. What to do if my dog is coughing Coughing is uncomfortable for your dog and can be tough to listen to for days on end. Plus, it can be a sign of a serious or contagious illness. Do your dog and yourself a favor and seek treatment as soon as possible. And if your dog has a life-threatening underlying cause, beginning treatment early can improve the outcome for your dog. Persistent coughing can irritate the throat. Add a spoonful of honey to a bowl of water, up to three times per day. Close the bathroom door so the room gets extra steamy. Allowing your dog to plenty of rest is important for recovery form any illness. Their body just needs time to recover. When should I bring my dog to a vet? Most cases of coughing in dogs are completely treatable. Shop All Cat Food Key Takeaways: Some of the most common reasons why your dog is coughing are heart disease, pneumonia, kennel cough, tracheal collapse, heartworm disease and canine influenza. Keep track of any other symptoms, such as coughing blood, mucus, foam, etc. If you've noticed your dog coughing and your curious about all the different reasons why dogs cough, know that many different conditions, ranging in severity from mild to life-threatening, can lead your dog to cough. Fortunately, though, most conditions that cause a dog cough are easy to treat. Here are five common conditions that cause dogs to cough: 1. Heart Disease One of the most common reasons for a dog cough is a disease of the heart valves or heart muscle; this prevents a dog's heart from pumping blood efficiently. Coughing results when parts of the heart enlarge and compress the major airways in the lungs, or when fluid backs up into the lungs. You can usually tell if a dog cough is caused by heart disease if their cough is soft and continuous. If your dog is coughing due to heart disease, their cough will likely be worse at night or when they're resting on their side and may be accompanied by a decrease in energy and stamina. If your dog's veterinarian diagnoses that the cough is the result of heart disease, they may prescribe a heart medications. Pneumonia Pneumonia is another common condition that pet parents often worry about when they notice their dog coughing. Dog pneumonia inflammation of the lungs can be the result of bacteria, a preexisting viral infection such as canine influenza or distemper , swallowing difficulties, regurgitation or certain metabolic disorders. With pneumonia, a dog cough sounds moist and soft. If your dog has pneumonia, they'll likely have a high fever, poor appetite and low energy. They'll need veterinary treatment, lots of fluids and rest, and they might even need hospitalization to recover. Kennel Cough Kennel cough — another one of the most common causes of coughing in dogs — is a catchall term for tracheobronchitis, inflammation and infection of the windpipe and the main lower airways. While kennel cough is more common among younger dogs, dogs of any age can be affected. Dogs in group settings — whether at obedience training, doggy day care or boarding — are at higher risk of contracting the infection. So, if you find yourself noticing that your dog is coughing after they've been at day care, there's a chance they could have a case of kennel cough. Dogs with kennel cough have a hacking, dry and raspy cough that sounds worse if they pull while being walked on their leash. Kennel cough can even lead to retching and subsequent vomiting. Kennel cough may resolves on its own, but antibiotics and cough suppressants are often prescribed to reduce coughing and the likelihood of secondary problems, such as pneumonia. Dogs with kennel cough are very contagious to other dogs. Kennel cough is a form of Bordetella bronchiseptica, for which there is a vaccine that can help protect your dog from getting kennel cough in the future. Talk to your vet about vaccinating your dog to reduce the chance of getting kennel cough. Tracheal Collapse Tracheal collapse is a condition that causes the trachea, or windpipe, to become soft and floppy; it affects small and toy breeds most often, including Pomeranians , Chihuahuas , pugs and shih tzus. The official name for the condition is tracheal chondromalacia. Dogs with tracheal collapse have a dry, hacking and spasmodic cough. They cough repeatedly and have a hard time calming down. Their coughing will worsen if they pull while they're on a leash. If your dog's trachea has collapsed completely, their cough can sound asthmatic. The cough is also worse in obese dogs, dogs who are hot or excited and dogs exposed to irritants or allergens in the air. Treatment for tracheal collapse includes weight loss as well as medicines including cough suppressants, bronchodilators, steroids and antibiotics. In severe cases, your dog's vet may recommend surgery. Heartworm Disease Depending on where you live, heartworm disease may be a more or less likely cause of coughing in dogs. While heartworms are more prevalent in warmer areas, such as Florida and California, the risk of heartworm disease exists anywhere there are mosquitoes transmitting the disease. Dogs with heartworm disease may have a cough or they may exhibit no signs at all — it depends on the dog's size, how many worms they're harboring and the dog's overall health. If your dog does show signs of the disease, they may have a mild, persistent cough; low energy; weight loss and reduced appetite. A severe heartworm infestation could result in signs of heart failure, including a swollen abdomen from fluid buildup. Canine Influenza Dogs, like humans, are subject to contracting the flu, known in dogs as canine influenza. The cough exists as the result of the respiratory infection that can last anywhere from ten to thirty days. Your dog will likely be prescribed medicine as a course of treatment. If you have other pets in the home, it is best to quarantine your sick dog to their own area of the home, as canine influenza is contagious between animals — but lucky for you, it cannot be transmitted to or from humans. Many causes of coughing in dogs are completely treatable, but they need to be properly diagnosed in order to be treated. When you bring your pup in to see their vet, be sure to describe their cough in detail and to tell the vet about any other signs your dog has had such as coughing blood, mucus, white foam, etc. With the right care from your veterinarian, your dog will be back to howling and barking in no time. Contributor Bio Dr. Sarah Wooten Dr. Wooten divides her professional time between small animal practice in Greeley, Colorado, public speaking on associate issues, leadership, and client communication, and writing. By Sandra C. While dog gagging can be a benign behavior, there are things you need to know and be aware of so that you know when it is time to visit your veterinarian. It sounds sort of like they are trying to vomit while also coughing. There is a difference between coughing, vomiting and dog gagging, and it is important to be able to distinguish between them. If you can take a video of the behavior, it will help your veterinarian to distinguish what is happening. When a dog vomits , it is usually pretty obvious because food or stomach contents wind up on the floor. Dog gagging usually happens in conjunction with a cough. When a dog is gagging, they may widely open their mouth and make a retching sort of sound. With gagging, there will be no expulsion of stomach contents, like with vomiting. Believe it or not, it does matter. For a veterinarian, the order in which these two actions happen can help them determine which types of diseases they need to be considering. What Causes Dog Gagging? Gagging is caused by inflammation in the area of the larynx. There are a number of things that can cause a dog to gag, and it will often require a veterinary exam to sort the problems out. When a dog coughs first and then gags, we are commonly thinking about problems which cause bronchitis and lower respiratory disease. When a dog gags first and then coughs, we are considering things along the lines of dysfunction of the larynx. Two very common things that can cause gagging in dogs are infectious problems and laryngeal paralysis. Kennel cough , which is a type of respiratory infection, is a common cause of dog gagging, which results in a harsh, goose-like cough, sometimes followed by a gag. There are other infectious diseases that can also cause gagging, and a more severe disease—pneumonia—can sometimes cause gagging in dogs, as well. Laryngeal paralysis can occur often in older Labrador Retrievers. In this condition, the larynx no longer closes properly, allowing some food and fluid to access the airway. Another feature of this condition is a very loud, harsh panting. Laryngeal paralysis often starts out subtly and worsens with time. If your pet is bright, alert, breathing normally, eating and drinking as expected, and appears to be feeling fine, you should monitor the problem for hours. If the gagging lasts longer than this, it may well be something more significant than just some minor reaction from swallowing wrong. If any other symptoms are present—your dog appears worried or distressed, is having ANY trouble breathing, has an increase in noise during breathing, or is not feeling well in any fashion—I would recommend an exam sooner rather than later. Whenever the respiratory system is not quite right, we tend to take the condition seriously as veterinarians. What happens at the veterinary appointment will vary quite a lot depending on the specifics of what your dog is displaying. In all cases, a complete physical examination is indicated. Sometimes, the doctor may be able to make a tentative diagnosis based on this exam alone. Other times, some additional tests may be required. The most common initial tests include blood work looking specifically for signs of infection as well as radiographs of the neck and lungs. Particularly, if the veterinarian is concerned that laryngeal paralysis is a possibility—or if the dog may have swallowed some foreign material such as a ball that is lodged—sedation may also be required for a complete exam of the larynx. The good news is that most cases of dog gagging are relatively straightforward to treat. Even the causes that are more significant, such as from pneumonia or laryngeal paralysis, do have treatments available to either cure or significantly reduce the gagging and make your dog more comfortable. By: Dr. Sandra Mitchell. And when it comes to throat problems, it can be really scary to see your dog coughing and gagging. Sure, an occasional cough or gag is completely normal behavior for your dog. However, if the coughing or gagging persists, then a trip to your veterinarian may be necessary. We spoke to Jamie Fischer, a veterinary technician at DodoVet , for more insight into why your dog might be having trouble with his throat, if there are some dog breeds that are more prone to throat issues, and what you can do to help. Reasons for a dog coughing and gagging Have you ever noticed your dog gagging a lot or having a persistent cough? Luckily, this condition is often managed by using harnesses instead of collars, weight control, less intense exercise, or even inhaler-type medications to help open the airway. Respiratory infection — This type of infection can be bacterial, viral or fungal. Treatment of these infections varies depending on what kind of infection is diagnosed by your vet, but it can include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, steroids or cough suppressants. This condition can be caused by infections, pneumonia, allergies or air pollutants, like cigarette smoke. Treatment for this condition can include bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Heart disease — Coughing can be a sign of heart disease. Other symptoms include exercise intolerance, lethargy, heavy breathing or panting, and blue-tinged gums or tongue. This life-threatening condition can affect any dog, but most commonly occurs in large, deep-chested breeds. GDV or bloat occurs when the stomach fills up with gas, twisting upon itself and blocking the exit of the stomach. Symptoms can include gagging or retching, bloated appearance, anxious behavior, drooling, weakness and collapse, and requires immediate veterinary attention and surgical correction. Other signs include pawing at the mouth, drooling, licking his lips repeatedly, refusing to eat, vomiting, lethargy or restlessness, tummy pain, and an inability to poop. A call to your vet immediately is recommended, as they will take an X-ray to determine what and where the object is, whether it is causing a blockage, and if it will be able to be digested on its own or will need to be surgically removed. Are some dogs more prone to coughing and gagging? Some dog breeds can be at higher risk for airway issues. This means that any inflammation or irritation to their airway can be much more serious than in dogs with normal sized noses. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As your dog gets older, it is natural to start worrying about them and become concerned when they show symptoms of declining health, such as coughing and gagging. While coughing and gagging can be a symptom of a minor illness, just like in humans, it can also be an indication that your older dog has developed a more serious medical condition that requires veterinary attention. Read on as we look at the differences between coughing, gagging, and vomiting in dogs, and the most common causes of coughing and gagging, especially when it comes to older dogs. If your dog is coughing or gagging you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Coughing, Gagging, Or Vomiting Not everyone has a clear idea of the difference between coughing, gagging, and vomiting in dogs, but the three are quite different. It is important that you can tell the difference, as your vet will want to know exactly what is happening with your dog to make an accurate diagnosis. Vomiting is when they bring up their stomach contents. It is usually quite obvious when your dog vomits as you will be cleaning up their stomach contents from the floor. That is, of course, unless they eat it first. Gagging is a non-scientific term of something in between coughing and vomiting. Gagging often happens just before or after coughing, and it can sound like your dog is trying to cough and vomit at the same time. When To See Your Vet? It could just mean that something has made its way into their airwaves and they are pushing it out. This is just like you, but it could be a bit of dust or something more substantial like a dead insect. Coughing or gagging lets them expel the unwelcome contaminant, and they should be fine. However, if your dog, especially if they are older, is coughing fairly regularly for a period of more than 48 hours, it is time for a trip to the vet. This suggests that it is a symptom of something more serious. When you see the vet, they will want to know whether your dog was coughing, gagging, or vomiting, the frequency of the bouts, and how long this has been going on. So, make sure you make a careful note of these things. Also, look out for anything that might trigger the cough, such as exercise or entering a certain environment. This will help your vet make an accurate diagnosis and suggest a course of treatment. Some are relatively treatable, while others are linked with illness associated with aging and will require more serious medical intervention. These are the most likely causes of coughing and gagging in older dogs. Kennel Cough Kennel cough is a bit like a common cold in that it is a contagious infection of the upper airways that passes between dogs, and is frustrating but not serious. With kennel cough, the coughing is more prevalent than the gagging. The best treatment is time, and an agent to calm the airwaves if needed. Like the common cold, it will usually go away on its own with rest and a nice, healthy diet. In normal circumstances, you should expect the symptoms to last one to two weeks. If complications develop, kennel cough can progress into pneumonia. Additional symptoms are likely to appear such as vomiting, loss of appetite, and fever. When Stetson was young and stayed at the guide dog kennel regularly he came back a few times with kennel cough. He would cough then do a horrible gagging sound, but nothing came up. Heart Cough Probably the most common cause of coughing and gagging in older dogs is heart cough. This is a symptom of heart disease and occurs when the ailing heart is no longer able to pump blood properly. As a result, blood can accumulate and stagnate in the lungs. The fluid then leaks into the airways, and your dog will cough to try and eliminate the accumulation. Coughing is a more common symptom than gagging, and the cough will probably sound quite wet and liquidy. It will require treatment of the underlying heart condition, probably using medication and a managed diet. A heartworm infestation can cause similar symptoms. But this can be avoided with regular use of a heartworm preventative and periodic checkups for parasites. Unfortunately, our lab-mix, Linus had heart problems in his later years. We first learned about his ailment when we noticed he started coughing and gagging. Our first thought was kennel cough, but after a visit to the vet he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Cancerous Tumor Another common cause of a consistent cough in older dogs is a cancerous tumor in the lungs. They can develop these if they live in an environment where there is passive smoking or in a highly polluted area. However, it is most common that cancer in the lungs is a secondary tumor caused by cancer somewhere else in the body. This will sound like a persistent wet cough and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as lameness or limping. This is because this kind of cancer also causes bone inflammation. Your vet will need to determine the source of the cancer in order to suggest a viable treatment. In his later years Stetson was diagnosed with cancer. Again it sounded like kennel cough, but after a visit to our veterinarian and a battery of tests they discovered he had cancer. Laryngeal Paralysis If your dog is both coughing and gagging, laryngeal paralysis is a likely cause. This illness is also especially common in labrador retrievers as they get older. You can read about other common labrador health conditions here. It occurs when the dog loses control of the muscles and nerves that manage their laryngeal function. They can still breathe, but not as much air is passing through their larynx and into their lungs as normal. They might cough or gag to try and let more air through. Symptoms most often appear when they are eating, excited, or exercising. The symptoms tend to gradually worsen over time. There are several surgical options available to alleviate this problem. Asthmatic Or Allergic Cough An asthmatic or allergic cough can affect dogs of any age. It is a response to irritants in the air your dog is sensitive to. This includes smoke, pollen, and dust. When this is the problem, it is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as running eyes. If the condition comes on suddenly, it is often a result of a change in the environment. A common culprit is a new household cleaner, so consider any changes you have made to your home and garden. This type of cough is highly treatable with environmental control and allergy medications. Collapsing Trachea Some dog breeds, such as Daschunds, poodles, and any dogs crossed with a poodle such as a l abradoodle or goldendoodle , are prone to a collapsed trachea, which can cause an unpleasant cough. The trachea or windpipe is held open by a ring of cartilage that can become weakened over time. As a result, when the animal gets excited, their airways may collapse, provoking a coughing and gagging spell, as they struggle to unlock their airways. While there are medications that can help, there is no cure for this condition. The best treatment is keeping your dog calm and having strategies to calm them down quickly when this does occur. If your dog starts coughing and gagging frequently, and you think they have put on weight, make sure you can comfortably fit two fingers under their collar. It is not uncommon for dogs to gain weight as they get older because their metabolism slows down and they tend to have less energy. So, it might just be a matter of loosening their collar. However, you should also talk to your vet to make sure they are a healthy weight. They may suggest changes in their diet to accommodate their lowered metabolism and more sedentary lifestyle. Cough Remedies You are no doubt accustomed to taking something to soothe your throat when it is raw and sore from coughing, so you are probably wondering if there is anything similar you can give your dog? There are a number of things you can give your dog depending on the cause of their cough. The underlying cause will need treatment as well. This dietary supplement can be used to alleviate the symptoms of kennel cough and help speed up the healing process for your pooch. It contains natural ingredients, including marshmallow root, mullein leaf, and angelica root that soothe the respiratory tissue. Made from colostrum, turmeric, and salmon oil, and enriched with probiotics and vitamin C, they can help reinforce a weak cut and boost the immune system. These tasty chews can be fed to your dog daily as a treat. Natural Remedies You may also want to experiment with natural remedies, such as honey. Half a tablespoon mixed with water three times a day can have a great soothing effect. You can also mix in a teaspoon of coconut oil for an extra soothing boost. Consistent coughing and gagging can be a symptom of a number of medical conditions in dogs. When it comes to aging dogs, the most likely causes are heart disease, lung cancer, and laryngeal paralysis. This will help your vet determine the cause of the problem. If your dog is coughing or gagging, you should speak to your vet to identify the underlying cause of the problem and treat it at its source. However, there are things you can give your dog to soothe their throat. A homemade mixture of half a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of coconut oil mixed with water can be very soothing when administered three times a day. If your dog lets out the occasional cough, this is nothing to be worried about you. Do Older Dogs Cough More? This usually suggests there is something more serious behind their coughing fits. You may notice your older dog coughing more often than when they were younger. This is because they have a lowered immune system, and so are more likely to catch common coughing illnesses, such as kennel cough. This is also because a variety of illnesses that tend to come on in older age are also accompanied by coughing. If your dog starts coughing and gagging constantly, this is not something to be ignored. Take them to your vet for a diagnosis. It could be a common kennel cough or it could be a symptom of something serious such as heart disease. Coughing alone is not a sign that old age is catching up with your dog and that they are on their last legs. However, it can be a symptom of serious illnesses that could be terminal if left untreated. If your dog is entering its final days , more common symptoms are a loss of appetite, vomiting and incontinence, a lack of coordination, extreme fatigue, and a desire to do nothing. In the final hours, they will probably go off on their own, as dogs tend to hide when they know that their time is up. Like the human cold, kennel cough is caused by very common bacteria. While dogs catch it most often when mixing with other dogs, they can pick it up anywhere. It is not a serious condition, but if you are worried about your dog picking up kennel cough, there is a vaccine available to prevent it. The Verdict If your older dog develops a consistent cough or starts gagging on a regular basis, this can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition that will require treatment. Make a note of whether they are coughing, gagging, or vomiting and the length and frequency of the bouts. You can then work with your vet to make a diagnosis. While asthma and allergies or kennel cough are common causes of coughs in dogs of all ages and are easily treatable for older dogs, coughing can also be a sign of more serious medical conditions. Common ailments are heart disease, lung cancer, and laryngeal paralysis. But with proper treatment and care, your dog can still live a happy life for years to come. Have you dealt with an older dog with a persistent cough or regular gagging? Share your experiences with the community in the comments section below. What Should I Do? 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. Prevention Back to Top If your dog suddenly starts to make gagging noises or cough, it can be alarming. Sometimes, it's just a single cough or gag, while other times it is chronic problem. If the symptoms are ignored and there is an underlying disease causing them, things can progress to a potentially life-threatening situation. Find out what causes a dog to cough or gag and what you can do to help prevent unnecessary issues from developing. Coughing vs. Gagging A cough and a gag are similar but not the same. A cough is a hacking noise that occurs when your dog is forcing air out of the throat and mouth. A gag is a retch that is similar to vomiting but nothing comes up and out, except maybe a little phlegm or mucous. Sometimes a dog will both cough and then gag at the end of the cough, but either can happen on its own. Causes of Coughing or Gagging in Dogs Airborne debris, food, diseases, and more can result in your dog developing a cough or gag. Knowing the cause of your dog's symptoms may help you determine whether or not they are serious. Food Sometimes a dog will eat so quickly that the food will go down the trachea instead of the esophagus. This can cause a dog to cough or gag in an attempt to get the food out of the wrong tube. In this case, you could encourage your dog to eat more slowly and place food in a bowl that is at an appropriate height for the size of your dog. Slow feeders and elevated dog bowls can help. It's caused by inflammation and irritation of the trachea or lungs and until it is treated, the coughing and gagging will continue. Pneumonia , kennel cough , influenza , tracheitis, lungworm infestations, fungal infections, distemper , and other diseases that cause respiratory tract issues will require veterinary attention. Heart Disease Certain types of heart disease can cause a dog to cough. Fluid accumulation in the lungs can lead to coughing and difficulty breathing. Heartworm disease can interfere with heart function and cause inflammation within the lungs. With these conditions, a dog is likely to cough and gag in an attempt to clear the airway, but that won't help. Only veterinary attention can get your dog some relief. Nausea If a dog is nauseated or experiencing gastrointestinal reflux, gagging may occur. Dogs with chronic reflux can develop a chronic cough. Tracheal Collapse Some dogs, especially small breeds, are prone to tracheal collapse. This occurs when the cartilage holding the trachea open weakens. Coughing may result due to a decrease in the opening of the airway. Treatment for Coughing or Gagging Your veterinarian will perform a full physical examination and obtain a patient history to see what may be causing your dog to cough or gag. X-rays, bloodwork, echocardiograms, and other tests may be needed to make a diagnosis depending on what your vet suspects the problem is. Depending on the reason for your dog's coughing or gagging, the treatment plan will vary. If your dog is diagnosed with a disease or illness that requires short-term treatment, medications including antibiotics, steroids, and cough suppressants are likely to be prescribed. Dogs diagnosed with heart disease may be prescribed life-long medications to manage the disease and its symptoms. If the problem is so severe that your dog is not well-oxygenated, oxygen therapy may be needed, too. How to Prevent Coughing or Gagging in Your Dog While you can't prevent all things that can cause your dog to cough or gag, there are still several things you can do. Keep your dog current on its vaccinations , on heartworm prevention , and away from dogs that are not fully vaccinated or sick. Additionally, keep up with regular check-ups with your veterinarian to help with prevention and early diagnosis. This will enable your vet to start treatment as soon as possible. More from The Spruce Pets. Just like in humans, dog coughing and gagging is their body's natural way of responding to the irritants or abnormalities in their airways. Gagging or choking happens as a reflex after or before coughing. So if you're noticing that your Fido is occasionally coughing, don't panic. That's normal most likely. However, if the coughing and gagging keep coming, and you feel like something is off, assess what is happening. Not to scare you, but this could be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. It's stressful for me too, when my dog hasn't been able to shake a cough. About 30 seconds go by, and he still coughs! So in this article, let's talk about the different types of dog coughs and how they sound. We'll also go over why it's happening and how to treat it quickly. We don't want this to happen frequently. So, we'll discuss a few preventative measures moving forward if you haven't already. Wet cough: This is when your dog emits noises that sound moist or filled with phlegm. Gagging cough: This is when your dog constantly makes gagging sounds while coughing excessively. Honking cough: This is when your dog lets out a sound similar to a goose honk. Loosely speaking, your dog is gagging, coughing, or choking continuously because it has something irritating or blocking its airway. Apart from what's happening to their bodies internally, Dr. These pre-existing conditions that you may or may not know yet might first appear in the form of a cough. So think about the past days before you notice your dog's coughing. How's the weather in your area? Or perhaps, you brought him on a hike for the first time? Your dog may also experience coughing with vomiting from time to time. These fits can come and go. If you're wondering if it's painful for your pooch, the answer is yes, especially if the coughing is persistent. Although the pain will be in his throat only hopefully! If the coughing fits are sporadic but continuous, look out for other signs like a lack of appetite to eat, resulting in lethargy and weight loss. The severity of your coughing dog can range from mild to possibly life-threatening signs of any respiratory infection. The majority of hacking, coughing, and gagging resolves itself, and your dog moves on with its life. But there are definitely scenarios where something more sinister is going on, and you need swift veterinary intervention. Here are some other signs that tell you its time to seek veterinary care: Your dog seems to have less energy than normal Your dog looks like they have to work harder to breathe or get a normal breath Your dog has a fever If your dog has had a cough for more than days Your dog continuously is coughing or hacking as they exercise Dr. Buchanan also advised: If you are worried at any point about the speed of breathing, this can often be a severe sign, so it is definitely worth checking with your vet regarding a faster appointment. Common Reasons for Dog Coughing or Gagging Listed below are common reasons and their underlying cause of why your dog is coughing or gagging. Tracheal Collapse Tracheal Collapse , also known as tracheal chondromalacia, is a kind of respiratory distress in your dogs that causes the trachea or the windpipe of dogs to become soft and floppy. As a result, your dog's cough will seem forced but with spasms, seemingly having a honking canine cough. If this is the culprit to your dog's coughing, you'll notice that it won't calm down immediately. Overweight or obese dogs tend to have the worst case of Tracheal Collapse, especially when exposed to heat and irritants. A collapsed trachea treatment includes a regulated diet, a weight loss plan, cough suppressants, and occasionally anti-inflammatories. Their veterinarian might also recommend stent placement for very severe cases. Kennel Cough Kennel Cough , or Tracheobronchitis, is a condition caused by an infectious respiratory virus or bacteria. Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria is the one that you may have heard of the most, but it is not always the cause. No matter which pathogen, they all result in inflammation of the trachea and airways. Not that I'm scaring you… but this condition is common among seemingly healthy dogs adopted or bought from breeders or shelters and is contagious. It is also seen more frequently in dogs who go to doggy daycare or board at large boarding kennels. My dog goes to daycare… How would I know if he has it? If your dog has Kennel Cough, he might experience a hacking dry cough due to upper airway irritation. This could also, later on, lead to the retching of a white foamy substance. Bear in mind that this condition is very contagious and may spread through a pack of dogs like wildfire. Don't panic, though. But, it will require prescribed antibiotics and dog cough suppressants to cure itself faster and prevent secondary symptoms. And if your dog was vaccinated with the Bordetella vaccine, chances are, he's already protected from it. Most importantly, if your dog shows signs of decreased energy, decreased appetite, or nonstop coughing, call your vet immediately. Pneumonia Dog Pneumonia is a severe illness where the inflammation of your dog's lungs is caused by preexisting conditions like a canine influenza virus , bacterial infection, and parasitic invasion. Based on the dog's condition, it can either have a primary or secondary disorder. Although pneumonia can happen to any dog breed, older dogs are more prone to contracting the illness. Due to complications in the respiratory tract, the symptoms of pneumonia include difficulties in coughing, swallowing, and breathing. They might also showcase particular metabolic disorders. Unlike the other conditions, dogs with pneumonia cough softly and often sound wet or crackly. Occasionally, they will sound like they're gasping. Pneumonia isn't contagious but will become fatal if not treated or appropriately addressed. If you are concerned your dog may have symptoms of pneumonia, such as a wet cough, lethargy, breathing faster, and decreased appetite, it is very important to call your vet right away. Heart Disease Dogs with chronic heart disease are more prone to coughing than other normal dogs. Their coughs are usually soft and continuous and may worsen at night or while lying down. Depending on which type of dog's heart disease they have, they'll tend to cough due to breathing difficulties. This usually results from the compression of significant airways in your dog's lungs, which will cause a dry cough. But if your dog has Congestive Heart Failure, you'll notice wet coughing instead. This means fluid is building up in the lungs. This is an emergency, and your dog should be taken to the vet right away. Chronic heart disease is common in large dogs and miniature and toy breeds alike. Heartworm Disease Dogs infected with heartworm are also predisposed to any dog coughing. They can experience hacking cough sounds, choking, or gagging. You'll also notice bloating and lethargy. If you live in warmer states like Texas or Florida, take extra precautions to protect your Fido from mosquitos. These blood-sucking insects are the carriers of heartworms. But if you live in colder states, don't think your dog is safe—mosquitos can be anywhere! Heartworm disease is fatal if left untreated, so it is always best to keep your dog on monthly heartworm prevention. There are also long-lasting injections that will prevent heartworms for either 6 months or an entire year. This is what I have my dog take to skip monthly vet visits. But, as always, you should ask your vet which is best for your pet. Your dog may be coughing for a number of reasons. While coughing is not always a concern, if your dog is coughing repeatedly over a long period of time, it can be a sign of an underlying respiratory condition. Generally, an occasional cough is a normal behavior. If your dog exhibits signs of regular repeated coughing, what would be called a chronic cough, it may be time to talk to your veterinarian. These infectious agents can target the entire airway from the upper respiratory tract down into the lungs causing several different conditions, such as bronchitis and pneumonia depending on the specific infection. Sometimes, Kennel cough in dogs can be caused by multiple different viruses or bacteria. Be aware for symptoms if your dog has been boarded recently or has been exposed to large numbers of other dogs, such as at a dog park. It is caused by persistent inflammation of the airways. Inflammation swells the lining of the airways and produces mucus which further narrows the passages in the lungs. Exposure to airborne pollutants and irritants such as cigarette smoke, are thought to lead to the disease. Chronic bronchitis in dogs is considered a progressive disease that will worsen with time and requires regular management to help ensure the best quality of life possible. Treatment options for chronic bronchitis focus on managing the inflammatory response. Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred anti-inflammatory format for long term management of the condition. Unlike oral steroids and injectable formats, inhaled medications target the lungs directly and do not cause the same side-effects e. Versions of bronchodilators that are rapid acting with short-term effects, such as salbutamol and albuterol, may be used in cases of respiratory distress to open constricted airways. These short acting bronchodilator medications should not be used as the only therapy as they do not treat the underlying inflammation. In some cases, a long-acting inhaled bronchodilator may be prescribed in a combination format with an inhaled steroid. An example of this is Advair HFA GSK , which includes the long acting bronchodilator salmeterol and the inhaled corticosteroid fluticasone. Keep administering medication as prescribed by your veterinarian even in the absence of symptoms to keep inflammation down and prevent progressive lung damage. Collapsed Trachea And Coughing Small dogs are at a greater risk of experiencing a collapsed trachea. This is when the cartilage rings that partially encircle the trachea weaken and are no longer strong enough to support the trachea. It collapses on itself creating a narrow passageway that air is forced through producing a tell-tale honking sound similar to a goose honk. Dogs with the condition will often also have exercise intolerance, respiratory distress, and may gag while eating or drinking. In particular, inhaled bronchodilators e. Other treatment options may include medications that suppress coughing and treat secondary infections. In severe cases surgery may be required. Other symptoms to look for include a blue tinged tongue, reduced appetite, tiredness, weakness, lower endurance, rapid or depressed heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. If already diagnosed with heart disease, pay attention to when your dog is coughing. If your dog coughs when he is resting, lying down, or asleep, it could be a sign of a worsening condition. While not actually a cough, reverse sneezing is triggered by an irritant that causes the throat and soft palate to spasm. Irritants can include postnasal drainage, foreign material, excitement, exercise, a too tight collar, or sudden change in temperature. However, if they become severe or frequent then your dog should be taken to the animal clinic to diagnose for other potential health complications. In these cases, the cough is just the symptom of the other condition. Examples include heartworm disease and some types of cancer. Persistent coughs should be investigated by a veterinarian to help ensure the wellness of your dog. Before visiting your vet, take note of any other signs or symptoms your dog has shown in addition to the cough. If possible, try to take a video of your dog coughing at home to show the vet. Your vet will want to know as much as possible in order to properly diagnose and treat your pet. Diagnosing a Coughing Dog Your vet will perform a physical and may ask some of these common questions: How long have the symptoms been present? Is the cough wet or dry? Have you noticed any other symptoms besides the cough? Has your dog been around other dogs who have a cough? Is your dog more lethargic than usual? Further evaluation may include some combination of the following diagnostic tests depending on the specific situation: Blood work.

When it comes to puppies, particularly short-haired breeds, you should look for a soft collar made of a non-abrasive material. Fabric collars are a good option, and collars made from a breathable fabric that is also machine washable are even better. When should a puppy wear a collar? Even if your puppy is still too young to go outside for walks, getting them used to wearing a collar is a good idea and will prevent any tiny tantrums further down the road! Collars should be worn most of the time, even around the house, but taking it off every so often to let the skin breathe is recommended. Try leaving the collar off for a couple of hours every time you brush or bathe them. Can an 8-week-old puppy wear a collar? Responsible breeders recommend puppies should not be brought home until 8 weeks old, and you can start getting them used to their collar shortly after this. It may be a good idea to let them settle into their new environment before introducing something new, but getting them used to their collar in their second week at home is a good idea. Should puppies wear collars at night? Most dog collars are designed to be non-abrasive, and perfectly safe for pups and older dogs to sleep in. This can also help puppies get adjusted to wearing a collar for the majority of the time. However, many vets also recommend including a contact telephone number, in the event your dog goes missing. Although microchipping has been mandatory for pet dogs since , tags are still a legal requirement and provide a quicker way to get in contact with you if your dog is found, without their microchip needing to be scanned first. We hope our puppy collar size guide has been helpful, as well as our dog collar FAQs! If you enjoyed our puppy collar size guide, you might like our other article, What do I need for a New Puppy? This is appropriate if you intend to replace a worn-out or damaged collar and are certain that the replacement will be the same size. Measure from the center of the buckle to the current sizing hole for the most accurate results. If your dog has had not any collars before, use measurement tape. If you lack a loose tape measure, you can use any available string, yarn, or ribbon. Now, let go and mark the location on the string where your finger met the end of the string. Then, use a tape measure to determine the length of your string measurement. Not only will a puppy require time to adjust to their new collar, but you will likely need to replace it multiple times to accommodate its growth. You want your dog to develop a bond with their collar and view it as a normal, comfortable part of their life, so take care to select the proper size to facilitate this. Choose The Right Materials Of The Collar Collars for dogs are constructed from a variety of materials that prioritize comfort, aesthetics, and longevity. Golden Retrievers are medium to large dogs who put their collars through the wringer, so durability should be a top priority. The widest variety of designs, colors, and widths can be found in nylon and polyester, the most popular materials. Polyester and nylon are highly flexible and relatively simple to clean fabrics. Cotton Fabric Cotton is highly durable, insulating, and capable of controlling moisture. In addition, they are simple to clean, cost-effective, and simple to maintain. Numerous collars are made of cotton in a variety of patterns and hues. Some collars have an inner fabric sleeve wrapped around a nylon band to increase their durability. Bio Thane Some dog collars are made of the waterproof material Bio thane. Bio thane is composed of polyester and polyurethane and polyvinyl layers. Its waterproof qualities make it ideal for Golden Retrievers, who are likely water-loving canines. Leather Leather is an organic material that is both durable and versatile. They are an excellent option for Golden Retrievers with allergies or sensitivities, despite being more expensive. In contrast to collars made of synthetic materials, it is easy to clean and can be used for years without fading. Neoprene Neoprene is a rubber-based material that has a wide range of applications. It has exceptional water resistance and does not retain moisture, which can lead to odors or mildew growth. Neoprene dog collars combined with nylon or polyester are extremely sturdy and long-lasting, able to last for years. Polyester Or Nylon Due to their popularity, nylon or polyester collars typically have the greatest variety of styles, colors, and sizes. Polyester and nylon are highly flexible synthetic fabrics that are also easy to clean. Different types of collars are necessary for thick and thin furs. The collar size and style are influenced by factors such as hairstyle. These are some tips for selecting the appropriate collar for your puppy. Little Fields Farm is the place to go if you want to find additional dog collar options. This list is not exhaustive, but it does contain some examples. Rope Collars: Rope collars are both comfortable and durable without irritating the skin. Flat-Front Dog Collars: These are the most common collars that are used daily. They consist of a flat, fabric-based collar with a plastic or metal buckle. Safety Considerations When it comes to choosing a collar for your pet, safety should be a top priority. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind: Choose a secure buckle or clasp: The collar should have a buckle or clasp that is secure and will not come undone easily. This will help prevent your pet from escaping and getting lost or injured. Avoid choke chains and prong collars: These types of collars can cause pain and injury to your pet, especially if they are not used correctly. Check for proper fit: A collar that is too loose or too tight can be dangerous for your pet. Make sure the collar fits snugly but not too tightly, and can be adjusted if needed. Consider breakaway collars: If your pet spends time outdoors or unsupervised, a breakaway collar can be a good option. These collars are designed to come apart if they get caught on something, reducing the risk of injury or strangulation. Choose a collar made of safe materials: Some materials can be harmful to pets, such as those that contain toxic chemicals or are easily chewed or swallowed. Choose a collar made of safe materials, such as nylon or leather, and avoid those made of cheap or unsafe materials. Your dog should wear a flat collar at the base of its neck. Golden Retriever puppies will grow quickly, so get a collar that can be adjusted, is easy to put on and take off, and, ideally, has a place for a nametag. It would be enough to have a flat collar with a buckle made of soft, long-lasting materials. No matter whatever option you go with, your four-legged companion needs plenty of exercise and opportunities to run around and play in order to remain healthy and content. The idea of a lost puppy is terrifying, but an ID tag will help them return home. Although this silicone ID tag is more expensive than standard tags, I love that it is silent and attaches right to the collar. Crate and or containment gate Puppies are curious creatures that often need boundaries. You can accomplish this with a crate and containment gates. Crate training can be a lifesaver, and most dogs fall in love with having their own space. I recommend a crate with an adjustable divider so you can give your puppy more room as they grow. Another option is to use a Cumbor containment gate to limit access to certain areas of your home. Food and water bowls There are endless options of food and water bowls. If your dog eats fast, I recommend adding slow feeder attachment. These aids in proper digestion and reduce overeating behaviors. Food and treats Your vet is probably your best source of information for selecting the right food. They create personalized plans for your dog and deliver the food right to your door. I shared my journey of picking the right food in this blog and video. Toys and chews All dogs have slightly different preferences in toys, so I would start with a variety of items to see what interests your puppy most. Ellie still has her first toy, Dino, from 5 years ago! The safest way to deliver bully sticks is to use a Bow Wow Buddy safety device so they cannot swallow or choke on the last end. Check out this blog for all things grooming. Bonus Recommendation! Online Access to Dog Training We recognized the need for convenient and effective dog training solutions, which is why we created The Hapco. Within our app, you'll discover a wealth of resources, including: video tutorials. Small to Medium 1. Dog collars are made from a variety of materials that are built for comfort, aesthetics, and durability. Golden Retrievers are medium to large dogs that can put their collar through the wringer, so durability should be one of the top things on your list! Nylon or polyester are the most popular materials and offer the greatest range of designs, colors, and widths. Nylon and polyester are highly flexible fabrics that are also relatively easy to clean. Cotton Fabric Cotton offers great durability, insulation, and the ability to control moisture. Many collars are made of cotton in a number of different designs and colors. Some contain a cloth sleeve on the inside around a nylon band to increase the longevity of the collar. Biothane Some dog collars are made of Biothane , which is a waterproof substance. Biothane is made of polyester and layered with polyurethane and polyvinyl. Its waterproof properties make them ideal for Golden Retrievers that are more than likely, water-loving dogs. Leather Leather is a durable, organic material with plenty of styles. Although they are more costly, they are an excellent choice for Golden Retrievers with allergies or sensitivities. Unlike collars made of synthetic materials, it is simple to clean and may be used for several years without fading. Neoprene Neoprene is a rubber-based substance that is used for a variety of applications. It has exceptional water resistance and does not retain moisture, which can lead to the development of odors or mildew. Neoprene dog collars combined with nylon or polyester are incredibly strong and durable and able to last several years. Polyester or Nylon Nylon or polyester collars often have the greatest range of designs, colors, and sizes due to their popularity. Nylon and polyester are highly flexible, synthetic fabrics that are also relatively easy to clean. However, unlike slip or choke collars, you can set the limit to which the collar can close. Rope Collars: Rope collars are both comfortable and long-lasting, without being abrasive on the skin. Flat Front Dog Collars: These are your everyday collars that are the most commonly found. They are a flat, fabric-type collar that fastens with a plastic or metal buckle. Training or Aversive Collars This group of collars includes: Shock collars Prong collars Slip collars or choke chains They are designed to give a firm correction in the form of discomfort or pain when an undesirable behavior is displayed. A shock collar delivers an electric shock, or vibration which is controlled remotely. This is a form of correction to a specific behavior, and while their use is justified in some adult dogs that have aggression, they are not suitable for use on puppies that need positive reinforcement. And the most common training collar is the slip collar or choke chain. It does exactly that if used incorrectly, choke the dog. When it comes to puppies, there are a lot of things that people get wrong. These collars are not meant for beginners and should be used with care by experienced trainers only. You should avoid using them on young pups and only use this as a last resort when all other training methods have failed. If your pup is exhibiting behavior severe enough to warrant a stern correction, it might be better for you to seek help from a professional. We use the 8mm size for our dogs. Alvalley is a high quality brand for all lengths. For an adult dog, use an 8 mm or larger. For a young puppy, an 8 mm leash works fine, but I prefer the smaller 6 mm Alvalley Snap Lead one for ease of use when working at home. This size fits easily into the outside pocket of a treat bag. If going for a walk, use a more substantial leash such as the 8 mm Alvalley leash. For at-home use, a 6 mm collar is fine. I like to attach a snap lead permanently to a martingale collar for ease of use. The collar and leash can easily be slipped off and on as needed. Puppies and even some dogs like to chew the plastic ones. At 10 weeks of age, we are using very small bowls for ease of use during training. Golden Retrievers tend to act like they are starving and eat too fast, even at their correct weight. These bowls slow them down so that they will come closer to chewing their food than inhaling it. I like to use buckets instead of bowls for water. Puppies love to dig in their water which makes a mess out of it. Hang the bucket on the outside of the crate by the handle that is on the bucket. Then attach the clip for security by using only one side of the clip to attach the handle to the crate. Leave the other end of the clip just hanging. Never put water inside a crate with a dog. I recommend the 2-quart size for one or two big dogs. This size is also a good size for a puppy. I use two snaps to stabilize the bucket. Though wire crates usually have a divider so that you can size the crate down, we recommend that you go ahead and purchase a 24 inch wire crate along with the correct size for your dog when he is grown. Most puppies can use the 24 inch crates for about 2 months after they are weeks of age. It is also helpful to have a smaller crate when traveling. If you want this option with a Summer Brook puppy, you can have a small icrate shipped to our home address for you to pick up when you get here. The best size crate for adult girls is a 36X24X27 inch wire crate. For an adult boy, use either a 42X28X30 or 36X24X27 inch wire crate. We prefer wire crates in most cases because they give more ventilation and Golden Retrievers like it to be cool. Midwest Life Stages : These are heavy duty and come in both double or single door options. I prefer the crate with the double door because you will have the opportunity to use it turned sideways with the entrance on the side as well as the end. The Icrates are also two inches shorter and two inches narrower than the Life Stages crate. They are larger at the bottom than the top so they fit better in the back of an SUV or van. They are crash tested and have excellent safety records. These crates are a bit difficult to set up and take down so we only recommend them for those that want a crate that stays in a vehicle most of the time. They are perfect for families that take their dogs with them a lot and want a somewhat permanent fixture in their vehicle. This crate is very lightweight and sets up and folds down quickly and easily. We love these crates for motels and dog shows. Wood Crate Denhaus Townhaus : I recommend this crate if looks are important to you. This crate looks just like a nice end table. Though it was expensive, mine has held up well for several years. Crate Pad Primo Pads: These are my favorite crate pads. They are made of a heavy-duty vinyl and I have yet to have a dog chew one up. The vinyl is cool so that my dogs like them even in the summer. They come in a big variety of sizes so that they will fit your crate like a glove. These pads are not sold anywhere except from the manufacturer. Order your Primo Pads here. This is a raised cot-like bed that is cool and comfortable. There is a new Kuranda Bed that we have not tried ourselves but it looks amazing. It is a raised cot like the aluminum bed that we have loved for years but it is sized to fit perfectly into a crate! We have purchased both the aluminum as well as the less-expensive PVC Kuranda beds. Our aluminum beds still look brand new but our PVC beds are starting to warp a little after a few years. We like the Ballistic Nylon fabric which has held up for us for several years. The large is the correct size for both boy and girl Goldens. We have two of them and they are as comfortable as many human beds. We have the extra-large size but a large would be plenty big enough for a girl. At first, your puppy will have to be watched almost every minute when they are out of the crate or pen in order to establish good potty habits and also to teach them not to chew. Until you teach them otherwise, some puppies will try to chew everything, including the furniture and even the woodwork on the walls so I have found the pen to be a huge help. If you get a pen, you need to begin training your puppy not to jump on the sides right away. Never pet your puppy or let him out while he is jumping. Reward him for sitting. They open and close easily and in both directions. The Richell Pens look really super nice. They also can be set up as room dividers. We own at least a dozen sets of these pens and have used them in a large number of configurations. However, like most exercise pens, many puppies will eventually learn to climb or jump out of them. Families must be on top of training their puppy not to jump on the sides. Unlike the Richell pen, most, if not all pens have doors that open in only one direction. If you get one of these pens, set your pen up so that the door opens to the outside. If you are getting your puppy from a breeder other than Summer Brook, plastic pens are a good option for a 7 to 10 week old puppy. It is easier to house train if you start off not allowing your puppy in too large of an area. It also has the added convenience of being able to be easily removed by simply pushing a button that locks it in place. However, this gate must be mounted to the wall. Baby Gates that are Mobile Regalo Extra WideSpan Walkthrough Safety Gate : This gate can span a space inches For a pressure-mounted gate, the Regalo gates do very well and are a good simple solution if you only want a gate for a few months until your puppy is house-trained and can be given the full run of the house. However, understand that many puppies cannot be totally trusted in large areas until they are over 6 months of age. It takes some until they are close to a year. Doggy Door Why to Use a Doggy Door If you are able to put a doggy door in, this is by far the easiest way to house-train a puppy. Also, it provides an ideal way to leave a dog when they have to be alone. I teach our puppies to use a doggy door before they go home. In the last days before they go home, I section off a small area inside next to our kitchen with free access to a doggy door that leads to our side yard. When I keep a puppy past 8 weeks, I gradually increase the size area of the indoor area as they show dependability. I reserve the times when they are free in the house to the 30 minutes right after they have pottied. We highly recommend it. If you have a particularly aggressive chewer then I would buy the Extreme Kong but if your dog is average then I would use a Classic Kong. Bob-a-lot : You can fill this toy with a lot of food; the dog has to work at getting the food out by pushing it around. JW Pet has other great toys too. If you have a particularly aggressive chewer then I would buy the Extreme Kong but if your dog is an average chewer then I would use a Classic Kong. Puppies love them and they keep our puppies happy in their crates. Toys for Month Old Puppies.

Curly coat: Dense, thick curls that have no odor and are non-shedding. The Labradoodle can come is a palette of beautiful colors, such as gold, apricot, caramel, white, black, red, chocolate, blue and parti-color. Curious about how to groom and trim that luxurious coat? Check out this video: 2. Medium: 20 inches 50 cm tall; up to 45 lbs 20 kg in weight. Miniature: 16 inches 40 cm tall; up to 25 lbs 11 kg in weight. No responsible breeder will guarantee that their Labradoodle puppies will definitely grow to be an exact size. Both are high energy dogs who love to fetch and swim. Both make wonderful family dogs and do well with children and other pets. Labradoodles tend to have shorter coats. The Goldendoodle has a longer, shaggier coat inherited from the Golden Retriever. Both are friendly dogs, but Goldendoodles are highly social and not afraid to run up to anyone, while the Labradoodle can be stand-offish, taking time to get used to strangers. You can compare the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle some more in this video. Bonus: Even More Doodles! These are two other popular Poodle mixes that are similar to the Labradoodle. You can learn more about the Australian Labradoodle here. This Poodle and Schnauzer mix hangs with the small-sized dogs, reaching 15 lbs 7 kg in weight. It makes a great companion or service dog. Learn more about the Schnoodle here. Though not aggressive, Labradoodle temperament can vary. Agility, quick thinking skills and a lustrous coat of hypoallergenic curls have made it an outstanding show dog, as well as a favored breed by those who suffer from allergies. The noble Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are highly popular in North America and the UK, especially for their use as service dogs for the disabled. Highly intelligent and sharp as a whip, this breed is in-tune with feelings and actions, learning quickly, displaying loyalty and taking on the role of caretaker. As a Retriever breed, the Labrador has a reputation for being a phenomenal hunter and water dog. They love to swim! This is a big dog, weighing in at up to 80 lbs 29—36 kg. Its coat is short, dense and water resistant. It can come in three colors: black, yellow and chocolate. Watch those leather loafers! Because of their size and energetic personality, plenty of space is recommended for a Labradoodle to blow of steam. That means small apartments and long hours in a crate do not benefit this stimulated hybrid. Take your Labbidoo out for a jog or let her splash in your swimming pool if you have one. Homes with a fenced in yard are ideal for your dog to have some off-leash time to run about and frolic freely. Add in some early socialization to help curb bad habits and control over-exuberance when meeting with children or other dogs. Ear infections: Floppy ears can trap dirt and moisture, leading to painful infections. Hip dysplasia: An abnormal formation of the hip socket that can cause arthritis and lameness. Elbow dysplasia: These are abnormalities that cause degeneration of the elbow joint. Epilepsy: Seizures that result from an unknown cause. Diabetes Mellitus: A disease in which the body suffers from a shortage of insulin. Hypothyroidism: Occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid. Feeding Specific nutrition requirements differ from dog to dog based on needs and size. For the Labradoodle, use high-quality dog food and divide 1 to 2. Avoid feeding throughout the day, because they have been known to suffer from gastric torsion like the Labrador Retriever. The thickness and length will determine the sort of grooming needed. Longer coats will need trimming every six weeks. Second, soaring popularity has lead to an infection of puppy mills popping up like nasty sores. These are to be avoided at all costs. Therefore, the price is cheaper. Do your breeder research thoroughly and visit the premises where the puppies hail from. With puppy mills wreaking havoc, Labradoodle rescues have become more prevalent. Check out these websites for listings:. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Labradoodle Highlights Friendly and intelligent: Labradoodles are known for being friendly and intelligent dogs. They are good with children and other animals, and they are easy to train. Hypoallergenic: Labradoodles are often considered to be hypoallergenic, which means that they do not shed as much as other dogs. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Active and playful: Labradoodles are active dogs that need regular exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and swimming. Loyal and devoted: Labradoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and they love to cuddle. Versatile: Labradoodles are versatile dogs that can be trained for a variety of tasks, including therapy work, obedience, and agility. They can be expensive to purchase and maintain. They require regular grooming, especially if they have a curly coat. They are prone to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Overall, Labradoodles are wonderful dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. If you are looking for a friendly, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, a Labradoodle may be a good choice for you. Labradoodle History Wally Conron, who was in charge of the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, purposefully crossbred a Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever in to develop the Labradoodle as a hypoallergenic guide dog. The first cross produced Sultan, a dog with a hypoallergenic coat, aptitude, intelligence, and personality suitable for being an effective guide dog. Sultan worked successfully with a woman in Hawaii. Other breeders saw the merit of crossing these two breeds, and the Labradoodle quickly rose in popularity like its Labrador Retriever parent. These dogs are often produced by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, but multigenerational breeding has begun in an attempt to produce a viable and recognizable breed. The Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association are taking steps to move this designer breed into registered breed status in the next few years. These groups have made great efforts to bring breeders together so that they are working to achieve the same standards through multigenerational breeding. Labradoodle Size The Labradoodle comes in three size variations, depending on the size of the Poodle used for the first-generation breeding. The three sizes are Standard, Medium, and Miniature. The Standard Labradoodle should be 22 to 24 inches in height for a male and 21 to 23 inches in height for a female, while both can range in weight from 50 to 65 pounds. The Medium Labradoodle should be 18 to 20 inches high for a male and 17 to 19 inches high for a female, with both weighing from 30 to 45 pounds. The average size for a Miniature Labradoodle is between 14 to 16 inches and 15 to 25 pounds. All of that said, there is a lot of variation in Labradoodle sizes. Some can be smaller or larger than expected. Labradoodle Personality The Labradoodle is an intelligent dog who can make the ideal family pet if properly trained. They are friendly and accept and treat everyone like their best friend. They can be gentle, but they can also be joyful, showing their happiness through exuberant jumping and playing. They also tend to be easygoing, since the Labradoodle was bred not to be aggressive. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings, parents, or other relatives of the dog is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when they grow up. Socialization helps ensure that your Labradoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. Here are a few conditions to watch out for: Ear Infections: These can plague Labradoodles because of their floppy ears. The ears trap moisture and should be regularly checked. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : Similar to hip dysplasia, this is also a degenerative disease. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simply develop arthritis, or they could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior—such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding—or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Labradoodle is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Diabetes Mellitus: This is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. The dog will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Symptoms of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and the administration of insulin. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Hypothyroidism : This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It is treated with medication and diet. They require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day and would do better with a fenced yard in which to expel some energy. Some Labradoodles, especially in the first generation, can require even more exercise. The Labradoodle makes an excellent jogging companion but also needs some time off-leash to burn off steam. The Labradoodle is an intelligent and eager-to-please dog. Training should be easy as long as consistency and positive reinforcement are the methods. Socialize them from puppyhood, since they tend to hurl themselves headlong into canine situations without regard to the feelings of other dogs. This can lead to some problems if the unknown dog is aggressive. Despite their activity levels, a Labradoodle can adjust to living in suburban or city environments and can do well in rural settings. A crate is also a place where they can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your Labradoodle accept confinement if they ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. Never stick your Labradoodle in a crate all day long, however. Labradoodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 2. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Labradoodle in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at them. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Labradoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Labradoodle Coat Color And Grooming Although a Labradoodle can have one of a range of coat types, the desired length is four to six inches. They have a single coat with hair ranging from straight to loose curls. There are three types of texture: The Hair coat, which is similar to fur in shedding breeds, is the least popular. Hair coats shed and usually have a normal doggy odor. This coat is seen in first generations, although breeders try to avoid it. The Fleece coat has a silky texture often described as an Angora goat texture. This coat ranges from straight to wavy. Labradoodles are considered to be non- to low shedders, especially those with a Fleece or Wool coat. Hair coats tend to shed just as they do in other breeds, ranging from very low to average shedding. The Labradoodle comes in a wide variety of colors. They can also have parti-colored coats, which consist of brindles, phantom, patched, or sable colors. Grooming requirements vary depending on the length and type of coat the dog has. Generally speaking, you can expect to brush a Labradoodle about once or twice per week. Some can be clipped or trimmed every six to eight weeks to keep the coat easy to maintain. Like Labs, Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, so take a little extra time caring for their ears. Dry and clean them after a swim, and check them once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. Then wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding—and your dog may not cooperate the next time they see the nail clippers come out. Handle their paws frequently—dogs are touchy about their feet—and look inside their mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Labradoodle Children And Other Pets The Labradoodle does well with children and can be an affectionate and gentle companion for any child. They can also be exuberant and might knock down smaller children, but they will love them with all their heart. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Labradoodles usually get along well with other dogs and pets. Like most dogs, they need training and socialization for optimum success at living with and visiting other animals. Labradoodle Rescue Groups Labradoodles are often brought home without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. Many end up in the care of shelters or rescues because of this. It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labradoodles because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. It's time to talk about Labradoodles. This combination Labrador retriever and poodle is an excellent family dog who's often sought out by allergy sufferers because of their minimal shedding. The ever-popular Labradoodle is immensely trainable and, unlike some dogs, a good fit for first-time dog owners. On the larger side, these pups can take up some space-but are great with kids and will adapt to their family's lifestyle. The standard version, which is a Lab bred with a standard-sized poodle, can grow to be about 24 inches tall and weigh up to 75 pounds. If you're searching for a dog on the smaller size, it's possible to also find mini Labradoodles, a hybrid of a Labrador retriever and a miniature poodle. The loving, loyal doodles are a fun addition to any family. They're prone to zoomies and more than happy to play with the baby. Labradoodles are healthy dogs and need exercise, though the amount of running, playing, or swimming might depend on their makeup of Labrador and poodle genes. But regardless of the genetic breakdown, you'll need to get used to trips to the groomer. These pups are hairy. A quick note: Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles aren't the same. Australian Labradoodles are crosses between a poodle, Labrador retriever, and cocker spaniel. Appearance Like many Labradoodle characteristics, your dog's appearance will depend on the generation you're looking for. To illustrate: Martinez breeds F1 half Labrador, half poodle , F1b 75 percent poodle, 25 percent Lab , and F2 87 percent poodle, 13 percent Lab Labradoodles. The half-Lab F1s will have longer, wavier hair and will still shed, Martinez says. The F1bs and F2s will have more poodle-esque hair that's tighter, curlier, and generally won't shed. They'll often look like little teddy bears as puppies. Labradoodles are often thought of as hypoallergenic -even though no dog is truly an allergen-free animal-but generally the F1b and F2 generations are considered better options for some allergy sufferers. Martinez recommends people with allergies spend time with their puppy before they adopt. His customers are required to. They'll come in around inches tall, Martinez says. As for colors, Labradoodles run the gamut. You'll find them in black, white, cream, red, chocolate, or a mix of those colors. Taking after their poodle brethren, these fluffy boys and girls need to be brushed frequently , too. Temperament Martinez loves the dogs he breeds-he owns 10 himself-and was especially effusive about how Labradoodles act around people, families , and children , even kids who might not know exactly how to pet or interact with dogs "They love people," he says. But not only can these pups live with cats -Martinez says several of his puppies have gone on to become therapy dogs , meaning they're calm and affectionate enough to visit schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers to offer psychological and physiological support to patients and people in need. Some Labradoodles go on to become service dogs , as the breed creator originally intended. But don't confuse them for docile dogs. They still have big personalities-Martinez describes a typical day with his dogs as "entertaining"-but mischievous behavior can be counteracted with training , which Labradoodles quickly pick up on. Genesis Service Dogs , which breeds Labradoodles to help children and adults with special needs, says the dogs will mature slower than their Labrador retriever brethren, so they'll be puppyish for about a year and a half. Then they'll become even more affectionate toward their humans. They're mostly quiet, keeping barking to a minimum, but Labradoodles' energy level can vary based on their generation, Martinez says. The dogs with more Labrador genes F1s will be more energetic than the ones with more poodle in their blood. Labradoodles will often reflect the energy levels of their owner, Martinez says, but they're still descendants of sporting dogs who like having something to do. Whether that means long walks together or playing games in the yard, a Labradoodle will be happiest with any activity he can do with you. Living Needs Labradoodles are flexible when it comes to where they live. While the standard Labradoodles are bigger, they can still reside in an apartment, though generally Martinez admits smaller dogs, potentially miniature Labradoodles, are better suited for living in smaller homes. If you do live in an apartment or smaller home where yard space is limited, make sure you can regularly fit in enough exercise and play for your active pup to blow off some steam, like a visit to the local dog park every so often. Labradoodles certainly won't turn down a house with a big, fenced-in yard , though. Martinez lets his group of pups spend plenty of time outside, where they'll be just as likely to lay down for a spell than run around on the doggie playground equipment. They do need exercise, though. If Martinez sends a puppy home with someone who works all day, he advises them to invest in a dog walker so their doodle is able to stretch his legs during the hours he's left alone. But if you have the time and like to explore, a Labradoodle could be the perfect hiking partner. And since poodles are considered water dogs, some Labradoodles like to swim , too. This breed is good for all ages, Martinez says, but Labradoodle owners will still need to put the work in with positive reinforcement training and to meet their activity needs. He subscribes to the oft-used mantra: There aren't any bad dogs, just bad owners. Care It's important to start training your Labradoodle puppy as soon as you bring him home. Labradoodles are considered smart dogs and will pick up what you're teaching very quickly. Martinez says they may even understand some commands within the first day. Labradoodles are smart enough that daily training doesn't take too long. Martinez recommends three or four sessions of 10 minutes each day to accommodate the dogs' short attention spans, which is like that of "a young child," he says. They're so easy to train and quick to learn that even first-time dog owners can fare well, Martinez says. But if you don't have the time or know-how to train, obedience school is the answer. Once he's learned to recognize the basics, your doodle will start making those classic head tilts when you mention their favorite words walk, car, treat. According to Martinez, early socialization -both with other dogs and people-is important for Labradoodle puppies. Martinez says he lets the puppies he breeds spend their early days with his adult dogs to get them used to other dogs at a young age. If your vet says it's safe, you may want to have your new Labradoodle puppy meet other humans and dogs in their first few weeks in their new home. When it comes to exercise, three to four walks a day will suffice which is why you might need a dog walker. Otherwise, swimming, hiking, or some playtime in the yard or at the park will help your dog immensely. Labradoodles do enjoy their activity, but Martinez says they'll spend just as much time lounging around to relax. Grooming is another integral part of caring for your Labradoodle, but it's probably best to outsource it. These fluffy boys and girls need regular trims. Martinez sends his dogs to the goomer for a haircut every six weeks, regardless of whether they're F1s, F1bs, or F2s. Regular brushing is a good idea, too, because you don't want your Labradoodle's hair to get matted or uncomfortable. You'll also want to keep those ears dry and clean , and don't forget to keep up with the nail trimming and tooth brushing , either. Health Here's another reason Labradoodles are good for first-time dog owners: They're a relatively healthy breed over their years of life. But being the ideal combination of Labs and poodles also means Labradoodles can be susceptible to the health problems of both their parent breeds. Labs, for instance, will commonly suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia , so the risk is there for Labradoodles as well. Doodles can also run into problems with myopathies, diseases that damage muscles , and exercise-induced collapse. For anyone looking to adopt a Labradoodle, Martinez couldn't emphasize enough: Make sure your breeder conducts DNA tests on your puppy's parents to find any genetic abnormalities. The same goes for having their hips and elbows tested and certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. If the breeder you're considering doesn't do that testing or says it isn't needed, find someone else. Martinez notes that Labrador retrievers are happy to eat just about anything and everything. While your Labradoodle will likely be a bit pickier, be sure to keep any weight gain in check since they may have a tendency to overeat if they're allowed to. History Australian Wally Conron is credited as the modern-day creator of the Labradoodle, breeding the first one in the late s. He was trying to create a guide dog that would also be hypoallergenic, by breeding a Labrador retriever and a standard poodle. Clearly, his efforts were successful. The breed exploded in popularity, and since it is the combination of the U. People seek out the Labradoodle for its trifecta of cute looks, friendly demeanor, and minimal shedding. While the Labradoodle is the seemingly ideal dog for people with allergies, Conron has said he regrets his creation. Because of the intense demand for these "designer dogs," Conron has expressed concern over the bad actors who breed Labradoodles in puppy mills-and the inexperienced and sometimes misinformed breeders who fail to prevent genetic problems from being passed on to new generations. Labradoodles have belonged to several famous owners, including golfer Tiger Woods, actress Jennifer Aniston, and actor Henry Winkler. Doodles certainly earn their keep on Instagram, so if you need some extra fluff in your life, the Dood Squad is a good place to start. Was this page helpful? The term dates back to at least [1] but was unpopular at the time. Labradoodles are, wrongfully so, considered a good choice for people with canine dander allergies, even though most dogs produced from this mix will shed. Hair, saliva, and even bodily fluids can cause allergic reactions in humans. However, they also state that hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems affecting Labradoodles. He mistakenly took credit for naming the Labradoodle in .Perspective owners of this mix should be aware that not every dog will have a calm and sweet demeanor, as it is far more likely the owner will get a dog who has high grooming requirements, high mental and physical needs, as well as dogs who have skin, eye, heart, elbow, hip, and thyroid issues common to this mix. For example, a Labrador-Poodle mix named Fang had a recurring role on the Get Smart show starting in .Conron hoped that the combination of the low-shedding coat of the poodle, along with the gentleness and trainability of a Labrador retriever, would provide a guide dog suitable for people with allergies to fur and dander. He also felt he was to blame for "creating a Frankenstein ", adding that problems were being bred into the dogs rather than selectively breeding away from problems and towards a recognizable standard. He is further quoted as claiming: "For every perfect one, you're going to find a lot of crazy ones. Conron was referring to the craze he initiated of unscrupulous breeders crossing Poodles with multiple other breeds to create " designer" dogs in order to take advantage of the "doodle" trend. Follow-on guide-dog breeding programs[ edit ] A group of Labradoodle assistance dogs Currently, as with other mixed breeds, [14] Labradoodles are not considered a purebred or breed by the AKC and other major kennel club associations in North America and across the world. Technically, they are a hybrid of two pure breeds rather than a new breed. However, in the AKC began allowing owners of mixed breeds to register their dogs through an alternative listing program to receive an AKC ID number. Guide Dogs Victoria no longer breeds Labradoodles; [10] however, they are bred by other guide and assistance dog organizations in Australia and elsewhere. Their first, Jonnie, graduated in November .Breeders in Australia have gone on to develop the Australian Labradoodle which also includes spaniels in the mix for early generations of the mix. However even these dogs can have widely varying coats and temperaments. They vary widely dog to dog, from low shedding like a Poodle to high shedding much like a Labrador. These dogs are not hypoallergenic, and contrary to popular belief do, in fact, shed. Australian Labradoodles come in standard large , medium, and mini size. However these sizes are not well defined and thus can vary largely. The crown prince and princess of Norway own Labradoodles. The first crossing of a poodle with a Labrador does result in variations in terms of appearance, size, coat, and temperament. So while most Labradoodles share some common traits, their appearance and behavioral characteristics can and often will be widely variable. These dogs are considered to be double coated, which often results in extreme matting when the dogs are not properly brushed every day. This is because the undercoat of the typical labradoodle will be straight, like that of a Labrador, while the outer coat will be curly, like that of a Poodle. This results in hair that can easily get trapped and cause extreme discomfort, pain, and even limb loss in dogs with extreme matting. It is imperative for perspective owners and current owners of this mix alike to understand and meet the grooming needs of this mix. Labradoodles often display an affinity for water and strong swimming ability from their parent breeds. These coats generally appear with the Labradoodle having a flat coat without the curls the dogs are known for. A Labradoodle with an undesirable coat may look more like its Labrador retriever mother or father with a longer nose. These dogs may also have curly fur around the legs and tail. Breeding line issues[ edit ] There is no consensus as to whether breeders should aim to have Labradoodles recognized as a breed. Some breeders prefer to restrict breeding to produce F1 hybrids bred from a poodle and Labrador rather than, e. F2 hybrids bred from two Labradoodles to ensure relatively uniform genetics among the Labradoodles, while maximizing genetic diversity of individual dogs to avoid inherited health problems that have plagued some inbred dog breeds. Black Labradoodle Others are breeding Labradoodle to Labradoodle over successive generations, and trying to establish a new dog breed. These dogs are usually referred to as multigenerational multigen Labradoodles or multigeneration Australian Labradoodles. Two Irish water spaniels and soft-coated Wheaten Terriers were used in some Australian Labradoodle lines. Curly Coated Retrievers were used too, but these lines were unsatisfactory and are no longer used for breeding. Infusions occur with early generation breedings. Multigeneration breedings do not use any breed other than Australian Labradoodle to Australian Labradoodle. Australian Labradoodles also generally have poodles and Labradors in their pedigrees that come from European lines, whereas other Labradoodle lines tend to rely heavily on American stock. Thus the frequent misnomer of "American" Labradoodle when referring generically to a Labradoodle. Coat texture and color[ edit ] Labradoodle coats are divided into three categories: wool, fleece, or hair. Wool and hair coats do not apply other than to early generation Labradoodles. Labradoodles' coat colors include chocolate, cafe, parchment, cream, gold, apricot, red, black, silver, chalk, lavender, and blue-ish gray. Coat patterns can be solid, white abstract markings, parti, phantom, or tri-coloured. There are three main types of the coat texture of a Labradoodle. This can be a hair, fleece, or wool. Poodles and Labrador retrievers can have hip dysplasia , and should have specialist radiography to check for this problem before breeding. The parent breeds can also have a number of eye disorders, and an examination by a qualified veterinary eye specialist should be performed on breeding dogs. Joint dysplasia[ edit ] Elbow dysplasia is a known common issue in the parent breeds, similar to hip dysplasia. This issue becomes more prevalent as a result of rapid growth during the puppy stage. One study has found that UK Labradoodles have a higher incidence 4. Cataracts are common as well 3. Fatigue Behavior changes loss of appetite, reluctance to engage, etc. If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet so they can perform screenings such as chest x-rays, blood tests, and an echocardiogram an ultrasound of the heart and nearby blood vessels to assess the issue. The condition can be serious if left untreated, but thankfully there are many treatment options available, such as diet therapy and medication. What To Feed a Labradoodle To live a long and happy life, Labradoodles must consume the proper amount of high-quality dog food and have access to fresh water. A balanced diet will help your pup maintain a healthy weight and avoid health conditions such as heart disease and hip dysplasia. If a pet parent is willing and able to cook for their dog, Whittenburg suggests a fresh, homemade diet that has been formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Boutique brand and grain-free foods should be avoided. That includes servings of food in the right amount that provides more than 40 nutrients that pets require in their respective life stages, including proteins, fats, carbs, and vitamins, minerals, and independent amino acids, according to the Pet Food Institute. While there is no one-size-fits-all way to feed a Labradoodle and a consultation with your vet is recommended, Whittenburg says Labradoodle puppies under 6 months old should generally be fed a minimum of three times a day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. Unless recommended by a veterinarian, dogs fed a complete and balanced commercial food diet should not need any nutritional supplements. However, Labradoodles that are fed a homemade diet may require supplements to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary to thrive, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and a variety of antioxidants. Behavior and Training Tips for Labradoodles Labradoodle Personality and Temperament The high-energy, attention-seeking, intelligent Labradoodle requires frequent exercise, interaction, and play. While every Labradoodle is different, proper socialization is a must for helping your dog become a well-behaved companion. These dogs are not known to be excessive barkers, but the right amount of training and exercise is required to ensure they learn to behave appropriately. Labradoodle Training Because Labradoodles are a hybrid of two highly intelligent breeds, they are eager to please and highly trainable, according to Philippou. They can be taught to excel at everything from basic tricks like sit, stay, and roll over to running agility courses. Always use positive-reinforcement techniques, like using treats to reward good behaviors, during training. Due to their gentle and sharp-witted nature, Labradoodles can even be trained to become service dogs. Fun Activities for Labradoodles. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The first Labradoodle was a dog named Sultan—who first came to existence in the late 20th century. With astounding success, Sultan had both a hypoallergenic coat and the intelligence to be trained as a service dog. Wally then teamed up with a partner in Hawaii, and the two worked to establish the Labradoodle as its own breed. Currently, multigenerational breeding is being conducted in hopes to iron out and stabilize the Labradoodle breed. This, of course, means the Labradoodle breed is not registered with the AKC. Unfortunately—as time passed and more Labradoodles were bred—Conron realized that the crossbreed is inconsistent. Streamlining the breed is currently a work in progress, stagnated by the array of incompetent puppy mill breeders trying to create their own Labradoodles. Known for their intelligence, calm temperament, affection, extroversion, and elegant gait, the Labradoodle is a fantastic home dog. In fact, the Labradoodle personality is so affectionate and sociable, that they often need to be trained to mitigate their abrasive excitement for life. Due to their intelligence, they process information rapidly, and are often quick-witted canines. They enjoy playing with a passion, but are often not pushy and their keenness and intuition allows them to judge when it is play time and when it is not. Early-socialization , heredity, and the amount of training administered affect the extent of extroverted Labradoodle behavior. It is important that with these dogs they are introduced to the world, other people, and canines early on. Rather, it is to create boundaries within their own tenacious affection and prevent Labradoodle temperament problems. They are by in large a great choice for a first-time dog owner, a family, and a guide dog. Their excellent temperament, personality and intelligence make them a good candidate as a therapy dog. Training a Labradoodle Training a Labradoodle puppy is an easier task than most dogs and they pick up basic commands easily. Their eager-to-please personalities and intelligence make them both attentive and dexterous in learning. Their overt friendliness, intuition, and slight sensitivity mean they respond best to positive reinforcement. Praise for good Labradoodle behavior in the form of treats, words, and playfulness work best when training a Labradoodle. Despite being home dogs, the Labradoodle will need excessive exercise—particularly in the puppy ages—to meet their high threshold of energy. One of the most important parts of training a Labradoodle is exposing them to other dogs early on. This inability to discern between appropriate and inappropriate canine interaction will become a problem if not treated early on. Their intelligence needs to be stimulated and manifested. This means teaching tricks, games, and a slew of commands to keep them engaged. A lack of mental and physical situation will result in a tireless Labradoodle. A tireless Labradoodle tears the home apart and develops high levels of nervousness and anxiety. A Labradoodle should be potty trained and housed indoors. These are people dogs. They long for the comfort of their owners and a home. Also, crate training is exceptionally successful with this breed. Exercise Requirements for Labradoodles A Labradoodle requires minutes of exercise per day. These dogs have a surplus of energy. Their need for activity and large size make them a perfect fit for a house with a yard, but not an apartment. As with most breeds, their need for exercise will dwindle over time. A puppy Labradoodle, dependent on its heredity, will either be a bit more stagnant, or a bit more jumpy. Put them in water and watch them shine with glee. Labradoodle Lifespan A Labradoodle lifespan typically ranges anywhere from years. Popularity of the Labradoodle While Labradoodles have had a rapid rise in popularity in the last decade, they remain unregistered in the AKC. Breeders are currently trying to streamline the Labradoodle and create a common multigenerational breed. The issue is that—due to their rapid rise of international popularity—lots of incompetent breeders try to produce them by crossbreeding poodles and Labradors or Labrador Retrievers. This unfortunate rush to meet demand has started a chain of puppy mills, where the Labradoodles in question are often poorly bred dogs, with bad temperaments, personalities, and prone to health issues. Once the success of multigenerational breeding becomes apparent, and the breed begins to show credible consistency, they will become more popular in America. Feeding Recommendations for Labradoodles The amount in which you feed your Labradoodle depends on its size, metabolism, and activeness. Similar to the human anatomy, no two Labradoodles will be the same. Generally, a standard Labradoodle should eat two cups of dry food per day, broken into two different meals. However, the Labrador Retriever commonly experiences gastric torsion—in simpler words: bloating —a condition which can be passed along to Labradoodles. To avoid this problem, be sure to break the meals precisely in half and space them out with ample time between each course. For Labradoodles, never leave food out perpetually. Make sure each meal is administered and eaten before proceeding to the next. A good way to ensure your Labradoodle is receiving the proper amount of food is by pressing against their ribcage. With minimal force, you should be able to feel their ribs. If you have to press hard, lower the food intake and up the exercise. Labradoodle Grooming The hybrid Labradoodle and its peculiar ancestry cause an inconsistency in their coat type. Point being, they tend to range. Typically, the coat is around inches with either curly or straight hair. The proper coat is neither coarse, thick, or prone to fluffiness. Their coats are wool, hair, or fleece, with the latter being most coveted for the breed. These coats can be gold, caramel, apricot, cream, black, red, chocolate, and blue colored. A few have parti-colored coats. These dogs need grooming. Depending on the coat, others will need more, but generally speaking, they should be brushed twice a week with a bristle brush to keep their coats clean and mitigate shedding. There should not be a routine bath , and rather bathe the Labradoodle as needed; they tend to be less prone to odor than other dog breeds. For optimal Labradoodle health, brush their teeth three times per week for hygiene upkeep. This will avoid bacteria and tartar buildups. Trim their nails twice a month, as this breed is fond of scratching. Be careful not to cause bleeding. Conduct checkups; check the ears, mouth, nose, and coat for inflammation, redness, and infection. Are Labradoodles Good with Children? Kids love them and Labradoodles are exceptional with children. A mutual respect and understanding needs to be developed. Labradoodle Health Issues A Labradoodle can be more prone to disease and illness due to their unstable breeding methods. Make sure these clearances come from credible establishments. It can cause lameness in the leg s and can worsen to the point of immobility. At the very least, the Labradoodle is affected but does not show symptoms. A screening can be done to ensure the parents do not have Hip Dysplasia , as dogs with this condition should not be bred. Check with your breeder to see if the parents have been screened. It can cause lameness in the leg s and at the very worst immobility. The list of treatments ranges from simple weight monitoring to surgery. Epilepsy: this neurological condition is most commonly inherited. In short, it causes seizures. A Labradoodle with this condition will be glutinous about their food in hopes to compensate for their lack of energy. Meaning they will not receive the proper energy from their food intake, and will decide that more food is the solution. Even then, they will lose weight, remain lethargic, continue with their unappeasable appetite, and urinate constantly. This condition can be mitigated by managing diet and administering insulin if needed. For more pet resources about your favorite dog breeds, visit our blog to learn about Bloodhounds , Yorkie Poo , Miniature Poodle , and Rat Terrier! Other Resources:. He has a shaggy or curly coat that requires maintenance. At their best, Labradoodles are intelligent, friendly, and affectionate. They come in three sizes: miniature weighing 15 to 30 pounds , medium 30 to 45 pounds , and standard 45 to more than pounds. Because they are a crossbreed their traits are not fixed, so there is no guarantee that the Labradoodle puppy you purchase will fall into the desired weight range. Labradoodles have a moderate activity level. Larger Labradoodles may be more active than their smaller kin. They can also be excellent therapy dogs. Both of the breeds used to create Labradoodles tend to be smart and learn quickly. If you begin socialization and training early and use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play, and food rewards, you will be rewarded with a wonderful companion. Poodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, meaning that they can supposedly be tolerated by people who have allergies to dogs. Because they have the Poodle in their heritage, Labradoodles are sometimes promoted as being hypoallergenic. But allergies are not caused by a particular dog coat type but by dander, the dead skin cells that are shed by all dogs and people. Some people with mild allergies react less severely to particular dogs, but no reputable breeder will guarantee that her dogs are hypoallergenic. If you are interested in a Labradoodle, start your search at your local shelter or on Petfinder. This type of cross-breed is often available for adoption. Buying from a breeder who is smart and caring enough to do health certifications — even for a cross-breed — is the best way to do that. Other Quick Facts Labradoodles were originally bred in an attempt to create a hypoallergenic guide dog. They have since become popular pets. Labradoodles are companion dogs. They love their people and need to live in the house, never outdoors. A well-bred Labradoodle should be sociable, friendly, nonaggressive, and extremely intuitive. The History of the Labradoodle People have been crossing dogs for millennia in the attempt to achieve a certain look, temperament, or working ability. But crossing two breeds over and over does not a breed make. A breed is a group of animals related by descent from common ancestors and visibly similar in most characteristics. To achieve consistency in appearance, size, and temperament, breeders must select the puppies with the traits they want and breed them over several generations for the traits to become set. Crossbreeds such as the Labradoodle have become popular over the past ten or twenty years as people seek out dogs that are different from the everyday Yorkie or Poodle or that they think will have certain appealing characteristics. And no matter what his breed or mix, an individual dog may be more or less allergenic or intelligent or healthy. Whatever his breed, cross or mix, love your dog for what he is: a unique, special and loving companion. In general, though, Labradoodles are friendly dogs who are devoted to their families. Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and socialize, socialize, socialize. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines like kennel cough to be up to date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccines including rabies, distemper and parvovirus have been completed. In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until puppy vaccines are completed. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know about your lifestyle and personality. Whatever you want from a Labradoodle, look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood. What You Need To Know About Labradoodle Health All dogs, whether purebreds, crossbreeds, or mixes, have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the mixed breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. The very nature of genetic variation makes this difficult to predict for a mixed breed dog. Please refer to the breed guides on Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles, and Miniature Poodles for an overview of some of the inherited diseases reported in these breeds. Not all inherited conditions are detectable in a growing puppy, and it can be hard to predict whether an animal will be free of these maladies, which is why you must find a reputable breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible. They should be able to produce independent certification that the parents of the dog and grandparents, etc. Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas. A puppy may develop one of these diseases despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in most cases the dogs can still live a good life. Keeping a Labradoodle at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life. Make the most of diet and exercise to help ensure a healthier dog for life. The Basics of Labradoodle Grooming Labradoodles can have different types of fur. Some look like shaggy retrievers, others resemble a Poodle with loose curls. Many fall somewhere in between. They are not low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. Plan to brush the Labradoodle at least every other day using a slicker brush, and have him clipped every 8 to 12 weeks. Ear infections can be a problem in Labradoodles. Be sure to keep the ears dry and clean, especially after the dog has had a bath or gone swimming. The rest is basic care. Trim his nails every week or two, and brush his teeth regularly — daily if possible — with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for overall good health and fresh breath. Finding a Labradoodle Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind. Choosing a Labradoodle Breeder Finding a quality breeder is a great way to find the right puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy, and will have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out as many problems as possible. He or she is more interested in placing pups in the right homes than making big bucks. Reputable breeders will welcome your questions about temperament, health clearances, and what the dogs are like to live with. A good breeder can tell you about the history of the cross-breed, and discuss what health problems affect them and the steps that were taken to avoid them. Avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will clear. Put at least as much effort into researching your puppy as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance. It will save you money in the long run. Red flags include over availability, multiple litters on the premises, a choice of any puppy, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Those things are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. And before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Labradoodle might better suit your needs and lifestyle. Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort. An adult Labradoodle may already have some training and will probably be less active, destructive, and demanding than a puppy. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home. If you want to adopt a dog, read the advice below on how to do that. There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organization. Here is how to get started. Use the Web Sites like Petfinder. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests housetraining status, for example or very general all the Labradoodles available across the country. AnimalShelter can help you find animal rescue groups in your area. Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears. Reach Out to Local Experts Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Labradoodle. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations. Search online for Labradoodle rescues in your area. Poodle rescues and Labrador rescues are also good resources for this crossbreed. The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice. They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring a Labradoodle home for a trial to see what the experience is like. Key Questions to Ask You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a pup. These include: What is his energy level? How is he around other animals? How does he respond to shelter workers, visitors, and children? What is his personality like? What is his age? Has he ever bitten or hurt anyone that they know of? Are there any known health issues? Wherever you acquire your Labradoodle, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter, or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter. Puppy or adult, a breeder purchase or a rescue, take your Labradoodle to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues. It is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Note: there are two totally different types of Labradoodles, the Australian Labradoodle and the American Labradoodle. The Australian Labradoodle is a purebred dog, while the American Labradoodle is a hybrid dog. There are a few different ways breeders are producing American Labradoodles. This is not the best cross for people with severe allergies. Health Problems Prone to hip dysplasia and genetic eye problems. She's happy to get it thinned, but it doesn't last long it grows back fast. We caught them in the flower pots and started to shoo them away, but had to take a picture first.Labradoodles make amazing pets. We have been socializing them and exercising them faithfully every day and can see their excellent temperaments developing. His coat is less curly, more shaggy and scruffy looking. He is cool, laid back and more mellow than most other Labradoodles. It could be his age.