labradoodle puppies for sale kent

We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Glasgow Kentucky and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Re: Miniature labradoodle puppies Post by alison01 » Wed Apr 18, am Thanks again for your help and to those who just posted. Have checked out the websites and they all seem brilliant. We'll probably go with one of the ones which are closest to home as it makes it all much easier. We've still got a while to go before getting the puppy. I've been reading lots of posts on the website and want to make sure that the house is sorted and well prepared for a doodle puppy. I grew up with lots of dogs, but my husband has never had one and has been a bit wary about getting one he's used to cats. He likes friendly dogs but is terrified of rottweilers, alsatians etc. However, we had a labradoodle as a neighbour for a few months and he fell in love with it. The fact that they are such a sociable breed is also such a plus I have horrible memories of walking my fox terrier in the park and having to keep him on such a close leash when other dogs walked past, in case he attacked them - stressful for me and for the dog too. Thanks again!!!

We will be happy to recommend you to all our friends and family. .The treats and the stuffed animals he loved it all! He normally doesn't pick a favorite toy but the one toy he got from his box is now his favorite A. The Cinco De Mayo theme was a fun great first box. Dogs loved the toys and the treats. Ebony D. Love it "Thank so much to PoochPerks for the treat box! Jinxy and Popeye can't get enough! Miriam DiazLongtime Subscriber We had a subscription to BarkBox but my miniature dachshund didn't ever like the treats. Also most the toys were too big for her and she just didn't love them. She does love getting the box in the mail so I went out looking for something else. She literally won't stop playing with them and brings one of them with her even to go potty! The option for no treats and mini plush toys made all the difference! Hope it continues!!! Michelle S. Love it!!! Thanks Pooch perks my Lucia and Piper love it! MarciPooch Perks Lover Why Pooch Perks Stands out We hand select the products in our themed boxes from many different vendors which allows for a variety of items in our boxes. At Pooch Perks, we offer a monthly dog box that gives your furry canine friend something new to enjoy every month. Customize Your Box While our team designs the dog boxes each month around a specific theme, there are customization options available. Choose from a mix of toys and treats or a box that contains toys only, making it the perfect gift for dogs with food sensitivities. We take great pride in curating a fun monthly dog subscription box every month so you and your pooch both look forward to what may arrive. Choose the perfect monthly dog box for your furry family member today! Directly supports hungry shelter animals Gives you a premium assortment of products Still affordable considering the included donation Cons Subscription doesn't accommodate food allergies Why It Made the List Anyone who has a rescue or simply loves dogs is sure to appreciate The Animal Rescue Site's subscription box. RescueBox lets you spoil your dog every month while supporting a good cause in the process. With every RescueBox, you'll be sent five premium products, and The Animal Rescue Site will provide dozens of meals to homeless pets and shelter animals through its charitable partners located in the U. If you've been on the fence about splurging on a monthly dog subscription, RescueBox gives you the perfect excuse to do so. Subscriptions for small, medium, and large dogs are all the same price and include the same number of products. No other customizations can be made beyond dog size, but the treats, chews, and toys you receive are always carefully selected by a team of pet experts. The products also follow a monthly theme, so your dog will get to enjoy an exciting variety of high-quality goodies, and you'll feel good knowing that your subscription is helping pets in need. Yes Products Include: Treats, toys, and chews Final Thoughts If you want convenient monthly deliveries of different toys and treats for a price that doesn't make you think twice about spoiling your dog, a subscription to BarkBox gets you the most bark for your buck. Some subscriptions let you customize your plan based on your dog's needs and preferences, while others have experts that curate an assortment of goodies based on a new theme; BarkBox does both. You can expect a fun-themed variety of premium toys every month but can also customize your plan to your dog. Upgrading your plan to accommodate another dog or one who just goes through toys fast will increase your bill but will also qualify you for free shipping. It can be hard guessing whether or not your dog will like something you order online, but all BarkBox plans have a percent satisfaction guarantee. Free shipping isn't always included, but when it's not, you can often qualify for it by adding extra products to your order. None of the subscriptions on this list require committing to a certain number of boxes, though most plans are automatically set up for either 12 months or four quarters of recurring deliveries. You're always free to cancel whenever you want, and you never have to pay the cost of the entire subscription period upfront if you prefer month-to-month payments. Chewy's Goody Box is the only exception because unless you set up recurring shipping at checkout, every box must be ordered individually. Most dog subscription boxes contain bundles of both food and non-food items, but Pooch Perks , Bullymake , and Pet Treater let you adjust your plan to receive only toys. However, if accessories are the non-food item you prefer, BoxDog is the best option. While the subscription does include treats and toys, it also sends skin care products and lets you pick out accessories every month. The same applies to Bark Bright , which will supply you with a monthly supply of toothpaste and chews. Methodology To find the best dog subscription boxes, our team reviewed nearly two dozen services, evaluating each one on the following criteria: Average price Number of items per box Variety of products.

Categories Dog Fun , Dog Training Boxers, like any other active dog breed, needs their fair share of daily exercise. Swimming may seem like a great option for a sunny day. However, Boxers are heavy-boned dogs with a wide frame. So, can Boxers swim or will they sink? Boxers can and often do enjoy swimming, however, they are at risk while swimming in bodies of water. For this reason, safety precautions are necessary. Plenty of Boxers have successfully become good swimmers. But before you throw your Boxer in the deep end, there are things you should know. Some breeds, such as the Golden Retriever or Chesapeake Retriever, were actually bred to swim. Needless to say, this is not the case with Boxers. And while plenty of Boxers regularly swim, they have clear disadvantages in the water that all owners need to know about before putting them in the pool. In fact, I think the adorable faces are the best part of the Boxer. Specifically, it makes it more difficult for Boxers to breath while treading in water. Dog breeds with these facial characteristics are called Brachycephalic dogs. All of which, should be carefully monitored when put into large bodies of water. However, when these dogs have to tilt their heads upwards while in water, the restriction can be much greater. The unnatural position while dog paddling puts your Boxer at a huge disadvantage while swimming. So, the best way to help them in the water is to provide a life jacket to give them a more natural posture in the water. Weighing in at around 60 pounds and standing roughly 22 inches tall, Boxers are a fairly typical medium dog. Combine that with the difficulty of breathing and you could potentially have a real big problem on your hands. Once again, the best way to counter this problem is to provide them with a life jacket. As you may have guessed, Boxers are not one of them. In fact, they were not purposely bred to be anywhere near water. On the contrary, Boxers were specifically bred for bull-baiting now, an illegal blood sport and later on, as multi-purpose farm dogs. The most successful working Boxers most likely never even played in the nearby lakes! In addition, they pulled carriages for butchers to the slaughterhouses, among many other farm jobs. Can Your Boxer Swim? Whether a Boxer is good at swimming depends on the individual dog. Even whether a Boxer will enjoy a swim will greatly vary. With that said, we surveyed real Boxer owners to ask the question: can your Boxer swim? Responses are collected from various dog forums, including the popular Boxer Subreddit. Real Owner Answers: 1. She knew she loved water the moment we first visited a lake. It was love at first sight for her. My girl will only go as far as getting her toes wet, but will avoid getting her chest wet. My dog will sink and walk along the bottom. She will claw at me when I attempt to teach her how to swim. Still a big improvement from before. I spent a couple hours in the water with him trying to help him keep his front paws under water while paddling. In water, he goes nearly vertical even with a life vest on. Before you start, remember that you should never force your Boxer into the water. After all, Boxers are brachycephalic dog breeds. Anxiety, fear and panic, combined with their unique facial structures will make it even harder to breath while swimming. Here are the steps to getting your Boxer to swim with you in no time! Boxers Need a Life Vest Important! And by equipment, I really only mean a life vest. Even the AKC recommends the use of life vests. Not only will a life vest give your Boxer a nice boost of confidence but it also gives you, the owner, some peace of mind. Unless your dog is already super experienced, I never recommend going without a life vest. A big reason why we recommend a life vest is because novice dog swimmers will only paddle their front feet as the bottom feet looks for the ground. It looks very comfortable for the dog, which is crucial in the beginning stages. Plus, the bright colors makes your dog highly visible. Next, you can fill a portable kid pool or bathroom tub with water and let them literally get their feet wet. Keep in mind, the second step should take a while. Spend multiple days playing in a tub of water prior to the day planned for swimming. Whether a pool or lake, let your dog sniff the water and get used to the sight of the body of water. Start Shallow This seems obvious, but apparently not to every dog owner. Always start with the shallow end first. The quickest way to freak out your Boxer is by throwing the dog into the deep end for the first time. Before getting into the shallow end, make sure the life vest is on at this point. Instead, try bribing them with some delicious treats make sure to only bring the best. As they get closer into the water, or deeper in, make sure to give positive praises along the way. Boxers thrive on positive reinforcement. So, it really helps their confidence by doing so. If your dog has a favorite toy, make sure to bring that with you too. Try throwing their toy into the water. Once your Boxer gets into the water, slowly bribe them to go deeper and deeper. Here are some extra tips from the professionals. PetMD suggests that you always start with a dog leash in addition to the life vest on your Boxer. Not only will it keep your dog from swimming too far out, but it will give both you and your dog an extra sense of security. The best way to get your dog into the water is by getting into the water with them. Dogs learn a lot from their owners. And if your Boxer has a dog-friend that already knows and loves to swim, bring that friend too! Dogs are also great at learning from each other. Tell us in the comments section below, does your Boxer swim? Is your dog good or bad at swimming? Posts you may like:. End results -- your Boxer will learn to have fun and gain confidence! Swimming, whether in a pool or a lake can be very enjoyable form of exercise for both you and your Boxer. It is an excellent way to condition your dog for the show ring, weight loss or for physical therapy in dogs with Degenerative Myelopathy. As with any new physical activity, make sure your dog has a thorough check-up with your veterinarian before starting. Precautions must be taken to ensure your dog's safety. Being deep-chested and tailless, our Boxers need plenty of instruction learning to turn and maneuver in the water. Boxer's do not have the benefit of a rudder tail to help them steer, for example. Invest in a good quality canine life jacket. Fitted properly, the life jacket should fit snugly, which prevents the dog from slipping out of the jacket. I prefer the longer type, as they help to keep the dog's hindquarters afloat. A buckle collar is important so that you can lend guidance and support to your dog, as well as for your use in the event of an emergency. As you will be in the water with your dog, teaching and assisting, I recommend that YOU wear protective clothing, such as jeans and a long sleeved shirt, to prevent being clawed or bruised. To get started, socialize young pups 6 to 8 weeks of age to a running water hose. This will stimulate curiosity and offer a new tactile experience. Small baby pools and shallow lake banks are great places to work with younger dogs in helping them to become comfortable with having their feet and legs submerged. Do not expect your dog to be a "natural". Starting to swim will require your patience and encouragement. It takes more than a few times in the pool or the lake before your Boxer starts to really enjoy himself. If your dog is strongly motivated by toys, use one that floats to coax him into the water. Teaching your dog to safely enter and exit the water is critical. If teaching in a pool, use the stairs to lower your dog into the water each time and as the exit as well. Some suggest that you use a large cone marker or bicycle flag to help visually mark the stair or shoreline exit for your dog. The first time you and your Boxer enter the water, try to make it a positive and pleasant experience. Support the dog's body with your arms underneath his chest and lower him into the water one step at a time. Some dogs will splash wildly around when they first start. This is normal and will soon subside as your dog starts to relax and learn to effectively propel himself through the water. The transitional step, when your Boxer's feet no longer touch the bottom, being totally suspended in the water, is most critical. Float him in front of you as walk around in the water, lending your support with your arm under his belly. Helping your Boxer to keep his front feet under the water will minimize splashing. You may need to repeat this a number of times depending how quickly his level of confidence increases. Once your dog feels, at ease in the water with your assistance, it is s time to let him start on his own. With your support, swim him out into the water or to the center of the pool and point him in the direction of his exit or the shoreline. Guide him to the steps or shoreline and praise heavily. Repeat as many times as needed to build his confidence. Next, encourage him to swim toward you, rather than to the exit or shoreline. Swimming is well known to slow progression, strengthening leg muscles, giving your older Boxer a therapeutic workout. Again, your Boxer should have a thorough check-up by his veterinarian before starting this type of exercise. Chances are, if you are just now introducing your older Boxer to swim, extra patience will be needed, as older dogs wiII not acclimate to the water as easily as the youngsters will. While he is swimming, you will need to lend extra support to his hindquarters. Using the longer type of canine life jacket will help in keeping his back end buoyant. Swimming sessions should be short, but gradually lengthened each time. Some dogs may need to start out for only one minute. Swimming Tips: Never leave your dog unattended around the pool. Teach him the entry and exit. Use a canine life jacket at all times. Swimming is hard work, so keep sessions short and do not overtire your Boxer. Use your dog's favorite floating toy or ball to help motivate him to get in the water. Try to let your Boxer swim with other accomplished swimming dogs. He will learn from them as well. Boxer's will ingest a lot of water while swimming. It is a good idea to allow your dog ample opportunities to relieve himself, long after he has left the pool or lake. By: Tracy L.

Through our specialized training programs each puppy is prepared to take their place as a valued and happy member of their forever family. Golden Savannah is committed to responsibly breed and train each puppy. We are located in the beautiful hillside of Mohnton , Pennsylvania. Our Story Years ago, our first English Golden pups were born as ten stunning puppies that quickly became treasured members of the family. The name fit perfectly as we began to dedicate more of our time to breeding and raising our beautiful English Golden Retrievers. As the business grew we never established a full kennel, preferring instead to raise the puppies in a smaller and specialized environment. With many hours of research plus interacting with knowledgeable breeders, we learned that puppies who receive personalized training will have a more seamless and happy transition into their new family. In addition to breeding puppies, we also began offering several levels of added training programs for pups to learn the good hygiene, manners, and social graces. The English Cream Goldens are exceptionally friendly and intelligent, and a number of our puppies have even gone on to be successful therapy or service dogs. It is our joy at Golden Savannah to provide puppies that have become happy companion dogs to many, valued for their gentle benevolence and hearts of gold. We are located in the beautiful hillside of Mohnton, Pennsylvania. Customer Stories We go to great lengths to ensure that each puppy is entrusted into the care of a loving and capable family and we love to receive updated photos. It means the world to us at Golden Savannah to read stories about the pups that are sent from thrilled adoptive families. Introducing Mia, the newest member of our family. To be honest, I was completely overwhelmed with the idea of finding a dog, funding this adventure and the responsibility it would entail. When I started searching I became even more overwhelmed. I found many resources for veterans but not much for a young adult. I started searching for started dogs that we could continue to train on our own. Golden Savannah is a breeder from Pennsylvania. Mike was so supportive asking lots of questions to help determine just the right pup for Gretta and her needs. Continue reading… Kristi Pfeffer Nathe Hope all is well and you and your family enjoyed a wonderful summer! I wanted to send you some updated pics of our summer with Odin. He's been the best addition to our family and we couldn't love him any more! He's growing like crazy - already almost 60 lbs and just short of 6 months. People always comment on how well-behaved and mild mannered he is which makes us proud parents. There have even been multiple times where people have pulled over on the side of the road as we're going for walks to tell us how beautiful he is! And our friends and family love him just as much as we do! They all jump at an opportunity to babysit Odin if Andrew and I are going out of town. He's just finished his second round of training classes and has made lots of doggy friends and definitely captured the heart of our trainer. She also breeds Goldens here in Massachusetts and has a special connection with Odin. He gets to go to work with Andrew everyday and meet lots of people and dogs! I guess he feels like one of the boys : He's our little shadow and we can't wait to make more memories with him this winter! These original Goldens were bred to hunt and withstand the harsh winters of Scotland. Over the last years, Golden Retrievers have been bred and refined to create different styles and variations of the great family dog we all adore. American vs. Canadian vs. The American Golden is considered the general standard of the breed. While there are similar Canadian and British counterparts, the American is the most popular. The American Golden Retriever has a rich gold coat. The shades of gold can vary slightly but can be neither too light nor too dark. Adult males stand at the height of inches, while females stand at .Male American Goldens can weigh as much as pounds, while adult females are slightly smaller at pounds. American Golden Retrievers are well-loved by all, showing loyalty and friendly nature to everyone. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please. With that said, American Goldens are known for being a little more energetic than other breed variations. They make an excellent pet for younger couples who enjoy many outdoor activities or families who can spend a lot of time playing with them. These Goldens have a long golden coat that can vary slightly in the shade. They stand at the same height as adult American Golden Retrievers, with males being inches tall and females being .Canadian Goldens are also the same in weight, with males being pounds and females pounds. Overall, Canadian Goldens and American Goldens are the same dogs in different locations. While very similar to American Goldens, they do have some subtle differences. The British Golden is typically a lighter shade of gold than the American type. The standard weight for British Golden Retrievers is not specified, but most weigh anywhere between 55 to 70 pounds. British Golden Retrievers are highly devoted, friendly, and intelligent. Many breeders report that British Golden has fewer potential health conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia than the American or Canadian versions. Still, there are no studies to confirm this. The English Cream Golden has a very pale cream to white coat shorter and thicker than standard American Goldens. They have a stockier build, with males standing around inches tall and females standing approximately inches. Adult male English Creams can weigh anywhere between pounds, and females weigh about pounds. English Cream Goldens have lovable personalities with a calm, friendly nature. They are incredibly smart and easy to train, as well. With that said, English Cream Golden Retrievers are often more expensive than other types of Goldens because of their desirable appearance. See our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies for sale for more information. They are highly motivated working dogs that enjoy sporting activities like hunting. These Goldens range in color from dark golden to red, with shorter to mid-length coats. They have a smaller stature than other Golden Retrievers, with adult males standing at inches and females at inches. Males can weigh between 60 and 70 pounds and females between 50 and 65 pounds. Field-bred Goldens are ideal for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. These dogs want to help with hunting or accompany you while fishing. They enjoy water sports and basically any outdoor activity. They may not be an excellent match for families who spend a lot of time indoors and cannot provide daily exercise. See our Field-bred Golden Retriever puppies for sale. Red Goldens get their name from their distinctly red coat. That is often a deep, bright red that distinguishes them from other kinds of Goldens. Their hair is often thinner and longer than other types of Goldens, as well. They tend to stand smaller in size, with males topping out at around inches and females .Adult males can weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and females between 55 and 65 pounds. With most red Goldens actually being Field-bred Goldens, they are highly driven and motivated to work. These dogs will have high energy levels and benefit from being given tasks to assist with. Check out our Red Golden Retriever puppies for sale. Show Golden Retriever Show Golden Retrievers are a style that is bred to meet exact breed specifications to be shown in competitions. With perfectly golden coats and long hair, Show Goldens are often quite remarkable in appearance. They are large-boned and thick in stature, with a wider, more broadhead than average Goldens. Show Golden Retrievers have all the same wonderful characteristics as other types of Goldens, being friendly and well-natured. However, since Show Goldens are bred to meet very specific breed standards, they are often costly. They are ideal for owners who are looking to exhibit their dogs in competitive dog shows. Find your new best friend from our list of top-quality show Golden Retriever puppies for sale. There is some debate about whether mini Golden Retrievers should really be considered a type of Golden, as they are technically crossbreeds. Since mini Golden Retrievers are hybrid breeds, they have no actual breed specifications. Their coat color can vary from light cream to dark gold or red, with extreme variations in length. Their heights vary, but most are under 20 inches tall, males and females. Their weights can vary as well, typically staying anywhere between 30 and 50 pounds. Miniature Golden Retrievers are excellent for anyone who desires certain personality traits of a Golden Retriever without the medium-to-large size. With that said, mini Goldens do not always take on the friendly, happy-go-lucky nature of purebred Goldens. Since they are crossbred, they can have attributes of other breeds. Purebred Black Golden Retrievers do not exist but can essentially be created by mixing any variation of a Golden with a black Labrador, Newfoundland, or other breeds. The coat, height, and weight of a black Golden will vary because it is actually a mixed breed. Since many Goldens are bred with Labradors, they would likely be of medium-to-large build, with males or females anywhere between 50 to 75 pounds. Some Goldens may even be mixed with Newfoundlands, which would result in a much larger dog, weighing 80 to pounds or more. Determining which type of Golden Retriever is best for you depends on your unique lifestyle. All kinds make a great family pet, but some have distinct characteristics that make them better suited for specific homes. Each Golden Retriever puppy has a different cost too, so make sure you know the golden retriever price before deciding. To know which Golden is ideal for your family, you can consult with a reputable breeder or trusted veterinarian! Find your new best friend from our list of top-quality Golden Retriever Puppies For Sale and from our high quality golden retriever breeders. Both can show moderate signs of being territorial, but more so in females due to their motherly instincts. What is the best color for Golden Retrievers? Standard gold has been shown to be more popular out of the colors of Golden Retrievers. Each color type has specific characteristics. A lighter shade tends to look more white in the light while the darker Golden Retrievers consist of more deep reds and blacks. The most obvious difference lies in the shades of color. Aside from color differences, the head of an English Golden retriever is broader with a square muzzle. Canadian Golden Retrievers are leaner and taller. What color is a Canadian Golden Retriever? All of them have their signature styles in either light, dark, or natural golden coat colors. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. It is also important to understand there are different types of golden retrievers which may affect pricing. For example, if you decide to choose the lowest golden retriever cost option, those puppies almost never have the necessary 3rd-party assurances or veterinarian procedures like dewormings, vaccinations, health-tested parents, or a thorough health checkup. These missing costs and services will be your responsibility, making the total cost ultimately the same. Not to mention the added stress on you these extra expenses and issues create! Adopting vs. Please note that depending on the shelter, you may have to pay additional costs for your Golden certain shots and procedures. Depending on if the golden retriever is a boy or a girl may affect the price as well. Some male vs female golden retriever differences may make you prefer one over the other. This will ultimately save you time and money on your golden retriever price because breeders often pay lower veterinary rates than individuals do. Distemper, for example, is a highly contagious disease that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems of dogs. Unfortunately, there is no cure — just a lot of expenses and stress which really adds to the overall cost of your Golden Retriever puppy. It is wise to ask your vet for guidance on this decision. Talk with your vet about the procedure, when you should get it done, and how much it might cost. Dental Care for Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers, like many dogs, can be prone to dental issues such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. These cleanings typically involve scaling, polishing, and potentially extractions if necessary. Some insurance providers offer optional dental coverage as an add-on or as part of more comprehensive plans. If dental coverage is included in the policy, it typically covers a portion of the costs associated with dental cleanings, extractions, and other necessary dental treatments. This typically includes services such as bathing, brushing, trimming, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and sometimes additional services like de-shedding or dematting. Some groomers may offer package deals or discounts for regular appointments or bundled services. This monthly expense may seem like an additional cost, but it can be a worthwhile investment when considering the potential savings on veterinary bills for treatments, surgeries, and medications. By having pet insurance in place, you can ensure that your Golden Retriever receives the necessary care without straining your finances in the event of unexpected health issues. Puppy Training and Socialization Classes Attending puppy training and socialization classes is highly recommended for the comprehensive development of your Golden puppy. These classes provide structured learning environments, social interaction, and essential obedience training. By enrolling your Golden Retriever puppy in these classes, you ensure they receive the necessary foundation for good behavior, social skills, and overall well-being. The cost for food will depend on the size, age, and activity level of your companion. Fortunately, the cheaper brands of dog food can be just as good as the more premium brands as long as they meet the standards of AAFCO and are made with minimal processing. When making your decision, make sure to avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives where you can, since they could cause health problems for your dog. Read the full disclosure here. One breed you will fall in love with right off the bat is a purebred golden retriever. Take time to find out whether the pup is truly purebred. I discuss it all and even answer some of the most pressing questions you may have about this dog. Shall we begin? They trace their roots back to Scotland, where Lord Tweedmouth bred them for hunting. He was a keen waterfowl hunter but he also wanted a dog that could be loyal, friendly, and even-tempered while at home. All this happened between to .Tweedmouth kept a breeding record that now shows what he was trying to achieve — a hunting dog that also had the traits of a family pet. Even though now extinct, Tweed water spaniels were ardent retrievers and in the home they were friendly, loyal, and calm. In the following years, the AKC changed the Golden Retriever breeding standards to suit the tastes and needs of Americans. Right now, goldens are a popular breed in the US, rivaling Labradors, German shepherds, and French bulldogs. How To Identify A Full Breed Golden Retriever Top on the list of ways to identify a pure golden retriever is to check whether it has the right paperwork and pedigree. Proper documentation is proof that the dog has been registered with a well-recognized kennel club or certified registry that keeps records for that specific breed. Meet the three types of golden retrievers. In North America, the American Kennel Club AKC is the largest and most popular kennel club but there are a few other legitimate registries as well such as: Canadian Kennel Club United Kennel Club Continental Kennel Club For a pup to qualify for documentation, its parents must have been listed with a certified registry. Once you obtain them, you only have to pay a small fee, fill up the registration documents and mail them to the relevant registry for processing. To be one hundred percent sure that your golden is purebred, check to see if it has the features that define such a breed. These are the unique characteristics purebred golden retriever puppies should have. Females, on the other hand, weigh between 55 and 65 pounds and are usually .Both genders reach full height after turning one-year-old and mature weight by the age of two. Structurally speaking, goldens have a symmetrical muscular build and look very athletic. Size-wise, they are classified in the medium to large category. Also, note that their hind limbs are strong and straight while the shoulders are well-built and rugged. Personality Goldens are defined by their sweet, soft, easy-going demeanor. They get along well with pretty much everyone, including kids, and are always eager to please the owner, but these and other great attributes will only be apparent if you train and raise them well. All goldens have a thick undercoat and a dense outer coat that is resistant to water and requires regular grooming with one of the best brushes for golden retrievers. Some have wavy coats, while others are straight. Their fur feathers on the chest, underbelly, along the tail, and on the back of their front limbs. Shedding is heavier in the fall and spring and moderates in the summer and winter. To keep their beautiful coats in top shape, clean, and free of fleas, use one of the best flea shampoos for dogs. Other special characteristics of purebred goldens to watch out for include: Short ears that can fold over Fairly or dark brown medium-large eyes with dark eye rims A thick tail that is muscular at the base and curved upwards at the end How Long Do Purebred Golden Retrievers Live? Based on statistics, golden retrievers have been found to live an average of years; however, if you go the extra mile in taking proper care of your golden, she can live longer than that. Augie, the oldest known Golden retriever , passed away at the age of .Just as a reminder, taking good care of a golden retriever involves the following: Proper diet.

Our son and his family, who has our bloodlines, have older puppies available. .They have some gorgeous male pups at a very low adoption fee. Visit our current litter page for more information. Greta had her puppies. We currently have 2 male puppies available in her litter. We are taking deposits on the following upcoming litter with Lady and Tillie. Our lists fill up fast, so reserve your furbaby quickly. Our upcoming litters are listed below. Please keep in mind these are "planned" litters. Unfortunately, plans can occasionally have issues that can arise that is beyond our control. Some issues, but not limited to, that can change the planning of a litter include: Occasionally, the breeding of two dogs does not result in a pregnancy. Occasionally, the sire or female is unwilling to breed. Occasionally, even though the dogs are healthy, the female loses a litter. Occasionally, the female may cycle earlier or later than what was expected. Therefore, this can result in a litter being born earlier or later than what was originally planned. Occasionally, the planned number of puppies born for the litter is different than what was expected. Some examples include: more of one gender fewer of another gender the number of puppies born is fewer than average. If the puppy you reserved falls under an issue that is beyond my control, you will be able to move to another litter. You may move to a litter that will be planned for a later date by the same pairing or you can move to the next planned litter due with a different pairing as long as there are available spots open. Please keep in mind that your deposit is non-refundable. Since we are a small facility, I will not take reservations on another litter of the same pairing until I am certain that the first planned litter has whelped and everyone on that list is able to get a puppy, or unfortunately an issue happened as described above. Price: Prices are listed below. These prices are if you, the buyer s , pick up in person. Pickup in person is preferred. If buyer does not pick up in person, delivery fees may be added to the cost of the puppy. Once I receive your deposit, I will place your name next to the available gender of your choice. Availability for gender choice is in order based on deposits received per dog. We, as the breeder, reserve the right to be placed first on any litter of our choice at any time. I highly recommend NuVet supplement for the first year. I am now taking applications for my current planned litters. You may click on the dog's name to go to the Females or Male pages to find out more information about each dog. Our dogs have the most beautiful puppy colors. The colors that are possible are: traditional black and tan saddlebacks, cream and black saddlebacks, black and silver saddlebacks, black and tan sables, black and silver sables, bi-sables, and tri-sables. Read the description with each dog to know which dog will throw which colors. Sorry, Kaiser can't produce white. Therefore, I will not have any white puppies, nor solid blacks. I have had one stunning Red and black blanket pattern puppy. Aug 3, Share German Shepherds tend to have between five and nine puppies in a litter. Eight is the average. According to the AKC , the largest litter registered was 17 puppies. This litter size is significantly larger than some other breeds. German Shepherds are larger dogs, so they are going to have more puppies than smaller breeds. For instance, Dachshunds only have one to six puppies on average. The largest litter ever came from a Neapolitan Mastiff, a breed that can reach pounds. When it comes to litter sizes, size does matter. It is impossible to tell how many puppies that a particular dog might have until she gets further into her pregnancy. These factors may help you make a good guess, however. This is most obvious when comparing different dog breeds. In turn, small breeds have small litters. However, the exact size of the dog also matters. Smaller German Shepherds will have smaller litters on average than larger German Shepherds. If your dog is larger, she may end up having a larger litter, or she might not. This will reduce the overall size of the litter. Even if you feed her excellent food and take care of her, underlying health problems can cause puppies to perish before they are fully developed. Diabetes is an excellent example of this. However, improperly fluctuating blood sugar can have a massive impact on growing puppies. Without the proper blood sugar levels, many puppies will not develop properly. Short-term conditions can also cause some puppies to develop improperly and be reabsorbed. For instance, infections can cause one or more puppies to stop developing altogether. Most miscarriages go unnoticed without any clinical signs, especially if only a few puppies are lost. Only late-term miscarriages usually get noticed. This seems to happen most commonly in purebred dogs, according to the vets at High Street Steeping Vet Clinic. Purebred dogs may have more genetic abnormalities than mixed breed dogs because they inherit traits from a smaller genetic pool. The odds of them inheriting something harmful is higher, simply because there are fewer genes for them to inherit. Many purebred dogs are also inbred, including the German Shepherd. Middle-aged German Shepherds tend to have larger litters than younger and older dogs. German Shepherds typically have the largest litters around age 5. After that, they may decline in size. However, this decline is more rapid and apparent in some dogs than others. Many older dogs have health problems, which likely affects their litter size too. Some of these health impacts may go unnoticed and therefore, be wrongly attributed to age. Season There is evidence that the season that the dog gives birth affects the litter size. However, other studies found no correlation between when the litter was born and the overall litter size. There may be a regional component to this, though. In areas with more significant seasonal changes, the season may make more of a difference. In the tropics, it may not. However, more studies are needed to determine this possibility. Heritability Studies have found that dogs may inherit their litter size potential. Dogs that are born to bigger litters tend to have bigger litters themselves. If there is another factor at play, it will likely take precedent. Plus, much of this heritability may be linked to the size of the dog. Many dogs are going to be a similar size as their parents. Nutrition Image Credit: Monika Wisniewska, Shutterstock There are a few nutritional components that can affect litter size and the overall health of the mother and her puppies. When a mother dog becomes pregnant, her nutritional needs change. Protein is essential for pregnant dogs. This is similar to what puppies need, so many pregnant dogs are often fed puppy-intended dog food. Fatty acids may also play a role. Dogs with lower levels of serum glucose in their amniotic fluid tend to have smaller litter sizes. Therefore, feeding them a diet higher in omega fatty acids may be helpful. Image Credit: J. Feeding your canine a better diet may result in a bigger litter, for instance. If your dog is sick, it is paramount that you treat them before attempting to create a litter. However, these factors have to be adjusted before the dog gets pregnant. Once the dog has conceived, it is impossible to increase their litter size, though you can prevent losses. There are also many factors out of your control. While there are a few things that you can do to reduce the risk of these issues, you can never prevent them entirely. Even if your dog lives in a clean environment and is healthy, infections can still occur. You should be feeding her food suitable for puppies as soon as you plan on breeding her or at least as soon as you find out that she is pregnant. Choosing which dogs to breed also impacts litter size and can be controlled to a certain extent. However, some dogs may have small litter sizes but may otherwise be great breeding candidates. In general, to increase your dog's litter size, we recommend doing the following: Regular testing for infections Regular vet checks for reproductive tract disease Final Thoughts The average German Shepherd litter size is about eight puppies. However, there are many factors that can go into this. Keeping your dog healthy is essential to maximizing litter sizes. But many factors are outside of your control. If a puppy inherits specific genes, they are less likely to develop correctly and make it to birth, lowering the overall litter size. Related Reads:. All Rights Reserved This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Necessary Always Enabled Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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Breeds The link has been copied! Are you ready for some puppy talk? If you're a fan of the French Bulldogs, you're in for a treat! These adorable little pups are known for their charming personalities and irresistible squishy faces, but just how many of them can one Frenchie mama have? In this article, we'll explore the fascinating world of French Bulldog litters and answer the burning question on every dog lover's mind: how many puppies can a French Bulldog have? Get ready to unleash your curiosity and let's dive in! On average, a French Bulldog can have a litter size of between 2 to 4 puppies. However, it's not uncommon for some Frenchies to have larger litters of up to 5 or 6 puppies, while others may only have a single pup. French Bulldogs are known for being small, compact dogs with a big personality, and when it comes to their litters, they tend to have a smaller number of puppies compared to other breeds. There are several factors that can influence the size of a French Bulldog's litter, including genetics, age, and overall health. For instance, younger Frenchies and those in peak physical condition tend to have larger litters than older or less healthy dogs. It's worth noting that while having a larger litter may seem exciting, it can also come with some challenges. French Bulldogs, like many small breeds, can experience difficulties during labor and delivery, so it's important for breeders and pet owners to work closely with a veterinarian to ensure a safe and healthy birth for both the mother and her puppies. On average, a French Bulldog can have up to 4 litters in their lifetime, with each litter having between 2 to 4 puppies. This means that a Frenchie can have anywhere from 8 to 16 puppies over the course of their breeding years. However, it's important to note that breeding a dog should be done with careful consideration and only under the guidance of a responsible breeder or veterinarian. Overbreeding can be harmful to a French Bulldog's health, and can also contribute to the problem of overpopulation in the dog breeding industry. It's also important to consider the ethical implications of breeding dogs, including the responsibility of finding suitable homes for each puppy and ensuring that they receive proper care throughout their lifetime. Factors That Affect the Litter Size There are several factors that can affect the litter size of a French Bulldog, including: Age: As a general rule, younger female dogs tend to have larger litters than older dogs. This is because their reproductive systems are more efficient when they are in their prime. Health: A French Bulldog's overall health can play a significant role in the size of their litters. Dogs that are in good physical condition are more likely to have larger litters than those who are not. Genetics: The genetics of the dog can also impact litter size. Some dogs may have a genetic predisposition to smaller litters, while others may be more likely to have larger litters. Nutrition: A well-balanced diet is essential for a French Bulldog's health and can also impact litter size. A dog that is malnourished or underweight may have smaller litters or may experience complications during pregnancy. Breeding frequency: French Bulldogs that are bred too frequently may experience smaller litters due to a decline in fertility. It's important to give the female dog enough time to recover and regain their health between breeding cycles. Breeding method: The method used for breeding can also affect the litter size. Artificial insemination may result in smaller litter sizes than natural breeding. Hormone Imbalance Hormone imbalances can also be a factor that affects the litter size of French Bulldogs. Hormones play a critical role in the reproductive system of dogs, and any imbalances can lead to reduced fertility and smaller litter sizes. One hormone that is particularly important in female dogs is progesterone. Progesterone levels rise during the second half of a dog's reproductive cycle, and they play a key role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy. If progesterone levels are too low, the uterus may not be ready to support a litter, resulting in smaller litters or even infertility. Another hormone that can affect litter size is luteinizing hormone LH. LH is responsible for triggering ovulation, and if levels are too low, ovulation may not occur, leading to smaller litters or infertility. In addition to these hormones, imbalances in other hormones such as estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone FSH , and thyroid hormones can also affect a French Bulldog's reproductive system and ultimately impact litter size. If a hormonal imbalance is suspected, a veterinarian can perform tests to determine the levels of various hormones and recommend appropriate treatments or management strategies to support the dog's reproductive health. Age Female dogs are most fertile between the ages of 2 and 5 years old, and during this time, they are more likely to have larger litters. As dogs age, their fertility decreases, and they may experience smaller litter sizes or infertility. It's important to note that breeding French Bulldogs before they are fully mature can also have negative consequences. Breeding dogs that are too young can result in smaller litter sizes, and it can also put the mother and puppies at greater risk for complications during pregnancy and delivery. On the other hand, breeding dogs that are too old can also increase the risk of complications and smaller litter sizes. Female dogs that are past their prime reproductive years may have a reduced number of eggs, and their uterus may not be as capable of supporting a large litter. In general, the ideal age for breeding French Bulldogs is between 2 and 5 years old, when the dog is in optimal reproductive health. However, it's important to work closely with a veterinarian or responsible breeder to ensure that the dog is physically and emotionally ready for breeding, regardless of their age. Genetics The number of puppies that a Frenchie has in a litter can be influenced by the genetics of both the female and male dogs involved in breeding. In general, large dog breeds tend to have larger litters than smaller breeds, and this can be reflected in the litter size of mixed-breed puppies. However, French Bulldogs are a relatively small breed, and their litter sizes are typically smaller than those of larger breeds. The genetics of the female dog can also play a significant role in litter size. Some French Bulldogs may be more predisposed to having smaller litters due to their genetics. In contrast, other dogs may be more likely to have larger litters. Genetic testing can help breeders to identify dogs with optimal reproductive health and litter size. Health A Frenchie that is in good physical condition is more likely to have larger, healthier litters than a dog that is not. Dogs that are malnourished, underweight, or have an underlying health condition may have reduced fertility, which can lead to smaller litters or infertility. Proper nutrition, exercise, and regular veterinary care can help to ensure that a French Bulldog is in good health and ready for breeding. It's also important to note that French Bulldogs, like all breeds of dogs, can experience reproductive health issues that can impact their litter size. Conditions such as infections, tumors, or abnormalities in the reproductive system can reduce fertility and result in smaller litters. Regular veterinary checkups and reproductive health screenings can help to identify and address these issues early on, improving the chances of a successful breeding. In addition to physical health, a Frenchie's mental and emotional wellbeing can also play a role in their reproductive health. Dogs that are stressed, anxious, or in poor mental health may experience reduced fertility, and this can impact their litter size. It's important to ensure that the dog's environment is safe, comfortable, and conducive to their overall health and wellbeing. The process of breeding for these colors can be complex, and it often involves breeding dogs that carry specific color genes. For instance, a blue merle French Bulldog may carry two copies of the dilute gene, while a lilac Frenchie may carry one copy of the dilute gene and one copy of the chocolate gene. Breeding for exotic colors or even fluffy coats can also involve the use of artificial insemination or the use of stud dogs that are carriers of the desired color genes. However, it's important to note that breeding for these colors can come with some risks. French Bulldogs that are bred specifically for their color may be more prone to health issues, including skin problems and eye disorders. In addition, the popularity of exotic colors like the platinum coloring has led to an increase in the demand for these dogs, which has resulted in some breeders engaging in unethical breeding practices, such as inbreeding or breeding for extreme physical characteristics. These practices can be harmful to the health and welfare of the dogs and can result in a range of health issues. It's important to work with a responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and wellbeing of the dogs above all else. Breeding for extremely small size can increase the risk of a number of health problems in French Bulldogs, including respiratory issues, hip dysplasia, and spinal problems. Additionally, breeding micro French Bulldogs with a focus on appearance rather than health and temperament can lead to a range of serious health problems that can negatively impact both the mother and the puppies. Responsible breeders prioritize the health and well-being of the breed and carefully select breeding pairs based on factors such as health, temperament, and genetic diversity. Breeding French Bulldogs for extremely small size or for specific coat colors can compromise their health and result in a host of problems that can be detrimental to their overall well-being. Female French Bulldogs typically reach sexual maturity between 6 and 12 months of age. However, it's important to note that while a female dog may be physically capable of breeding at this age, it's generally recommended to wait until the dog is at least 2 years old before breeding. Breeding a Frenchie too early can have negative consequences, including a higher risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. Additionally, dogs that are bred too young may not be emotionally or mentally mature enough to handle the demands of pregnancy and motherhood. French Bulldogs, like many brachycephalic short-nosed breeds, are at increased risk for complications during natural birth due to the shape of their skulls and bodies. The breed's unique anatomy can make natural birth dangerous and potentially life-threatening for both the mother and her puppies. French Bulldogs have a relatively large head and narrow pelvis, which can make it difficult for puppies to pass through the birth canal. This can result in prolonged labor and increased risk of fetal distress, stillbirth, or death of the mother. In addition to the breed's physical anatomy, French Bulldogs can also be prone to certain health issues that can increase the risk of complications during natural birth. For instance, obesity, poor nutrition, and other health issues can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. For these reasons, many veterinarians and responsible breeders recommend that French Bulldogs give birth via cesarean section C-section. A C-section is a surgical procedure that involves delivering the puppies via incision in the mother's abdomen, and it can greatly reduce the risks associated with natural birth. The First Month of French Bulldog Pregnancy During the first month of French Bulldog pregnancy, the fertilized eggs travel down the Fallopian tubes and implant in the lining of the uterus. At this point, it can be difficult to detect pregnancy as there are no external signs. However, some dogs may exhibit subtle changes in behavior or appetite. It's important to ensure that the dog is getting proper nutrition and exercise during this time, as this will support the health of both the mother and the developing fetuses. It's also a good time to schedule a veterinary checkup to confirm the pregnancy and monitor the dog's health. The Second Month of French Bulldog Pregnancy By the second month of French Bulldog pregnancy, the fetuses have developed significantly and are about the size of walnuts. The dog's abdomen may begin to swell, and she may exhibit signs of morning sickness or fatigue. During this time, it's important to continue to provide the dog with proper nutrition and exercise, and to monitor her health closely. The veterinarian may recommend additional testing, such as an ultrasound, to monitor the health and development of the fetuses. The Third Month of French Bulldog Pregnancy During the third month of French Bulldog pregnancy, the fetuses continue to develop rapidly, and their organs and body systems begin to mature. The dog's abdomen will be noticeably swollen, and she may begin to experience nesting behavior as she prepares for the birth of her puppies. It's crucial to continue to monitor the dog's health and provide her with proper nutrition and exercise during this time. The veterinarian may recommend additional testing or monitoring to ensure the health and wellbeing of the mother and her puppies. Please Breed Your French Bulldog Responsibly Breeding French Bulldogs is a complex and challenging process that requires careful consideration and responsible practices. The health and welfare of the dogs should always be the top priority, and breeders and pet owners should work closely with a veterinarian or experienced breeder to ensure that the breeding process is done safely and ethically. Breeding French Bulldogs can be a rewarding experience, but it's crucial to approach it with caution and responsibility. Overbreeding, breeding for profit or for the sole purpose of producing exotic colors, and engaging in unethical breeding practices can all have negative consequences for the health and wellbeing of the dogs involved. It's important to prioritize the health and wellbeing of the dogs above all else and to ensure that they receive proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care throughout their lives. By working with responsible breeders and veterinarians and by following ethical breeding practices, we can help to ensure a healthy and happy future for French Bulldogs and other breeds of dogs. Final Thoughts French Bulldogs are a popular breed of dog that many people are interested in owning. This is due to their popularity and the high demand for these dogs. If you're on a budget, you may want to consider adopting a Frenchton, which is a crossbreed between a French Bulldog and a Boston Terrier. These dogs can be just as cute and playful as purebred Frenchies, but may be more affordable. It's also important to note that French Bulldogs often require c-sections to give birth, as their puppies have large heads and broad shoulders that make natural delivery difficult. This can add to the cost of owning a French Bulldog, as c-sections can be expensive and require careful monitoring and recovery. If you're considering getting a French Bulldog or any other dog breed, it's important to do your research and be prepared for the responsibilities of dog ownership. This includes providing proper care and training for your dog, as well as ensuring that you can afford any medical expenses that may arise. Keep in mind that there are many other dog breeds to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics and needs. Consider researching other breeds that may be a better fit for your lifestyle and budget before making a decision. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent- it is a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Due to this popularity, you may want to breed your French Bulldog to save some bucks since they are expensive. However, the question in your mind will be, "How many puppies can French bulldogs have? Female French Bulldogs can have a maximum of four litters in their lifetime, translating to 12 puppies. Therefore, a female French Bulldog will have 12 puppies before they are considered old to carry more. In the rest of this article, I'll discuss litters as they relate to French Bulldog breeding and the number of puppies. I will also cover the factors that limit a French Bulldog's ability to reproduce. Keep reading to learn more. A French Bulldog will typically have three puppies on average in a litter. This is a low number compared to other dog breeds like Golden Retrievers, which usually have more than eight puppies in a litter. It's worth mentioning that although rare, French Bulldogs can have up to eight puppies in a litter. However, this is considered unsafe owing to the French Bulldog's body size and shape. This means that a French Bulldog carrying more than four puppies at a time is in danger of dying from pregnancy-related complications. As a Frenchie parent, you're interested in knowing how many puppies your Frenchie can have over their lifetime. The number of puppies a Frenchie can have in a lifetime depends on the number of litters. A French Bulldog can have a maximum of four litters in its lifetime. Each of these litters will have an average of three puppies, translating to .Thus, you can expect your Frenchie to give you approximately 12 puppies in her lifetime. It's essential to consider the reproductive age when figuring out the number of pups your Frenchie can have in a lifetime. Most dog breeds, Frenchies included, reach reproductive maturity at six to nine months. Although French Bulldog females usually have their first heat as early as four months old, it's not advisable to breed the dog this early. Breeding a French Bulldog on her first heat exposes her to: Stunted growth Premature aging Complications during pregnancy and birth Even when a French Bulldog has had multiple litters, you should only breed her after two years. For safe delivery and recovery, veterinarians advise that the breeding period should not exceed eight years. However, some breeders inseminate their dogs after eight years to get more puppies. For this reason, knowing the factors that affect litter size will help you decide when to breed your Frenchie. The following are the main factors that affect litter size in French Bulldogs: Hormone Imbalance Frenchie females with a hormone imbalance will often undergo false pregnancies. In most cases, the dog will behave like she is pregnant even though there isn't any puppy inside her. Hypothyroidism is a hormonal imbalance problem in dogs that causes weight gain, lethargy, and depression. In extreme cases, it can cause abortion or decreased litter size in females. Age The older your French Bulldog gets, the smaller the litter size. Dogs bred between two and five years have larger litters because they are still young with more active reproductive hormones. By the time the dog is six years old, the litter size decreases significantly as the reproductive hormones become less active. Genetics Genetics play a role in determining your dog's ability to have puppies at any point in its lifetime. If both parents have a small litter size, you'll most likely have fewer puppies from your Frenchie mom. A mother with a bigger and broader family tree will have bigger litters. Therefore, you're more likely to get larger Frenchie pups if the mom comes from a family of bigger French Bulldogs. Health Healthy dogs can carry healthier and larger puppy litters. For example, your Frenchie can have a healthier and bigger litter if she has good nutrition. That's why it's essential to feed the dog with high-quality pet food throughout pregnancy. You may have questions like: When is the right time to breed my Frenchie? What are the steps to take in preparing for this process? What should I expect when giving birth? To make the experience smooth, here are the two crucial steps to follow: Artificial Insemination Apart from the hassles of looking for an appropriate and healthy stud dog, the narrow hips of French Bulldogs make natural mating hard. As a result, most Frenchie parents rely on artificial insemination. You must get a canine veterinarian to draw sperm from the stud dog and insert it into the female's reproductive tract. This process is usually done two to three times for positive results. The veterinarian will also be in charge of monitoring the pregnancy's progress. Therefore, you must keep in touch with your veterinarian to monitor the dog's progress and prepare for labor. French Bulldogs have a gestation period of approximately 63 days. The day your Frenchie goes into labor will be significantly different for each dog. Besides being responsible for the C-section procedure, your vet will guide you on what to expect during this period. Furthermore, they will take you through how to deal with any complications that may arise after delivery. It's worth mentioning that taking your Frenchie mom through natural birthing can expose them to dystocia. Unfortunately, 1. Factors That Limit a French Bulldog's Reproductive Ability Two to four puppies in a litter is a low number compared to other dog breeds. Why do French Bulldogs have such a small litter size? Read on to find out the limiting factors. Physical Conformation The physical nature of French Bulldogs makes it challenging for them to reproduce in large numbers. French Bulldogs have narrow hips. Although these hips make the dog beautiful, they hinder natural mating. This explains why these dogs are bred through artificial insemination. It's also hard for French Bulldogs to birth naturally due to their large heads. Consequently, most French Bulldogs undergo cesarean section C-section procedures. Due to their large heads, whelping your Frenchie mom naturally is a risky affair that can lead to: The pups getting stuck in the birth canal The mother suffering from complications such as hemorrhage or uterine rupture Injuring the pups Therefore, although costly and risky, C-section is the most humane option for helping your Frenchie canine give birth. Brachycephalic Breed Frenchies are among the brachycephalic dog breeds. Brachycephalic dog breeds have short nostrils and flattened muzzles with longer bottom jaws than the top ones. Due to their squished face, these dogs have difficulty breathing and cooling. This makes them prone to overheating. Moreover, the squished face exposes most of these dogs to Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS. This syndrome makes breathing a struggle, leading to challenges in carrying pregnancies and giving birth. Prenatal Care for a French Bulldog Your Frenchie's prenatal care should start as soon as she is pregnant. Here are some key areas to focus on: Diet Your dog needs a high-quality diet to support her pregnancy. A healthy, natural diet will strengthen the dog's body, allowing it to accommodate the mom and pups. Pregnant dogs need the following nutrients : Calcium: 1 to 1. Shopping French bulldogs are a popular breed loved by many. However, certain factors such as the age and health of the mother can impact litter size. How many French bulldog puppies are born in a litter? The average litter size of French bulldogs is small compared to other breeds, with usually only puppies born in a litter. These puppies are typically born between eight and ten weeks old and weigh around two to three pounds at birth. Within the first few hours, French bulldog puppies can stand and walk, and they will nurse for around twelve to fourteen hours. It is recommended that French bulldog puppies are spayed or neutered at six to eight months old. Keeping these facts in mind will help owners prepare for the arrival of these adorable pups. Typically, French bulldog puppies are born in February or March and weigh around pounds at birth. Taking them for short walks, playing fetch, or allowing them to run around in a safe area can help keep them healthy and happy. By following these steps, you can ensure that your French bulldog puppies grow up to be healthy and happy dogs. Health concerns for French bulldogs puppies French bulldogs are prone to various health concerns, including hip dysplasia, bloat, seizures, skin allergies, eye problems, and ear infections. Unfortunately, French bulldog puppies are born with a high mortality rate. Providing your pup with proper nutrition and regular exercise can also help prevent health issues from arising. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian in case you suspect any health issues. They will be able to provide the necessary medications and guide you through the process of caring for French bulldogs puppies. Taking good care of your puppy from an early age can go a long way in ensuring they grow up healthy and happy. What are the risks associated with French bulldog breeding? French bulldogs generally give birth to puppies per litter, making them a popular breed for those looking to start breeding. However, French bulldog breeding comes with its own set of risks, including health problems and even death in the puppies. Raising French bulldog puppies can also be challenging due to their temperament and specific needs. They require extensive training and socialization before they are ready to be placed with a new family. Additionally, French bulldogs need a lot of daily exercise which can be difficult if you live in an urban area. It is important to take all these factors into consideration before deciding to breed a French bulldog or adopt one as a pet. Published Apr 26th, Get 12 months of mentorship and learning to grow your business confidence and profits Our mission is to help you unlock your potential through brilliant content and training. Join our list to stay up to date on our latest features and courses, and any special offers and free classes. By employing an image background remover tool, you can effortlessly remove the background from an image, leaving only the main subject in focus. To be precise, a French Bulldog can have as many as eight pups in a single litter. This is extremely rare, and is not considered safe. So, the average litter tends to be between one and three puppies. This is quite a low number of puppies, considering the average litter size for all dog breeds is between 5 and 6 pups. Some breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, have larger litters. They can produce as many as 12 pups at a time, so why do Frenchies have such small litters? Pregnancy can be a daunting and anxious time for any mother. This is especially the case for Frenchie moms because they are so small. They can have as many as five puppies, but large litters are rare. Why does being small affect the whelping process? One of the main problems is that female French Bulldogs have very narrow hips. These dogs are famous for their large heads and shoulders, and puppies can easily become lodged in the birth canal, posing a risk to themselves, their siblings, and their mother. Because of this, most Frenchie puppies are born by C-section. In fact, a qualified veterinarian should always be on hand throughout the pregnancy. The gestation period lasts for around 63 days birth can occur between 8 and 10 weeks, but it usually takes place at 9 weeks. After around 43 days, your vet will be able to give an idea of how many pups are present. A sonogram will provide a much better image, and enable your vet to let you know exactly how many baby Frenchies the mother is carrying. Hopefully, there will be no more than three. Any more than this number will mean that the pups will have to be much smaller; thus, increasing the chances of sickness and complications. These dogs are small enough already, so a runt or two! So, how many puppies can a French Bulldog have? Ideally, no more than three in one litter! A Female French Bulldog is usually able to safely produce four smaller litters throughout her lifetime, though most responsible and respected breeders limit it to three, with a fourth litter being the absolute maximum. That might not seem a lot, especially when you consider that they have an average lifespan of 12 years. However, although they get their first heat cycle between 6 and 9 months of age, it is not considered safe for them to become pregnant until they are at least 2 years old. Likewise, when they reach 8 years of age, their pup-bearing days are considered to be over. The key lies in that word in the first line of this section: safely. Experts agree that breeding them before 2 years and after 8 years of age significantly increases the risks involved. That just leaves a six-year window of opportunity in which they can whelp. So, three or four litters in six years? Is that reasonable? This is a matter for debate. Some breeders will risk pushing for more, while others will play it safe. Remember, the majority of these pups will be born via C-section. It is vital that you discuss a plan and schedule a time and date for the surgery to take place, as you need to rule out as much as possible an emergency C-section. A mother that is already in labor will face a greater risk of complications and health problems because she will already be exhausted and dehydrated. The mother or dam, in breeding terminology should be fully recovered from the operation within 3 weeks, after which time, she should be able to focus on weaning her pups. What it comes down to is the motives behind wanting to breed your Frenchie. However, this is morally and ethically questionable behavior. These are living, breathing creatures that feel pain and fear. They are loving and affectionate companions, and they deserve our respect, care, and love in return. Reputable French Bulldog breeders will wait until their female Frenchies are at least 2 years old, then breed one litter every second year. This gives them plenty of time to recover fully, and be in excellent health, ready for the next breeding session. In theory, the male dog can mate every day! Also, once again, the word breeding implies that this is a simple, natural process. Not for Frenchies! Under normal conditions, other dog breeds will copulate without too much trouble. This can take as long as twenty minutes, in which time, the two are locked together. The poor old male Frenchie will struggle to do this, partly because of his overly large head, little legs, and narrow hips. If he manages to successfully mount the female, he may have difficulty maintaining the tie because of the physical exertion involved. This is because French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed including Pugs, English Bulldogs, and Boxers , meaning that they are bred with a flattened face and a short muzzle. One effect of brachycephalism is that the airways can be restricted because of an excess of soft tissue inside the nose and mouth. Sadly, many French Bulldog owners are not aware of this condition, and fail to act in time, resulting in the death of their beloved pet. BOAS can cause choking, breathlessness, and wheezing during physical activity or while snoring, and could lead to collapse. It also causes overheating. Dogs that have naturally long muzzles use them to regulate their body temperature. For all these reasons, natural copulation is not usually an option, and the majority of breeders use artificial insemination to impregnate the female. She will probably have to undergo a C-section, and will need adequate time to recover. For that reason, she should ideally only be bred three times during her life. A fourth time should absolutely be the last, and should take place before she reaches 8 years of age. Once again, the answer is no. It has to be said that these physical traits are intentional, and are laid down in the breed standards of the American Kennel Club AKC and other organizations. Veterinary surgeons recognize the risks involved, but they are confident that cesarean sections are basically safe. This procedure puts them in overall control, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, it should go smoothly. Allowing the dam to go through a natural birthing process is considered a far higher risk to the mother and her pups. Your vet will be able to tell you whether it is practical or even possible. This should be followed to the letter, and it will involve your assistance. Under no circumstances should you leave the mother dog to do this by herself! Before the big day arrives, you should do as much research as possible in order to recognize the signs. Watch videos on Frenchie websites that show pups being born. Set up a quiet, safe space for the mother dog. Above all, if it looks like she is in any distress at all, or a pup looks like it is stuck in the birth canal, seek medical assistance immediately. We know that a Frenchie mom will probably give birth to three pups in one litter. It could be one, or it might be five. On very rare occasions, it could be even more. This is a bad thing, and it could be a serious health risk to the mother and her pups. So, with an average of three pups, starting from when the mother dog is 2 years of age and finishing when she is 8, with a break of one year between each litter, she will possibly have nine pups in her lifetime, but possibly twelve. This is one of the reasons why French Bulldogs are so expensive. The big question here is: why do you want to breed your Frenchie? Is it really worth the risk? If you are committed to this, then seek all the advice and help that you can. However, for anyone with a female Frenchie who has no plans to breed, the very best thing you can do is have them spayed as soon as possible. Post navigation. Indeed, they have inspired an entire fashion industry of French Bulldog clothing, accessories, and even jewelry. That popularity has made an already expensive breed even more valuable. But why do Frenchies cost so much in the first place? The answer lies in their limited ability to reproduce. The average French Bulldog litter consists of 3 puppies. Although some have successfully carried and birthed up to 7 pups, that happens very rarely. In comparison, the average Golden Retriever produces 8 puppies in a litter. Beagles, for example, typically give birth to 6 puppies at a time while pugs produce 5 pups in an average litter. Frenchies typically carry up to 4 litters in their lifetime. Although their average life expectancy is around 12 years old, they can only breed safely between 2 and 8 years old. That limitation affects the number of Frenchie puppies born each year, which directly impacts the value of the breed. Canadian Moto French Bulldogs wearing Frenchie harnesses. French Bulldogs have difficulty reproducing in large numbers because of their physical conformation. Although organizations like the American Kennel Club and the French Bull Dog Club of America see to it that breed standards are upheld, even the healthiest Frenchies will have trouble breeding naturally and copiously. One of the biggest reproductive concerns in French Bulldogs is their narrow hips. French Bulldogs also have trouble birthing naturally. The large heads that are so often perfectly adorned with Frenchie jewelry make a caesarean section necessary. Additionally, the French Bulldog is among the brachycephalic breeds that have breathing issues simply because of their short muzzles and flat faces. Because of this and the way their bodies are built, pregnancy and birthing can be too stressful on their bodies and could become fatal. The limited number of puppies a Frenchie can produce in her lifetime is one of the biggest reasons why this breed is so expensive. And because fewer puppies mean an even smaller probability of producing rare-colored French Bulldogs, the value of specific pedigrees are even higher. For most of us, that cost means settling for getting our Frenchie fix on social media where canine celebrities provide endless joy as they show off the latest in French Bulldog fashion. Dogs of this nature tend to be smaller, and also have smaller amounts of puppies. And with French bulldog dams the females they have very narrow hips and small body. If a female Frenchie does have a large litter of over 3, there can be health implications for the puppies. They will probably be underweight, with the weaker ones in the litter struggling to get the milk they need during the first few weeks of being born. How many times a year can a French bulldog have puppies? How many litters can a French bulldog have in a year? They should not have any more than 1 litter a year, and most preferably every other year. Because they are delivered via C-section, the female needs time to recover and recuperate, so anything intensive is just cruel and designed to make money. For more information on Frenchie C-sections, click here. How many litters can a French bulldog have? Most female Frenchies have around 4 litters in total, although I have heard of irresponsible breeders who try to get more from them. This litter size of 4 puppies is quite normal, with the average amount of puppies being 3. If you are thinking about buying a French bulldog puppy, talk to the breeder and find out how many litters she has had. How long is a French bulldog pregnancy? Frenchies very rarely give birth naturally, with most puppies being delivered by C-section. A French bulldog pregnancy the gestation period i. She will typically deliver by Caesarean section and will have on average around 3 puppies in her litter. Frenchie breeders will often use artificial insemination to get their females pregnant, as this breed find it very hard to mate naturally due to their narrow hips. You can read more about how long a Frenchie is pregnant for elsewhere on the website. When people say a dog is in heat, what they actually mean is that they are in their oestrus cycle. It is very similar to when a human female gets a period. When a Frenchie dam is on her oestrus cycle it means she has gone into heat and will accept a mate and could end up getting pregnant. French bulldogs go into heat from the point they reach sexual maturity. The regularity of their oestrus cycles tends to be every 6 months on average but will vary from dog to dog. It can take up to 2 years for a French bulldog to develop regular heat patterns. Female French bulldogs can gain sexual maturity as young as 5 months old. At that point, if they have started to have regular oestrus cycles, they are at risk of getting pregnant. Do French bulldogs always need C-sections? If your French bulldog does have puppies naturally, it can be very dangerous for both the female and the litter. Handy Hint: French Bulldogs mating naturally is a very rare occurrence. It can lead to health risks too. Find out more about why Frenchies should not breed naturally in this new blog post. The last word French bulldogs make for great companions and pets. If you browse other guides on the website, you will see plenty of photos and videos of Claude, our own Frenchie. However, in recent years their popularity has exploded, and this has led to an increase in unscrupulous breeders who use irresponsible methods of breeding. This can result in poor health — read the various health problems that Frenchies are prone to. If you are thinking about buying a Frenchie, please do your research into the breeder before you even consider buying from them. Boxer 6 — 8 This table shows that breeds like Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds tend to have larger litters compared to Frenchies. Variations Based on Specific Factors Just like people, every Frenchie is unique and various factors can influence the total number of puppies in each litter. Here are some key factors: Health: As mentioned earlier, a healthy mother will usually have a larger litter compared to one with health problems. Age: The age of the mother can also impact the size of her litter. Older dogs 5 years and exceeding may have fewer puppies than younger ones. Genetics: Some dogs naturally produce more offspring due to their genetic makeup. But just how many puppies do French bulldogs have? The range of puppies in a French bulldog litter can vary widely. You might be wondering why that is. Frenchie Litter Sizes: The Basics Typically, a female french bulldog will give birth to three or four puppies in a single litter. Some litters may have as few as two puppies while others could boast up to five or six. So what causes these variations? Several factors come into play: Genetics: Just like human families where some have twins or triplets more commonly than others, some dog breeds are predisposed to having large litters. Age: Younger female dogs 17 months or younger tend to have smaller litters compared to their older counterparts. Health: A healthy mother equals healthy pups! Dogs with good overall health and nutrition may produce larger litters. But wait! Are there instances when the number of French bulldog puppies goes beyond the typical range? Surgical insemination is exactly as it sounds. They go in and place the semen right on the eggs. This is an invasive surgery and requires 2 week recovery time like a spay would. Selective Breeding: Breeders sometimes selectively breed dogs with a history of large litters in hopes of replicating the result. Large litters can pose risks for both mother and pups such as difficult labor, higher risk for congenital defects, less attention per puppy. I whelped a litter for a friend. The dog had previously had a litter of 3 perfect puppies in her first litter. The second litter, conceived by surgical insemination, was 10 puppies, with a cocktail of problems, heart murmurs and other defects that caused failure to thrive. I think 6 of the 10 puppies made it. The parent paring was exactly the same, but insemination method was different. Make sure your females are getting adequate nutrition from the moment she completes her first breeding through the first 30 days. These dogs are known for their brachycephalic short-nosed features, which can lead to health concerns during pregnancy and birth. A responsible breeder understands that these adorable pups are prone to complications such as dystocia, or difficult labor, often requiring veterinary intervention like C-sections. Great General Health is Imperative Other factors such as vaginitis and bladder infections are common but if left untreated can cause problems for pups as well if bacteria travels up into the uterus. Before Portia was bred in she had some vaginitis. After c section, I was told the placentas on 2 of the 3 pups were dark green and just gross. General Daily Health is Extremely Important French bulldogs are more susceptible than other breeds to things like pancreatitis and yes pancreatitis can cause a dogs pregnancy to fail, along with other serious health issues such as stroke, organ failures, and death. When breeding you need to make sure your dog is in tip top shape not only to carry her pups but to also produce healthy pups. Why would you want it any other way anyway?! They may need a totally different protein, different fat content, different feeding schedule. Make sure your dogs are getting the proper amount of exercise as well. An underweight dog can be just as sick as an over weight dog as well with nutrient deficiencies, low bone density, and more. These things pass on to puppies, why take that chance. Why put that on a pup and new owner knowingly? In alone I have seen 3 dogs get diagnosed with pancreatitis, one of which is severely overweight. Only 1 of the 3 dogs had a successful pregnancy. Litter size plays a significant role in the well-being of both mother and pups. On the flip side, too small a litter might indicate underlying health issues. Breeders need to strike that balance — not too big, not too small — just right! In contrast, irresponsible breeders might overlook these risks for quick profit — leaving unsuspecting new owners grappling with hefty vet bills down the line. As mentioned above health is the most important factor. Their large heads and narrow hips make natural birth a challenge. Infections, blood loss, and anesthesia complications are some risks associated with cesarean sections. Newborn Frenchies may face difficulties such as low body temperature or breathing problems post-surgery. Believe it or not, anesthesia actually affects the pups as well. You need to find an experienced reproductive veterinarian who works with french bulldogs regularly. Knowing the proper dosage of anesthesia is extremely important for both mom and puppies. Too much can hurt both and cause puppies to be slow to wake or not wake at all. Pregnancy itself is taxing on their bodies due to potential complications like eclampsia or dystocia. Here are some health issues that can arise from cesarean sections: Infection: Surgical sites may become infected if not properly cared for. Hemorrhage: Blood loss during surgery is common but can lead to severe problems if excessive. Anesthesia complications: Adverse reactions to anesthesia can occur during or after surgery. Anesthesia Reaction- muscle contractions, she was fine but it did freak me out. A call to my vet confirmed it was only from anesthesia, and not to worry This Photo is minor compared to some of the incision problems I have seen on facebook. Sutures need to be on the inside with sutures or vet bond on the outside. Also, not just 1 long single string of sutures. The weight of the body is too much for one string. Sometimes the pups have so much spit it disrupts the glue seal. This one was a quick easy fix, but if you notice anything wrong with the incision site, call your vet immediately. Breathing problems: Puppies might have difficulty breathing post-surgery due to fluid in their lungs. During the last c section we had 1 pup that was slow to wake due to the cold. Once he was brought to proper temp, everything was fine and he is thriving! Below is a photo of him now! Reproductive Limitations of a French Bulldog Physical Constraints and Fertility French Bulldogs, adored for their compact size and expressive faces, face significant reproductive health challenges due to their unique physical attributes. The narrow hips characteristic of the breed often lead to problems during the birthing processes. This reduced fertility is primarily why artificial insemination and cesarean sections are commonly practiced. As such, many breeders resort to artificial insemination. Frequency of Litters The frequency at which a female French Bulldog can safely have litters is another factor that impacts their reproductive system. Rest Periods: Some people claim having a rest period between litters is necessary. With my vets permission, I have not done this. Portia, one of our smaller females, has more time in between heats. This past heat took 10 months to come back around. The average litter size? Usually around pups. But it can range from 1 to even 8 in some cases! On extreme rarity I have seen .Risks like birthing complications are common due to their unique physique, often necessitating C-sections for safer deliveries. They have their reproductive limitations which should be respected for their health and welfare. So there you have it! On average, a French Bulldog will have puppies per litter. Q2: How often can a French Bulldog safely have litters? Q3: Why do many French Bulldogs require C-sections for delivery? French Bulldogs often require C-sections due to their narrow hips which can complicate natural birth. X ray will give you the best chances of predicting and knowing litter size. Q5: Are there risks involved in breeding French Bulldogs? Yes, there are risks such as birthing complications which may require veterinary intervention like C-sections. Unlike people though, an expectant dog mum-to-be has her work cut out for her, as she rarely, if ever, gives birth to a single puppy. The number of puppies that a bitch has is dependent on several factors, namely size the bigger the breed of dog, the more puppies they tend to have in a single litter and the physical characteristics of a breed. There are, however, no absolutes in nature, which means that the number of puppies that a French Bulldog has per litter can vary. The breed has a higher than average possibility of developing a condition called dystocia, which is similar to a breech birth in humans, but far more dangerous. French Bulldogs are up to twenty percent more likely to suffer from dystocia during pregnancy, which is one of the main reasons why your veterinarian will suggest that you opt for a C-section for your Frenchie. Giving birth is just as hard for a dog as it is for a human, and during and after the birth, your Frenchie will need to breathe harder and faster in order to ensure that her body has the oxygen it needs to make it through and recover from the trauma of having a litter of pups. For a brachycephalic dog like the Frenchie, this is much harder than it is for a normal dog and puts the mother at a much greater risk of cardiac arrest, which again is why most veterinarians will suggest that the safest option for any Frenchie mother is always a C-Section. The procedure also carries a risk to the puppies and can put their lives in danger as well, so the fewer C-sections that your dog has to endure, the more likely she, and her puppies, are to emerge from one unscathed. Which most Frenchies are. Always insist on seeing the paperwork, and the mother dog before you agree to buy a puppy. Before we begin, a word of caution. Most Frenchies tend to reach maturity between eighteen months and two years of age, which is why most breeders tend to let their dogs mate between the ages of two and seven. The typical gestation period the length of a pregnancy for a French Bulldog is between sixty and sixty-three days, and the dog can enter labor at any point during that time. In the first month of her pregnancy, you might notice that your Frenchie starts to become even more affectionate than she already is and that her appetite has increased. Her appetite might start to wane toward the end of the second month, as her body starts to prepare to give birth. Post navigation.

Choosing a Miniature Poodle For centuries, the poodle has been one of the most popular breeds in the world and a symbol of elegance and opulent luxury. The poodle is associated with France, but many countries have laid claim to the breed. Available in three different sizes and many different colors, there is a poodle for every taste. Click here for the complete story on Top Dog Breeds of the Year .History and Origin Paintings representing the poodle date as far back as the 13th century. The exact country of origin is not known, but many people feel the breed may have come from Germany. Soon after development in Germany, the poodle quickly became very popular in France and was known as the caniche, or duck dog. The breed is considered their national dog. The poodle comes in three different varieties; standard, miniature and toy; however, the only difference is the size. The miniature poodle is classified in the non-sporting group by the American Kennel Club. The standard poodle is the oldest of the three sizes and was originally used to retrieve ducks in cold water. Soon after, the miniature and toy were developed. The toy poodle, the smallest variety, was well established in England by the 18th century and was commonly used in circuses and floor shows as dancing dogs. The miniature and toy poodle were also used for hunting and digging for truffles in French forests. Appearance Although they come in different sizes, the shape and appearance of the breed is the same. The poodle has a long head and muzzle with long, flat and wide hanging ears. The chest is deep and the tail is set high. Typically, the tail is docked when young. The hair coat of the poodle is curly and dense with a fine woolly texture and requires daily grooming. There are four common hair clips for the poodle. Size The miniature poodle stands 10 to 15 inches at the shoulder and weighs around 20 pounds. Personality The poodle is a pleasant dog that loves constant company. This dog hates to be alone and prefers the company of people instead of other dogs. They make excellent pets for children as well as the elderly and can adapt to a variety of environments. Training The poodle is an excellent swimmer and also does well on land. The breed is very intelligent and thought by many to be the most intelligent of all breeds. They learn quickly and readily, although some dogs tend to enjoy pleasing people by doing tricks instead of learning commands. Poodles have been trained successfully in obedience, hunting and even as guard dogs. Special Concerns The hair coat of the poodle requires daily care and grooming. The intelligent nature of the dog leads some to mischief if left alone for an extended period of time. Health Concerns Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint that results in pain, lameness and arthritis. Progressive retinal degeneration PRD is a disease that causes nerve cells at the back of the eye to degenerate. The condition usually begins in older pets and can lead to blindness. Epilepsy is a seizure disorder which develops between the ages of 2 to 5 years. Cataracts are opacities within the lens of the eye that affect vision. Hyperadrenocorticism is a disorder affecting the adrenal glands. When overactive, the adrenal glands secrete excessive cortisol, resulting in illness. Glaucoma is a painful and serious condition that causes pressure within the eye to increase which can cause blindness. Intervertebral disk disease IVDD is a disorder that affects the spinal disks resulting in pain, difficulty walking and possibly paralysis. Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland does not function adequately. Without enough thyroid hormone, illness can occur. Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the pancreas related to insufficient amounts of insulin production. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a serious heart condition that results in a large, thin walled heart muscle. Anal sac disease is an abnormality of the anal glands that can be caused by inflammation, impaction, infection or tumors. Medial patella luxation MPL is a condition in which the patella knee-cap no longer glides within its natural groove in the femur. Lameness can vary from an occasional hitch of the leg, like an intermittent skipping, to a persistent weight bearing lameness. Tracheal collapse is a weakening of the rings of the windpipe which can cause irritation and coughing. Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head is a progressive deterioration and collapse of the femoral head. Patent ductus arteriosis PDA a congenital birth defect caused by a blood vessel that normally closes after birth but remains open resulting in the passage of extra volumes of blood into the lungs. Chronic valvular disease is a progressive deterioration of the valves of the heart, which can lead to heart murmurs and heart failure. Subcutaneous injections may cause local hair loss in this breed. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis HGE is a disease syndrome seen in dogs, characterized by the acute sudden onset of bloody diarrhea. Hypoglycemia is a disorder associated with dangerously low blood sugar levels. Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis GME is a sporadic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Ectopic ureter is an abnormality present at birth in which one or both of the ureters that bring urine from the kidneys to the bladder fail to open into the bladder in the normal way. The affected animal is born with this problem and the resulting urinary incontinence usually begins at birth. Life Span The life span of the miniature is 15 to 18 years. We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only. We often say it to children, besotted with the idea of a fluffy companion, not with the routine of walking, cleaning, and looking after their pet. Choosing a dog is more than just selecting an animal. They call poodles the 2nd most intelligent dogs for a reason. It still pays to be prudent when purchasing a new dog — poodle or not. Selecting the right breeder First, before you even see a poodle puppy, you need to research a responsible breeder. The result: around 15 per cent of such puppies experience illness, vet treatments, and even worse, death in their first six months. So, take your time! But taking the time and consideration to do a little background research goes a long way. What to do: Good breeders will happily spend time chatting with you on the phone. In short: a good breeder is honest, open, and wants the best for their pups. Especially if you choose from one of the prestigious — and albeit more expensive — Kennel Club Assured Breeders. However, there are a few legal protections for which to look. First, ask to see their Local Authority license, which is a legal requirement for breeding and selling pets for money. You may also want to use a Puppy Contract. What is the Puppy Contract? A Puppy Contract is a tool designed to provide puppy buyers with all the relevant information to make an informed decision before purchasing a puppy. It guides prospective buyers through the process. For more information on the Puppy Contract, check out their website. Warning signs of a bad breeder Most breeders are fantastic and passionate. But unfortunately, some only want to make money — at any cost. Such breeders place profit before puppies, sacrificing their health and their standards in the process. Here are the warning signs to look out for: Delivers the puppy in a strange or unusual location, such as a car park. Poor breeders will be reluctant to show you their premises and the conditions in which the puppies were raised. If you receive such an offer, red lights should begin to flash in your mind. You should never purchase a puppy without seeing the mother. If a breeder tries to fob you off with their Kennel Club registration or such similar validation in place of actual vaccination and health records, do not be drawn in. This is a clever but deceitful trick. There can be no substitute for genuine, accurate veterinary records. Pressures you into spending money. Passes off health complaints as normal. Sure, there are certain conditions associated with certain breeds of dogs. However, puppies should always be in the best state of health when born. Still, they will weed out the cons from the genuine, passionate breeders. However, before you get too excited, remember our mantra: a puppy is for life, not just for Christmas. That means you have a lifetime of health risks with which to contend. Therefore, selecting the healthiest pup you can is essential. But how do you know? Look for food and water near the pups in clean dishes. All these may seem like basics, but they help determine the outcomes of a pup in their first few months. Puppies raised in squalor never do as well as their well-cared-for kin. Pedigree vs. Crossbreeds Most of us are familiar with the genetic problems inherent to certain breeds. Poodles are no different. These can be avoided if the breeder has done genetic tests to select the healthiest mums and dads. Ask to see their records. Theoretically, crossbreeds should remove some of these problems. Except, in the worst-case scenario, a pup can inherit problems from both parents. That way, you remove any doubt from the equation. This slow-digestion causes pressure to build up 20 per cent mortality rate. Thyroid problems: Either low or high thyroid conditions can occur in poodles. Symptoms are notoriously difficult to identify, however. Hip dysplasia: Here, the ligaments holding the hip ball-and-socket joint together are weak or underdeveloped, leading to a dislocation or relocation—the risk increases as the poodle ages. Epilepsy: A neurological disease in which the dog will be prone to seizures. Vaccinations are typically conducted by twelve weeks or older. They occur in two stages, and at the time of purchase, the puppy should have received both. You can guarantee this by checking the serial numbers and certification of the vaccines. Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog? Where can you buy or adopt a Miniature Poodle? Mini Poodles are very common in the United States. Out of breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and is least popular, Poodles rank 7th. Now, that statistic combines all Poodle sizes Toy, Miniature, and Standard , but that's okay because all three sizes are common. Mini Poodles may be turned over to Rescue because they need more grooming or daily companionship than the owner is willing or able to provide. Sometimes there are health issues, or shyness or anxiety issues. Other Poodles are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all. Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies Miniature Poodles are sometimes found here, but Poodle Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. If a Miniature Poodle turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog. Buying From a Dog Breeder You can buy a Miniature Poodle from a show breeder, who breeds their dogs to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. But I recommend that you avoid breeders who ONLY show their dogs in the conformation appearance ring. Some of these dogs only seem to have half a brain. It's okay if a breeder shows in conformation if he ALSO emphasizes high trainability. You can also buy a Miniature Poodle from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter. Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people. If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing and able to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Miniature Poodle ends up blind, and lame from bad joints. Poodles of all sizes are frequently found in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop! Which puppy? Registered name of the sire of this litter: Registered name of the dam of this litter: Do the parents of the litter have any titles are the parents champions or do they have performance titles in such areas as agility or obedience? What do the letters before and after their names mean? How long have you been involved in this breed? Preferably an individual should be involved in the breed several years before breeding a litter. They should have a thorough knowledge of genetics, animal husbandry, nutrition, the breed standard and animal behavior. How many litters do you have each year? The American Kennel Club AKC considers anyone who breeds 7 or more litters a year to be a high volume breeder subject to AKC inspections for record keeping and care and conditions. Raising a litter of puppies is a lot of work! Breeders who have puppies all the time or who raise a lot of puppies, may not be properly raising and socializing each individual pup. Responsible breeders do not have litters "for the money. How old are the sire and dam of this litter? It is strongly recommended in many breeds that no dog be bred before it is two years old. This is especially true of the larger breeds. Large dogs are slow to reach physical and mental maturity. Also, many orthopedic and genetic health problems may not surface until a dog is near or over two years of age. Breeders that care about the health of their dogs are not in a rush to breed them. Miniature sires and dams occasionally are used the first time when under the age of two, but all health testing should still be done before this first breeding. What health problems does this breed have? If a breeder claims that the breed has no inherited health problems, or that she isn't aware of any inherited health problems, politely end the conversation. All breeds have genetic health problems—some more than others. Every breeder should be knowledgeable about these problems and willing to share this information. This CHIC number shows that the breeder had recommended testing done and is willing to make the results of that testing public. Designation with a CHIC number does not show that the dog actually passed the testing, only that the tests were administered. Look at the test results for yourself. Have the parents' hips been x-rayed for evidence of hip dysplasia? Hip dysplasia does occur in smaller breeds. Hip dysplasia is a degenerative, often painful and crippling, hereditary disorder that can be treated in some cases by expensive surgery. OFA evaluates x-rays and diagnoses whether a dog is dysplastic or has normal hips. OFA certifies normal hips at 24 months. PennHIP also uses radiographic technology and is accurate in puppies as young as 16 weeks of age. No Miniature Poodle should be bred unless it has been x-rayed and its hips have been certified normal. If the answer to this question is yes, ask for the ratings. OFA ratings of excellent, good or fair are all considered normal. PennHIP ratings are a percentage; they show the proportion of dogs with better and worse hips. If the answer is no, decline to buy a puppy. Are they certified unaffected by OFA? LCP is a disorder of hip joint conformation occurring in both humans and dogs. In dogs, it is most often seen in the miniature and toy breeds between the ages of 4 months to a year. Although the mode of inheritance is currently unknown, no dog affected by LCP should be bred. If the answer to this question is yes, ask for your copy of the testing. If the answer is no and there is no normal hip certification, decline to buy a puppy. This is an optional test for Miniature Poodles, however, please keep in mind the hip certification is not optional. Have the dam and sire had their stifles screened by a veterinarian for patellar luxation? Are they certified normal by OFA? Were the grandparents screened and certified? Patellar luxation is often, but not always, a hereditary condition. The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint knee. When the kneecap luxates, the kneecap slips or pops out of joint either to the inside or the outside of the knee. Surgery may be required to fix this problem. Patellar luxation may be evident as soon as the puppy begins walking. Other forms manifest as late as 8 years old and all forms vary in severity. Veterinarians can do an evaluation to diagnose patellar luxation. OFA certification can be done at 12 months. If the answer is no, and the dog does not have a normal patella certification, decline to buy a puppy. Have the parents been x-rayed for elbow dysplasia? OFA evaluates x-rays and diagnoses whether a dog is dysplastic or has normal elbows. OFA certifies normal elbows at 24 months. If the answer is no, be aware that there have been Miniature Poodles which have been diagnosed as having dysplastic elbows and this condition may be hereditary. This is an optional test for Miniature Poodles. Have the dam and sire had their eyes checked and certified to be free of eye diseases, some of which are presumed to be hereditary, within the past 12 months by a veterinary ophthalmologist? Dogs must be examined annually for evidence of eye disorders. Poodles can be affected by cataracts, microphthalmia, micropapilla, optic nerve hypoplasia, glaucoma, and many other serious eye disorders some of which cause blindness. No dog that is affected with an eye disorder which is presumed to be inherited should be bred. A puppy carrying two genes for PRA will be affected with the disease. Dogs with prcd-PRA often become blind, and always have serious vision problems. There is no cure for PRA, but this condition is easily avoidable with proper testing and breeding. At least one parent must be clear to guarantee your puppy does not have the prcd form of PRA. A Poodle may also be deemed "clear by parentage" without needing to be tested itself. If the Optigen DNA testing was not recorded, ask to see the Optigen certificates and the registrations on the sire and dam along with grandsires and granddams and compare the names of the sire and dam with the Optigen certificates very carefully to ascertain that all of the grandparents are clear for the sire and dam of the puppies. Has there been any occurrence of seizures, epilepsy, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, Cushing's disease or Addison's disease in relatives of the sire or dam? Has either parent experienced any other major health problems? At the time of this writing, there are genetic health problems for which there is no screening or DNA test available. Unless you ask the breeder if the sire and dam have had a seizure or other health issue, or if any of the other listed diseases have occurred in any relatives, they may not volunteer this information. These problems may be hereditary and seem to be more prevalent in some families of dogs. Will you provide written copies of the results of all tests done on the sire and dam of this litter for hereditary health problems? Written reports are provided to the breeder whenever she has a dog tested for a genetic health problem. Reputable breeders are always happy to provide copies to prospective puppy buyers. Is all testing discussed above listed on the OFA website? If the answer to this question is yes, you will want to verify this for yourself. How do you socialize your puppies? At what age do you sell your puppies? No puppy should be separated from its mother and littermates before it is seven weeks old. Puppies who are separated before that age may not have learned to interact properly with their littermates. They may become dog aggressive as they get older. The best age to purchase a Miniature Poodle puppy is when it is between 8 and 12 weeks old. Puppies are neurologically complete at 7 weeks and their personalities are set by 12 weeks. It is illegal in many areas to sell a puppy under the age of 8 weeks. Will the puppies be checked by a veterinarian before they are sold? All puppies should be vet checked before leaving the breeder. Only a veterinarian can detect things such as heart murmurs. At eight weeks of age, the veterinarian can do an early check for any patella problem. Many breeders provide a certificate from the veterinarian certifying the health of the puppy. Which vaccinations will the puppy have when I purchase it? Every puppy should have at least one vaccination before it leaves the breeder's home. The vaccine will include distemper and parvovirus, and may also include hepatitis, parainfluenza or adenovirus. The type of vaccine depends on the breed and the schedule the breeder or veterinarian chooses to follow. Will the puppy be wormed before it is sold? Many puppies have roundworms when they are born. Puppies may need to be wormed several times, which can begin as early as three weeks of age. The breeder should provide a schedule of the dates on which the pup was wormed, and the medication and dosage administered. If the breeder does not automatically worm her puppies, she should have done a fecal examination to establish they are free of worms. If the breeder has a positive fecal result, she should disclose the type of worms present and the course of treatment used. Although the pup may have been wormed several times before it is sold, it is always wise to take a fecal sample to your vet at the time of the pup's first visit. Will the puppy be groomed before it's sold? How many times and how often has the puppy been groomed? All puppies should be bathed before they are sold. Their toenails should be trimmed and their ears cleaned. Poodle puppies should have their face, feet, and tail clipped as well. Poodles will be groomed regularly over the course of their lives. Breeders should recognize this and should socialize the puppies to being groomed regularly. Puppies who have been groomed on a regular basis accept this process with less stress. What will I receive along with the puppy? Many other registries will register any dog for a fee, but they offer no guarantee of parentage, nor do they provide titling events to test conformation or trainability of the dogs they register. In some cases, the breeder may withhold the registration paperwork until the buyer has fulfilled certain contractual agreements, such as having the puppy altered by a specified age; this is an acceptable practice. Many breeders also provide a "puppy manual" which includes information on a variety of topics which may include housebreaking, training, nutrition, and recommended books. If they do not provide such a manual, you may obtain your own puppy manual from VIP. What is the price of the puppy? Prices may vary depending on quality, sex, color, and area of the country. There is usually an acceptable range within which breeders charge for puppies of each breed. A significant deviation from that range either much higher or much lower should send up a red flag to the buyer. Do not look for "bargains" or "sale prices. A price that is much higher than what other reputable breeders are charging in the same area may mean this particular breeder has an over inflated sense of value about her own dogs. Paying a much higher price from what other breeders in the same area are charging does not necessarily mean the dog is better. You may, however, pay more if you are buying from a reputable breeder who does obtain titles on breeding stock and does the recommended testing as she has more money invested in her breeding stock. These are marketing tools. Can I pick the puppy I want from the litter to be sure I get the temperament and type of dog I'm looking for in a companion? The breeder should ask you many questions about your family and your lifestyle. The breeder will want to know what your expectations are for this puppy. Do you want a bigger dog? Are you looking for one that will bark when someone comes to the door? In most cases, the breeder will select a puppy that she feels will meet your needs. In every litter, there will be a variation of personalities. Some puppies will be more outgoing than others. Some will be quieter than their littermates. Every puppy needs a home, and it's up to the breeder to match each puppy with a prospective buyer. Many books advise that a prospective buyer select the puppy that immediately comes right up to them. That puppy may be the dominant puppy in a litter. Not every buyer will want, or should have, the most dominant puppy in a litter! The same rule applies to a quiet or shy puppy. That puppy does not belong in a family with four young children! Breeders study the litter from the time the litter is born. They know the personalities of each puppy, and they are the best person to make the decision about which puppy goes to which family. However, if the puppy the breeder selects for you does not fulfill your expectations, be sure to let the breeder know right away that you are not satisfied and make arrangements to return the puppy. The breeder that does sell on contract cares enough about the animal to assure that it is not being used and abused as a puppy mill dog. It also shows that the breeder is concerned about pet overpopulation and maintaining the Miniature Poodle as a quality breed. Are you willing to help me with questions and concerns I may have about the puppy for its entire life? Breeders do have a responsibility to the animal's welfare even after the puppy is sold. Responsible breeders want to make sure that their dogs are always in good, safe, loving homes for the life of the dog. Responsible breeders will also be interested in knowing how the dog is doing throughout its lifetime. Be prepared for a clause in the contract that says the breeder will want the puppy back if you cannot keep the puppy at anytime during its life. Additional Information to Request from the Breeder Ask for at least three references from people who own puppies purchased from this breeder. If the breeder cannot provide three references from puppy buyers, ask for a reference from her mentor or other person who can vouch for her. Name, phone number, e-mail address: 1. June 2, by Scarlet's Fancy Poodles Choosing a puppy is an exciting part of adding a dog to your family. There are many things to consider when picking out your poodle. Following this logic will assure that you get the most active and playful puppy which is fun right now. But will an active puppy suit you in the long term? Keep in mind the following points when you go to pick up your new family member: Health Before you even consider any other details about your puppy, make sure you are going to a reputable breeder with a great reputation for healthy puppies. The breeder should have had each puppy pre-checked by the vet and have printed documentation of the visit. The paperwork will describe if the puppy has any abnormalities such as heart murmur, hernia, cleft palate, or luxating patellas. Male or Female? Does the sex of your puppy matter to you? There a many obvious differences between male and female dogs, but they can also vary in personality. Overall, male poodles tend to be laid back in nature while female poodles tend to be the leaders. Size Poodles come in a variety of sizes. Decide which size will work best for you. Toy Poodles are itty bitty and max out their growth at ten inches tall from the shoulder down. Toy poodles are ideal if you are planning on toting your puppy around with you regularly. Small children can make them nervous and so it might be more difficult for toy poodles to adjust to families with small children. Miniature Poodles will grow to be 15 inches or smaller. They require a bit more space to play than a smaller variety, but they adapt well with children. Moyen Poodles are a popular size choice in European Countries. A Moyen Poodle will weigh between 20 and 30 pounds. Because of their larger size, the Moyen Poodle is more ideal for families with children that are looking to add a poodle to their household. Personality Personality is the most important thing to consider when choosing your puppy. They are rated the 1 most trainable dog of all the breeds, which makes them a top choice for many pet owners. They are also playful and love to be around people. Are you partial to a calm dog, or are you looking for somebody playful? Make a list of qualities that your dream dog will possess and share it with your breeder. They will be able to point you in the direction of the puppy that matches up best with your needs. As the breeder, we spend lots of time getting to know each puppy so we can help when it comes time to make the decision. Show Dog, or Pet? Depending on your plans for your puppy, you will want to discuss your options with your breeder. They can point you in the direction of a puppy that will make a successful show dog. The only problem is where to start. I would like to know the differences between toy and miniature poodles. Is it true toy poodles are fragile and cannot climb stairs? Is it true that a black poodle with the cute white spot under its chin eventually will turn silver? How do I pick a healthy puppy? A--The only real difference between toy and miniature poodles is the size. Occasionally a toy poodle will be born oversize and actually can qualify as being a miniature. For example, a toy poodle would be likely to be more seriously injured if stepped on than its larger counterpart. I would not by any means consider a toy an extremely fragile dog. More than anything else, your choice comes down to personal preference. In terms of personality and health, a good toy and a good miniature are practically identical. Advertisement Breeders say there is no foolproof way of knowing for certain that a black poodle puppy will not become silvery. The safest way you can get a dog that will stay black is to purchase it from a breeder you know and trust and who will attest that the lines have been black with never a glint of silver. In this manner, you can be assured of getting a black puppy that will stay black. Looking at a pedigree that has the colors listed probably would be your best assurance. How to pick a healthy puppy out of a litter? First pick a healthy litter. Make certain the litter is kept in a clean area, that all the puppies are chubby, or at least not skinny, that they have well-kept coats not matted with either food or fecal material. The puppies should be perky, alert and responsive. If a litter of pups has two that fit that description well, but the others do not, hesitate to take any pup from that litter. If some of the puppies have parasite problems or the beginning of some viral disease, the chances are good that all members of this litter will become afflicted. Also get a good impression about the home environment. Picking out the individual puppy from this healthy litter comes down to choosing one whose personality you like best. And you should do this within 24, at the latest 48, hours after your purchase. Make this part of your purchase agreement: If something negative shows up at such an examination that is a problem, the puppy can be returned. Q--My husband and I recently became senior citizens. We are concerned about our dog, who is also a senior citizen. Can Herman, half German shepherd and half Doberman, transmit multiple sclerosis? A--The virus that causes canine distemper and the virus that causes human measles are very closely related. However, people never get distemper and dogs never get measles. This triggered the belief that there may be a connection between those two. This assumption that old dogs lose their immunity and, therefore, transmit the disease to people is absolutely without foundation. For that reason, maintaining their vaccination status and giving them more frequent physical exams is very important to keep them healthy. Q--Recently I read an article in which many useful purposes were given for vinegar, as outlined by the Vinegar Institute of Atlanta. One use was a teaspoon of vinegar for each quart of drinking water to help keep your pet free of fleas and ticks. Have you ever heard of this? I would like to try it, but our dog has a condition that requires frequent pH testing and has to be on 1, milligrams of DL Methionine daily. I am wondering if this amount of vinegar would affect the pH balance unfavorably. A--Vinegar has no effect on fleas. Advertisement The diet your dog is on already tends to increase the acidity lower the pH of her fluids, even though the Methionine was given for another reason. Flea control requires three-way treatment: directed at the home, at the yard and at the pet. Anything done merely to the animal will not suffice, and I think that the most important thing you can do is to discuss flea control with your vet. Huntington welcomes questions from readers. Although she cannot reply to them individually, she will answer those of general interest in this column. Write to Dr. Michigan Ave. Urinary stones Intervertebral disk degeneration Other issues that you might run into with a miniature poodle are ear infections, runny eyes, skin allergies, heart disease, and premature graying of the coat. Having a DNA test to check for progressive retinal atrophy is also a good idea for miniature poodles. Diet and Nutrition for Miniature Poodles Miniature poodles do not typically have dietary issues and are fairly easy-going with food. They are not as picky of eaters as some other dog breeds of similar sizes. Choose dry dog foods that have high-quality grains and proteins. Sweet potatoes and brown rice are good ingredients to look for in miniature poodle foods. As a general rule, feed your miniature poodle about one cup of dry dog food per day. You can reduce this amount slightly if your dog is not very active. Otherwise, you will be putting your miniature poodle at risk for obesity. Most pet parents feed miniature poodles twice per day, in the morning and again in the evening. Feeding your dog in two eating sessions rather than leaving food out all day is another effective way to prevent obesity in your miniature poodle. Miniature poodle puppies tend to be in high demand in the U. The Poodle Club of America is a parent club for the breed and nonprofit organization that offers resources for reputable breeders and general information about these types of dogs. Alternatively, you may be able to adopt a miniature poodle who is in need of a loving home from a rescue group. There are also local and regional rescue groups that are devoted to miniature poodles in various parts of the country. Related Breeds Miniature poodles are very unique dogs, but there are other similar types of dogs that you might be interested in as well if you love the poodle breed. Here are some additional dogs to learn about before you decide to purchase or adopt a miniature poodle: Irish water spaniel.

Royal George Goldendoodles is a very small home breeding operation that produces only a few puppies every year from their two breeding dogs. The puppies are F1BB medium Goldendoodles. That gives you the opportunity to meet the breeder in person, check out the conditions in which the breeding dogs and puppies are kept, and get an overall vibe for the setup. The kennels should be clean, bright, and airy with fresh water available to the occupants at all times. The dogs should have access to some outside space, and they should have comfortable beds and a few toys, too. If the breeder declines your request to visit them without a valid reason, for example, due to Covid restrictions, you should be suspicious and make further inquiries about the operation. Any breeder who suggests meeting at a service station or some other random place to pick up your puppy should be avoided. These are classic red flags for puppy mills. Both dogs should be friendly, well-socialized, in good condition, and well-groomed. Personal Experience When I went to see my puppy, he was in a pen with his Mom and siblings. That was great to see, as it gave me a clear indication that her babies would grow up with similar temperaments. Dad was eager to meet his visitors and appeared relaxed and happy in his home. So far, my puppy is proving to be a happy little guy with an outgoing, friendly nature. Everyone we meet stops to pet the pup, and he just takes everything in his stride. Medical History All puppies take some of their genes from each parent. So, you want to be sure that the pups are healthy and free from genetic abnormalities that could cause health problems in the future. A responsible breeder will have their breeding stock health-screened for congenital health problems that could be passed down to their progeny. GANA recommends that Goldendoodles are tested as follows:. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Carmel Indiana and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! Sept 14, Happy Thursday! Thanks so much for visiting our site! We think that our smaller golden doodles are the perfect family addition! We absolutely love the temperament of golden retrievers, but not so much the size and the shedding. Our goal is to give you a puppy with a great temperament, in a smaller size, without all of the shedding. We would love to help your family adopt one of our mini or toy Goldendoodles. We want to make this process as much fun as we can! Our deposits are refundable for any reason for up to two years. After 18 years of raising mini golden doodles, we have learned that the daily personal interaction with our dogs and the puppies, leads to a more well rounded and well adjusted puppy. We raise F1 mini doodles, F1b mini doodles and F1b toys. For those with more severe allergies, this may be the way to go. .Our minis average pounds and our toys average pounds full grown. You can visit our photo gallery to see pictures of our past and present puppies! There are hundreds and hundreds of pictures in the photo gallery so get comfortable!!! Reach out to us anytime! Our farms have lots of room to run and a creeks to play in! With our kids, our nieces and nephews and extended families, the puppies get lots of love, playtime and socialization. This allows them to be more well adjusted little puppies when they go to their new homes. We have Mini Goldendoodle Puppies Available! Sept 14, We have puppies!! Puppy Picks happen on the day that the puppies get to go home. This is so that families can better see the temperaments of the puppies, making it easier for them to choose the right puppy for their family. Some families are looking for a couch potato, some for a more active doodle to run or hike with. We will for sure help you during the picking process, whether in person or with FaceTime. Families can send a refundable deposit to hold their picking spot on a litter, then come on Puppy Pick Day to choose and take their puppy home. We post new photos in the photo gallery every weekend, so check that out! We wait until that day so that the puppies are old enough to be able to see their little personalities. The deposits are fully refundable for up to 2 years. If families would rather wait on a future litter… they will go on the waiting list. Your puppy can then be driven to you or we can meet you somewhere in between. We can also ship your puppy via American Airlines if the temperature is between 20 and 82 degrees, or we can recommend a flight nanny to fly with your puppy in cabin. You can of course remain on the waiting list longer than two years, if you want to keep passing on litters. .Be sure to contact us for our current pricing. Our mini goldendoodle puppies come with a 2 year health guarantee against genetic issues. Should something arise in those 2 years, we will cover the cost of treatment up to the cost of the puppy. We know that parting with a family member would be impossible… All this said, our mini golden doodles have been so incredibly healthy. Our vet is a HUGE fan of mini doodles. I post fun and exciting things…. You can like our Facebook page where lots of our families are posting great pictures and videos of their puppies in their new homes! There are links to Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at the top right corner of this page!! We welcome families to come visit our farm to meet us, the parents and of course the mini goldendoodle puppies. We love to show off how we raise our puppies and how our moms and dads live here, and they of course love meeting new people! Besides that, we know that getting a puppy is a huge deal and getting to see where they come from is very important! Be sure to visit our photo gallery to see hundreds of pictures of our puppies in their new home! You can see the different coats and colors of our puppies and who the parents are of each puppy. Knowing which of our earlier puppies you like helps us to know what you would like your puppy to look like. Be sure to like our Facebook page too! We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Jeffersonville Indiana and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted!

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. This gene determines how soft the coat will be. Furnishings are facial hair. This trait test is a breeder's best indication for shedding. Hair, Fleece or Wool? Labradoodles can have coats that shed a lot, shed a little, and that do not shed at all. There are differences you should be aware of to help you determine which coat would be better suited for you and your family. It can be difficult for a breeder to predict coat-types for first and second generation F1 or F1b labradoodles. Some pups are wavy when born and have produced very fleece type coats when they got older. Some pups are straighter haired when born and end up with a beautiful fluffy non shedding coat. Then there are some pups that appear like they have a wavy coat, but end up shedding, or a pup that looks wavy but ends up curly as an adult. The only way to know for sure what coat you are getting from an F1b litter, is to have the coats DNA tested. Doodle Sweethearts includes this in their breeding program using Paw Print Genetics! The fleece coat is low to non shedding, depending on 1 or 2 furnishings; tends to look shaggier than wool and it hangs in silky, light, loose locks which flow and ripple when the dog moves. Some feel this is the ultimate labradoodle coat or teddy bear coat. Puppy coat is easy to care for, but during transition to the adult coat, it can become very high maintenance due to matting. The final adult coat may or may not be easy care after puppy transition has been completed. Mostly non-shedding, but some have been known to shed minimally. Should be fairly allergy friendly Should be no doggie odour. Typically seen in F1B labradoodles or second generation and multigen lines. There are different types of fleece coats as well, some fine or thick, some wavy, curly or straight. As a puppy this sometimes can be hard to differentiate between a fleece coat or a wool as an adult, but with DNA coat testing, this can be determined. Fleece and wool coats can be kept short or long depending on your lifestyle but generally need to be clipped times a year every wks Weekly brushing is required to clear any mattes Curly Soft Wool Coat What is a Curly Soft Wool Coat? Wool is generally non shedding; it is denser and thicker, curlier and soft.Fleece and wool coats can be kept short or long depending on your lifestyle but generally need to be clipped times a year every wks Weekly brushing is required to clear any mattes Unlike some other breeds, dogs with fleece and wool coats shed very little dander skin cells a common cause of allergies in humans which makes them excellent for households with allergies. Proudly created with Wix. Labradoodles can come in a wide variety of coat colors and textures each adorable and unique in their own way. One of these varieties is the straight hair Labradoodle. A Labradoodle with straight hair, also known as a flat coat Labradoodle, is the subject of much confusion and many misconceptions. Can Labradoodles Have Straight Hair? Since the Labradoodle is a mixed breed between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, some puppies will naturally take on more traits from each of their parent breeds. Some will have straight, flat coats like the Lab, some will have curly coats like the Poodle, and some will have wavy coats that fall somewhere in between. Russ is a flat coat black Labradoodle. Photo courtesy of adventurussdoodle on Instagram. Are Labradoodles Always Curly? In fact, it can come in a variety of textures ranging from straight, to wavy, to curly. Many breeders strive for Labradoodle puppies that have curly hair, as many prospective owners prefer them due to their likelihood of being non-shedding and allergy-friendly. This is why you may notice more curly Labradoodles rather than straight haired ones. Photo courtesy of nednoodlethelabradoodle on Instagram. As a Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross , Labradoodles inherit traits from both of their parent breeds. Coat texture is just one of the many traits that can differ not only from litter to litter but from puppy to puppy. Since this gene is inherited from the Poodle side, a Labradoodle puppy with Cu Locus will have a coat that is more wavy or curly in texture. Reputable breeders perform genetic testing on the parents in an attempt to produce healthier and more desirable puppies. More often than not, breeders strive for curly coated Labradoodle puppies since they are more likely to be low-shedding and allergy-friendly than flat coated puppies. This is why breeders will sometimes refer to straight coat Labradoodles as having improper coats. Genetics are tricky to predict and no breeder can guarantee a certain coat type. However, which generation your Labradoodle is will drastically influence the odds of them having a flat coat. You can also look for a breeder that backcrosses Labradoodles to Labrador Retrievers. However, those parings are extremely rare. Keep in mind that many prospective owners are looking exclusively for curly haired Labradoodles. Are Straight Hair Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? While no Labradoodles can be considered completely hypoallergenic, straight haired Labradoodles have a greater risk of triggering allergy reactions than curly haired Labradoodles. On average, a Labradoodle with a flat coat will still be more allergy-friendly than a purebred Labrador Retriever. Straight Hair Labradoodle Shedding Straight hair Labradoodles will likely shed a moderate amount, but usually not as much as a purebred Lab. The easiest way of grooming is to start from the area below the skull and go all the way to its feet. Work your way through with the clippers, except on areas such as the muzzle, skull, and top of the head. In such areas, you can use thinning shears and scissors. Make sure not to cut too short around the groin area to avoid overexposure of the private parts. Comb back the hair around the belly to smooth out any left-out strands of hair. Turn the dog over and clip the areas around its paw pads gently. Use the grooming comb again all over its body and see if there is any hair sticking out. Make sure every part is consistently trimmed and looks neat. Use only scissors and thinning shear on those areas for a clean and nicely blended shape. For the eyes, use the scissors to do the corner areas. For the ears, comb the hair down and cut it proportionately to the tip of the ear with a straight scissor. Use the thinning shear to cut the excess hair on the back of its head. First, comb it and then hold it back in your fingers like a ponytail. Pull it down, align it, and then cut an inch or half. After all the clipping and trimming, look for any uneven and stray hair and use your shears to remove them. A short-haired Labradoodle is easier to manage and helps minimize the collection of dirt in its coat. Labradoodle Haircuts for Summer and Winter Labradoodles can sport short hair all-round the year. During the hot summer season, a short-haired Labradoodle is likely to feel much cooler and calmer than a longer hair doodle. Long hair can make your dog feel very stuffy, resulting in an over-heated body. On the other hand, it does not matter much whether Labradoodles have long or short hair during winters. If you think your dog is cold, you can use jackets to keep it warm, and it will do fine. Cost of Grooming Making multiple trips to the groomers shop never makes you go easy on your pocket. Get a good quality hairbrush and brush it every two-three days so that the hair is free from matting. This way, there will be longer gaps between the appointments, saving you some money. A lengthier haircut hardly does any good for a Labradoodle or its owner. This is why most people opt for summer cuts which anyway looks equally cute as any other style! Have you been debating on how to request your groomer what type of haircut you want for your doodle? Well, it is not that difficult to communicate it to them. One thing you should always do when your dog gets a good haircut is taking a picture of it for future reference. So, when you go for your next appointment, you can ask your groomer to do it exactly like the last time. If you do not have a picture, simply ask him to get a short haircut done or use a picture from the internet. Most groomers know what they are doing and try to get the exact haircut that you asked for. Therefore, it is necessary that we respect their work and not interfere while they are at it. Doing so might end up in a bad haircut for your poor doodle. Make sure you are grooming your dog for them to be healthy and happy and not just for them to look presentable. Conclusion For anyone new to this breed type, you would be glad to know Labradoodles are a favorite among dog lovers. This is because they possess sweet and friendly behavior as well as get easily adjusted with families. They are also the go-to pet dogs for most people because of being hypoallergenic. If you are already a Labradoodle owner, you would know these dogs are always excited to play. Good grooming keeps them hyperactive and happy. Investing in a regular grooming session and letting your doodles sport a short haircut will definitely keep them energetic all throughout. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. 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. What is a Straight Hair Labradoodle? Some may have a scruffy look where tufts of hair sprout out of their body, while also having a short wavy or curly fur undercoat covering their body. Other straight hairs are completely covered in medium-long fur, that grows consistently all over their face and body. Their coats can range from straight to wavy hair, similar to a labrador. They can also be slick and glossy, or flat and matte, with feathering along the tails, and around the legs and face. Typically a straight coat will vary in length and thickness, with no two dogs from the same litter being guaranteed to have the same type of fur growth. As puppies, straight hair coats will not begin to grow out their hair until they are eight weeks old. By the time they are 12 weeks old, it will be clear as to what sort of coat the puppies will have. No, not all labradoodles have curly fur. They have both fur and hair actually. You may have noticed that I have been freely switching between the two during my explanations. This is because hair and fur are the same thing. Can Straight Hair Coats be Shaved? Typically the answer will be no. If you live in a hot country, then during the summer times, it might be worth considering to give them a trim. Not a shave! Just a light trim to help stop their bodies from over heating. The fur coat, actually protects their skin from sun burn, and helps to prevent it from drying out, which can cause skin conditions. Clean up the hair around the dogs face, in particular around the eyes, if it has bushy eyebrows, and around the muzzle. It is best to look at reducing the length of the fur in areas that can could cause health problems or discomfort, if the fur was to become clumped up and mattered. How to Best Control Shedding? Straight haired labradoodles shed a lot more than any other labradoodles. As tempting as it may be to shave your furry companion to help counter shedding. It nonetheless remains inadvisable and should be avoided. It can be lessened however. Just as we humans shed hair, so will a healthy and happy dog. Throughout the year, your pooch will continue to shed hair, more so as the weather warms up and their winter coat falls out. To counter this, get in the habit of giving your dog regular grooming. A little bit of brushing can go a long way. It removes loose hair, and helps to re-affirm the bond between you and your dog, as they enjoy the attention and can even find the grooming to be relaxing. Bathing your dog should be kept to a minimum as the shampoos and warm water can lead to dry skin and other skin conditions. Instead take your dog for swims or use lukewarm water to rinse off their coats. The most important thing to remember is to keep your dog in a comfortable environment, as stress can cause a dog to shed even more. A good diet helps to promote stronger hair follicles and a shinny coat, that can help reduce shedding. Some owners later discover that they are allergic to straight haired labradoodles. While it may be tempting to shave off their fur, in an attempt to eliminate the allergic reactions. This should never be done! Allergies are not triggered by dog fur. They are caused by pet dander — skin particles that are shed by the dog all year long. By shaving the fur off, the owner is actually making things worse for themselves. It drys the skin out, removing moisture and causes rashes to develop. As a result more skin is shed, exposing the pet owner to more dander. As more skin conditions develop or worsen, the dog will start scratching releasing even more dander into the air. How Often Should a Dog be Bathed? Bathing your dog can be effected by many different factors and can be very situational. You may need to bath them more frequently for medical reasons, or because of what they have decided to roll in. Generally speaking, bathing your labradoodle should be more infrequent. Over bathing your dog can strip its fur of natural oils that help to protect their skin and strengthen their hair. Ideally, you should limit proper bathes to when they start to smell a little, or if you need to remove matter from their fur. If they are just dirty with dust and mud, use lukewarm water or a running hose to wash away the dirt. Alternatively encourage them to swim in a body of water such as a river or at the beach while under your supervision. As a precautionary measure you can get a life jacket for your labradoodle. When you do need to give them a proper bath, use a mild oatmeal or coconut based dog shampoo. It will strip away some of the oils from their coat, but these types of shampoos will help to keep the skin moisturized. Over bathing can lead to skin irritations that can be itchy and uncomfortable. Dogs do not need to have baths as much as humans need to. How to Watch Out for Skin Conditions If your Labradoodle has any skin conditions, this could cause them to shed more fur, or even release more dander into the air. They may show signs of a skin condition by excessive scratching or nipping and licking at the same area. Remember mites and parasites can cause just as much damage to the skin as over-bathing. If you are wondering if the straight hair coats are the sort of labradoodles for you, please consider the following points: Their coats require the lowest level of maintenance. They do shed a lot more then other coats. They look more like labradors, than poodles. They may not be suitable for people with dog allergies. No two straight hairs will have the same coat. Related posts:. As you might have guessed, this dog is a cross between poodle and Labrador parents — and the result is an adorable bundle of joy with a sweet, gentle personality. Labradoodle puppy coats come in a range of colors and textures, so labradoodle owners are spoiled for choice when choosing their fur baby. Read on to discover more about Labradoodles and labradoodle coat types. What Are Hypoallergenic Dog Coats? Hypoallergenic dogs have less of a thick coat than many other breeds. A highly shedding coat presents a higher risk to allergy sufferers than non-shedding dogs like a labradoodle puppy. As a dog with one of the most allergy-friendly coats , there are a few practicalities to keep in mind when it comes to your labradoodle pooch and its coat. Pretty much every labradoodle puppy goes through a coat change, which is separate from a shedding coat. The puppy coat is eventually replaced by an adult coat, which comes with more grooming requirements. Types of Labradoodle Puppy Coats One of the best things about labradoodle dogs is the wide range of choices with regard to appearance. Wool Coat You can determine if your Labradoodle puppy has a fleece coat. You can identify fleece coats by the way the fur sits between the eyes, as this area starts to get curly first. This is the curliest coat type, but it still comes in a variety of types. Some dogs with a curly coat have a cotton-type coat, which is the softest but also incredibly high maintenance. Labradoodle puppies with wool Labradoodle puppy coats are mainly non-shedding and can make great companions for pet owners with allergies. Fleece Coat Doodles with a fleece coat require a little less maintenance than the other types of doodles, but they still need weekly brushing and plenty of TLC. A fleece-coated labradoodle is the result of combining a curly wool coat gene with the gene for a straight coat. Areas such as the ears and collar are particularly prone to getting matted, so be sure to pay close attention to these areas when you brush your fleece-coated labradoodle once or twice per week. Hair Coat A labradoodle with a straight coat has inherited most of its fur genes from its Labrador retriever parent. Something interesting about Labradoodles is that their Labradoodle puppy coats change as they get older, so your hair-coated labradoodle might get a wave to its fur as it gets older. While you can also take it to a professional groomer on a weekly basis, this can incur hefty grooming costs. Most labradoodle owners opt to take their dog to a groomer once a month or two and do regular adult coat maintenance themselves. Use the correct type of dog brush and be sure to get all the way down to the skin. Give your dog a brush before and after bath time. All puppies eventually lose their puppy coat to make way for their adult coat, this goes the same with Labradoodle puppy coats. You might find the new type of coat is totally different from the old coat. Coats and Generational Differences The amount of hair your dog sheds varies between puppies, but generational differences can also play a role. First-generation doodles shed slightly more than second-generation doodles, with multigenerational Labradoodles shedding even less. We genetically test each breeding parent to make sure the shedding genes are not passed on to the puppies in our training program. We adore the breed and have a wide range of Labradoodle puppies for sale to choose from, with different color and type of Labradoodle puppy coats. We can even deliver a fully trained doodle puppy direct to your door if you like!