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Gold Cream. Pugapoos are good house pets, and they tend to be easy to handle. This dog is a good family dog and handles children well, as they are playful. They are affectionate and loyal to their owners. The Pugapoo is a gentle, social, and intelligent dog with hints of whimsy in its character. This makes them a lot of fun but difficult to train. They are friendly to strangers and can get along well with other dogs, cats, and pets. They have some degree of separation anxiety as they enjoy being around people and other animals. Otherwise, they are relatively quiet. Seeing as they are playful and energetic, they can be difficult to train at first. The owner must exercise positive reinforcement when training to yield the best results. They are also easily potty trained. The Pugapoo has unique traits that are formed from being a hybrid of two different breeds. Give them some exercise, proper grooming, and a healthy diet, and you are good to go. They are also able to live in any type of environment. Just be careful of increased heat or cold temperatures and look out for panting, which is typically an indication of overheating. Exercising your Pugapoo The little bodies of the Pugapoo can store a lot of energy, which means the dog can be lively and active. Exercise is a good way to get some of that excess energy out of their bodies. A lengthy walk once a day would be an ideal amount of exercise. Playtime with their owners is also a great activity. Grooming: Are Pugapoos hypoallergenic? The difference in coats means that some Pugadoos can be quite hypoallergenic if they have a bit more fur like the poodle coat. However, Pugapoos with short fur are not known to be hypoallergenic. The various kinds of coats from Pugappoos mean that their grooming needs also vary. The Pugapoos might have to visit the parlor every six weeks at most, depending on their coat type. But they do require their teeth to be brushed at least once a day to prevent gum recession and wobbly teeth. Feeding a Pugapoo: What is their food consumption? Make sure that the food you are giving your Pugapoo is high-quality and that it is meant for dogs of the same size and level of energy. You can feed them twice a day with controlled portions as not to overfeed the dog. Instead, Pugapoo puppies should be eating food made for their growing bodies, which requires a lot of nutrients. What health problems does the Pug and Poodle Mix have? All dog breeds are susceptible to different health issues. Still, mix-breeds like a Pugapoo or a Goldendoodle are less likely to develop congenital conditions because of the larger gene pool than purebred dogs. Pugapoos do, however, still have the potential to develop some health conditions. Some signs that your Pugadoo has Legg-Calve-Perthes disease are a worsening limp, stiffness in one or both rear limbs, licking or chewing at the hip area, muscle atrophy, and restlessness and aggression. Other health conditions Pugapoos are susceptible to are: Eye problems — mostly inherited. They were very spoiled, as they were the dogs of emperors. They were even guarded by soldiers! Some believe they are related to the Tibetan Mastiff ancestor of the Mastidoodle , but this has not been confirmed. During the s and early s, China began trading with European countries, and therefore Pugs were introduced to Europeans. They instantly became a big hit. They were common in royal households. William, Prince of Orange, even claims his beloved Pug saved his life by barking to signal the approach of the Spaniards. Pugs peaked in Europe during the Victorian era. After the Civil War, they were introduced to America. This breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in .Additionally, the Pug Dog Club of American was founded in .Poodle Breed History: While commonly associated with the French, the Poodle actually originated as a duck hunter in Germany over years ago. Eventually, Poodles made their way from the lake to the life of luxury as they were the breed of choice by French nobles, and eventually royalty across all of Europe. To this day, the Poodle is still the national dog of France. The Toy Poodle started in the United States in the early 20th century to be a city-dwelling companion dog. However, in the United States between the s and the s, there was a significant increase in breeding Poodles with other dogs. Pugapoos are not large dogs. On average, males are between inches in height and females are between inches in height. Males weigh between pounds and females weigh slightly less, between pounds. If the coat is more similar to the Pug, it will be lower maintenance and require less frequent brushing. The type of coat also dictates how often they should be bathed. If the Pugapoo has the longer, curly, Poodle-like coat, they should be bathed every three to six weeks. Are Pugapoos Hypoallergenic? Do Pugapoos Shed? Pugs are pretty heavy shedders, although Poodles are hypoallergenic and generally non-shedding. When mixed together, the shedding may be better controlled. However, when a mixed breed has only one hypoallergenic parent, it is impossible to guarantee that the offspring will be hypoallergenic. The only way to guarantee a hypoallergenic offspring is if both of the parents are hypoallergenic. The Pug Poodle mix averages about a year lifespan. Pugapoo Dog Breed Common Health Concerns: Although mixing breeds often minimizes health problems, there is still the potential for health problems to arise. Pugapoos have some potential health problems that you should be aware of. Some other potential concerns that warrant your attention include allergies, epilepsy, and brachycephalic syndrome. Due to the cost of treating these common health concerns, we highly encourage all dog owners invest in pet insurance. We recommend getting a free online quote from Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. These dogs are considered highly intelligent, and adequate amounts of mental stimulation are important for them. This keeps them entertained and decreases the chances of them participating in destructive behavior. This dog may be slightly wary of new visitors, and will you give a bark or two to alert you to their presence. This friendly dog is usually great with children, although older children are preferable. Pugapoo Dog Breed Activity Requirements: Pugs are not considered very active dogs requiring much activity. Poodles, on the other hand, do require a significant amount of exercise due to their working past. Estimate dedicating around 45 minutes of your day to giving a Pug Poodle Mix a proper amount of exercise. This can be in the form of walks and trips to the dog park where they can romp with other dogs. As a puppy, a Pugpoo may require more exercise than just 45 minutes. Something to be cautious about with this breed is their bradycephalic condition. Their flat snout contributes to this and can have adverse effects on ability of the Poodle Pug mix to breathe properly, especially after physically exerting themselves. Additionally, be careful that the Pugapoo does not become overheated. Keep water nearby and always encourage frequent breaks. Photo courtesy of maya. Alternative Breeds to the Pug Poodle Mix. In general, it is a dog that is pretty affectionate, loyal and devoted, and makes a good apartment dog. They are gentle and sociable though, but have a hint of willfulness and whims in their character, making them relatively slow in responding to training. Hence, careful training is required since they would be willing to please their masters. Pugapoos generally bark less, but can turn up to be barkers if they take too much after their poodle parents. They are naturally playful and get along well with kids and other pets, but will never forget alarming their family members if they hear a strange noise or see a stranger around. The breed does not do well if kept alone for long periods of time. Care Exercise Being a high-energy breed, with quite a good amount of activity, the pugapoo will obtain its exercise it needs on its own. Since it is an indoor breed, it does not need a significant amount of space to stay active. For all these reasons, the little canine does not require lots of exercises. Take it out for a short daily walk, or even a jogging session. The playful pugapoo would enjoy playing flyball, rally and obedience games with you. This should also keep them healthy and sound both physically and mentally. Grooming Grooming your pugapoo completely depends on its coat type. Brushing them once a month should be enough to keep it clean. They need occasional trimming. But you must also remember that the curly version of the pugapoo sheds relatively lesser than the short, straight version. Clip the hair to avoid tousles. If you know how to clip it, you can use your skills else, you can well take your dog to the professional. Do not bathe your dog frequently or unnecessarily. Give it a shower only when its coat is really dirty. Health Problems As most dog lovers would know, the gene pool of the crossbreed dogs is much larger than the purebred ones, and hence, the former breed of dogs are not as susceptible to developing congenital problems as the latter. However, this does not necessarily mean that your dog is completely protective of all health hazards and issues. Keep an eye for general dog issues like hip dysplasia, eye, breathing and dental problems, allergies, neurological problems like Pug Dog Encephalitis, thyroid, hormonal disorders, etc. Training Begin training your puppies before they are 16 weeks old because it is this time when new faces are more acceptable to the pups. Teach them tricks and train them to socialize well, but do use positive reinforcement techniques like food rewards and praises. Pugapoo pups are sensible young ones, always eager to see you impressed, and they would learn to pick up training in no time. All you need is patience, and you will be rewarded with a beautiful companion. Its regular meals should comprise of regular high-quality foods that are meant for dogs of its size and the same level of energy. Interesting Facts Pugapoos enjoy being in the house, never outdoors. This breed does best in homes with older children who will treat them tenderly. Pugapoos that take much after their pug parents might be prone to snorting and snoring. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Lifespan Sociability One big draw of the Pugapoo is their relatively low cost compared to either parent. Both the Pug and the Poodle are fully pedigreed breeds, accepted by the major canine organizations. This means that their puppies can get very expensive. Pugapoos, however, are a designer breed. As an alternative, you can check around at local shelters and see if there are any Pugapoo puppies available for adoption. Some Pugapoos Are Hypoallergenic One of the multitude of desirable traits displayed by the Poodle is their hypoallergenic fur. Allergies are a major deterrent that prevents many people from experiencing the joy and companionship of a lovely canine companion. Not all Pugapoos are hypoallergenic because offspring only inherit some traits from each parent. Their genetics may heavily favor one parent or the other, or they could possibly get nearly equal traits from both. They can be almost any color, usually a mixture of several. Moreover, they can range drastically in size, weight, and even temperament. You can have a litter of Pugapoos where each pup looks completely unique. This is actually quite common, with each puppy taking apparently random genetic cues from each parent. You could take two siblings from a litter that look like entirely different breeds of dog! They Prefer to Stay Indoors Some dogs are perfectly happy spending the majority of their time outside. In fact, some dogs are happier this way! But not the Pugapoo. This is an indoor dog through and through. Your dog will be very unhappy and will openly display its displeasure to let you know. Pugapoo pups tend to follow suit, generally displaying above-average levels of intelligence. These are also very playful and affectionate dogs. They want to be close to their person, playing together or cuddling up all the time. Are These Dogs Good for Families? A Pugapoo that has been around kids and other pets since it was young is going to be a very social dog that gets along well with just about everyone. Pugpoo Description The Pugapoo is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Pug and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She has a wonderful personality, was easy to train and is very loveable. She likes to sleep under the blankets like a human. She definitely does not have the Poodle fur at all. Jasmine's fur can been seen on the couch, carpet and on our shirts when we hold her, but it's fine, small hairs that we see, not big clumps like some dogs would leave behind. Notice how some of the puppies have Poodle-type coats which will not shed and some have Pug-type coats which may or may not shed. The pups with the Poodle coats you will have to take to the groomer to get clipped. The pups with the Pug coats may stay short and you may not have to get them clipped. However, this will not be certain until the pups grow up. Update: This is a picture of Rosco, one of the Pug-looking pups shown above, all grown up at about a year old. His owners say, "He is very unique. He doesn't have to be groomed, but when he is, his hair is vastly different. It is softer, lighter and doesn't shed. This is the top recommended dog food for different types of small dog breeds. It contains 28 percent of protein, 16 percent of fat, 4 percent of fiber, and Omega-3 and Omega.It consists of small and bite-sized kibbles specifically for pugs, and it is made up of chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, and corn. The shape of the kibbles is designed to aid the pugs with picking up the food since this dog has a short muzzle, making it difficult to eat. Orijen Adult Dog Food. This dog food is free of grain. It is made up of chicken, fish, turkey, and avocado, or approximately 80 percent of meat and 20 percent of vegetables and fruits. Avoderm Small Breed. This dog food is formulated for dogs that are 20 pounds and below only. It has percent of crude protein and 16 percent of crude fat, beef, and avocado. Small dogs that are obese should consider eating this dog food. It has no byproducts, no corn, wheat, and soy, and contains chicken meal. Whichever brand you settle on, you want to be sure it makes only the best dry dog food. Those formulas are not ridden with additives, by-products, preservatives, and artificial colorings that are typical of the worst dry dog food. Puppies have special nutritional requirements, so if you have one at home, make sure you only get them the best puppy food brands. Old dogs are also not excluded from special treatment. Give your loyal, elderly pup the best kind of chow for their age by following our best senior dry dog food guide. Feeding your Pug Poodle mix should have a balanced diet just like any other dog. You should consult with your veterinarian about these dog foods and devise a holistic dietary plan. Too much protein is too much calorie for the dog and may result in too much weight. It may not be the most energetic dog, but it can adapt to the lifestyle of the family. You should make at least 30 minutes to 45 minutes of playtime and mental stimulation for the dog. Below are some activities for the dog: Walking or Jogging. This activity is encouraged since it would quickly burn down the energy level of your dog. Playing fetch. This is another alternative to walking or jogging outside. It also encourages mental stimulation since it would eventually learn new commands and react to it. This is an effective method of molding the attitude of your dog into a pet-friendly animal. Not only does it learn how to socialize with other dogs, but also learn how to play with children. Trick training. There are various exercises that incorporate both physical and mental stimulation that is applied when teaching your dog to climb over an obstacle or jump over a fence. Pug Poodle Crossbreed Training Pug Poodle mixes are easily trainable once you get past its quite stubborn personality. If the dog is left untrained, it would have the tendency to jump up to people while being excited. Other times, the dog may become noisy and difficult to handle around strangers or guests at home. Here are some approaches to addressing these issues: Socialization. The Pug Poodle mix is a dog with a small pinch of attitude. The dog will eventually learn new social skills and make the necessary behavioral adjustments to please its owner. Positive Reinforcement. Rewarding your dog while teaching it commands can come a long way to its relationship with you. You give your dog a reward such as a treat or a toy whenever it successfully responds to your command but gives it nothing until it learns how to react correctly to your call. Puppy Training. The most important part of training the dog as a puppy is giving it your time and company. This should teach your dog the value of your bond with it and will soon acknowledge you as its alpha. Let it play with toys that you give so that it learns that being with you is a rewarding experience. Poodle Pugs and Families Pug Poodle mixes make one of the best family dogs out there. This is an adorable dog that loves nothing more than being at the center of attention. It needs constant attention and engagement with members of the family because it is eager to please. The Pug Poodle mix is very intelligent. Like its Poodle parent dog side, the dog can be taught several dog tricks and follow new commands with ease. Children would enjoy learning how to train the Pug Poodle puppy and appreciate its presence at home. This dog is also an ideal companion for people living in smaller spaces such as dorms and apartments. And because the dog should have constant companionship, it makes for ideal dogs for senior citizens or retirees who spend most of their days at home. Additionally, the Pug Poodle mix could adapt to different climates or temperatures. The Pug Poodle mix loves to fool around and play in its own way with its owner, so expect it to be noisy when it plays with you. The dog does well with other dogs and animals because of its social disposition. A Pug Poodle mix has a loving personality that makes it more than qualify as a special member of the family. This might be a cute mix, but is this pup the right pet for you? A designer mix has parents that are two different purebreds. Purebreds are dogs that have a known ancestry, or pedigree. Designer mixed breeds are different from traditional mutts. Because most mutts have two or more breeds with unknown ancestry in their background. The idea of designer crossbreeds is to combine the best qualities of two different breeds in the offspring. Many people also think that mixed breed dogs are healthier than purebred dogs. It is true that purebred dogs can suffer from health conditions caused by a lack of diversity in their genetic lines. Outcrossing can lead to more robust health in the mixed breed offspring—a concept called hybrid vigor. The Poodle breed originated with the Standard, which was then bred down to the Miniature. Toy Poodles came into being in the early 20th century, when it was created as a companion animal for sophisticated city dwellers! They are smart and confident little dogs. The cute little Pug is also classified as a Toy breed. The Pug is an ancient companion dog breed of the Far East. The first Pugs came to the West in the s, and quickly became popular pets. The Pug is known for its playful, loving, and happy personality, traits that have made it a favorite family pet for years. What are the origins of the Pug Poodle mix? Designer mixed breeds are a relatively recent development in the history of dogs. Most came into fashion just a few decades ago. What does a Pugapoo look like? As a mixed breed dog, the size and coat type can vary quite a bit. They are generally between 10 and 12 inches tall at the shoulder. The Pug has a short, smooth coat. Coat color is fawn or black. Fawn Pugs have distinctive dark masks. The coat does shed, but overall grooming requirements are minimal. Once a week brushing is usually fine for Pugs. The Toy Poodle has a more elegant appearance than the Pug. Toy Poodles weigh between 6 and 9 pounds. They stand 10 inches or less at the shoulder. The coat is dense and curly. Poodle coats can come in a wide range of solid colors. Popular colors include black, white, silver, apricot, and cream. Many owners take their Poodles to professional groomers. However, they are low shedders and can be a good choice for people with allergies. Generally, the Pug cross Toy Poodle is a small dog, ranging between 10 to 20 pounds in weight and 8 to 12 inches in height. Is the Pug Poodle mix hypoallergenic? The Pugapoo coat can favor one parent breed over the other. Their coat can be straight, curly, or somewhere in between. Coat length can be short, medium, or long. The Poodle comes in a wider range of coat colors than the Pug. Your Pugapoo can be black, white, or any shade in between. Some Pugapoos have the dark muzzle of a Pug, while others have a solid coat. Pugapoos generally have a lower-maintenance coat that a purebred Poodle, but they can require more grooming than the Pug. Shedding can also vary from minimal to normal. Pugapoo Personality The Pug was bred as a lap dog. Poodles were working dogs, which in the smaller varieties have been bred to become pets over the years. They both have traits that make the Pugapoo an appealing family pet. The Poodle is known for its intelligence, energy, and loyalty to its family. The Pug is famously cheerful, charming, and mischievous. While mixed breed dogs can inherit the temperament traits of either parent breed in any combination, the Pugapoo is generally a loving and social dog. They require a moderate amount of exercise and are very trainable. Be sure to start socializing your puppy from an early age and use only positive reinforcement training techniques. Pug health Pugs are not healthy dogs. The Pug is a brachycephalic flat-muzzled breed. These health problems include difficulty breathing. Due to blocked airways, collapsed larynx, gastrointestinal issues, heart failure, and difficulty regulating body temperature in hot weather. The Pug can also suffer from multiple eye problems because the flattened face causes the eyes to protrude. This is called brachycephalic ocular syndrome. Another health problem related to the inherent structure of the Pug is hemivertebrae , which is a painful spinal deformity seen in breeds with screw tails. Poodles can suffer from joint problems such as hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, which causes disintegration of the hip joint. Because both parent breeds are prone to some serious health conditions, your Pugapoo can inherit these health problems as well. Pug Poodle Mix Puppies Responsible Pugapoo breeders will health test their Pug and Poodle breeding stock for inherited health conditions. Genetic tests are available for many of the inherited health problems of the parent breeds. Your breeder can also have their veterinarian test for certain joint and eye conditions and have the results certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Reputable breeders will share all relevant test results with potential buyers. Remember that brachycephalic breeds like the Pug can suffer from serious health issues. In addition to reviewing test results and the facial structure of the Pug parent, be sure to visit your breeder in person. Observe the living conditions of the home or kennel area. Choose a puppy that is lively and not overly shy. Is a Pugapoo the Right Dog for You? The Pugapoo mixes the healthy Poodle with the unhealthy Pug. The risks of their taking after the Pug parent facially are too high. However there are some other great Poodle mixes you might like to consider. References and Further Reading Beuchat, C. The Institute of Canine Biology, .American Kennel Club. They are fun and loving and make great pets! In this guide, we will discuss the characteristics of Pugapoos, their temperament, price in Australia, dietary needs, and everything else you need to know about this cute little designer dog. What is a Pugapoo? Two adorable and smart dog breeds, namely the Pug and a Poodle, give us the sweet and loving Pugapoo. These heavily wrinkled dogs were bred to be lapdogs for royalty and are one of the ancient dog breeds from China. Pugs are toy dogs but despite their small size, they are quite strong. Poodle Poodles are hypoallergenic dogs popular for their low-shedding, water-resistant coats and high intelligence. They were the most popular dogs from .They are also consistently second on the list of the smartest dog breeds in the world. Their country of origin is Germany where they were bred for duck hunting. Origin of the Pugapoo Pugapoos and other hybrid or crossbreed dogs have always existed since the dawn of time. However, breeders started studying the science of crossbreeding only in the s since more and more potential dog parents were looking for a compact, smart, low-shedding, and highly trainable dog. Around this time, the popularity of Doodle breeds crossbred dogs having one Poodle parent also escalated. Poodles were ideal for crossing with other popular dog breeds thanks to their high intelligence and low-shedding coats. The Pugapoo is a small, compact dog that combines the fun-loving attitude of both parent breeds. Pugapoos are not purebred dogs so there is no standardisation as far as their height and weight are concerned. Also, some breeders use Miniature Poodles in their breeding program while others use Toy Poodles. In general, most Pugapoos weigh between lb. The coat and appearance of a Pugapoo are also dependent on complex canine genetics. Some Pugapoos inherit the wrinkled short coat and characteristic black face mask of a Pug while others might inherit the tight, curly coat of the Poodle. If the Pug genes are dominant in your Pugapoo, then it might shed heavily and that could trigger allergies in people that are sensitive to dog dander. The common coat colours seen in Pugapoos are black, white, cream, tan, merle, apricot, fawn, blue, silver, etc. Pugapoos are hybrid dogs with dual personalities: your pet will be content to lie on the sofa by your side all day but it will also be active, playful, and cheerful from time to time. The Pugapoo is a charming dog that will win friends and influence people with its smartness, pleasant disposition, and cute looks. Being compact in size, Pugapoos are excellent pets for apartment dwellers. They also do well in the city and countryside and thanks to these advantages, we are sure the popularity of this rare designer dog breed will rise in the years to come. Your Pugapoo puppy will be completely focused on you. As a pet owner, you can take advantage of this fact and begin training your dog early on. This not only includes potty training but also obedience training. The sooner you teach your Pugapoo basic manners and simple commands such as Sit, Stay, Heel, Come, etc. Your Pugapoo will follow you from room to room and stick close to you like a shadow. Their strong people-pleasing skills combined with a stable temperament make Pugapoos excellent companions for adults and mature kids alike. Your pup will even be willing to wear clothes and march in just-for-dog show events if that pleases you! Just like in any breed, there can be a range of temperaments in the Pugapoo. Some could be shy, introverted, and even aggressive. However, these traits can be reduced through proper training and early socialisation. However, when you buy your dog from a reputable breeder, you can insist on meeting the dam and sire. Ensure they are of friendly, calm and loving disposition so your chances of getting a friendly Pugapoo puppy will be higher. Fortunately, it is very rare to find a snappy Pugapoo. They are generally sweet-natured and affectionate dogs. On rare occasions your Pugapoo bites will be out of self-defense, therefore, you must make sure your children respect your Pugapoo. A well-trained Pugapoo will gladly accompany you to work, shopping malls, and even restaurants, and movie theatres. They are easy to travel with and their compact size and love for people make them excellent therapy dogs and service dogs. Training a Pugapoo is fairly easy given its smartness and people-pleasing nature. You can always keep your puppy motivated using tasty treats but do note that these small dogs tend to gain weight fast. So make sure to only use low-calorie, natural treats for training. Pugapoos make excellent pets for most people — individuals and families. However, they do have certain needs that you must fulfil. Pugapoos are fairly easy to groom but if your pet has wrinkled skin and a squashed-in face like a Pug, then it will need special care. The wrinkles tend to accumulate oil, debris, and moisture which can result in skin infections. You need to clean these skin folds daily. Also, Pugapoos are prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome like their Pug parent. This causes overheating or difficulty in breathing as well as issues like stenotic nares. You must take care not to over-exert your pet, particularly on hot Summer days. In Australia, some dogs also need surgical correction to reduce breathing difficulties. Like all dogs, the Pugapoo needs daily exercise. Thankfully, these dogs do not need as much as some of the larger and more energetic poodle mix breeds. A short walk or two a couple of times a day should be adequate for your Pug-Doodle. How Much Does a Pugapoo Cost? Some breeders might charge more if the parent dogs are championship, agility or obedience winners. Certain coat colours also cost more. In addition to the initial cost, you must also consider the monthly and annual costs of keeping a Pugoodle. You will spend on food, vet bills, training, grooming, pet insurance, etc. Pugapoo Barking The Pugapoo will usually only bark when there is something strange in their environment. Being a small poodle mix breed, a common behaviour problem can be barking and this can be problematic when it occurs at night or when the Pugadoodle is left alone Separation Anxiety. To help prevent your Pugapoo from barking, crate training should be undertaken when they are brought home. Crate training teaches your dog to be comfortable being independent of you and represents a safe place where they can have uninterrupted rest. Similarly, Pugapoos are smart dogs that require mental stimulation. A bored Pugapoo can be a loud barker and the way to stop the barking is to provide interactive toys like Stuffed Kongs, food puzzles, snuffle mats, licky mats and long-lasting chew treats. Is a Pugapoo Hypoallergenic? First-generation Pugapoos are the result of crossing a Pug with a Toy Poodle. The resultant Pugapoo puppies usually have a wire coat, that sheds less than their pug parent. F1b generation Pugapoos have a Pugapoo and a Poodle parent. Ethical Poodle mix breeders DNA test their breeding dogs for coat traits like furnishings and shedding genes. Such breeders have a greater insight into whether their Pug cross puppies will grow to be Hypoallergenic when fully grown. What to Feed a Pugapoo? Small dogs like Pugapoos need more calories per pound than large breed dogs, because of their high metabolisms. In addition to higher metabolic rates, they also have low body fat reserves. Due to this, they could suffer from hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include lethargy, muscle tremors, etc. Therefore, you must feed calorie-dense meals to your Pugapoo puppy times a day while adult Pugapoos can be fed times a day or as advised by your vet. Like all small dogs, Pugapoos are susceptible to dental issues since they have small mouths with crowded teeth. Bacteria tend to remain trapped in their teeth, especially at the back of the mouth. Remember that Pugapoos love food and will gladly eat whatever you set in front of them. Health Issues in Pugapoos Due to the overall unhealthy structure of a Pug, many Pug mixes including Pugapoos tend to suffer from similar health issues seen in the parent breed. Of importance is the Brachycephalic Syndrome mentioned earlier. Their flattened facial structures could result in breathing issues. What is the Life Expectancy for a Pugapoo? The average lifespan of healthy Pugapoos is around 13 years. Subscribe for poodle mixed dog breeds information and exclusive offers on the best products for your pup! Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this.
This is a cross between the relentlessly loyal, often silly American Bulldog and the sometimes serious, sometimes playful German Shepherd. For experienced, confident dog parents, this breed is sure to only keep growing loyal fans. The German Shepherd is often perceived as a bad-boy guard dog, in addition to their use in police work. This breed is also known to have a soft spot for their families. However, their playfulness and love for their families shines through in their personalities. If you plan to adopt one of these breed mixes, be ready for lots and lots of cuddles. Still, there are millions of dogs waiting for homes in shelters. When looking for a specific breed, make an effort to adopt from a shelter or rescue. Read on for a detailed list of characteristics of the American Bulldog Shepherd. Contrary to popular belief, the suitability of dogs who adapt well to apartment living goes beyond its size. Apartment dwellers have a myriad of dog breeds to choose from as potential companions, with various factors to consider. Some large breeds can adapt well to apartment living and have lower activity levels. Others may require more space and possess higher energy levels. On the other hand, certain small dog breeds with abundant energy can still find contentment with indoor playtime or brisk walks. However, when selecting a dog that adapts well apartments, it is essential to prioritize your neighbors. This makes them less suitable for apartment living. Therefore, desirable qualities in an apartment dog encompass being quiet, low-energy, and displaying polite behavior towards other residents. Apartment dwellers have a wealth of dog breeds to choose from as potential furry companions. While some larger breeds can adapt well to apartment living, with lower, others may require more space and have higher energy levels, making them less suitable for smaller apartments. Conversely, certain small dog breeds with higher energy levels can still thrive in apartments, finding contentment through indoor playtime or brisk walks. By considering these factors, you can find a dog that will adapt well to apartment living and create a harmonious living environment for everyone involved. This cross-breed has recently become one of the most popular designer dogs around because of its cute appearance, outgoing personality and loyal temperament. This medium sized dog can be best described as being friendly and intelligent. They are great family dogs and also make excellent guard dogs due to their protective nature. It may have long hair like its father or short fur like its mother so it may not look exactly like either parent breed at first glance but over time you will be able to identify which traits came from each side of its family tree based on how your pet looks long term i e: if they grow out their legs then you know they inherited those genes from their father. This crossbreed dog can be very loyal, protective and makes a great family pet. It was bred for its intelligence, trainability, strength, athleticism and endurance; however it is not suited for apartment living due to their size. They are a medium sized dog breed and make great family pets. Male dogs can grow up to 24 inches 60 cm tall and weigh up to pounds 64 kg , while females stand at 22 inches 56 cm tall and weigh up to pounds 54 kg. It has an average height of 23 to 28 inches 59 to 71 cm and weighs between 50 to pounds 22 to 45 kg. This hybrid breed can have different colors, including brindle, fawn and black. The coat of this hybrid dog may be short or long depending on the variety of its parents. Some breeders have argued that color variations are due to genetic mutations but there is no scientific evidence for this claim. Color inheritance in dogs is determined by several factors including: whether the gene responsible for pigment production in animals is dominant or recessive; whether it's sex-linked; if it's polygenic like human hair color where multiple genes act together; if it depends on melanin content; if there are any modifiers involved with pigmentation like skin cancer risk factors that might affect how darkly pigmented cells get exposed from sun damage over time which isn't even possible until their first year at least! The American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix's personality can be described as intelligent, energetic and playful. They will be a great companion for your family. The American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix is also a good guard dog, making sure that no one gets into the house when you are not around. American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix are large dogs and might knock down small children accidentally because they may not realize their strength. Also they will get excited when strangers come to visit so it is important to keep them under control as they can hurt someone in this situation if not trained properly as puppies or young adults. The price of an American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix, like any other dog, will vary depending on the age, pedigree and sex of the dog in question. It can also depend on how attractive it is or if you want a specific color like black. They're a popular hybrid dog, but you might be wondering if it's right for your family. We'll take a look at the pros and cons of an ABGSM, so you can make sure that this furry friend is what's best for you and your family. These dogs have great temperaments and love kids, making them ideal companions for families with young children. They will happily play with kids all day long! And because they are large-sized dogs that need regular exercise, home alone time isn't much of an issue—your dog will burn off energy while running around outside or snuggling together on the couch watching TV in the evening. If you want a dog who's easy to train, this isn't the breed for you. If you need to have a dog that is quiet and doesn't make much noise, this isn't the breed for you. If these are things that matter to you in a dog, then I suggest looking at other breeds before making your final decision on what kind of pet would be best suited for your lifestyle and family situation. Because of the American Bulldog's size and strength, it is recommended to feed two meals a day. The first meal should be given in the morning and the second one at night. When feeding your American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix, make sure that you do it in order to avoid digestive problems and obesity, so give them their daily portions of food when they are hungry, but not too much otherwise they will cause health issues later on. They do not need a lot of grooming because their coat is short and smooth. The American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix is good with children because it doesn't like being alone; it will become aggressive if left alone for long periods of time. It makes a great playmate, but must be taught how to interact with kids properly from an early age because these dogs can be very energetic as well as protective of their owners or anyone else who enters the house. It's also important for them to be raised with other pets in order for them not to develop any bad behaviors such as: biting other animals or people in general Exercise An American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix requires a lot of exercise. The more active you are as a human, the more active your dog will be. If you're looking for a lazy dog that is content to sleep most of the day, this isn't the breed for you. They are not good off leash dogs because their prey drive is too high and they will chase anything that moves which includes small dogs. They need a secure fence in order to keep them inside your yard as well because these dogs are very smart and love to dig under fences or jump over them in an attempt to get out and run around! A good rule of thumb when deciding how often to take your American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix for walks or playtime outside is doing so at least three times per day with one being at night when it's cooler outside since most Bulldogs don't do well in hot weather or extreme heat conditions. Training American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix dogs are smart, and training them can be a great way to bond with your new puppy. These dogs need to be socialized early on, so you should plan on taking them out of their crate at least once or twice a day while they're still young. They also need to have plenty of time outside playing with other dogs and people, where they can practice their obedience skills by following commands from their owners. Grooming American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix dogs need to be brushed regularly, but the coat does not shed very much. You should brush your dog once a day for about five minutes at a time. Using a pin brush and slicker brush will help remove any tangles and keep your dog's fur nice and shiny. If you prefer, you can use a rubber curry comb on your American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix's coat to massage his skin while removing dead hair at the same time. This is especially useful if you live in an area with lots of allergens since it helps get rid of dander that may bother people who are allergic to dogs! American Bulldog German Shepherd mix dogs also need to have their coats washed regularly with special shampoo designed for doggy baths you can find these at any pet store. Your local groomer might be able to give you some recommendations about what type works best for this breed! The American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix has a short coat and doesn't produce much oil, which means they don't need frequent baths. However, if your dog's hair starts to look oily or feel scaly, it's time to give him or her a bath. A good rule of thumb is that if you can see fleas on your pet's skin, then he or she probably needs a bath. If you suspect that there may be fleas on your dog due to an outbreak in the neighborhood, call your vet as soon as possible because many dogs with flea allergies will show signs of sensitivity even before they have bites from the insects themselves! American Bulldog German Shepherd Mixes are not known for being hypoallergenic; however, this depends on how sensitive any given individual may be when it comes down to these types of matters ease. They are very patient and love to play with them. The breed tends to be so friendly that they will let the kids push them around or even pull their ears, tail and other parts of their body without reacting negatively at all. The American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix dog is also good with other pets in the family such as cats or another type of dog if you have multiple types of pets at home. They can be trained to get along with other pets, but it is important that you start this training as early in their life as possible. They can bark at anything and everything! This can be an issue if you live in an apartment complex or close to neighbors who don't like noise. If this is the case, it might not be a good idea to get an American Bulldog German Shepherd mix because they aren't really guard dogs either. They're also not likely to attack people, but they may bark at strangers as well because they are protective of their owners and property like any dog. Lifespan Sociability With their keen intelligence and gentle nature, an American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix pup is often quiet but curious. And they grow into those paws! These big, smart dogs are highly trainable and need a lot of attention from their owners. If you decide to go to a breeder for your puppy, get to know the breeder too. Ask them questions about how they socialize and train their puppies, what they feed them, and what kind of health concerns they have encountered. The more you ask the more likely you are to get a well-adjusted, healthy puppy! The American Bulldog almost went extinct. By World War II, these dogs were nearly extinct. A returning veteran worked to revive the breed, which then became known as the American Bulldog. The German Shepherd dog makes a better movie star than some humans. Rin Tin Tin is perhaps the most famous dog in all of movie history. He was rescued from work on the World War I battlefields by the American soldier, Duncan Lee, and trained to work in silent films. Warner Bros. Coming from two breeds that are highly driven work dogs, the American Bull Dog German Shepherd mix will be happiest when they have a job to do. They are smart and love being allowed to assist their owners. They are surprisingly complex creatures, due in part to their high IQ. German Shepherd American Bully Mixes are also thoughtful, big-hearted, and protective. For further ideas of what character traits you may encounter in an American Bulldog German Shepherd mix, you can take a closer look at the two parent breeds. The American Bulldog is a confident dog that is gentle and affectionate with their family, but aggressive toward intruders and fearless with large animals like bulls! They are sensitive, intelligent, and usually quite calm. The German Shepherd Dog is a self-assured, even-tempered canine. They are playful and loving with friends and family, and though initially cautious of strangers, they warm up quickly. They are incredibly smart and highly trainable and are commonly considered the second smartest dog breed in the world. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are naturally gentle and playful with kids, but their large size means they could easily knock a small person down when excited. If both dogs and kids are socialized with one another from a young age, however, they can be a sweet and attentive family member. In fact, they may be better suited to a family than an individual. These highly driven dogs love being included in activities with their owners. And combining that with their intelligence and energy means that they could be overwhelming for just one person. Though generally mellow, there is a certain stubbornness that may cause friction. Socializing these powerful dogs at an early age is especially important. When your dog can grow to be over pounds of muscle, you want to make sure they have healthy mutual respect for everyone in the house. In the interest of harmony, we recommend this breed be kept with only one other in-home pet. Before you get pulled in by their big cuddly faces, here are some things you should know about the care and keeping of an American Bulldog German Shepherd mix. And rather like humans, dogs are omnivores that need a wide range of animal and plant-based nutrients to meet all their nutritional requirements. Start with a high-quality kibble — one without a bunch of byproduct ingredients and grain fillers — and supplemented occasionally with fruits and veggies, with the approval of your vet. Even dogs can get bored with eating the same thing every day; keeping them interested in their dinner will lessen the likelihood that they come begging for yours! Be sure to talk to your vet about proper portion sizes, because any extra weight on a large dog can be detrimental to their health. Weight issues can exacerbate and accelerate joint issues that are common in bigger breeds. This, coupled with their immense size, means that we only recommend these dogs to those who can exercise them multiple times a day and have large fenced-in yards or plenty of property to roam. A big, bored dog can cause a lot of mayhem inside the house with a minimum of effort! If your dog starts displaying behaviors related to boredom, like chewing shoes and furniture or unnecessary barking, try giving them some toys that make them think. There are many types of puzzle toys available. For a dog as bright as this, mental exercise can be just as important as physical. If you are new to dogs, consider contacting a professional trainer so that you can start off on the right foot. The good thing about training a bright dog like this is that they will probably enjoy it! They crave intellectual enrichment as well as physical, and they love being able to do activities with their owners. Given their natural drive to do a job and do it well, training should be fun for both of you. German Shepherd Dogs are double-coated and have a thick, dense undercoat and a straight outer coat. They need to be brushed multiple times a week, or even daily when shedding more in spring. Invariably, you will need to clean their ears regularly to prevent infections. Check their nails too, as they will need clipping if not worn down naturally. Also, consider brushing their teeth occasionally as well, as this will promote good gum health and fresh breath. There are, however, some health concerns to keep an eye out for. Minor Conditions. While the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, the American Bulldog is less well-known than its English Bulldog cousin. Could an American Bulldog x German Shepherd be the perfect mixed breed dog for you? A purebred dog is the offspring of two dogs of the same breed that have a known ancestry pedigree. A mixed breed dog like the German Shepherd Bulldog is born to purebred parents of two different breeds. Mutts generally have an unknown ancestry and can be a mix of more than two different breeds. Mixed breed dogs have been growing in popularity over the past few decades. The goal of crossbreeding is to combine the best characteristics of both parent breeds in the mix, but of course, the outcome of cross breeding can be unpredictable. This is called hybrid vigor. Breed experts note that the American is what the English used to look like hundreds of years ago, before its appearance got more extreme. The American Bulldog is a strong and athletic dog, often used for farm work, like rounding up livestock and guarding property. There are two types of American Bulldog: the Scott or standard and the Johnson or bully. The Scott is sleeker, including the head shape, than the heavier Johnson, which has a larger head with a shorter muzzle. German Shepherd Dog The German Shepherd is a large, muscular working dog, originally bred to be a livestock herding dog. The German Shepherd Bulldog mix is a medium to large dog with a temperament that tends to be very loyal and protective towards its human family members. Just how big will your German Shepherd cross Bulldog get? Generally, males stand between 22 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder, and females are 20 to 25 inches tall. The weight range for males is between 66 and pounds, and 60 to 90 pounds for females. Johnson types are heavier than Scott types. German Shepherd Dog The German Shepherd breed standard calls for a male that is 24 to 26 inches tall and a female that is 22 to 24 inches in height. While no weight is given in the breed standard, expect a male GSD to weigh between 66 and 88 pounds, and a female to weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. The overall appearance of a GSD should be strong, muscular, and substantial. The German Shepherd Bulldog mix is a medium to larger sized dog, strong and powerful like both parent breeds. Height and weight can vary quite a bit, depending on the sizes of the parents and the sex of the mix. Generally, you can expect the height to be around the to inch range and the weight to range from 60 to 90 pounds. Like all other traits, your Bulldog Shepherd mix can inherit the coat characteristics of either parent breed, in any combination. While the coat should be relatively low maintenance, requiring not much more than a weekly brushing, those GSD genetics could mean that your dog will have a heavier coat that sheds seasonally, requiring more grooming during those times. White with patches of color such as brown or black is also common. The German Shepherd also comes in a variety of coat colors, although the iconic black and tan coloring is the most well-known. Many coat colors and patterns are possible in the German Shepherd Bulldog mix. Frequently seen colors include brindle, black and tan, and white with patches of color. German Shepherd and Bulldog Mix Temperament and Training Temperament and trainability are always important factors to consider with large, strong dogs like the German Shepherd Bulldog mix. The German Shepherd breed is loved for its loyal, self-assured, and intelligent nature. They are famously dedicated to their human family members. The GSD is a highly trainable dog, known for its eagerness to please and strong work ethic. The American Bulldog is a brave guardian dog that is devoted to its family. The breed can sometimes be aloof with strangers but should never be shy or aggressive. As a confident working dog, the breed is smart and trainable. Those guarding instincts make early socialization especially important. What About the Mix? An American Bulldog cross German Shepherd can inherit the personality traits of either parent breed, in any combination. Since the parent breeds share some similar traits, you can expect your German Shepherd Bulldog mix to be brave, confident, loyal, and trainable. The protective nature of both breeds means that owners of the mix should take special care to train and socialize their dogs from puppyhood to avoid unwanted behaviors with unfamiliar people. They do best with confident and experienced owners. While both are gentle and loving towards children in the family, always supervise their interactions with unfamiliar children. Here are the most important to know about. German Shepherd Dogs The painful, degenerative joint conditions known as hip and elbow dysplasia are often seen in German Shepherds. German Shepherds can also be prone to a potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal condition commonly called bloat. Another genetic health problem common to German Shepherds is a neurological condition called degenerative myelopathy that affects the spinal cord. What About the American Bulldog? A deadly neurological condition called NCL neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is known to occur in the breed. NCL causes toxins to build up in the nervous system, leading to serious symptoms and death at a young age. Other common inherited health problems in the breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, skin conditions ichthyosis and mange , and eye problems cataracts and inward-turning eyelids. Like other Bulldog types and other short muzzled breeds, the American Bulldog can suffer from chronic breathing problems known as brachycephalic syndrome. As a mixed breed dog, the German Shepherd Bulldog mix can inherit genetic health issues from either parent breed. Potential owners should be especially aware of the joint and neurological problems that the parent breeds can pass on to their offspring. How can you ensure that your German Shepherd Bulldog mix puppy is as healthy as possible? Health tests can be either DNA testing or orthopedic exams done by a veterinarian and registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Responsible breeders will not breed affected dogs, and they will share all test results with buyers. Avoid buying a puppy from a pet store or online ad. Choose a small-scale breeder who welcomes client visits. Look for alert, active puppies that are free from nose and eye discharge and diarrhea. Be sure to carefully review paperwork, like contracts and health guarantees. An American Bulldog and German Shepherd mix can be an excellent dog for experienced owners looking for a larger dog that is smart, loyal, protective, and brave. Training and socialization are a must for this dog. Always use positive reinforcement training techniques. The Bulldog Shepherd can be a good choice for active families with children, but be sure to monitor your dog around strangers, especially children. Already sharing your life with this loving and devoted companion? Tell us about your dog in the comments below! References and Further Reading. The origin of this breed is a mixed hybrid between the German shepherd and the English or American bulldog. It is an incredible dog with a lot of energy, which is most beneficial as a working dog and family pet. Although some of them require a lot of training, these dogs have lots of traits that make them great companions. You will love to see them as family members, friends, and faithful companions. If you live with a pet that you love, you might be happy to hear that you have a new German Shepherd and Bulldog mix companion. Both breeds are known for their friendly behavior and bravery. Everyone loves a dog. Some people love to show off their dogs by taking them to the park or walking them around town, while others prefer to keep them indoors as pets. People who are looking for a companion dog, however, need something different from those who want an outdoor pet and a German Shepherd Bulldog Mix could be the best option for this. The head is large with the muzzle being shorter than the skull. They have strong teeth which are highly visible even when their mouths are closed. Most of them have dark brown eyes which are normal in size. The fetching eyes take their beauty to another charm. Also, this crossbreed can be either male or female, and it has the traits of both breeds. Both breeds are used as working dogs and hence possess a well-developed muscular body and strong jaw. It is not recognized by any major kennel club, though it does have some popularity in the US and UK. It has a short coat that can be red, brindle, white, or black with tan markings. The German Shepherd Bulldog Mix, on the other hand, is a short-legged muscular dog with a wrinkled face. Oversized paws have separate endurance which fits within them in growing age. Mentality and Brilliance of German Shepherd Bulldog Mix: The result of this cross-breeding process is to produce a dog that resembles both breeds, which is well-mannered, affectionate, and loyal. These dogs were bred to create a strong, intelligent family dog that would be great with children and other animals. This German Shepherd Mix Breed can also act as an excellent family pet due to its playful specialty. These dogs are very loyal, and territorial and are often used as police dogs because they are so well-behaved and protective of their masters. The reason behind this name is obvious; it looks like a cross between a German Shepherd and a Bulldog. Everyone always thinks of lenience and courage both in appearance shall go for this breed. There is no doubt that its owners are very confident to say that it is not only a multi-talented dog but also found to be dependable for a watchdog job. Not even this, it has earned a name for being trustworthy in rescuing and for fellowship. Self-possessiveness and interesting nature are purely found in this breed. Growing up to the height of 1 to 2 feet and weighing around 50 lbs. Also, they are big in size, but their smartness makes their size more adored. Experts always advise purchasing puppies and training them, feeding them and their health should be monitored regularly. Average Age They have a lifespan of 11 to 13 years. Bulldogs are friendly towards children but can be headstrong to train. They have an average weight of pounds. Things To Care About German Shepherd Bulldog Mix: German Shepherd Bulldog Mix demands a humble owner who treats them like a family member with a needed quantity of love and spends time with them daily. There are several health issues associated with the German Shepherd Bulldog mix that pet owners should be aware of. They must be treated in a low voice tone without sounding angry. A routine walk shall be performed for near around minutes to keep them active and healthy. Grooming; Teeth should be cleaned daily to prevent their mouth from bacteria and their breath will remain healthy. Clipping their nails on a regular period with great care can save them from worm allergies. Cleaning their body and especially ears prevent normal body infections. Training is a must for German Shepherd Bulldog Mix; They should be trained with time after taking them home. Diet and regular care of German Shepherd Bulldog Mix; Their diet shall be provided and maintained in a punctual manner same as the food gets prepared for the family members. This dog does not require a special diet as they shall be always fed with a balanced diet to prevent their health issues. They are intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please. Their intelligence makes them ideal working dogs and their strength makes them good guard dogs. Not only this but they also excel in competition obedience trials and training. German Shepherd Bulldog Mix delivers more than training as they possess diligent features in their character as multiplex personality brings them up with a high intellectual factor and have earned a name for doing defensive jobs. This is one animal that seems to have found a home as many people are now adopting them as pets. Being friendly and welcoming every time, they are always a good option for long walks. They can be referred to as designer dogs. Designer dogs are the result of crossbreeding two different breeds to achieve certain desired traits in their offspring. The German Shepherd and Bulldog were two breeds that were combined to create the GSB, which has been considered an ideal family pet for many years. It is because they are considered safer for children due to their polite nature. The German Shepherd Bulldog mix is an astounding dog as they only require training and social closeness. They are calmer than normal dogs, no matter if they are on a walk with the owner or doing safeguarding. This dog is known to be obedient and fearless as well as very protective. It has a docile temperament making it great for children. It will alert you when strangers are in the area and can also be trained to guard your home, but it should never be left alone with small animals. German Shepherd Bulldog Mix is best friendly natured It is a very friendly dog which makes it a perfect pet for families with children of all ages and can get along well with other pets too which makes it suitable for households that have more than one cat or dog. It easily gets along well with strangers but can be territorial when it comes to his property. These dogs are generally very sweet and make great companions for children or elderly people. Also, it is called a friendly dog that loves to be around people, especially children. This dog will be very active, playful, and loving toward its family. It also makes for a good guard dog because it will protect you from any danger. It is also a very popular breed of dog known for its loyalty and friendliness. The German Shepherd Bulldog Mix can be trained easily to enjoy running, hiking, and playing with other dogs. They are normally gentle but can be quite protective of their owners if they feel threatened. German Shepherd Bulldog Mix is a great combination of two different breeds to create a unique pet. In this breed, the temperament of both parents can be seen in the characteristics of their puppies. The German Shepherd and Bulldog both have a high level of character and great determination to accomplish goals. This mix is sure to please with its pleasing personality and ability to learn quickly. The German Shepherd part of the dog comes from the father while the mother is a Bulldog. In fact, some people call them Gerbils because they have a similar appearance to the playful rodent. The dog has inherited some qualities from both of its parents such as intelligence, high energy levels, and good-natured nature. This mixed breed is affectionate and playful with family members and other pets in the household but can be aggressive to strangers. The German Shepherd Bulldog Mix breed is an intelligent dog that does best in a home with older children. They are alert and active, but also very sweet and affectionate. This mix can be stubborn at times, especially as a puppy or young adult. German Shepherd Bulldog mix watchdogs are very good guard dogs, but they do not like to bark. They will alert you if someone is coming to your house by growling or barking. This breed does not bark very much, but its deep howl will alert you to something unusual. In this breed of dogs, this is the dominant gene. Final Thoughts: They are protective of their owners but can be friendly with guests. A first-time owner of this dog should know that it has numerous habits which are distinct from other dog breeds. It is a very protective, loyal, and faithful breed of dog. Post navigation. But the parent breeds do have a history that dates back several hundreds of years. The American Bulldog has been in the United Sates since the 17th century. Their ability to catch feral cattle and pigs made them popular with farmers and many became farm dogs. They have since been brought back from the brink of extinction. A German cavalry officer wanted to develop the breed into the ideal German herding dog, thus begun 35 years of promoting and refining the breed to what we know it as today. After a waning need for herding dogs, the breed was promoted as a good choice for K-9 service dogs, and to this day are one of the preferred breeds worldwide for police agencies. American Bulldog Shepherd Characteristics The American Bulldog Shepherd is considered a medium-sized dog, at the large end of the medium scale. With dogs growing to be up to 26 inches and 90 pounds in weight. They can take on physical and personality traits from either of their parent breeds. Neither parent breeds like to be alone, and the same goes for their hybrid offspring. Leaving a favorite toy with your American Bulldog Shepherd if you need to go out will lower their stress levels. Be prepared for cuddles upon your return. Training is relatively easy, though the American Bulldog shines through at times and can be stubborn. American Bulldog Shepherds are great family pets and will be protective and loving with any children that may be alone. In addition, they can get along with other pets and do well in either apartment or house settings. Puppies of the breed should be fed about twice that amount in the first couple of months after weaning. As they have a high activity level, it is important that your American Bulldog Shepherd is getting the proper nutrition with a mix of high protein, healthy fats and carbs to replenish all of their burned calories. American Bulldog Shepherd Grooming As the American Bulldog Shepherd comes from two breeds that are shedders, you can be sure this hybrid will also be a shedder. Regular brushing will be needed, and to help lessen the amount of fur that gets on your furniture and clothes, daily brushing is recommended. In addition to regular brushing, your American Bulldog Shepherd will need to be bathed every one to two months, or sooner if they get really dirty or smelly. They usually need about three 45 minutes walks a day, plus some time for more vigorous activity, such as playing fetch, running around with other dogs, or activities such as obedience and agility training. Their ears should be checked and cleaned once a week to prevent debris and infections. Their nails should be clipped every couple of weeks if needed and their teeth should be brushed about once a week. American Bulldog Shepherd Health Overall the American Bulldog Shepherd is a very healthy dog and the most common ailments to look out for are hip and elbow dysplasia. Breeds Similar to American Bulldog Shepherd.
Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Chicago IL? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Chicago IL? One of the reasons for this is that individual Chicago Boxer breeders will choose their price based on their reputation for producing quality pups. The coat and eye color of each pup also makes a difference, as does their pedigree. Am I limited to choosing pups from Boxer breeders in Chicago? Many of the partners in our network are skilled at helping to organize transportation for your new pup. How do you screen breeders with Boxer puppies in Chicago? Our extremely high standards mean that we will only work with the best businesses and companies who produce the best Boxer puppies for sale Chicago. These pups are incredibly well looked after. All of these have to sign our Breeder Pledge which covers all aspects of canine care. How is Uptown Puppies different? When you start searching online for Chicago Boxers for sale, it can be hard to tell the difference between an honest business and a scam. Rather than pay attention to the marketing budget of low-quality breeders, we focus on the quality of each business. What is a puppy mill, exactly? Puppy mills prioritise profit to the detriment of animal welfare. Puppies and mother dogs are kept in awful conditions and have little to no quality of life. While these pups may seem like a bargain, the truth is they can often suffer from debilitating health and behavioral issues. More often than not, this leads to expensive veterinary bills. Can I buy a Boxer for sale in Chicago now? To start your search simply scroll through our listings of available pups and connect with the breeders or businesses with puppies that catch your eye. What country is the Boxer from? The Boxer breed hails from 19th Century Germany, where they were prized as both hunting and guarding dogs. Their blend of intelligence, bravery, and loyalty also made them the perfect dog for military and police work. What can I expect from a Boxer? Boxers are affectionate and loving with their families, but can easily switch into protector and defender mode if they feel their families are being threatened. Their active natures make them perfect for energetic families. How big are Boxers? A Chicago Boxer for sale will mature to be a sizable dog. Once mature, a male Boxer Chicago can stand up to 25 inches tall and weigh up to 80 pounds. Females will be slightly smaller, at .Their enthusiastic and bouncy nature also means you need to provide them with plenty of space! Are Boxers ebay to train? Training sessions with a Boxer for sale Chicago are guaranteed to be a lot of fun! Boxers love to please their owners so make enthusiastic and willing training partners. Puppy Breeds If you have a liking for a fearless, energetic yet devoted pet then the boxer breed of dogs should form your list of preferred choices. As the 9th most recognized and popular dog breed in the world, whether the brindle fur colored, white or fawn, a boxer is a delight to look at and a fabulous companion around. Discover more about our Boxer puppies for sale below! History From ancient Germany precisely around the 19th century had the now extinct mastiff breed Bullenbeisser and bulldogs brought in from England. At the time of their arrival, they served as hunting dogs for bears, deer, and other ferocious beasts, it would capture the prey with the help of its awesome teeth and detain it until the hunter arrives. And in the first boxer standard club was launched with a comprehensive document that is still in use today. Shortly after, the breed made its way into other European countries and got into the U. S in the late 19th century with the American Kennel Club taking registration of its first boxer around .During the first world war, boxers played the role of a military dog as a pack-carrier, a guard dog, and an attack dog, later they were taken home by the soldiers and got introduced into the domestic world as a show dog, best companion, and a reliable guard. Temperament One with so much life, energetic, curious, attentive, active, smart, sociable and incredible fun with children is the boxer, they are also known to be very patient and highly protective of their family members making them the love and desire of many homes. As active dogs, they need a lot of exercise to keep them mentally fit, apparently having a mind of its own, you will find your boxer entertain itself by digging the ground often, chewing, and licking the mouth to beat boredom. They are also very stubborn in character which makes them a terrible choice for first-timers with dogs, they are generally a bit difficult with adult dogs including dogs of a similar breed but friendly with puppies. They usually do not bark unless there is a genuine reason behind it but they love to growl. Environment If you have occupied home with people around all the time or you want a canine buddy the whole time, then a boxer is just the perfect breed to get. Being a highly active dog, they dread loneliness and they can cope finely in both a house and an apartment as long as you provide it with enough room and spaces for exercises and activities. What you must have is a large yard if you are living in a house for it to dig the ground and run around as it likes. And more so, if you are given to being away from home most of the time, getting a boxer may not be the best for you and the dog, because they usually get aggressive when left alone. Boxers are known as loud snorers and they drool greatly too. Exercises Boxers are playful and very energetic dogs as such regular exercises are part of a good canine relationship, especially a breed of this sort. Your boxer should be allowed to play in a fenced area and on-leashed since it is likely to jump and leap around in excitement. This puts a boxer as a bad choice for a frail owner as they may find it a tad impossible and daunting keeping up with its excessive activity demands. Grooming Being a breed with a short and thin coat its grooming demands are quite easy and little, all it needs is a light brushing of the hair twice every week to maintain its good and gleeful looks. Bathing should be a once in a while since boxers are generally clean dogs and its nails, be trimmed once every month or as often as they grow worn on surfaces, its teeth should also be brushed daily to avoid tartar formation and other dental crises. Our Boxer puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Contact us today to learn more about the availability of our Boxer puppies for sale. We look forward to helping you find your next family member. Our pet counselors can answer any questions you have about our Boxer puppies. Yes, boxers are particularly fond of their family members especially when goodly trained. Are Boxers trainable? Though the boxers can be a little headstrong, they are very intelligent and with a proper training environment, they respond well. Are Boxers friendly with kids? They are very fond of children and they love playing games with them. Are Boxers friendly with other animals? Boxers are naturally patient with puppies, pooches and small animals but a bit unaccommodating of adult dogs and other animals. Are Boxers good apartment dogs? They can live anywhere you make as a home all you need is to provide it with enough space for exercise. How is Boxers shedding? Given the shortness of their coat, they shed minimally and occasionally, you can also regulate the shedding by frequent brushing of their coat. Are Boxers good for first-time owners? Not quite, as their exercise needs are way too high for their inexperienced hands. Are Boxers loud barkers? But growling is a thing they do most. Are Boxers tolerable to heat and cold? All they need is moderate exposure to heat and cold because of their thin fur body. How long can Boxers live? The average life-span of boxers is 10 years.
Why Adopt Goldendoodles? Abandoned, stray, or neglected dogs that ended in shelters are a growing problem. Did you know approximately 3. This is the single most important reason why adopting Goldendoodles is necessary. Top Reasons to Adopt Goldendoodles Here are the top reasons why you should consider adopting Goldendoodles. Standard adoption fees vary by dog breed, demand, and other factors. Nonetheless, adopting a pup costs significantly less than buying one from a breeder. Adopting a Goldendoodle typically may save you some veterinary costs like spending on spay or neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, microchipping, and other fees. Typically, you need to put in an application to take a rescue Goldendoodle home. Goldendoodle rescues or shelters are non-profit organizations filled with Goldendoodles looking to be rehomed. Finding a Goldendoodles rescue can take some time, but there are quite a few across the U. Top Goldendoodle Rescues For Adoption The following is a comprehensive list of Goldendoodle rescues where you can potentially find Goldendoodles looking to be adopted. From mini Goldendoodles and Goldendoodle puppies to retired Goldendoodles and Teddy Bear Goldendoodle, these are the top places to get your hands on one of the most popular hybrid breeds today. Goldendoodle Overview Goldendoodle Overview A goldendoodle is a crossbreed between a full-bred golden retriever and a poodle. Goldendoodles weigh up to 90 pounds when fully grown and are the largest breed that we offer. A Labradoodle is a cross between a full-bred Labrador retriever and a poodle, giving them many of the personality traits of a Labrador retriever. They get their hypoallergenic coats from their poodle side. Their temperament and energy make them an ideal choice for families that have children. A Labradoodle likes to explore, play and make friends with any creature it encounters. Having a large yard for them to explore is another way to cater to their high drive and playful nature. Numerous colors and sizes make this a versatile breed. The smallest Labradoodle puppy might grow to 22 pounds while the largest can top out at 90 pounds. Cockapoo Overview Cockapoo Overview Cockapoos are ideal for apartment dwellers because the smallest puppies will only grow to 6 pounds by adulthood. A Cockapoo is the cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a poodle, and they come in an assortment of colors and fur textures. The Cocker Spaniel in this breed gives it its regal, easy going demeanor, and cockapoos are intelligent, playful and curious dogs. They make friends easily and bond well with children, making them wonderful family pets. You do still need to groom and bathe them regularly. We address destructive chewing, nipping and playful biting, going to the bathroom indoors and other potential behavioral issues. This means that your spouse and children may also become allergic to dogs. The problem is pet dander, which is found in the fur that dogs shed regularly from their coats. Hypoallergenic breeds still shed but much less than other dogs would. The methods they use correct unwanted behaviors and reward the behaviors you desire in your pet. When your puppy arrives, it knows not to chew on furniture and clothing, that it needs to go to the bathroom outside and not to nip or bite. Walking a dog can be a hassle if it pulls on the leash every time it gets excited, so your puppy will be leash trained and cooperative even in the presence of distractions. This is also an organization that rescues both cats and dogs and is not breed-specific. That being said, they also rescue Doodles and other mixed dog breeds. If you were thinking about adopting a Labradoodle, today is your lucky day! Take a look at adorable Zeus , a Labradoodle that this rescue is currently offering for adoption. You can also keep an eye on their list of available dogs here , so you can contact them when a Doodle is rescued. When you pick a dog from this rescue, your next step is to complete a preliminary adoption application. In this application, you will be asked questions regarding the future environment of the adopted dog. Some elements of the environment, such as a fenced yard, are a crucial deciding factor in this process. After the application is checked, you will be contacted by one of their volunteers via phone or email. Keep in mind that this rescue also requires vet references during the application process. Tiny Paws Rescue Tiny Paws Rescue is a foster-based, volunteering organization, dedicated to saving all small dog breeds and cross breeds. This organization is a c 3 non-profit and it is entirely run by volunteers without any public funding. You can find Ausiedoodles or even Goldendoodles in this rescue. Of course, we recommend you take a look at their album of adoptable dogs. This rescue keeps all their adoptable dogs in an album on their Facebook page , separate from their website. To start the adoption process you will need to first complete their adoption application. The smaller the dog is e. The adoption process starts with the Deed Verification. This is where they check if the owner of the property is you or the landlord you are renting from. After that, they will follow up with a Google search of adults in the home, and will also phone your references. Their next step is to contact your veterinary references. You will be asked to phone your references and veterinarian beforehand. If your previous dogs are deceased, the veterinary references still apply. After checking your pet history, the final step in the application process is a home visit. This includes meeting both your current pets and also meeting the people in your home. Rescue and Adoption Details.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Are you wondering why your German Shepherd destroys everything when they were once your angelic-like companion? Are you regretting getting a beautiful, smart, high-energy German Shepherd at all? There are a number of reasons why your puppy might begin to destroy everything, but luckily there are steps you can take to help solve the problem and stop their destructiveness. So, why is your German Shepherd destroying everything in its sight and chewing all your stuff? The top reasons why your German Shepherd becomes destructive are a lack of the right type of exercise, not enough mental stimulation, normal puppy teething, stress or illness, separation anxiety, and acting out for attention. If your German Shepherd is suddenly destroying things when it was previously well-mannered, then there could be an underlying medical issue or emotional problem causing the sudden onset of this behavior. Get your dog booked in for a thorough medical examination from your veterinarian to rule out medical reasons your dog is destructive. They are a highly intelligent breed that requires an owner willing to invest time with them. Consider why your German Shepherd might turn to destroy things so you can understand how to help and train them to stop. Here are some reasons why your German Shepherd is destroying everything. They are still used as herding dogs and in the military for their stamina. Your breed is a high-energy fireball who has an obedient and alert temperament by design. This means they are bred to do a job that requires them to stay physically active. German Shepherds require a large number of mental activities that keep them working their minds. Stimulate their minds using interesting mind games for German Shepherds or finding ways to keep your GSD entertained. If your German Shepherd is a puppy that has just started teething then this could be the cause of its destruction. Instead, train them early. As an alert breed, their watchful nature may cause them to become overly excited and worried about the noises to the point they become destructive. You can help them by learning their unique personality through bonding with your German Shepherd. Some owners might even fail to appreciate that the German Shepherd is an athletic working dog that thrives on a variety of activities. Why is this important? Because a tired German Shepherd is less likely to be a problem inside the home. You MUST learn how to exhaust a German Shepherd the right way to give both you and your dog a better quality of life together. Some types of illnesses that cause your German Shepherd to destroy everything can be helped through a visit to your veterinarian for medical treatments which can help their behavior issues. Never punish a stressed or ill German Shepherd or you will make their destructiveness worse and increase their levels of stress to the point they shut down. Get a vet appointment right away to see if your dog is unwell. To reduce destruction when you leave your dog alone, try to work on only leaving your dog alone for very short periods of time at first. This breed is known for attaching to one person and should their person not give them the attention they want or deserve they will certainly let them know by ruining their furniture, clothing, or electronics with destructive chewing. Maybe you think your German Shepherd is acting out and being stubborn. The German Shepherd is one of the most easily trained and obedient of all breeds—when you are present and make a plan to actually train them. Think of it like this: The German Shepherd is literally bred to walk and run for hours on end when herding and working. Can you run for hours a day to keep up with the exercise needs of your breed? If you can, then enter you and your dog in a marathon! Try some exercise that gets their body moving in unique ways and keeps them physically active. How should I exercise my destructive German Shepherd? Try a tail-teasing flirt pole to entice your dog to hone their herding behavior, or find a set of hills nearby and race your dog to the top to develop their powerful agility skills. Your German Shepherd may get into the habit of using the same walking trail, so switch it up to challenge them and keep them from getting bored. Unfortunately, many owners are away from home for long hours and are too tired when they return to engage their dogs in a mind game. But, mind games and mental stimulation are a necessity for the German Shepherd. You can, however, give their minds a way to engage with you and their environment in a positive manner! There are many types of mind games or brain games on the market. Some owners even make do-it-yourself games, while others prefer games that are premade. These reward-based strategy games mentally stimulate your dog and keep your pup from destructive boredom. The quickest way to train your German Shepherd to stop being destructive is by setting them up for success using daily obedience training. Obedience training helps engage your dog through positive, reward-based interaction that helps them learn not only basic commands but also how to listen and pay attention to you. Plus, it helps keep your German Shepherd from getting out of control. A German Shepherd who destroys things is definitely a great candidate to introduce to nose work to help them focus their natural scenting abilities. You can give your German Shepherd a course in nose work by having them search and find their food for some of their weekly meals. To start, hide the plates or bowls of their portioned meal in easy-to-find locations in one room of your house. This makes the game easy enough for an untrained puppy or older German Shepherd. After a few times of serving a meal this way, your dog begins to understand the game of nose work and will readily seek out their food by sniffing the area on their own. You can make it more challenging for them by using more than one room to hide their food or by moving outdoors to your secured backyard and hiding their plates of food. German Shepherds were bred to use their noses to find things, but in the modern world, their scent-finding abilities get neglected. This can lead to them destroying everything. Your focus should be on using these helpful ideas for German Shepherd enrichment. Chewing is natural and helps your dog release stress. Show them the right chew toy and encourage them to play with it. Instead, use a positive voice and reward them when they come to you and stop chewing your things. You can clap your hands or even whistle to get them to listen. What are the right things for German Shepherds to chew that can withstand being destroyed? Did you know…? Many dogs tend not to play with toys without their owner there, but food or treats placed inside specially-made toys encourage toy exploration. You can leave them a stuffed Extreme Kong , which is a heavy-duty chew toy you stuff with food and treats so it gets their attention. The idea is that your dog chews on it, instead of your things. Some owners like to create a safe place to leave their dogs, such as an area that has tempting items removed and put away. The gates still allow your dog to see through easily, which keeps your dog from developing too much stress when you leave them alone. Pick up items that your dog finds interesting and place them in a secure area. Some German Shepherd puppies find shoes, pillows, remotes, and even electric cables interesting enough to chew on and destroy. If loud or unusual noises stress your German Shepherd to the point they destroy things, then move them to a quieter area away from windows. Get a white noise machine to play soothing tones, or leave the TV or radio on low to help drown out the frightening sounds. Some owners also prefer to crate train their German Shepherd so they can secure them when they leave. The best way to prevent your German Shepherd from destroying everything is to not give them access to those items in the first place. You can also use a step-by-step guide to discipline your German Shepherd to get you started. You might wonder… How does play help reduce destruction? Some ideas for constructive play include: Playing catch or tug in your backyard for 15—30 minutes a day. Enroll your dog in doggy daycare or have a dog walker stop by. Find an agility course or teach your dog to catch a frisbee. Avoid spraying anti-chew deterrents Some owners resort to using anti-chew spray products to prevent their German Shepherd from chewing destructively. Instead, they may become wary of chewing anything — even the things that are safe to chew, like their toys. Never use physical punishment If you use physical punishment when your dog destroys things, you will lose their trust. They learn to fear you and can develop stress and anxiety. Especially a German Shepherd prone to destroying everything! Set aside time each day for their basic obedience skills. Want more help for your German Shepherd that destroys everything? Instead, find ways to encourage yourself through this troubling time. You and your dog both deserve Brain Training to ease your stress. And, for an easy step-by-step training plan, use a scientifically based program, Brain Training for Dogs. Remember, a big part of teaching your German Shepherd to stop destroying everything is the right training and management. Take action before it becomes too stressful for you to handle. Your sanity will thank you for it! Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! Hopefully, we will have the answers to all of your questions in this guide. But, all that cuteness quickly disappears when the biting phase starts. Puppy biting is normal in all breeds, including the German Shepherd. And, luckily, we have some great tips and tricks to minimize the painful biting period. In fact, it could have a number of causes. Here are a few of the most common reasons, in a little more detail. Teething One reason why puppies of all breeds may bite is teething. This stage often starts at around 3 or 4 months of age — only a few weeks after your puppy will arrive at their new home. Luckily, it only takes a few months for your puppy to have their full set of adult teeth. So, biting from teething is not permanent. If your puppy is biting or chewing because of teething, you may notice other symptoms like drooling, irritability, and going off their food. Boredom or Getting Attention Bored puppies may learn that biting gets some fun responses from you! Just like barking can. If your puppy has learnt that they can get some attention from you when they bite, they may do it to alleviate boredom. This can explain why puppies concentrate most of their biting on one family member — the person who gives the most fun response. Natural Play Biting is a natural part of puppy play — as much as some owners might not want to hear it! German Shepherd puppies, just like any other breed, will bite whilst they are playing with you or with other dogs. If this behavior continues into adulthood, the biting can be more problematic. Responding to Rough Play Some people like to play with German Shepherd puppies in quite a rough manner. This can include pushing them, or rolling them over. Behaviors like this can make puppies very excitable, and encourage biting during play. Encourage calm play between your family members or friends and your puppy. Herding Instincts The German Shepherd breed has a history as a herding dog. The creator of the breed, Captain Max von Stephanitz, bred the German Shepherd in an attempt to create the ultimate all-round herding breed. This was all the way back in the late s. Although the history of the breed has changed over time, from herding to working dog, their origins remain the same. Many herding dogs are prone to natural chase instincts. They may chase small children or other animals — particularly those that are making lots of noise. And, these herding behaviors can include nipping at heels. Once again, your behavior can minimize biting from this cause. Exploration Another common explanation for young German Shepherd biting is their natural curiosity. And, they may do this partly with their mouths. What you really want to know is, when will it stop? However, you can minimize the period by making a few easy changes to your behavior when biting occurs. The best ways to stop puppy biting and minimize the biting period are training and prevention. This means training your puppy to be gentle with you and other people, and taking away opportunities for your excited puppy to bite humans. You may need to go as far as to completely separate your GSD puppy from small children and people who insist on rough play with puppies. We know that this can only encourage biting. Remove Yourself Calmly If your puppy starts to bite you, during play or any other time, the best solution is to calmly and quietly remove yourself. You can use tools like baby gates to keep your German Shepherd in a puppy-safe room. In fact — your puppy will learn that biting during play or cuddles only results in you leaving, and them ending up on their own! Not only will this help to show your puppy that biting is not an acceptable part of playtime, but it can also help your own sanity to remove yourself from those sharp teeth occasionally. Think About Clothing You should also think about the type of clothing you wear around your puppy. Loose, hanging clothing can be appealing to your puppy, and provide something easy to grip on with their sharp teeth. Wear tight fitting clothing to minimize the number of things your puppy can bite at. Use Distractions If you, or young children in your household, are keen to pet your puppy without being bitten, you should make the most of distractions like treats or toys. You can hold a chew for your puppy to keep their attention and mouth distracted whilst someone pets them! Often, puppy owners only think about biting whilst their puppy is actively gnawing on them. One method is to reward them with treats when you are petting them and they are not biting you. Another is to reward them for calm behavior around the house. This way they learn that acting calmly and letting you touch them without biting will earn them good things! One popular method to stop puppy biting is to squeal, squeak, growl, or make another loud noise. Some people claim that this method replicates natural puppy play and tells your GSD when they are being too rough. For some owners, this may work. If this is the case, making a noise when your puppy bites will act as a reward, and encourage your German Shepherd puppy to bite you even more. This is one reason why puppies biting children is so common. Many children will make lots of noise, especially if a puppy bites them, which can lead to further nipping. This is similar to the method above, if used alone. This is why training has to be done in small stages — first you must teach the puppy what action you want, and then you can give the action a name, or command. Punishment Methods The best methods to stop your puppy from biting involve positive rewards for the behaviors you want. Studies on dog training and behavior have shown that punishment based methods are often associated with an increase of problematic behaviors. Punishing your puppy for biting can lead to distrust and fear from your puppy. The causes of puppy biting that we looked at earlier in this guide apply to all GSD puppies. In fact, they apply to all puppies of any breed. Biting and chewing is a normal puppy behavior, and a normal part of play. As long as you react to this behavior in the right way, it is a period that will pass. The biggest fear for most German Shepherd puppy owners is that their puppy is aggressive when it bites. German Shepherd puppy biting can be accompanied by ferocious growls or snarls. It can even draw blood. So are behaviors like snarling and growling. And, if your puppy is biting hard enough to injure you, they may not have learnt proper bite inhibition yet. This is the process where your puppy learns to be gentle with his teeth on your skin. The positive reward methods we discussed earlier in this guide are the best way to teach your puppy bite inhibition. Remove yourself calmly and quietly whenever your puppy bites. And make sure to reward any calm behavior — including when your puppy lets you pet it without biting. Speak to a Behaviorist If you think your puppy is exhibiting aggressive behaviors, such as guarding their resources, you may want to speak to a behaviorist. They will be able to look at your puppy as an individual case, and analyse their behavior properly. Do Adult German Shepherds Bite? The German Shepherd breed is known for being aggressive in some circumstances — they make popular guard dogs, and are number one candidates for working dog roles in the police and military. Since puppies lack the dexterity that you and I have, they use their mouths to explore the world around them. By understanding the behavior of biting itself, you can begin to see just how normal biting is in German Shepherd puppies. Just because biting is a normal behavior in a puppy does not mean we should tolerate it or promote it. Since biting is a form of communication for German Shepherd puppies, there are many things our puppies could be trying to say! So why do Shepherd pups bite? Puppies often communicate with their siblings through biting and pawing, especially when they are trying to incite a play session. Your pup may gnaw on your hand as if it were a chew toy, especially when you are a moving target. Puppies play and bite their siblings from the moment they are old enough to do so. This is why the behavior is so common, and why our Shepherd pupswill need to learn how to transition to playing with appropriate chewing options. Not only are our hands and feet tempting enough, but even more so when a puppy has a high prey drive. A prey drive is an ingrained need to chase after moving objects, whether it is appropriate or not. A swinging hand as we walk by can be extremely tempting for a growing pup, causing them to jump up and nip. If it seems like your Shepherd puppy is always biting you when you are in motion, it may be due to their high prey drive! They Are Curious As we mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies use their mouth to explore the world around them. Biting can help them examine and understand an object, and our hands and feet can fall into that category as well! If you catch your puppy gnawing on everything around your home, it may be their curiosity getting the best of them! A dog quickly learns what behavior gets a reaction, causing them to do it over and over again. Even if their bites result in a negative reaction from you, it still counts as attention. They Are Teething Similar to teething babies, a German Shepherd puppy experiences teething pain as well. If your Shepherd pup seems to find relief when chewing on objects, they may be biting you due to teething discomfort. They Are Herding You If your German Shepherd puppy is constantly biting at your ankles, they may be displaying some herding behaviors. German Shepherds are ingrained with a need to work, especially in dogs with a working bloodline. If your German Shepherd is always nipping at your feet, running to your side when you are moving, or showing signs of anxiety or frustration when you are moving around your home; it may be herding behavior. So how can you stop this normal puppy behavior? Redirect The Behavior One of the most effective ways to stop your German Shepherd puppy from biting is by redirecting the behavior. An effective distraction is a wonderful way to end the behavior without punishment, and show them how much fun the alternative to biting can be. The next time your Shepherd pup is displaying undesirable nipping, try to pull out their favorite toy. Since this will need to be a toy that your dog enjoys, be sure to offer them the option that they find most exciting. This can be a Kong toy , rope, bone, or any other chewing option that your dog loves. By doing this each time your Shepherd puppy begins to bite you, they will begin to understand that they would much rather play with an acceptable chew option. Having a variety of chew toys can alleviate their need to bite our hands and feet, and offer them the relief they seek in this uncomfortable transition. There are so many toys created for teething puppies, that it should be easy to fill your home with plenty of appropriate options. One of our favorite chew toys is the Kong Teething Binkie. Any attention can validate the behavior, causing them to make it a habit. This shows them that the behavior is unacceptable, and does not involve any harmful negative reinforcement. Our attention is important to a puppy, and they do not want to be ignored. By showing them that biting will only result in us pulling away, they will learn to ditch the undesirable behavior. Interrupt The Behavior Sometimes a Shepherd puppy needs a sharp and sudden sound to pull them out of a bad habit. By giving a quick interrupter cue ouch, yip, eek , you can pull your puppy away from the action and gain their attention. Because of this, it is so important to offer plenty of mental and physical activities throughout your home. For example, if your puppy nips at strangers each time they walk in the door, it may be best to limit their time around the guest and send them to a separate play area. Once they begin to understand that biting is unacceptable, you can refrain from using their separate play area as often. Similar to what we discussed above about being proactive, a separate play area can help them calm down and collect themselves. Once your German Shepherd puppy begins to mature and understand that biting is unacceptable, they should require less time away. Just as there are effective methods in canine training, there are counterproductive actions as well. Do Not Hit Or Yell Since biting is a normal behavior that puppies must learn to grow out of, it is not productive to hit or yell at your puppy when they bite. Doing this can show them from a young age that interaction with you results in something negative, and can hinder your training process. By using other distractions and training methods when they bite, you can turn every bite into a learning experience for your pup! This can seem like a fun game to your pup, and can actually encourage the behavior. Try your best to go limp when they bite you, and pull your attention away from the pup. By doing this, you show them that this behavior does not offer them any extra fun. Extra attention can validate their undesirable behavior, making it challenging to break. Try your best to refrain from reacting to a bite outside of your interrupter cue, and pull your attention away from your furry friend afterward. Biting is a normal behavior in puppies of all kinds. Puppies begin to bite their siblings from the moment they can move, and will continue this behavior until they learn otherwise. A biting German Shepherd puppy is to be expected, and should not result in any discouragement on your part. As long as you are following the tips we mentioned above, your puppy should shy away from this behavior in no time! Biting in puppies is not usually a sign of aggression. Mild biting is usually a form of play, and should be easily corrected. However, there are some rare cases where biting in German Shepherd puppies is a sign of something more. If your pup is displaying any snarling, growling, ears pinned back, stiff posture, or any other signs of canine aggression, your pup may be biting in reaction to fear or pain. If you are unable to make any progress within a month of implementing the tips we discussed above, it may be time to contact a dog trainer. A trainer can not only help your pup refrain from biting, but offer other obedience training as well. Final Thoughts As you can see, biting is a normal behavior for our beloved German Shepherd puppies. Be sure to review the tips we discussed above on proper canine training, and you can banish puppy biting for good!
Following the Labrador feeding chart by age will give you a rough idea of how much to feed your puppy. Labradors are known for their playfulness, and sweet disposition, and are good at fetch which is why you should provide them with the best nutrition to support their growth. Ensure that the food contains the right amounts of protein, carbs, fat, and vitamins. You should avoid feeding your Labrador puppy too much food as they are prone to joint issues, but also avoid feeding them less food as they will be malnourished and not reach their growth milestones. Continue reading to understand how much to feed a Labrador puppy. The amount of food that your Labrador puppy should eat depends on a combination of certain factors such as activity level, weight, type, and brand of food. Heavier and bigger puppies need to eat more food than smaller puppies, and dogs that have active lives will need more calories than those living sedentary life. Fortunately, all dog food contains a feeding guideline on the packaging to get you started. It is important that you create and maintain a feeding schedule for your puppy so that they can maintain a healthy weight and develop good habits. Consult your pet nutritionist or vet, to learn more about how much food you should give your specific Labrador. Labrador Feeding Chart By Age A Labrador can be fed between one and six cups of food depending on their level of activity, age, and type of food. The amount will differ from one puppy to the other as every puppy has there own requirements. Therefore, you should follow a feeding guideline that is indicated in the dog food brands or the one designed by your vet. As a Labrador owner, it is important to understand that the nutritional requirements of your puppy are different at each stage as they grow. Therefore, adult and puppy dogs should be trained to eat the correct amount at the right schedule. Ensure that you keep a Labrador puppy feeding chart with you. Calculating the Resting Energy Requirement RER of your puppy and doubling it can help you get the right number of calories to feed them. Feed your puppy a little amount, in the beginning, to ensure that they are ready to eat. If they are not ready, do not force the food on them. Be patient with your puppy and they will be on puppy food soon. The puppy will be relying less on the milk. When your puppy starts eating all the food you offer them, you can reduce the amount of water and increase the food amount. The puppy will start becoming active and start exploring away from the mother as they no longer rely on the mother. By the end of the week into week seven, the puppy will be able to eat just puppy food. Ensure that you feed them dry food that is full of healthy protein. They should be eating three to four times per day and need about 2 cups of food. Avoid free feeding the puppy as it may be hard to know exactly how much they are eating. Create a feeding schedule as early as possible and this will help them develop good habits in the future. Put the food out for only 10 to 15 minutes and take the bowl away if they do not finish. This can be tricky if you are working but it is important that you maintain their feeding schedule as this is a developmental stage. Three meals per day will help your growing puppy develop their digestive system and ensure that they are getting their nutrition. This is also the beginning of the teething stage and they will be biting a lot of things including hard dog food and chew toys. They should eat about two cups of food distributed over three meals. But you should still maintain feeding them two cups of food but can reduce the mealtimes to twice per day. Watch out for the amount of food your puppy eats to avoid them gaining weight. Also, ensure that they are getting enough exercise to burn off the food. So, you should transition them to adult food. Ensure that the switching process is done slowly to avoid causing vomiting and diarrhea to your puppy. Your Labrador can be fed once per day now and the amount reduced to about two cups of food. Understanding Labrador Puppy Nutritional Needs If you stick to feeding your Labrador high-quality food, be assured that they are getting all the necessary nutrients. However, it is useful to know the types of nutrients that they need and the ingredients to watch out for. Carbohydrates — healthy carbs are necessary for providing energy for your puppy. Sources like barley, rice, and oatmeal are great. Healthy carbs can also be found in veggies such as sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils. Fiber — it helps regulate the digestive system of your puppy and helps the stool become healthier and firm. Sources include spinach, chicory root, and beet pulp. Sources include fish oils, fish, canola oils, and fish. Vitamins and Minerals — are needed for improving the immune system which helps in protecting your puppy from diseases. Veggies and real fruits like cranberries and blueberries are great sources. The frequency of feeding your Labrador depends mostly on their age. Puppies need to eat three to four times per day while senior and adult Labradors can eat one to two times per day. Labrador is a breed that is motivated by food, meaning that the chance of them turning down food is low. Given their nature, it can be difficult to figure out whether they are really hungry or just food obsessed. Since they cannot regulate their eating habits, it is important that you develop a feeding schedule to prevent them from gaining weight. Both types of food provide your dog with the best nutrition they need to grow and develop. Also, check the label on the packaging and make sure that it contains the perfect balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Kibble is cheaper than wet foods and stores easily as it does not require refrigeration. It also helps clean the teeth by removing tartar and buildup when your puppy chews it. Wet food also provides balanced and complete nutrition for your Labrador. It provides more hydration to your puppy as it contains high moisture content. However, wet food needs to be put in the fridge once opened otherwise it will go bad. Some dog owners mix wet food and kibble to give their dogs the best of both worlds. Therefore, most premium dog food brands have different specially formulated puppy food. Puppies can be fed with puppy food until they are about 12 to 15 months old then transition to adult dog food. When transitioning your dog from puppy food to adult dog food remember to introduce the feed gradually for about seven to ten days by mixing small amounts of the adult dog food with the puppy food. Decrease the puppy food gradually every day with a simultaneous increase in adult dog food. This will helps the pup o adjust to the new meal easily. Experienced Labrador Retriever owners will tell you that not all puppies eat a lot. Studies also have indicated that puppies eat more when fed with other puppies or in a group. When the puppy gets to a new home, they might go off the food for the first few days. They might eat a few kibbles and then leave it. Your puppy may also prefer to eat from your hand and not the bowl. However, call your vet if your puppy refuses to eat for more than four hours. Call immediately if your puppy looks unwell. There are a few reasons you need to keep an eye on because they indicate serious problems: Your pup neither drink nor eat Diarrhea. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. Keep an eye out for the nursing habits of the mother to ensure that everyone gets a fair share. Some puppies could be overfed while others are underfed, which may lead to differences in growth later on. If you notice some puppies getting thinner than the other litter members, consider consulting your vet for a puppy formula appropriate for them. Your puppies will develop most of their motor skills during their 3rd week, leaving them to slowly explore on their own but still watched over by their mother and you, as their owner. Lab pups might also want to nurse from their mom often due to their energy needs. Developing milk teeth also happens in the third week for Labrador puppies so it will be a challenge if you start weaning during this time. Start with a mix of puppy food and water in a ratio of — adding liquid will help them digest the solids easier. Instead, just wait for them to sniff the food and try to eat it out of curiosity. Remember to be patient when feeding. When your puppy reaches 5 weeks of age, they are likely to eat a bit more solid food than they did last week. By this time, you can try to gradually increase the amount of solid food in their bowl. You may also start to notice the mother doing her job of slowly letting go of her little ones when it comes to the nursing job. This does not generally mean that your puppies will no longer get nursed by their mother — the instances of nursing will only lessen during this transition period. Physical activity is common when your Labrador retriever puppy reaches 6 weeks old. Your pups might also run around even more and become slightly independent compared to when they were younger, which means less time with their mother to get milk. By 7 weeks of age, your puppies will have far less time being nursed by their mother. This translates to being almost done with the weaning process. Continue feeding them food and liquid mixture until only the solid food is left served in their food bowl. Aside from that, you may also want to add a bit of age-appropriate kibble suited for Labrador puppies that they can chew properly. Protein is an important part of their diet, which includes meat sources chicken, beef, and fish , which will help in their energy, strength, and overall health. Consider foods that are rich in protein rather than brands that only contain mostly fillers like corn and wheat. The ideal amount of food per day is 2 cups, which should be divided into 3 or 4 meals per day. When it comes to weight management, keep in mind that different Labrador breeds do exist. This means that not all puppies should have the same amount of food. Take time to observe your puppy visually if you are feeling their ribs. After all, sudden changes in their diet can result in stomach upsets! Food changes are also important to talk about. If, for some reason, the new Labrador pup owner has no access or little budget for the brand you used, consider close alternatives and make sure they introduce the new food properly, gradually, and slowly. Later on, during their 9th week, you can also give them home-cooked meals such as meat bought from the wet market. To avoid food contamination, especially if you live in coastal areas where bacteria could thrive easily, consider removing the food within 15 minutes of not being touched by your pup. This will also help the puppy get disciplined into only eating when they are truly hungry and not out of boredom. Once your Labrador puppy turns 11 weeks old, you could be surprised at their sudden growth. You may find yourself constantly buying stocks of puppy food since this is their peak developmental stage. Either way, as long as you stick as close to the schedule as possible, everything will be fine. Stick to feeding your Labrador retriever puppy about three to four meals per day. If your pup is extra active throughout the day, they might need up to 3 cups of food per day, equally divided into the meals we mentioned. By having three different meals, you are ensuring that your pup gets the right weight and a good amount of nutrition. After all, lab pups tend to eat a lot if not supervised! During their 13th week, lab puppies are likely to roam around and look for items that they might mistake as food. Your job, as their owner, is to keep an eye out for these objects and hide them before little Fido chews them! At times, a Labrador pup might look hungry due to excessive begging, but in reality, it could just be a behavior, so make sure the feeding schedule is strictly followed. It will also be a great bonding time with their owner! Recommended Food for Labrador Puppies On average, your Labrador pup should have around calories if they weigh around 22 pounds. Of course, this number will vary depending on their age, weight, genetics, and daily activities. With that said, what should you feed your lab puppy? Here are some great ideas on what to feed your pup, which can be found in both store food and raw diet plans. Meaty protein As with all dogs and most active breeds, a Labrador retriever needs a generous amount of protein in its diet. This includes chicken, beef, and fish, as well as other wild sources. Always look into the ingredients and make sure that a specific meat source is the first ingredient. If you are feeding raw meat instead of kibble, make sure it is handled properly to avoid bacterial infection. Another option is to incorporate canned wet puppy food with kibble, but make sure it is filler-free. Omega fatty acids Omega fatty acids are commonly found in fish and other seafood. Fish such as mackerel are good for lab puppies to boost their heart health. Aside from that, some omega fatty acids can improve their skin and coat appearance, which will help in handling irritations in the future. We all know the pain of grooming a shedding dog! Vegetables and fruits Greens are important for puppies as well because they will help with their overall digestion and their immune system. Organ meat You may also want to add organ meat to your puppy food, especially if you are feeding raw. Kidneys and liver are common organ meat to look for in a Labrador puppy diet. Organs can be found in store-bought wet or canned food but you can also prepare it at home from the market. Be sure to handle it properly to avoid food contamination. Foods with glucosamine As mentioned above, joint problems are often experienced by labs when they grow up. To prevent the onset of hip or elbow dysplasia, consider foods that are rich in glucosamine, such as shellfish, chicken feet, and beef bones. Bone soup or broth is also a good source of glucosamine. Foods to Avoid While we have some recommended foods for a lab puppy, there are also certain ingredients that you should avoid, such as the following: Fillers such as corn and wheat These fillers are often included in most commercial dog foods. Look for foods with fewer fillers and more protein. An obese puppy may grow into an unhealthy and unhappy dog later on in life. They can catch all sorts of health problems if their weight is not managed properly. For instance, hip dysplasia is more likely to happen if your puppy is too heavy. Moreover, sugary foods will cause diabetes if not supervised. Human foods toxic to dogs These include chocolate, garlic, avocado, grapes, lime, coffee caffeine , lemons, tea, onions, sugary foods, macadamia nuts, and most certainly alcohol. Here are some frequently asked concerns about their meals, diet, and more. If you notice a big change in their appetite, it can be a cause for concern. Changes in their regular food are a normal reason for a puppy to suddenly stop eating because it is new to them. Have you tried gradually changing the food in portions? First, put a little bit of the new food and more of the old food, and then gradually increase the portion of the new food after a few meals. Should I give my Labrador puppy supplements? Generally, lab puppies will already get the nutrients they need from the food you buy or prepare for them. Puppy food is usually manufactured and made to have more nutrients as compared to adult dog food, which is why it should already be sufficient for your Labrador puppy. When can I switch my Labrador puppy to adult food? The best time to make the switch is after their first birthday. Usually, by this time, your pup has reached adulthood and is no longer growing in height and weight. Keep in mind that transitioning from puppy to adult food still requires the ratio method. Put a little bit of the adult food at first into the puppy food mix. Raw feeding a Labrador puppy Many raw diet advocates stress the benefits of feeding this way, such as becoming free from fillers and artificial additives. Get your veterinarian or breeder involved if you want to start feeding a raw diet to your Labrador puppy because when done wrong, it could make your pup sick! Conclusion Labrador puppies, when fed properly, carefully, and smartly, will reward you with TLC and a warm companion for the years to come. Be sure to always stick to the schedule or else it could lead to obesity and joint problems later on! Always make time to prepare the best food for your Labrador pup so that they grow healthy and strong — enjoying life as they go! How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. Before adopting a Labrador Retriever puppy, many owners go to great lengths to deduce the optimal food for their pup. From raw feed to canned food from a local pet store, there are plenty of dog food options for owners to consider, but which is the best dog food? Whether you feed your puppy a raw food diet or commercial dog foods, there are lots of ways for your pup to consume a balanced diet. There are plenty of sources that will describe the benefits of one diet over another, but remember that no one knows your puppy better than you. The decision to feed your dog a diet that you think is best is yours to make. There really is no right or wrong answer when it comes to selecting a food for your puppy. Your pooch will likely enjoy eating wet food just as much as they enjoy commercial dog food. So long as you feed your pup an adequate amount of food, they are likely to live a long and healthy life. If you would like specific advice about feeding your individual puppy, you may wish to consult with your veterinarian or other dog food expert. When you first bring your puppy home, it can be alarming if your dog does not touch its puppy food during the first few days at home. Is this cause for concern? Noticing that your precious pup is not eating can be a frightening realization. Prior to being welcomed to its forever home, your Lab puppy was accustomed to living with its mother and siblings. Therefore, being uprooted from this life can initially be a startling experience for a dog. Fortunately, puppies should develop an appetite within a day or two of entering their forever home-they just need a short time to adjust to their new life. If, after a few days, your puppy is still not eating their dog food, it may be a wise idea to have your puppy evaluated by a vet. Feeding A Two-Month-Old Labrador Retriever Two months old is about the earliest point at which a Labrador puppy can be brought home by their new family. When a Labrador puppy begins to eat solid food, it will not be eating a ton of food. So, owners can start their Lab puppy off with somewhere around 0. As your puppy grows older and gets bigger, owners should look to increase the amount of food for their Labrador pup. By the time a puppy is nearing three months old, it should be eating well over 1 cup of food every day. Some puppies may be consuming close to two cups of dog food at this time. This increase in size means that their appetite has also surely grown since bringing them home. By the time a Labrador puppy is around 3 months old, it should be eating close to 1. Large three-month-old Labrador puppies can be away a substantial amount of food as they are near four months old. Some puppies will be able to consume around 3 cups of food daily at this point in their lives, but most will be eating closer to 2 cups of dog food every day. If your pup seems hungry and looks to be a healthy weight, there is no need for owners to be concerned about how much food their three-month-old Lab is consuming. Your precious pooch will start to look more like an adult with each passing day. Therefore, it is essential to feed your dog enough food to promote the weight gain that makes dogs thrive. Four-month-old Labrador Retrievers should be given at least two cups of food daily. The biggest, most ravenous Labs will eat close to 3. However, only dogs on the large end of the puppy spectrum will need to eat this much at this time. Average four to five-month-old Labs should eat anywhere from 2 to 3 cups of food daily. Labrador Retriever teenagers are characterized by disproportionate body parts, distracted behavior, and dispositions that range from silly to ornery. Therefore, getting enough food to support such development is imperative. A six-month-old Labrador will surely be able to eat at least 2. This will ensure proper growth for your pooch. As your puppy reaches the point in which it is 7 to 8 months old, continue to increase the amount of food that your puppy receives. Labrador Retriever puppies that are close to 9 months old can eat more than 4 cups of food daily. However, your furry friend is more likely to consume 2. Instead, your pup is likely nearing its adult size. So, how much food should ten to twelve-month-old Labs be eating? Puppies that consume quantities of food on the low end of the spectrum should be consuming at least 3 cups of food every day during this time. On the other hand, large Lab pups that are between 10 to 12 months old could be eating 4. If your puppy is on the brink of adulthood, it would be wise to consider weaning it off of its puppy food in favor of adult dog food. All Lab puppies should be offered adult dog food when they reach maturity, as such food replaces nutrients that are essential for puppies with ingredients that benefit adults. Whereas puppies should eat food that increases their body weight, adult Labs should eat food that maintains their weight. So, if you think it may be time to switch your Labrador Retriever to an adult dog food diet, consult with your vet and find a food that is best for your adult Lab. Of course, the mature size of your pooch will dictate how much food it can and should be consuming every day. Generally, it is advisable to feed an adult Labrador anywhere from 3 to just over 4 cups of food every day. Gauge the weight and appetite of your pet to determine the perfect amount for your furry friend. Though the above recommendation will be perfect for most adult Labs, there are some instances in which mature Labradors will require more adult food. Pregnant Or Lactating Labs A Labrador who is pregnant or lactating will require substantial amounts of food to nourish herself and her litter of pups. Therefore, owners should be prepared to offer vast quantities of food to their Labrador mothers. While a typical adult Labrador will consume 3 to 4 cups of food every day, Labrador mothers should be offered around 6 cups of food at least to keep up with their enormous energy requirements. If your mother Labrador snarfs this food down and still seems hungry afterward, be prepared to offer her additional food. Especially Active Labs If your Labrador is an athletic specimen, it may need to consume more than a typical adult Lab to fuel the exercise regime that such a dog is accustomed to. Dogs that receive more than one hour of daily exercise could be considered especially active dogs. Owners can begin by offering these pooches 4. If they still seem hungry, owners can increase the amount of food given to these dogs. Once a dog reaches the golden years of its life, it is once again time to switch up its diet. Senior dogs should consume food that caters to the needs of their aging bodies. These pooches can get away with eating a low-protein diet whereas such food would not be appropriate for puppies or adults. Given that senior dogs are usually not especially active dogs, they do not require as much food compared to adult and large puppies. Therefore, supplying a senior Lab with anywhere from 2 to just over 3 cups of food daily should be plenty for your pooch. Now that you know how much to feed your Labrador, you are likely curious about the number of times that your dog should be fed every day. Some may be looking for a quick answer about how often to feed a Labrador every day, but the truth is nuanced. When it comes to feeding your Lab, it turns out that Labs of different ages should be fed different amounts of food every day. Read on to discover the perfect number of meals for your Lab. An infant Labrador Retriever should have its daily food allotment broken up into at least 4 meals every day. This will help supply these petite pups with the energy that they need to get through the day. Lab puppies that are four to twelve months old do not require as many meals as their younger counterparts. However, these dogs should still receive three meals per day to support their rapid metabolism. Feeding one meal in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening is optimal. Adult Labs do not need to eat as many meals are puppies due to their slower metabolisms. Supplying an adult Labrador Retriever with two meals every day would be perfect for these dogs. Ideally, adult dogs will be fed one meal in the morning and one in the evening. When your furry friend reaches the point in their life where they are considered to be a senior dog, your pooch will have the slowest metabolism in their life. The slow metabolism for senior Labs means that these dogs do not need to eat as frequently as they did when they were younger. In fact, senior Labrador Retrievers can get by with eating a single meal every day. One to two meals per day is ideal for a senior Labrador Retriever. Owners can see if their senior Lab prefers one or two meals each day by allowing them to try each option. Is this because these dogs are prone to obesity or simply because there are so many Labs out and about? It turns out that Labrador Retrievers are more prone to obesity than many other dog breeds. Labs have evolved to be very active dogs. If owners fail to provide their dogs with proper exercise and feed their furry friends excessive amounts of food, there is a good chance that owners will end up with overweight dogs. Why Is My Labrador Overweight? If you are someone who owns an overweight Labrador, you are not alone. Overweight Labs are still lovable pooches, but they could stand to lose some pounds for their own good. Obviously, feeding your dog less food is likely to be one of the keys to helping your canine companion to lose weight. However, you may be wondering what else you can do to help your Labrador lose weight. Well, if you do not frequently exercise your dog, then this is a good place to start. Try feeding your dog its typical amount of food but increasing its exercise to see if it starts to lose weight. For those that are still struggling to get your pooch to lose weight, be sure to cut out table scraps and dog treats from the diet of your dog. Moreover, be sure that you are not free feeding your Labrador Retriever. Free feeding is acceptable for puppies when they are infants, but Labradors that are any other age should not be free fed, for this can also result in a chunky pooch. If you fear that your dog is consuming its food too quickly, there are plenty of feeding methods to help your pooch slow down. Obesity in dogs is a serious issue. We briefly touched on this subject when discussing the best foods for Lab puppies, and the same advice will apply here. Some owners feed raw to their Labs, while others may feed kibble. Does this mean that those who practice raw feeding are likely to own healthier dogs compared to those feeding kibble to their dogs? Of course not! High-quality dog food may take many different forms. A raw diet could provide your dog with all of the nutrients that it needs, but it is not inherently better for your dog than dry food or homemade food. Ultimately, owners know their Lab better than anyone else, so they should have the final say regarding what to feed their dog. Deciding what to feed your Labrador can be an overwhelming prospect. Consult A Veterinarian Inquiring with a trusted veterinarian about the diet of your Labrador Retriever will help an owner determine the optimal food intake for their precious pooch. They may also recommend certain dog foods that can be purchased to feed a Labrador. A feeding chart will provide information related to how much food to provide a Lab based on its age. A feeding guide may even break down how much food to feed a Labrador based on its weight. There are plenty of Labrador Puppy feeding chart options and feeding guides for adults. Finding a feeding chart that was created by a trusted source like the American Kennel Club can help you make an informed decision about how much to feed your furry friend. Ultimately, a feeding guide is a good place to turn if you find yourself in need of a quick answer about the topic of how much to feed your Lab. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.
Their personalities are easy to love; they have a confident demeanor and are known for their almost clown-like antics when excited, making them an excellent family companion. This breed is quite family-oriented but may be distant with strangers at first. Their characteristic aloofness to outsiders helps make them great guard dogs. With consistent training and established rules and boundaries, this powerful pup can learn with the best of them. As a working breed, they were known for their wild pig and cattle catching abilities, making them indispensable on southern ranches in the US. Grooming Hurray for easy care! Make sure your vet gives your pup a professional cleaning every year, too. Be sure to put nail trimming every couple of weeks and ear cleaning monthly is usually enough on the grooming menu, too. And as for baths, plan on a bath about once a month or so. You may be able to just use your nose. If you detect an unpleasant odor eww! Training When it comes to training, an American Bulldog puppy needs a confident pup parent who uses positive reinforcement to teach various skills, such as how to walk nicely on a leash and come when called. Start training your American Bulldog puppy early to get them used to the ropes. Once you understand what works for them, training becomes easy. Remember: American Bulldogs are smart. These social interactions give your dog a chance to explore a variety of environments and social situations. Feed your puppy large-breed puppy kibble for their first 14 months to support slow but consistent growth. Skip food or supplements with calcium until your pooch is fully grown and eating an adult diet. The added calcium could disrupt healthy bone development. Treats are an essential part of training and a great way to show your pup you love them. However, too many treats can lead to a tubby pup, so check with your vet if you need help figuring out a proper treat-to-mealtime ratio. Exercise Even though they have a moderate energy level, an American Bulldog needs a lot of exercise. And exercise is important to keep your dog out of trouble. If they have unused energy, an American Bulldog will resort to destructive behaviors to release that energy, like chewing on your favorite pair of shoes. This athletic dog benefits greatly from structured walks and play to work the mind and their muscular build. As a puppy parent, strive to offer non-impact movement such as hiding balls in the yard or offering a puzzle toy, as these games lower the risk of joint and bone damage early on. Get out of the house twice a day or more if your young dog is up for it for playtime and walks that last between 20 and 30 minutes. Trainers often suggest skipping the dog park because structured play is more difficult in this setting. Instead, get creative with activities. Think: fetch, tug-of-war with a rope toy or a chewy option filled with something delicious. You may even try lower-impact dog sports like agility or nose work. Both are an excellent way to keep your pup mentally and physically engaged. Remember, a happy dog is a tired dog! Ideal Environment Both city and country homes will suit the American Bulldog as long as you can offer lots of exercise and playtime. Still, families with kids are a good match for this protective and intelligent breed. A structured day with regular walks and chances to play with a variety of toys is the best environment for the American Bulldog. Staving off boredom is paramount, and, of course, no animal likes to be home alone for a long time. When considering the American Bulldog as a pet, bear in mind that training is the key to their success, especially when adding this breed to a home with kids or other dogs. Pup parents need to be aware of some of these issues so they can help their dog live the healthiest life possible. Joint Dysplasia: This joint abnormality is seen in the hips and elbows, and a dog with dysplasia may run, jump and climb less than usual. Most often, the issue is a rupture or partial tear. Cherry Eye: Did you know dogs have a third eyelid? Bone Cancer: Often found in the long bones arms, legs , the cause for this condition is unknown, though vets feel it may have a genetic or environmental component. Deafness: Deafness, which can occur in one or both ears, may be acquired via drug exposure or infection. But deafness could also be hereditary and is linked to dogs with light coats and eyes. Acquired deafness is usually permanent but may improve over time without intervention. A special diet may be the treatment or medications, depending on the cause. Spinal Issues: Degenerative myelopathy DM is often genetic in nature and affects the spinal cord, leading to weakness and hind limb paralysis. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: NCL is an inherited, progressive and rare neurological disorder that starts showing up between 1 and 2 years of age. The most obvious symptom is behavioral changes in the dog, and the pup will usually lose coordination and eyesight. It can be discovered through a DNA test, and at this time, there are no treatments. This proud pup carries an imported pedigree, having been brought over from across the pond as a descendant of the English Bulldog, which was originally bred for bull baiting. Thankfully, this horrific sport was outlawed in England in .Back in the 17th century, early settlers packed these working dogs with them for service on farms and ranches. The American Bulldog became a utility player, stepping in to accomplish many tasks, such as guarding livestock and catching cattle and feral pigs. In fact, were it not for their success as an excellent catch dog in the southern states, we might not know the breed today. John D. Johnson and Alan Scott were able to breed the last few native American Bulldogs in the southern US, resulting in two types the Scott type and the Johnson type that thrive today. These breeds differ in appearance; the Johnson American Bulldog sports a bigger, stronger build, a larger head and short muzzle, and the Scott American Bulldog has more lithe features, such as an athletic, small-boned frame and a longer muzzle. Are you looking to add an American Bulldog as a family member? Check out the AKC puppy finder to find a reputable breeder. You can also seek out local American Bulldog rescues to find a worthy, loving dog to call your own, or keep an eye out for the breed at your local shelter. FAQs Do American bulldogs shed? Yes, American Bulldogs shed, albeit lightly and seasonally. Are American Bulldogs Pitbulls? Are American Bulldogs aggressive? American Bulldogs may be aggressive toward other dogs, particularly unfamiliar ones of the same sex, in part because of their protective and somewhat dominant nature. But with consistent training and early socialization, this breed is considered a loving family dog that does well with kids and other pets. How long do American Bulldogs live? American Bulldogs can have a generous life span, often living between 10 and 12 years. Providing your dog with the proper diet and exercise can help your pup live a full life. What are the most popular American Bulldog names? Get more dog names here. What are the most common American Bulldog mixes? Families of all kinds admire this agile, athletic breed and count themselves lucky to own such a loving, loyal pet. Female Names. Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The very muscular, sturdy and powerful, yet compact frame of the American Bulldog remains higher on the leg, more agile and swifter than its English counterpart. Some individuals are reportedly able to leap six or more feet into the air. Males are characteristically stockier and heavier boned than the more refined females. The head is large with strong jaws. Agile and light on his feet, the chest is wide and moderately deep, giving the sense of athletic ability and power. The neck is muscular, tapering from the shoulders to the head and may have a slight dewlap. The head is square, large and broad with muscular cheeks relatively in proportion to the size and overall structure of the dog. There is a defined furrow between the rounded eyes, with a distinct, sharply defined, deep stop. The strong muzzle is broad and square. The preferred bite is reverse scissors, but a moderate underbite, scissors or even bite are acceptable. A variety of ear types are acceptable including cropped, rose, half-pricked and forward flap. Uncropped ears are preferred in the American Bulldog Breeders Association standard. Eyes are most often brown, but can come in any color. They sometimes have split eyes, where one eye is brown and the other eye is blue. Black eye rims are preferred on white dogs. Pink eye rims are considered a fault according to the written standard. The nose is black, red, brown or grizzle; black is the preferred color according to the standard. In black-nosed dogs, the preferred lip color is black, though some pink is permitted. The lips should be full but not too loose. The front legs are heavy-boned, strong and straight. The hindquarters should be very broad and thick with well-defined muscles. The tail is low-set, begins thick at the base, and tapers to a point. The coat is smooth and short, and comes in all shades of brindle including red brindle, varying degrees of white, red, brown, tan, fawn and piebald. Temperament The American Bulldog is loyal, reliable, brave and determined. Not a hostile dog. Alert and self-confident, this breed genuinely loves children. It is known for its acts of heroism toward its master. It has strong protective instincts, and needs a firm, confident, consistent pack leader. Well-socialize and obedience train them at an early age, to prevent them from becoming reserved with strangers. Without that strong-minded pack leader who can tell the dog what is expected of it, it may be aggressive with other dogs. They need to be around people and know their place in their pack to be truly happy. This breed tends to drool and slobber. Without enough daily mental and physical exercise they will become high strung and may become hard to handle. Height, Weight Height: Males 22 - 28 inches 55 - 70 cm Females 20 - 26 inches 52 - 65 cm Weight: Males 70 - pounds 32 - 54 kg Females 60 - pounds 27 - 45 kg Health Problems Prone to hip dysplasia. Living Conditions The American Bulldog will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Exercise The American Bulldog should be taken on a long daily walk. Life Expectancy. Life Span Did You Know? The American Bulldog is a descendant of a generic bulldog type of dog breed brought into the region that is now the Southern United States by working-class immigrants many years ago. These were all-around working dogs used by small farmers and ranchers for several tasks around the farm. They were often found working as catch dogs, stock dogs, and overall farm guardians. When feral pigs were introduced to the New World, they had no natural predators and the population quickly grew out of control. In addition to their farm duties, the settlers found the bulldog-type dog to be the best solution they had for dealing with it. So, the bulldog continued to thrive, especially in the South. Johnson and Alan Scott that we have what we know today as the American Bulldog. Modern American Bulldogs can still be found working as all-around utility dogs, farm dogs, catch dogs, cattle drovers, and more. They can also be found competing in dog sports, working as a guardian, police, or military dog, and are also popular as a family pet. This dog breed is a sweetheart with a gentle, fun-loving nature. The American Bulldog is affectionate and adores their families. They also love children and tend to be good with other animals. American Bulldogs can have a high prey drive, so you will want to make sure you introduce and socialize them properly with other small animals in the household. Due to their protective nature, they can be aloof towards strangers and strange dogs, especially when they are younger. Early socialization can help them be more comfortable navigating their guardian instincts. Overall, this dog breed tends to be confident, social, and are most at ease and relaxed when they are with the people they love. American Bulldogs are an emotional dog breed and thrives on human attention and affection, so they tend to bond strongly with their owners and may come across as clingy sometimes. They will also often convince themselves that they are lap dogs regardless of their size, so make sure you are ready for a lot of love and cuddles with your American Bulldog, drool and all! The American Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are strong, high-energy working dogs that love being around their favorite humans. This makes them better suited to larger homes with space for them to run. They are not generally a good fit for apartment living, but they can adapt as long as they get more than enough exercise and attention. Because they do tend to bond strongly with their owners and want to be near them, they do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but can adapt to well to most climates. There are some health issues that can be found in specific genetic lines and are not common to the breed overall, but these can be ruled out with genetic tests. Some potential health conditions to be aware of in general with the American Bulldog include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid disorders, kidney disorders, bone cancer, and eye-related issues like ectropion, entropion, and cherry eye. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns. American Bulldogs are highly trainable and eager to please, so they are a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. They can have a stubborn streak, so a first-time dog owner may want to consider enrolling in puppy training classes. As with any dog breed, early and ongoing training and socialization are important for your American Bulldog puppy to grow into a well-rounded, and a well-behaved, dog. This dog breed has a short coat that is generally smooth. Common coat colors are white and predominately white with patches of brindle, black, or red. More coat color patterns are emerging and becoming more common like all shades of brindle, fawn, brown, red, and more. The American Bulldog is relatively low maintenance and easy to groom and they are light to moderate shedders. They only require a bath as needed. But, you will need to be prepared to deal with some extra drool! Floppy ears tend to trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to ear infections. The ideal dental care for dogs is using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day. Dental hygiene chews or treats, a specially-formulated dental care diet, and more can be used to supplement your dental care efforts. The American Bulldog is an athletic and high-energy dog breed. They love daily walks and plenty of playtime outside. They may even enjoy plenty of other activities with you like swimming, hiking , and more. With their working dog background, this dog breed does need a job to do in order to stay happy and healthy. They also tend to be a good candidate for dog sports like obedience, weight pulling, the Iron Dog competition, and more. A fully-grown American Bulldog usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. An American Bulldog generally lives for years. Chance, one of the canine stars from the Homeward Bound films, was an American Bulldog. Featured American Bulldog Article. Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The American Bulldog is an agile, confident and loyal protector for his human family, as well as of personal property. He is a gentle, affectionate and loving companion, albeit fearless and ready to strike should any intruder cross his path. An energetic, active working dog, the American Bulldog exudes a dominant, powerful and athletic appearance, with strong muscles and substantial boning. He gets along well with young children, as well as dogs and other pets so long as he was raised with them from the start. The American Bulldog does not do well when left alone for prolonged periods of time. With proper socialization, training and regular exercise, the American Bulldog is a true companion and excellent watchdog. Upkeep Because of his working past, the American Bulldog is quite familiar with being outdoors, but like most dogs, he thrives on living indoors with his owner. As such, he should be frequently exercised with plenty of engaging activity to burn off energy and combat boredom, avoiding consequential destructive behavior. Otherwise, the American Bulldog is a relatively low-maintenance breed, requiring not much else than mopping up his regular drool and slobber and minimal grooming for his short, fine coat. Known for his strength, courage and ease around livestock, the breed began being used for bull baiting before it was outlawed in England. Consequently following the ban, the breed was replaced with the less athletic, shorter and stockier English Bulldog. Meanwhile, the original bulldog type was preserved by working class immigrants, who brought them on their journey to America to use as all-around working dogs on farms and ranches in the South. Johnson worked to revive the breed alongside Alan Scott and other breeders. Today, the modern American Bulldog as we know it remains a well-rounded working dog, courageous guard dog and faithful family companion. Related Content.
Poodle Puppies for Sale Raise them in Connecticut! There are many good reasons to buy and keep a poodle. There are plenty of poodle breeders nowadays because of its popularity as a house pet. Poodles are intelligent, impressive and active dogs that are also friendly and outgoing. Poodles never shed their fur which is why they are a good fit for people who suffer from allergies. They come from elite dog breeds, and their origin has been argued for centuries. Poodles were known to have derived from Germany as a type of water dog, while others say they came from the old French Barbet. Yet, since poodles are now a common breed in France, they have since become the national pet. Nonetheless, poodles are now a favorite among families and children. Dogs have always been perfect human companions. So it is still a good idea to keep a poodle. It is also a good idea to distinguish the type of poodles about their characteristics and colors. Characteristics of A Poodle The shoulder height of a standard poodle is usually around inches while its weight would be approximately 20 — 30 kilograms. In the United States, poodles are recognized by three sizes which are the tiny, standard and toy. In some parts of Europe, a fourth size is also known in poodles which they call medium or otherwise known as moyem. Poodles are built with elegance which is why they are popular dogs among aristocrats and the elite. The eyes of poodles are usually known to be dark and oval shaped while their fur is dense and curly and does not shed. By nature, poodles are known to be water retrievers. This makes them excellent swimming companions as well because they love being in the water. Types of Poodle colors Poodles are known to be solid colored dogs, and these are actually a popular choice among breeders. They usually come in solid colors like black, white, red, apricot, brown, silver, grey, silver-beige and even some that come with unique spots or marks. Yet, there are also poodles that come with a mix of different colors which are identified as mismark, tuxedo and parti-colored poodles and these are usually special breeds that are now being recognized in dog shows and exhibitions and even canine registries. It is important, however, as a breeder to know and identify these types of dogs and which of these are recognized in significant dog registries. Mismark Poodles These poodles are also known as abstract poodles by a few breeders. A mismark poodle is usually mistaken to be parti-colored or tuxedo poodles because of their similarities. In short, majority of their coat is solid and with slight white patches. It is important for breeders to identify them as mismark and not parti-colored or tuxedo poodles. Tuxedo Poodles These types of poodles usually have special markings in some parts of their body which resembles a tuxedo. If you are breeding these species of dogs, the markings are usually seen to be a white colored belly. The dark colors can be dark blue and white or red and white. Parti-colored Poodles These type of poodles have been known to history to be the original color of poodles. These poodles have a larger area of their body to be covered with a white base coat and the remaining patches of random solid color, and is black, which surrounds their body. Some spots of black color may even appear on their paws and legs. When breeding, it is important to remember that to get a parti-colored poodle; two parti-colored dogs should be paired and mated to get the expected results. It is often a joy for most breeders because of the lovely colored patterns that these poodles possess. Some partis, however, may have small spots which are black as expected. Health Issues in Poodles It is necessary for any dog breeder to be aware of the kinds of health issues that their dogs may encounter. Like any other dogs, poodles have a significant list of health concerns that have since been reported in dog registries. Yes, even poodles are susceptible to these kinds of conditions, so it is best to take good care of your dogs and make sure that their medical records are up to date. This means that regular vet visits should be scheduled and accomplished for the poodle, with complete vaccines and relevant shots. A minor issue that is common to poodles is the ear infection. Poodles can also contract eye problems like cataracts because of the density of their fur around their face and head. Outdoor Activities and Training Since poodles are intelligent creatures, training is not a challenging task for most breeders. They are quick to understand what is expected of them. Poodles are companion dogs, and they usually need a right amount of exercise and outdoor activities. They often need companionship and would usually get rowdy when left alone indoors for a long time. Unlike other toy dogs, poodles enjoy being outdoors and active with their fellow humans. If you want to have a Poodle, call CT Breeder — .In addition to our selection of designer and purebred puppies for sale, we offer expert dog training, professional pet grooming and the best pet supplies, pet foods and pet products available at the low prices. Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. Havapoo vs Shih Poo Comparison The Havapoo and the Shih Poo are two fantastic doodle dogs that know no limit when it comes to loving their humans. They are sweet, cuddly, and playful, and they love being with their people more than anything else. Both of these small doodle breeds are renowned for their intelligence, toy-like appearance, and darling nature. If your dream is to be the pet parent of a gorgeous bundle of joy, one that will impress you with.Welcome to the exciting world of doodle puppies! If you're considering adding a new fur baby family member, you're in for a treat. Doodle puppies are simply amazing. They are friendly, loving, and playful dogs that are perfect for families with children. With so many different types of doodle breeds available, one more adorable than the next it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. But don't worry, we're here to help! Cute and cuddly, clever and attentive, these adorable pups make wonderful family companion pets. Shih Poo puppies are adorable, joyful little teddy bears who love to play and cuddle. Precious, fluffy and small, Shih Poos have an average weight between 8 and 18 pounds with an average height between 8 to 17 inches. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We are NOT a kennel. All of our poodles are family members living in our home or with their loving Guardian Families. Our puppies are all born here in our Connecticut home and remain here with us until they have been weaned off their mother and transitioned successfully over to food before they go to your home. Our puppies are handled daily from birth and given loads of love, cuddles and socialization. Once the puppies get to be about 4-weeks of age, they spend their days in the main part of our home, in a large play area adjusting to life with lots of activity, fun and a variety of different noises. As they continue to grow, they get outside time in their own beautiful puppy play area with their assortment of toys. Breeding is not a hobby for us. This is something we are very passionate about and take great pride in what we do. We breed for poodle health, amazing companionship, temperament and loyal family additions. All of our parents have very loving, gentle and wonderful temperaments. We are extremely picky about the quality of the puppies we produce and we will not compromise our standards. We will never breed a dog that has not passed testing either individually or clear by parentage. House-trained, Story Please note that we are a TX based rescue that transports our dogs once they are adopted. This pup is in a foster home in TX. Please fill out an adoption application found at haydudeequine. Oreo has had his lil world turned upside down. His elderly owner who loved them very much had to move in with family and is not longer able to care for him, his sister Lexie and his buddy, Shorty. Not only did he lose his owner but his home as well. Being the lil trooper he is, he's settled down in his new foster home and is doing remarkably well. It helped he got to stay with his doggie family and is making friends with the other foster pups there. Oreo is around 6 years young and would make a great companion for just about any household. He is at the age where he's just a lot of fun to have around. Some benefits to adopting an older pup - What you see is what you get, no guessing how big they will be or what they will look like grown They are already house and crate trained They are out of the puppy destructive stage, they don't need to be constantly monitored If they are quiet for too long, they're probably taking a snooze Oreo is super affectionate. He loves attention and his little stubby never stops moving! We're not sure how many kiddos he's been around but with his friendly personality should be fine with dog savvy kids. Oreo is house and crate trained making him an excellent addition for a he's hoping, your family. Coming in at the top end of the small category at 25lbs he's the perfect size for strolls around the neighborhood, walks to the local coffee shop, trips to town for your errand runs and of course stopping at the park for some play time or just relaxing watching the squirrels. And the best part is he's not so big he'll take up the whole couch for his beloved cuddle time! With his mixed breed hairytage, Oreo will need some regular grooming, but for the most part a good brushing a few times a week with keep him looking like the lil stud muffin he is!! Will you be the family that will right Oreo's world again? You just need to stop scrolling and fill out his adoption application and we'll take it from there!!! This family includes Oreo, Lexie and Shorty.
Often breeders recognize the popularity of these unique bi- and tri-color patterns and will charge a higher price for them. What is the lifespan of a Springerdoodle? The average lifespan of a Springerdoodle is years. How much exercise does a Springerdoodle need? Springerdoodles are a very active breed and will need minutes of daily exercise to live a happy, healthy life. This figure can range slightly depending on the size, age, and personality of your dog. This breed is not recommended for those who live a sedentary lifestyle. Keep in mind that a standard Springerdoodle will typically need more exercise than a mini Springerdoodle based on size alone. To avoid damaging their developing bones and joints, be careful not to over-exercise your puppy. As a rule of thumb, a Springerdoodle puppy should get about 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, times per day. Once they are fully grown at months, your Sproodle is ready for their full minutes of exercise. Are Sproodles good apartment dogs? Sproodles are not an ideal breed for those who live in an apartment or small house. This breed will be much happier with more space, particularly if you have a large, fenced backyard… and maybe even a doggie door! Mini Springerdoodles need slightly less exercise and are more likely to fit within the weight limits that many apartment buildings have. Is the Sproodle a healthy breed? Springerdoodles are generally considered to be a healthy breed. While mixed breeds tend to be healthier overall than purebred dogs, they are still susceptible to health issues from both parent breeds. Some common illnesses seen in the English Springer Spaniel Poodle mix include elbow dysplasia, otitis externa, progressive retinal atrophy, and epilepsy to name a few. One way to protect your Springerdoodle from accidents and illnesses is to enroll them in a quality pet insurance plan as early in their life as possible. I personally have my dog covered with Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. Are Springerdoodles easy to train? The cross between two very intelligent breeds, Sproodles tend to be smart and easy to train. Springer Spaniels can be seen competing in hunting, agility, and obedience tests. Poodles are often selected to be highly-trained service animals. Are Springerdoodles good with kids? Springerdoodles, in general, tend to be good with kids of all ages. English Springer Spaniels have an average tolerance of kids while Poodles are excellent with them. Crossing these two breeds results in a dog that will likely have a good relationship with the children in your family! Photo courtesy of Pat Patterson. Are Springerdoodles good with other pets? Springerdoodles tend to get along with other dogs fine but may not do well in families that have a cat. While the personality of every dog is different, the natural prey drive of the Springer Spaniel breed can be tough to overcome. Are Sproodles aggressive? Overall, Sproodles are not an aggressive breed. However, this is extremely rare overall. Do Springerdoodles bark a lot? Springerdoodles are average barkers and are not overly quiet or overly vocal. Do Sproodles make good watch dogs? Sproodles tend to make average watch dogs. Photo courtesy of Ruth Prideaux. Where can I find a Springer Spaniel Poodle mix? Finding a Springer Spaniel Poodle mix can be a challenge seeing as how rare this breed is. To learn how to identify a good breeder while avoiding puppy mills and backyard breeders, check out our article here! Pet stores are best to avoid. Not only will you pay a much higher price, but many people question the ethical standards of the breeders they source their puppies from. Finally, you can choose to rescue a Springer Spaniel Poodle mix from a shelter! How much do Springerdoodles cost? Mini Springerdoodles and puppies with more sophisticated color patterns will usually fall on the higher end of this range. More from Popular Doodle.Coat: Low-shedding, wavy or curly Life expectancy: years The springerdoodle is a medium sized breed. They typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, and stand 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. Springerdoodle coat can be either curly or wavy, and is usually low-shedding. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Springerdoodles come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, cream, and white. Temperament: Springerdoodles are bred to be intelligent, friendly, and loving dogs. They make great family pets, are very curious and sociable, and love being around people. Activity level: Springerdoodles have high energy levels and will consistently need plenty of exercise. They love to play fetch and go out for long walks or runs. Care level: Springerdoodles are relatively easy to care for. They require regular brushing and grooming, and need to be exercised regularly. Suitability for families: A springerdoodle is perfect family pet with children. They are patient, loving, and love to play. Suitability for apartments: Springerdoodles can live in apartments, but need plenty of exercise. They may not be suitable for very small apartments. Trainability: Springerdoodles are intelligent dogs and are relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods such as rewards and praise. Personality of springerdoodle breed Springerdoodles are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities. Due to the fact they constitute a hybrid breed, they make great family dogs and love to be around people. They are great human companions, whether you are a first-time dog owner or a seasoned dog parent. They can also be regarded as formidable guard dogs. Your furry friend is an active breed, has a lot of energy and needs plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. The perfect solution would be to start with some dog sports from a young age. Other types of Springerdoodle pups Mini springer doodle A mini springerdoodle is a smaller version of the springerdoodle, bred by crossing a miniature poodle with English springer spaniels. Mini springerdoodles typically weigh between 15 and 30 pounds and stand 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder. Micro springer doodle A micro springerdoodle is an even smaller version of the springerdoodle, bred by crossing a toy poodle with a springer spaniel. Micro springerdoodles typically weigh between 6 and 15 pounds and stand 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder. Teacup springer doodle A teacup springerdoodle is the smallest version of the springerdoodle, bred by crossing a teacup poodle with a springer spaniel. Teacup springerdoodles typically weigh between 4 and 6 pounds and stand 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder. Springerdoodle health concerns There are multiple diseases that springer spaniel poodle mix can inherit from both parental breeds: Hip dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a disease common in larger dogs that the larger springerdoodles can be prone to. It is caused by a malformation of the hip joint and can lead to pain and lameness. Purebred dogs are also subject to legg calve perthes disease. Eye problems Springerdoodles are also susceptible to several eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Ear infections Due to their long, floppy ears, springerdoodles are prone to ear infections. It is important to keep their ears clean and dry to prevent these type of infections from occurring. Bloat Bloat is a condition that can be deadly for dogs. It occurs when the stomach twists inside the abdomen and traps gas and air. Elbow dysplasia Springerdoodles can also inherit a condition called elbow dysplasia, which is caused by a malformation of the elbow joint. This can cause pain and lameness in the affected leg. This can cause serious bleeding problems and may be dangerous if your dog is injured. Epilepsy Epilepsy is a neurological condition that can cause seizures. Dogs diagnosed with Addison's disease are expected to have normal, regular life spans. Additionally, springerdoodles may be prone to weight gain and obesity, so it is important for dog owners to feed them a healthy diet and make sure they get plenty of exercise. How to care for springerdoodle puppy? Springerdoodle diet First and foremost is to ensure a healthy and balanced diet for your springerdoodle. Their diet should include all necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals to support their growth and development. How much to feed a springerdoodle puppy? The amount of food springerdoodles need will depend on their age, size, and activity level. Puppies need more food than adult dogs, and active dogs need more food than inactive dogs. It is important to talk to your veterinarian about how much to feed your springerdoodle puppy. Activity The Springerdoodle is an energetic dog breed, that needs a lot of socialization with other dogs, people and pets. Plan regular walks times per day and time for your active dog to socialize with its furry friends in a dog park or other proper and dog-friendly location. Springerdoodle grooming How to groom a springerdoodle puppy? When it comes to grooming sprinderdoodle puppies, dedicate extra time to hygiene and creating habits that revolve around said hygiene. The coat and skin of a puppy are important to focus on. We recommend no bath for the first months. When you give your springerdoodle his first bath always use a sensitive or puppy shampoo to keep the coat and skin of your pup safe. Read more tips in our article on how to groom puppies highly recommended for first time dog owners! We Recommend How to groom an adult springerdoodle? In order to keep your furry friend healthy and looking good, the springerdoodle coat needs to be brushed at least times a week. If your springerdoodle's coat is longer, the brushing should be done more frequently. Use a brush with bristles and pins in order to thoroughly go through the dog's coat and work through the curls if your dog's coat is curly. Springerdoodles can be groomed at home , but for an all-over haircut and advanced grooming sessions it is better to use help of professionals. Don't forget about regular baths as springerdoodles enjoy it and it helps to keep their skin and coat in a good condition. It will help detangle curls, condition and nourish your dog's skin and coat. You will not be disappointed! One of the most endearing physical attributes of the Springerdoodle is their long floppy ears. Make sure to perform regular check-ups for dirt, wax or debris and clean them with a cotton ball dipped in an ear-cleaning solution. Nails should be trimmed every few weeks. Where to get a purebred dog? There are many springerdoodle breeders across the United States. You can also find springerdoodles at animal shelters and rescue organizations. Responsible springerdoodle breeders If you are looking for the springerdoodle puppy, search for the reputable breeder, who will provide you with a healthy, socialized and good-tempered pup. When choosing a springerdoodle breeder, it is important to find one that is reputable and has experience breeding this designer dog breed with purebred parents. A good breeder will be able to answer any questions you have about the springerdoodle and will be happy to provide you with references on purebrand english springer spaniel and purebred poodle pedigrees. Conclusion: Springerdoodles are a popular type of Doodle, and for good reasons! These pups are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, as well as their intelligence and trainability. Springerdoodles are also relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming, making them an ideal choice for busy families or individuals. If you're looking for a loving, energetic, and family-friendly dog, the springerdoodle may be the perfect breed for you! They looked hard but nothing was up to snuff. Or sniff. Like so many, we love our families and take pride in our homes, and we consider our pets to be integral parts of those entities. That said, we could not find an effective way to coif them that was on par with the way we tended to our children, our homes, or ourselves. These beloved pets are allowed on the furniture and in our beds, and yet even when fresh from the groomer, we knew they did not smell or feel as good as they could. With the development of our coat-specific shampoos, conditioner and deodorizing spray, we think we found just the way to say thanks for being the best and the sweetest MVP of the house. We know beauty is not only skin deep. We did a ton of research to create the entire line. Each product is formulated with its own unique blend of essential oils sourced from around the world. Springerpoo Retriever Description The Springerdoodle is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the English Springer Spaniel and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. They have beautiful, soft, wavy coats, and they tend to shed less than some of the other Doodles. She is very low- to non-shedding. We rescued him from a local shelter. He has a great sense of humor and always makes us laugh. He is sweet, friendly to all people and animals , affectionate and very gentle. He has an awesome personality. He is quite high energy and needs daily walks. He is well-known by the ladies in our vet's office and the ladies at the local bank drive-thru. Also, most people in our neighborhood know and love Rudy! He should be around pounds when full grown. His father is a white Miniature Poodle whilst his mother is a tan and white English Springer Spaniel. We live in Wales, UK, where Zippy loves running around the hills chasing birds he never catches!! He is a very intelligent dog, which has made all aspects of training very easy. Housetraining was almost instant, and his obedience is excellent considering his age. He is very friendly and loves children. He has become a much loved family member. Life Span Did You Know? The Springerdoodle is a designer dog breed that originated in the United States. They are a cross between an English Springer Spaniel and a Poodle. A hybrid dog may take on characteristics from either or both of their parents. When it comes to a Springerdoodle, they are generally intelligent dogs that love their families and are eager to please. They also tend to have a playful, energetic personality and a gentle disposition. Although this designer dog breed is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable dog organizations. The Springerdoodle is a fantastic addition to any family, whether they are single owners or families with children. Their friendly personality and gentle, patient nature mean they tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Springerdoodles are also devoted and loyal to their families. They tend to be playful and absolutely love being around people. A Springerdoodle is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They love to run and are better suited to homes with some space, especially fenced yards. They do well in just about any climate. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to high heat and to extreme cold. Because Springerdoodles thrive on attention and love their families, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. As a mixed-breed, the Springerdoodle can inherit the potential health conditions common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. There may also be health clearances, certifications, or test results that you can review. Springerdoodles are also at a higher risk of bloat. Springerdoodles are intelligent dogs that enjoy learning and are eager to please. This means that they pick up on things quickly. They are highly trainable and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Puppy training classes may not be necessary, but they can be a good idea as they often provide opportunities to socialize a puppy. The grooming requirements for your Springerdoodle will depend on the coat they inherit from their parents. Should they end up with a Poodle coat, they will be low-shedding. But, they will require daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats from forming. They will also need professional grooming every weeks to keep their coat healthy and looking great. Should a Springerdoodle end up with a Springer Spaniel coat, they will have a double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily as the seasons change. Brushing once or twice a week and an occasional bath is usually enough to keep their coat healthy. Professional grooming for a clip during the summer can be a good idea. Monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning them as needed can help prevent ear infections. When it comes to dental care, many dogs are seriously lacking. This is one of the reasons gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs! By practicing good dental care for dogs , you can help prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss later in life. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste daily and visiting the vet for regular cleanings are ideal. The Springerdoodle is a high-energy dog breed. Daily walks plus time to run and some extra activity are usually enough to keep this dog happy and healthy. Their friendly personality makes them a great fit for trips to the dog park. They may also enjoy going for a swim, going on hikes with you, running with you, playing frisbee, and more. A fully-grown Springerdoodle usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Springerdoodle generally lives years. Springerdoodle may be the most common name for this designer dog breed, but they are also sometimes called a Springerpoo or a Sproodle. Featured Springerdoodle Article. Adopting or buying a Springerdoodle Caution is needed when introducing this inquisitive working breed to other family pets, including cats. They can be great with kids if properly socialized, and make great pets and companions. Springer doodle dogs are also a good first time dog for new puppy parents, as long as they are prepared to get stuck into that all important positive training. An active breed, exercise is key to their happiness, and yours when sharing their home! Described as a sporting breed, these dogs derive from years of intentional breeding of British land spaniels. The English Springer Spaniel assisted hunters by detecting game birds and driving them out from cover. When the breed became popular in North America, these dogs were well known as bird dogs with powerful noses and high trainability. The Standard Poodle started out as a duck hunting dog. Because of this, Poodles make great retrievers. They were bred to be smart, easily trainable and have a distinct curly coat that kept them warm when swimming in near-frozen lakes. The distinct lion cut of Poodles allowed for better movement and protection when they were working. The leg joints, chest, and hips remained covered to keep joints warm even in the winter. In early 20th century, Miniature and Toy Poodles were bred from the Standard. As of , the three sizes of the poddle are officially recognized by Kennel associations around the world. Springerdoodle Appearance In general these Springerdoodle pups have wavy to curly hair, in a variety of colors that can be solid or mixed. Their ears are usually floppy and medium sized with dark and round eyes. As a mix, the appearance of Springer Doodle puppies can be quite unexpected. On the one hand, we have English Springer Spaniels. These pups have drooping ears and a proud, sturdy body. Although available in a variety of patterns and colors, the preferred one is white and dark brown. Spaniels have soft, elegant facial features that frame their dark round eyes. On the other hand, Poodles also boast a strong, muscular body. The have a moderately rounded head with round, kind eyes. Poodle coat colors come in white, black, or apricot tone on the hallmarked curly fur. Coats and Grooming Contrary to popular opinion, this crossbreed needs grooming and clipping to be healthy. Because of its parent breeds, Springerdoodles inherit the grooming requirements of both. English Springer Spaniels require occasional grooming to avoid mats in their wavy, long coat. Brushing the coat regularly helps with seasonal shedding. Constant trimming is necessary to keep healthy nails. Their long ears heavily covered in fur can cause the ear canal to become moist, resulting in ear health issues. Poodles with longer hair need daily brushing to avoid matting. If the coat is kept short, once or twice a week will suffice. Springerdoodles will exhibit the same grooming and care requirements as either parent breed or a mix of both. Are Springerdoodles Hypoallergenic? Even though much has been said about Poodles being non-shedding dogs making their mixes non-shedding as well this is simply not true. All dogs shed. Curly-haired dogs simply keep the shed hairs inside the curls, making brushing essential to avoid matting. Although Poodles are well known for having low shedding coats, Springerdoodles are not guaranteed to have the tight curls that holds the dander at bay. You will never be completely sure of its size until your Springer Poodle puppy has fully grown. An English Springer Spaniel is generally 19 to 20 inches in height. Thanks to its sturdy, muscular build, the medium-sized Springer Spaniel normally weighs between 40—50 pounds. On the other hand, Poodles come in three distinct sizes. Standard Poodles are usually taller than 15 inches from the shoulder. Miniature varieties are between 10 to 15 inches and Toy varieties are less than 10 inches in height. Of course, the weight and build of Poodles varies greatly depending on their height. Miniatures will range between 10 and 15 pounds; female Standards are generally 40—50 pounds and male Standards 60—70 pounds. Toy Poodles can be as small as pounds. Mini vs Standard Springerdoodles The size of your Springerdoodle will largely depend on the size of its poodle parent. These pups will be on the larger size, tending to weight between 35 and 45 pounds. Most Springerdoodles are this size. Nevertheless, there are also Mini springerdoodles available! These come from crossing with either a Toy or Miniature poodle. More variable in size than the Standard type, Mini springerdoodles can weigh anything between 5 and 25 pounds. Springerdoodle Temperament Springerdoodles will be energetic, intelligent, loyal and affectionate, just like their parent breeds. They will love spending time together, and struggle with being alone. They will also need a lot of attention, and focus on training and exercise too. Springerdoodles are popular for being great companions, family pets, and friendly towards other furry friends and people. While Springerdoodle breeders cannot predict specific characteristics, the Springer Poodle mix will likely exhibit the same smart, friendly, energetic eagerness as the Springer Spaniel and Poodle. English Springer Spaniels are very active, friendly, and also obedient. They love to be with their people and are unhappy when spending large amounts of time alone. On the other hand, Poodles are athletic, eager and companionable. They enjoy being part of the family and dislike being alone as well. Both breeds tend to be patient towards children, especially when they are socialized at a young age. Of course, the natural instinct of your pup need to be properly trained to ensure they are a companionable pal. They require regular exercise which can include long walks, fetching, and swimming. Springer Doodles are intelligent, active, and often require daily outdoor activity. Because of this, your Springer Spaniel Poodle mix will need ample space to run and play, preferably outside. Keeping plenty of toys for your dog to play with when they are inside is also ideal to avoid unwanted attention on household items. Positive Training As for training, this mix will quickly learn new cues and tricks. The English Springer Spaniel and Poodle are both intelligent, which makes them easily trainable, especially if started at a young age. Both of these breeds respond better to positive reinforcement in training, and your Springerdoodle will as well. Are They Good Pets? Springer Spaniel and Poodle are both very active dogs, so the ideal home for the Springerdoodle will be one with the energy to keep up! If you love being active, Springerdoodles make great companions for a single owner or a family with children and other pets. Springerdoodles usually get along with kids and other pets after being properly socialized. They are loyal and enjoy family activities and pleasing their human companions. While these breeds are good family dogs, supervision is suggested when interacting with young children. Potential Health Problems English Springer Spaniels were the first American-bred dogs to be diagnosed with fucosidosis, a fatal autosomal recessive neurological disease. The breed should also be checked for phosphofructokinase deficiency, which can cause chronic anemia, an enlarged spleen, and acute hemolytic crises. In addition, these other conditions could affect a Springer Spaniel: otitis externa, progressive retinal atrophy, and retinal dysplasia. Before getting a pup, talk to the breeder and ask for genetic testing. Poodles of all sizes are prone to idiopathic epilepsy and sebaceous adenitits. The latter can be easily misdiagnosed as a Tyroid problem, so make sure to ask for tests and have a chat about health with your breeder. Toy and Standard Poodles can get a clotting disorder known as Factor XII deficiency, which is an inherited bleeding disorder. Poodle owners must keep an eye out for orthopedic problems in Toy and Miniature varieties, as well as gastric dilatation and volvulus in Standard sized pups. Springerdoodle Puppies The Springer Spaniel Poodle mix is a popular crossbreed, so finding Springerdoodle breeders online should be relatively easy. A responsible breeder will want to make sure you can provide a safe and healthy environment for your new puppy, so they will ask questions about you and your home. These tests are also recommended for Poodles, in addition to knee evaluations and a skin biopsy. Springerdoodle puppies can inherit any aspect of either parent dog, which makes it essential for them to receive the same health tests as the parents! Adult Shelter Dogs Rescuing a Springerdoodle can be a very rewarding experience for everyone involved. On one hand, you will be offering a second chance to a pup, gaining a lifelong friend in the process. On the other, you avoid promoting careless breeding practices while still enjoying the crossbreed you wanted! Of course, adoption has its drawbacks. You will usually get a pup or adult dog that has been abandoned and neglected at some point in their life. This can cause certain scarring and traumas that you will need to address. Training and socialization is also vital: your rescue needs to understand that they are in a safe place and nobody will hurt them. All of this can be a handful for first-time dog owners. Because they know their dogs the best, they will match you with pups that fit your home, abilities and expectations. While first-generation dogs are the most common here, some breeders may opt for other variations simply because breeding lines of multi-gen dogs using Springerdoodle parents crossed back to Poodles makes it easier to create puppies with more predictable coats, colors, and other traits. This is also the case when breeding for smaller-sized dogs. Although usually, the best option here would be to go for a Cockapoo instead. Springerdoodle Health Benefitting from something known as hybrid vigor better health through a wider variety of genes , Springerdoodles typically live somewhere between 12 and 15 years. Exactly where they sit on this line will be, in part, determined by their size and gender. Smaller dogs tend to outlive their larger cousins meaning your Mini SpringerD will likely be on the higher end of that approximation, whereas you might expect your Standard SpringerD to be on the lower end. Females also usually outlast males — as is the case with all species. Obviously, care will factor in quite a lot here. You will want to ensure you are feeding your pup the very best kinds of kibble to keep them in tip-top condition, and that you are giving them plenty of exercise too. Regular vet visits are a must as the pros will know what health conditions to look out for with these particular dogs. This latter problem mainly affects medium-to-large dogs, especially as they start to get on in years. However, they can also be a little on the stubborn side if they are not entirely down with what you are asking them to do. If not, there are some great in-person and online schools where you can learn the best approach. They will need plenty of regular walks to keep them happy. With two water-loving breeds in the mix, chances are your puppy will love nothing more than tramping through every puddle. If you can spend time in a place where they can swim and enjoy the water, the more the better. A nice big yard will serve these dogs very well, especially if you and your family have plenty of time to chuck about a ball for them. Otherwise, having some toys around that, your SpingerD can use to entertain themselves is a good idea. The Kong Classic Dog Toy is a particular favorite among Doodle owners — especially those with super high energy hounds. The Poodle and the Springer Spaniel have massively different hair types. Your pup could easily inherit either, no matter what the breeder might try and tell you. While this may seem the best coat of the canine world, it actually takes far more work than you would think. The Spaniel coat, on the other hand, is double-layered, often wavy with feathering around the ears, legs, and tail. These dogs shed moderately throughout the year, and they also need quite frequent grooming to prevent knots and tangles. Two-to-three times a week will probably be enough to keep hair out of your house, with regular trims thrown in on top of that. Genetics being what they are, it might be the case that your Springerdoodle ends up with some crazy combination of the two-parent pup coats. This could be curly, wavy, straight, long, short, single-layered, or double-layered — basically, anything goes. The best combination in terms of grooming would be wavy, short, and single-layered. Many Doodle parents opt to take their pooch to the groomers on a regular basis to stay on top of their coat care. While Doodle breeders are on the rise, most of them tend to specialize in the more common Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, etc. This might make finding a Springerdoodle a little more challenging. A good place to start is our breeder directory. It pays to really do your research here. There are plenty of scammers around who will happily take your money and puppy mill facilities that breed poor-quality animals. These are the red flags to watch out for regarding both of these. Springerdoodles, with their loyal, affectionate spirits, make excellent family pets. However, as these dogs tend to be a little on the larger side and a lot with the energy, they are perhaps better suited to an active household with teens and older children rather than one with younger kids and babies about. Are Springerdoodles bigger than Cockapoos? Usually, a Springerdoodle would be bigger than a Cockapoo simply because Springer Spaniels are larger than Cocker Spaniels. That being said, there is some crossover because of the different size variations of both dogs. A Maxi Cockapoo could very well outweigh a Mini Springerdoodle and maybe even some Standard-sized ones too. Do Springerdoodles bark a lot? Springerdoodles are not known to be barking dogs, which means that if you are in search of a watchdog, then you should probably look elsewhere. However, SpringerDs might get a little vocal when playing, likewise if they are left alone and are unhappy about it. These dogs do better in a place where there is always someone around to play with. Springerdoodles are not among the more well-known of the Doodles. However, they deserve plenty of recognition because of the delightful dogs they are. If you like the sound of a companion pup to accompany you on long walks, days in the park, and more than this could be the right choice for you. They are sociable dogs by nature and want to always be surrounded by family. You Might Also Like. A reputable breeder will always test their dogs for these diseases and should be able to show you the medical reports of both parents. If puppies are responsibly bred, then the likelihood of your Springerdoodle developing any of these problems is low. It would be best if you took your dog to visit the vet regularly, especially as they get older. Identifying and treating any issues as soon as they arise will ensure your dog lives a healthy, long life. What is the lifespan of a Springerdoodle? Springerdoodles are hardy dogs that generally live for 10 to 15 years. Miniature-sized Springerdoodles tend to live longer than standard-sized ones. Diet Feeding your Springerdoodle a balanced diet will keep them healthy and full of energy. They need to eat good quality, high-protein dog food for their development stage. Your Springerdoodle will benefit from a homemade or raw diet if they get all the necessary nutrients. Springerdoodles are not gluttons, like Labradors, so there is less risk that they will overeat. However, to ensure your Springerdoodle maintains a healthy weight, you need to pay attention to their portion sizes and adjust according to their age, size, and activity levels. Exercise The Springer Spaniel Poodle mix has heaps of energy, but this is not to say that they cannot live in apartments or smaller homes. They can adapt to less space if you give them the necessary exercise. Full-grown Springerdoodles need at least an hour of exercise every day. If they do not have a mental and physical outlet for their energy, they can develop behavior problems and become destructive. Daily walks, runs, and visits to the dog park are a must! Springerdoodles enjoy a wide range of activities. They love to swim, go for runs and walks with their family, play fetch, and goof around. Agility courses are great for exercising these athletic dogs. Their fur can be straight, wavy, or curly, and they can have a long or medium-length, double-layered coat. The generation affects coat type. A first generation, or f1 Springerdoodle, will have a coat that is medium to long in length. It will be curly or wavy. Due to the backcross, an f1b Springerdoodle will have a very curly coat similar to the Poodle coat. Springerdoodles with very soft fur are prone to getting tangles and mats. Therefore, it is essential to groom them consistently to maintain their coat. How frequently you need to brush them depends on their fur type. Poodle-like fur requires more effort than Spaniel-like fur. Brushing their coat daily keeps mats and knots at bay, removes twigs and debris, and minimizes shedding. A Springerdoodle with a well-kept coat may not shed at all! Their fur can be thick, so to keep them cool during summer, it helps to clip their coat. Springerdoodles do not require frequent bathing, but you should brush their teeth regularly and clean their ears. Like all dogs, their nails should be clipped short. How much do Springerdoodles cost? This depends on size, coat type, coloration, gender, and generation. Possibly the only negative thing about Springerdoodles is their price. If you want a Springerdoodle puppy, you must be willing to pay a hefty amount. As a relatively new and fashionable breed, Springerdoodle puppies are rare. Miniature Springerdoodles are more expensive than standard-sized ones. Female Springerdoodles are slightly more expensive than male Springerdoodles. A female Springerdoodle may be more expensive due to breeding potential. Coat color and pattern make the most significant difference in the price of a Springerdoodle puppy. Merle Springerdoodle puppies are expected to be some of the highest priced. Unique coat patterns like phantom, tuxedo, or parti will increase the price. Springerdoodle Breeders Finding a good breeder is the most important step in getting a new puppy. Avoid pet shops and puppy mills at all costs! Family-raised puppies are of a higher quality and are far more ethical to buy. But where does one even begin looking for a Springerdoodle breeder? The best places to start searching are the kennel clubs that recognize Springerdoodles. Doing your homework before committing to a breeder is important. Reputable breeders should have no problem providing this information. FAQs Here, I try to answer some common questions about this breed. Are Springerdoodles hypoallergenic? No dog is actually hypoallergenic. Depending on the nature of the coat they inherit from their parents, Springerdoodles can be low-shedding. Springerdoodles with a straighter, more Spaniel-like coat tend to shed a little. However, if you brush them often, you can minimize shedding to the extent that they are almost hypoallergenic. What is the difference between Springerdoodles and Goldendoodles? Goldendoodles and Springerdoodles look very similar and have the same sweet personality. Goldendoodles are a mixture between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Compared to Springerdoodles, Goldendoodles are a little larger in size, and they are lighter in color. Can I adopt a Springerdoodle? Unfortunately, Springerdoodles can rarely be adopted because few dog shelters specialize in designer dog breeds. Due to the high demand of Doodles, these dogs rarely end up in regular dog shelters. Are Springerdoodles good with young children? Yes, they are pretty good with children. However, it is recommended to supervise your Springerdoodle when they play with children and babies. Their energy and strength can sometimes be overwhelming to young ones. Do Springerdoodles like water? Springerdoodles love water. They are naturals when it comes to swimming. They inherit their love for water from both parent breeds: the Poodle and Springer Spaniel. Be careful near pools, ponds, or lakes because your Springerdoodle will want to jump right in! Final Thoughts In this article, I covered: History of the parent breeds What a Springerdoodle looks like Personality and Traits Health of a Springerdoodle Price of a Springerdoodle puppy Springerdoodles are one of the best breeds for a family dog. They have all the qualities you could hope for in a canine companion — an endearing expression, a loving, gentle nature, and the playfulness and energy to keep up with the kids. If you want an active, social, and intelligent dog, a Springerdoodle is the dog for you! Depending on the size of your home, you can get a Mini Springerdoodle or a standard Springerdoodle. The only drawback to these stunning dogs is how expensive they are. Related Posts Looking for other Spaniel-Poodle mixes? The Australian Goldendoodle is a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and few other breeds. Kevin is a proud Bernedoodle owner and Doodle dog fanatic. Read how a chance encounter with two Bernedoodles spurred a lifelong passion here. If you want to get in contact with Kevin, you can send him a message.
labrador poodle puppies - We are a small kennel situated on 5 acres near Ipswich, Qld. Our Goldens have been a part of our family for 25yrs and continue to contribute to a large portion of our family life. Lisa had a long and successful show career, securing her Australian title in just five shows! Since then, we have bred and shown a number of Goldens who have maintained successful show careers in the ring and within obedience. Warnock Canada , who had been breeding Goldens for 32yrs. Breeding and Showing has become a big part of our lives and the biggest hobby we have had during our lives. We strongly believe that all the testing we do and our time in the game helps us to fully understand the breed and know what we want when producing puppies. It is very important that we consider all scores before breeding to ensure that we are providing high quality puppies. We are lifetime members of the Golden Retriever club of Qld and i am currently on the board managing the Puppy inquiries for the club. In our Daughter in law Jess started assisting us to ensure that all buyers have the best possible service. Jess predominantly helps with the paperwork and email side of the house ensuring we are able to bring all of our buyers along for the journey of their puppies lives from the time of birth with weekly updates and organised play dates from around 6 weeks of age. Since retiring and moving in with Jess and Dan we are fortunate enough to now have all our puppies raised in a family environment and introduced to children from day one thanks to our grandson Harvey. The bond between Children and Goldens is something magical. Imatriever Kennels Established .Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Bringing the Best UK bloodlines to Australia. They are loyal best friends who love their families dearly, but Golden Retrievers are so much more than just amazing family dogs. There is no doubt that these dogs are highly intelligent. No matter whether they're training obedience dogs, therapy dogs, or just being loving, affectionate family pets, they excel at what they do and will amaze you on a daily basis. The Golden Retriever has the qualities of unconditional love, confidentiality, and nonjudgment as well as being great listeners. From giving cuddles to young children to alzheimer's patients, they can work with people in a wide variety of situations. Field Golden Retrievers are very similar to the original Scottish Golden Retriever bred by Lord Tweedmouth from the early 's, just improved in looks, disposition, and intelligence! We offer puppies that are bred for exceptional health and temperament, as well as beautiful and unique physical features, namely their smaller size and dark rich golden coats. The puppies we produce become wonderful, loyal and loving companions and family members. Field Golden retrievers are smaller in size, between kg, and have a shorter coat and the noted to be rich gold colour. They are a high intelligence, trainable, loyal dog has been the focus of breeding for the last years since its creation, making them incredible all-round dogs. More about Activ Goldens Click here our dogs The Scottish Imports, Scotland being the birth place of the Golden Retriever breed we find it very fitting we have imported our bloodlines from the birth place of this amazing breed, the field golden retrievers are incredible dogs their intelligence surprise us on a daily basis. Our goal is to breed very close to its original breed only to hopefully improve it by using only the best available sires in the world, I personally believe the Golden Retrievers in the UK are superior which is why we have focused on bloodlines from there. Auchencloch Fairy Tale Queen Nessy was chosen after much research with no less than six Field Champions in her first 5 generations. We could not have hoped for a better girl to start my stud, she is everything we hoped for and much more. We aim to breed the "perfect" dog, even though the perfect dog is an unrealistic dream, it should always be a goal we strive to achieve. At Activ Goldens we will always strive to improve everything we do, including importing the best bloodlines to constantly improve our bloodlines, improving our raising methods, and being critical in our evaluation of the dogs we intend to use in our breeding program. Our socialisation techniques are second to none, including toilet training our puppies before they leave our care. They are extensively exposed to noises like thunder, well traveled in cars, exposed to crates to assist in travel and assist in crate training. We go the extra mile to make sure you receive an amazing puppy with an amazing pedigree. Sold on a Limited Register. NO Breeding or Export Rights You will be required to sign a No Breeding contract prior to receiving your puppy that covers you and anyone else breeding with the dog making you liable. Please put as much information about your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a dog so we can match the best suited puppy to your family. We choose the puppy best suited to their individual family based on the below information and during a phone call. This creates great discussion and lots of arguments what is and what a Golden Retriever should look like and be. Some People in the UK believe they should split the Field and Show Goldens as their look and some characteristics are so different with others dead against it. My view on it is they all are sensational dogs and enjoy what dog you like and suits you the best. The original dog lord Tweedmouth created looks like the modern Field Golden retriever, that has remained pretty much the same in appearance over the last years due its use as a gun dog. You can see the old photos of the Goldens; the field goldens today are still pretty much the same now as then. This is what drew me to them in the first place and their high intelligence and trainability. The change in looks came when breeders from different countries had different interests from Lord Tweedmouth. There is something quiet spectacular when you see a show Golden striding across the show ring with their long hair flowing and their strong frames, however the more this type of dog wins in the ring the more the breeders breed for that type of dog obviously. That is where the change took place, breeders whose interest is in showing their dogs bred a certain type of dog based on a certain look and you will even notice a difference between show dogs in the UK, US, Canada and Australia. Similarly, the different style of shooting in each country you will find a difference between the dogs from these countries in look and characteristics in the UK, Canada and the US. A hundred years in dog breeding is a very long time as a new generation of dogs can be established every two or three years, hence the difference from all over the world. Most people in Australia recognise and relate to the show goldens in Australia, with field Goldens still very rare. Maybe a third the length of a show dog and as a result tend to shed much less which is an advantage with the Field Goldens. Can my puppy be a therapy dog? YES, Delta Therapy dogs have a great program where they train you to enter hospitals and nursing homes to give much joy to residents and patients. It is immensely enjoyable and rewarding and a lot of fun. Drummer has been doing it for the last couple years, he is totally amazing at it, he knows the dementia patients and pushes into them to get his cuddles. He gets as many or more cuddles from the staff and we regularly go over the prescribed time letting the staff give him cuddles. I always walk out of the nursing home feeling sensational. My other sire Dexster Junior passed the exam and is staring at the home and already nearly has as many fans as Drummer. I personally love the obedience competitions, they are a true test of your training, so many people love telling how good their dogs are but very few put them on the line in a competition. Like anything that comes with strong competition, some breeders look at ways to get an advantage over other breeders to sell their puppies. More recently some breeders have started using social media dog groups and or Clubs to try to gain "credibility" so to push potential buyers in a certain direct direction to sell their puppies. My advice is to do your own homework and be careful who is "offering" advice, look at the parents and what is best suited to your family and wish list, be it a show or field Golden, Dark Gold or Cream, at the end of the day most Goldens are great dogs and a joy to be around and will bring much joy to you and your family. They are super intelligent, affectionate and their rich dark gold coats stand out everywhere they go. Of high importance is that the parents have had their Hips and Elbows X-rayed and below the breed average, their eyes and hearts have been cleared by specialists and not carrying potential genetic issues and finally they have been DNA cleared of any potential inheritance genetic diseases. Ask people that have bought from a particular breeder their experience from the breeder and how the dogs are. Jump on their Instagram or Facebook and ask previous owners their experience of the puppies they have bought. I love putting my dogs out there and people who buy my puppies up on Instagram for everyone to see. New owners often contact people on Instagram and ask about my dogs which I love. Recommendations are the highest form of flattery after all. Backyard breeders, as distinct from responsible breeders, do not meet acceptable standards of care and breed animals irrespective of whether there is a known demand for the offspring. Backyard breeders often do not adequately provide for all the special needs of the mother and her offspring. Inadequate nutrition, infectious diseases e. Backyard breeding contributes to the unwanted companion animal population, and results in more animals in animal shelters. Backyard Breeders typical sell on Gumtree and are easily to spot by the fact they don't do Health tests. Due to the possible health risks Goldens potentially have they are not a breed to buy from parents that haven't had the full range of tests. A cheap puppy may end up costing you a lot later on in vet bills. The reason to wait until your Golden is at least 18 months old prior to spaying or neutering is to ensure they have a chance to fully go through their version of puberty. Golden Retrievers have their first heat cycle between 6 months and 18 months of age 9 to 15 months is the most common. A recent study suggests neutering after 1 year of age can decrease the risks of bone and joint abnormalities as your Golden grows. Waiting until after 1 heat also allows their urinary tract to fully mature and decreases the change of infections. In one large study of Golden retrievers by Dr. Torres de la Riva in , the chance of a cranial cruciate ligament injury was significantly increased if a dog was spayed early before 1 year old vs. This injury is the same knee injury as an ACL injury that human athletes often get. Spayed dogs live longer. A very large study by University of Georgia and another study by Banfield Pet Hospitals both found that spayed female dogs lived longer than intact un-spayed female dogs. The UGA study said they lived .Although the specific reasons for living longer are not clear, there is evidence in these studies that spayed dogs live years longer than dogs that are not spayed. Appearance The Golden Retriever should be a balanced dog, with symmetrical and pleasing features. Known for its kindly expression, the breed has dark, alert eyes that are capable of expressing a range of emotions. It has a large, muscular tail that extends all the way to the hock. The coat of the Golden is also distinctive: any shade of gold or cream, neither red, nor mahogany. It is a devoted and loyal breed with a beautiful temperament and an aim to please. It wants to be around its family all the time and will not be happy if left outside for long periods. The Golden Retriever is intelligent and responds well to training. The breed thrives on structured training programs and is a top performer in Obedience and Agility trials. Because of its friendly nature towards strangers, as well as friends, it is not suitable as a watchdog. Maintenance Golden Retrievers are a low maintenance breed. A puppy free from hereditary disease, apart from unforeseen accidents, will grow into a hardy dog. It sheds throughout the year, with two heavy moulting stages during that time. Daily brushing can help reduce the amount it will shed and prevent matting, which can lead to skin irritations. The breed is happiest when it is accepted as a valuable member of the family. The active Golden Retriever needs regular exercise, such as a daily walk and, if possible, a run. The breed also loves swimming. If it does not receive regular mental and physical stimulation, particularly as a puppy, it can become destructive. The Golden Retriever makes a wonderful companion for the elderly, people with disabilities and families with children. However, like with any dog, supervision is important when around children. Consult your veterinarian on treatment options. Desexing and vaccination against diseases, such as the deadly parvo virus and highly infectious kennel cough, are also important to discuss with your vet. Common hereditary problems include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy PRA , elbow dysplasia, hereditary cataracts and sub aortic stenosis. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Golden Retriever and its needs, and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle. Select Page puppies There are several important factors to consider before getting a golden retriever. Determine whether buying a pedigree puppy or adopting from a breed rescue is the right choice for you. Are You ready to Own a Golden Retriever Puppies can be irresistible bundles of fun, but they also require plenty of attention and a structured routine. This can be particularly challenging if you lead a busy life. Our website is here to provide you with valuable resources and guidance on golden retrievers. It requires a lifelong commitment and careful consideration. We encourage you to be patient throughout the process, as the average wait time for a golden retriever puppy typically ranges from 12 to 18 months. Now What? It provides all the information you need to care for your puppy and set them up for a lifetime of happiness. Additionally, we invite you to join our Drop In Training Classes, where our experienced trainers can assist you with all your training needs. Learn More Responsible Breeding Responsible dog breeders work hard to produce healthy, socialised puppies, interview potential buyers, health test the parents and remain resources for buyers for the lives of those dogs. Learn what to look for when searching for your next golden retriever puppy.
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labrador poodle puppies - A puppy's diet must be able to provide enough energy and quality protein to support growth and be easily digestible. To help them feel secure, and avoid upsetting their digestion, give them the same food, preferably at the same times, in the same place, using the same bowl. To make our formulas as appealing as possible, we: Select ingredients rigorously for their aroma, density, and texture as well as nutritional quality. Design kibble texture, shape, and size to suit each size of dog. Preserve formulas for freshness. So we ensure our formulas are highly digestible to help avoid stomach upsets and make it easier for your puppy to absorb the nutrients. Explore Puppy Range How much should I feed my puppy? Puppies have different nutritional needs according to their breed and eventual adult size. Ask your vet for help checking the expected adult weight of your puppy according to their breeding. You can then choose the right food for them and make sure you give it to them in the right quantities. What are the size categories for dogs? Dogs are categorized in five different sizes: X-small — up to 4kg when adult Small — up to 10kg when adult Medium — 11kg to 25kg when adult Large — 26kg to 44kg when adult Giant — over 45kg when adult Why is puppy food tailored to adult dog sizes? Breeds of different sizes have different needs as puppies. Medium breeds tend to be more active outdoors so need plenty of energy and helping building their natural defenses. Large and giant breeds grow slower and need less energy per pound of bodyweight than small breeds. What if I give food designed for different-sized breeds? Without taking your puppy's expected adult size into account, it's easy to feed them too much or too little. Underfeeding can lead to issues including malnutrition and stunted growth. While overfeeding can make your puppy overweight, which can cause painful bone and joint problems, difficulty breathing, and more. Does portion size matter for puppies? This is particularly crucial for large breed dogs, as overfeeding can cause them to grow too quickly and develop skeletal problems. Always refer to the portion recommendations on the pack and weigh each meal carefully. Setting the right puppy feeding schedule Puppies have small stomachs and their immature digestive systems don't react well to being overloaded. To help your puppy avoid suffering from disorders such as diarrhea, it's best to split their daily recommended food portion into small meals throughout the day. Smaller breed dogs reach adulthood sooner than others, so they can move to fewer meals a day at an earlier stage. What is mixed feeding for puppies? Mixed feeding is when you give your puppy a combination of wet and dry food — either at the same time or at separate meals. They both offer important benefits such as wet food helping with hydration and appealing to picky eaters. Dry food can slow down fast eaters. Palatability Our wet formulas are designed to be highly appealing to the fussiest of puppies. When should I begin mixed feeding? Puppies can start mixed feeding at any time, but introducing them to variety at an early age may avoid fussy behavior in adulthood. A dog's digestive tract becomes accustomed to the composition and type of food. The amount your puppy needs to drink depends on factors including the environmental temperature and their size, exercise levels, physical condition, and diet. The best way to ensure your puppy drinks the right amount is to give them constant access to fresh water. Change the water in their bowls daily to keep it clean and top it off throughout the day. Also wash their bowls daily to prevent the potential of parasites breeding in them. Then they always have the opportunity to drink in a quiet place. Make sure the water bowls aren't too big for your puppy to avoid them stepping into them. And avoid plastic water bowls as they can harbor off-putting smells and bacteria — ceramic or stainless steel bowls are best. Here are some good habits to establish straightaway to help your puppy build positive associations with feeding times and get the nutrients they need. What How Maintain portion control To avoid overfeeding your puppy, check the dietary guidelines on the food packaging and measure each portion carefully. Remember the stated amounts apply for the whole day, not per meal. Avoid human food Dogs have different nutritional needs from humans and what's good for us can cause serious stomach upsets or other illnesses in dogs. Giving your puppy scraps or hand feeding can also cause bad behavior. Limit how many you give and always offer them at the right time for the right reason. Limit activity before and after feeding To prevent stomach upsets, try to avoid your puppy jumping about for an hour or two after eating. Keep feeding times calm Distractions can divert your puppy from their food, so keep their feeding area quiet. Watch them while they're eating to check they're safe, but don't fuss over them — it can cause protective behavior. Set the pace If your puppy eats their food too fast, try a slow-feed bowl or feeding puzzle. How to change your puppy's food Sudden changes in your puppy's diet can give them digestive upsets or even make them wary of their food. Whether you're switching to adult food, changing products, or beginning mixed feeding, it's important to introduce new foods slowly. The amount of food your puppy needs depends on the size they'll grow into as an adult — x-small, small, medium, large, or giant. Make sure you choose the right puppy food according to their expected adult size and always follow the portion recommendations on the pack. When should I stop feeding puppy food? A puppy needs to continue eating specialized puppy food until they've fully transitioned into adulthood. For smaller breeds this can be as early as eight months, but for larger breeds it can be up to two years. Check with your vet to make sure your puppy's ready to move onto adult food. When can puppies eat dry food? Puppies can start to eat dry kibbles when weaning, which begins at around four or five weeks. But to make them easier for very small puppies to eat and digest, it's best to soften them with water initially. What foods are poisonous for a puppy? Many of the foods that are healthy or enjoyable for us can be poisonous for dogs and puppies. Is homemade food better for puppies? Homemade food may not be the best for your puppy as it's difficult to ensure the nutritional balance they need. It also perishes faster and tends to be more expensive and time-consuming to make. Good-quality, manufactured puppy food is tailored to your puppy's specific needs and includes the convenience of both dry kibbles and wet food in cans or pouches. How do I check if my puppy's the right weight? Keeping an eye on your puppy's weight is useful to make sure they're growing, but the body condition score gives a clearer picture of whether they're overweight or underweight. This is important to know as both can cause health issues. The body condition score focuses on the look and feel of your puppy to assess whether they're a healthy shape. Your vet can show you how to score your puppy. Do puppies need supplements? If you choose the right high-quality food, manufactured specifically for your puppy's needs, it should provide all the nutrients they need without having to give them supplements. It's always worth checking with your vet though about your puppy's individual dietary needs. Should dogs and puppies only eat meat? Although dogs are often considered to be carnivores, they would eat their prey whole in the wild. By eating the guts of their herbivorous and omnivorous prey, they would eat some vegetable matter too. Puppy feeding quiz. The nutrients needed in a puppy's diet There are a range of vital nutrients that your puppy needs during the first months of life to aid healthy growth and development. A puppy's diet must be able to provide enough energy and quality protein to support growth and be easily digestible. We develop our foods in close collaboration with breeders, vets and nutritionists. As well as focusing on the exceptional nutritional quality of our formulas, we also ensure the following key factors. To make our formulas as appealing as possible, we: Select ingredients rigorously for their odour, density and texture as well as nutritional quality. Design kibble texture, shape and size to suit each size of dog. Preserve formulas. So we ensure our formulas are highly digestible to help avoid stomach upsets and make it easier for your puppy to absorb the nutrients. View puppy range How much should I feed my puppy? Puppies have different nutritional needs according to their breed and eventual adult size. Ask your vet for help checking the expected adult weight of your puppy according to their breeding. You can then choose the right food for them and make sure you give it to them in the right quantities. What are the size categories for dogs? Dogs are categorised in five different sizes: X-small — up to 4kg when adult Small — up to 10kg when adult Medium — 11kg to 25kg when adult Large — 26kg to 44kg when adult Giant — over 45kg when adult Why is puppy food tailored to adult dog sizes? Breeds of different sizes have different needs as puppies. Medium breeds tend to be more active outdoors so need plenty of energy and helping building their natural defences. Large and giant breeds grow slower and need less energy per kilo of bodyweight than small breeds. What if I give food designed for different sized breeds? Underfeeding can lead to issues including malnutrition and stunted growth. While overfeeding can make your puppy overweight, which can cause painful bone and joint problems, difficulty breathing and more. Does portion size matter for puppies? This is particularly crucial for large breed dogs, as overfeeding can cause them to grow too quickly and develop skeletal problems. Always refer to the portion recommendations on the pack and weigh each meal carefully. Smaller breed dogs reach adulthood sooner than others, so they can move to fewer meals a day at an earlier stage. To help them feel secure, and avoid upsetting their digestion, give them the same food, preferably at the same times, in the same place, using the same bowl. What is mixed feeding for puppies? Mixed feeding is when you give your puppy a combination of wet and dry food — either at the same time or at separate meals, but never in the same bowl. They both offer important benefits such as wet food helping with hydration and appealing to picky eaters. While dry food can slow down fast eaters. Palatability Our wet formulas are designed to be highly appealing to the fussiest of puppies. When should I begin mixed feeding? Puppies can start mixed feeding at any time, but introducing them to variety at an early age may avoid fussy behaviour in adulthood. A dog's digestive tract becomes accustomed to the composition and type of food. The amount your puppy needs to drink depends on factors including the environmental temperature and their size, exercise levels, physical condition and diet. The best way to ensure your puppy drinks the right amount is to give them constant access to fresh water. Change the water in their bowls daily to keep it clean and top it up throughout the day. Also wash their bowls daily to prevent parasites breeding in them. Then they always have the opportunity to drink in a quiet place. And avoid plastic water bowls as they can harbour off-putting smells and bacteria — ceramic or stainless steel bowls are best. Here are some good habits to establish straightaway to help your puppy build positive associations with feeding times and get the nutrients they need. What How Maintain portion control To avoid overfeeding your puppy, check the dietary guidelines on the food packaging and measure each portion carefully. Remember the stated amounts apply for the whole day, not per meal. Giving your puppy scraps or hand feeding can also cause bad behaviour. Limit how many you give and always offer them at the right time for the right reason. Limit activity before and after feeding To prevent stomach upsets, try to avoid your puppy jumping about for an hour or two after eating. Feed your puppy after you As dogs are pack animals, they need to know the hierarchy. Keep feeding times calm Distractions can put your puppy off their food, so keep their feeding area quiet. Set the pace If your puppy bolts their food, try a slow-feed bowl or feeding puzzle. Make sure you choose the right puppy food according to their expected adult size and always follow the portion recommendations on the pack. When should I stop feeding puppy food? For smaller breeds this can be as early as eight months, but for larger breeds it can be up to two years. When can puppies eat dry food? Puppies can start to eat dry kibbles when weaning, which begins at around four or five weeks. What foods are poisonous for a puppy? Many of the foods that are healthy or enjoyable for us can be poisonous for dogs and puppies. Is homemade food better for puppies? It also perishes faster and tends to be more expensive and time-consuming to make. This is important to know as both can cause health issues. Your vet can show you how to score your puppy. Do puppies need supplements? Should dogs and puppies only eat meat? Although dogs are often considered to be carnivores, they would eat their prey whole in the wild. By eating the guts of their herbivorous and omnivorous prey, they would eat some vegetable matter too. Puppy feeding quiz Test your knowledge and find out how much you've learnt by taking our quiz Start the quiz How often should you feed a three month old puppy? Once a day Three times a day Correct! For all breed sizes, three month old puppies require three equally sized meals a day. Puppies are unable to regulate their food intake, so more regular, smaller portions are gentler on their digestive system. Next question Go back Wrong For all breed sizes, three month old puppies require three equally sized meals a day. Next question. Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your pet's temperament, activity level and environment. If you have any questions regarding your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Transition Instructions We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively. All of our dry diets are preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols, citric acid, and rosemary extract. Our canned diets are naturally preserved and sterilized during the cooking and canning process. Where do the ingredients in Royal Canin diets come from? Royal Canin is making strides towards sustainability by attempting to obtain sources of raw materials as close to each manufacturing facility as possible. In some cases, we use international suppliers, because only those suppliers can offer raw materials that comply with our quality and food safety standards. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain by-products? Royal Canin chooses ingredients because they deliver high-quality nutrients that support our customized pet food formulas. Using chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal for example will allow Royal Canin to maintain its highly customized nutrient standards while achieving a more secure and sustainable supply. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain grains? As always, we focus on the nutrients each ingredient provides and grains can provide many important nutrients. How do you ensure Royal Canin diets are safe for my pet? Our Quality and Food Safety systems are state-of-the-art and we continue to invest heavily in new technology to make sure they remain that way. We monitor every load delivered to our plants to verify the safety and quality of the ingredients we use to make pet food. We perform tests on finished pet foods before they are shipped to our customers. How do I know which Royal Canin diet is right for my pet? Based on size, age, lifestyle, and breed, each cat or dog has unique nutritional needs. For healthy pets, use our Product Selector to find the right diet for your cat or dog. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please refer to your veterinarian for more information. Your veterinarian will consider multiple factors when recommending an appropriate diet.