pug puppies health problems

All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Lay your contact paper out beforehand and measure it. Use a ruler to measure the contact paper and mark the measurements with a pencil. Cut the sections of contact paper using scissors. Remove any air bubbles in the contact paper by rubbing it with your palms. The self-adhesive contact paper should stick to the plywood itself. Even if the contact paper seems secure, it might lift up and the puppies could chew on it. Use the staple gun to secure the contact paper to the floor of the whelping box. Staple as close to the sides of the floor as you can. Place staples between two different pieces of contact paper if you want extra security. Aim the staple gun so the staple pierces the edge of one piece and the edge of another, binding them. Make sure you line the strips up perfectly with the floor of the box. These strips will form the 3 walls of the whelping box. When you're finished, the three strips should form a "U" shape along the sides of the floor. If you need to, have someone stand on the plywood floor and hold each wall as you drill the holes into the plywood. Drill holes at the corners of each wall and another hole in the center of each wall. Use your screwdriver and screws to secure the walls to the floor of the whelping box. Turn the screws to the right to secure them in place. Keep turning the screwdriver until it's very difficult to keep turning it. If they rattle or feel insecure, use the screwdriver to tighten the screws. You might need to drill extra holes between the middle screws and the outside screws in each wall if the walls aren't secure enough. Use the screwdriver to place the screws in these holes. Again, drill holes in the left side, middle, and right side of the doorway strip when you have it lined up with the floor of the whelping box. Use your screwdriver and 1. Here are some ideas for your small dog. Cardboard Box One of the least expensive whelping boxes is simply a cardboard box. Make sure it is big enough that your dog can stretch out in it. The nice thing about a cardboard box is that, once you no longer need the whelping box, you can simply throw it away. To make a whelping box out of cardboard, use these easy instructions: Find a box that your dog can comfortably lie down and stretch out in but not much larger than that. The sides should be at least to inches high. You want the sides to be too high for the puppies to climb over, but not so high your dog can't get over it when she wants a break. Smaller breed dogs will be fine with 12 inches, whereas larger breeds will need 24 inches. Cut a "door" into the side of the box for your dog to move in and out of the box. The width of the doorway should be about twice her body's width, and the edge should be high enough to keep puppies in but not so high she hits her belly on it. You will want to use some sort of covering on the cardboard to keep it from getting wet and to make cleaning it easy. You could line it with duct tape, plastic sheeting, tarps, or plastic drop cloths made for painting. Then cover whatever material you use with newspaper or old towels to make the flooring soft and comfortable. Plastic Storage Bin A plastic storage bin can also be used as a whelping box. You want to use the under-the-bed storage type so that the sides will be short enough for the mother dog to easily get in and out. If you decide to go this route, fold old towels on the bottom to ensure there is no chance that your dog will slip when she is moving around. Be aware that depending on the size of your pups, they may be able to get over the sides of the bin as they get bigger. In that case, you can extend the sides of the bin with cardboard. Ideas that will work for bigger dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers and Rottweiler dogs , include: Appliance Boxes If you have a mid-sized breed, you may still be able to find a cardboard box. Check with appliance stores and home improvement stores that carry items that would require bigger boxes. If you can't find one, you still have some inexpensive alternatives. The downside to using these boxes is once the puppies get large enough, they will be able to get over the sides, which they wouldn't with a traditional whelping box with sides at least inches high. Kiddie Pool A hard-sided plastic kiddie pool usually costs less than twenty dollars, and you can get them in several sizes. They are also easy to clean. These pools will last for several litters of puppies. However, just as with appliance boxes, the problem with the kiddie pool is that the sides may not be high enough to keep the puppies in as they get bigger. There are newer types of kiddie pools made just for dogs that have higher sides. Another option for larger dog breeds is to use a water trough , which has higher sides. They're much more expensive but very sturdy and can be reused for whelping, as well as an outdoor pool or bathing area for your dogs. To make a whelping box out of a kiddie pool, find a pool size where your dog can lay out comfortably with some extra room for the puppies. You can line it with a round whelping pad, old towels, newspaper, or even covers made specifically for kiddie pools used for whelping. An excellent safety precaution is adding a PVC pipe frame that serves as puppy rails to keep the mom from rolling over and crushing a newborn pup against the sides. Just be sure the puppies can't get stuck under or between the pipes. To keep puppies from getting out of the pool when they get larger, you can run x-pens or playpen panels around the outside of the pool. Make sure you leave a doorway for the mom to come and go! Whelping Box Plans If you want to build your own cheap whelping box but prefer a different style, you can find simple whelping box plans on the Internet. Here are some to get you started: Are you InTheKnow? Sign up for our newsletter featuring all the latest stories and products we love. Invalid email I agree to receive email communications from LoveToKnow. You can adjust the size for your own breed of dog. The plans are for a very sturdy box that is easy to clean and take apart for storage while standing up to a lot of usage. Supplies needed include two 4-foot by 8-foot plywood sheets, four 2-by-4s for the pig rails, polyurethane, and hardware, such as steel three-corner braces, tee nuts, and cap screws. You'll also need a table saw, drill press, router, screwdriver, and drill with several bits. While the website includes detailed plans and instructions, if you're not accustomed to working with tools and lumber, you may want to hire a contractor to build this box for you. How to Build a Whelping Box with Puppy Rails The PetPlace website provides a very detailed set of step-by-step instructions on how to build a whelping box using plywood, wood strips, vinyl flooring, hinges, and corner braces. You'll also need to be handy in order to build this box, as tools required are a circular saw and drill. The floor is optional, and the instructions allow for removing it to create a bottomless box. The puppy rails are made from the wood strips, although you could also improvise and make a set of puppy rails using PVC pipes and connectors. Building a Whelping Box Another excellent set of plans for a whelping box built with plywood and hardware is found in this YouTube video. The box described in this video has the puppy rails built into the sides as well as two shelf areas in the back for supplies and can be placed on cheap vinyl flooring tiles for easy cleanup. The box was made for a labradoodle , but you can adjust the dimensions of the plans shown in the video for your own dog's size. Cheap Whelping Boxes for Sale If you're not mechanically inclined and balk at the idea of building anything with tools and lumber, you can purchase a box. There are plenty of options if you're on a strict budget. Check with local seller websites such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to see if anyone is selling a box. You can also look on eBay. If you know of any breeders in your area, you could try contacting them to see if they might have a box they want to sell or possibly even rent out to you. It's made of plastic and comes with one whelping pad and PVC puppy rails. If you plan ahead, you can check out the websites of some major manufacturers of high-quality whelping boxes to see if they have sales. Easy to Improvise There are a number of less expensive, homemade whelping box ideas that will work for dogs of all sizes. You can improvise to create suitable whelping boxes that won't break your budget without too much trouble. Just spend some time looking at whelping boxes so you know how they are made and pick the most comfortable and safest style for you, your dog, and her pups. In this section, we highlight whelping box plans and ideas covering a wide range of designs, sizes, and styles. DIY Open Bottom Whelping Box This whelping box sports an open bottom for extra cushion and to reduce the risk of injuries from nails and other joining tools. Instead, steel corner braces are used on top of the box, and steel tee nuts between the plywoods. The setup helps the whelping box stay lightweight with their easy-to-disassemble parts, making it also easy to store when not in use. The box features small cutouts on the plywood to serve as handles and make it easy to move. The large cutout on one side provides easy movement in and out of the box for the mother while restricting the puppies. Its size and the quality of the wood ensure it can fit large dogs without damage. While tools like a screwdriver or drill bit, table saw, router, and round-over bit are also required. See Plan 2. Large Whelping Box with Door The whelping box carries the mother and her puppies, so you may need to build a giant box, depending on the dog breed. This large design is great for a large dog breed with several puppies. It features a door with a door latch so you can close it when you want. The large project requires a lot of materials which is why a large MDF panel is used for this project. Mark the center of the front board and cut out a door. Pay extra attention when cutting MDF panels, as they are not the strongest and can break. For more durable boxes using this plan, consider other stronger plywoods. The plan uses fleece material to pad the floor and the insides of the box while paint covers the outsides giving it a vibrant look. The folding door is the first to be built for access into the box. Use the plywood cut in the dimensions indicated inside the plan to make the four sections of the box. With screws holding the pieces going from outside to inside the wood strips, you ensure they are aligned properly to avoid any screw tip protruding from the wood. Gait hooks on the top of each corner add to the durability of the whelping box. Always add puppy rail to prevent the mother from crushing the puppies against the wall. See Plan 4. Pressboard Whelping Box Pressboards have high mechanical strength and chemical purity and can be a great material for building your whelping box, as shown in this plan. The pressboard is covered with a white fonalica-like finish that creates a smooth and attractive surface. While the plan features the processes required to build the box , it is not quite detailed, which makes the plan more suited for intermediate-level builders. Before you get started with building this pressboard whelping box, you should get these materials; pressboard, caulk to fill in holes, mat for the box floor, PVC pipes, PVC end caps, aluminum angle iron, wood screws, glue, and channel iron. You also need to source tools like markers, large scissors, C-clamps, saw, hammer, PVC pipe cutter, screwdriver, and drill. See Plan 5. Its simple structure relies on making the right cuts and joining using common attachment methods. Use a saw to cut this piece into four equal pieces. Cover one side of all the other pieces using the self-adhesive contact paper before joining the pieces with screws. Bear in mind that the parts with contact paper will serve as the outside-of-the-box. Ensure to keep the front board shorter than the rest to make it easy for the mother to enter and leave the whelping box. Some tools and materials necessary for this project include a staple gun, saws, drill, screws, self-adhesive contact paper, newspaper, and plywood. Place newspaper across the box floor to make it more comfortable for your dogs. See Plan 6. DIY Whelping Box for Small Dogs Most whelping boxes cater to large dog breeds, leaving small dog breed owners having to improvise to get the size suitable for their dogs. This box features a high enough dog that makes it easy for the mom to access the area but difficult for the puppies to leave. With the door latch helping you to keep the mom inside the box when required. The cutting process involves cutting the plywood into two across the long ends and then cutting them further into two across the short ends to get four boards. Ensure to keep the smooth side of the boards inside to protect the dogs from injuries. See Plan 7. Measure the door on the front board and cut it out, keeping the cutout intact. While most whelping box doors swing from the side, this door opens downward, which is more durable and safe. Before assembling the cut pieces, it is important to drill pilot holes into the boards to make attachment easier and prevent board damage due to extra pressure. Such a large whelping box is vital when expecting several puppies, but ensure to add rails inside the box to protect the puppies. Apply several coats of polyurethane over the box to increase its durability and allow you to use it for many litters. What to put on the whelping box floor? How big should a whelping box be? Measure the length of the mother, add a foot to it, and square it to get the appropriate whelping box size. How do you keep the box temperature ideal? Padding the box, adding insulation, and keeping the room temperature suitable for the dogs are some of the ways to maintain a healthy whelping box temperature. Some dogs prefer a cooler temperature than others, so you want to check the ideal temperature for your dog breed. Summary This article makes it easy for any DIY lover to build a suitable whelping box for their dog and puppies, even with little experience. With several plans giving you the option to choose the most suitable design for your specific needs. Check Out These Articles. Railings on the inside of the box are added to protect the pups from a restless mom. To protect the box, a bottom surface is added that is absorbent and washable. High walls will allow mom to exit and enter the box, while keeping pups in place. If you using carpet as shown , use an old piece that has had harmful chemicals washed off. Consider using removable sides to facilitate cleaning and storing the box after use. You can do this by creating grooves out of molding for the side panels and then use eye hooks to hold each panel in place. Make a shelf around the top of the box with wood pieces that are approximately 3 inches to 6 inches. The pups will crawl under these shelves and they will prevent the mother from crushing any of the pups when she moves or rolls over. Lighting is optional. Do not use anything that can be too deep for a pup such as a blanket or wood type chips. You can also buy a commercial whelping box pad. Pads have a downside if the pup crawls under the pad and the mom gets on top and inadvertently crushes the puppy. Newspaper at about 5" deep makes a good bottom covering. Do not use new carpet. Older carpet such as a bath mat that has been repeatedly washing works. Plan 2 You can also try whelping box blueprint plan 2 below offered by Rich Goiffon or this set of blueprints, drawings and materials from Robert Forbus. The box uses a plastic base and walls, with all materials available at Lowe and WalMart. Plan 3 Box Temperature Supply heat such as a heat lamp that will keep the area 85 degrees with the first week, then bring the temperature down each week until 72 degrees in week 6. Make sure the mom and pups cannot reach the lamp. Whelping Boxes for Sale Instead of using whelping box plans, you can purchase a whelping box for small dogs shown above or a disposable whelping box shown below Disposable Whelping Box. View plan 3. DIY Detachable Whelping Box A homemade whelping box will be much more cost-effective than buying one from the store or hiring an expert to build one for you who may or may not be familiar with your breed of dog. Whelping Box On A Budget! Gain new skills along the way: Working on a DIY whelping box project will teach you carpentry, painting, and construction skills — all while bonding with your pet! Easy DIY Whelping Box Be patient as you plan and build: Building a whelping box for your pup requires patience and focus — but it will be worth it in the end! Puppy Whelping Box .Whelping Box for Pregnant Dog .What Materials Do You Need? Building material There are many different options, such as plywood, cedar boards, cedar shingles, and so forth. Insulation Comes in many different types, including recycled newspaper, paper towels, bubble wrap, and so forth. Dogs love to feel cushioned when giving birth, and these items are easily found at most thrift stores. How to Assemble the Box: step by step guide 1. Cut them both from the same board. Stack them together and mark a line 3 inches in from each edge. Line up the marks on each side of the board and clamp them together, so you have a straight line down the center. Once clamped, use your circular saw to run down the line between each pair of marks, making sure not to go too deep into either side of the board. Constructing the Box Once you have your plywood cut, you can begin assembling your DIY dog whelping box. Be sure that all edges line up correctly the two pieces should fit together , and screw or nail them together using 2-inch nails or screws. Do both sides. Step 2 Put the other piece of cedar or plywood in the opposite direction, line up the edges, and then screw or nail them together. Step 4 Take a small scrap piece of wood and attach it to one of the ends. This will be used as a door for the whelping box. You may need to adjust the length depending on your door size, but be sure to measure twice and cut once. Step 5 Nail or screw in place with 2-inch nails or screws. Step 6 Now you have the frame of the DIY dog whelping box. Now we need to insulate and cover it with carpet or old rags. This makes for an inexpensive and simple DIY project, which will keep our pregnant dogs warm and comfortable during the birthing process. Step 7 After the insulation has been placed, get ready to put the rug or cloth on top. Using your staple gun, secure it around every edge. Step 8 Paint paint paint! Place plenty of food and water near the whelping box, as well as a litter pan if necessary. Conclusion A whelping box is a must for any dog owner who wants their pup to feel safe and cozy. Building the box yourself also saves money, which is always a bonus. To help support these efforts, this page may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Here I show you how I make a whelping box that is easy to take apart, move even up and down stairs and fairly easy to store. I prefer white or woodgrain. You would not need to have to store the platform, then. I prefer a raised platform and our puppies do, too. I also find it is really nice to add sheets of insulation between the support pieces to add warmth to the box. I measured the width of two of the shelving boards together and cut that amount off two of the boards. With the shelving boards cut, I started building the platform. I hope that makes sense! Screw all of your boards on. I took everything inside, wiped it down, and laid out my pieces. Note: I do not glue the vinyl down. I just lay it over the platform and put my side boards on top and it gets screwed down with the brackets. This way there are no glues to harm the puppies and I can throw it away after each litter. I then put it all together with the brackets. I use the flat brackets on the top corners. When the puppies are ready to get out of the box, by weeks of age, I remove one of the sides as you can see in the photo below. So, I do not have exact measurements, but I think most could figure it out. I build mine by first assembling the box, then I lay the PVC elbows in each corner of the box and one tee in the center. Cut the straight PVC pieces according to your measurements and put it all together. I do not use glue and do not seem to need it. The Little Blessings in their puppy room. These whelping boxes worked out fantastic for us and our needs. I hope this helps someone. Preparing to cut out the door for your DIY puppy whelping box You will need 1 piece of melamine for this step and also your circular saw and jigsaw. Measure 14 inches from both ends of the melamine board and cut as shown in the diagram below. Use your square to mark the areas for the cutout. It is important to use the jigsaw on the side cuts and your circular saw for the lower portion of the door. For the lower portion of the door, us your circular saw to create a starting cut and finish with your jigsaw. This will allow you to cut out the door without having any over cutting occur. Do not throw away your cutout as this will be used as your door slides. This should not be much to remove. You can use your circular saw or jigsaw for this step. This will allow the doors to slide easily in the track when installed. For the final step of the door preparation, you will need the Melamine roll of edging. Run a bead completely around the outer edge of both door pieces. Use your heating iron to adhere the edging to the door pieces. Round the edges to prevent any cuts from happening when reaching into the whelping box. Repeat the process for the other side of the door. Make sure the angles are pointing in towards the door opening as shown in the diagram above. This will ensure the door slides to operate properly and prevent them from hanging up on protruding screw heads. Assembling the DIY puppy whelping box Assembling the whelping box is easy! Lay them flat out on the floor side by side as shown in the diagram below. Next you will need the door panel that you cut in the previous step. When finished, countersink the holes and prepare the panel for installation. Stand the panel on end and join it to the front long facing floor panel. Repeat the process for the back of the whelping box. Use the same process for the sides, with the exception of drilling additional holes on both width ends to attach to the front and back panels of the whelping box. Make sure they are level with the panel inside and outside as well as the top and bottom. Assemble the corners as shown in the diagram below. Make a dry run before gluing all of the parts together to ensure a proper fit. The pig rails should easily slide in and out of the whelping box. It should be a snug fit when properly installed. Primer and glue all the PVC pieces together. You have just completed the DIY puppy whelping box. You may want to purchase a few whelping pads to ensure the comfort of mom and puppies. It also makes it a lot easier to clean up. We like to use odoban for easy clean up and odor control. We hope this tutorial was helpful for you. This whelping box design can be adjusted in size to fit your type of dog. They work great for the comfort of mom and also will prevent the whelping pads from sliding around. Add the finishing touches by using the veneer edging and cover all exposed edges of the melamine material. If you enjoyed this tutorial, and decided to build your own DIY puppy whelping box, please let us know how it turned out. What do you line your whelping box with? We like to use these whelping pads for our whelping box. They help ensure the safety and comfort of mom and puppies. You can also use incontinence bed pads , as they are very absorbent and can help keep your whelping box clean and sanitary. Can I use a kiddie pool as a whelping box? A kiddie pool is not a good long term solution for a whelping box. Puppies are able to escape easily, and it does not provide a safe atmosphere. They are very difficult to clean due to the molds that are used for the pools. There are small crevices in the molds that can trap bacteria and pose a risk to your What do you put in your whelping box? We like to use whelping pads inside our whelping box. You can also opt for a puppy nest warmer to keep the puppies warm and comfortable. We like to use a thermostat controlled nest warmer. Pig rails are a very important item to have in your whelping box. These help ensure the safety of your puppies when they are small. Pig rails help prevent mom from laying on the puppies and suffocating them. Do I really need a whelping box? The answer is YES! A puppy whelping box is an essential part of breeding dogs. A whelping box ensures the safety and security of your puppies. This also helps to provide a sanitary environment and a controlled atmosphere for your dog. This post contains affiliate links, which means we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our full disclosure Privacy Policy.

Breeder A lot of things go into raising pups. So, your breeder source will be the main driver of your Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog price. When you pay a premium price to adopt a pup, you are essentially paying for the guarantee that the pup will have no outstanding issues. Getting a dog from a reputable breeder is expensive because the breeder utilizes their expertise to produce a healthy litter. So, take your time to do your research, scour your area with a breeder, and check to see if they have a solid reputation already. Sometimes they sell their pups too soon, so long as the pup is ready to be separated in the litter. But reputable and premium breeders do train their pups and help them get ready for their new home. So, if they guarantee that their Alapaha Blue Bulldog puppies are well-behaved, expect to pay extra for it. Only a few breeders do it though, so do your research and find a trustworthy breeder that assures trained pups. On the flip side, you can also try your luck visiting dog rescues and shelters. Rescue organizations and shelters make sure to housebreak and let their dogs socialize before rehoming them. Location and Demand Yes, the demand and supply of a certain breed can influence its price. And that applies to the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog price too. Basically, the more demand a breed has, the more confident breeders are in raising their price. And when this high-demand breed is also a rare find, breeders would take advantage of this scarcity to increase their price. The same goes for having a lot of breeders that produce that breed; abundance can lead to a lowering of prices. In the case of Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog breeds, they are a rare breed that only a handful of breeders would breed a litter for it. This justifies why the price for this breed is extremely expensive. Medical History Do you know why getting a dog is more expensive when you get it from proper breeders than from puppy mills? Dog breeders care about the quality of their dogs more than they care about making a profit. And when breeders care about the welfare of their dogs, they give the necessary healthcare that both the mother dog and its litter need. Responsible dog breeders would vaccinate and deworm their dogs. They would also have their dogs checked for various illnesses and genetic imperfections. Older dogs are less costly than young ones because they are nearing their expected lifespan. This is one of the many reasons why dogs from shelters and rescues are cheaper than those from breeders. They also become less and less trainable as they get old. There are mandatory requirements that come along with owning a dog. And these requirements would need you to pay for them. Mandatory Dog Requirement. Usually full grown, frequently with some history of mistreatment in their past. We are animal people and love to spoil our pets. Quite often the dogs we get are terrified of something or another from their past, and as such they require a whole lot of patience care and love. If your willing to take the time to build that trust though a dog becomes fiercely loyal,exceptionally trusting of the family, and caring protectors from outsiders. Same dog also tackled and held my sisters boyfriend pinned to a corner until dad and me came home after he slapped my sister. His lips stayed curled back, with teeth bared and a very audible growl, until my dad grabbed the kids collar. Then the dog went and got his leash and came up to me, tail wagging like a puppy, wanting to go for a walk, while my dad had a very serious discussion with a very terrified 15 year old guy that ended with him leaving the house airborne. The dog got a steak with his dinner that night :D My folks current dog came to them with burns all over her.I've finally established enough trust that she doesn't hide under the porch every time I light up out back with her. Only took three years.

Christmas Puppy -- Why It's a Bad Idea You may want to think twice before giving your friend or family a puppy over the holidays. While holiday cards are filled with images of irresistible puppies peeking their heads out of stockings, the reality of introducing a puppy to your household over the holidays can be quite different. A puppy is not a stuffed toy. It will not take kindly to being ignored once a newer, brighter toy is discovered. Puppies need attention, training and a lifetime supply of love and care. Overexcited children may scare a puppy or neglect it, especially after it chews up their holiday toys or has an accident on the rug. Cute puppies soon become full-size dogs. Remember, an impulse gift over the holidays can last for 10 years or more. A dog will need training, food, shelter, medical care and exercise. A dog is a treasure. If you want to give someone a puppy, don't have it be a surprise. Consider a gift that signifies the puppy to come or will help someone choose the right dog for his or her lifestyle. Visit the American Kennel Club website and online store. You'll find complete descriptions and photos of more than breeds as well as sound advice for finding a responsible breeder who will become an invaluable resource throughout the life of your dog. They make great gifts and are easier to wrap than a wiggly puppy! It's always best to allow the actual owners to pick out their own puppies. The person taking care of the dog for years to come needs to carefully consider adult dog size, disposition, appetite and grooming. Attending local dog shows and finding and talking with reputable breeders will help decide what breed is best for you. The AKC publishes several free brochures on being a responsible dog owner. These individuals can put you in contact with breeders or rescue organizations in your area. Finally, please keep in mind: A dog is for life -- not just for Christmas! Avoid feeding your dog table-scraps and sweets. Chocolate contains harmful, and sometimes fatal, chemicals to dogs. Poultry bones can splinter and cause intestinal blockages. Pets are attracted to the taste of anti-freeze, which can be lethal. Check driveways and wipe up leaks immediately. Ice-melting chemicals and salt on sidewalks can irritate a dog's footpads. Wash off your dog's feet as soon as you return home. Avoid decorating with popcorn or cranberry strands, tinsel, and glass ornaments. Dispose of all wrapping paper, bows and ribbons after presents are opened. Keep small decorations out of your dog's reach. When decorating with holiday lights, remember that exposed indoor or outdoor wiring could electrocute a curious canine animal that chews on it. Tape wires to the wall or sides of the house. Consider an artificial tree. Real Christmas trees may be toxic to dogs. Dogs find tree water tempting, so be sure to use pet-friendly preservatives in the water. Dogs also swallow pine needles which can be harmful. Plants such as poinsettias, holly and mistletoe can be poisonous to pets and should be kept out of reach. Resist the urge to give your favorite dog lover a cute, cuddly puppy during gift-giving season. Puppies are a lifetime responsibility requiring exercise, training, veterinary care and -- most importantly -- love and attention. Instead, consider gift wrapping dog toys or supplies such as a leash, or food bowl to symbolize the gift of a dog to come. They MUST live indoors with their families. An experienced Boxer owner or trainer knows how to develop confidence in their Boxer to avoid causing separation anxiety. They crawl in your lap, jump up on you and love to give those sloppy wet Boxer kisses. If you want a dog that is going to be lazy and sleep in a quiet corner all day.Boxers are known to be lumpy and bumpy. They are known to get cancers, mainly mast cell tumors and lymphomas. Skin conditions are also common. If this shocks you.Poor quality dog food WILL bring on a skin conditions and other health problems. If you are having problems with potty training.Coffee tables, remote controls, shoes, chair legs, door frames etc… are all fair game. You must provide your Boxer with stimulating toys or activities to do when you cannot be around. It is your duty to provide a chewing outlet for your Boxer. A busy dog is a happy dog. In winter months.You may find more food and water on the floor around their bowls, stuck to the wall, or caught in their jowls, than what actually made it into their tummies. You will find spit, slobber and chunks of food flying across the room after they shake their heads and many consider the couch cushions their personal napkins.

Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Well, you get the German Shepherd Lab mix, a lovable crossbreed with all the great personality traits you could ever want in a family dog. Also known as Lab Shepherd mixes or Shepradors, these mixed breed canines are highly sought after. The parent breeds are some of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Like all crossbreeds, Shepradors combine the physical and personality traits of their parents, resulting in a one-of-a-kind companion. Because they are a designer dog , there are no established breeding guidelines or standards. Oftentimes, pedigree information is scarce as well, creating a lot of unknowns. Canines are fully capable of crossbreeding on their own. In fact, many of the purebred dogs we know today are a result of centuries of careful breeding. As we mentioned earlier, this crossbreed is a direct result of breeding purebred German Shepherds with Labrador Retrievers. Labrador Retrievers have a very long history that dates back all the way to the s. Back then, they were working dogs that often helped out fishermen. Eventually, these dogs made their way to England where they became companions for European royalty. German Shepherds were working dogs, too. However, their main job was to herd sheep and other livestock for farmers. Today, Labradors and German Shepherds are very popular the world over. .Though, they are popular for very different reasons. Typically, Labs are known for their companionship. They make great family pets and are often used as guide dogs for those with disabilities. Meanwhile, German Shepherds are revered for their athleticism and intelligence. German Shepherd Lab Mix Temperament The beauty of mixed breed dogs is that they take on traits from both of their parents. German Shepradors are a perfect example of this. These dogs are a joy to be around. Whether that required physical work or simply good behavior, these pups are up for the task! Like all dogs, German Shepherds and their subsequent crossbreed are products of their environment. Shepradors make great family dogs. The combination of intelligent thinking and loyalty can prove to be useful in a home setting. Your watchdog will do all they can to protect your home while still being down for cuddles. However, helping your pup grow up to be obedient and well-behaved is manageable. You see, these dogs are very intelligent. In fact, some might say that they are too intelligent for their own good. This mainly comes from the German Shepherd side of the dog. German Shepherds are notorious for being stubborn. Shepradors can take on that personality trait, making the training process a bit more challenging. They may require more time and patience to truly understand things. Another issue you might encounter with German Shepherd mixes is the need for regular mental stimulation. Because they are so intelligent, you must constantly challenge their minds to keep them happy. Like all dogs, Shepradors do best when positive reinforcement is the training method of choice. While dominance-based training used to be the go-to, several studies have shown that punishments do more harm than good. German Shepherd mixes thrive when you use a reward system. Showering your dog with praise and providing plenty of treats is the best way to instill the training techniques. Despite all of this, you may see pups with vastly different characteristics. Genetics is not an exact science. Dominant genes from one parent dog may take over, causing the puppy to look more like one breed than the other. As a result, the crossbreed is going to fall into that same category. You can use information about their parents for reference, but several factors will contribute to their true adult size. Generally, males can weigh upwards of 88 pounds when fully grown. They will stand between 22 and 26 inches at the withers. This is the point between the shoulder blades of the dog. Females are typically smaller than males. You may come across females as small as 35 pounds. Though, most will be around 70 to 80 pounds. As for height, females tend to be between 20 and 24 inches at the withers. Both of the parent breeds are pretty athletic, so most mixed pups will be as well. They fall somewhere in the middle. Depending on their activity levels, you might notice strong muscle development on their hind legs. These dogs usually have wide snouts and dark noses. Their eyes are large and brown. Some pups may have light eyes, but this is quite rare. Genetic variations in the parent breeds can lead to lighter eyes, but a vast majority are going to have big brown eyes. One characteristic where you will see a lot of variation among these dogs is the ears. Most Labs have large ears that flop down over the sides of the head Meanwhile, perky triangular ears are one of the most defining traits of the German Shepherds. The interesting thing about the ears is that you will have to wait and see whether they stand tall or flop down. Puppies are born with soft and fluffy ears. As they grow older, the cartilage in their ears may or may not strengthen to help them stand up. Some pups even have a combination of the two ear styles! Colors Coat colors can vary across the board with these pups. German Shepherds have an iconic tri-color coat. Distinct patterns of gold, black, and white cover the body. The most common is gold. However, black and pure-white Labs exist as well. They may have multi-colored coats or solid ones. Lifespan The average lifespan for a German Shepherd Lab mix is between 10 and 12 years. This falls in line with the life expectancy of the parent breeds. Generally, larger dogs tend to have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones. Many factors will affect how much time these dogs have. Health issues and a poor lifestyle can cut that lifespan short. On the same token, extremely healthy pups are fully capable of living past 12 years of age. Possible Health Issues Like all dogs, Shepradors are not immune to disease and health problems. In fact, they may be susceptible to more issues. The problem with mixing breeds is that it opens up the possibilities of health complications in the future. Hereditary problems from both parents can be passed to the puppy. Unfortunately, German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are known to suffer from a few different ailments. Here are the most common health concerns to be wary of. Dysplasia is a musculoskeletal condition that often affects dogs later in life. However, it takes years to develop and can be triggered by issues as a young pup. Take hip dysplasia for example. Hip dysplasia can cause debilitating pain. Many dogs who suffer from it have a hard time standing up. They may exhibit signs of extreme weakness in the hind legs, resulting in a noticeably different posture. The hip sockets become malformed, causing mobility issues with the hip joint. While some dogs are born with it, poor development as a puppy can exacerbate the problem. There are treatment options for hip and elbow dysplasia. Veterinarians can perform surgery early on to correct the problem and provide relief. If your dog is already suffering from it, physical therapy and joint supplements can provide relief from pain. Bloat Contrary to popular belief, bloat is not an innocent gas problem with dogs. It occurs when dogs eat too fast or exert physical exercise too soon after eating. Excess air is swallowed, filling the stomach. Eventually, the stomach can twist on itself. This restricts blood flow throughout the body. Provide small meals and prevent your dog from playing for at least 30 minutes. To control fast eating, you can utilize slow-feeding bowls or puzzle toys. They create an obstacle that forces the dog to eat slower than normal, which can do a lot to prevent GDV. Ocular Issues Eye diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy, are pretty common with both parent breeds. The tissue within the eye can degenerate over time. This causes vision loss. From there, you can provide supplements or foods rich in beta carotene to slow its progression. Diet and Exercise Requirements Shepherd Labrador mixes are incredibly active dogs. They love nothing more than playing and getting tons of exercise. To make matters worse, a lack of exercise can turn into a lasting problem. You need to start your pup on the right foot and establish a healthy lifestyle right off the bat. Go for runs and toss chew toys around the yard. You can break up exercise time in manageable chunks throughout the day to make things easier. As long as you get those 90 minutes in, your dog should have no problem staying healthy. When it comes to diet, you must be just as vigilant! These dogs have insatiable appetites. However, you need to ensure that their food is meeting all of their nutritional needs. It should use wholesome proteins like chicken, beef, or fish. The dog food should also have complex carbs and healthy fats like fish oil. Steer clear of anything that has artificial ingredients or unnecessary fillers. Those foods will do more harm than good. The goal is to provide your dog with muscle-building protein that will keep their body in good shape. As a good rule of thumb, dogs will need about 30 calories of food for each pound of body weight. This usually amounts to about 4 cups of dry kibble a day. That said, foods can vary dramatically when it comes to nutritional density. We recommend splitting their caloric requirements into two small meals a day. One meal in the morning and one in the evening will keep their energy levels stable as they go about their active lifestyles. Plus, splitting the meals will help to avoid issues like bloat. However, thick coats need a bit of extra work. GSDs have double costs. The outer layer of hair is thinner and easier to manage. Meanwhile, the inner coat is thick and dense. It provides insulation in those cold winter months. German Shepherd Lab mixes can inherit that thick coat. They will go through shedding cycles a couple of times a year, resulting in a mess of fur throughout your home! With regular brushings, you can keep the fallout to manageable levels while keeping your pup clean. These pups make great family dogs. They get along just fine with kids as long as you socialize them early on. As always, you should never leave your dog alone with young kids. These crossbred dogs are fully capable of attacking people, so you should exercise caution and always keep a watchful eye. They should know not to pull their tail or agitate the dog in any way. Are German Shepherd Lab mixes good guard dogs? Shepradors make great guard dogs. Plus, they tend to be a bit suspicious of strangers. Are these dogs aggressive? This all depends on their upbringing. If you take the time to properly train and socialize these dogs, they will be gentle and loving. However, if the dogs are abused or trained with punishment, they could exhibit aggressive behavior. How big to German Shepherd Lab mixes get? Males can weigh as much as 88 pounds and grow to 26 inches tall at the withers. Do Shepradors get along with other dogs? German Shepherd Labrador mixes do just fine with other dogs. However, they must be properly socialized first. Exposure to other animals is key during their development. They should be introduced to new family dogs slowly to prevent any aggressive behavior. Do Shepradors make good working dogs? Thanks to their intelligence and high trainability, Labrashepherds make fine working dogs. They do particularly well herding livestock. Conclusion German Shepherd Lab mixes are a joy to raise. If you have an active lifestyle to keep them fit, they will be a great addition to your family. Treat them well and these pups will spend their lives being a loving canine companion. Search Dog Breeds. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior.

We interact with them. They are exposed to children and other small animals every day. We live on a small ranch south of Ainsworth, NE. We have been here since .We get to know each puppy and try to place each one to fit your family See our Client Reviews from our happy German Shepherd owners. German and Czech Working Dogs. Our puppies are very social and friendly. Perfect addition to any loving home. This puppy is sired by King Charles Cole one of our Males. She is the most obedient dog we have ever had, and has a high training ability. She is always happy and full of love. Augie is a smaller very athletic girl. She is super smart and has a high protective drive and her siblings have been known to be great cattle dogs. Trigger boy and Cassie Girl were Otters parents. He is a big lovable boy that keeps everyone in line including horses and chickens, he has a high herding drive but is not aggressive towards livestock at all. Charlie also goes hunting. She is all black female and is fun and loves watching over our goats and cats. She is very loyal to me and is always by my side. Rainy will not be breed until .Frequently Asked Questions Please contact us if you cannot find an answer to your question. It could take as long as 6 months, the bigger the dog the longer it takes. What is the price of your Puppies? We want to make it possible for the average family to afford them. What is our "Puppy Guarantee" We offer a health guarantee up to one year of age if all vet checks have been done and you choose to feed a good quality food like Victors or Pro-Plan Your Puppy must be examined by Dr. You must have proof of all vet records. See our requirements Deposit Amount Required? In the case of death or injury or does not pass vet check. You can move your deposit to a different puppy or it will be refunded, but only in those cases. Do we ship puppies? Is it okay for my dog to jump? How long should I feed puppy food 4 to 6 months depending on size of your puppy. Connect With Us. For the complete list please see our German Shepherd resource page. Some breeders will offer a discount if you buy more than one pup at a time and others may have higher prices due to having a champion bloodline or other desirable traits that can command a higher price. Prices vary for a few reasons: some breeders may be trying to make a profit, some may have high-quality dogs with champion bloodlines, and others may have puppies that have been well-socialized from an early age. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is and you should go look for a more reputable breeder. How to Find A Responsible German Shepherd Breeder in Nebraska The first thing you should do when trying to find a German Shepherd breeder in Nebraska is to go and talk with some of the other GSD owners that you know and see if they can recommend any good breeders to you. Another way of finding a responsible German Shepherd breeder in Nebraska is by going online. There are several online forums where reputable breeders love to post information about themselves and their dogs so that people can easily get in touch with them. You can also search for German Shepherd clubs in your area which will often have listings of quality breeders who are members of the group. Finally, there are several dog breeders associations in all states which you can ask for help when trying to find a responsible German Shepherd breeder in Nebraska. In some areas, all breeders have to be members of local kennel clubs so it is important to contact these organizations and see if they have any recommendations for reputable breeders in your area that you can talk with. These resources should prove helpful when attempting to find a good German Shepherd breeder in Nebraska and help ensure that you get a healthy puppy from a caring breeder who will stand by their dogs over the years. Many breeders, even those who are well-respected and experienced, offer their puppies up for sale online so that they can reach out to people all over the country when trying to find good homes for their pups. However, it is always best when inquiring about one of these dogs to visit the breeder in person and see where the puppy was raised and socialized before making your final decision. This allows you to easily view any certificates or proof of health for both parents as well as seeing how the pups were cared for while still with their mother. Visiting the breeder will also allow you to ask them any questions about their experience with the breed, how they mate their dogs, and other important decisions that are necessary when raising German Shepherds. You can ask about what training or socialization has been done to prepare the pups for new homes and decide if this is something you feel comfortable with before moving forward. After seeing one of these reputable breeders in person and talking with them on the phone, it should be much easier to choose a breeder and see if their prices meet your budget as well as offering new families the right environment where the pup will thrive. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your German Shepherd Breeder in Nebraska When looking for a German Shepherd breeder in Nebraska to purchase your new puppy from, it is always important to ask if they have references you can contact. Many reputable breeders are happy to give you the names of people who have purchased their dogs in the past so that you can get an idea about what type of experience you may have while raising this dog. You will want to contact at least three people before making your final decision but getting firsthand information from previous owners regarding experiences with your specific breeder can be very helpful when trying to find a good place. Ask Your Nebraska German Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers If the German Shepherd breeder you are looking at purchasing a puppy from is reputable, they will more than likely allow you to meet some of their past customers. This is a great way to get an idea about what the dog is like and if it has been well-socialized. When meeting past customers, be sure to ask them lots of questions about their experience with the breeder as well as the dog itself. Meeting past customers can also help you identify any potential problems that you may encounter while raising your new puppy. A good breeder will have a veterinarian they work with frequently and who they feel is a very knowledgeable resource. They should not be afraid to give you the contact information of this veterinarian so that you can speak with them about any questions or concerns that may come up while your pup grows. If, by chance, your breeder does not have their own veterinarian in Nebraska, try to find out if they are registered with one of the established dog groups like AKC or Canine Health Foundation. These organizations maintain standards for canine health testing and care so working with these veterinarians ensures that your pup will be healthy throughout its life. You do not want to purchase a puppy from someone who cannot get it back in for regular checkups to ensure good health. A German Shepherd breeder in Nebraska should be willing to provide all of the above information to you before you make your purchase. They should also be able to provide a healthy, socialized puppy that has been raised in a clean and loving home. If the breeder cannot meet these minimum requirements, it is best to move on and find a different breeder. It is important to know the signs of an unethical German Shepherd dog breeder in Nebraska so that you can make sure you do not work with one when looking for your new pup. An unethical German Shepherd breeder will be very pushy to get you to sign the contract and pay them quickly. They should give you plenty of time to think about things before rushing into anything. Another sign of an unethical German Shepherd Dog Breeder in Nebraska is if they seem uninterested or unenthusiastic about you adopting their puppy. A good breeder wants to ensure that their pups go to good homes so they should care more than just a little bit about where their puppies end up. If the breeder cannot provide you with health certificates, registration papers, or a pedigree for the pup then they are likely not legitimate. These items are important when registering your dog and make sure that it came from healthy bloodlines. Finally, be on the lookout for breeders who have a lot of puppies available at any time of the year. This can lead to health problems so it is best to avoid these breeders in Nebraska. A good breeder will only have one or two litters available each year so they can properly care for them. A responsible breeder also does health screenings when necessary and takes their pups back when they are not sold in order to ensure that they receive proper veterinary care if anything comes up with the dog. At any rate, your new puppy should never be sick or diseased upon purchase. Taking them back to the breeder may be an option but it is still important that they remain in good hands. How to Prepare Your Home for Your German Shepherd Puppy Regardless of where you get your German Shepherd puppy, there are a few things you need to do in order to prepare your home for their arrival. The first is to set up a safe and comfortable area for the pup to sleep in. This can be a crate or an enclosed area like a small room. Make sure that there are no dangers lurking in the area such as poisonous plants, wires, or small objects that the pup could choke on. You will also want to have plenty of toys and chew items available for the pup so that they can keep themselves busy. A bored German Shepherd can get into a lot of trouble so make sure that you provide them with plenty of stimulation. Finally, start obedience training right away. This will help to ensure that your pup knows who is in charge and will help to prevent any bad behavior from developing. If you are not familiar with the method, here are some basics. Allow your pup to sleep in their crate at night and while you are gone during the day. This will help them feel secure and safe while also making it easier for them to be confined for long periods of time without having accidents on the floor. Place newspapers or puppy pads in the area that they are sleeping so that when they wake up they will have an appropriate place to go. You can also try taking them outside right before bedtime but this may not work every time. It is important that if they do have an accident you clean it immediately so that they do not get used to doing their business in the crate. This will help to reinforce good behavior and make sure that they understand what it is you are wanting them to do. Be consistent with your training and rewards and your pup should be potty trained within a few weeks. If you have any further questions about German Shepherd Dog Breeders in Nebraska, please feel free to reach out to us. We would be happy to help you in any way we can. Looking for a reputable German Shepherd breeder in Nebraska can be difficult, but there are some best German Shepherd breeders in Nebraska. Best of luck with finding your perfect furry friend. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. We weren't going to operate like everyone else did, because we were not happy with what we were seeing from other breeders. Every time we looked for a reputable, quality breeder in and around Nebraska we were met with challenges we didn't appreciate. Poor customer service, poor breeding quality dogs, poor breeding facility, poor nutrition, poor cleanliness, and high prices. Each time we had one of these experiences, we learned exactly what we didn't want to be here at Krieghund Farm. I would definitely recommend them first to anybody searching for a quality GSD. We got our beautiful Axel boy in March and he has been a great addition to our family. They would send us so many pictures and updates while we were waiting to get him. It was important to me that we got a dog from somewhere that was so caring to them as we would be, and they definitely surpassed my expectations! Murphy became our furbaby in and he has been a great addition to our family. We have another German Shepard who was 7 at the time and the two have been the best buds from day one! Murphy is active, smart, funny and we love him so! Krieghund Farms was a great find, they are very personable and to this day still check up on us to make sure all is well!

This is why it is crucial that you understand how much to feed an English Bulldog puppy for proper health and longevity. These puppies need the same attention, particularly when it comes to eating, which is essential for good growth and development. If you have an English Bulldog puppy or are thinking about obtaining one, you will find our English Bulldog feeding chart invaluable. Puppies of all breeds, including the English Bulldog, need a diet tailored to their specific needs as they grow. Puppies under 3 months of age need more frequent feedings three to four per day , whereas pups aged 3 to 6 months only need three meals per day. They should be fed twice a day once they reach 6 months of age. You should also provide clean water for your dog at all times. They should be fed a high-quality puppy chow that has been moistened with water if they have begun eating solid food. An English Bulldog puppy of 6 weeks old should be energetic and sociable. Kids may start to act independently and exhibit their own unique identities. Take care not to leave any little things lying about that they may accidentally ingest. Give them a lot of things to chew on since teething may be uncomfortable for them. An English Bulldog puppy of 8 weeks old will likely be full of life and activity. They might be resistant, therefore your training efforts will need some time. Keep an eye out for symptoms of separation anxiety and work on establishing a routine. An English Bulldog puppy of 10 weeks will likely still be a lot of fun. Control their food consumption based on their weight. This may be given to the dog in two or three smaller meals. By the time they are 16 weeks old, English Bulldog puppies usually have a lot of excess energy and need to spend a lot of time playing and being active. Although signs of increased autonomy are encouraging, further training is still essential. Keep an eye on their eating habits and make any necessary adjustments to curb obesity. In some cases, you can feed them 4 cups but this is only if they are highly active. To avoid obesity, it is crucial to keep an eye on their weight and make dietary adjustments as required. Avoid overfeeding your English Bulldog since doing so might lead to obesity and health issues. It would be necessary to increase this till maturity. Puppies need a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients in addition to the macronutrients protein, fat, and carbs they consume. There should be a healthy equilibrium between calcium and phosphorus to avoid orthopedic issues, since both are crucial for bone formation. Avoiding obesity and its associated health risks requires careful nutrition and weight monitoring. To meet their energy demands and encourage healthy development, English Bulldog pups should be given many short meals throughout the day. Puppies should be fed three to four times a day until they are six months old, however, this may vary according to their age. They may reduce their intake to twice a day after six months. Overfeeding and free-feeding may cause obesity and other health issues. Kibble is practical since it can be stored easily and because it aids in the maintenance of healthy teeth. Wet food is a better alternative for fussy eaters or dogs with digestive concerns since it is often more appealing and may be simpler to digest. It has a shorter shelf life and may be more costly than kibble. The best option is ultimately determined by the specific requirements and preferences of each dog. Between 12 and 18 months of age, most experts advise making the transition to regular table fare. If you want to save your English Bulldog any stomach trouble, make the transfer to a new meal slowly over the course of a week to ten days. The best way to introduce a new meal to a pet is to incorporate it into their regular diet slowly at first. Selecting a premium adult dog food that is tailored to the specific dietary requirements of English Bulldogs is essential. Talk to your vet about when and what kind of food is best for your dog. Puppies have distinct nutritional demands that need feeding them at certain times and in precise quantities of food. Maintaining a healthy weight in your puppy may be achieved by regular feeding on a schedule and careful monitoring of food consumption. The Bulldog-shaped kibble is simple to pick up and chew, and the high-quality proteins and prebiotics support good digestion and stool quality. Given that they are experts in the field of animal health and welfare, they will know the best meal schedule for your dog. This is one of the simplest methods to keep your Bulldog happy and healthy. Therefore, by choosing the best food for your beloved buddy to eat, you could extend its life span! Some examples of dry dog food are dog biscuits, kibble, and flaked cereals. Before serving dry dog foods to Bulldogs, warm water or broth is frequently added to this to improve the texture and enhance the flavor. Canned Wet Food: Canned wet food is sometimes preferable to dry food because it has a lot more moisture and thus will keep your dog hydrated. Moreover, wet dog food is also more likely to be appreciated by your English Bulldog puppy because it is usually more flavorful. However, wet food may increase the likelihood of dental issues. Homemade Diet: Homemade diets can help you save money. This diet also allows you to have more control over the macronutrients your dog consumes. As a result, with a homemade diet, you can rest assured that your dog is only consuming the best ingredients. Raw Diet: Raw dog food can be purchased as a frozen log, or it can simply be prepared at home. However, keep in mind that it should be prepared using quality meat and healthy fats. When it comes to choosing the right food for a Bulldog puppy, you need to be sure that it has high-quality protein to allow its body to function properly. If you accidentally drop something on the floor, these canines will gobble it up. However, some foods are incredibly toxic and dangerous for English Bulldogs to consume, even in small amounts. Here are some foods that you should avoid feeding your Bulldogs: Chocolate: This delectable human food includes theobromine , a poison that impairs the kidney, heart, and other important organ functions of a Bulldog puppy. If consumed in large amounts, xylitol can cause severe liver damage to your Bulldog. Raw Bread Dough: This is extremely poisonous. Milk and Other Dairy Products: Providing milk and other dairy products could lead to puppy diarrhea and other digestive system problems. These human foods may also set off food allergies, which may result in crusty scabs around the mouth of your dog. Grapes and Raisins: These may be enticing to dogs as treats or snacks, but they could also contain mold and fungus, which can result in gastrointestinal discomfort, seizures , lethargy, or kidney failure. Tomatoes: These contain tomatine , a poisonous alkaloid that can cause muscle weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures. Avocado: This tasty human food contains persin, which takes dogs some time to digest. It may cause severe stomach pain, breathing problems, and a buildup of fluid in the chest. Mushrooms: If your English Bulldog puppy consumes wild mushrooms, you should treat it as an emergency because it can result in neurological symptoms, kidney and liver failure, and even death. Macadamia Nuts and Walnuts: These delicious Hawaiian treats rank among the most hazardous human foods for dogs. These nuts can cause hind legs to become paralyzed for anywhere between 12 and 24 hours after consumption. Aside from the listed foods, there are other foods that your Bulldog puppy should stay away from. Therefore, when your dog transitions from a puppy to an adult dog and also when they get closer to seniority, it makes sense to switch to a different diet. It could take some trial and error to find the best food for them. You can use the following transition chart as a guide for your English Bulldog puppy: Day. A somewhat sedentary breed, Bulldogs are susceptible to weight gain, sensitive tummy, food allergies and flatulence. Being blunt, feeding Bulldogs can be challenging! Receive smart Bulldog diet choices here and additional info about feeding Bulldog puppies. Feeding Bulldogs Gorgeous to some, a wrinkled mess to others, and just plain odd looking to many, everyone knows a Bulldog. While easy going and friendly, Bulldogs in general are not overly energetic and seem somewhat sedentary by nature. This, coupled with their short stocky build, leaves our awesome bullies prone to obesity. Unpleasant health issues are also common in Bulldogs and in many cases, can be diet related. Your Bulldog should mature to a average adult weight of 40 to 60 pounds, so feeding Bulldogs should not be a major expense. However, diet related annoyances like skin irritations, flatulence, body odor and more, makes investing in a quality mid protein corn free food like the Recommended Dog Food Brands here, important. To learn how we choose quality kibble formulas, or for help selecting your own, visit our Feeding Dry Dog Food section. For a great alternative to kibble and food we highly recommend for Bulldogs see our Raw Feeding Dogs section. Feeding Bulldogs Although a Bulldogs aren't as active when compared to other medium breeds, they are very muscular so quality meat proteins are essential to support good health. Generally speaking, your Bulldog should consume the following per day. Young adults that are active, about 1, calories of quality dog food each day. Less active and energetic adult Bulldogs, about 1, to 1, calories per day. Start with feeding guidelines provided on your bag of kibble and adjust accordingly for a stocky yet fit Bulldog. To sum it up, about 3 to 4 cups of quality kibble per day, split into two meals, is a great starting point for feeding Bulldogs. Amount fed may go up or down based on your dog's size, weight, age and overall daily activity. If you feed a super charged, calorie dense, grain free kibble such as EVO, you'll be feeding slightly less. TIP: Bulldogs are a thick, stocky, muscular breed so while we strive to feed for muscle growth, it's never a good idea to let your Bulldog become overweight, whatever their life stage. Kibble formulas with multiple meat protein sources are also good practice and add insurance that protein is being delivered optimally to be metabolized by your Collie's body. To maintain joint health for this active breed, kibble containing chondroitin and glucosamine are also a great idea. For a beautiful shiny coat and healthy skin, choose a formula with Omega-6 fatty acids. Feeding Bulldog Puppies High power medium breed puppy foods and easy on the exercise with Bulldog puppy for the first year. Bulldog puppies can eat and often consume more than they should wo we don't recommend free feeding. A high protein puppy food is appropriate during the growth stage until about 12 to 14 months of age. Don't overfeed or free feed a puppy, keep meal times on a schedule, twice a day works best for most Bulldog puppy owners. Overfeeding your young Bulldog, especially with puppy food, can result in an overweight puppy that is susceptable to joint, muscle and bone problems. Play time is essential to puppy development and also allows young dogs to burn the high calorie puppy food they've been eating. Bulldogs are not over active but do require exercise, be sure to allow supervised exercise with your puppy. Encourage play with other puppies or littermates to help develop social skills but be sure to thwart any rough or extended play. Growing bones can be fragile in any dog breed and over exercise can actually damage developing hips and joints if our pups are allowed to go at it non stop. With Bulldogs however, this is not typically a problem. Switching Your Puppy To Adult Diet When it's time to make the switch from puppy food to adult, you may notice your Bulldog giving you hints by showing less interest in their meals. When you're ready to switch over to an adult dog food do so slowly over the course of a week by gradually mixing a percentage of each meal with the new food. Sudden variations in diet rarely go off without a hitch with Bulldogs. The result, digestive issues, loose stool, upset stomach and diarrhea. .If you're feeding a dry dog food, your Bulldog will drink a lot of water and if feeding a Raw Dog Diet , very little. In either case, be sure to allow free access to clean water at all times. Additional Bulldog Tips Many Bulldogs will NOT self regulate their meals and if left to do so, may eat a day's worth of dog food in 15 minutes. A feeding routine is recommended, twice a day is typical for adult Bulldogs but some owners feed one meal per day. More common however with RAW feeders. Don't forget to check out our Feeding Dry Dog Food articles which really focus on selecting a quality kibble for your Border Collie. And, if there's another mid-size dog in your pack, Feeding Medium Size Dogs provides access to a library of breed specific feeding guides. For help choosing kibble dog food for your Bulldog plus additional info about raw feeding, visit our Homepage for quick banner access to the major sections of our website! Different sizes and breeds of dog, naturally, need different amounts of food. But how much should you be feeding your English bulldog or puppy per day? How many cups of food should I feed my English Bulldog? How much you need to feed your English Bulldog will depend on their age and weight. It can vary between half a cup to 2 cups of food a day. Adult dogs are fed twice, puppies should be fed 3 times. English Bulldog puppies are still developing and will burn through calories quicker, meaning their feeding schedule should be 3 times a day. English Bulldog feeding chart and guide Below you can see an English Bulldog feeding chart which gives you a great overview of how many cups of food you should feed an English Bulldog puppy or adult. This is how many cups of food you should feed an English Bulldog puppy or adult according to the Royal Canin pet food company. How many cups of food should I feed my English Bulldog puppy? English Bulldog puppy at 2 months: 1 third of a cup, 3 times daily English Bulldog puppy at 3 months: 1 third of a cup, 3 times daily English Bulldog puppy at 4 months: 1 third of a cup, 3 times daily English Bulldog puppy at 5 months: Half a cup, twice a day English Bulldog puppy at 6 months: Half a cup, twice a day English Bulldog puppy at 7 to 12 months: Half a cup, twice a day This English Bulldog puppy feeding schedule should continue until they are 12 months old. After that point your English Bulldog is an adult and should switch to the recommended feeding guidelines shown on the feeding chart. What vets say about English Bulldog feeding amounts When you first get your English Bulldog, your vet should be able to recommend you an amount of food and how many times a day to feed them. Puppies need less food than an adult dog, and as the dog gets older you will gradually have to increase the amount of food you give them. There are several different types of food available for dogs, each having its own pros and cons, and with each dog having their own preferences. Dry food: including kibble and flaked cereals, has very low moisture content, meaning that they will have a higher appetite. Dry food is also often made into dog treats and dog biscuits, which can be a great occasional in-between meal snack to keep your dog occupied or to reward them for good behaviour. Wet food: is far better for keeping your dog hydrated, cooked at high temperatures and being incredibly fresh. Unfortunately, they have a short shelf life when opened and can be a messy option for over-eager dogs. Semi-moist: has a combination of the chewiness of dry food with the hydration of wet food. Coming in sachets, they are a popular alternative for those who are unsure if wet or dry food is the best option for their dog. How much food should I feed my English Bulldog puppy? Feeding a puppy is rather different to feeding an adult dog, needing smaller amounts of food more often throughout the day, with their eating habits changing as they grow older. Your vet should be able to recommend an amount per day to feed your new bulldog puppy if you are unsure about how to understand the puppy feeding chart shown earlier. English Bulldog puppies are typically fed three times a day, with around a handful of kibble each time around a third of a cup per portion until they are around 6 months old. However, your vet may recommend a larger amount if they do not think they are getting enough. English Bulldog puppy feeding schedules will differ, with 3 times a day being recommended. When feeding English Bulldog puppies, make sure that the food is easily accessible, and that the food bowl or tray is not set too high that they struggle to eat it. English Bulldogs have naturally short muzzles and can sometimes struggle to lift their heads up high, so setting it lower down will make it easier for them to swallow. If your puppy is turning its nose up at its food, make sure it is fully hydrated and well before trying out a mixture of dry and wet foods; every dog has different preferences to food, so finding out what your puppy likes can really help make dinner time easier and less stressful for you both. Handy Hint: Your English Bully can throw up after eating too much food, but the vomit could also mean something else. Here are the top reasons why this breed throws up so much. What food is best for English Bulldogs? With so many different dog foods on the market, it can be difficult to choose what the best kind of dog food for your bulldog is. It contains Omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health, as well as other antioxidants and vitamins. Made in the USA, it contains no fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors or added sugar. Natural Balance — Ultra Premium Wet Dog Food: made with real beef, this wet dog food comes in many different flavors such as Beef, Chicken, Lamb and Liver, all mixed with brown rice, carrots and potatoes. What human food can bulldogs eat? Sometimes you want to share your food with your English Bulldog, but you do have to be careful as many foods we eat every day can prove harmful if not fatal to our furry companions. Aside from meat, some other human foods that dogs can freely eat are: White and brown rice: with many dog foods containing some form of rice as an ingredient. Dairy products: in small quantities, this does not include lactose intolerant dogs, who should not eat dairy products at all. Peanut Butter: this is a favourite for many dogs, make sure that it is natural, unsalted peanut butter with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs. Fruit: such as blueberries, goji berries, bananas, cucumbers and watermelon are all suitable for dogs to eat. Make sure any watermelon has been deseeded before allowing your dog to eat it. Vegetables: everyone needs their five a day, and English Bulldogs do too. Green beans, carrots, peas, sweetcorn, cauliflower and broccoli are all safe for your dog to eat, with many already included in dog food. Related questions Now you know how many cups of food your English Bulldog should eat, the types of food they can eat, and what the best feeding schedule is see chart , you might want some extra information. What can English Bulldogs not eat? There are certain foods that English Bulldogs should never be allowed to eat. This is due to differences in their digestion and immune system that means that harmless human food such as chocolate is fatal to dogs. English Bulldogs will often eat whatever they can find, most dogs do, but what should you keep away from them? Chocolate: the best-known no-go treat. Dog-friendly chocolates are available, but human chocolate can cause major issues for dogs. Grapes: unlike other fruit, grapes can cause everything from nausea to kidney failure in dogs. Mushrooms: wild mushrooms are especially toxic to dogs, as they are humans. Other vegetables that dogs should avoid include asparagus and onions. Bacon: while the meat itself is fine, fatty and crispy bacon can cause your dog digestion and pancreatic issues, slowly losing its functionality over time. Macadamia nuts: these have only been recently discovered to be bad for dogs, although nearly all other animal species do not suffer the same issue. How many calories should an English Bulldog eat? While amounts of food per day are usually measured in cups for English Bulldogs, there are recommended guidelines about how many calories a bulldog should be eating, depending on its age. While your vet will be able to recommend a more personalised eating regimen, once your dog has grown out of its puppy stage, young, energetic adult dogs eat around 1, calories a day, while less active adults only need around 1, calories per day. A lot of this depends on how active your English Bulldog is on a day to day basis, dictating how many calories they burn off and how much needs to be replaced. Most packets, cans and bags of dog food contain a recommended serving size for certain types of dogs, so check the packaging for more information. Handy Hint: English Bulldogs need daily exercise. Conclusion Now that you know how many cups of food you need to feed your English Bulldog; I would also recommend implementing a decent exercise regime. Without it, your furry friend could develop a lot of health issues including diabetes. Especially if they start eating more cups of food that is recommended in the English Bulldog feeding guide. Vets say English Bulldogs should have at least 20 minutes of exercise each day. You might also like…. Plenty of dog lovers go to great lengths to discover the optimal dog food for their Bulldog puppies. Should Bulldog puppies be fed a raw food diet or wet and dry food? How can I optimize English Bulldog puppy feeding to promote a healthy immune system for my pup? Is commercial food bad for my Bulldog puppy? If you have ever owned an English Bulldog puppy, you have surely sought the answers to these questions. Some sources promote dry and wet foods, while others advocate for feeding an English Bulldog puppy raw food for high-quality protein. So, is one choice better than another? What sort of puppy food is best for your English Bulldog puppy? Before you seek answers to these questions online, consider that no one knows your English Bulldog puppy better than you do. Do you really want to take English Bulldog feeding advice from random individuals online? Have confidence in your abilities to choose a puppy food that is best for your pooch. You can try feeding them wet dog food, commercial dog food, dry dog food, or a raw food diet. There is no option that is inherently better than another. If it seems like your dog enjoys what they eat, then be consistent and routinely offer them the food that they enjoy. Healthy eating habits can easily be established from a young age for your tiny pooch. English Bulldog puppies can be brought to their forever home when they are around 2 months old. As a dog owner, there is no time more exciting than bringing your new English Bulldog puppy home. Why is my English Bulldog puppy neglecting to eat its food? Luckily, it is perfectly normal for young English Bulldogs to lack an appetite during their first day or two in their forever home. Why, you ask? Well, this is because the process of a puppy being uprooted from its dog family to go live with its human family can be frightening initially. An English Bulldog puppy may scarcely know its new owners when it gets adopted and brought home, and the new environment in which it is living can be unfamiliar and unsettling. This means that your English Bulldog puppy may—understandably—lack an appetite during its first couple of days at home. After a day or two, your puppy should begin eating like normal and beginning its rapid transformation into becoming an adult. These dogs will be plenty tiny at this point, but they will grow into sizable adult Bulldogs before you know it. To support the growth of your petite pup, how much food should they receive every day? English Bulldog puppies that are around two months of food should be offered 2 cups of food every day during their first week or two at home. As your pup gets used to living in its new home, its appetite may begin to increase. Young English Bulldog pups need to eat a sufficient amount of food. Feeding A Three-Month-Old Bulldog Now that your English Bulldog puppy is undoubtedly larger than it was when you first brought it home, you will need to increase the amount of food that you give to your precious pooch. By the time your English Bulldog is three months old, it should be consuming at least 2. English Bulldog puppies on the large end of the spectrum can eat anywhere from 2. This may seem like a lot of food for a puppy, but remember that these dogs grow rapidly. Therefore, though eating 3 cups of food every day would be a lot for puppies of most other breeds, it is a good amount of food for a three-month-old Bulldog. A typical four-month-old English Bulldog puppy should eat at least 3 cups of food every day. As they age, they will be able to eat closer to 3. Five-month-old Bulldog pups should consume more than 3 cups of food daily. In fact, this is about the time that English Bulldogs consume their peak daily quantities of food. As an English Bulldog puppy grows older than five months old, the amount of food that it requires every day will begin to trend downward. Proper English Bulldog puppy feeding is crucial during this pivotal time of growth. Five-month-old Bulldog pups can eat up to 3. A six-month-old English Bulldog can still eat a bit of food, so plan on feeding these dogs around 3. If you notice that your pooch is developing a bigger belly than expected, try to cut back on the amount of food that you give your dog. As your English Bulldog puppy reaches seven months old and beyond, you can begin to offer it less food since it will be finished with the teenage stage in its life. Seven to eight-month-old Bulldogs should be consuming about 3. Owners should pay attention to the weight and body size of their pooches during this time. Dogs on the heavy or lightweight ends of the spectrum should have their diets adjusted. By the time an English Bulldog puppy is nine months old, its food should again be decreased. Feed nine-month-old Bulldog puppies around 2. Feeding A Ten To Twelve-Month-Old Bulldog Around 10 to 12 months old is the time in which many puppies eat the most food during their lifetimes, but this is not the case for English Bulldogs. Ten to twelve-month-old English Bullies hardly look like the puppy that you brought home when they were 2 months old. Now, your precious pooch will look like an adult dog. This means that they should be eating like adults. Feed your ten-month-old English Bulldog pup around 2. As they approach twelve months old, continue to decrease their food. Twelve-month-old Bullies should eat around 2. This may be hard for you to believe that your furry friend is all grown up, but you can now consider your canine companion to be an adult. So, what does adult dog food have that puppy food does not? The two foods tend to have similar ingredients, but adult food usually has more protein and fats while possessing fewer calories. These ingredients are better suited to look after the nutritional needs of an adult dog. Adult food may be dry dog food, wet food, or other types of food. Again, you can feel confident with feeding your dog wet food, dry food, or raw food. Each type of dog food has pros and cons, and none are inherently better than the other options. Given that adult dogs are no longer growing, they do not need to consume nearly as much food as puppies. However, adult English Bulldogs still consume a considerable amount of food. Plan to feed an adult English Bulldog anywhere from 2 to 2. The exact amount of food that you should feed your English Bully will depend on its size, sex, and activity levels. Small adult Bulldogs will only need to eat 2 cups of food every day, while large adults should be eating closer to 2. Since adult Bulldogs are no longer growing, they may be prone to gaining weight. Though 2 to 2. Pregnant or Lactating Bulldogs Pregnant or lactating English Bulldog mothers need to consume an enormous amount of calories every day to ensure that they and their puppies are getting enough nourishment. The energy required to simply move around while carrying their developing pups is immense. Pregnant or lactating Bulldog mothers should eat well over 3 cups of food every day. Around 3. If it seems as though your mother Bulldog is still hungry after eating her daily food quota, be sure that you offer additional food to her. This is a time in which owners should not be concerned with the amount of food that their English Bulldog eats. Especially Active Bulldogs Pet lovers who own especially active Bulldogs will need to offer these dogs more food than a typical adult English Bulldog would consume. Bulldogs are not known as an activity or athletic breed of dog, so plenty of active dogs will need to be offered enough food to meet their energy requirements. Providing anywhere from 2. There are plenty of dry dog food options for senior dogs that are available in pet stores, but you may instead prefer to feed your dog wet food that is easier for them to chew than dry food. Ultimately, senior English Bulldogs will be perfectly content with wet food, dry food, or another option. No matter what food you select, it will be slightly different than adult dog foods in that it will prioritize healthy fats and proteins to maintain immune system health. Moreover, a senior dog food will have less of an emphasis on caloric intake. Being fed an amount of food over two cups every day would probably be too much food for your senior pooch. Instead, owners should aim to provide their seniors with anywhere between 1. If you are unsure of how many calories your senior dog needs or what type of food to provide your Bulldog, you can consult with your veterinarian. Many Bulldog owners wish to know if they can use free feeding to ensure that their Bulldog receives enough food. Unsurprisingly, having an unlimited amount of food at its disposal can lead to unhealthy weight gain for your furry friend. Owners searching for a simple way to go about English Bulldog feeding will find this method attractive, but free feeding makes it difficult for a Bulldog to maintain a healthy weight. Now that you know how much an English Bulldog should be eating based on its age, you are doubtlessly wondering about how many meals your Bulldog should consume every day. The amount of times a Bulldog will need to eat every day is directly correlated to the age of a dog, with young dogs requiring more food than adults. Bulldogs aged two to five months should eat high-protein puppy food at least three times every day, with some puppies consuming four daily meals. You may find that feeding a morning, late-morning, mid-afternoon, and evening meal is a great feeding schedule for you and your English Bulldog puppy. Bulldogs that are six to twelve months old do not need to eat quite as frequently as they did when they were younger since their metabolisms have slowed since that age. Still, Bulldogs at this age should be eating at least two meals every day. Some English Bulldogs at this age may prefer to eat three meals daily. Adult Bulldogs need to eat even less frequently than puppies since they are finished growing. Some dogs may continue eating two meals every day, while others will be content with a single meal. Senior Bulldogs should be on a feeding schedule similar to that of adults. Being fed high-quality protein food once or twice a day will be ideal for these dogs. So, how many cups of food should an overweight English Bulldog be eating every day? First, be sure that you are not overfeeding your dog. Refer to our recommendations in this article to discover the perfect amount of food for your Bulldog. If your dog is eating more food than recommended, reduce how many cups of food it is fed every day. If you are feeding your Bulldog a good amount of dog food, consider the other foods that it ingests. It is certainly not wise to feed English Bulldogs human foods like raw bread dough and most other human foods, as this can lead to health issues. If your Bulldog is eating a good amount and not consuming too many treats, perhaps they simply need to receive more exercise. Dog obesity is a serious issue. Food aggression is a behavior in which a dog becomes hostile while in the presence of food. This behavior is dangerous for both a Bulldog and a human. If your dog seems aggressive while presented with food, you should work to correct the behavior. Consult A Veterinarian Talking to a trusted veterinarian will reveal a wealth of information about English Bulldog puppy feeding for new pet owners. A vet may have recommendations about dry food options or food alternatives for your dog, and they will also describe how many calories your Bully should consume based on its size. You can always search for answers online, but a vet is able to physically evaluate your pooch to determine the perfect amount of food for English Bulldog puppies and adult English Bulldogs alike. English Bulldogs eat an assortment of different food amounts based on age, but an English Bulldog feeding chart will provide accurate estimates of the amount of food that would be optimal for your pooch. A Bulldog puppy feeding chart or adult feeding chart may also feature a certain take on the best dog foods for a Bulldog. An English Bulldog feeding chart may also assess the pros and cons of dry food, wet food, or other kinds of dog food. An adult or puppy feeding chart is an easily-accessible way to quickly find the information that you seek.

Are there major differences you should be aware of before choosing, or can you just choose based on color and personality preferences? Male Vs Female Labradoodle You might have heard that male Labradoodles or male dogs in general are more aggressive and harder to train. You might also have heard that female dogs get moody or territorial. Dog owners say that personality is different between the two genders and that male dogs are more loving, but female dogs run away less. In reality, none of that is true! The differences between male and female Labradoodles are mostly in their physical makeup and ability to bear or sire children. These cycles will continue until they hit menopause. Because females hit sexual maturity faster than males, they tend to be mellower and more obedient early on. During their hormonal cycles, you will have to monitor them closely for bleeding, disobedience, and running away to mate. Temperament The difference in temperament is due to hormones. However, before a dog is neutered or spayed, there are some differences between the genders. Male dogs tend to be more loving and affectionate, but rowdier. However, female dogs can be more aggressive and territorial when left unfixed. This is due to their mothering instincts. Female Labradoodles like being the mother of the pack, and often are more possessive of other dogs, owners, or children in the house. At that point, their hormones will relax. Two Labradoodles sniff eachother out at a dog park. Size There is a negligible difference in size between male and female Labradoodles. The biggest physical difference between male and female Labradoodles is that females tend to have a slightly slimmer build. However, both males and females are in the same weight range pounds for a regular labradoodle , so the difference is small. Obedience and Ease of Training How obedient your dog depends more on the training regimen you put it through than its gender. Your atmosphere and raising of the dog will mold its temperament into whatever dog you want it to be. However, an unfixed dog will pose different problems for training. Because their bodies mature faster, their brains have an easier time training. Females are generally pretty obedient after proper training. However, it still can be done. A different training technique is necessary for unfixed male Labradoodles, but they can become obedient and loyal dogs. This rich black coat is a fairly common Labradoodle shade. Health Issues Male and female Labradoodles have about the same risk of health issues. The main health problems that Labradoodles face are poor breeding, overbreeding, or bad genetics. Preventing issues with proper screening of the breeder dogs is the best choice. Unfixed dogs, however, are both at a higher risk of illness than fixed dogs. Both male and female dogs have a higher risk of cancer testicular or prostate for male dogs and cervical for females. Factors Other Than Gender The differences between male and female fixed Labradoodles are relatively small. Before you pick out a puppy to take home, check into these factors. Breeders also watch out for calm and obedient temperaments in their breeder dogs. It makes a difference for you as you start to train a new dog. The only way to tell how a dog will mesh with your family is to interact with the puppy! A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. Fixing There are few noticeable differences between the two genders of fixed dogs. In most circumstances, veterinarians recommend fixing your dog. Many breeders spay or neuter pets before adoption. Labradoodles are great dogs for families with or without children. Whether you have a fixed dog or not, a well-trained labradoodle will make an amazing pet for your family. However, a dog is only as healthy as its family and environment. If your family is going through a lot of stress, a big move, or another adjustment, it might be best to wait until things settle down before getting a new puppy. An Apricot Mini Labradoodle my puppy Max! By training the dog properly and raising it in a disciplined home, you will be able to enjoy a well-behaved dog for years to come. Even with the added hormones of not being fixed, training a dog well will make your life easier and more enjoyable. Final Thoughts In reality, the main difference between male and female Labradoodles is their hormone levels. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. The recommendations in this article apply to Australian Labradoodles as well. Both have the same lifespan on average, and the majority of health issues Labradoodles are prone to are not based around their gender. Click here to get an instant, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws! A female vs male Labradoodle will have very similar coats and grooming needs, with the only big difference coming from what Labradoodle generation your dog is. It is however, important to keep in mind that both Labs and Poodles have significant grooming needs, so your Labradoodle will need to be regularly brushed and groomed. Doing this will help prevent matting and keep your dog healthy. If you opt for a smaller version of the breed, like a Toy or Mini Labradoodle, it will be harder to see the size difference between the genders because of their already small size. However, the difference in stature will likely be more noticeable in the Standard Labradoodle size. If you are certain you want a larger dog, it might be best to opt for a male Labradoodle, whereas if you prefer a smaller dog, a female Labradoodle might work better for your needs. Female and Male Labradoodle Behavioral Differences Every Labradoodle is going to end up with its own unique personality. These are humping and the marking of territory. While we typically consider humping to be sexual, it is often used by both male and female Labradoodles during play or to assert dominance. Spaying and neutering can help some of the sexually driven instances of humping, but in general it is simply a behavior that can be trained out of dogs of either gender. Labradoodle Territory Marking When you think of territory marking, it is common to associate males with this behavior. Males will usually lift their leg while females prefer to squat. Male vs Female Labradoodle Personality Differences One of the most common misconceptions about a male Labradoodle vs female Labradoodle is that males are more aggressive where as females are gentler and most submissive. You could easily find a female Labradoodle that has a sassier and more independent side than her male littermates, or a male who is friendly and especially gentle. Each puppy, whether a male vs female Labradoodle, is going have their own innate personality, which, with a lot of love and training can complement any family. So, should you get a female or male Labradoodle? More About Labradoodles…. Parti Caring for Labradoodles Labradoodles are lively, energetic dogs that need lots of attention and care. Exercise and Walks To stay happy and calm, Labradoodles require hours of walking or other exercises daily. They also love games and training, so frequent playtime is a must with this breed. Throwing a ball or involving them in runs l can help them burn energy — which they have a lot of! Due to their size, Labradoodles can reach up to 35 mph when sprinting. They can be curious and sometimes mischievous, so — as with any dog — you must be careful when you let them off the leash. Labradoodles have thick double coats. This means they can withstand somewhat colder temperatures. They may feel especially uncomfortable in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping them outside for too long in temperatures this low will even put them at risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Meanwhile, their thick fur can make walking and exercising in hot climates like Texas and California unbearable. In temperatures above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, Labradoodles will face a heightened risk of heat stroke, especially during vigorous exercise. Their outdoor activity should be briefer and less energetic on hot days. You should also keep your Labrador well-groomed especially during hot weather , as a thinner coat can help keep them cooler. Feeding The amount of food a Labradoodle needs will depend on size, age, and activity level. Feeding them smaller, more frequent meals — instead of one or even two per day — can prevent your Labradoodle from eating too much, too quickly, which may help their digestion. Larger dog breeds like Labradoodles also need a wide variety of foods to get all the nutrients they need — more so than smaller dogs. Sleep Labradoodle Puppies need around 20 hours of sleep per day to promote healthy growth and development, while adult Labradoodles require hours. These are just general guidelines, of course; their sleep needs will also depend on how much exercise they get during the day. The more active they are, the longer they'll sleep. Not sleeping enough can cause obesity or a weak immune system in dogs, so it's essential to make sure they get enough shut-eye. If you notice your Labradoodle isn't sleeping enough, it may help to build a more structured routine and give them more exercise. Labradoodles are known for being wonderful family dogs: They love being around people, including kids. Their playful and gentle personalities make them excellent friends for children. They can even help kids de-stress and improve their communication skills. However, you should keep an eye on Labradoodles around young children during the teething stage, as they can occasionally nip. How Affectionate Are Labradoodles? They enjoy being with their owners, often choosing to sleep near or cuddle up next to them. Labradoodles will make eye contact, lick your face, or lean against your legs as a sign of love. How Territorial Are Labradoodles? Labradoodles are always ready to make friends, so they tend to get along well with other dogs. Will Labradoodles Tolerate Other Pets? Although it depends on the temperament of both animals, Labradoodles can usually tolerate living with other pets in your home. They may even become close friends with them if they receive the proper training and socialization. Labradoodles are highly social and active dogs who require lots of care and attention. Shedding Levels Unlike hair coats, Labradoodles with wool or fleece coats do not shed. Although there are three different coat types, all Labradoodles can grow long, thick hair, so regular brushing two to three times per week is necessary to prevent matting and tangles. Taking them to a professional groomer every weeks is advisable. Keeping their coat thin can keep them cool during warmer months. And trimming the hair around their ears can help ward off infections. Labradoodles also need to be bathed once a month to remove dirt from their coat. Remember to brush before you wash them to remove any matted fur, as matting will be difficult to eliminate once wet. Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? Although no dog is entirely hypoallergenic, Labradoodles were originally bred to cause minimal reactions, so they're better for allergy sufferers than other breeds. Wool or fleece-coated Labradoodles shed very little, so dander — dead skin cells present in the fur — won't spread around the house as much. Although this can still cause problems for people with allergies, it may cause less of a reaction than the higher levels of dander produced by many other breeds. Labradoodles with hair coats, on the other hand, will shed moderately, so they may not be a good choice for allergy sufferers. Labradoodle Barking Habits Labradoodles are fairly quiet dogs who only tend to bark when they need something. They may also whine or whimper when they want attention. Labradoodles are intelligent dogs, and they do sometimes use barking to communicate. Labradoodles usually reach their full growth potential within months. They can sometimes continue growing up to 2 years, especially if their parents are both large dogs. Are Labradoodles High-Maintenance Dogs? Labradoodles require lots of attention, exercise, and grooming to keep them happy and healthy. Therefore, they are considered a high-maintenance breed. Gender Differences of the Labradoodle In each litter there are various personalities present. We work with the puppies weeks to identify each individual personality, foster development and place the puppy with the right family. We follow a guide dog assessment test to follow the puppies personalities, build confidence where needed and work with them. Families are always asking about an Alpha that they want one or don't want one. If the breeder is working with the puppies daily and mom is involved there is rarely an alpha in this breed. Well, to be honest, each hour there is one puppy that might think it is control of the others, but shortly that one is knocked down by another and control shifts throughout the entire litter constantly through out the day. Some puppies like to be in control more than others, if that is the case, we recommend that puppy does not go to a house with another adult dog or cat that is an alpha in the house. Alpha's typically develop once home as families do not take control as much as they may need. Two dominant personalities just as humans typically "work" it out, but it is a major stress on the people in the family for a week or so. So, is the dominant labradoodle puppy typically a male or female? This is always breed specific and in this breed the more dominant personalities tend to be the girls. Gender Neutral What is the difference between a male and female labradoodle? I find gender to be almost neutral. Of course, this assumes the dogs are spayed or neutered at an early age 8 to 24 weeks. If I had to make a general statement I would say neutered Australian Labradoodles boys are a bit more easy going natured and up for anything then the spayed females who are, although just as wonderful, a bit more specific in their nature. If the male is not neutered early and its testicles drop, it typically becomes a dog that will have more of a mind of its own. This instinct tends to overpower the family member calling the dog to come; it will come but hesitates or plays that come and get me game. We recommend strongly that males be neutered early, as early as 8 to 16 weeks. Neutering removes the possibility of the male ever entering its time of confrontation, asserting its manliness and results it a great, loving, listening dog. The neutered male dog also seems to have less separation anxiety than a female and be more open to new experiences. Two Males? Two neutered males in the same household in this breed will typically get along famously. We highly recommend two males IF you are looking to add a second Labradoodle to your home. However, some females tend to be the opposite of the alpha.We again identify this trait and work on socializing and building confidence as much as possible with positive new experiences. However, this dog can sometimes become the dog that pees when a new experience occurs, excited urination. This requires some work for the family and tends to have the family do the opposite than what is required, they keep the dog away from new experiences than just bite the bullet and taking them everywhere for a safe fun new experience. Two Females? Two spayed females in the same household in this breed will not do as well as two males or a male and female. We highly recommend two males or a male and female IF you are looking to add a second Labradoodle to your home. Now this does NOT mean that two females will be an issue, just that it might be more difficult. You as the leader will have to make sure that during the first few months the girls know that dominant behavior stealing toys, hording food is NOT acceptable in the home. You can do it and help two girls get along exceptionally, just put in the effort. A girl in this breed tends to enjoy being the one on top of the pecking order, let them know, you are the leader. So, my advice, choose a dog gender that suits your family profile, talk to the breeder as to other pets you have in the house, family activities, what training you will do, and what experience you want the dog to participate. I would make a different recommendation to the retired owner that wants a pet to hang out in the house, versus the agility training, outgoing boating dog. If the gender matches the traits available in the litter great, if it does not have an open mind. Make the decision by asking the breeder what puppies in the litter they recommend for your family needs and selecting from those. If three puppies suit the bill then look at gender preference, color and physical traits. To me, personality fit should be the number one priority. Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodle dogs and puppies. May 29, Share The 21st century has seen oodles of Doodles as more designer breeds appear on the canine scene. However, male and female Labradoodles are notoriously different on a few different levels, including slight variations of size and temperament. There are three main sizes of Labradoodles: Miniature, Medium, and Standard. The designation depends on whether the Labrador Retriever was bred with a Miniature or Standard Poodle, with the Medium Labradoodle being one or the other according to exact size. Call us crazy, but sometimes you can just tell, whether they have bolder facial features or slightly heavier bones or a bow tie on their neck from a doting pet parent. That being said, male Labradoodles have a reputation for being more playful and affectionate than females. All Labradoodles need at least 1 hour of exercise each day, but males are likely to need a couple of hours. Like most male dogs and cats, male Labradoodles may also form closer bonds with female owners. However, male Labradors also tend to experience a more rebellious adolescence than their female counterparts that may last for a couple years. Training In between their first and second birthdays, male Labradoodles may become a little angsty and difficult to train. Both male and female Labradoodles are quick to learn new commands and tricks. Historically, Poodles performed in the circus, and Labradors have been the chosen hunting companion for hundreds of years. Males are a little taller than females but should weigh about the same. A male Labradoodle would be the perfect addition for an active family, especially if the mom has plenty of time to devote to her special fur baby who will likely choose her as favorite. Females have the advantage of being able to dress up in cute bows and fluffy dresses, which may be especially appealing if you have small children. Personality Female Labradoodles may form closer bonds with male members of the family. Girls are sometimes a little shyer than males, but not always. Breeding Larger female dogs such as the Standard Labradoodle may take a year or more before they experience their first heat cycle. Smaller female Labradoodles like the Miniature could possibly go into heat as young as 6 months old. Recent studies show there may be some benefits from letting your female go into heat at least once. Early spaying depletes certain growth hormones that dogs really need in order to develop healthy bones, which results in higher risks of hip dysplasia and other joint issues. One study even showed that female Labradors who were spayed younger than 1 year were four times as likely to develop hip dysplasia than intact females. No matter what you decide, never allow your Labradoodle to mate during her first heat cycle. Image Credit: Chedko, Shutterstock Suitable for: If you like to play dress up with your dog, you might like a female Labradoodle. Heat cycles can result in mood swings that may make your female a little grouchy some days, so they may not have as steady personalities as males. Pros Some female dogs prefer male owners Are a little shorter than males Playful and affectionate Can be shy or moody How to Care for Your Labradoodle First-time dog owners love Labradoodles for their positive personalities and hypoallergenic nature. Both males and females require at least 1 hour of exercise each day, but males may need closer to 2 hours. Their grooming requirements are relatively light as long as you brush them at least a couple of times a week to prevent their fur from tangling. Depending on the type of Labradoodle you choose, they might eat a ton of food each day or have a smaller-sized serving. Your vet will be able to help you find the perfect meal plan that accounts for their life stage and nutritional requirements. Finally, Labradoodles are a relatively healthy breed, but have been known to experience medical issues common to many dogs such as hip dysplasia. Securing a pet insurance plan while your puppy is young can help offset some of the medical costs they may incur down the road. Which Breed Is Right for You? Bouncy and beautiful, the Labradoodle is a popular choice for first-time and experienced dog parents. Both genders are known for being affectionate and playful, but males and females have some nuanced quirks which may make them a better choice for your family. The love and energy you give your dog, they generally give back to you. Or is it? When buying a puppy, choosing between a boy or a girl can get confusing. Everywhere you turn, people will tell you that one is better than the other. Some claim that males are easier to train. Others claim girls are better with kids. But is there any truth to any of these? Male Labradoodle Temperament You might be wondering what the perks of getting a boy are. According to owners, boys are sweet, affectionate, and more loving than females. Your boy will also be more energetic and playful. Some owners also say that while Labradoodles are intelligent, they are stubborn. They lack the discipline to listen and obey commands. But if you stay consistent, you will get through to them eventually. Female Labradoodle Temperament People see female Labradoodles as more intelligent, resigned, and mature. People love that their females train quickly and seem more independent than males. But is any of this true? Ignore Everything We Just Said! You need to forget everything we said. These are things that everyone says about girls vs. No science shows males and females inherently act differently. They are all anecdotal and vary from person to person. But there has to be a reason that people see a difference in males and females. Labradoodle Temperament Male or female Labradoodles: read this before buying! All Labradoodles have gone through rigorous breeding to produce a steady and predictable temperament. No matter if they are boys or girls, each one will have the same qualities. As long as the parents carry the same desired temperament, all the pups will have the same temperament. Each one is smart and intelligent. Labradoodles are social butterflies that have never seen a stranger. And Labradoodles are some of the most energetic Doodles out there. Where they are different comes to the Labradoodle personality. You see, temperament is something a dog is born with. Personalities develop depending on how you raise them. If your household is more loving, your dogs might grow up to be the same way. And if you are active and take your dog along for the ride, your Labradoodles might be the same. So, where do these myths come from? Fixed Vs. Intact Hormones Most of the reasons for people to think about personality differences are due to hormones. Males and females have entirely different hormones that can make them act in various ways. For instance, males produce large amounts of testosterone that affects the way they behave daily. And females go through heat cycles that might change their behaviors a few times a year. But what happens if you take away the hormones? Your Labradoodle is just a Labradoodle. What All Does Hormones Affect? Size Differences One difference you might see in your Labradoodles are size. Females are slightly smaller than males. But just how big is a female Labradoodle? Females stand between inches tall when measured to the shoulder. Males stand about inches tall. But both genders weigh between pounds. So the size difference is minuscule. Some trainers notice that intact males have a hard time paying attention during training sessions compared to females. But we believe people misinterpret male attention spans to being less intelligent. Males and females have the same intelligence and capabilities. Males in their teen months need a little different technique than females of the same age. To be successful with training your male Labradoodles, you need to adjust a few things. Taking your dog out for a walk will help them burn off steam before a training session. Most males of this age also become stubborn when training. To combat this, we recommend smaller sessions and changing up the routine often. And finally, train your Labradoodle in a distraction-free zone. If they can smell females, you can forget about training. Once you get your techniques down, you will find that both males and females are equal in training abilities and speed. Bad Behaviors Many people also consider behavioral differences in the males or females debate. Intact males have a lousy reputation for marking, mounting and humping , and running away searching for girls. A female going through her first heat cycle is just as likely to run away. Female Labradoodles can also go through territorial phases where they mark or mount. Maturity Levels Most vets and trainers agree that females tend to reach mental maturity a little sooner than males. The reason females mature faster is because they go through hormones and sexual maturity earlier than males. Most female Labradoodles have their first heat by ten months old. That means that they have gone through all of the hormones that help level them out. She will always love to play and tag along on all of your adventures. But you will notice that shortly after the first heat, your Labradoodle will calm down slightly and express fewer puppy behaviors. Males usually begin the teenage tendencies around ten months old. There are plenty of intact males that love their human kids and stand protective over them. This situation is more about socialization and training than hormones. Medical Conditions And our last point to consider between males or females is their medical problems. The main concern with medical conditions are those related to hormones. Males that are left intact can develop prostate and testicular cancer. And females are prone to uterine and mammary cancers and urinary tract infections. Not everyone wants to get their dogs fixed for various reasons. For instance, working dogs are usually left intact because the increased testosterone can give them more stamina. And almost all show dogs are not spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering your dog will prevent unwanted pregnancy and prevent reproductive disease. But not everyone agrees on when you should do this. In the past, some people spayed and neutered their pets at early ages to prevent unwanted behaviors. FIxing your dog stops behaviors such as marking, mounting, and heat cycles. But new evidence has shown that fixing your pup too early could damage their growth. Hormones that send your puppy into a raging teenager are also beneficial to their joint and mental health. In some research, studies have found that dogs fixed too early developed hip and joint problems, bone density loss, and memory loss in old age. Most vets now recommend waiting until your dog is over a year old to prevent issues like this. The sweet spot seems to be anywhere between months. And since Labradoodles have joint problems as they age, you should consider waiting as long as you can. But every situation is different. So we recommend always talking with your vet about your concerns before making a decision. Another thing to consider in the male or female debate is how you raise them. We are talking about the nature vs. Your Labradoodle will always have the same potential due to its breeding. But if you treat your boys differently than your girls, you might see a little bit of a personality difference. The truth behind male or female Labradoodles: read this before buying is this. Other than a slight size difference, all Labradoodles will have the same temperament. And they usually reflect how you raise them. So what it really boils down to is your preference. There is nothing wrong with preferring one gender over the other. Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. Sharing is caring! These charming canines have the sweet yet boisterous personality of a Labrador retriever combined with the luxurious curls of a poodle. There are many differences from one labradoodle to the next, depending on factors such as size and gender. Read on to learn more about the differences between genders in labradoodles and make a well-informed decision about your next pet. Size Difference Between Male and Female Labradoodles As in the case in the majority of dog breeds, male labradoodles tend to be larger than females, though the size difference is much less pronounced in mini-labradoodle breeds. The size of your labradoodle puppy will depend on its genetics as well as its age. Labradoodles are the product of breeding a Labrador with a poodle of standard, medium, or teacup size. There are many varieties of both species, from differing colors, fur patterns, tendency to shed, temperament, and size. Smaller labradoodles tend to be around the same size regardless of gender. The males tend to outweigh female labradoodles, with a more dramatic difference in larger breeds. Standard male dogs tend to outweigh their female counterparts by 10 to 15 pounds. Here are the average sizes of different types of labradoodles: Standard labradoodle males weigh around pounds, and females weigh an average of pounds A medium labradoodle can weigh pounds Mini-labradoodles average 15 to 25 pounds, with female dogs being slightly smaller Male vs. Male and female dogs have very similar hair and grooming requirements, with the big differences being based on how old the labradoodles are. Poodles and labradoodles require grooming to keep their coats soft, shiny and free of debris. Because the hair of the male and female labradoodle tends to be coarse and curly, you might notice they easily pick up burrs and small leaves when playing outside. These brushes are perfect if your male or female labradoodle inherited its locks from the Labrador side of the family and has smooth, silky fur, also known as a fleece coat. For example, curlier hair tends to shed far less. This might make life easier for people who have friends or family with dog allergies. However, this fur is much coarser and tangles fast, meaning brushing is more of a chore and needs to be done more often. Wool-coat labradoodles can be combed easier with a metal pick comb or pin brush than with a bristle brush. Male Dogs vs. An unspayed female labradoodle is also at higher risk for diseases like breast cancer. Adequate veterinary care can help you catch potential issues early, ensuring a long, comfortable life for your furry friend. Male vs. Female Dog: Labradoodle Temperament Some breeders say male labradoodles are more affectionate than females tend to be, and others claim the opposite. The truth is that male and female labradoodles are both incredibly sweet and active breeds. Personality differences will become evident as they grow older, but in general there is not much of a difference between female and male dogs. There are, however, certain characteristics that may be more inherently pronounced in male dogs. Some studies show that male dogs tend to score higher in areas such as dominance and aggression. Male vs Female Labradoodle — Aggression Differences Most people assume male labradoodles are more aggressive than females and female labradoodles are gentler and more submissive. Each puppy has its own unique personality that, after much love and learning, complements its family. Trainability is another area where gender plays little role. The labradoodle personality is a hybrid of the Labrador retriever and the poodle, both of which are highly intelligent breeds. Labradors are also very smart — the seventh-smartest breed, in fact, though their qualities of strength and sheer charm are more highlighted. As a hybrid of the two, you can expect your labradoodle puppy to be exceptionally clever and easy and fun! Unspayed female and unneutered male dogs are at risk for health issues such as: Cancer. Do you need to choose between a male vs female Labradoodle? Some dog owners are resolute about only over choosing one sex or the other, in every dog they ever own. How do they know? How do they decide to do that? Our brains love to find patterns and make associations, sometimes without us even realising it. And of course, there are more things that go into making up a dog than just their sex. The temperament of both parents, how well they are socialized as a puppy, and whether their physical and emotional needs are routinely met will all influence Labradoodle temperament. So compared to these things, exactly how important is sex? That is, the males and females look different. Specifically, males are more likely to be bigger. Male f1 Labradoodles usually weigh 60 to 80 pounds, whilst females weigh 40 to 70 pounds. However, this size difference tends to get lost in miniature Labradoodles and multigen Labradoodles where more complicated genetic inheritance is at play. It is also somewhat lost in Australian Labradoodle male vs female size. Australian Labradoodles are a breeding project to turn Labradoodles into a new pedigree dog in their own right. Girl vs Boy Labradoodle Fun Fact! Some studies have indicated that dogs may have a dominant paw for tasks like steadying a chew toy, just like humans have a dominant hand for writing. The studies also suggested that males are more likely to favor their left paw than females. The results from one study to the next tend to be inconsistent, and more research is needed to find out what patterns really exist, and which were coincidence. In general, results from behavior studies indicate that males score more highly for Aggression Boldness Dominance over other dogs, not people! And females score more highly for sociability but also fearfulness. However, neuter status frequently complicates sex differences in temperament too. For example, the absence of sex hormones caused by neutering has been linked to decreased boldness, and more excitable and anxious behaviors in both sexes. In one study, non-neutered male Labrador Retrievers showed more owner-directed aggression, and non-spayed females were reported as being more trainable.

Thanks for submitting! It has been proven by mixing this combination of dogs it can drastically reduce many health problems. We only choose quality breeding stock for our breeding program. Our breeding dogs are genetically tested for different genetic defects through Embark. We also do OFA certification and Penn hip. It is our priority to produce only the healthiest puppies that will be part of your family for many years! We want all of our dogs to live long, happy, health lives. Miniature golden retriever personality There's a lot of reason why golden retrievers are so popular and why people want a miniature version of them. For many, they are an ideal dog breed. Friendly, easy going and clever, they make great family pets for most families. Mini golden retriever Size We use www. We cannot guarantee the size of your puppy but we do the best we can. Our Miniature Goldens range in size from lbs. Their affable nature, stunning appearance, and remarkable intelligence have made them a favorite among dog enthusiasts for generations. And now, a new variation has emerged that takes all these wonderful qualities and packages them in a smaller size — the Miniature Golden Retriever. We'll delve into the captivating world of Miniature Golden Retrievers, exploring their characteristics, care needs, and the considerations to keep in mind if you're interested in bringing one of these delightful pups into your home. These pint-sized companions are the result of carefully selected breeding, combining the beloved traits of the standard Golden Retriever with smaller breeds to create a charming and compact version. They retain the signature golden coat, the warm eyes that reflect their boundless affection, and that unmistakable wagging tail that instantly brightens any room. Characteristics That Steal Hearts Miniature Golden Retrievers embody all the qualities that have made their larger counterparts cherished members of countless families. Their intelligence shines through as they quickly grasp commands, making training an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Just like standard Golden Retrievers, they possess a natural desire to please, making them fantastic companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. While they may be smaller in stature, their hearts are as big as ever. Mini Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle and friendly demeanor, making them excellent playmates for children and other pets. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various living environments, from apartments to spacious homes with yards. Care Considerations Caring for a Miniature Golden Retriever is a deeply rewarding journey that requires attention and dedication. Their lush double coat requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free from tangles. Weekly brushing not only helps maintain their appearance but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. Consult your veterinarian to determine the right type and amount of food to keep your Mini Golden Retriever in optimal health. Regular exercise is equally important, as it keeps their minds sharp and their bodies in shape. Bringing a Miniature Golden Retriever Home Now, you might be wondering where to find these enchanting companions. You might have searched "mini golden retriever puppies for sale" or "mini golden retrievers for sale" which led you to us. So when seeking a breeder, it's essential to prioritize ethical practices. Reputable breeders focus on the health and welfare of their dogs, ensuring that puppies are raised in loving environments. These dogs can live up to years, so be prepared for a long-term partnership filled with love, loyalty, and unforgettable moments. Their friendly nature, intelligence, and undeniable charm make them a wonderful addition to a variety of households. Whether you're seeking a loyal companion for leisurely strolls or a furry friend to join in family adventures, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a breed that promises to enrich your life in countless ways. So, if you're captivated by the idea of sharing your life with a Miniature Golden Retriever, take the time to explore reputable breeders offering mini golden retriever puppies for sale or mini golden retrievers for sale. With proper care, patience, and a heart full of love, you're bound to find a loyal companion who will brighten your days for years to come. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Located on a 40 acre farm east of Denver, Colorado we have plenty of space for our dogs to run around and get exercise. Unlike typical breeders we do not confine our golden retrievers to small kennels, but instead let them run and play as much as their hearts desire. Health Guarantee To ensure the health of our golden retrievers we make sure they are always up-to-date on: Health Checkups Shots Health Screenings - OFA certification for hips, elbows, and thyroids We also focus on the mental health of our dogs by keeping them happy interacting with people and other dogs on a daily basis. This ensures excellent temperaments, great dispositions, and that they are extremely well mannered. Before they are sent to their new homes each puppy gets a health checkup from the vet and their first round of shots. We also offer to microchip your puppy when you pick them up to keep them safe. In addition to all of this, we offer a health guarantee protecting against many hereditary problems. At birth: We help the mama clean the puppies so they are introduced to human scent from birth. Birth - 4 weeks old: We bottle feed the puppies in supplement to their mother's milk to ensure they are getting adequate nutrition. Handled from birth to get used to human scent Free time outside their kennel so they can explore their surroundings. Introduced to our pet cat and other dogs to become comfortable around all kinds of animals. All of the things mentioned above are part of how we ensure that our puppies are happy, healthy, and playful when they are ready to go to their forever homes. To see information about available golden retriever puppies and to see pictures from past litters click the links below. Don't let the distance deter you, we will meet our customers within a reasonable distance! Country Pearls Golden Retrievers is a small, professional family breeder of English Cream Golden Retrievers raising one to two litters a year; we strive for excellence. Our farm is our own piece of heaven and is shared with our three wonderful children, farm animals and beloved dogs. We start our puppies out right with the puppy culture program. Our dogs are very much a part of our family and we would never raise or keep them in kennels. Our puppies are no different. They are raised as our own in our home until they go home to their new families. We like to know all about our Golden Retriever puppies future family and what activities they like to do so we can expose them to it, if possible, before they go home. By the time they are ready for their new families, they have already started to learn how to interact with children and are learning manners while interacting with their littermates and other qualified dogs. Our Goldens make wonderful family pets and many have gone on to be great therapy dogs. Our girls are treated like family and bred once a year at the most. We retire them at the age of 6 years old and they go on to live wonderful lives as family pets. They are always checked and cleared by our vet before they are bred. Our goal is to raise happy, healthy, smart puppies for great people. Dams and sires are also voluntarily genetically tested through Animal Genetics Inc. We strive to improve the English Cream Golden Retriever breed and provide families with healthy puppies with wonderful temperaments. We reserve the right to choose each puppy for the right family. They are raised in our kitchen in the center of our home. We socialize, train, bond with, and record their every moments and therefore we believe we are most suitable to choose a puppy for each home. We never let anyone come in and pick a puppy from our litters period. It would be a lot less work if we did, but we believe it is our job to match each puppy with their perfect family. They will steal your heart and give you many years of blessed memories. Breeders should never have anything to hide and should always make you feel comfortable knowing you are getting a wonderful puppy from a qualified non-puppy mill operation. We only have a couple dogs because we believe in making sure there is quality time for everyone, people included! From our family to yours, thank you for choosing Country Pearls Goldens! Attention puppy buyers!!! Responsible buyers only. And you know what, I agree…mostly. There are a lot of bad and irresponsible breeders out there. What is a bad and irresponsible breeder to me? I am not any of those. I breed to better the breed in health, conformation, and especially temperament. None of my puppies will ever sit in a shelter, rescue, or pound. My puppies are all microchipped before they leave my home and my contact information is permanently attached to them forever. My puppies will never stay there. Now, I believe irresponsible pet buyers are the real problem! If you are looking to buy a puppy from a breeder, a good, reputable breeder, you will never be able to just walk right in and buy a puppy with very few exceptions. Those bad breeders would be out of business very fast if bad buyers would quit supporting them. Those dogs are there at no fault of their own. They came from bad breeders who let bad buyers take a puppy. Not from a home like mine. If you are a new buyer and have questions, ask me. My friends will help you. But stop blaming the good breeders, the excellent breeders. Blame the ones who fork over the cash. Buy from and wait patiently for a puppy from a good, responsible breeder or adopt. E M A I L : countrypearlsgoldens gmail. Home of Kennel free living and lots of loving! Good Gracious Goldens was created in when I decided to follow in my mothers footsteps as she has been raising them for over 3o years. Recently we welcomed our 3rd child and decided it was time to split the work without compromising the experience for our adopting families. Now we are working along side Lone Oak Goldens, my dear friend Lori. This decision is not one we took lightly as our reputation is very important to us but I knew her care and expertise would only make us better! I could not imagine a more wonderful partner. She raises them in her home in NE and brings them to my home when they are ready as most of our adopting families are in Colorado including many repeat families! Now I can put all my focus in the communication I pride myself on quick replies , while Lori is loving on the puppies and socializing them getting them ready to meet you! And trust me when you see these puppies you'll see just how much love was poured into them!! I like to say us working together for you, is the truly best of both worlds! We love the English Cream and American Golden breed. We couldn't imagine a better way of life! Of course watching them grow up and thrive is amazing, but I would say my favorite part is seeing the families faces when they see their new family member. Thank you for taking the time to read about us! Our Philosophy! We believe dogs and puppies should be unconditionally loved and cared for as they truly become part of your family. When choosing the right puppy for your family, there are many choices out there. Some puppies are raised in undesirable conditions, this is incredibly heart breaking. Which is why we raise our Golden Retrievers with absolutely no kennels. We believe this makes us different from other breeders. As we are continually trying to improve our breeding program. Our reason for raising English Creme Golden Retrievers is because of our love for the breed and the joy our dogs have brought to our lives. We desire an extraordinary puppy for your family too. When you pick us, we have to pick you too, as we too are selective when choosing forever homes for our pups. Within the first 8 weeks of their lives we spend a lot of time helping them develop social skills and simply loving on them. We get to know each one of the puppies and are fully committed to helping you choose the puppy that is best for you and your family based on gender, temperament and color. We recently joined our breeding program with Lone Oak Goldens. Two families raising puppies together equals double the love! We want to thank you for taking the time to let us introduce you to our family dogs "Grace", "London","Ellie", "Viva", "Margo", "Cooper" and "Hudson" along with their sweet puppies! We look forward to meeting you soon! Sincerely, Libby and Lori. Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! Each puppy that comes from our kennel comes home with a beautiful Registration Certificate. Continuing this daily regimen is the easiest and best way to keep your pet on the path to perfect health! NuVet Plus is a lifetime product to help support their immune system and provide assistance to their optimal health. A strong immune system will protect them from environmental and food toxins such as back yard pesticides, hormones, germs from public places, and even toxic formaldehyde in furniture and carpeting. NuVet Plus is a full spectrum, immune system support supplement that contains over 30 different nutrient dense ingredients that well better equip puppies to get and stay healthy. She is already so comfortable here and so attached. She gets so excited every time she sees us. And she has such a sweet disposition Everything goes for her. She just rolls with it. She loves to play and has lots of playful energy when she chases behind a toy or plays tug of war. But she loves to cuddle too, and she can busy herself well too without complaint. Yesterday we left her home when we went on a walk and she never barked or whined and was fast asleep when we returned. She accepted her crate as if she had never known any other place to rest. She just crawls in there and rests when she is tired. And when she wakes up, she quietly plays until we take her out of the playpen. Her potty training is going well. A couple of accidents here and there, but most of the time we catch her before anything happens, and she always does her business right away when we put her on the grass patch we have on the patio. She is getting a treat when she does her business. So, she actually figured out that if she spares some pee and squats several times, she will get several treats. Only One treat for the first time, everything after does not get rewarded any more. Wow, I have never seen a puppy learning that fast. And loving to learn. Being really food driven helps. I could not think of a better quarantine buddy to brighten up our day. I think she will be an amazing therapy dog who brightens up the day if many more people. Oh, and did I mention she is absolutely beautiful? Thank you again for that gift, Michele. I hope you are all doing well and are coping with the many new puppies. Some stressful days ahead of you, I am sure. And you are the best puppy mom I have ever encountered. Lots of love to your whole beautiful family! Look no further than our Golden Retriever Puppies in Colorado! This guide will provide you with all the information you need to find a reputable breeder who raises Golden Retriever puppies in Colorado, care for your new puppy, and ensure they grow up to be happy and healthy adult Golden Retriever. Research Golden Retriever breeders in Colorado and ask for referrals or reviews. Do your research and ask for referrals from other Golden Retriever owners or Google Reviews. Search for breeders of Golden Retrievers who place a high importance on the health and welfare of both their puppies and the parents of the puppies. Look for those who provide proper socialization and early training for their Golden Retriever puppies in Colorado. Steer clear of breeders with a track record of canine health issues or those who prioritize financial gain over the wellbeing of their animals. Consider the Golden Retriever puppy's temperament and personality. Golden Retrievers are known for being friendly, outgoing, and eager to please, but each individual Golden Retriever puppy will have their own unique personality. Spend time with the litter and observe how each puppy interacts with their littermates and with people. Look for a puppy who is confident, curious, and playful. A reputable breeder should be able to help you choose a puppy that will be a good fit for your family and lifestyle. Check if the parents of the Golden Retriever puppies in Colorado have had their health clearances and genetic testing. This can help to reduce the risk of your Golden Retriever puppy developing certain health conditions later in life. Health clearances may include hip and elbow evaluations, eye exams, and heart screenings. Genetic testing can identify whether the parents carry genes for certain conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy or Ichthyosis. A reputable Golden Retriever breeder in Colorado should be able to provide you with documentation of these clearances and tests. Meet the puppy's parents and observe their behavior. Look for parents that are friendly, outgoing, and have a good disposition. Avoid parents that are aggressive, fearful, or shy. A reputable Golden Retriever breeder will allow you to meet the parents and spend time with them before making a decision. The parents should be registered with a purebred registry like the American Kennel Club. Take your time and don't rush the decision. Choosing the perfect Golden Retriever puppy in Colorado is a big decision that should not be rushed. Take your time to research breeders, visit their facilities, and meet the puppies and their parents. Ask questions and make sure you feel comfortable with the breeder and their practices. Consider the long-term commitment. While these puppies are adorable and lovable, they also require a significant investment of time and money. Golden Retrievers are also active dogs that require plenty of exercise and attention, so be prepared to devote time and energy to your new furry friend. Golden Retriever Puppies in Colorado. Are you ready to reserve a cute, cuddly Golden Retriever Puppy in Colorado? If so, why wait? Our team can assist you in finding the right puppy by completing our Puppy Application or giving us a call. You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! It's written by expert owner and veterinarian Dr. The book contains a lot of really useful insights that can help a new owner avoid common mistakes that most Golden Retriever owners make. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon, or you can download the audiobook version here. If you can't find the perfect Miniature Golden Retriever puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many Golden Retrievers mini and regular-sized need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos! Miniature Golden Retriever Puppy Breeders in Colorado I'm sorry, there are currently no breeders that we have located in this state Report a broken link or other error here. Click Here to add your information! We hope that this site helps you locate the perfect breeder near you. However, please keep in mind that while we have the largest dog breeder directory on the internet, we cannot personally vouch for any individual breeder we list. Make sure you thoroughly check them out yourself to make sure they are honest, ethical, and raise healthy, happy puppies! Copyright localpuppybreeders. A healthy and happy puppy is our ultimate goal! By genetic testing and by ensuring all parent dogs have good temperaments, all dams and sires will be carefully selected. Pricing We take every measure to ensure your Puppies health and wellness. Nutrition Details Contract Whether you have a question about a future litter of miniature golden retriever puppies or specifics on your new family member. Megan Cahill Nyla aka. Montana from Sophia Fox and Jack was born February 2, - we love her! She is a show stopper dog that literally makes everyone's head turn. She was house broken within the first week. She is independent, cuddly, smart, and loves to be loved. Robyn is a trusted breeder and has been there for me every step of the way. When I think of this whole experience - from when I first emailed Robyn to gaining lil' Nyla in my life - it has been nothing less than a blessing! Amy Semler Robyn is a surrogate Mother to the puppies before they arrive at their forever homes. She and her family made it easy and exciting to follow daily activities growth and personalities of each puppy. Robyn became a friend and has remained available still to respond to texts and fun messages which, considering how busy she is, I find remarkable. My son commented within the first week.She helped make the entire process so pleasant and smooth. She is very knowledgeable on the breed and was able to match our family with the perfect fit. They handled everything from helping us select and meet the dog and even safely delivered him to our doorstep. Her love and care for the dogs is evident. Our family now has an amazingly happy, friendly, and affectionate dog. Our experience exceeded all expectations. Thank you Robyn! Jonathan W. Our little girl Lizzie is just as Robyn said she would be. Super smart! Super adorable! Super sweet. Her size is exactly as described. She is the best of the Golden Retriever but in Mini Size! She clearly cares about them being placed in a good home, and showed much compassion and integrity in working with us. Patrick Risberg We are so thrilled with our puppy Scout. She came to us well on her way to being potty trained and is very well behaved for a young puppy. She is adjusting well and the transition to our home and other pets has been very easy. Logan Wyant Robyn's Nest is an extremely professional breeder with a clean environment for the puppies. The puppies are loved as their own. They provide great communication as well. We recently brought home baby Cooper. He's healthy, happy, and extremely smart. JoAnn Tran Robyn has given me the amazing opportunity to have Oakley in my life. Robyn is very knowledgeable and caring when it comes to the puppies. She has gone above and beyond to make the process of receiving a puppy is super easy and is super helpful for the puppies to transition into their new homes. Robyn responds very fast when you have a question about your puppy and she loves to receive updates on the puppies once they go to their forever homes. She is very detail oriented and cares so much about the process of breeding and taking care of the puppies which I feel like it makes her standout from an average breeder. Oakley is such a blessing in our lives and has honestly helped me through a very hard time in my life. He has an amazing temperament and is very well socialized with other animals, people, and sounds. The puppies from Robyn are incredibly intelligent as well. There is a lot of heart and care going into these puppies. Home is clean and well organized, an overall healthy environment. In addition to bringing you healthy, socialized puppies, we also ensure that none of our Dames and Sires spend their lives in a cage. We have a guardianship system in place for some of our Dames and Sires, which allows them to live their best life with loving families. You can be assured that we are not a puppy mill. If you are interested in becoming a guardian home, please contact us for an application. All guardian homes must be within a mile radius of Springfield MO. We absolutely love meeting the families that our puppies get to go home with. One family has an amazing talent! Caroline Edge is the artist credited here! She did a wonderful job capturing our furry family members!

I run my fingers down the center near their belly button feeling for the telltale blob of an umbilical hernia and near the groin checking for inguinal lumps and we find them quite a bit. Hernias are not uncommon in puppies, and occur in a variety of ways. The good news is most are easily treatable and often caught early. A hernia occurs when abdominal organs or fatty tissue protrude through a weak spot in the muscle or connective tissue. The severity of the hernia depends on the size of the defect in the abdominal wall. In its most benign form, a small amount of abdominal fat may intermittently protrude from the hole and be easily placed back through with a little pressure. In its most severe form, intestines or other abdominal organs may pass through the the hole, compressing blood supply and essentially strangling the organ. In these worst-case scenarios hernias can become life threatening in a short period of time. Amazingly, even large hernias can often be successfully treated if the diagnosis is made before the herniated organ is compromised. In some cases the closure is incomplete, leaving a hole in the abdomen through which contents can herniate. Inguinal : the inguinal canal is an opening in the area of the groin through which the testicles descend. Both males and females have an inguinal canal and can suffer from inguinal hernias. Diaphragmatic : the diaphragm is the large sheet of muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. While trauma and congenital defects can cause defects at any point along the diaphragm, there are two specific subtypes of diaphragmatic hernia which are known to occur as congenital defects in puppies: Hiatal : the hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus, which carries food from the mouth to the stomach, passes from the chest to the abdomen. If the opening is larger than it should be, the stomach can start to bulge through into the chest cavity. Peritoneopericardial : this mouthful of a word refers to an opening between the peritoneum a membrane lining the abdominal cavity and the pericardium the sac that surrounds the heart. This results from an embryologic problem during development, and is the most common form of congenital pericardial defect in the dog. What Causes Hernias in Dogs? Hernias can be congenital meaning the puppy was born with the condition or acquired through trauma, disease or aging. Congenital hernias are the most common cause noted in young dogs. They may be the result of a spontaneous problem during development, or a genetic defect passed on from one of the parents. Trauma is the other common cause of hernias in puppies. Blunt force trauma such as being hit by a car or any sort of blow to the body wall can cause a tear in either the abdominal wall or the diaphragm, allowing abdominal organs to herniate. What are the Signs of a Hernia in Puppies? Signs of a hernia vary depending on the location and severity of the hernia. In many cases, with a small uncomplicated hernia consisting only of a small amount of abdominal fat, the owner may not even notice anything or just feel a small squishy blob in the region of the belly button or groin. As the hernia becomes larger and more vital organs are compromised, signs may be as follows: Pain. When the puppy is born, the umbilical cord breaks usually because the mom chews it off , leaving behind an umbilical stump. Over a few days, the structures within the stump break down, and the stump withers and falls off, leaving behind a flat belly button. A puppy has an umbilical hernia when they still have a hole in their abdominal wall after the umbilical stump has fallen off and all the surrounding tissues have healed. If the hole is large enough, abdominal contents usually just a little fat can push through, creating a lump. What Causes an Umbilical Hernia? Umbilical hernias in dogs are relatively common and tend to occur in certain family lines. Reputable breeders will not breed a dog who has a very large umbilical hernia and will avoid breeding two dogs with umbilical hernias together, even if the hernias are small. Umbilical hernias are usually harmless, but prospective pet parents who are concerned about the condition should only purchase puppies from breeders who perform all the breed-specific health screenings recommended by the Canine Health Information Center and ask about the incidence of umbilical hernias in their dogs. Find out more questions to ask your dog's breeder. Be wary if a breeder claims that the reason behind most of the puppies in a litter having umbilical hernias is their mother chewing off their umbilical cords too aggressively. A lump: With a small umbilical hernia, a little soft fat is all that normally moves through the hole in the body wall. When a dog has a large umbilical hernia, abdominal organs like loops of intestines may be able to pass through. With other hernias, fat or abdominal organs will get stuck in the opening of the body wall. Scar material may also form, which will make it impossible to push everything back into the abdominal cavity. This is a non-reducible hernia. Are Umbilical Hernias Dangerous? Umbilical hernias in dogs are mostly a cosmetic issue. But there are two possible risks: Strangulation: When a dog has a large abdominal hernia, it is possible for the abdominal contents that have passed through to twist or become pinched, which can block off their blood supply. This is a medical emergency called strangulation, and it is very painful. Thankfully, strangulations are extremely rare—most veterinarians never see a case over their entire careers. Trauma to the Skin: Because hernias form a protrusion away from the body wall, it is also possible for the skin over them to become damaged after dragging against rough or irritating surfaces. Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you have any questions about umbilical hernias and your dog. They can usually tell you if your dog has a hernia after performing a physical examination and then can discuss treatment options with you. This is especially true if your dog is very young. Small umbilical hernias may close on their own until a puppy is 3 to 4 months of age. On the other hand, large hernias should be repaired because they are unsightly, probably at least a little annoying to the dog, and because, even though the risk is small, strangulation of abdominal contents is potentially life-threatening. Oftentimes, veterinarians will recommend surgery to repair an umbilical hernia when a dog is going to be anesthetized for other reasons, such as spaying or neutering. For large hernias, mesh may be placed over the hole instead of drawing the umbilical ring together. If they do, they may remove their sutures and need another hernia surgery to repair the damage. E-collars , bandages, surgery recovery suits, or onesies can all be used to keep dogs from damaging their incisions. Make sure you give your dog any post-op medications that your veterinarian has prescribed, follow their directions regarding activity restriction and other lifestyle modifications, and return for any follow-up appointments they recommend. What does this all mean for you? If you already have a dog with a small umbilical hernia, the choice to have it repaired is all yours. Large umbilical hernias do need treatment, but even these surgeries can usually wait until a puppy is a little older and is scheduled to be spayed or neutered. Considering umbilical hernia repair for your pup? Find out how to calm a dog after surgery. Conclusion Does your English Bulldog have a protrusion from their abdomen? If they do, you may have an English Bulldog with an umbilical hernia. The good news is that an umbilical hernia is most likely not to be a threat to your dogs health, and only in very rare cases can an umbilical hernia affect your dogs health. What is an umbilical hernia in dogs? An umbilical hernia occurs when there is a protrusion of the abdominal lining, abdominal fat, or a portion of abdominal organ s through the area around the umbilicus also called the navel or belly button. This area in dogs is located on their underside just below the ribcage. Can an English Bulldog live with a umbilical hernia? An English Bulldog can live with an umbilical hernia. Umbilical hernias can heal themselves whilst your dog is still a puppy, and will typically heal themselves before your bulldog puppy turns 6 months old. If your English Bulldog is older than 6-months, then it may require surgery. Is a umbilical hernia dangerous for dogs? Most umbilical hernias are not dangerous for dogs, however in some rare cases the protruding intestines may become trapped and strangulated. If this does happen, then your dog will need emergency surgery. What are the side effects of umbilical hernias in dogs? There are two different types of umbilical hernias in dogs, and depending on which type of umbilical hernia your English Bulldog has, will depend on the type of side effects that your dog will be suffer from. A complicated hernia is where the protrusion may have become trapped or strangulated, the side effects for this are: Pain and warmth, especially at the site of the umbilical swelling Vomiting Lack of appetite Depression An uncomplicated hernia is where there is a soft swelling in the umbilical area. Other than the swelling, your dog will likely not suffer from any other side effects. What are the common causes of umbilical hernias in English Bulldogs? The most common cause of an umbilical hernia in English Bulldogs is it being inherited. A umbilical hernia can also be caused by trauma. How do you treat an umbilical hernia in dogs? Some umbilical hernias will heal themselves, however if not, they will need surgery to correct them. If an umbilical hernia is going to close up and health itself, this will usually happen before your puppy reaches the age of 6 months old. If your puppy is older than 6-months, its unlikely that it will treat itself. Small umbilical hernias may not need surgical correction but larger hernias should be repaired to remove the risk of complications. Give your pet time and space to rest, and closely monitor him for adverse reactions. Check the incision site daily for drainage and redness, as they are signs of infection and you will need to see the veterinarian as soon as possible. During the first few days after surgery, feed carefully. Withhold food for a day if your dog vomits. Take your dog outside on a leash to relieve itself, and do not let her run, jump or play. Conclusion If you have an English Bulldog with an umbilical hernia, then you don't need to stress. The majority of umbilical hernias that English Bulldogs suffer from are completely harmless and won't pose a threat to your bulldogs health. For your English Bulldog with an umbilical hernia, we always recommend seeking professional advice from your vet. If your dog has an outie, read this. By Deb M. Eldredge, DVM, is an award-winning veterinarian and writer who graduated from Cornell University, where she was the first recipient of the school's Gentle Doctor Award. Most of them are basically "outie" belly buttons. If small, they may seal up on their own and generally don't cause any problems. Larger ones may require surgery to close up the abdominal wall and prevent intestines from slipping out or getting twisted. Some dog breeds such as Weimaraners are predisposed to these hernias. Ideally dogs with anything other than very small umbilical hernias should not be bred. This is especially true if most of the puppies in the litter have one, suggesting genetic predisposition. What Exactly Is an Umbilical Hernia? In an unborn puppy, the umbilicus slips out through an opening in the puppy's stomach wall to connect to the placenta. When a puppy is born, his dam chews or breaks this umbilical cord or the breeder cuts it and ties it off. It dries and shrivels up, leaving behind the "belly button. Sometimes a small bit of fat may get stuck in the opening, which leaves an "outie" belly button. Occasionally the wall of the abdomen simply does not close all the way. That is when we say a puppy or dog has an umbilical hernia. Signs Your Dog Has an Umbilical Hernia If your dog has an umbilical hernia, when your dog lies on his back, you can feel a small opening at the umbilicus site. If it is the size of the end of your pinkie finger at 8 weeks of age, it is usually not a problem. Many of these small hernias will close up on their own by 6 months of age. If the hernia bubbles out or is bigger than a pinkie finger, there is a chance that intestines may be slipping in and out of the opening. At some point, a section of intestines could slide out through the hernia opening and get trapped or twisted. At that point, your dog needs emergency surgery. Signs you see with trapped intestines can include pain, your dog standing stiffly with his back arched, and possibly not eating or vomiting. If you see these symptoms, you need to call your veterinarian right away. Larger hernias will require surgery to close up the opening, leaving the intestines safely inside. If your puppy is not having any problems, your vet may recommend keeping an eye on it and doing the surgery at the same time as spaying or neutering. That means one bout of anesthesia and recovery for your pet and less cost for you. If intestines become trapped at any point, immediate emergency surgery is necessary. Some people have tried to encourage closure of hernias by using a belly wrap on their puppies with hernias. The goal is to keep all tissues fat, intestines, etc. This is generally not successful but does help in some cases. It is best to consult your pet's veterinarian for advice on the best way to handle your individual dog's treatment. Luckily most umbilical hernias are small and don't present a health concern for your dog! Was this page helpful? So, What happens next? What is a hernia and what causes them? Hernias are a common congenital condition meaning that puppies are born with them , affecting around 1 in puppies. A hernia is a hole in the muscle wall of the tummy abdomen which allows the abdominal contents fat, intestines and other organs to squeeze through into a space under the skin or, less commonly, through the diaphragm into the chest. This usually causes a soft, squishy swelling under the skin, which often fluctuates in size. It may occasionally pop in and out of the tummy, disappearing for short periods of time. While some hernias result from trauma causing a tear in the muscle, most puppy hernias are congenital problems. This is where the muscle fails to develop properly. There may be a genetic element to this condition, as some breeds appear more susceptible. So it is advisable not to breed from a dog with a hernia. Hernias typically arise in specific locations. These result from the muscle failing to close over the area where the umbilical cord entered the body. Less frequently, hernias are found in the groin inguinal or next to the bottom perineal. The rarest kind of hernias involve the diaphragm and can be more difficult to diagnose as they are less obvious from outside. How are hernias diagnosed in puppies? Most external hernias are fairly easy to diagnose just by their location and feel. A soft swelling under the skin in one of the characteristic hernia locations is a strong indicator but your vet will check for an underlying hole in the muscle wall to be sure. These checks are quick, pain-free and harmless. In a small number of cases, or when an internal hernia is suspected, additional tests such as an ultrasound or X-ray may be necessary to diagnose the problem and assess its severity. These are straightforward, non-invasive procedures but may require your puppy to be sedated; your vet will be happy to discuss any questions you may have about this. Are there any problems hernias cause? How serious a hernia is depends on its location, its size and its contents. While many hernias cause few problems, some can make a pup very unwell. Most hernias, especially small ones, contain just fat which usually causes little problem apart from, possibly, some mild discomfort. The main concern with small hernias is that they get larger over time. Bigger hernias may allow a loop of the intestines or other organs such as the liver or bladder to pop out of the tummy. But having intestines or organs in this location exposes them to injury. In a small number of cases, it can make a pup seriously unwell. It can cause them to go off their food, be lethargic, vomit repeatedly or suffer breathing problems. These are potentially life-threatening complications. What treatment do hernias require? Some very small hernias may require no treatment at all because the muscle does eventually close as the puppy grows. These hernias leave a small blob of fat under the skin which can look a bit funny but is not usually of concern. Most hernias, however, will need surgery to close the hole in the muscle. The contents of the hernia to their normal location. Surgery is advisable even if your puppy is currently unaffected by their hernia, to prevent more serious problems later in life. If the hernia is small and stable, this may be done once your puppy is big and old enough, or at the same time as neutering. This is usually from six months of age. So your vet may advise regular checks of the hernia to make sure it is not causing problems in the meantime. For large hernias, or those which involve the intestines or other internal organs, surgery may be carried out at an earlier age, or as an emergency, to prevent some of the more serious complications. What happens during hernia surgery? Surgery to repair a hernia requires a general anaesthetic. The area around the hernia will be shaved and scrubbed with an antiseptic to reduce infections. An incision is made through the skin. The contents of the hernia are checked to make sure they are healthy. They are then gently returned to the abdomen and the hernia is closed, usually with stitches that dissolve in a few weeks. The incision is usually slightly longer than the original hernia and there may be slight redness or swelling around the area for a few days. Umbilical hernia surgery is usually quick, straightforward and low risk. In cases where the hernia is very large, contains more than just fat, or involves the diaphragm, surgery may be more complicated. It may also carry additional risks, which your vet will discuss with you. Thankfully, these cases are much rarer. There will usually be very little trace of surgery after a few weeks. Most puppies make an excellent recovery. Hernias are relatively common in puppies. While some do cause problems, most dogs will have normal, healthy lives following treatment. Corrective surgery is usually routine and recommended in most cases to prevent future problems. They will be happy to check your pup is healthy and advise on the best way to deal with this condition. You may also be interested in;.