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Contact Welcome to North Creek Goldens Finding an ethical breeder is tough, let alone one you can actually trust. Eight years ago I had difficulty finding a Golden Retriever puppy locally that I could actually afford. After what seemed like forever in my search, I felt that I had no other option but to search on Craiglist - purchasing from a backyard breeder. I was so stressed in my search, I bypassed all of the important questions to ask while looking for a pup! I, of course immediately fell in love with my Craiglist Golden I still have him to this day! I love and respect Golden Retrievers with all of my heart. My mission is to educate future Golden lovers of the correct breed standard and provide sound, healthy puppies that compliment what the breed is meant to be. My Goldens are the equivalent of my children, making my puppy parents immediate family. If you ever have any questions or any concerns - I am here for you for the life of your Golden. Once you bring one of my puppies home - you're a part of the Golden Pack. Tucked away in the Northwest corner in the city of Las Vegas, our family is made up of five humans and five furry family members. We do not function as a kennel - the puppies, and all of our Goldens are housed and raised, right inside our home. More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. At Henderson Golden Retrievers our goldens have been our passion for 20 years. With so many families, so many memories and so many beautiful puppies. We love the Golden Retriever's gentle loving personalities. We pride ourselves as breeders, that provide families with goldens that are top quality, healthy, intelligent, and well socialized. A loving family addition. Our puppies come into this world being socialized from the minute they are born and we encourage their new families to visit regularly until the day they go home. It is important to us that you bond with your new family member from the beginning. WE include the families from the minute the puppies are born with video and pictures. Henderson Golden Retrievers is here for our families before and after the puppies go home. Our pups are not kennel born, they are brought into this world in the comfort of our home as part of the family. Each litter is AKC registered, Microchipped, dewormed, Vet checked, dog door trained, first shot, and are partailly potty trained. We have answers. Finding a lifelong canine companion has never been easier than it is with Uptown Puppies. Sift through our wide array of listed pups to get started today. Then, choose your favorite and reach out to the Golden Retriever breeders Las Vegas or businesses to nail down the finer details. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? Uptown Puppies is different because it offers a streamlined way to acquire a new Golden Retriever Las Vegas without sacrificing safety, transparency, or ethics. Every member of our nationwide network of breeders and businesses have been thoroughly vetted from top-to-bottom to maintain our standard of excellence - allowing you to shop with peace of mind from anywhere in the nation. Are Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Las Vegas ready now? In fact, we strongly encourage you to contact the breeder or business as soon as possible upon discovering your favorite pup! For breeds like the Golden Retriever, acting quickly is imperative due to their high popularity and tendency to get scooped up as quickly as they arrive. Transparency is an integral part of what we do at Uptown Puppies. Our mission is to provide people nationwide with happy and healthy pups that are treated with maximum ethics and safety. Do you sell the cheapest Golden Retriever puppies in Las Vegas? Inexpensive pups generally come from cruel puppy mills or inexperienced backyard breeders that view them as nothing more than barking dollar signs. Instead, we offer a boutique experience with transparent breeders and businesses that love canines just as much as we do! Your pups eyes, ears, nose, mouth, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory systems, and more are all covered - giving you the information you need at all times. Is it enough to walk Golden Retriever puppies for sale Las Vegas, or do they need more exercise? These happy fur balls are chock full of energy and require open spaces that allow them to stretch their legs and run free. They tend to thrive especially well in households with fenced-in backyards and children that they can play with on a consistent basis. If neglected, they might grow restless and act out! Do you recommend specific food for my dog? Golden Retrievers for sale in Las Vegas can eat for days and are occasionally prone to obesity. To keep yours at an optimal weight, we advise feeding it a diet of meats and vegetables - both, from cans and bagged dog food. Most reliable name-brands should suffice. Which kinds of breeds are best for families? These doggos shed regularly and under two spans of intense shedding each year based on the seasons.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. Although I am not a veterinarian myself, I have been a lab owner for 11 years and been in the pet food industry for the last 6 years. However, if this is not the case for your pupper, no need to worry. Be sure not to feed normal cerelac or cow milk as that will result in loose motion as well as stunted growth. At this tender age, you need to feed your lab pup via feeding bottle like you would feed a human baby of age 2 months. Milk is the only food apart from purified water which your dog is gonna need till 1. After this age, till 3 months you have two options. You can either continue with milk or look at starter food options like Royal Canin Maxi starter , Drools starter, Farmina Puppy Starter, Canine Creek Starter , Orijen puppy and plenty of other brands which are available in the market. The kibble for starter food is small and most probably, your puppy will be able to chew it. Certain dry food can be extremely hard to chew, so depending on the toughness of the kibble you might have to break i. Puppies of age 1. You should be following this diet of starter food till 3 months age at least. Also, make sure you are vaccinating as well as deworming your pup at the right intervals. So, a proper nutritious diet is essential to achieve good growth. You can either go for Royal Canin Maxi Junior or Royal Canin Labrador Junior or puppy variants of other brands like drools, canine creek, Orijen Puppy and Junior Recommended , Acana large breed puppy, pedigree not recommended at this age. If you are giving a good diet like Royal Canin, farmina or even home-made food, growth should be good. For those who can extend their budget, you can go for something even more premium like Acana, Orijen, Arden Grange and the likes. No need to add additional supplements. If you are feeding home-made food like boiled chicken which itself is a very good food option, consider adding some fish oils like Beaphar Salmon Oil. However, a good diet is recommended to ensure a good life span above 12 years and muscle development. Homemade food can be a healthy option as well. Feeding guide amount to feed in grams depends on dog weight and varies from brand to brand. You will find the recommended portion for your brand based on the calories it carries on the packet you will buy. At other times, you can give chews or treats but whole meal should be fed not more than twice a day. Do not keep food available in front of the dog except during his eating time. However, you can keep water available in a bowl all the time. Sticking to schedule regularly is recommended. Wait, till now we have been speaking about commercial dry food. Yes, this happens to many dogs. While some dogs like pugs are voracious eaters, labs or goldens can be extremely choosy. They will eat whatever liquid you put in the feeding bottle at this age. However, once puppies mature and learn to eat themselves, they may not like dry food, rarely touch it. In these cases, the best option is to first add a home-made additive with the dry food. You may add many things dog like in small quantities of chicken stalk, chicken pieces boneless for puppies , curd, egg and others to the dry food. Changing or trying out another brand helps as well. I have seen many dogs who hate Drools but like Canine Creek although they are manufactured by same company. Every dog has a mind of his own. Most common diseases of Indian bred dogs like canine hyp dysplasia, ear infections, bent hind legs can happen to any dog. Take your dog to a registered veterinary practitioner in case such situations arise. Lack of appetite is also observed during this age at times. For not-so-severe cases, you may administer Himalaya Liv52 syrup or tabs or other appetite stimulants of various brands twice a day for days. In case, your dog has gastrointestinal disorders, referring to a prescription diet under the guidance of a veterinarian can be immensely helpful. This entry was posted in Pet Blog. Bookmark the permalink. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. It lacks the physical deformities bred into western show lines of German Shepherds and has become one of Russia's most popular dog types. It was developed in the s and s to correct behavioural and conformational issues that have been bred into modern German Shepherds, and was bred for its large size, length of back, temperament and soundness of hips. White-coated German Shepherds were once banned from registration in their native Germany, but in the United States and Canada the coloration gained a following and a breed club was formed specifically for white German Shepherds, calling their variety the White Shepherd. The variety is recognised as a separate breed by the United Kennel Club. It descends from the American White Shepherds; the first stud dog of what was to become the breed was an American dog born in and imported to Switzerland. They are especially well known for their police work, being used for tracking criminals, patrolling troubled areas and detection and holding of suspects. Additionally, thousands of German Shepherds have been used by the military. These military working dogs MWD are usually trained for scout duty, and they are used to warn soldiers to the presence of enemies or of booby traps or other hazards. They were used in World War II as messenger dogs, rescue dogs and personal guard dogs. These include search and rescue, cadaver searching , narcotics detection, explosives detection , accelerant detection and mine detection dog, among others. They are suited for these lines of work because of their keen sense of smell and their ability to work regardless of distractions. When formal guide dog training began in Switzerland in the s under the leadership of Dorothy Eustis , all of the dogs trained were German Shepherd females. These results suggested that Labrador Retrievers were more suited to guide dog work while German Shepherds were more suited to police work. They are expected to patrol the boundaries to keep sheep from trespassing and damaging the crops. In Germany and other places these skills are tested in utility dog trials also known as Herdengebrauchshund HGH herding utility dog trials. He is regarded to be the dog who has captured the most drugs in Mexican police and military history. You may improve this section , discuss the issue on the talk page , or create a new section, as appropriate. By this number had grown to over .Returning soldiers spoke highly of the breed and animal actors Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart popularised the breed further. Her offspring had defects as the result of poor breeding, which caused the breed to decline in popularity during the late s. As of [update] , the German Shepherd is the second most popular breed in the US. Degenerative myelopathy , a neurological disease, occurs with enough regularity specifically in the breed to suggest that the breed is predisposed to it. A very inexpensive DNA saliva test is now available to screen for degenerative myelopathy. The test screens for the mutated gene that has been seen in dogs with degenerative myelopathy. The test is only recommended for predisposed breeds, but can be performed on DNA samples from any dog, collected through swabbing the inside of the animal's cheek with a sterile cotton swab. Prospective German Shepherd buyers can now request the test from the breeder or buy from a breeder who is known to test their dogs. Skeletal health and supplementation[ edit ] Musculoskeletal disorders are debilitating conditions that are often associated with genetic makeup, malnutrition, and stress-related events. Canine hip dysplasia CHD is an orthopaedic condition resulting from abnormal development of the hip joint and surrounding tissue causing the instability and partial dislocation of the hip joint, resulting in pain, inflammation , lameness, and potentially osteoarthritis of the joint. Both have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A German Shepherd named Inspector Rex is the star of an Austrian Police procedural drama program of the same name, which won many awards, where German Shepherd Rex assists the Vienna Kriminalpolizei homicide unit. It became one of the staple productions of Hungarian television history, making German Shepherds the most popular dog breed in the country ever since. Some owners refer to them as black and champagne or fawn. Also, when a white German Shepherd has red in its background, it shows up as a cream color. It is possible for particular black and cream German Shepherd puppies to grow into a black and tan look as they get older. Still, you cannot guarantee how the colors will shift or if they will change in the first place. Dog shows aside, black and cream dogs do not have the same intimidating look as darker dogs and can make for great gateway pets for those looking to adopt their first dog but find the alternative looks more intimidating. Ideal for: Households with young children can adopt black and cream puppies as these GSDs are easier to accept for little kids. Black All Black German Shepherds have no shot at dog shows but are much better at something else: guarding. This perception comes with the added assumption that your black German Shepherd is well-trained to deal with intruders. Even though these dogs are great at discouraging intruders, they have excellent temperaments and empathy to be family dogs. Black GSDs are not more aggressive than other varieties. Unlike solid black, most puppies only show their actual color weeks after birth. They also make shedding less annoying as the black hairs are less visible. A recessive gene causes the black color. Some black dogs have gold eyes, as shown in the image. Large houses are also perfect spacious places where such dogs must exhaust their excess energy. A bi-color features two colors, one of which is often black. Most will appear all black with brown feet or legs, as shown in the image. The AKC pioneered this categorization and is most relevant to dog shows where solid colors and bi-color dogs are judged differently. Depending on the specifics of the color, the dog-and-owner fit can vary. Sable Sable is a pattern often seen as color because of its visual impact. The sable color is named after the mammal sable, which also has a similar color. This type of German Shepherd has black peppered across its fur, giving a deeply crimson color that looks nearly indistinguishable from black and liver. The sable coat pattern appears visibly black as each hair has a black tip. Sable colors include black sable, gray sable, tan sable, red sable, and silver sable. If you like the look of this color pattern, head over to this article to learn loads more about this gorgeous variety; Sable German Shepherd. Ideal for: This shepherd dog is best for those living in sun-kissed suburbs where the true color of sable German Shepherds shines. White Featuring the look of a bleached wolf, the all-white German Shepherd is entirely white and represents quite the irony. It is often purchased because of its exotic looks but is also seen as flawed enough to disqualify from the show ring. In other words, it represents the positive and the negative results of judging dogs by their looks, where they are simultaneously loved and discriminated against because of their color. Given that the first German Shepherd was black, this dog is visually the farthest from its ancestors. There is often a misconception that this type is a mixed breed. However, the white German Shepherd is definitely purebred. Ideal for: Families with young toddlers can benefit from getting a non-intimidating dog. This leaves behind bi-color German Shepherds featuring black and a specific hue of tan that gives an overall deep gray look. Ruskin House of Shepherds They are often gray sable. However, many gray dogs have no black pigmentation, differentiating them from the sable. They have an aesthetic appearance and can tip top between work and show, though they are best kept as multifunctional pets. They look intimidating enough for strangers but acceptable even for younger children who have never had a big dog as a family pet. Nonetheless, they are pretty rare, so you may have to find a specialized breeder to adopt one. The color is rare because it is improbable to guarantee when breeding a single blue stud and rare to occur spontaneously. And the ones who breed rare GSDs only charge a lot per puppy. Since blue is a manifestation of black, it can appear in all German Shepherd looks that feature the black color. Therefore, these dogs are bred mainly in the working line, where black and tan are the most common colors. That makes blue and tan the most common bi-color look of blue German Shepherds. Ideal for: Individuals looking for an exotic, rare dog with a story would love to have a blue German Shepherd. Liver Liver as a color term is used almost exclusively to describe dark brown dogs. The shades of dark brown can vary, but the term stands. It is no different for German Shepherds, who are also categorized as a liver for being dark brown. With black not really being seen as color — white as a complete lack of color, brown has the best shot of getting the highest points for color richness — except in the show world. This is because the American Kennel Club sees livers as faults, and they cannot enter the show ring. However, liver German Shepherds are highly sought-after, making them some of the priciest German Shepherds to acquire. Still, their price is artificially inflated because of demand. Ideal for: Those who love the deep brown aesthetic will love a liver German Shepherd. Liver and Tan As mentioned earlier, German Shepherds with liver parents are pretty often liver-colored. While mutations did occur to manifest this look into the otherwise black line of GSDs, the genes of these dogs are relatively stable, making them great studs. Ideal for: Owners with prominently brown wardrobes can get a kick by extending their color preference to their dogs. Isabella Isabella German Shepherds face the same ironic fate as white GSDs, where they are simultaneously admired and acquired for their beauty yet disqualified or marked down from shows for their looks. Similar to liver dogs, the AKC views them as a fault. Isabella GSDs look lavender-flavored cappuccino in that they are a light lilac color. They have a distinctly feminine appearance regardless of gender and can make a beautiful addition to the family. Because of their non-threatening looks, they are readily accepted in suburban communities, whereas new pets can often get scrutinized unfairly. Isabella GSDs are rare because they come from a combination of recessive traits that might not even manifest in studs. Studs often have desirable dominant features, including rich colors. The Isabella color comes from the combination of liver and blue, one of which is rarely used for breeding. This leaves room only for blue genes to pass through non-blue studs, which is not entirely likely. Ideal for: Those who want to make a statement with one of the rarest German Shepherds will be satisfied with an Isabella dog. However, they better be willing to pay the premium. You cannot have a Sable Shepherd without having reddish fur. But the distribution of red and black or silver and a lot of black is what matters: the lighter coat makes up the backdrop over which the darker fur is peppered. Ruskin House of Shepherds Sable shepherds are rarely sable all over, and portions of their body feature only one of the two colors that make up their sable pattern. In other words, given black and red as primary sable-makers, these dogs are more likely to be black and sable or red and sable. Sometimes you can get a rarer color sable, such as the liver sable in the image. Brindle German Shepherds are the closest to sable in that they also consist of one color peppered across another in tiger stripes or a marbled pattern. Instagram: alastian. Black is far more prominent, and these dogs are the closest to the second generation of German Shepherds. Panda A Panda German Shepherd looks like a white or bi-color dog who tried to apply eye shadow for the first time. The area around their eyes is black, reminiscent of a panda. They have white color featured across their chest, limbs, feet, and tail tip, similar to a Border Collie. Panda Shepherds do not have any other similarities with the panda; the dog has an active temperament compared to the lazy panda. The gene is dominant, meaning it only takes one parent to replicate the pattern. It is also seen as a fault for conformation. My German Shepherd Pup Willow Still, getting a German Shepherd puppy with many white spots is a risk if you plan to enter him in a dog show as an adult. But if you do not care about dog shows, the white markings can be charming. It is rarer to find white spotting in black GSDs. These spots are more common in black and red, black and cream, black and tan, and liver variations. However, they blended in with her adult coat in time. A German Shepherd can have a black, blue, silver, or brown saddle though other colors are not definitively excluded. Saddle-back German Shepherds have to be bi-color by definition because the saddle is visible only in contrast with another, often lighter, color. Blanket The blanket is yet another pattern independent of color. Just like with saddle GSDs, being bicolor is a prerequisite just to spot the blanket. The saddle pattern has a better shot at dog shows between saddle German Shepherds and blanket ones. Since the blanket is dark, dogs with this pattern have an intimidating presence and are often used by the police and protective patrols. This makes them excellent guard dogs as they carry the same connotations. Mask Mask refers to the face of a German Shepherd with visible contrast in the face compared to the surrounding region. On the one side, they can have black fur over their faces, which gives the appearance of a mask, but the rest of their body can feature stripes brindle or the sable pattern. This study of dogs with colored masks found that the mask is caused by a specific allele referred to as a melanistic mask. Mask German Shepherds have a unique appeal, which makes people go to great lengths to acquire them. The mask is almost always black. In case the mask is a lighter color, it is categorized differently. The area around the mouth can be lighter, making the German Shepherd look more like a wolf. Some reverse masks also have a dark stripe down the muzzle, as in the image shown. Needless to say, these German Shepherds can be pricey simply because of their resemblance with wolves. They also are intimidating again because of this similarity. All the connotations they have with wolves, and their wildness come in handy when scaring away intruders. However, this is a myth, as they are as easy or difficult to raise as regular dogs. To breed them, you must have both the mother and the father, who carry the same reverse mask look. Like the masked variety, German Shepherds with a reverse mask can have other patterns as the mask or the reverse has to do with their faces. Speaking of wolves, the closest a GSD can come to having a wolf-like appearance is to have a reverse mask look and be a blanketed silver sable. The rarest color of German Shepherd is Isabella, which is also known as lilac. Not only is this color visually appealing, but it is also difficult to predict when breeding. The recessive blue and liver getting combined are not very likely, which makes almost all Isabella shepherds pleasant surprises. Getting a lilac shepherd from a reputable breeder is advisable because unscrupulous breeders may repeatedly breed puppies and neglect the non-isabella dogs hoping to profit from the lilac pups. Black is prominent across most variations of GSDs. From black and tan, often working lines, to black and red for showing, most German Shepherds have a hint of black. If you are looking for the most common overall color of a German Shepherd, the two that come out on top are black and red and black and tan. The show line dog of this bicolor look will be the cheapest yet will command a price significantly higher than a working dog of the same pair of colors. Some German Shepherd colors, such as blue and white, are controversial because they have been linked to genetic health issues, such as skin problems and deafness. Breeders who prioritize these colors over health can perpetuate these issues. Yes, the color of a German Shepherd puppy can be predicted based on the colors of the parents and the genetic inheritance of the color genes. By understanding the basics of color genetics, breeders can make educated guesses about the colors of their puppies. Do German Shepherds Change Color? German Shepherds do change color, especially if they are bicolor. This happens when they mature and shed certain colored fur but never grow it back. The color change is most prominent in brindle GSDs and sable shepherds, as the decrease in one shade of fur leads to a change in the overall look of the dog. No, the color of a German Shepherd does not affect its temperament. Temperament is determined by genetics and upbringing, not color. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are descendants of dark dogs but have come a long way since they were first shown as the perfect cross between beautiful and work-ready. GSD colors can vary from lighter ones like the rare Isabella all the way to solid black. The pattern variations include mask, sable, brindle stripes, and saddle, whereas colors can be solid or pair from the pool of black, red, tan, blue, silver, cream, liver, white, and gray. With over 30 years of experience working with dogs, this former Police Officer has seen it all. Find her on Linkedin! Sep 27, Jul 8, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Are you looking for a dog with all the amazing characteristics of a German shepherd, but you also want something a bit different and special? If so, then why not consider a sable German shepherd? The sable German shepherd is not a crossbreed dog but rather a recognized variation within the breed, so the dog retains all the benefits of a purebred pup. German shepherds are one of the most popular purebred dog breeds in the United States, in part thanks to their intelligence, trainability, and intense loyalty. They are also well-loved for their sleek, noble appearance. Interestingly, sable is actually the original color of the German shepherd breed. It is the only variation of the German shepherd that has the same color as the founding member of the breed. Read on to learn everything you need to know about these attractive, intelligent, and hard-working dogs. Sable German Shepherd Appearance Sable German shepherds look just like most other German shepherd dogs, with the exception of their distinctively colored coat. The German shepherd is a large breed. You can expect the males to reach up to 26 inches tall and weigh between 75 and 95 pounds. The females are a bit smaller. Their heads are domed in shape with a long, square muzzle. They have alert, erect ears and long necks that make them seem even larger than they are. It is considered ideal for the dog to be longer than it is tall with a proportion of 10 to 8. Their bushy tail should extend out in a hook-like shape. German shepherds tend to dip their head low like a wolf when they are running or prowling, which contributes to the consensus that they look very much like the wolf ancestors of dogs. These dogs have double coats with a soft undercoat and a denser guard layer. The guard layer can be either medium or long, though the medium length is significantly more common. Most German shepherds are either tan and black or red and black. The lighter brown shade is usually their principal color, with a black face mask and black markings on their back which often look like a saddle. A variety of other color variations exist, including pure black, pure white, liver, silver, blue, panda, and, of course, sable. Sable basically means the dog has mostly lighter colored hair with a black tips, which can make the dog appear grey or mottled. In reality, the actual color combinations are more varied, and the sable pattern could be any mixture of tan, black, brown, or red. The term is mostly used in the United States. In other countries, such as Germany, these dogs are often just called grey. It has since become a popular working dog for roles such as search and rescue, police, and military due to its strength, trainability, and intelligence. The breed emerged from the s trend to try to standardize dog breeds to assist in certain jobs, such as herding sheep. Max von Stephanitz was a leading thinker in this area and was specifically looking for canine specimens that matched his ideal vision of a working dog. He found that ideal dog at a dog show in .He purchased the dog and named it Horand von Grafrath and founded the Society for German Shepherd Dogs to promote the breed and others like it. Horand, who was in fact a sable-colored German Shepherd, became the center point of a breeding program. Horand himself had 84 puppies, and extensive inbreeding was required to secure the characteristics of the breed. When the German Shepherd was imported to the United States in the early 20th century, it became popular with gangsters and bootleggers for its strength, intelligence, and intimidating appearance. It was also popular in Nazi Germany, and even Adolf Hitler loved the breed. As a result, it has gained a reputation for being a fierce, intimidating, and even dangerous breed. However, this says much more about how the dogs were used than the natural temperament of the dogs themselves. German Shepherd Temperament The color of a German shepherd makes no difference to its temperament, so you can expect a sable German shepherd to conform to the general temperament of the breed. German shepherd dogs are often described as active and self-assured. This, combined with their intelligence and eagerness to learn and please, makes them excellent working dogs. They are also highly obedient and loyal. Their extreme loyalty also extends to family situations. They will raise the alarm with their loud, deep bark if they sense danger. However, German shepherds are not naturally aggressive. This is a reputation that stems from the way that the dog has been used in the past. That said, German shepherds are often associated with severe dog bites. This is largely due to the popularity of the breed and the strength of their bite rather than any innate aggression; there are simply more of them around than many other dog breeds. Tests suggest that German Shepherds have a bite force of over 1, newtons, which is less than a Rottweiler but more than a pit bull. They tend to have a natural suspicion of strangers and like to chase smaller animals. Their intelligence and compliance means they can be trained not to display this behavior, but as an owner, you need to put in the work of training them properly and consistently. German shepherds are a very curious breed in addition to being highly intelligent, which is why they are well suited for search and rescue missions. German Shepherd Energy Level German shepherds are very playful and active dogs, so they need lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to thrive. This is another reason why they often do well as working animals. Working gives them both the physical and mental stimulation to complete these challenging tasks. Pleasing their handlers is also attractive to these highly reward-oriented dogs. Ideally, German shepherds need at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day, preferably spread over at least two different sessions. However, this should be slightly less when they are puppies. There is always a risk of over-exercising puppies, especially when it comes to large dog breeds. As a general rule, you should exercise a puppy daily for five minutes for every month of their age until they are an adult. German shepherds reach adulthood at around 18 months. So, for example, a six month old pup should be getting 30 minutes of exercise a day if we follow this rule, as six months times five minutes comes out to 30 minutes per day. What to know more about exercising your puppy? Read our article: How far can I walk my puppy? German shepherds will love to accompany you on adventures, such as hikes and walks, and they also love swimming. They will do well at the lake, on the beach, or even accompanying you on a boat. However, even though they are excellent swimmers, they should have a doggy life vest if you are out at sea. They will struggle in an apartment, and their large size can make navigating small apartments challenging even for these nimble dogs. Ideally, they should have a backyard where they can move around freely, especially when left at home alone. The intelligence of these dogs means they can get bored quickly. While puzzle toys, such as a Kong , can help on the occasions when you do need to leave them alone, they are likely to become stressed if they are left alone regularly. German Shepherd Health Risks German shepherds have a life expectancy of a little over 10 years. This is normal for dogs of their size, and larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds. You should not expect a sable German shepherd to be immune from these, especially since further inbreeding is often required to produce the sable color. It is common for these dogs to develop hip and elbow dysplasia , which is a developmental abnormality of the joints that can restrict movement and cause pain. This is often the result of different elements of the body growing at different speeds. The best way to prevent this is to ensure good nutrition and the right level of exercise during their crucial growing period. Even if the development of hip and elbow dysplasia does not affect the dog at a younger age, it can make them more susceptible to arthritis and other forms of joint pain when they are older. Older German shepherds often benefit from an orthopedic bed to take pressure off their joints. The breed also appears to be predisposed to degenerative myelopathy. This is a degenerative spinal cord disease that generally shows up in older dogs after about the age of seven years. If you are looking for one of these puppies specifically, you may need to go to a breeder. The sable color is relatively rare, and breeders have to control specifically for this kind of coat. As a result, you can expect to pay a bit more for a sable puppy than you would a German shepherd of any other more common colors. Are you thinking of adopting a sable German shepherd, or any German shepherd, into your family? Here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine if you and your home are a good fit for this breed. German shepherds are highly trainable and obedient, which means even first-time owners should be able to take on the challenge of training them. German shepherds need a commanding presence to keep them in check. The sad reality is that many people are also afraid of big dogs like these, and their behavior and response to them can cause serious problems. You need to feel confident to take control of your dog in charged situations. These dogs are also very active, so they will do best if they have a bit of outdoors to call their own that lets them run around a little, dig, and play. Just be sure your yard is properly and securely fenced in! German shepherds are very energetic dogs that need to be active a lot, which means you will need to be active frequently as well. As well as daily exercise, they will want to join you on weekend adventures rather than weekends on the couch catching up on Netflix. German shepherds need to spend a lot of time with their owners, as they need both companionship and intellectual stimulation. Thinking about getting a new puppy? Check out our new puppy checklist. Sable German shepherds have a coat with lighter roots and darker tips covering most of their body. The tips are usually black, which means the dog looks as though it has a greyish color. It is a natural color variation within the breed. How common are sable German shepherds? Sable German shepherds are significantly rare in comparison to the popular tan and black or red and black colors that dominate the breed. This is why a sable puppy will probably cost you more than other color variations. However, pure black German shepherds are a bit more rare. Are sable German shepherds bigger? No, sable German shepherds are not bigger than other German shepherds. The females should weigh between 55 and 75 pounds and the males 75 to 95 pounds. Look at the size of the parents to get a better feel for how big your pup is likely to get. Are German shepherds good family dogs? With the right training and socialization, German shepherds are excellent dogs for an active household. They will be loving, obedient, and protective. They are good around children, though small children should always be supervised around dogs, regardless of the breed and their level of familiarity. Accidents happen, even when children are around dogs they have grown up with and know well. What is bad about German shepherds? German shepherds tend to be suspicious of everyone, which can contribute to overly protective and territorial behavior. Proper socialization can help minimize this personality trait, but they will probably carry an element of this with them for their entire lives. The Verdict Sable German shepherds are not exotic crossbreeds but rather a rare color of the purebred German shepherd dog. They are actually the original color of the breed, matching its famous founding member. Sable-colored German shepherds are actually relatively rare, so they can be expensive to procure. However, aside from their unique color, they are just like other German shepherds, one of the most popular breeds in the United States. They are large and strong dogs with a lot of energy, which makes them well suited to hard work. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them ideal to train to complete complex tasks such as the roles of military and police dogs despite being originally bred as herders. Overall, sable German shepherds are: Rarer than just about any other color of German shepherd No different than other German shepherds as far as personality, temperament, etc. With the right training and socialization, they are very safe dogs. German shepherds are great dogs for active people who have a lot of time to spend with their pup and want a companion to join them on various active adventures. Do you have experience with sable German shepherd dogs? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Related Article:. Yes, German Shepherd puppies are actually born black! They can also be born gray and white, as the coats will gradually change color as they grow older. By about eighteen to twenty-four months of age, a German Shepherd puppy should have its final coat color , and it will stay that way! However, many German Shepherds can be born black, and their coats may stay black. Some German Shepherds that are born black will never gain their color, and will remain with a black coat forever. However, this is incredibly rare, and it is said that only about 6. It may surprise you that German Shepherds can actually be born in three different colors. They are typically either born black, white or gray in color, and you will see the color change from the age of 8 weeks onwards, but it can take up to two years to see the final color. Black and tan German Shepherds are the most common, and they will gradually get more tan as they age, with the browner colors appearing around the face, tail, ears, and stomach as time passes. In addition, a German Shepherd that is born black can either grow up to be black all over, or they may fade to another color such as Sable, Gray, Black and Tan, Brown, Black and Silver, or other variations of the breed. Even if you have a puppy that has been black for more than 8 weeks, it is very unlikely that it will stay entirely black as it grows. Black German Shepherds are extremely rare, and most will turn more Sable colored or Tan as time progresses. Whilst German Shepherds can come in a few colors , their coats also vary in length and thickness. The most common German Shepherds will have very thick, long, fluffy hair, but some can be short-haired. The German Shepherd breed has two pigments in their fur called eumelanin and pheomelanin. How these pigments interact with other genes in the German Shepherd puppy determines how the coat will turn out! For example, the pigment called eumelanin is responsible for the color black. On the other hand, pheomelanin defaults to red, which can create Red Sable, or deep brown tones and pale gold colors. If you are hoping to find yourself a black German Shepherd, then you may have a tough job in doing so. A black German Shepherd is actually very rare, and is down to genetics and pigmentation, so even with a black parent, it is not guaranteed that the puppies would be black in color, or remain black in color as they grow. The most promising combination for a black German Shepherd puppy is if both parents of the puppies are black themselves. This will give you the greatest chance of achieving all black puppies. However, some black puppies can come from parents that are both black and tan, or if one parent is black and tan, and the other is black. It sometimes is just down to luck. That being said, if both parents have the solid black color recessive gene, meaning they are fully black all over, and not even slightly black and tan, then it is likely that the puppies will be born black, and will stay black as they grow older. As black German Shepherds are incredibly rare, some people are under the impression that they are a different breed altogether, but the black variant is a recognized version of the regular German Shepherd dog. Although they are the same breed, there can be some differences between the Black and Tan German Shepherd and the Black German Shepherd. For instance, a black German Shepherd can quite often be much larger than the regular German Shepherd. They may also have a much straighter back than a normal German Shepherd. In addition, black German Shepherds can sometimes have a thicker coat, especially at the neck and on the front and back legs. You may also notice that some black German Shepherds will have thicker fur at the ears and around the tail, which is why some people think that they are a different dog breed as they can sometimes look more like wolves than German Shepherds! Some black German Shepherds may also have much fluffier coats, or a stronger, more athletic build and erect, pointed ears, however it does depend on the dog itself. As previously mentioned, the black German Shepherd is a much more rare occurrence than the more common Black and Tan German Shepherd, and as such, they can be harder to come across and much more expensive than any other type of German Shepherd. However, you should exercise some caution when trying to purchase a black German Shepherd, as many breeders may advertise a black version of the breed, which may not exactly turn out to be. In addition, purchasing from a reputable breeder will ensure that the dog does not have any health issues or problems later in life which can also cost you thousands of dollars, too! To ensure that you get a good quality dog, you should always find out the parentage of the puppy. This means either asking for documentation to prove the father of the puppies, and checking to see if the mother is with the puppies, and properly cared for. You can also research which breeders are trustworthy by looking at registered breeders on the American Kennel Club website. Some people are under the misconception that black German Shepherds are highly different to regular German Shepherds, and have different temperaments and health issues or ailments. However, this is not always the case. A great number of people seem to think that black German Shepherds are more aggressive than regular German Shepherds, and may be more prone to angry outbursts or aggressive behavior. German Shepherds are typically very active, intelligent, alert, friendly, loyal and loving animals, but there may always be some that show signs of aggression or misbehavior. This can be solved with a solid routine and expert or professional training. You have to keep in mind that because German Shepherds are so intelligent, they need a lot of mental stimulation and attention to keep their minds engaged and active. This means giving them a lot of exercise, time, energy and toys to keep them focused and interested. Otherwise, you may notice some aggression, anti-social, destructive or bad behavior as they tend to act out and become naughty if they are bored. Summary To summarize, German Shepherd puppies can be born black, but not all are. Some German Shepherd puppies can be born black, white or gray, and may stay this color for about 8 weeks. After this period has passed, the puppies will begin to show their true colors shall we say, and turn their final color. At this point, most German Shepherd puppies will become that common Black and Tan color that we know and love, however some will have different genes and pigments, which will result in a black German Shepherd, but this is very rare. In order to get a black German Shepherd, both parents would need to be black, or one would have to be black and the other black and tan. This is why all black German Shepherds are considered a rarity, and are therefore much more expensive than normal ones. However, the black variant of the German Shepherd is no different in temperament, health or breed. To see some German Shepherd puppies with their beautiful black colors, check out this video! Our extensive collection features hundreds of stunning photos of these adorable canines in various poses, settings, and backgrounds. Type of Images Available Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images features a variety of different types of photos, including portraits, candid shots, outdoor and indoor images, and more. From close-ups of their expressive faces to action shots of them running and playing, our images capture the energy and character of this amazing breed. Our images can be used for a multitude of purposes, including websites, blog posts, advertisements, social media, books, magazines, and more. Whether you're sharing photos of your own German Shepherd puppy or you need images for a commercial project, our collection is a great resource. Tips for Choosing the Right Image Choosing the right image can make all the difference when it comes to creating a compelling design or message. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect image: Consider the mood you want to convey Think about the context in which the image will be used Look for images with high resolution and clarity Take into account the color scheme of your project and select images that complement it Choose images that have a clear focal point and aren't cluttered Why Choose Our Images? Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images offers a unique combination of quality, variety, and affordability. We pride ourselves in providing images that are visually stunning while still being accessible to a wide range of individuals and businesses. Plus, we offer flexible licensing options, including Royalty-free and Extended licenses, to fit your specific needs. With our images, you can create compelling projects that capture the essence of this beloved breed, no matter what your design or marketing goals may be. So why wait? Browse our collection today to discover the perfect German Shepherd puppy image for your next project! Black and Tan This is the color most of us think of when we picture a German Shepherd dog. With a rich tan undercarriage and a black face and back, this color of GSD has been around since the very first was officially registered back in Germany at the end of the 19th century. Although Horand von Grafrath was a little darker than the modern black and tan GSD, the ancestry is evident. With their luxurious white coats, these pale dogs look more like Golden Retrievers with erect ears. Despite their popularity, like the white German Shepherd, the blue has been a cause of controversion in the Shepherd world because recessive dilution gene comes with inbreeding practices and health issues. Blue German Shepherds may appear gray or even silver and are sometimes mistaken for a Blue Belgian Malinois. Isabella This unusual coat color variation is another washout as far the AKC is concerned, which is a shame given how striking it is. It originates from genetically combining liver and blue dilution genes. Like the liver and blue German Shepherd dogs, Isabella GSDs often have unusual eye coloring and different colored noses. Liver German Shepherds will usually have a brown nose. Blue German Shepherds have a blue nose. There is no evidence that the Isabella coloration makes the dog more susceptible to health issues. However, Isabella is a recessive trait. Selecting for recessive traits always limits the gene pool and makes dogs more susceptible to genetic conditions. Grey Not to be confused with the silver, black, or blue German Shepherds, the gray variety look more wolf-like with their dark coats. Some breeders specialize in producing dogs of this unusual color. Silver Similar to the gray German Shepherd, silver is nevertheless recognized as a distinct color. Often grouped together, however, the gray and silver colors are produced by the same genes. Finding a breeder that specializes in silver German Shepherds is a lot easier than finding one that focuses on the grey, so this might be your best bet if you want a more exotic-looking companion. Silver is an uncommon color for GSDs, possibly because it is a recessive gene. Similar to the dilution gene, this gene influences black pigment. While you also get silver sable German Shepherds, the patterned coats mean they are categorized as sable rather than silver. However, silver German Shepherds are often seen in military work or the police force. The red color is the result of the color gene pheomelanin. It can have any shade of red, ranging from strawberry blonde to a deep mahogany red. Alongside black and tan, the black and red combination is preferred over others by German Shepherd breeders. As black and red are both produced by dominant genes, this color combination is easier to breed for, and many breeders focus on producing purebred dogs with deep red coloring. Sable A classic color for the German Shepherd, a sable comes in a variety of colors but each hair sports a black tip. Sable GSDs can be black, gray, red, silver, or tan and are also known as agouti. Agouti is a type of coloring also present in other dogs, like the Agouti Husky. In this coloring each hair has several bands of brown and black, leading to a typical wolf-like coloration. Some founding members of the German Shepherd breed believed this should be the only color present in German Shepherds. Black sables are born as all-black pups and tri-colored sables are born as black and tan puppies. As the puppy ages, their coloring changes. Some GSDs may take as long as three years to develop their final sable coloration. As every sable GSD is different, with the color and pattern both varying, it makes for an eye-catching and unique dog. Sable is a dominant color that is easy to breed for. If you breed a Sable German Shepherd to any other color, you will likely get sable puppies. Black and Silver Much like the black and tan GSD, a black and silver German Shepherd usually has a silver saddle across its back, although the pattern and hue both vary from dog to dog. Like the silver GSD, the black and silver coloration occurs only when the recessive intensity suppression gene is present. This color is not common in the AKC show ring and can mostly be found in working dog lines. Because these dogs are not visible in the dark, it is highly advisable to only walk them on a light-up dog collar in the evenings and at night. Bicolor Bicolor German Shepherds appear almost completely black and, to fit the breed standard, must have black heads, back, legs and tail. Even if their paws are brown, the heels need to be black by the color standard definition. However, the AKC accepts bicolor as a recessive color in the breed. Though technically allowed in the show ring, these dogs are mostly found in working lines. Black and Cream The last official color on our list, the black and cream GSD remains true to its origins as a lighter version of the common red and tan coloring. There is some controversy surrounding the black and cream variation. Most AKC breeders do not want them to participate in the show ring. They strive to breed darker dogs that do not show the light cream coloring. The color does little to change their character, however, and black and cream GSDs excel obedience, nosework, rally and agility and are as loyal and brave as their black and tan cousins. Her DNA proved them wrong, although the Panda coloration remains unrecognized by some kennel clubs and breeders. The Panda GDS is created by a rare genetic mutation. The genes responsible for an all-white body and the patchy white are two different ones. This does not stop them from being popular however! There is a large demand for Panda-colored German Shepherds. Unfortunately, this inflates the price and leads breeders to focus on the color mutation rather than genetic health, so be sure to only source a puppy from a reputable breeder. Albino An albino German Shepherd is incredibly rare. An albino of any species or breed lacks any pigmentation, including of the skin, hair, and eyes as well as the blood vessels, resulting in a pinkish tinge. You can distinguish an albino German Shepherd from a white one by checking his eyes and nose. A White GDS will have some pigmentation resulting in brown eyes, whereas albinos always have red or pink eyes. An Albino GSD, should one exist, may experience other health problems associated with the condition. They may, for example, be photosensitive, requiring protection from direct sunlight. What is the Rarest Color of the German Shepherd? The rarest color of German Shepherd is the isabella due to the recessive combination of liver and blue. You will have to search for a long time to get such a puppy — and his price will likely be high as well! What is the Best Color for a German Shepherd? The best color for a German Shepherd in the show ring is black and tan, followed by sable. If you are not planning on showing your dog through the AKC, you can pick any color you like. This is not based on any actual working abilities though and more of a myth that has been passed on through generations. What is the Original Color of a German Shepherd? As German Shepherd dogs were bred as working dogs, the original breeders focused on temperature rather than appearance. The original color of working German Shepherds was sable. The most traditional color in the show ring is black and tan. While you should pick the coloring you like the most, make sure to not just choose your dog based on his looks. German Shepherds are prone to developing back and hip issues. Before buying a puppy for his color, make sure that his breeder selects for health first and color second! Otherwise you might end up with a puppy with great color but poor health … which is never a good thing. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

By Henry Steinman Posted on July 22, July 22, Dog lovers are living in a time when we have a huge array of choices in hybrid and designer breed choices. Some dogs are bred to tailor to the preferences of owners who are looking for specifics in size, build, temperament, and healthy bloodlines with few genetic health conditions. One of the most interesting hybrid dog breeds is the English Boston-Bulldog. This is a stout little pooch that makes an excellent companion. This dog is a cross between a Boston Terrier and an English Bulldog. The dogs first originated from breeders in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Terrier was chosen as a parent because of its gentle nature. The English Bulldog has a previous history of engaging in vicious dogfights, but the temperament of this dog has mellowed through the years. This breed loves to play games The English Boston-Bulldog is playful. He loves to join in with the family and play a game of fetch. He loves to engage in family activities and be a part of whatever is going on. He is social and craves human attention. This dog is the best suite for families that have the time and inclination to give their pets lots of attention. During hot summer months, these dogs need to be able to get into the shade and have access to cooler places to rest. Overexposure to heat extremes can easily result in a heat stroke. Feed your pup a healthy balanced diet that is intended for dogs with sensitive stomachs. You will be glad you did. Feeding them scraps that are loaded with carbohydrates can lead to fermentation in their intestines which leads to a bad gas problem. On average he reaches a height of between 15 to 18 inches and a weight between 15 to 55 pounds. This makes the breed a good choice for smaller homes or apartment living. This dog is good for versatile households English Boston-Bulldogs are versatile pets. These dogs work well for singles and couples as companion dogs because of their loyalty and loving personalities. They are also good for families with kids. They love to play and enjoy the attention that they get from the kids. This hybrid breed is people-oriented and tends to be patient and happy dogs. English Boston-Bulldogs are intelligent When you bring an English Boston-Bulldog into your home you might be surprised by how well your dog can read your emotions. These pups have a knack for sensing the moods and emotions of their owners. This makes them amazing pets for emotional support. Their loyalty makes them a friend when you need one the most, and the rest of the time too. They are smart dogs that learn quickly. Because this dog is so loyal and people-oriented, he will do his very best to please you. Be forgiving when he makes a mistake and try to remember that he is still learning the things you already know. He needs you to gently guide him about the rules of the house and proper social behaviors, just as you would a small child. They change quickly If you bring a young English Boston-Bulldog into your home he will be energetic and want to play all the time. This is a characteristic of the breed. You can also read:. If you are looking into investing in either one of the breeds, try checking out your local shelters to see if you can adopt one. They are generally much cheaper, and it is always a bonus to give a pup home. The blend of the Boston Terrier with the English Bulldog is not as popular and harder to find in a shelter. Make sure when you are purchasing a Boston Bulldog from a breeder that you check out the health of the parent pups. Ask to see veterinary reports and evidence of health checks. No reputable breeder will refuse this, especially. Any English Bulldog mix is going to be gassy. The anatomy of the English Bulldog is to blame for this, unfortunately, although their diet can play a role as well. Bulldogs fart excessively because they tend to have highly sensitive stomachs. Their digestive system does not digest food well and causes consistently upset stomachs. Instead of having a longer muzzle, they have flatter faces that make it difficult for them to eat at a consistent pace. They tend to eat quickly and improperly, taking in far too much air at the same time as their food. Diet factors into their farty behavior as well. All the muscle hides a sensitive soul. They are a pup of averages between the two parent breeds in their build, energy levels, and health. Even though they are agile, they still have a more muscular build than other dogs that share a similar height. Even with the muscles, English Boston-Bulldogs have sensitive souls. The tender-hearted dogs are alert to the emotions running in the air around them and should be treated with patience. Being left alone for extended amounts of time leads to sadness and sometimes even depression. Although these dogs can have a stubborn streak, remember their sensitivity during training. You will get the best response out of them with a firm hand coupled with patience and kindness. Even with a mutually bloody past, the blend of these two dogs makes for a mellow companion. Both the English Bulldog and the Boston Terrier have rather gruesome histories. Unlike breeds like the Pit Bull or Rottweiler, however, they have lost most of the aggressive reputation that typically comes with a bloody past. Most of this is because of their sweet dispositions. The Boston Terrier is one of the few breeds developed in America. They came from breeds that were pit fighter dogs originating in Boston, Massachusetts. These dogs were made to be small but fierce. In the late s, the wealthy began to have some of these dogs interbred to create the Boston Terrier, although the Terrier part is not through any relation to the family. The English Bulldog initially comes from the Mastiff family, having specific relations to the Asiatic Mastiff. This Mastiff was much bigger than dogs in the Mastiff family today. English Bulldogs were bred from these dogs to be smaller yet still muscular. Since then, however, both of the breeds have become beloved companion dogs with mellow, happy personalities. They take everything in stride, and as long as they are with their beloved owners, they are happy to be taken around or live in a wide variety of different living situations. However, as they start to age, they quickly begin to mellow out and calm down. They always retain their curious nature and goofy personality, though. This makes them an excellent, lower-maintenance dog breed. Some people say that Boston-Bulldogs make good watchdogs because of their alertness. However, they will need a good deal of training because they are friendly and enjoy being around people, strangers or no. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are patient and sweet, making them excellent dogs for families with kids. They have a heavier build that makes it harder for them to be inappropriately handled by kids, keeping them a safer dog for kids. However, most people will be pleased to know that Boston-Bulldogs typically get along well with other animals. Get them used to other animals, and brush up on their social skills by having them around new people and taking them out to dog parks. Those who share this version of the story consider the Olde Boston Bulldogge as the original Boston Bulldog, a dog resulting from the cross between Bulldogs and Terriers in the s and bred for pest control, guarding, but also for companionship. The most accepted version of the facts considers the Boston Bulldog as a crossbreed, a hybrid dog that is half Boston Terrier, half English Bulldog. While the origin of this crossbreed is unknown, it probably originated in the Boston area, in Massachusetts USA in the early s for fighting and hunting purposes. The English Bulldog Hailing from the United Kingdom, English Bulldogs were originally bred as fighting dogs for bullbaiting and bull-holding. When these cruel activities were banned in the early 19th century, the breed was developed to create a more affectionate and non-aggressive dog that turned into a popular pet and mascot among the British. The breed has been recognised in the end of the 19th century by the American Kennel Club and the first dogs being mixed were from Boston, thus the breed designation. Once bred to be pit fighter dogs, Boston Terriers are now considered friendly and gentle pets. They make great therapy dogs and excel in sports, such as agility and obedience. Boston Bulldogs have short, fine, and soft hair that comes in a variety of colors, including brown, black, white, red, fawn, and tuxedo a color pattern occurring when dogs are one color, with a white patch on the chest, chin, and feet. Being a small to medium-sized dog, the Boston Bulldog weighs between 9 and 16 kg lbs and are 38 to 46 cm inches tall. Females are smaller and lighter than the males. Boston Bulldogs are really nice to be around, being affectionate, calm, and lovable dogs, quite intelligent and adaptable too. They are very good with children, having a stable character and playful attitude, without the yappy tendencies of their smaller Terrier relatives. As puppies, they are quite energetic, demanding a lot of attention, but their liveliness tends to decrease with age. They are devoted to their owners and while active, they easily adapt to different lifestyles. Boston Bulldogs are loyal dogs, with a curious and interesting personality, that combine the best of their parent breeds in terms of temperament. They also make good watchdogs, as they are alert to their environment. Always happy, the Boston Bulldog comes as a great choice as a pet, one to be included in all family activities. Trainability People-oriented, loyal, and intelligent, Boston Bulldogs gather all the traits that make a dog easy to train. In fact, they learn very quickly, obeying cues easily and responding well to training. They can be somewhat sensitive, so the best training method includes a kind, but firm and consistent approach. Sticking to rules is important, as these dogs like to know what is expected of them, as to comply and get the desired praise and attention they crave. Likewise, socialisation is important. Because his ancestors were bred to be fighting dogs, the Boston Bulldog needs to be exposed to positive interactions with other animals from an early age in order to end up as the best version of himself — a sociable and friendly dog towards others. Health Boston Bulldogs are generally healthy with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Unlike his Bulldog relatives, the Boston Bulldog does not suffer from breathing issues and enjoy better health than both his parent breeds. Due to a sensitive skin and the presence of skin folds which may recreate a favourable habitat for bacterial proliferation , they may develop skin problems, including infections. This crossbreed is also sensitive to extreme weather conditions, being susceptible to suffer from heatstroke in hot climates. They are also prone to flatulence, which, while not a major health concern, may come as a nuisance. The major health concerns linked to this crossbreed are: Eye Issues Cataracts, which cloud the lens of the eye, causing impaired vision, and glaucoma, an eye condition caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye and optic nerve damage, are among the most common. Heart Problems Congestive heart failure due to mitral valve insufficiency translates into the inability of the heart to pump blood adequately and is a health issue that may be inherited from the Boston Terrier parent. Exercise and Activity Levels Boston Bulldogs are quite adaptable and do not need a lot of exercise, nor do they have high activity levels. Of course, being playful dogs, Boston Bulldogs will be the happiest in homes where their owners actively interact and play with them, regardless of the type of game or activity. As long as their owners engage with them, they will be content. Just remember that as puppies, Boston Bulldogs require a lot more attention and exercise to burn off all their energy. As they grow old, however, they will gladly curl up on the couch and ditch the exercise, being mostly inactive indoors. They do well in different settings — apartment or house, urban or rural — given they are protected from extreme weather conditions. Grooming Boston Bulldogs tend to shed quite a bit, so weekly brushing is recommended. Regardless, they are very low-maintenance and their coat is easy to groom. Because they have skin folds on their faces and body that are prone to develop irritation if not aired and kept dry, it is important to ensure these folds are clean, free from dirt or dead skin cells, and dry at all times. The same applies to their ears, which are also folded and may accumulate debris, creating a hot and humid environment that may lead to ear infections. Keeping their ears clean and dry, checking them regularly, is therefore a must. Frequent baths are not recommended. Boston Bulldogs should only take a bath when really necessary and using a hypoallergenic shampoo, as they have a sensitive skin. When in need of cleaning, using a soft damp cloth or towel is a good option, which can also be used for cleaning the folds and ears, making sure they are left dry afterwards. Boston Bulldogs will generally be happy to be groomed, especially when they have a consistent routine. Teeth brushing and nail clipping should also be part of their cleaning habits. User reviews There are no user reviews for this listing. Popular Dog Breeds. This designer breed loves their family, is devoted to them, and strives to be a committed, involved member of the family. Although the English Boston-Bulldog is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable dog organizations. English Boston-Bulldogs tend to make great family dogs. They bond closely with their families, are affectionate, and love nothing more than being with them. They also tend to have a playful, comedic personality paired with a calm, gentle nature. These dogs tend to get along fantastically with children. As long as they are properly socialized, they also get along well with other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. They can be prone to barking if boundaries for this behavior are not established early on or if they are inadvertently trained into it. The English Boston-Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They adapt well to just about any home including apartments. But, as a brachycephalic dog breed, they are highly sensitive to heat and cold. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time because they bond so closely with their families. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? Just as a mixed-breed dog could inherit nothing from their parent breeds, they could also inherit any combination of the potential health conditions common to their parents or even all of them. In the case of the English Boston-Bulldog, potential health concerns to be aware of include cherry eye, skin infections, glaucoma, cataracts, and heart problems. Because they are a snub-nosed dog breed, they are at a higher risk for heat stroke in higher temperatures. So, you need to be careful in the heat and also use safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs to keep them from overheating. Reputable breeders will be screening their dogs to avoid passing congenital issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking them about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask to see results or clearances from any tests that have been done. This dog breed tends to be highly trainable and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They are intelligent and pick up on things quickly. Plus, they are eager to please. They can be stubborn at times, especially if they are bored with repetition. Although this can be a challenge for first-time dog owners, they can usually navigate it well as long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward. These dogs are sensitive and will strive to perform to your expectations as long as those expectations are clearly and consistently communicated. On top of that, they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. An English Boston-Bulldog has a short coat that sheds a little year-round. Because debris can get in their large eyes and trapped in their wrinkles, you need to regularly check these areas and clean as needed to help prevent irritation and other issues. Weekly ear checks can go a long way in helping to prevent ear infections. Ears should be dry, clean, and free of debris, redness, or other concerning things. A good dental care routine is also essential. English Boston-Bulldogs will be full of energy as puppies and will mellow out a little as they age. They will be in a more moderate activity range when they are young with bursts of energy while playing. As they age, they tend to settle into a lower activity range. Daily walks plus plenty of playtime are usually enough for these dogs. English Boston-Bulldogs usually stand inches tall and weighs pounds. English Boston-Bulldog generally lives for years. Featured English Boston-Bulldog Article.

From a very young age we train our puppies in a few things that aid them in being successful adults as family members, companions, service dogs, agility dogs. The Coltriever is a mid sized dog, they weigh between pounds and are built similar to a Golden Retriever. Available Puppies Our next litter will be in September ready for their new home in early November. Usually we have… Early Learning Each of my litters is born inside my home, rather than a kennel setting. This allows them to hear the sounds and smell the scents associated with a household from the very start. They are continually exposed to the everyday sights and sounds of a family home. This includes potentially scary sounds such as vacuum… About Our Puppies I have been raising Coltrievers in Lacey, Washington since .They are a designer dog, which is a mix of Golden Retriever and Border Collie breeds. They are a mid- sized dog, weighing between 40 and 80 pounds. The conformation of a Coltriever is similar to a Golden Retriever. Addie Belle is a huge part of the heart and soul of our home. We love her SO much. And, yes we could be tempted by a sibling some day. Thank you for giving me my Sprinkle. I fell in love with her, Queenie. I had to know what she was, where she was from, and how I could get one. I was told she was a Crooked Rooster Coltriever. Then, I remembered Crooked Rooster! I looked it up, contacted Holly and heard back within a couple hours. We talked on the phone for over an hour and a half. I fell in love with what Coltriever stood for and where they came from instantly. We set up a time to come tour the farm, and meet the puppies. We were placed in a pen with all the little all black Coltriever angels, and immediately saw Baloo. We knew he was the one. Baloo was the most perfect little squishy guy I had ever met. We chose him and have never looked back. He has changed our life for the better and has been the most amazing buddy we could have asked for. He loves other dogs so much, and so we contacted Holly to see if she had any litters available. She did! We went to meet them, and fell in love instantly with Tibbs, just like Baloo. Holly talked us through our meet and greet with the boys and what we should look for in how they interact. Holly is always very knowledgeable about her puppies and it makes you feel very safe about making this big of a life decision. I am now obsessed with our two Coltrievers, and am excited to have them apart of our life forever! Since they are known to shed frequently, they can cause allergies and other irritations. The basic grooming processes needed are: Brushing their furs weekly with a solid bristle brush to prevent them from shedding their coats too much; Cleaning their ears weekly to prevent ear infections; Bathing of one to two times a month; and Having their nails trimmed once they get too long. For first time owners who do not have experience with grooming dogs, this can be difficult because this breed requires high-maintenance grooming. You should see a veterinarian first to ask the grooming practices necessary for your dog. You need to follow the practices always. Excessive shedding is possible, so bath should be given at most twice a month. Their skins can also dry out if bathing is done irregularly. When bathing your dog, use a shampoo specialized for their furs to keep the quality. This mix is also prone to ear infections. Prevention is better than cure, so every week cleaning of the ear should be done. Their ears are one of the essential parts of their body. They cannot carry out their daily activities if their ears are in bad condition. Also, you must also trim their nails if they got too long to avoid future injuries from scratches. There are times that they even scratch their skins, so you must always monitor their nails. Golden Border Retriever Health Problems If the parents of the mixes have disorders, the chances are high that the offspring can inherit the disorder. However, there are cases in which the puppies are healthy even if one of the parents is diagnosed with a disease. It is better to check the pedigree of the crossbreed to verify if it is free from a severe illness. In biology, there is an incident known as hybrid vigor; it means that the offspring is better than its parents in several aspects such as physical characteristics and health. When you adopt a Golden Retriever Border Collie crossbreed, these are the following disorders that can attack your puppy: Skin Allergies Heart Diseases Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Because this breed shed too much, they are vulnerable to skin allergies. Once grooming is not taken care of, allergies can follow. Aside from the allergies that the shedding will bring you, your dog can also be affected by excessive removals of coats. Even though they are medium-sized dogs, bloating is also common to them. When the food matrix is not followed correctly, obesity can happen; it is a prerequisite to severe disorders. The excess weight of your dog can result in heart problems. As mentioned, this breed is highly intelligent, one of the mental diseases that this breed can develop is the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD which can be similar to humans. It will be a nuisance not just for your dog, but to you also. If they have their check-ups regularly, most of these mixes live up to 15 years. Make sure to prioritize their health. Border Collie Mixed with Golden Retriever Food Requirements Researches have proven that the amount of food intake in an individual dog is varying. The nutritional requirement of each dog is dependent on factors like weight, height, and the activities done by your dog. In the case of Border Collie mixed with Golden Retriever puppies, there is also no suggested food servings. For this breed, table foods or the foods consumed by humans cannot be fed to them. They are sensitive regarding the food they are eating. The dog food that you must give to the puppies should contain the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals for their growth. Puppies can be fed thrice in a day. As they grow, their needs for food is decreasing. To prevent obesity in dogs, a meal given twice in a day is recommended. Make a schedule on when to feed them so that they will be used to it; make sure to follow it regularly. In feeding your dogs, make sure to check the suggested amount of servings in the pack of the dog food that you bought. Monitoring the feeding habit of your dogs is essential. Their optimum performance will be achieved if they are given the right amount of food. There are also diets designed for highly skilled dogs. You should consult a veterinarian if you are planning a diet for your dog. Make sure to match their food matrix with their activities. If you want to give your pooch a happy and healthy life, start with nutrition. Avoid food that could be harmful to their health, such as the worst dry dog food. In case you brought a puppy to your home and the little munchkin is just getting used to regular food, take a look at the list of the best puppy food brands. Older dogs should also eat healthy food which is suggested in the best senior dry dog list. Your puppies come from two different parents, which makes them more likely to grow to love dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. They require long hours of exercise. An average of 90 minutes a day is recommended. The hours needed for their exercise is comparably longer to the number of minutes required by some breeds. The reason for this is their highly active lifestyle. Without exercise, the level of their energy can be difficult to match. Even if you are not supervising them, they can exercise on their own. Allocate a place in your home where they can play around. They will eventually stop exercising once they get tired because these dogs know their limits. If you have a backyard at your home, it is the perfect spot for your dog to exercise. Let it run around your yard. With that simple activity, risks of developing serious heart conditions can be reduced. Besides, extra calories can also be burned; therefore, they can be less prone to obesity. As discussed, Golden Collie can make a great exercise companion. You can have them join you in your exercise routines such as: Jogging. This means they are not considered a purebred dog or a designer dog breed. Border Collies are athletic, loyal dogs with a high energy level. They love to move and work with their families. You can also meet the mother dog in-person for an idea about what to expect regarding general size and temperament. On the Border Collie side, you have a highly intelligent, affectionate, and loyal dog that loves to be active and loves to work. Border Collies get along well with other dogs and children, but can be reserved or slightly suspicious towards strangers. Otherwise, they will find their own entertainment, which might result in them herding your children or a flock of sheep into your kitchen. The Border Collie Mix could take all of its characteristics from the Border Collie, from the other parent dog breed in the mix, or be any combination of characteristics from both. Before bringing a Border Collie Mix home, make sure you take some time to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed of the litter. This will give you a good idea of what possibilities to prepare for in your Border Collie Mix puppy. The Border Collie is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They may be a high-energy dog breed that prefers wide open spaces, but they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get plenty of mental stimulation and exercise. A well-exercised, mentally engaged Border Collie is also okay with being alone. In terms of climate, this dog breed does best in a moderate climate as they do not do well in hot or cold climates. With a Border Collie Mix, you could end up with a dog that is moderately adaptable like the Border Collie. Or, you could end up with a dog more similar to the other parent breed. This could result in a more adaptable or less adaptable dog depending on the cross. Having a conversation with the breeder about the other parent breed can clear up some of the confusion and give you a better idea of what to expect. Border Collies are generally healthy, but can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. You can also ask about the genetic history of the parents and check out health screenings and health clearances to rule out some conditions. On the Border Collie side, you have a dog that is highly intelligent and eager to learn. They are generally difficult for the average person to train, so you will want to enroll in obedience and training classes with your Border Collie Mix puppy regardless of the other parent breed. Even if the dog breed in the cross is highly trainable for novice dog owners, there is the possibility the puppy will pick up Border Collie characteristics and be more difficult to train. A well-trained and properly socialized puppy is more likely to grow into a well-rounded dog, so make sure you start training and socialization early. Border Collies have a weather-resistant double coat that requires weekly brushing. They also have heavier shedding sessions as the seasons change and need to be brushed more frequently during this time. Depending on the other parent breed in your Border Collie Mix, their coat could require more or less grooming. Finding out about the other parent breed from the breeder will give you an idea of what you could expect when it comes to coat. Regardless of the coat, all dogs need to have their nails trimmed, teeth brushed, and ears checked regularly. For most dogs, trimming nails once a month is sufficient. When it comes to dental care for your dog , brushing their teeth daily is recommended. This will help prevent the tartar and plaque buildup that leads to dental disease. If your Border Collie Mix has ears that drop down, they are more prone to moisture and developing an infection. Regularly checking them and cleaning as needed helps reduce the risk of ear infections in your dog. Border Collies have a lot of energy and never seem to get tired. They love to be moving and working. Plus, they were originally bred to run several miles a day and they still have the energy to do so. It is important that you are prepared to handle a high energy working dog when you choose a Border Collie Mix puppy. If the other parent breed is a couch potato, your puppy could end up having a lower energy level. A Border Collie tends to weigh between 30 and 50 pounds and usually stands 18 to 22 inches tall. The other parent breed could cause this to vary. So, be sure to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in your Border Collie Mix. Also, make sure you stop by to meet the mother dog. There are always exceptions, but the size of the mother will at least give you something to work with. A Border Collie typically lives 12 to 15 years. You could expect a similar range in your Border Collie Mix with the understanding that the other parent breed could affect the range one way or the other. Featured Border Collie Mix Article. You are welcome to join our waiting list. We were blessed with 8 little ones — wonderfully healthy and happy. Their days are full of eating and sleeping and eating and sleeping and did I say eating… Mama Betty is eating up a storm too — which is easily expected when you are feeding 8 babies. The puppies will be ready for their forever homes the last week of June, .To contact us about purchasing a puppy from our Spring litter, or more information about our Fall just in time for Christmas litter, please fill out the form under the Your Information tab or contact us at CapitalColtrievers. We will respond to you the next business day. Please note Washington residents will be charged sales tax according to their county. We are committed to your success as a pet owner. If you purchase a puppy from Capital Coltrievers, you will receive regular facetime or zoom calls so you can participate first-hand as the puppies grow. Also, we do have a weekly newsletter that we send out with helpful insights and useful information. You can view a short video clip of our litter everyday on Instagram CapitalColtrievers. We ensure the health of our puppies by providing health checks with our Veterinarian and our dame Betty, throughout her pregnancy. The puppies will receive deworming at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. Your puppy will have a complete physical by our Veterinarian and receive their first shots at 8 weeks. Your puppy will practice walking on a lead, experience crate training at feeding times, enjoy problem-solving training, toys and games, and agility training through outdoor activities. At the time you receive your new puppy, you will also receive a Goodie Bag with food, toys, literature from Puppy Culture and other helpful information. If you live outside Washington State, delivery services are available. They are a very healthy, smart dog that is active, engaging and well socialized.

Current Litter Why us? Doodles for Colorado has been raising quality Goldendoodles in Boulder County since .Our puppies are socialized in a family setting with plenty of love and attention, raised with children and also cats and bunnies. We breed for temperament and quality of genetics. All of our dogs are OFA certified for hips, eyes and heart. Our 3 children love to socialize the puppies as much as they can during those first 8 weeks of life. This is so important in shaping a confident and calm puppy. Since we are a small scale operation, only 2 litters per year, each puppy gets lots of loving! Our goal is to produce a healthy dog with a great temperament and we have been very successful in meeting that goal. Our puppies are raised as part of our family with alot of love and attention and are nurtured in a safe environment. They grow up with plenty of sunshine and lots and lots of visitors. They also learn over the last few weeks how to use a dog door and get very competent at using it. We also crate train the puppies for 1 week prior to going to their new homes. This makes the transition to their new homes much easier. We also try to expose them to animals, sounds, smells, different surfaces to walk on and people of all sizes. We are very selective in our dogs that we use for breeding. We strive to produce puppies that are physically and genetically excellent as well as mellow and sweet in their personalities. We back up our breeding practices with a 2 year health guarantee and a puppy purchase agreement to protect you as a buyer and ensure the health of our puppies. Goldendoodles make great service dogs!! Are you considering being a part of our guardian home opportunity? See Guardian tab on boulderpuppies. We breed F1 and F1B crosses of Goldendoodle puppies. I began by taking little Raffles to our local dog-friendly coffee shop, where he could sit on my lap on his blanket with one of his toys while I had a coffee. Of course, the cute puppy attracted plenty of attention, and lots of people stopped to pet him. The next stop was our local squash club bar. There was plenty going on there, with a pool competition in full swing, several vaccinated dogs, and some little kids, too. At first, my puppy was quite shy, hiding his head in my arms and sleeping through most of the excitement. But by his second week with me, Raffles was loving the attention. By the time the little guy could go down on the ground and meet other dogs, he was a confident, friendly puppy who loved to meet and greet people, including children. At first, when we met another dog at the park, my puppy hid behind me or tried to climb up my legs, crying so that I would pick him up. But once a few pups had been encountered, the crying stopped, and all Raffles wanted to do was play with every dog he met! So, Mr. Confident started barking back! I firmly believe that most dogs are made the way they are through the experiences they have had in their formative years. In Conclusion Did you enjoy our list of the 7 best Goldendoodle breeders in Colorado? If you did, please share! To ensure that you buy a healthy, well-socialized puppy, always buy from a reputable breeder, such as those included in our list. Tell us in the comments box below. Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment. Goldendoodle via imgoldenyoona How To Find A Reputable Goldendoodle Breeder Selecting a breeder is a major decision that everyone who wants to bring a Goldendoodle into their home has to face. You want to choose one carefully as their breeding practices will have an impact on the temperament and health of your Goldendoodle puppy. Start by looking at online sources such as Google reviews, online forums, discussion groups and social media platforms to see what other people are saying about the breeder. Did they have a good experience buying from them? To take your research a bit further, you can ask Goldendoodle organizations and clubs based in your area about their opinion of the breeder you are considering to purchase from. Many Goldendoodle clubs also have their own lists of responsible breeders so they can give you additional recommendations for good Goldendoodle breeders. You may also consider visiting some dog shows and events as they are a good opportunity to meet breeders in person and see their Goldendoodles. You can also ask other dog owners that are showing their Goldendoodles for breeder recommendations. Finally, ask potential breeders for references and consider contacting these people to ask about their experience with the breeder. Reputable breeders always prioritize the well-being of their dogs and strive for positive reviews. You should inquire about temperament and health of the Goldendoodle these people purchased. Use this information to make an informed decision. All reputable Goldendoodle breeders conduct them on their breeding dogs — whether they are breeding from purebred Golden Retrievers for F1 Goldendoodles and Poodles or from Goldendoodles for later generations like F2 Goldendoodles. A stipulates the health testing requirements for Goldendoodles and if the breeder is registered with G. A, you know that the breeding dogs have undergone full health testing. A heart clearance O. Ask to see documentation of these clearances before purchasing from a Goldendoodle breeder. All responsible breeders should be willing to provide any health documentation. They should also be happy to answer any questions you have about their breeding program. However, if you have the opportunity to check out the facilities you should do it. Check that the kennels are clean, that they dogs and puppies have access to fresh water and also that there is not a build up of feces or urine. Comfortable living conditions: The breeder should keep their Goldendoodles, Golden Retrievers and Poodles in comfortable living conditions. They should have large, comfortable kennels or dog beds and also have a decent amount of space to exercise and socialize with other dogs. Healthy breeding dogs and puppies: If you get the opportunity to meet the parents of the Goldendoodle litter you are interested in, make sure they are well-tempered and also healthy. Sometimes the mother will be quite protective of her puppies so she may show signs of aggression. If you are purchasing a puppy online and getting it delivered, ask if the breeder would be happy to video call you or send videos of their Goldendoodle puppies and breeding dogs to you. Ask About Socialization Goldendoodle breeders should begin the socialization process before their puppies are sold. The puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of sounds, experiences, people and places so they can adjust to their new homes and adult life. Nevertheless, they should start exposing them to sounds like household appliances, provide mental stimulation with toys and games and also encourage playtime and interactions with their littermates and family. The most common ones are: Lack of registration: If a Goldendoodle breeder cannot provide registration papers or other relevant documentation, it may be a sign that they are not operating a reputable breeding program. Overbreeding: Think twice about purchasing from a Goldendoodle breeder who always has puppies available or offers an excessive amount of dog breeds. This may suggest that the breeder is overly focused on profit instead of the health and wellbeing of their puppies. Lack of health checks: A reputable Goldendoodle breeder will conduct health clearances on their breeding dogs to ensure they are free of genetic health issues that could be passed on. If a breeder cannot provide documentation of these health checks, it may be a sign that they are not prioritizing health. Further Reading.

Share 0 Shares Getting a Labrador Retriever would be a great idea for any family. These furry, fun-loving four-legged beauties are a perfect mix of active, caring, and loyal. Their gentle temperaments, winning smiles and overall natures make them the perfect dog for the family. The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed in the United States of America for quite some time. Being the most popular dog breed in almost all the 50 American states and the Bay State of Massachusetts is no exception. If you reside in Massachusetts, and you plan on getting a Labrador Retriever, do ensure you search for a breeder of the Labrador Retriever that is reputable. Reputable breeders are easy to spot. This article highlights some of the best Labrador Retriever dog breeders that reside in the Bay State of Massachusetts. They are reputable and truly care about the Labrador Retriever breed. They are breeders of some of the finest Labrador Retriever dogs of superb quality, health, and temperament. They reside in the beautiful and serene area of Acushnet in Massachusetts and have been longtime breeders of Labrador Retriever dogs since .Their goal as breeders is to produce the perfect Labrador Retriever pup for the perfect family. They strive to achieve this by carefully selecting each Labrador Retriever parent to be added to their winning Labrador Retriever program. All parent breeding dogs are properly tested for any genetic defects that could be easily transferable to the new litter. They all have their hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts certified and cleared by the OFA. They are raised in a family, loving environment where they are showered with much love and attention right from the time of their births till they eventually leave for their new homes. They are socialized at an early age as they are allowed to run and play with different people of different age groups. On cool days they are allowed to go out and get familiar with the various sounds, sights, and textures that surround them. They are well vaccinated and come with the following health guarantees; 1-year eye, month hip and elbows, and a 4-year PRA health guarantee. Excalibur Labradors Contact Details. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. The Lab is the icon of the family pet, a dependable breed that can bring a home together. Many people turn to the Lab as a potential dog breed, and the demand is always sky-high, so there are a lot of breeders selling puppies. Their breeding facility is on their acre home property, nestled in Raynham, Massachusetts. All dogs are checked for any genetic conditions and health problems. Pachecho Kennels take pride in their hard work and have developed an outstanding reputation as Labrador and Vizsla breeders. Starting with their first litter in , Willow Wind Labradors has years of experience in breeding Labs. They prioritize vetting for genetic health issues and puppy socialization, which are both crucial aspects in breeding healthy puppies. The puppies are all AKC Labrador Retrievers, but they mainly specialize in companion and family pets. Willow Wind Labs is a great breeder option for a family dog, especially families with multiple children. They specialize in ethical breeding practices, which put health and temperament first. The AKC-certified pups are raised in-house and spend a lot of time around people, so socialization happens almost immediately. Handy Hill Labs is another great option for people looking for a companion or family pet, but they can also be competition show dogs. Located in Ashby, Massachusetts, the owners fell in love with the breed and opened its doors as breeders in .Millstone Kennel. The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Dogs are great stress relievers for children. Imagine the effects on family life when the stress levels of parents go down. Children who have a dog feel more secure about home safety and going to sleep in the dark. One of the greatest stresses on children is night fears. To have this overcome, or lessened, is a great benefit to relieving stress. For children who are having any sort of difficulties at school, but especially thoughts and concerns over being liked or accepted, having a dog as a companion that loves you unconditionally is positive and brings with it a good feeling and alleviates symptoms of depression. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! They have consistently produced healthy, loyal, and beautiful Labrador puppies. Paddington Labrador Retrievers examine all retriever puppies through aptitude tests at exactly 49 days of age. All Retriever puppies are microchipped as well as AKC — registered. They strictly follow the best practices underlined by the American Kennel Club. Debonair Labradors raise their dogs in their homes while training them through a selection of indoor exercises and outdoor activities. Their labs also regularly participate in different dog shows and other dog-oriented events. Looking for Labrador puppies for sale Boston? Try Debonair Labradors! They attribute their decision to breed labradors to their first dog Roxxan. They only plan one litter per pair every year. They also take care to find the right pet parent for their retriever puppies. They are gentle giants who deserve every bit of the love and admiration they get. However, with the rapid increase in the number of breeders in Massachusetts, it often becomes hard to choose one over the other. We have listed some of the top Labrador breeders in Massachusetts to make your puppy buying experience smooth, hassle-free and memorable. Breeders labrador Labrador breeder.

Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Unfortunately, 3 of the babies have passed on. This baby shower auction is to raise money for Maple and her sweet babies medical needs. The auction includes various pug merchandise and other dog related items. If you don't want to bid on items but want to support Maple's puppies, there is an option to do that in the auction photo album. As many of you Vermonters are already painfully aware, the July flooding wreaked havoc in many areas. These unforeseen challenges have made it impossible for us to proceed with our planned event location in Ludlow, VT. This choice was made after careful consideration of the current state of the Camp Plymouth grounds and our desire to proceed in a manner that prioritizes the health and safety of our guests, volunteers, and alumni. But with every cloud comes a silver lining. So, pug-up and get ready for a double down pug-tastic day of silly contests, unique pug merchandise and fantastic food, all for an amazing cause. Save the date, mark it on your calendar, and get ready for an unforgettable day! We can't wait to see you there! We fully understand and extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported us throughout the years as well as in preparing for this event. To all our volunteers, alumni, and individuals who were looking forward to attending, thank you. We are truly grateful for your ongoing support. Please cancel any hotel reservations you made in preparation for your stay, and hopefully you will rebook to attend at this new location. There are plenty of pet friendly hotels in the area to choose from.

Since Golden Retriever puppies grow quickly it is necessary for them to get a lot of sleep so that they are able to direct their energy towards growing. With that being said, if your Golden Retriever puppy sleeps for more than 20 hours per day and it is lethargic when it is awake then it may be cause for concern and it would be important to take it to a vet. Other things that can cause a Golden Retriever puppy to sleep a lot Even though it is normal for a Golden Retriever puppy to sleep a lot, it could still be the case that there are other reasons for it sleeping a lot. Additionally, if it is more than 16 weeks old, it should be starting to sleep much less than it used to. If it is still sleeping for more than 14 hours per day then it could be that there is something else contributing to it. If it is also lethargic when awake, it would help to take it to a vet. Below, I will mention a number of possible reasons why your Golden Retriever puppy has been sleeping a lot and what would make them more likely. Hot weather The cause could be due to the weather becoming hotter. This would be more likely if it becomes more tired at midday when it is hot outside and if it can get hot indoors. In this case, it would help to make sure that it has access to lots of shade, water and a cool room. It would also help to avoid taking it out in the sun when it is directly overhead and it would help to exercise it when it is less hot in the morning or evening. Illness It might also be the case that an illness or medical condition has been causing it to sleep a lot. This would be more likely if it has started sleeping more suddenly, if it is fatigued when it is awake and if it has been showing other signs of being ill such as vomiting. If it does seem like illness could be the cause then it would be the best option to take it to a vet. Boredom It might be the case that it has been sleeping more than usual due to being bored. Golden Retrievers can be very active as puppies. If they do not have things to stimulate them in their environment then it can cause them to become bored. Golden Retriever adults require a lot of exercise. Generally, it is recommended for them to get an hour of exercise per day. However, the amount that you should be exercising your Golden Retriever puppy will be a lot less since their joints are not fully developed yet. Instead, you can give it exercise, while it is young, by training it to behave the way that you want it to when it is older. It is important to take the time to train it while it is young since it will be easier to change its habits and you will be able to avoid behavioral issues when it gets older. With that being said, you can still give it exercise and it is recommended to give it 5 minutes of exercise per month of age two times per day source. Diet Another possibility is that an issue with its diet has been causing it to become fatigued. This would be even more likely if it suddenly started sleeping more when you changed its diet. You can look at this website to see what you should and should not be feeding your Golden Retriever puppy. It would also help to talk to your vet about what you have been feeding it. Too much exercise If it has suddenly started sleeping a lot more, it might be the case that your Golden Retriever puppy has been getting a lot of exercise and it has been wearing it out. It is normal for Golden Retriever puppies to be highly active when they are awake and then to fall asleep shortly after being highly active. However, depending on its age, there is a recommended amount that you should be exercising it yourself. According to the Kennel Club , a good rule of thumb is to give your Golden Retriever puppy 5 minutes of exercise two times per day for every month of age. So, if it is 3 months old, it would be recommended to limit its exercise to 15 minutes twice daily. Consider if it suddenly started sleeping a lot more If it has suddenly started sleeping a lot more, it would help to consider what else happened when it first started doing it. If it did then it could be the case that an event-triggered it to start doing it. Possible things that might have happened could include: A change in its diet The weather becoming hotter It got an illness However, if it has started sleeping a lot suddenly, it would be recommended to take it to a vet for expert help. When to be concerned While it is normal for a Golden Retriever puppy to sleep a lot, there are some situations where you should be concerned and take it to a vet. Examples would include: If it started sleeping more suddenly without any apparent cause It is lethargic when awake It has been showing signs of illness What to do about your Golden Retriever puppy sleeping a lot Below are some options you have when dealing with your Golden Retriever puppy sleeping a lot. Take it to a vet If your Golden Retriever has started sleeping a lot suddenly, it has been showing signs of illness or it is concerning you then the best option would be to take it to a vet. By doing so you will be able to get expert advice and to rule out the possibility of illness or medical causes. Allow it to sleep as much as it needs to It might be tempting for you to try and get it to stay awake more. However, you should allow it to sleep as much as it wants to. When Golden Retriever are puppies, they are growing rapidly and most of the growth occurs when they are asleep. Make its sleeping environment comfortable It would also help to ensure that it is able to sleep easily. This means that you should ensure that its sleeping environment is reasonably cool, dry and not too bright especially at night. Ensure that its diet is right As mentioned above, it might be the case that there is a problem with its diet. It would also help to ask your vet if you have been feeding it correctly. Give it access to cool and shaded areas If the weather is hot outside then it would be important to give it lots of access to cool and shaded areas so that it can stay out of the sun. It would also help to exercise it when the sun is not directly overhead. Golden Retrievers, young or old, need a large amount of sleep. Puppies 8 to 10 weeks old or about 2 months old will sleep for 18 to 20 hours a day, so there is no need to be concerned when your puppy is playing ferociously and then promptly falls asleep. In order for your puppy to mature in a healthy time span, sleep is important because it releases vital growth hormones and energy for the body. When your puppy is 8 to 10 weeks old, not only should they be getting proper amounts of sleep, but they should be participating in canine social skills. You can sign up for a puppy kindergarten class, which helps build proper social skills such as bite inhibition and socialization in new environments. This also gives puppies a healthy way to release their bundle of energy so that they can sleep well. Playing with your puppy will also help them use their energy so they can sleep well. If your puppy is teething, keep an eye on how this process affects their sleeping habits. Teething can make a puppy more tired because of the discomfort, but it should not change the puppy's day other than some extra chewing , whining, drooling, and barking. In fact, it's more common for puppies to become more rambunctious while teething to cope with the pain, so they will sleep less rather than more. If your puppy is lethargic while teething, or sleeping more than 20 hours, this can show an underlying health issue that requires a visit to the vet. What are the 3 Stages of Sleep for Golden Retrievers? There are three stages of sleep for all dogs. Naps Naps happen when dogs are bored or have nothing to do during the day. Their minds are still awake and their muscles are not completely relaxed. This means they can wake up at any time. For puppies, naps happen because they are necessary. Sleep Sleep happens at night. A dog's muscles are completely relaxed and they do not wake up for long periods of time. This is when you see your puppy's eyes twitch, run in their sleep, or even bark. This is all completely normal and just means your dog is dreaming. Like babies, Golden Retriever puppies may have a hard time sleeping through the night, especially when they first move into your home and still need to get used to the new environment. By the time they are 16 weeks old or 4 months old , puppies are able to sleep through the night because they have settled into your home, established a routine, and they don't have to go to the bathroom multiple times every night. Dogs are similar to humans. Our brains love routines! Like when puppies know that it's time to eat, sleeping can be the same way. Young puppies may not sleep through the night because they are nervous about their new environment, are teething, or have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. There are many ways to establish a quality sleep routine for your puppy. Go Potty Before Bed Take your puppy to go to the bathroom right before they go to bed. That way, when they go outside to use the bathroom, they will know that it's time to wind down and go to sleep. This creates less stress for your little friend because they will be going somewhere that is familiar and is associated with sleep. Keep the Sleeping Area Dim and Quiet Reducing bright lights and loud noises will encourage your puppy to fall asleep faster. This will indicate that everyone in the home is sleeping and tell them that it's time for them to sleep as well. Go to the Restroom When Needed When your puppy needs to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, be gentle. If you react aggressively, your puppy will associate nighttime with stress. Reacting without a big emotion will help to build trust. Go Outside in the Morning Have your puppy wake up at the same time every day and let them run around outside! This will help your Golden Retriever get their energy out and associate waking up with something positive. Sleeping with your puppy can ease anxiety symptoms for both dogs and humans. However, because dogs and humans have different sleep cycles, this can affect the quality of sleep you both get. In many cultures, dogs and their owners have slept in the same space. In the United States, it is more frowned upon and assumed to be the cause of behavioral problems. Research shows that co-sleeping with your dog does not automatically cause behavioral problems. Any problems that come up are most likely due to previous issues. If you are concerned about dealing with behavioral issues while trying to sleep, place your puppy's bed close to yours. This way, you can still create a bond while still having your space. By the time Golden Retrievers are adolescents or 1 year old, their sleep time will decrease. Fully grown Golden Retrievers will sleep 12 to 14 hours a day. Senior Golden Retrievers may sleep 15 to 20 hours a day. Cindy J. Cindy is a prolific writer and online researcher who can't imagine life without dogs. There is scarcely a dog topic she has not researched or written about. Her love for dogs and helping dog parents is evident by the thousands of dogtemperament. Most of all, each topic Cindy writes on helps forge a stronger bond and understanding between her and her happy Catahoula Leopard Dog Jossie. They tend to sleep for long periods, making many people wonder if their Golden retriever puppy is healthy. So, how much sleep does a Golden Retriever puppy need? In general, Golden Retriever puppies need to sleep between 15 and 20 hours each day. A Golden puppy is a ball of energy when awake, and needs several hours of sleep after each play session. A young Golden retriever puppy is growing rapidly, and needs all that sleep to grow and build their muscles. Be sure to keep reading if you have a young Golden retriever pup at home! This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! How Much Sleep Your Golden Retriever Puppy Needs Adult Golden retrievers tend to spend more time asleep up to 12 hours a day than many other dog breeds because they are big dogs and expend a lot of energy. You can expect your Golden retriever puppy to sleep much more than that! It is not uncommon for a new Golden puppy to sleep between 18 and 20 hours each day. When your new puppy is awake, it is burning a lot of energy, as they are always on the move! They are also growing a lot during this time, which requires plenty of sleep. Golden Retriever Puppies: Factors That Impact Sleep In addition to needing sleep to grow, there are several other factors that could cause your Golden retriever puppy to want to take naps more often, such as: The weather: Hot weather can make dogs feel fatigued. You can help keep your puppy cool by taking them on morning walks when the sun is low. Also, you can keep your Golden cool by letting them play in the water. Golden retrievers love water and can even learn to swim if introduced to it at a young age. And Is It Safe? Their diet: Problems with their diet can also cause puppies to feel extra sleepy, a puppy needs a high quality puppy food like Blue Buffalo Natural Puppy Amazon to provide plenty of energy throughout the day. Poor quality foods are full of ingredients that will sap your pups energy as they try to digest it. Sickness: If your puppy is sick, he or she may start to sleep even more. Keep an eye out for other symptoms, such as vomiting. They are bored: An older puppy 6 months to a year might be taking naps if there is nothing else for it to do. Make sure that you play with them often and get them to exercise every day. Try to have plenty of puppy toys around the house to keep them engaged. Overall, it is normal for a golden retriever puppy to sleep a lot as they are growing rapidly, and need sleep to grow and develop. The above factors could also be causing them to take more naps, which is normal. You can try changing their food and getting them onto a better sleep schedule if you are concerned they are sleeping too much. Even if your young puppy is sleeping for 20 hours a day, they are likely healthy. How To Put Your Golden Retriever Puppy on a Sleep Schedule If your Golden retriever puppy is waking up during the night or being disruptive when they should be asleep, you will need to put them on a sleep schedule. Like human babies, puppies have to learn to sleep through the night. Having a consistent routine can help your puppy get more restful sleep, which will keep them healthy and happy! Feel free to make any changes that will fit your lifestyle better. Just remember that consistency is the key. Diet Illness, Injury, Surgery, and Medication All these things can contribute to how much your Golden Retriever sleeps, and knowing these factors is essential. Age The age of your Golden Retrievers is one of the biggest things that contribute to the amount of sleep needed. At the far end of each spectrum of age, the amount of sleep increases. Due to their growing bodies and fast metabolism, puppies need more sleep. Likewise, senior dogs also need more rest due to their aging bodies and slower metabolisms. Adults typically need 12 to 14 hours per day, barring any health issue or lack of activity, as discussed later on. So, all factors being equal, one Golden Retriever may need more sleep, another less. Golden Retriever puppies and seniors sleep more than adults Activity Level Not surprisingly, activity directly impacts the amount and quality of sleep that your Golden Retriever gets. Typically if they have not had a fulfilling amount of physical activity and mental stimulation during the day, their sleep will be sporadic and in short bursts. So, you may find your Golden Retriever boredom naps — the dog naps a lot because there is nothing better to do. However, the quality of that sleep is not optimum. In other words, while they may nap a lot, they typically are more restless than when they have been adequately exercised. Usually, you will see a less restless dog and one that sleeps longer and more deeply. In addition, they are less likely to seek attention and become mischievous. Because they have burned an adequate amount of energy and have far less in reserve while getting the quality sleep that their minds and bodies need. For example, when I take my Golden Retriever Bailey to doggie daycare, he sleeps from the time he gets home at pm to the following day at am, and it is sound sleep. Yet, even the next day, he may not be in the mood for a vigorous walk until later in the day. In contrast, on days where he gets little activity, such as especially frigid days during our cold Canadian winters, he is more restless during the day, although he naps frequently. As a result, he is more inclined to seek our attention for play on those days, or he amuses himself by being mischievous. Personality As noted previously, there are individual differences between dogs within a breed. Or in other words, they have different personalities. When people select a dog, they often put far too much emphasis on breed characteristics versus individual differences in a litter. So, while the Golden Retriever is considered a very active breed, you can have individual puppies within a litter that are super high energy like ours and others that are a bit less so. Dogs, like humans, need adequate calories each to fuel activity and biological functions. In addition, to function optimally, their bodies need proper levels of macronutrients protein, fats, and carbohydrates and micronutrients vitamins and minerals. Sleep can be impacted when a Golden Retriever is underfed and too skinny or one that is overfed and too fat. Either body state is unhealthy and has the potential to impact activity levels and sleep. An obese dog may have less energy and difficulty exercising, so it may sleep more. Whereas an underfed Golden Retriever may not have enough energy to be active, causing it to be more lethargic and sleep more due to lack of energy. Illnesses, Injuries, Surgery, and Medication Sick or injured dogs will need more sleep. Sickness and injury stress the body, and it requires a lot of energy to support healing and recovery. Sleep supports those processes, so expect a dog to sleep more if injured or sick, much like we do when we have the flu or cold. Dogs might also sleep more if they have a pre-existing health condition for much of the same reasons as sickness and injury. Potentially compounding any pre-existing health issues is if it requires medication. Medications can impact sleep, either increasing it or decreasing it. Surgery, such as when getting spayed or neutered , will also cause a dog to sleep more as it heals. Consider our Golden Retriever Bailey when he was neutered. Initial sleep was from the anesthesia medication and the stress of the surgery. But, even a few days later, he was still sleeping more than usual, partially from the pain medication and the need for his body to recuperate. It could be due to children not allowing the dog to sleep enough during the day, or chronic pain, medication, or injury. Whatever the reason, sleep deprivation can be detrimental to Golden Retrievers in much the same way it is for humans. Lack of sleep in your Golden Retriever can affect hormones, brain function, and the ability to learn and retain memories source. In other words, your dog may become cognitively impaired. Often signs of lack of sleep in dogs will manifest as stress, anxiety, or even agitation or aggressiveness. If you think your Golden Retriever is sleep-deprived, you must talk to your vet to determine the cause and remedy the issue so your dog can sleep better. One that meets both is macro and micronutrients. Talk to your vet for recommendations. Also, make sure your Golden Retriever is fed proper portions. Watch for potential overfeeding issues from snacks or table feeding. Keeping your Golden Retriever at a healthy weight positively impacts its health and its sleep. Similar to children and even adults, dogs also need consistent routines. As discussed earlier, Golden Retrievers are diurnal and need the brunt of their sleep through the night. Try to be consistent with when your dog goes to bed, when you get up, go for a walk, feed your dog, and any rituals before bed. As discussed in my article on puppies and sleep, Golden Retrievers are very good at learning routines. If you can, try to get your dog outside during the day, especially in the morning. Be prepared for some disruptions during changes during daylight savings time. Slowly adjusting their schedules a few weeks in advance helps ease them into the change rather than abruptly shifting everything by an hour on one day. A tired dog sleeps more and better than one that lacks its fulfillment of physical and mental stimulation. If you work and have little time to exercise your dog, consider hiring a dog walker or dropping off the dog at daycare two or three times per week. I wrote an article on raising a Golden Retriever puppy while working, but much of it applies to adult dogs. Make Bedtime Relaxing It is beneficial to teach your Golden Retriever the skill of calming himself or self-soothing before going to its bed. Most dogs will chew to calm themselves, so make sure it has good chew toys to help wind down the mind. During the evening, your dog must relax before bed. Ensure your dog has burnt excess energy from the day during the evening. A walk after supper or some play helps. If your dog is a chewer, giving it something to chew in the evening is a MUST. For example, we use Kongs and snuffle mats you can find the ones I use in my recommendations and resources at the bottom of this post. As a special treat, Bailey sometimes gets a big soup bone. The chew toy or foraging mat helps preoccupy him a few hours before bed. Kongs provide a snack and chew toy for BAR, which helps calm him in the evenings Also, avoid stimulating or getting your Golden Retriever worked up before bed. Instead, give him adequate time to decompress and wind down. Lastly, make sure the room your dog sleeps in is a dark, quiet, and cool room. Dogs, like us, sleep better in these environments. Treat Underlying Conditions Consult your veterinarian for solutions if there are underlying health conditions that negatively impact sleep. Your veterinarians will address any underlying causes and may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, supplements, or medical interventions. Recommendations from your vet may include prescribing pain medication if your Golden Retriever is suffering from decreased sleep quality due to osteoarthritis, chronic pain, or other health issues. Training is valuable in teaching your dog how to settle for the evening and calm down, and it also strengthens the bond with your dog. Of course, it positively impacts the brain, helping with learning and memory. For example, on days that BAR gets a lot of nosework sniffing on walks and has a few training sessions, he is much more apt to be calm in the evenings and sleep better through the night. Lastly, you can train your dog to calm down. Many dogs suffer from hyperactivity and excitement that can be addressed with training. Healthy adult Golden Retrievers sleep a lot, and that is normal. Dogs get the brunt of their sleep during the night with frequent naps during the day. Puppies and senior Golden Retrievers will need more rest due to increased need. Lastly, be thankful for all that sleep. A well-rested Golden Retriever is a much calmer and happier Golden Retriever. At times, my dogs can sleep for most of the day, which never fails to get me worried. It turns out that a lot of people are also wondering the same thing, and I get asked this a lot, so I went ahead and found answers! So, why does my golden retriever sleep so much? But there are other reasons why your dog could be sleeping so much, and some of them do indeed require you to pay attention to your dog. When golden retrievers are puppies they sleep longer than older dogs. After playing or any other activity they will sleep to recharge and they wake up refreshed and ready to play again. Their nap will mostly be wherever they are playing, and it takes from 30 minutes to two hours. When they are napping, try not to move them and make their nap as comfortable as possible also make them feel safe at that time. Males and females mature a bit differently, and you can learn more about this in my post on the differences between male and female goldens here. They can, however, sleep up to 18 hours if they have had a really active day and are super tired. Sleeping more or less depends on their size, diet, and activity that day. Just like puppies, they can nap after a lot of moving around since they will be totally out of energy and need to recharge. If your adult golden sleeps more than 14 hours and without doing a lot of activity you may need to make an appointment with their vet. Age 7 — 9 years — hours or more per day Seniors can also sleep 12 to 14 hours per day but they will often sleep more than 14 hours which is totally normal. Keep in mind that the same activity they used to do while young is now harder on them and require more effort and energy of them, so they are getting exhausted more easily. Just something you should know, once goldens reach five years old, they can change a bit and they may require more care and sleep. Sleeping a lot in senior dogs may happen because they are bored, ill, or just tired because of some activities. They can also be suffering from hip dysplasia or arthritis and they sleep to avoid any movement because of the pain in their hips. They will also nap more than adult goldens, their napping will be on and off during the day for 16 to 18 hours. At this period in their life, they will need to exercise and playing to keep them active and provide them with a comfortable bed to help them rest their bones. The Final Word Golden Retrievers Sleeping Decoded Though it is natural for dogs to sleep for long durations during the day, there may be certain reasons that are behind your Golden Retriever falling asleep frequently. Here are a few reasons that explain why. It Is a Natural Personality Trait The first and the most obvious reason for this is that they are programmed like that. Nature demands that Golden Retrievers sleep for 11 hours daily, at least on average. Sometimes, it can even stretch to 14 hours of sleep a day. This may extend further if you have a puppy or an old dog. Therefore, if you have a Golden Retriever, you should get accustomed to these sleeping patterns. Golden Retrievers Will Sleep More in Hot, Humid Weather Have you ever wondered why you turn lethargic on warm summer days and all you want to do is to take a nap during the day? Well, it is perhaps because the heat makes the activity seem impossible. It works not very differently for dogs who also tend to get lethargic and lazy during hot and humid weather. Walk the dog in the early morning and late evenings. Make sure the dog has ample shade or access to cooler parts of the house else the heat may even get to the dog. However, if the prolonged sleep cycle continues way beyond the hot weather, you should get in touch with a vet to check if all is well. This could be because of a number of serious and non-serious problems such as fatigue, food poisoning, or an injury. Golden Retrievers naturally are inclined to high levels of activity and enjoy being engaged in sports and fun activities. Anything less than an hour of exercise could be a bummer for your Golden Retriever. In fact, inactivity may leave the dog understimulated and bored. Hence, you will find your dog sleeping incessantly. Even dogs are what they eat and changes in their food patterns can impact their behavior and sleeping patterns. It could be a diet that is inducing sleep or food items that are making your dog lethargic that may lead to your dog sleeping more than usual. It could also be that your Golden Retriever is eating things not meant for it. Well, it is the same with dogs and particularly Golden Retrievers. Furthermore, an aging Golden Retriever will also be sleeping for long stretches of time during the day and night. Young puppies are growing and therefore use sleep time to build muscle. Hence, it is not uncommon to see young Golden Retrievers sleep for more than 15 hours. For older dogs, sleep time is the best time to recover from the fatigue of moving around and getting some much-needed rest after prolonged periods of activity. Tips to Ensure Your Golden Retriever Sleeps Well Now that you know that Golden Retrievers love to sleep and that it is medically normal for them to do so, you should ensure that your dog sleeps peacefully. Here are a few tips to do that. Keep a Check on Their Diet This is a key consideration for a pet parent. You should be careful of what you feed your dog and if there is someone who also feeds your dog in your absence and if yes, what do they feed the dog. Things that are harmful or not particularly beneficial must be kept off-limits for the Golden Retriever. This will not only ensure healthy sleep patterns but also good overall health for your dog and fewer diseases and ailments. If you feed your Golden retriever packaged food, make sure it is healthy and okayed by a vet. Monitor the portions carefully. The trick is to feed the right quantity of food, not too much and not too little. Lastly, certain foods such as ice cream, chocolate and nuts that dogs can choke on should be kept away from your Golden Retriever at all costs. Well, you can do this by maintaining a routine and also by giving your dog ample physical stimulation during the day in the form of exercise and activities. You should also make it a habit to take your dog into their sleeping area as soon as it is night or late evening. If you follow this, slowly the dog will become accustomed to the schedule and routine of it thereby embracing healthy sleeping habits i. They are known to help dogs, but consult a vet before doing this. You must consult a vet and check if there are any injuries and illnesses that you must be aware of. The Final Word Golden Retrievers are known to sleep a lot and it is something they are naturally programmed to do. Nature The cause of your Golden Retriever sleeping a lot is likely to be because it does it naturally. It is natural for a large dog like a Golden Retriever to sleep for hours per day source. If your Golden Retriever is a puppy or it is old then it will likely sleep for even longer. Hot weather The reason why your Golden Retriever has been doing it could be that the hot weather has been making it feel lethargic. This would be more likely if it has started sleeping more since the weather has become hotter. In this case, it would help to keep it cool by walking it in the mornings or evenings, giving it access to shaded areas and a cool room. If it continues sleeping for longer than normal when the weather becomes cooler then it would help to take it to a vet for a checkup. Illness An illness could be what has been causing it to sleep a lot. This would be more likely if it has started doing it suddenly and if it has been showing other signs of having an illness such as vomiting or being fatigued when awake. In this case, the best option would be to take it to a vet. Boredom Golden Retrievers are meant to get quite a lot of exercise on a daily basis. The reason why your Golden Retriever has been sleeping a lot could be that it is understimulated. Generally, it is recommended for them to get an hour of exercise per day. If yours is not getting that much it would help to make sure that it does. Diet It could be the case that there is an issue with its diet that is causing it to feel fatigued. A problem with its diet would be more likely to be the cause if it started sleeping more when you started feeding it differently. It would help to make sure that no one else has been feeding it without you knowing and that you have been feeding it correctly. You can look here to see some tips on what you should and should not feed it and it would help to consult on its diet with your local vet. If it is young or old It is normal for puppies to sleep even longer than adult dogs since they are growing quickly and they rebuild their muscles when sleeping. This is why it is normal for a Golden Retriever puppy to sleep for between 15 and 20 hours per day source. Likewise, it is normal for an older dog to sleep for longer as well since it takes more effort for them to move around and they need more sleep to recover. Things to consider If it suddenly started to sleep more When trying to figure out why your Golden Retriever has been doing it, considering when it first started would likely be helpful since an event might have caused it to start. If it did start sleeping more suddenly, it would be more likely to be due to things such as a sudden diet change, becoming ill or the weather becoming hotter. In this case, it would help to take it to a vet for a checkup. If it has always slept a lot and the vet has not found any issues then it would make it more likely to be normal behavior. When your Golden Retriever sleeps a lot It would also help to consider the timing of when it sleeps more since the timing could also have something to do with it. If it tends to sleep more at certain times it would make it more likely that it is due to things such as the weather becoming hotter, being fed the wrong foods or too much food or it could have simply formed a habit of sleeping at that time. What to do about your Golden Retriever sleeping so much Below are some things you can do about your Golden Retriever sleeping a lot. Allow it to Since it is natural for Golden Retrievers to sleep a lot, it is important to let it sleep when it needs to. When they sleep they are rebuilding their muscles and recovering from all of their activities when awake. Trying to get it not to sleep when it wants to will likely make things worse. Make sure that it is able to sleep comfortably It would also help to make sure that the room it tends to sleep in at night is comfortable for it. This means that it should not be too bright, it should be cool and there should be a space for it to lay down comfortably. Make sure that its diet is right As mentioned above, it could be the case that there is an issue with its diet. You can look here to see what you should and should not feed it and it would also help to talk to your vet about its diet when you see them next. Keep it cool If the weather has become hotter where you are, it would also help to keep it cool. You can do this by giving it access to shaded areas, a cool room and by walking it in the morning or evening. Take it to a vet If you are unsure of why your Golden Retriever has been sleeping a lot or it has started sleeping a lot suddenly, it would help to take it to a vet. By doing so, you will be able to get expert advice tailored towards your particular Golden Retriever and to rule out the possibility of it being due to a medical condition.