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If you want to know when German Shepherds stop teething or how long a German Shepherd teething lasts, check this article. You will find out information about the different German Shepherd teething stages and their corresponding German Shepherd teething age. We will also tell you about the common teething signs and symptoms and tips on how to handle puppy teething. Familiarize yourself with the stages so that you can know how to deal with teething. Early Stages: German Shepherd puppies are born without teeth. They begin getting teeth around 6 to 8 weeks of age. The incisors come first. Next is the canine teeth and the last is the premolars. Milk Teeth: The last premolar comes out between 8 to 12 weeks old. That time your GSD already has 28 milk teeth. Take your puppy to the vet so he can check if all the primary teeth have erupted. Falling Out: When your puppy is between 12 to 16 weeks of age, he starts losing baby teeth. His incisors begin to fall out. Then the canines follow and the last are the premolars. Your vet may perform dental extraction to maintain oral health. Adult Teeth: How many adult teeth do a German Shepherd have? It means a German Shepherd usually stops teething when he reaches the age of 8 months. Take your puppy to the vet so he can check if there are misalignment problems. He does this to ease the pain associated with teething. Missing teeth: For your German Shepherd puppy to grow his adult teeth, he must first lose his baby teeth. Bleeding or swollen gums: A bit of blood can come out when a tooth is dislodged. Excessive drooling: Frequent excessive drooling can be messy but this happens when your puppy is teething. Physical distress: Your German Shepherd puppy might refuse to eat which results in weight loss. He may also lose interest in playing. He might have diarrhea if he chews inappropriate objects. He may even have a low-grade fever. If this happens, consult your vet so he can prescribe some medicines to relieve the pain. Aug 9, Share Teething represents a major landmark for your German Shepherd puppy, but the process can be very annoying since it often results in destroyed shoes, furnishings, and other items around your home. German Shepherd puppies start teething whenever their puppy teeth start to grow in. Once the puppy is around six months old, most of their puppy teeth will fall out and all of their adult teeth will come in replacement. At this point, your German Shepherd will likely stop teething. Just like human babies, German Shepherd puppies are born without teeth. Once the puppy reaches three weeks old, it may start to grow in its milk teeth. All of its puppy teeth, including puppy canines and incisors, should be grown in by the end of the 8th week. At this point, your German Shepherd will likely start teething, though it might start teething slightly sooner. One of the first signs that your German Shepherd puppy is teething is finding small amounts of blood on your carpet or dog toys. This is a completely normal event because the blood is often due to the loose baby teeth or the baby teeth falling out completely. Make sure not to give your German Shepherd rawhide chews because these chews are dangerous for dogs and often lead to choking, especially in puppies. Special toys specifically made for teething puppies are best. During the teething time, German Shepherds are very likely to become destructive. Provide your German Shepherd a whole lot of exercise and additional toys to keep them entertained. Not only will this keep their minds off the teething process, but it will prevent them from destroying your home. Here are some signs that your German Shepherd is beginning to teeth: Small baby teeth are emerging and can be found on the floor, in a toy, or in the food bowl. There are small blood spots on your carpet or on toys. Your puppy is drooling a lot more than usual. You notice your puppy chewing more than usual. Your puppy may act like it is in slight pain and have a slight fever. Teeth look misaligned. If you notice one or more of these events happening, your German Shepherd is likely teething. The best thing you can do is provide your dog teething toys and a lot of exercise. Aside from that, allow nature to do its job by letting the teeth fall and the adult teeth to come in. Teething is a common occurrence in many baby animals, but you might not be sure why they teeth and chew up things in the first place. Whenever those baby teeth start to grow in, the process can be painful since the teeth have to come through the gums. The pain continues as baby teeth fall out and adult teeth replace them. German Shepherd puppies, as well as other babies, will teeth in order to ease the pain. It normally takes about three months or 12 weeks for your German Shepherd to lose all of its baby teeth. During this time, its 28 baby teeth will fall out and 32 adult teeth will grow in instead. Although the exact amount of time it takes for German Shepherds to stop teething varies from dog to dog, most puppies stop teething whenever they are between seven and eight months old. Some German Shepherds may stop teething as early as six months , but the seven month mark is much more likely. Protect Your Home During the teething process, your dog is likely to become destructive from all its chewing. Make sure to pick up shoes and other items that your dog might chew up. Even if the dog is trained , its sore teeth and gums will lead it to chew up things as pain relief. The dog is likely in a lot of pain because of the teething process. Final Thoughts German Shepherd puppies will start teething whenever they are a few weeks old. Teething will become a popular occurrence around your home until your dog is at least six months old, but teething can last an additional two months. Even though teething can be annoying for us, remember to be patient and understanding with your dog. After all, your German Shepherd puppy is likely in a lot of pain. Try to help the teething process by investing in good teething toys and dog-proofing your home for the time being. It will take a German Shepherd puppy between 4 and 6 months to complete teething. During this time, you want to have your veterinarian check your puppy for any dental issues. Surgery may be required if his bite needs to be corrected, which is meant to help with any potential eating issues in the future. If your puppy is teething, he will start to chew more frequently on his chew toys. A German Shepherd puppy needs to lose his baby teeth before his adult teeth can take form. If your puppy is teething, you may start to notice that he is missing teeth, or you may find a missing tooth around your home. Another sign that your puppy may be teething is if he has bleeding or swollen gums. You may even see some blood if his baby teeth are falling out. You may also see some blood traces on his chew toys. If your puppy is drooling more than normal, this may be another sign that he is teething. Your German Shepherd puppy may even show signs of physical distress, which can include weight loss if he refuses to eat, and becoming uninterested in playtime. He could also experience diarrhea due to chewing on foreign objects, and could also develop a fever. In these situations, it may be necessary to consult your vet. The good thing is, this period lasts for a relatively short period. The teething process starts when the first baby teeth emerge, which will occur during the first month. By six or seven weeks, you can expect your puppy to have 28 teeth instead of the 42 they will have as adults. German Shepherd puppies will start to see adult teeth between six and eight weeks, as they begin to lose their baby teeth. This part of the teething stage is painful for puppies, with chewing being the primary form of seeking relief. Although when the adult teeth settle into the jawbone, there may be some more discomfort. They will be able to determine if any teeth need to be removed to make room for adult teeth. During the time your puppy is teething, it will need sufficient stimulation. You can also give your puppy chew treats — there are a number of safe, high-quality ones that act as both a toy and food. These chew treats will also help to prevent your puppy from destroying your furniture! Another way to help teething puppies is to make ice cubes from chicken, beef, or vegetable broth. Frozen baby carrots also work well. There are also a number of puppy teething gels on the market that can give your German Shepherd puppy relief, but be sure to choose a teething gel that is safe and natural. They may include ingredients like chamomile, clove oils, and peppermint. Rawhide is another inexpensive and popular option. Chewing rawhide will also help your puppy develop strong jaws. However, it is important to supervise your puppy when he is chewing on rawhide, since choking is possible. Dogs that ingest a lot of rawhide can develop gastrointestinal issues, and some rawhides are not edible, so read the labels carefully. Clinically proven to reduce tartar build up Cleans plaque and tarter between teeth, all the way down to the gum line Includes 4-Packs of three different flavors: 32 original, 12 fresh, 18 Beef Check Price Other ways to help ease the pain of teething Flavored and treat-based toys provide a lot of fun for puppies. One of the best things about these types of toys is that they will keep your puppy busier for that much longer. Puppy teething sticks have a rubber surface that helps soothe achy gums and teeth. Most of these sticks feature grooves that help clean teeth more effectively. You might also consider bones for your young German Shepherd to chew on. However, make sure you use beef marrow bones, instead of pork, chicken, or turkey bones. Non-beef bones can splinter too easily and cause serious injury. Dental bones can also be helpful for your puppy. These bones help promote dental health, which is good to manage as early as possible in your dog. These bones are durable and also do not present the splintering hazard that other bones do. One of the outcomes of using the right teething products should be having a puppy focused on something other than their mouth pain. The more controlled their mouth pain, the more your puppy can concentrate on obedience training. German Shepherd puppies may develop the habit of biting and nipping when teething. It may seem cute, but it is important to nip that behavior in the bud since it can become a habit that continues well into adulthood. Most puppies learn bite inhibition before you bring them home, as these puppies are used to playing with their siblings and biting each other all day. As they play with each other, they learn the bite tolerance levels of their siblings. If you have a lower pain tolerance than a puppy, you will have to teach them what yours is. Your puppy will start to associate biting with the end of you playing with him and him receiving attention from you. Do this every time he bites and nips. Then, put your thumb under his tongue, and put your index finger under his chin. He will feel discomfort, and if you do this consistently, he will associate biting with discomfort. Pull away and pinch your puppy on the neck. Do this consistently, and he will associate biting with pinching. Since puppies typically become wary of strangers at 18 months of age, it is important to start socialization as soon as possible. You can try puppy playgroups and dog parks — this socialization will help them learn how to play nicely with others. When you are training him, do not allow him to chew on your hands. However, remember to reward good behavior. If your puppy is listening to you, reward him with a treat for learning something new, and make sure you always have enough treats on hand! As he gets better with the training, food treats can be replaced with cuddles. What should I do if my German Shepherd chews something inappropriate? Punishment is not the way to correct bad behavior. Physical punishment and yelling should be avoided. Catching the dog in the act is the key to making discipline work effectively. If you scold the dog after the fact, they will not understand why they got into trouble. Quick diversion with a more appropriate chew toy works better. One of the advantages of using diversion as a technique is that it teaches the puppy what to do, instead of only showing them what not to do. Positive training methods have a more significant overall effect on your puppy. A common mistake that many people make is believing that training must be halted during the teething stages. Puppies can and should be trained during this time. However, training will give your puppy a needed diversion that will hopefully keep the chewing under control. Even if you train the puppy during teething, they will understand what is and is not appropriate behavior. This is key to a well-adjusted puppy. The age where a puppy is still teething is a perfect time to do crate training. One of the best things about crate training is that it is an excellent way to get them acclimated to their own sleeping space, helping you reach two goals at once. Also be sure to keep dangerous foods for dogs like chocolate and grapes well hidden. If your German Shepherd is past the normal teething stage but is still chewing, anti-chew sprays can come in handy. These sprays will make whatever object the dog is chewing taste very unpleasant, allowing the sprays to serve as deterrents. Jubilant Pups emphasizes the importance of giving a teething German Shepherd puppy sufficient exercise to help avoid needless destruction. An example would be 15 minutes for a three-month-old puppy. The advantage of twice-daily play sessions is making sure your puppy gets their exercise, without becoming too exhausted. You want your puppy calm, but not sick from overexertion. Even though teething puppies will do a lot of chewing, sufficient exercise will help curb the worst behavior. Your puppy will be better-behaved overall, and less likely to chew inappropriately. Nervous energy is behind a lot of undesirable behaviors like nuisance chewing. A more relaxed puppy is less likely to take out their frustration through chewing and other unwanted behaviors. The period between the puppy initially losing their baby teeth and getting adult teeth will be one of the most challenging times where behavior is concerned. Try your best to remain patient with your puppy during this time. Once your puppy has reached the age where adult teeth are settling in, start playing fetch with your dog. This is a perfect way to bond with your German Shepherd puppy through play. Some of the benefits of fetch as an activity include increased stamina, endurance, and better-developed muscles. Your puppy will likely look forward to it. Even when German Shepherd Dogs still have puppy teeth, they can be very sharp and cause painful bites. Daily brushing prevents tooth decay and other oral problems in puppy teeth. Choose a dog toothpaste when brushing as human toothpaste may upset his stomach. Keep regular appointments with your vet so they can keep track of the oral health of your dog. Feeding your dog a healthy diet will also help to keep his teeth healthy. You can ask for dog food recommendations at your local pet store to promote oral health. German Shepherd Gums Typically, the german shepherd dogs have a bluish or black tongue along with grey or black-pigmented gums. The black spot is melanin, a natural pigment. If this happens, take your german shepherds to your vet as soon as possible. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the German Shepherds gums, which develops when the plaque is not removed and causes the gums to be inflamed so the gums bleed easily. Periodontitis is a German Shepherds gum disease that affects not only the gums but also other tissues around the teeth. This will result in bone loss. Even though it is a phase of relatively short duration, a teething puppy can leave a lot of destruction in their wake. However, the more you know about the teething stages, the better you can help your puppy to adjust. Regardless of how frustrating it can be to live with a teething puppy, knowing when and how quickly they will go through the stages makes everything easier. German Shepherd puppies will go through four stages of teething. When your German Shepherd puppy is born, it will have no teeth, just like a human baby. They will start to grow in their baby teeth when they reach about six weeks old, maybe seven or eight depending on the puppy. By this point, your German Shepherd puppy will have up to 28 teeth. At the week mark, your puppy will start losing their baby teeth to get ready for their adult teeth to grow in. By the time they are eight months old, your German Shepherd puppy should have grown in all 42 of their adult teeth. What can you give a teething German Shepherd? You may have noticed that your puppy has started chewing everything they can get their paws on, and this is most likely due to teething. Ice cubes are also a cheap and easily accessible solution. Or, let them sit and chew on a block of ice, this will keep them occupied while calming their gums. You can also purchase puppy teething gel that contains soothing ingredients such as clove oils, peppermint and chamomile. Recommended reading:. Just like us, they have baby teeth, and German Shepherds really are no different; be prepared, because German Shepherds will teethe… hard. I have a very clear memory of when we got our first ever dog. During the puppy months we would find tiny teeth on the floor which would come out as he chewed everything in sight to relieve his sore teeth and gums. This chewing is a huge part of the teething process but is something you can make easier for your German Shepherd puppy to contend with. Today I want to share everything I have learned about why German Shepherds teethe, at what age they lose their baby or milk teeth, what to expect as an owner, and how to help them… plus ways to stop them chewing your furniture! My intention is for this to be the only guide you would ever need to read about the dental development of your German Shepherd. This is completely normal during the teething phases. But when should you expect this to start and then finally stop? German Shepherd puppy baby teeth start coming through — between 2 and 3 weeks old German Shepherds are born without teeth. The 2-week point in their life is a massive time in their growth and becoming the German Shepherds we know and love. Of course, most German Shepherd owners will never get to see this phase in their dental development stage as German Shepherd puppies should not be leaving their mother until they are at least 8 weeks old. Canine teeth at which point they can start on solid foods. Pre-molars stop coming through after about 6 weeks. By 8 weeks of age, your German Shepherd should have grown all of its 28 milk teeth. German Shepherd starts teething and growing adult teeth — 12 weeks of age onwards The next stage of dental development is the teething phase. When do German Shepherds lose their baby teeth? German Shepherd puppies will lose their baby teeth at around 3 months or 12 weeks old. This the age at which German Shepherds start to teeth as they lose the milk teeth which fall out. There are 28 baby teeth in total, and surprisingly, 32 adult teeth which will grow through in the place of the milk teeth. German Shepherd teething age will vary, but typically starts at 3 months. German Shepherd puppies stop teething — 7 to 8 months of age When do German Shepherds stop teething? German Shepherd puppies will typically stop teething at around 7 to 8 months old. German Shepherd adult teeth take a lot longer to grow and push through compared to their baby milk teeth. The molars at the back are the ones that are particularly stubborn. At the very latest, your 8-month-old German Shepherd puppy should have stopped teething. Anything after that age would be unusual, but still not unheard of. Most German Shepherds will now have all 42 adult teeth. Signs of teething in German Shepherd puppies As you might have already experienced with your German Shepherd puppy, the first sign of teething is them chewing everything in sight. Small baby teeth: One of the more obvious signs is finding their cute little teeth. They might be on the floor, embedded in a toy, or near a food bowl. Blood spots on toys: As German Shepherds teethe, they will chew on their toys to relieve the pain. This can result in blood when baby teethe come out or gums are irritated. Lots of drooling: Teething puppies can drool, so expect to see more saliva than usual coming from their mouths. Even more chewing: When German Shepherds teethe, they need to relieve the pain and the best way to do this is by chewing. Give them chew toys and keep them away from anything that you value! Sore gums: Teething German Shepherds will get inflamed and red gums. They will look really sore, because the larger adult teeth are pushing up through. Change in behavior: Your German Shepherd puppy will be in pain from time to time and might even be irritable. Try to distract them with teething toys and lots of attention. Mild fever: If you have ever had kids, you will know that they can get a little hot when teething. German Shepherd puppies are the same. Misaligned teeth: As the adult teeth come through, they might not always push a baby tooth. Your German Shepherd might have a bit of a redneck look at the two teeth sit together until the milk tooth falls out. Recommended German Shepherd teething toys All puppies need something to chew on when new teeth are coming through. They will try to chew your shoes, furniture… pretty much anything. To help your German Shepherd puppy when teething, instead invest in some teething toys that are hard and durable enough to give their gums relief. There are two teething toys we used with our own puppy which always worked a treat. Not only is a great for German Shepherds to get their teeth around, but you can also put treats inside of it to mentally challenge them as well. What we also used to do was place ours in the freezer before letting our teething puppy have. That way it was really nice and cold and helped to soothe his sore gums. My second recommendation is the Nylabone dog chew on Amazon. This is how much they will end up chewing it! How to stop your German Shepherd puppy chewing when teething Once those milk teeth start to fall out, your German Shepherd puppy will want to get his or her teeth around anything to give much needed pain relief. You might have to hide things, reduce their access to certain rooms, and keep a close eye on them. Chew proof your home: You might need to install stair gates to restrict access to certain rooms where your prized furniture is located. You might have to move things above their height. Nothing is safe from a teething German Shepherd puppy! Give them frozen treats: As well as chew toys, a piece of frozen carrot or an ice cube can really help to soothe their sore gums. Keep them exercised: German Shepherds that have energy to burn will chew more than those that are tired out. Give your German Shepherd puppy a couple of walks a day and provide plenty of indoor play time too. Keep them entertained: Bored German Shepherds tend to be destructive. Get their toys out to keep them mentally challenged and distracted whilst teething. Puppies can cause utter devastation whilst teething. You just need to look at how chewed the corner of our wooden dining room table was during the teething phase. German Shepherd teething can last a while and your furniture will know it! What other owners say I am part many different German Shepherd social media groups, and recently asked people about their own experiences with their own puppies and teething. Bored German Shepherds will start chewing your things when they teethe. Nylabone and Kong Toys are two of my faves. Bully sticks and Himalayan cheese sticks are good. We also use real bones from the meat department at our local store, frozen so they last longer, and our dogs love them. If your German Shepherd is teething and eats dry food try and soften the biscuits as chewing hard food can be a big turn off put for them as their gums can be quite sensitive. Puppies crave different things at different times and are learning what their teeth can do in addition to the teething that they are going through. I recommend 20 different teething toys and rotate them. They hate the smell and it will stop them chewing your stuff. And give him chews. It is boredom that makes them chew more than anything. Just put a knot in each end and wet them, then freeze them! He loved it and still just loves playing with tea towels now at nearly 2 years old. Would recommend putting the tea towel in a food bag when freezing. How much pain they are will vary from puppy to puppy — our own dog had quite mild teething pain from what we could tell, but it depends on the dog. But, almost all of them will chew. You can expect to see little teeth on the floor or stuck into things they have chewed on, plus those little blood spots I mentioned. At this time of their dental development, your German Shepherd puppy will need your love and support, plenty of chewable toys, patience, and understanding. You might also like… If you enjoyed this guide to German Shepherd teething ages and how long it all lasts, then you might also like these other German Shepherd puppy related articles:. Related posts German Shepherd puppy teething stages German Shepherd puppies start teething when their baby milk teeth fall out and their adult teeth start growing in. During your German Shepherd puppy teething stages, you can expect small blood stains or spots on his or her toys. You may even find his or her small loose teeth on your floor or carpet. But, when do German Shepherds start teething, and when do German Shepherds stop teething? Here are the German Shepherd teeth stages. Save Big On Dog Essentials! Welcome to our pack! German Shepherd puppy teeth start growing between 2 to 3 weeks old Like humans, German Shepherd puppies are also born without any teeth. Around the 2 weeks mark or 14 days, the German Shepherd baby teeth or puppy milk teeth will start to come in. This is around the same time they start to open their eyes. When the puppy teeth start pushing through their gums, they can be sharp. Your German Shepherd puppy has different types of canine teeth. They are: Incisors Front teeth. Canine teeth When canine teeth grow in, dogs can start eating solid foods. Pre-molars After around 6 weeks, pre-molars stop coming through. These are also the exact orders that the puppy baby teeth will come through. Your German Shepherd puppies will have grown all 28 puppy milk teeth by the time they reach 8 weeks old. German Shepherd puppies start teething and growing adult teeth from 12 weeks old onwards When do German Shepherd puppies lose their teeth? So, when do German Shepherds lose their puppy teeth? When do German Shepherds lose their baby teeth? Nine to ten weeks after their baby teeth have grown in, their adult teeth will start to push through as well. At this point, your German Shepherd puppies should be 12 weeks 3 months old and they should have a total of 28 puppy teeth with 32 adult teeth expected to come through next. As they prepare for the adult teeth to grow in, the puppy milk teeth start to fall out. So at 12 weeks old, the German Shepherd puppies will begin the teething stage and the 32 adult teeth will replace their puppy milk teeth. When do German Shepherds stop teething? The teething stage will begin from month 3 to when the puppies reach 7 to 8 months old so that is a 4 to 5 months timeframe between when the teething stage to when it ends. Some puppies could complete the teething phase before they reach 7 to 8 months old, while other puppies could take longer. How long do German Shepherds teethe for: Up to 20 to 24 weeks For the most part, many German Shepherd puppies will have stopped teething by the time they reach 6 months or 24 weeks old. Every dog is different and the dental development stages vary for each dog. While the puppy milk teeth push through easily, the same can not be said of the adult teeth. It takes time for the German Shepherd adult teeth to push through and grow. It will take the molars to grow in. This is pretty abnormal, but can still happen. At this point, your German Shepherd dogs should have a total of 42 shiny, white, and strong adult teeth. When do German Shepherd puppies start teething? When German Shepherd puppies start teething, there are plenty of signs to let you know that they are teething. You might know from your puppies chewing on furniture, shoes, and everything they can get ahold of. Bloodstains or blood spots on the toys Teething can be both uncomfortable and painful for your little German Shepherd pup. To get through that pain or as a way of relieving that pain, your puppy may chew their toys more. Chewing also helps them cope with the pain. We highly recommend buying some chew toys to keep them biting on the toys and not the valuable items in your house. Frequent drooling During this time, your puppy may drool more than usual. Behavioral change due to pain of teething Due to the pain, frequent gum irritation, and discomfort, your German Shepherd puppy may act out. The adult teeth are growing in and they are relatively larger so it will disrupt the gums a little. Teeth are misaligned Some baby teeth will remain in place as the adult teeth push their way through. Thus, some teeth will be misaligned. This may seem weird, but the baby milk teeth will fall out before your pup knows it. Mild fever Like our kids, our German Shepherd puppies can also get a mild fever when they are teething. This is absolutely normal. We highly recommend that German Shepherd puppies chew on teething toys when their adult teeth are coming in. This can be your most expensive shoes, purse, sofa, tables, blankets, beds, and more! Make sure the toys are strong and durable, not soft or stuffed. The hard and durable chew toys will allow your German Shepherd puppies to satisfy their chewing and provide them soft and sore gums with much-needed relief. When our dogs were puppies and going through the teething stage, we gave them these teething toys and we believe these are great teething toys for German Shepherd puppies too. What we like about these teething toys is that they can also work as a treat too. Your German Shepherd puppies will enjoy getting their teeth on this. Before we used to give these to our pups, we put them in the fridge first. This makes the toy very cold and is a great way to numb the sore and inflamed gums. Best of all, you can add treats or put peanut butter inside the toy to mentally stimulate your pups.

This cross-breed has recently become one of the most popular designer dogs around because of its cute appearance, outgoing personality and loyal temperament. This medium sized dog can be best described as being friendly and intelligent. They are great family dogs and also make excellent guard dogs due to their protective nature. It may have long hair like its father or short fur like its mother so it may not look exactly like either parent breed at first glance but over time you will be able to identify which traits came from each side of its family tree based on how your pet looks long term i e: if they grow out their legs then you know they inherited those genes from their father. This crossbreed dog can be very loyal, protective and makes a great family pet. It was bred for its intelligence, trainability, strength, athleticism and endurance; however it is not suited for apartment living due to their size. They are a medium sized dog breed and make great family pets. Male dogs can grow up to 24 inches 60 cm tall and weigh up to pounds 64 kg , while females stand at 22 inches 56 cm tall and weigh up to pounds 54 kg. It has an average height of 23 to 28 inches 59 to 71 cm and weighs between 50 to pounds 22 to 45 kg. This hybrid breed can have different colors, including brindle, fawn and black. The coat of this hybrid dog may be short or long depending on the variety of its parents. Some breeders have argued that color variations are due to genetic mutations but there is no scientific evidence for this claim. Color inheritance in dogs is determined by several factors including: whether the gene responsible for pigment production in animals is dominant or recessive; whether it's sex-linked; if it's polygenic like human hair color where multiple genes act together; if it depends on melanin content; if there are any modifiers involved with pigmentation like skin cancer risk factors that might affect how darkly pigmented cells get exposed from sun damage over time which isn't even possible until their first year at least! The American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix's personality can be described as intelligent, energetic and playful. They will be a great companion for your family. The American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix is also a good guard dog, making sure that no one gets into the house when you are not around. American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix are large dogs and might knock down small children accidentally because they may not realize their strength. Also they will get excited when strangers come to visit so it is important to keep them under control as they can hurt someone in this situation if not trained properly as puppies or young adults. The price of an American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix, like any other dog, will vary depending on the age, pedigree and sex of the dog in question. It can also depend on how attractive it is or if you want a specific color like black. They're a popular hybrid dog, but you might be wondering if it's right for your family. We'll take a look at the pros and cons of an ABGSM, so you can make sure that this furry friend is what's best for you and your family. These dogs have great temperaments and love kids, making them ideal companions for families with young children. They will happily play with kids all day long! And because they are large-sized dogs that need regular exercise, home alone time isn't much of an issue—your dog will burn off energy while running around outside or snuggling together on the couch watching TV in the evening. If you want a dog who's easy to train, this isn't the breed for you. If you need to have a dog that is quiet and doesn't make much noise, this isn't the breed for you. If these are things that matter to you in a dog, then I suggest looking at other breeds before making your final decision on what kind of pet would be best suited for your lifestyle and family situation. Because of the American Bulldog's size and strength, it is recommended to feed two meals a day. The first meal should be given in the morning and the second one at night. When feeding your American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix, make sure that you do it in order to avoid digestive problems and obesity, so give them their daily portions of food when they are hungry, but not too much otherwise they will cause health issues later on. They do not need a lot of grooming because their coat is short and smooth. The American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix is good with children because it doesn't like being alone; it will become aggressive if left alone for long periods of time. It makes a great playmate, but must be taught how to interact with kids properly from an early age because these dogs can be very energetic as well as protective of their owners or anyone else who enters the house. It's also important for them to be raised with other pets in order for them not to develop any bad behaviors such as: biting other animals or people in general Exercise An American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix requires a lot of exercise. The more active you are as a human, the more active your dog will be. If you're looking for a lazy dog that is content to sleep most of the day, this isn't the breed for you. They are not good off leash dogs because their prey drive is too high and they will chase anything that moves which includes small dogs. They need a secure fence in order to keep them inside your yard as well because these dogs are very smart and love to dig under fences or jump over them in an attempt to get out and run around! A good rule of thumb when deciding how often to take your American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix for walks or playtime outside is doing so at least three times per day with one being at night when it's cooler outside since most Bulldogs don't do well in hot weather or extreme heat conditions. Training American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix dogs are smart, and training them can be a great way to bond with your new puppy. These dogs need to be socialized early on, so you should plan on taking them out of their crate at least once or twice a day while they're still young. They also need to have plenty of time outside playing with other dogs and people, where they can practice their obedience skills by following commands from their owners. Grooming American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix dogs need to be brushed regularly, but the coat does not shed very much. You should brush your dog once a day for about five minutes at a time. Using a pin brush and slicker brush will help remove any tangles and keep your dog's fur nice and shiny. If you prefer, you can use a rubber curry comb on your American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix's coat to massage his skin while removing dead hair at the same time. This is especially useful if you live in an area with lots of allergens since it helps get rid of dander that may bother people who are allergic to dogs! American Bulldog German Shepherd mix dogs also need to have their coats washed regularly with special shampoo designed for doggy baths you can find these at any pet store. Your local groomer might be able to give you some recommendations about what type works best for this breed! The American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix has a short coat and doesn't produce much oil, which means they don't need frequent baths. However, if your dog's hair starts to look oily or feel scaly, it's time to give him or her a bath. A good rule of thumb is that if you can see fleas on your pet's skin, then he or she probably needs a bath. If you suspect that there may be fleas on your dog due to an outbreak in the neighborhood, call your vet as soon as possible because many dogs with flea allergies will show signs of sensitivity even before they have bites from the insects themselves! American Bulldog German Shepherd Mixes are not known for being hypoallergenic; however, this depends on how sensitive any given individual may be when it comes down to these types of matters ease. They are very patient and love to play with them. The breed tends to be so friendly that they will let the kids push them around or even pull their ears, tail and other parts of their body without reacting negatively at all. The American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix dog is also good with other pets in the family such as cats or another type of dog if you have multiple types of pets at home. They can be trained to get along with other pets, but it is important that you start this training as early in their life as possible. They can bark at anything and everything! This can be an issue if you live in an apartment complex or close to neighbors who don't like noise. If this is the case, it might not be a good idea to get an American Bulldog German Shepherd mix because they aren't really guard dogs either. They're also not likely to attack people, but they may bark at strangers as well because they are protective of their owners and property like any dog. This is a cross between the relentlessly loyal, often silly American Bulldog and the sometimes serious, sometimes playful German Shepherd. For experienced, confident dog parents, this breed is sure to only keep growing loyal fans. The German Shepherd is often perceived as a bad-boy guard dog, in addition to their use in police work. This breed is also known to have a soft spot for their families. However, their playfulness and love for their families shines through in their personalities. If you plan to adopt one of these breed mixes, be ready for lots and lots of cuddles. Still, there are millions of dogs waiting for homes in shelters. When looking for a specific breed, make an effort to adopt from a shelter or rescue. Read on for a detailed list of characteristics of the American Bulldog Shepherd. Contrary to popular belief, the suitability of dogs who adapt well to apartment living goes beyond its size. Apartment dwellers have a myriad of dog breeds to choose from as potential companions, with various factors to consider. Some large breeds can adapt well to apartment living and have lower activity levels. Others may require more space and possess higher energy levels. On the other hand, certain small dog breeds with abundant energy can still find contentment with indoor playtime or brisk walks. However, when selecting a dog that adapts well apartments, it is essential to prioritize your neighbors. This makes them less suitable for apartment living. Therefore, desirable qualities in an apartment dog encompass being quiet, low-energy, and displaying polite behavior towards other residents. Apartment dwellers have a wealth of dog breeds to choose from as potential furry companions. While some larger breeds can adapt well to apartment living, with lower, others may require more space and have higher energy levels, making them less suitable for smaller apartments. Conversely, certain small dog breeds with higher energy levels can still thrive in apartments, finding contentment through indoor playtime or brisk walks. By considering these factors, you can find a dog that will adapt well to apartment living and create a harmonious living environment for everyone involved. Lifespan Sociability With their keen intelligence and gentle nature, an American Bulldog German Shepherd Mix pup is often quiet but curious. And they grow into those paws! These big, smart dogs are highly trainable and need a lot of attention from their owners. If you decide to go to a breeder for your puppy, get to know the breeder too. Ask them questions about how they socialize and train their puppies, what they feed them, and what kind of health concerns they have encountered. The more you ask the more likely you are to get a well-adjusted, healthy puppy! The American Bulldog almost went extinct. By World War II, these dogs were nearly extinct. A returning veteran worked to revive the breed, which then became known as the American Bulldog. The German Shepherd dog makes a better movie star than some humans. Rin Tin Tin is perhaps the most famous dog in all of movie history. He was rescued from work on the World War I battlefields by the American soldier, Duncan Lee, and trained to work in silent films. Warner Bros. Coming from two breeds that are highly driven work dogs, the American Bull Dog German Shepherd mix will be happiest when they have a job to do. They are smart and love being allowed to assist their owners. They are surprisingly complex creatures, due in part to their high IQ. German Shepherd American Bully Mixes are also thoughtful, big-hearted, and protective. For further ideas of what character traits you may encounter in an American Bulldog German Shepherd mix, you can take a closer look at the two parent breeds. The American Bulldog is a confident dog that is gentle and affectionate with their family, but aggressive toward intruders and fearless with large animals like bulls! They are sensitive, intelligent, and usually quite calm. The German Shepherd Dog is a self-assured, even-tempered canine. They are playful and loving with friends and family, and though initially cautious of strangers, they warm up quickly. They are incredibly smart and highly trainable and are commonly considered the second smartest dog breed in the world. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are naturally gentle and playful with kids, but their large size means they could easily knock a small person down when excited. If both dogs and kids are socialized with one another from a young age, however, they can be a sweet and attentive family member. In fact, they may be better suited to a family than an individual. These highly driven dogs love being included in activities with their owners. And combining that with their intelligence and energy means that they could be overwhelming for just one person. Though generally mellow, there is a certain stubbornness that may cause friction. Socializing these powerful dogs at an early age is especially important. When your dog can grow to be over pounds of muscle, you want to make sure they have healthy mutual respect for everyone in the house. In the interest of harmony, we recommend this breed be kept with only one other in-home pet. Before you get pulled in by their big cuddly faces, here are some things you should know about the care and keeping of an American Bulldog German Shepherd mix. And rather like humans, dogs are omnivores that need a wide range of animal and plant-based nutrients to meet all their nutritional requirements. Start with a high-quality kibble — one without a bunch of byproduct ingredients and grain fillers — and supplemented occasionally with fruits and veggies, with the approval of your vet. Even dogs can get bored with eating the same thing every day; keeping them interested in their dinner will lessen the likelihood that they come begging for yours! Be sure to talk to your vet about proper portion sizes, because any extra weight on a large dog can be detrimental to their health. Weight issues can exacerbate and accelerate joint issues that are common in bigger breeds. This, coupled with their immense size, means that we only recommend these dogs to those who can exercise them multiple times a day and have large fenced-in yards or plenty of property to roam. A big, bored dog can cause a lot of mayhem inside the house with a minimum of effort! If your dog starts displaying behaviors related to boredom, like chewing shoes and furniture or unnecessary barking, try giving them some toys that make them think. There are many types of puzzle toys available. For a dog as bright as this, mental exercise can be just as important as physical. If you are new to dogs, consider contacting a professional trainer so that you can start off on the right foot. The good thing about training a bright dog like this is that they will probably enjoy it! They crave intellectual enrichment as well as physical, and they love being able to do activities with their owners. Given their natural drive to do a job and do it well, training should be fun for both of you. German Shepherd Dogs are double-coated and have a thick, dense undercoat and a straight outer coat. They need to be brushed multiple times a week, or even daily when shedding more in spring. Invariably, you will need to clean their ears regularly to prevent infections. Check their nails too, as they will need clipping if not worn down naturally. Also, consider brushing their teeth occasionally as well, as this will promote good gum health and fresh breath. There are, however, some health concerns to keep an eye out for. Minor Conditions. The origin of this breed is a mixed hybrid between the German shepherd and the English or American bulldog. It is an incredible dog with a lot of energy, which is most beneficial as a working dog and family pet. Although some of them require a lot of training, these dogs have lots of traits that make them great companions. You will love to see them as family members, friends, and faithful companions. If you live with a pet that you love, you might be happy to hear that you have a new German Shepherd and Bulldog mix companion. Both breeds are known for their friendly behavior and bravery. Everyone loves a dog. Some people love to show off their dogs by taking them to the park or walking them around town, while others prefer to keep them indoors as pets. People who are looking for a companion dog, however, need something different from those who want an outdoor pet and a German Shepherd Bulldog Mix could be the best option for this. The head is large with the muzzle being shorter than the skull. They have strong teeth which are highly visible even when their mouths are closed. Most of them have dark brown eyes which are normal in size. The fetching eyes take their beauty to another charm. Also, this crossbreed can be either male or female, and it has the traits of both breeds. Both breeds are used as working dogs and hence possess a well-developed muscular body and strong jaw. It is not recognized by any major kennel club, though it does have some popularity in the US and UK. It has a short coat that can be red, brindle, white, or black with tan markings. The German Shepherd Bulldog Mix, on the other hand, is a short-legged muscular dog with a wrinkled face. Oversized paws have separate endurance which fits within them in growing age. Mentality and Brilliance of German Shepherd Bulldog Mix: The result of this cross-breeding process is to produce a dog that resembles both breeds, which is well-mannered, affectionate, and loyal. These dogs were bred to create a strong, intelligent family dog that would be great with children and other animals. This German Shepherd Mix Breed can also act as an excellent family pet due to its playful specialty. These dogs are very loyal, and territorial and are often used as police dogs because they are so well-behaved and protective of their masters. The reason behind this name is obvious; it looks like a cross between a German Shepherd and a Bulldog. Everyone always thinks of lenience and courage both in appearance shall go for this breed. There is no doubt that its owners are very confident to say that it is not only a multi-talented dog but also found to be dependable for a watchdog job. Not even this, it has earned a name for being trustworthy in rescuing and for fellowship. Self-possessiveness and interesting nature are purely found in this breed. Growing up to the height of 1 to 2 feet and weighing around 50 lbs. Also, they are big in size, but their smartness makes their size more adored. Experts always advise purchasing puppies and training them, feeding them and their health should be monitored regularly. Average Age They have a lifespan of 11 to 13 years. Bulldogs are friendly towards children but can be headstrong to train. They have an average weight of pounds. Things To Care About German Shepherd Bulldog Mix: German Shepherd Bulldog Mix demands a humble owner who treats them like a family member with a needed quantity of love and spends time with them daily. There are several health issues associated with the German Shepherd Bulldog mix that pet owners should be aware of. They must be treated in a low voice tone without sounding angry. A routine walk shall be performed for near around minutes to keep them active and healthy. Grooming; Teeth should be cleaned daily to prevent their mouth from bacteria and their breath will remain healthy. Clipping their nails on a regular period with great care can save them from worm allergies. Cleaning their body and especially ears prevent normal body infections. Training is a must for German Shepherd Bulldog Mix; They should be trained with time after taking them home. Diet and regular care of German Shepherd Bulldog Mix; Their diet shall be provided and maintained in a punctual manner same as the food gets prepared for the family members. This dog does not require a special diet as they shall be always fed with a balanced diet to prevent their health issues. They are intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please. Their intelligence makes them ideal working dogs and their strength makes them good guard dogs. Not only this but they also excel in competition obedience trials and training. German Shepherd Bulldog Mix delivers more than training as they possess diligent features in their character as multiplex personality brings them up with a high intellectual factor and have earned a name for doing defensive jobs. This is one animal that seems to have found a home as many people are now adopting them as pets. Being friendly and welcoming every time, they are always a good option for long walks. They can be referred to as designer dogs. Designer dogs are the result of crossbreeding two different breeds to achieve certain desired traits in their offspring. The German Shepherd and Bulldog were two breeds that were combined to create the GSB, which has been considered an ideal family pet for many years. It is because they are considered safer for children due to their polite nature. The German Shepherd Bulldog mix is an astounding dog as they only require training and social closeness. They are calmer than normal dogs, no matter if they are on a walk with the owner or doing safeguarding. This dog is known to be obedient and fearless as well as very protective. It has a docile temperament making it great for children. It will alert you when strangers are in the area and can also be trained to guard your home, but it should never be left alone with small animals. German Shepherd Bulldog Mix is best friendly natured It is a very friendly dog which makes it a perfect pet for families with children of all ages and can get along well with other pets too which makes it suitable for households that have more than one cat or dog. It easily gets along well with strangers but can be territorial when it comes to his property. These dogs are generally very sweet and make great companions for children or elderly people. Also, it is called a friendly dog that loves to be around people, especially children. This dog will be very active, playful, and loving toward its family. It also makes for a good guard dog because it will protect you from any danger. It is also a very popular breed of dog known for its loyalty and friendliness. The German Shepherd Bulldog Mix can be trained easily to enjoy running, hiking, and playing with other dogs. They are normally gentle but can be quite protective of their owners if they feel threatened. German Shepherd Bulldog Mix is a great combination of two different breeds to create a unique pet. In this breed, the temperament of both parents can be seen in the characteristics of their puppies. The German Shepherd and Bulldog both have a high level of character and great determination to accomplish goals. This mix is sure to please with its pleasing personality and ability to learn quickly. The German Shepherd part of the dog comes from the father while the mother is a Bulldog. In fact, some people call them Gerbils because they have a similar appearance to the playful rodent. The dog has inherited some qualities from both of its parents such as intelligence, high energy levels, and good-natured nature. This mixed breed is affectionate and playful with family members and other pets in the household but can be aggressive to strangers. The German Shepherd Bulldog Mix breed is an intelligent dog that does best in a home with older children. They are alert and active, but also very sweet and affectionate. This mix can be stubborn at times, especially as a puppy or young adult. German Shepherd Bulldog mix watchdogs are very good guard dogs, but they do not like to bark. They will alert you if someone is coming to your house by growling or barking. This breed does not bark very much, but its deep howl will alert you to something unusual. In this breed of dogs, this is the dominant gene. Final Thoughts: They are protective of their owners but can be friendly with guests. A first-time owner of this dog should know that it has numerous habits which are distinct from other dog breeds. It is a very protective, loyal, and faithful breed of dog. Post navigation. While the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, the American Bulldog is less well-known than its English Bulldog cousin. Could an American Bulldog x German Shepherd be the perfect mixed breed dog for you? A purebred dog is the offspring of two dogs of the same breed that have a known ancestry pedigree. A mixed breed dog like the German Shepherd Bulldog is born to purebred parents of two different breeds. Mutts generally have an unknown ancestry and can be a mix of more than two different breeds. Mixed breed dogs have been growing in popularity over the past few decades. The goal of crossbreeding is to combine the best characteristics of both parent breeds in the mix, but of course, the outcome of cross breeding can be unpredictable. This is called hybrid vigor. Breed experts note that the American is what the English used to look like hundreds of years ago, before its appearance got more extreme. The American Bulldog is a strong and athletic dog, often used for farm work, like rounding up livestock and guarding property. There are two types of American Bulldog: the Scott or standard and the Johnson or bully. The Scott is sleeker, including the head shape, than the heavier Johnson, which has a larger head with a shorter muzzle. German Shepherd Dog The German Shepherd is a large, muscular working dog, originally bred to be a livestock herding dog. The German Shepherd Bulldog mix is a medium to large dog with a temperament that tends to be very loyal and protective towards its human family members. Just how big will your German Shepherd cross Bulldog get? Generally, males stand between 22 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder, and females are 20 to 25 inches tall. The weight range for males is between 66 and pounds, and 60 to 90 pounds for females. Johnson types are heavier than Scott types. German Shepherd Dog The German Shepherd breed standard calls for a male that is 24 to 26 inches tall and a female that is 22 to 24 inches in height. While no weight is given in the breed standard, expect a male GSD to weigh between 66 and 88 pounds, and a female to weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. The overall appearance of a GSD should be strong, muscular, and substantial. The German Shepherd Bulldog mix is a medium to larger sized dog, strong and powerful like both parent breeds. Height and weight can vary quite a bit, depending on the sizes of the parents and the sex of the mix. Generally, you can expect the height to be around the to inch range and the weight to range from 60 to 90 pounds. Like all other traits, your Bulldog Shepherd mix can inherit the coat characteristics of either parent breed, in any combination. While the coat should be relatively low maintenance, requiring not much more than a weekly brushing, those GSD genetics could mean that your dog will have a heavier coat that sheds seasonally, requiring more grooming during those times. White with patches of color such as brown or black is also common. The German Shepherd also comes in a variety of coat colors, although the iconic black and tan coloring is the most well-known. Many coat colors and patterns are possible in the German Shepherd Bulldog mix. Frequently seen colors include brindle, black and tan, and white with patches of color. German Shepherd and Bulldog Mix Temperament and Training Temperament and trainability are always important factors to consider with large, strong dogs like the German Shepherd Bulldog mix. The German Shepherd breed is loved for its loyal, self-assured, and intelligent nature. They are famously dedicated to their human family members. The GSD is a highly trainable dog, known for its eagerness to please and strong work ethic. The American Bulldog is a brave guardian dog that is devoted to its family. The breed can sometimes be aloof with strangers but should never be shy or aggressive. As a confident working dog, the breed is smart and trainable. Those guarding instincts make early socialization especially important. What About the Mix? An American Bulldog cross German Shepherd can inherit the personality traits of either parent breed, in any combination. Since the parent breeds share some similar traits, you can expect your German Shepherd Bulldog mix to be brave, confident, loyal, and trainable. The protective nature of both breeds means that owners of the mix should take special care to train and socialize their dogs from puppyhood to avoid unwanted behaviors with unfamiliar people. They do best with confident and experienced owners. While both are gentle and loving towards children in the family, always supervise their interactions with unfamiliar children. Here are the most important to know about. German Shepherd Dogs The painful, degenerative joint conditions known as hip and elbow dysplasia are often seen in German Shepherds. German Shepherds can also be prone to a potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal condition commonly called bloat. Another genetic health problem common to German Shepherds is a neurological condition called degenerative myelopathy that affects the spinal cord. What About the American Bulldog? A deadly neurological condition called NCL neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is known to occur in the breed. NCL causes toxins to build up in the nervous system, leading to serious symptoms and death at a young age. Other common inherited health problems in the breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, skin conditions ichthyosis and mange , and eye problems cataracts and inward-turning eyelids. Like other Bulldog types and other short muzzled breeds, the American Bulldog can suffer from chronic breathing problems known as brachycephalic syndrome. As a mixed breed dog, the German Shepherd Bulldog mix can inherit genetic health issues from either parent breed. Potential owners should be especially aware of the joint and neurological problems that the parent breeds can pass on to their offspring. How can you ensure that your German Shepherd Bulldog mix puppy is as healthy as possible? Health tests can be either DNA testing or orthopedic exams done by a veterinarian and registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Responsible breeders will not breed affected dogs, and they will share all test results with buyers. Avoid buying a puppy from a pet store or online ad. Choose a small-scale breeder who welcomes client visits. Look for alert, active puppies that are free from nose and eye discharge and diarrhea. Be sure to carefully review paperwork, like contracts and health guarantees. An American Bulldog and German Shepherd mix can be an excellent dog for experienced owners looking for a larger dog that is smart, loyal, protective, and brave. Training and socialization are a must for this dog. Always use positive reinforcement training techniques. The Bulldog Shepherd can be a good choice for active families with children, but be sure to monitor your dog around strangers, especially children. Already sharing your life with this loving and devoted companion? Tell us about your dog in the comments below! References and Further Reading. But the parent breeds do have a history that dates back several hundreds of years. The American Bulldog has been in the United Sates since the 17th century. Their ability to catch feral cattle and pigs made them popular with farmers and many became farm dogs. They have since been brought back from the brink of extinction. A German cavalry officer wanted to develop the breed into the ideal German herding dog, thus begun 35 years of promoting and refining the breed to what we know it as today. After a waning need for herding dogs, the breed was promoted as a good choice for K-9 service dogs, and to this day are one of the preferred breeds worldwide for police agencies. American Bulldog Shepherd Characteristics The American Bulldog Shepherd is considered a medium-sized dog, at the large end of the medium scale. With dogs growing to be up to 26 inches and 90 pounds in weight. They can take on physical and personality traits from either of their parent breeds. Neither parent breeds like to be alone, and the same goes for their hybrid offspring. Leaving a favorite toy with your American Bulldog Shepherd if you need to go out will lower their stress levels. Be prepared for cuddles upon your return. Training is relatively easy, though the American Bulldog shines through at times and can be stubborn. American Bulldog Shepherds are great family pets and will be protective and loving with any children that may be alone. In addition, they can get along with other pets and do well in either apartment or house settings. Puppies of the breed should be fed about twice that amount in the first couple of months after weaning. As they have a high activity level, it is important that your American Bulldog Shepherd is getting the proper nutrition with a mix of high protein, healthy fats and carbs to replenish all of their burned calories. American Bulldog Shepherd Grooming As the American Bulldog Shepherd comes from two breeds that are shedders, you can be sure this hybrid will also be a shedder. Regular brushing will be needed, and to help lessen the amount of fur that gets on your furniture and clothes, daily brushing is recommended. In addition to regular brushing, your American Bulldog Shepherd will need to be bathed every one to two months, or sooner if they get really dirty or smelly. They usually need about three 45 minutes walks a day, plus some time for more vigorous activity, such as playing fetch, running around with other dogs, or activities such as obedience and agility training. Their ears should be checked and cleaned once a week to prevent debris and infections. Their nails should be clipped every couple of weeks if needed and their teeth should be brushed about once a week. American Bulldog Shepherd Health Overall the American Bulldog Shepherd is a very healthy dog and the most common ailments to look out for are hip and elbow dysplasia. Breeds Similar to American Bulldog Shepherd.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic French Bulldog Overview Bat-eared but oddly beautiful, the French Bulldog has a unique appeal. Aesthetically, other breeds undeniably are more glamorous and showy, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what many behold in the French Bulldog are the attributes that make this breed one of the best companion dogs in the world today. The French Bulldog is small but substantial in build with a powerful muscular body. He sports a short easy-care coat to accompany his easygoing personality. The Frenchie likes to play, but he also enjoys spending his days relaxing on the sofa. That love of play and relaxed attitude carry over into their training sessions. French Bulldogs are intelligent, and training them is easy as long as you make it seem like a game and keep it fun. They are free thinkers and are not an ideal breed for competing in obedience or agility although some have risen to the challenge. This freethinking approach can also lead to a stubborn nature, and if they decide to dig in their heels there is no budging them. Frenchies are loving companions who thrive on human contact. If you want an outdoor dog who can be left alone for long periods, the Frenchie is not the breed for you. This is a dog who enjoys lavishing love on his human companions as much as he loves the same treatment in return. They generally get along well with everyone, including children. They can, however, be territorial and possessive of their people, especially in the presence of other dogs. Socialization is a must for this breed, but with their easy companionship this is an enjoyable task. With a nature that is both humorous and mischievous, the French Bulldog needs to live with someone who is consistent, firm, and patient with all the antics and idiosyncrasies that make him both frustrating and delightful. They can be protective of their home and family and some will try to defend both with their life. French Bulldogs do not need a lot of room and do very well in apartments or small dwellings. A couple of minute walks per day should keep them from becoming overweight. Keep the Frenchie in cool, comfortable surroundings. This is not a dog who can stay outside on a hot day. French Bulldogs are wonderful companion dogs with a gentle nature. If you work at home, the Frenchie is happy to lie at your feet all day or follow you from room to room. French Bulldog Highlights Friendly and playful: French Bulldogs are known for their friendly and playful personality. They love to cuddle and play fetch. Low-maintenance: French Bulldogs are relatively low-maintenance dogs. They only require moderate exercise and grooming. Good with children: French Bulldogs are good with children and other pets. They make great family dogs. Intelligent: French Bulldogs are intelligent dogs and can be easily trained. Adaptable: French Bulldogs can adapt to different living conditions. They are a good choice for apartment dwellers or people with active lifestyles. Healthy: French Bulldogs are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to some health problems, such as brachycephalic airway syndrome and cherry eye. Overall, French Bulldogs are great dogs for people of all ages and lifestyles. They are friendly, playful, and low-maintenance, making them a perfect addition to any family. They were originally bred to be bull-baiting dogs, but this practice was outlawed in England in .French Bulldogs were then imported to France where they became popular as companion dogs. In France, French Bulldogs were often kept by lacemakers and other artisans who worked in small shops. The dogs were prized for their gentle nature and their ability to adapt to cramped living quarters. French Bulldogs also became popular with the French upper class, and they were often depicted in paintings and sculptures. French Bulldogs were first brought to the United States in the late s, and they quickly became popular with American families. The dogs were known for their friendly and playful personality, and they made great companions for children. French Bulldogs also became popular with celebrities, and they were often featured in movies and television shows. Today, French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are known for their friendly and playful personality, their low-maintenance coat, and their adaptability to different living conditions. French Bulldogs make great companions for people of all ages and lifestyles. The French Bulldog thrived in France and Europe, and his charm was soon discovered by Americans as well. Males weigh 20 to 28 pounds, females 16 to 24 pounds. French Bulldog Personality This is a smart, loving dog who wants and needs to spend lots of time with his people. Hip dysplasia can exist with or without clinical signs. Some dogs exhibit pain and lameness on one or both rear legs. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and found to be free of problems. Brachycephalic Syndrome : This disorder is found in dogs with short heads, narrowed nostrils, or elongated or soft palates. Their airways are obstructed to varying degrees and can cause anything from noisy or labored breathing to total collapse of the airway. Dogs with brachycephalic syndrome commonly snuffle and snort. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition but includes oxygen therapy as well as surgery to widen nostrils or shorten palates. Allergies: Allergies are a common problem in dogs. The medication for inhalant allergies depends on the severity of the allergy. It is important to note that ear infections often accompany inhalant allergies. Hemivertebrae: This is a malformation of one or more vertebrae that causes it to be shaped like a wedge or triangle. This malformation can occur on its own or with other vertebrae malformations. Hemivertebra can cause no problems, or it can put pressure on the spinal cord. This can lead to pain, weakness, and or paralysis. There is no treatment for the condition unless there is spinal cord pressure. It is caused when the patella, which has three parts — the femur thigh bone , patella knee cap , and tibia calf — is not properly lined up and slips in and out of place luxates. This causes lameness or an abnormal gait the way the dog moves. The rubbing caused by patellar luxation can lead to arthritis, a degenerative joint disease. There are four grades of patellar luxation ranging from grade I, an occasional luxation causing temporary lameness in the joint, to grade IV, in which the turning of the tibia is severe and the patella cannot be realigned manually. This gives the dog a bowlegged appearance. Severe grades of patellar luxation may require surgical repair. When the disc pushes into the spinal cord, nerve transmissions are inhibited from traveling along the spinal cord. Intervertebral Disc Disease can be caused by trauma, age, or simply from the physical jolt that occurs when a dog jumps off a sofa. When the disc ruptures, the dog usually feels pain and the ruptured disc can lead to weakness and temporary or permanent paralysis. In some cases surgery can help, but it must be done within a day or so of the injury. You may also want to ask your veterinarian about physical rehabilitation. Treatments such as massage, water treadmills and electrical stimulation are available for dogs and can have excellent success. It affects the clotting process due to the reduction of von Willebrand factor in the blood. Occasionally blood is found in the stool. This disorder is usually diagnosed in your dog between the ages of 3 and 5 and cannot be cured. However, it can be managed with treatments that include cauterizing or suturing injuries, transfusions of the von Willebrand factor before surgery, and avoiding certain medications. Cleft Palate : The palate is the roof of the mouth and separates the nasal and oral cavities. It is made up of two parts, hard and soft. A cleft palate has a slit that runs bilaterally or unilaterally and can range in size from a small hole to a large slit. A cleft palate can affect both the hard and soft palate separately and together and may cause a cleft lip. Puppies can be born with cleft palates, or a cleft palate can occur from an injury. Cleft palates are fairly common in dogs, but many puppies born with a cleft palate do not survive or are euthanized by the breeder. The only treatment for a cleft palate is surgery to close the hole, although not all dogs with a cleft palate require the surgery. It is important to get a diagnosis and treatment recommendation from your veterinarian. Elongated Soft Palate: The soft palate is the extension of the roof of the mouth. When the soft palate is elongated, it can obstruct airways and cause difficulty in breathing. The treatment for Elongated Soft Palate is surgical removal of the excess palate. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Regardless of how healthy your dog is when you first bring them home, you should prepare for any issues that may come up throughout their life. French Bulldog Care French Bulldogs do not need a lot of exercise. They have fairly low energy levels, although there are exceptions to every rule. To keep their weight down, however, they need daily exercise through short walks or play times in the yard. Many French Bulldogs enjoy playing and will spend much of their time in various activities, but they are not so high energy that they need a large yard or long periods of exercise. This breed is prone to heat exhaustion and should not be exercised in hot temperatures. Limit walks and active play to cool mornings and evenings. When training a French Bulldog, take into account that although they are intelligent and usually eager to please, they are also free thinkers. That means they can be stubborn. It is important to crate train your French Bulldog puppy even if you plan to give him the freedom of the house when he reaches adulthood. French Bulldog Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. For more on feeding your Frenchie, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. The skin is loose and wrinkled, especially at the head and shoulders, and has a soft texture. French Bulldogs come in a variety of colors, including fawn, cream, various shades of brindle — a coat patterned with specks and streaks of light and dark markings — such as black brindle and the striking tiger brindle, and brindle and white, known as brindle pied. French Bulldogs can be any color except solid black, liver a solid reddish-brown with brown pigmentation on the lips and nose , mouse a light steely gray , and black with white or tan. Run from any breeder who tells you that a particular color is rare and thus worth more money. Having your heart set on a fawn female is a recipe for disappointment when the litter contains only cream and brindle males. French Bulldogs are fairly easy to groom and need only an occasional brushing to keep their coat healthy. They are average shedders. Begin grooming your Frenchie at a young age and teach your puppy to stand on a table or floor to make this experience easier on both of you. When you are grooming your Frenchie at any stage of life, take the time to check for any scabs, skin lesions, bare spots, rough, flaky skin, or signs of infections. You should also check ears, eyes and teeth for any discharge or bad smells. Both are signs that your Frenchie may need to see the veterinarian. Clean ears regularly with a damp warm cloth and run a cotton swab around the edge of the canal. Never stick the cotton swab into the actual ear canal. If the edges of the ears are dry, apply mineral or baby oil sparingly. The oil can also be used on a dry nose. French Bulldogs do not naturally wear their nails down and will need their nails trimmed regularly. This prevents splitting and tearing, which can be painful for the dog. Keep the facial wrinkles clean and dry to prevent bacterial infections. Whenever you bathe your dog, take the time to thoroughly dry the skin between the folds. Bathe your French Bulldog monthly or as needed, and use a high-quality dog shampoo to keep the natural oils in his skin and coat. French Bulldogs should be easy to groom, and with proper training and positive experiences during puppyhood, grooming can be a wonderful bonding time for you and your Frenchie. That said, no dog should ever be left alone with a young child. When they are socialized to them during puppyhood, Frenchies can get along well with other dogs and cats. French Bulldog Rescue Groups French Bulldogs are often acquired without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. All dogs will need veterinary care at some point in their lives. French Bulldog Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues. Below are breed clubs, organizations, and associations where you can find additional information about the French Bulldog. Keep on reading to learn everything about French Bulldog puppies! French bulldogs All you need to know about Frenchies: a short summary History in a nutshell French Bulldogs were first bred as a smaller version of the English Bulldog in the 19th-century England. They were particularly popular among lacemakers in Nottinghamshire, who initially kept them to chase rats but soon fell in love with their small size and calm, friendly nature. After the Industrial Revolution, they had to move to southern France where lacemaking was still done by hand and took their dogs with them. Frenchies soon got popular in the circles of French artists, actors, writers in Paris as well as rich Americans visiting the city. In fact, they loved Frenchies so much that they took them to the US, where they finally got recognized by the AKC in .Frenchie Characteristics French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds thanks to their fun, adaptable, friendly nature and distinctive look. You can easily recognize them by their flat, heavily wrinkled faces and large, erect bat ears, which make them absolutely adorable. Despite having the strong, muscular body of a bulldog Frenchies are small in size: adult males usually weigh 20 to 28 pounds while females are 16 to 24 pounds. Frenchie Colors Frenchies come in a wide variety of different colors and patterns. There are standard French Bulldog colors like black, fawn, cream and patterns like pied and brindle, which are considered common for the breed. Rare and unique colors like blue and lilac, as well as patterns like tan and merle have gained more popularity in recent years. Frenchie Personality French Bulldogs probably have the biggest personality among all the dog breeds. They are funny, friendly and insanely affectionate, making them the perfect companions for anyone. They are also highly intelligent and need a fair amount of mental stimulation. Frenchies are like small children: simply irresistible! Giving only high- quality food, ensuring regular training and exercise, finding a good vet and not exposing them to too much heat is also essential to provide a long and happy life for your French Bulldog. They are little clowns who always do something silly to make you laugh! They are amazing companions who get along with everyone in the family from small kids to older people, other dog breeds and even cats. Shall we go on?! The exact amount usually depends on various factors like the color, gender and age of a puppy as well as the breeder you get your puppy from. Breeding Frenchies requires a lot of time, effort, care and money, so those who are dedicated to only having high-quality and healthy French Bulldog puppies will ask a larger sum starting from 4, USD. Colors and patterns considered common for the breed like black brindle and fawn have the lowest prices ranging from 4, to 5, USD, while blue, lilac and merle which are more unique and harder to produce come at a higher price as well ranging from 6, to 8, USD. Isabella and fluffy Frenchies are the rarest, most valuable and most expensive from 8, to 30, USD. When it comes to age and gender, younger female Frenchies usually cost a couple of hundreds more than older male puppies. What's included in the price? Life Span Did You Know? While the name of this breed is the French Bulldog, their origins cannot be credited to only France. One of the facts about French Bulldogs is that the idea and reason for the creation of the breed originated in England. This adorable dog breed, which has always been meant to be a companion, started as a miniature version of the English Bulldog. This mini-version accompanied lace workers across the English Channel and into France during the Industrial Revolution. Once the dog breed became prominent in France, the subsequent successful crossbreeding of the English Bulldog, Pug, and Terrier led to the creation of the modern-day Frenchie. The French Bulldog we know today originally came to the United States with groups of wealthy Americans who came across them and fell in love while touring Europe in the late s. The French Bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in and is a member of the non-sporting group. The French Bulldog is an easygoing, affectionate, and playful dog that loves their family and gets along well with children. They also love to make new friends, which means they get along well with other dogs, animals, and people. Intelligent and affectionate, this small dog breed certainly wins over hearts and earns its status as a popular companion dog. Frenchies are not known to bark much, unless you train them into it, but they are naturally alert and make excellent watchdogs. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, they tend to have an open and friendly nature. The Frenchie is a highly adaptable dog that pretty much adapts to any living situation that includes plenty of love and attention. Being a short-snouted, snub-nosed dog breed, they do not tolerate heat very well and are also sensitive to cold. This tends to make them one of the dog breeds that hate winter and you will want to make sure to bundle them up to stay warm while out on cold winter walks. Because Frenchies bond closely with their families and thrive on attention from them, they do not tolerate long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if they are poorly socialized or you do not work with them on this when they are young. Potential health concerns to be aware of in French Bulldogs can include cataracts, cherry eye, and entropion. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances. Heart and joint certifications are recommended for this breed. Playful and happy, the French Bulldog is a great fit for a novice dog owner. They are sweet-tempered, eager to please, and eager to train. Occasionally, Frenchies can be stubborn and they do tend to have big personalities. Although this can sometimes be a challenge for first-time dog owners, it can usually be overcome with consistent and patient training. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training. Standard coat colors for Frenchies are Brindle, Cream, Fawn, and combinations of these. They have a short coat that will shed a little year-round. Nail trims once or twice a month keep nails from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, the Frenchie is more prone to developing gum disease. Daily dental care plus cleanings at the vet as needed can help prevent this and other painful dental diseases later in life. You will also need to take care of the wrinkles. Frenchies have hereditary face wrinkles and it is important to keep them clean and dry to prevent skin irritation or possible infection. The French Bulldog is an easygoing companion breed. They can be one of the laziest dog breeds that are couch potatoes. Frenchies will often be energetic when they play and will try to match their activity to yours. So, if you live a more active lifestyle, you need to be careful that your French Bulldog is not overexerting themselves trying to keep up with you. As a Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dog, they cannot cool themselves as easily and are extra sensitive to heat. They can also get winded easily, so be aware of this when playing with your dog or puppy and watch for signs of overexertion. There are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs and you can work with your vet on specifics for your Frenchie if needed. French Bulldogs usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Frenchies generally live for years on average. With this dog breed being so popular, there are plenty of celebrities who have chosen the French Bulldog as their companion, which also means there are plenty of famous Frenchies out there. Also, French Bulldogs cannot swim, at least without a life vest. They can be taught to swim while wearing one, but they should never be left unattended around bodies of water or swimming pools and require constant supervision while in the water. Featured French Bulldog Article.

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. We produce all of the brindles in black, blue, chocolate, lilac , fawns and sables in golden, red, blue, chocolate, lilac , creams, pure coats and tan points in black, blue, chocolate, lilac , and pieds in ALL of these beautiful colors! Call Us Are you ready to own the most popular dog breed in the U. We appreciate you visiting our site, whether you have been here many times in the past, or if this is the first time you have paid us a visit. We hope that the time you spend with us will be enjoyable, and that you will feel it is worth your time and effort. Of course, we invite you to come back as often as time permits, as we have provided a lot of information regarding the French Bulldog, and we doubt if you will cover everything in one visit. Under Owner Information, you will find a lot of information to help you determine if the French Bulldog is the breed for you. There are also FAQs for New Owners, if you have made the decision to adopt one of these wonderful dogs. Under Owner Info, you will also find several products that we use and highly endorse. We then have the unpleasant talk about scammers, who are rampant in the puppy arena, especially regarding French Bulldog puppies. If you see a deal that sounds too good to be true, there is a .It breaks our hearts every time we are contacted by someone who has been scammed, or nearly scammed. Please be careful. Lastly, under Owner Info, you will find information regarding our contract and our guarantee, which we believe is one of the best available, and it is the least we will do in the unlikely event that there is a problem with one of our dogs. Under Our Frenchies, you will find information regarding our breeding males, our females which have puppies on the ground, and retirees that are ready for their forever homes. We are very proud of the breeding male and females we have assembled. You can click on Former Puppies and scroll down to see a few examples of all of the various colors that Frenchies come in that we have produced in the past. We know that the different colors can be a bit confusing, so we have tried to make it as straight forward as possible. The only problem is that there are so many gorgeous colors that they come in, a decision regarding color preferences can be difficult .Also, under Our Frenchies, you can click on New Puppies to see all of our currently available puppies, along with a list of the litters that are born, but not yet introduced. We have placed multiple puppies in every state of the union except Hawaii, as they have a very long quarantine period. We have been using very responsible puppy nannies for years to deliver puppies to major airports all over the country, for very reasonable rates. We would love to work with you to place the perfect little Frenchie in your home. Some of our puppies, especially very specific requests, are placed with clients on our waiting list, but many are available to potential clients that are looking for puppies right away. If you are looking for a high-quality Frenchie puppy, please contact us and we will send information which will help you determine if we might be the breeder for you. We will do our best to help you adopt the Frenchie of your dreams. We do not post earlier videos. All of the puppies shown in the videos will have had their vet checks and will be available for adoption with the exception of a few that we may belatedly decide to hold back. Generally, those that we will be holding back will not be included in the videos. As a reminder to each of our Waiting List clients who have passed on prior puppies due to poor timing, when you are ready for your puppy, please let us know so we do not bypass your name when we are placing new litters. Meeting the puppy Nanny was easy and smooth at the airport! Hank was love at first sight. Happy Holidays! Just thought I would write to give you an update on our Dieter. Thank you again for doing what you do, and raising such amazing dogs! Dieter is loved by all who meet him, and he has met several people on his adventures this year. He is such a mischievous, but entertaining boy. He is the sweetest, craziest, cutest, cuddliest, puppy! Hi everyone! Just wanted to give you guys an update on Hank Mowgli. He is the center of every minute in my girls day. There were tears of joy and excitement — it was wonderful! Night went well — I had my hand in her kennel so she could sleep — she would make sure it was there and then fall back to […] Danielle, Rich and Rowan Hi BlueHaven!! Hope all is well! Rich and I would like to thank you for the care and love you put into your breeding program. Rowan is a healthy and fun-loving Frenchie! We hope all is well in your neck of the woods. All is well here. Originally, when we listed our preferred colors, we did not select brindle, but as you can see, once we saw GiGi, […] Catherine, Nick, Kolbie, Natty, and Dieter Dieter had an awesome first night. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! Just wanted to send an update on Pearl formerly Sinah. At nearly 4 months old now; Pearl is doing very, very well. She had her 3rd series of shots and vet check last week and is perfectly healthy.

All the adult dogs and puppies have the freedom to run and socialize with other animals as they please. All females stay at guardian families. You can contact the breeder previously about this issue. This fee is non-refundable. Its transparency with its clients characterizes backwater Doodles. You can find information about their veterinarian and where they make genetic testing for their dogs to discard any major genetic health problems. You will also get a 2-year warranty against certain genetic effects, such as hip dysplasia. Contact Information: Email: Not specified. You can submit an application if you want to contact this breeder via email. It is important to make sure that your dog comes from a good place where it has been allowed to run freely and socialize with other animals and humans. The breeders mentioned on this list show clear information about their practices and how they care for their adult dogs and puppies. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. Research: First and foremost, make sure that the breeder is reputable and has a good track record. There are many ways to research this, including reading online reviews and talking to other dog owners who have purchased Bernedoodles puppies from them. Health: Second, you want to make sure that the Bernedoodle puppies are healthy and well-cared for. Ask the breeder about the health of the parents and grandparents, and whether or not the puppies have been to the vet for a checkup. This means they should be introduced to a variety of people, and other animals, which will be beneficial for novice owners. Puppies from a reputable breeder are going to be more expensive than those from a backyard breeder. But, in the long run, a puppy from a reputable breeder is going to be healthier and have fewer behavior issues. Meet the Parents: If possible, you should meet the parents of the puppies before making your final decision. This will give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of temperament and appearance. But if you need more convincing, here are just a few reasons why a Bernedoodle might be the perfect pup for you. Coat: Bernedoodles come in three different coat types: wavy, curly, and straight. Temperament: Bernedoodles are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They are also very loyal and affectionate with their families and get along well with children and other pets. Size: Bernedoodles come in three different sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Standard Bernedoodles can weigh anywhere from pounds, while Miniature Bernedoodles usually weigh in at pounds. Toy Bernedoodles are the smallest of the bunch, weighing in at 12 pounds or less. Health: Bernedoodles are generally a healthy breed, and are not known to suffer from any major health conditions. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. But with proper care and regular vet check-ups, your Bernedoodle should enjoy a long and healthy life. When it comes to finding the perfect Bernedoodle puppy in Alabama, price is often a major consideration. While there is no definitive answer when it comes to how much a Bernedoodle puppy may cost, there are a few things that can help you budget for your new furry friend. However, depending on the specific breeder and bloodline of your puppy, the price could be higher or lower. In addition to the cost of the puppy itself, there are also a few other expenses to consider when bringing a Bernedoodle into your home. These include things like shots, spaying or neutering, and microchipping. All of these costs can add up, so be sure to factor them into your budget when deciding whether or not a Bernedoodle is the right breed for you. When it comes to finding the perfect Bernedoodle puppy in Alabama, price is certainly something to consider. If you know any great Bernedoodle breeder who lives in Alabama, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in Alabama? It really helps others who are looking for a Bernedoodle Puppies in Alabama. Conclusion for Bernedoodle Breeders in Alabama: Hope you Like this post, so these are the best Bernedoodle Breeders in Alabama that we have added to our list. And we believe there are many but we will thoroughly review and close check the breeder before adding it to our list. If you are looking for the best Bernedoodle Breeders in Alabama, you can consider one of these breeders. This dog could be perfect for people with allergy concerns, as they do not shed much. If you are one of the numerous lovers of Bernedoodles, you are in the right place. We have curated an extensive list of top Bernedoodle breeders in the United States. They have been producing high-quality dogs for over a decade. Their Bernedoodles are beautiful, smart, and well-behaved. You will find all types of Bernedoodles, including tiny, mini, standard, and Australian Bernedoodles. Rocky Mountain is one of the first four breeders in the United States. This breeder produces trio colors such as merle, chocolate, and black. They produce a lot of Turnkey Bernedoodles that go on to become great family dogs. No matter the color or size you want, Rocky Mountain can provide the right Bernedoodle for you. All the pups at this breeder come with a 5-year health guarantee. They also offer lifetime support for the buyers. Once you do, they will add you to their waiting list. They have an excellent facility located in Statesville, North Carolina. You can hire them if you are looking to train your puppy, as they have a wonderful training program. Recherche Bernese ensured that all pups get many hours of training before they move to their forever homes. The breeder offers different sizes and colors of Bernedoodles. All their Mountain Bernese dogs are imported from Europe for health reasons. They do that because Europe has more genetic diversity. If you have decided to go with this breeder, you will need to fill out their puppy application form. Once you do that, they add you to a waiting list after receiving your deposit. All puppies from Recherche Bernese come with a 4-year health warranty. Bernedoodle Breeder Information:.

They are superb with kids and very much compatible with other pets in the house. They are big and their tail is strong, so keep your breakable belongings away from the reach of that helicopter wag. They are great personalities for a pet but maintaining them is no joke. Bookmark this page which lists down cool tips to take care of a Golden Retriever. To prevent it from matting and to reduce the shedding, you must brush it daily. If you do this from an early age, they get used to it and they actually look forward to it. Not only that. While you brush them, watch out for scabs, cysts, scratches and bumps and if it does not go in a day or two, visit the vet. Wrap some wet cotton gauze around your finger and then wipe the inside of your puppy's ears and ear flap. Do it every alternate day and if you notice wax buildup or discharge or foul smell, take it to the vet, do not delay. When their nails start clicking the ground, it is a sign that your boy or girl needs trimming. Active dogs need fewer trims as per vets. It can bleed and it is very painful too. Also, do not cut the nail in one go. Go slow and if you see a circle on the trimmed surface, stop there and then because that is the quick. Never use a human toothpaste because they are very toxic for dogs. Make sure that your fur-child goes on a brisk walk, plays around at least for 30 minutes twice a day. Play fetch, take it for a swim if he loves water. They must have a place to retreat if they feel low or nervous. But never make it an area of punishment as that will stress them out. Teach them basic commands. Nowadays, we also have pet friendly cafes, so take them there. Not just pets, dogs should also know other humans besides you. They must know that people wearing attires unlike yours are also humans they need to be civil with. Do take them to crowded places to take away that fear and so that they get accustomed to loud noises as well. Fast cars and bikes, all these things scare them if they are not used to it. It is the same as human babies. Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. They crave human attention and affection, the more the better! Often, they will sit by your feet and lean into you or will paw at you to keep petting them. Leaving your Golden alone too long might make him depressed, or could cause unwanted behaviours such as chewing, excessive barking, and other destructive behaviour. But, keep in mind that you are everything to your Golden Retriever and they want to spend their time with you. A high-quality diet is a must for these dogs, as they can easily develop skin problems such as allergies, and they can easily become overweight. Goldens love food, and will eat anything!! It is important to keep control and monitor their food intake so that they do not become overweight. It is certainly not an easy thing to do when they look at you with their sad puppy dog eyes begging for food every time you eat. The biggest mistake you can make is feeding them from the table. I can attest to this because I used to do it! My dog became slightly overweight, and it was a struggle to shed the pounds off of her. Give Them Space Goldens are labelled as a medium to large-sized breed. Breed standards state that adult Goldens will typically weigh between lbs female , and lbs male. Some adults can weigh more or less depending on genetics. Because of their large size, they need room to move. Goldens are not meant to be outside dogs all the time, they would rather spend time with their humans inside than be outside by themselves. Having a yard for them to run and play is beneficial, but when given enough exercise and outdoor time, Goldens can also do well in apartment living. Just make sure that your house or apartment is large enough to accommodate them. Keep Them Beautiful One thing is for certain of this breed, and that is they shed!!! Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful long coat, which is actually a double-coat. Meaning it consists of a thick soft undercoat and a coarser topcoat. The undercoat is what sheds heavily in the spring and fall, and there is moderate shedding throughout the rest of the year. A Goldens double-coat offers protection from the elements, keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Regular brushing is a must to keep their coat looking healthy and shiny, and to minimize shedding. Bathing should be done regularly as well, and since Goldens love water it should be easier to do. Because of their floppy ears, Goldens are prone to getting ear infections. Weekly ear cleaning is recommended to keep their ears free of dirt and debris and to prevent infections. Golden Retrievers are beautiful, and they know it and love to show it off. It is up to their owners to keep them beautiful. Grooming a Golden Retriever does not have to be difficult, you can easily learn to groom them yourself at home to save some money. Socialize Them Golden Retrievers are naturally social. They love nothing more than being taken for a walk and meeting new people and other dogs. Known for their friendly and gentle nature, Goldens will get along with all animals and all people. Now as an adult she continues this with the people that she knows. She will also go up to strangers and sit on their feet and wait to be petted. She loves the attention that she gets. After meeting someone, or another dog she usually gets very happy and excited. I would suggest taking your Golden everywhere with you, take them to the park, for car rides, let them meet new people and dogs. Let them experience new things and you will have a happy dog. Take Them Swimming Natural born swimmers, to say that Goldens love water is an understatement! Especially on a hot summer day, Goldens will love to go in any water source they can find. Some owners have Golden Retrievers that enjoy rolling around and getting dirty in mud puddles, I am lucky enough to not be one of those owners. Swimming is a great form of exercise for your Golden Retriever, so take them with you to a dog-friendly beach or other water spot and have a game of fetch in the water. Provide Mental Stimulation Because they are such intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers are easy to train. They are eager to please their owner, especially when a treat is involved for being a good dog. In order to keep them from getting bored, and becoming destructive, they should be given plenty of mental stimulation. Golden Retrievers are happier and healthier, and more behaved when they are given mental stimulation on a daily basis. This can be done by teaching your dog basic commands and tricks, playing games with them, and providing enough exercise. An example of mental stimulation right now for my dog Ellie is when we are out walking she loves to go into the creek at several spots along the trail and hunt for frogs. She is so excited when she sees one and tries to catch it. They are basically big teddy bears. Craving human attention and affection is what they do and if that means jumping onto your lap and snuggling up with you, then that is what they will do. I remember when Ellie was a puppy I did not want her on the couch. I even tried to put tinfoil on the couch to deter her away from it. How long do you think that lasted?? Maybe a week or less. She would take a running leap and jump onto the couch and realize how comfortable it was, and just stay there. Nothing I could do about it, it was just easier to give in. Now I share a couch with her. She has her side, I have mine. Some Goldens live longer than the average, with many of them living up to 14 or 15 years. Genetics, lifestyle, environment, nutrition and spay or neuter status can all contribute to the health of your Golden. In order to keep them healthy and to ensure a long life with your devoted best friend, there are things you need to do such as: Provide a nutritious high-quality diet. Provide plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation. Keep your Golden at an ideal weight and watch food intake to prevent obesity. Look for any signs of illness and medical problems, and get regular vet check-ups. Play with them, and show them plenty of love. Provide regular grooming to keep them clean and healthy. They may bark at a stranger at the door, but will soon wag their tail and flash their friendly smile at them. They love people way too much to be effective as a guard dog. If someone were to break into their home, a Golden would rather lick them to death than show any form of aggression. The Golden Retriever especially needs a lot of love and attention in order to be happy. They value the time spent with you, and any dog owner knows that the time spent with their beloved Golden Retriever is never enough. A Golden Retriever quickly steals your heart and becomes your best friend. Their beauty both inside and out becomes addicting that most owners of this beautiful breed usually own more than one. Keep in mind that if you let a Golden be a Golden, by letting them do what they love such as meeting new people and going swimming, then you will be rewarded with a happy dog. How do you take care of your Golden Retriever to ensure their happiness? Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you. Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Golden Retrievers were first bred in the early s in Scotland as hunting dogs. Although they are still used for hunting, Goldens also excel at many other activities, including search and rescue jobs and guide work. They require ample exercise—swimming in particular is a great outlet for their endless energy, and most Goldens love it! Their beautiful coats require brushing and in some climates a summer trim may be in order. Goldens are intelligent, understanding, and eager to please their families. The Golden Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Golden. By knowing about health concerns specific to Golden Retrievers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Golden Retrievers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Golden Retrievers. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Golden looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your Golden is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Golden Retrievers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Golden Retrievers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Golden is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Golden Retrievers Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your Golden will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Golden Retrievers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Golden Retrievers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Golden Retrievers than other breeds. The sooner these tumors are surgically removed, the better. Unfortunately, mast cell tumors often look very similar to other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, many of which are not harmful. Therefore, all suspicious lumps should be tested and surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal , so early detection is critical. Bloat Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Golden is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Golden Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Goldens. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Golden Retrievers and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea the clear front part of the eye , and redness in the whites of the eyes. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Golden is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Allergies, swimming, overgrowth of hair in the ear canals, and accumulation of earwax can all predispose your dog to ear infections, which are painful and annoying. Goldens are very often afflicted by allergies, which can cause itching and inflammation in the ears and elsewhere. The earlier we diagnose and treat these ailments, the less discomfort and pain your pet will suffer. Be sure to call us if you notice him scratching or shaking his head, a foul odor from the ears, or if his ears seem painful to the touch. By monitoring for ear infections and treating them early, we also reduce the likelihood of eardrum damage that can lead to deafness. Most ear infections tend to recur until we work together to control the underlying cause. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and Golden Retrievers are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us at or call an emergency hospital. Heart Disease Some Golden Retrievers inherit a heart condition known as aortic stenosis. This disease causes a partial obstruction to the blood flow leaving the heart, which means the heart must work harder to pump enough blood to the body. If the condition is severe, your dog may faint or seem to run out of energy during exercise. He may also have difficulty breathing, cough frequently, or have stunted growth. Golden Retrievers are also especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, your pet may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. If indicated, treatment includes medication and dietary supplementation. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Goldens have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Bleeding Disorders Your Golden Retriever is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test as we may not otherwise know whether your pet has hemophilia until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Taking Care of Your Golden Retriever at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Golden live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. Golden Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She excels at dog sports like flyball, agility, dock diving, and obedience events. She has a passion for water, and swimming is a perfect form of exercise for this water retriever. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Golden Retriever needs help. Read the full disclosure here. They rely on you for everything and their health and well-being is well and truly in your hands. In order for your Golden to live as long and as healthy and fit a life as possible, you need to first educate yourself on how to care for them properly and build this knowledge into actions and routines. A balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercise , grooming and regular veterinary health checks are all essential parts of maintaining good health and quality of life. All of these are under your control. By taking steps to do the best for your Goldens health and monitoring their well-being regularly, you can prevent illnesses happening, avoiding pain and discomfort for your Golden and vets bills and heartache for you. At first, being a caring and responsible owner can seem a daunting and herculean task, but breaking it down into little manageable routines really does make it easy. Health Care Routines For Your Golden Retriever You should keep a diary and set up daily, weekly, quarterly and yearly routines to make sure every need is met and your Golden is well looked after. Example routines would be: Daily: Provision of nutritious food and clean water, regular and sufficient exercise, general health check via bodily inspections. Weekly: Inspection of ears, eyes and oral health and hygiene. Comprehensive grooming and nail care. Quarterly: Bath your Golden. In the past, any more often than this was bad for their coat quality and skin. Scheduled visits to a veterinarian and canine dentist, perhaps alternating every 3 months so two visits to each per year. Yearly: Vaccination top-ups. Following is a brief discussion of areas you need to pay attention to in order to care for your Golden well. Particularly during their puppy years they can get themselves into all sorts of trouble around your home and garden so you have to undertake a certain amount of puppy-proofing your home : Fence off swimming pools or ponds in your yard as they will get in there but being so small they may not be able to swim well and could find it impossible to get out unaided. Research the plants and flowers you have in your home and garden as there are in excess of one hundred plants known to be toxic to dogs and Goldens love a good chew! Remove or make safe any sharp items in your home that your Golden may play with, rub against or walk over in their playing. Hide away any electrical cables because a dogs sharp teeth and electricity are a particularly dangerous combination. Goldens can learn to open simple storage units and household chemicals therein are extremely dangerous to your dog. For now, just pretend you are an inquisitive dog, tour your home and garden and imagine just how they could get themselves into trouble in any of the areas they have access to. Then take steps to make those areas safe. Diet, Nutrition and Water Intake Dogs in the wild would hunt and scavenge, eating a wide variety of different foods, taking care of their own diet and ensuring they get all the nutrients they need. Modern dogs no longer hunt and scavenge and instead rely on their owners to provide them everything they need. You need to research, find and provide a good scientifically formulated diet to match their very particular nutritional requirements. You should note that a puppy has different nutritional requirements to an active adult dog, that is again different to a very senior dog who may have somewhat slowed down. There are dog foods balanced to meet a dogs different needs for each stage of their lives and activity levels. One thing you really need to watch out for with Golden Retrievers is over-feeding. And a Golden will never say no, they just love to eat! So please be mindful of their food intake and monitor their weight. No dog should be overweight. It can lead to joint problems, which leads to mobility problems, as well as diseases of their internal organs which can really shorten their lives. As well as good food, your Golden needs access to a good, clean and fresh supply of water every day. Dehydration is a real problem, as is over-hydrating in some dogs. And any drastic changes in their intake usually signifies an underlying health problem and you should seek the advice of your vet. Exercise Golden Retrievers are a sporting breed, bred for working and hence considered a high energy breed. To keep them fit and healthy and to occupy their minds you will need to provide them with lots of opportunity for structured exercise. Notice I said structured exercise! This means you cannot simply let them out into your yard and hope they take care of exercise themselves. They will walk around a bit and mostly just spend their time begging to be let back in with you. You have to plan structured exercise such as running, playing fetch or swimming. You have to take them out for a minimum of 45 minutes of exercise per day on top of their normal walks, and preferably with a good 2 hour bout of longer exercise at least once per week. The five minute rule is that a puppy needs no more than 5 minutes structured exercise per day for every month they have been alive. So a 4 month old puppy needs just 20 minutes, a 5 month old puppy 25 minutes etc. So take it easy with a puppy. Training Just how important training is for your Goldens quality of life cannot be overstated. A dog that listens to and responds to just a few well-trained commands can be kept infinitely safer than an untrained dog. So you should provide your Golden with a decent firm yet soft bed and a nice comfortable lining for their crate if you use one. If you have a yard and your Golden will be expected to spend any length of time outside you should provide a form of shelter so they can keep off the cold wet floor in winter and get out of the sun in summer. There are many options for suitable kennels and many of them are reasonably priced. If you fail to keep up a regular schedule of brushing, their coats very quickly become knotted and then matted and these are all but impossible to remove without the help of a pair of scissors. Regular brushing also helps to keep your Goldens coat clean and removes dead hair. When it comes to bathing, Golden Retrievers have a double coat and natural oils that help waterproof them so bathing too often is actually bad for their coats…at least it always used to be. Just be sure if you do wish to bathe them often that you research the shampoo used and pick one suited to regular bathing for Goldens. Human shampoo will never do as it will strip their oils and is too acidic for their skin and will irritate them. And cheap dog shampoos will strip the oils too. You kinda get what you pay for. To keep their coat healthy and prevent irritation you need to remove all the soap. Note: Click here for a selection of the best dog brushes suitable for your golden Nail Care Depending on how often your golden walks on hard abrasive surfaces, they will probably need their nails trimmed every 10 or 12 weeks. But if your golden is constantly walking pavements and roads, they may never need a trim due to concrete and tarmacs abrasive, nail-file like effect. Anyway, you should regularly check your dogs paws. This can be very uncomfortable for your dog and if it gets out of control even painful. You can quite easily trim your dogs nails at home , or you can take them to the vet where they will do the procedure for you. If you do wish to do it at home, I recommend taking your dog to the vet first and asking for advice on how to do it, being shown and learning from the pros rather than risking it alone from a book. Better safe than sorry! Look inside to make sure they are a healthy looking color, not bright red and inflamed. Also check for lots of small little grainy looking brown dots. These are the droppings of ear mites and a sign of a parasitic infection which should be treated ASAP. Dental Care Dental hygiene is an often overlooked area of dog care by many people but is very important. Much like us, dogs can suffer with tooth decay, cracked teeth, gum disease and a build up of plaque and tartar. Not only does this detract from the overall good looks of your dog, it can be quiet uncomfortable, sometimes painful and can lead to more severe problems if left untreated. So you should regularly check their teeth and gums yourself, make use of available chews that help to clean their teeth and take your dog to a canine dentist every 6 to 12 months. Try to treat your dogs teeth as good as you would treat your own. Parasitic problems Fleas, ticks and other parasites can be a real problem for dogs, leading to many problems ranging from mild skin irritation, to extreme sores and infections, and in the most extreme cases dramatic weight loss, tape worms and Lyme disease. So you should regularly check for parasites in your Golden which is very easy to do if you are sticking to a regular schedule of brushing their coats. Simply spend an extra minute to inspect closer to their skin looking for ticks, fleas or small dots droppings in their fur which would indicate the presence of parasites. Treatment for fleas and ticks can be administered at home as there are many treatments for this available over the counter. Try to make it every 6 months, but once per year as a minimum. This will allow your vet to become familiar with your dog which makes spotting changes easier for them. And it gives them a chance to spot problems early that you without an untrained eye may not pick up on. As always, prevention is better than cure and if there is ever a problem then catching it as early as possible is vital for more effective treatment and minimal pain and discomfort for your pet. Regular visits to the vet allow this early discovery. You will also need to see your vet to have your puppy vaccinated. There are many diseases, some fatal, that can be prevented easily with a course of vaccinations. Distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis as well as the infamous rabies can all be kept at bay with vaccines. A puppy will require shots starting at 6 weeks with a course of various shots taking them up to 18 weeks or so. The rabies shot is administered at about 6 months of age and after this your Golden will require just a yearly top up to maintain protection. Highly Recommended Training Course For a detailed program to follow in the form of a video library, including a step-by-step roadmap for raising a puppy from 8 weeks old all the way to a confident, well-trained and happy adult dog, you could do a lot worse than checking out The Online Dog Trainer. This program contains over follow along videos of an NZ SPCA endorsed professional dog trainer, covering all aspects of dog training, solving behavior problems in real life scenarios, explaining the theory, giving practical advice and more. You can see him getting real results in real-life consultations with his clients, so if you ever have a behavior problem you need to solve, you can follow along for almost guaranteed results. Of course, we are developing a fantastic training resource here at TotallyGoldens. Click here to learn more at TheOnlineDogTrainer. Caring For Your Golden Retriever Final Thoughts Regular grooming will keep your Golden retriever not only looking at their absolute best, but also with your help and intervention it keeps them healthy and disease free too. You May Also Like.

Your puppy will be born and raised in our busy household. Our passion is to produce wonderful family pets with gentle loving temperaments that will bring a lifetime of happiness. We are extremely proud that the foundation of our lines have been trained as canine partner dogs and many of our puppies are therapy dogs and visit schools regularly. We have been breeding for a number of years and over these years we have seen many clubs come and go and we have been a member of some of them. We breed authentic Australian Labradoodles with lines that have been verified. We are content to follow our own path with strong ethics. We have an excellent reputation and we adopt the highest standards so you can be assured your puppy is an authentic Australian Labradoodle with bloodlines and health testing that has been verified. We follow a socialisation programme and temperament test all of our puppies before puppy pick day so we can help you make your choice. Temperament and health is always our first priority. We purchased our first Australian Labradoodle in and have been hooked ever since. Our dogs are our much loved family pets or live with their guardian families. Please contact us via email for more information. Access to our private puppy family area. A WhatsApp group for your litter. Both parents have been fully health tested with certificates available to view. Been bred in our family home by a 5 star council licensed breeder. Temperament tested and advice provided at puppy viewing. Call us today on Health Guaranteed All our puppies leave us with a full vet health check and a 2 year genetic health guarantee. Health Tested All our breeding Australian Labradoodles are fully health tested. We give our puppies the best start by following a tried and tested programme. Ethical Breeding We have the highest welfare standards which is why we hold a 5 star council licence. We believe every dog deserves a good life and this starts with the breeder. What our customers say.We travelled far to find her, and her knowledge, expertise and love for all things ALD is exceptional. After only a few days, Willow is already a huge part of our lives and so we are very glad that we chose Judy and RIpley's. Our dogs are very much our family pets. We are not a kennel, all our Australian Labradoodles have wonderful fulfilling lives either with us or our guardian families. Our dogs are for life and not just for breeding. The health and temperament of Australian Labradoodles is our number one priority, of course we breed exceptionally lovely puppies but our puppies health and temperament will always be our first priority. The Australian Labradoodle breed originated in Australia in the 's. The focus has always been on temperament, coat and quality through good health testing and planned matings. Our Australian Labradoodles are multigenerational, meaning both parents are Australian Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles are very people focussed, they have a strong desire to please. Australian Labradoodles come in 3 sizes, miniature, medium and standard. Within my breeding programme I concentrate on miniature and mediums. Our Australian Labradoodles are extremely clever, sociable , comical and joyful. They are energetic when free and quiet in the home. We test their hips, elbows, eyes and genetics. When you purchase a Ripley's Australian Labradoodle you can be assured we have tested everything possible. We provide a 2 year health guarantee but we ask that our puppy families not give ingestible flea and worming treatments. Why choose NLD for your future puppy? Professional and Ethical At New London Doodles, we believe in the transformative journey of bringing a new doodle puppy into your life. Our dedicated team ensures excellence by meticulously selecting breeding pairs, conducting comprehensive health testing, and providing optimal nutrition. We prioritize early socialization and crate training, fostering confident and well-rounded puppies. NLD's commitment extends beyond adoption, offering ongoing support for a seamless transition. Trust us to give your puppy the best start in life through our dedication to genetic health, proper care, and continuous support. It truly takes a village to raise a puppy! Click here to meet our team. Non-shedding and Allergy Friendly We pride ourselves on offering something truly special: multigenerational doodles with meticulously tested, non-shedding coats. We understand that finding a furry companion who won't leave a trail of fur behind is important to you. That's why we invest the time and effort into a rigorous breeding process spanning generations, coupled with thorough coat testing. This ensures that our adorable doodles inherit allergy friendly non-shedding traits consistently. With NLD, you'll never have to worry about getting a shedding puppy! Click here to read more. Visitor Friendly and Free Delivery We believe in making the adoption process as transparent and hassle-free as possible. That's why we have an OPEN door visitation policy. We are extremely proud of our team and facilities and want YOU to come visit! For families unable to visit we even go the extra mile by providing free delivery to your home in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and Washington DC! No hidden fees, no financing tricks. We believe in straightforward and honest transactions because we genuinely care about finding our puppies loving homes. Click here to read testimonials. Lifetime Support Our responsibility to our puppies extends far beyond their time on our premises and are committed to providing ongoing support and guidance for the life of your puppy. Our professional team is always available to offer valuable advice and assistance, whether it's about training techniques, health maintenance, or breed-specific needs. We want to ensure that the transition of your puppy into its new home is not only smooth but also successful. With our lifetime support, you can feel confident knowing that you have a dedicated team by your side, ready to provide the guidance and expertise you need to nurture a happy and healthy relationship with your beloved furry companion. We like them to be fully immersed in a normal home environment. We have been working as a family on our lines for nearly 10 years, but we are still working towards our goal, by adding new lines and opening the gene pool to create stronger lines. Our aim is to achieve the type of Australian Labradoodle with our own specific breeding, and offer loving family pets. We Nurture And Love Our breeding is very much a family affair, and it is filled with love and a lot of patience from all of us. Puppies are from DNA-tested lines, both mum and dad will be tested in accordance to their mix, we hip and elbow score our larger dogs as well. London Doodles are pets, so no working lines are used in our dogs, which helps to create the wonderfully calm and sensitive disposition our puppies are known for. Many of our dogs have gone on to be pet therapy dogs, making us very proud. We breed beautiful Australian Type Labradoodles and English Labradoodles Our puppies are home raised — we like them to be fully immersed in a normal home environment. We have been working as a family on our lines for nearly 10 years, but we are still working towards our goal by adding new lines and opening the gene pool to create stronger lines. We Nurture And Love Our breeding is very much a family affair, and it is filled with love. Puppies are from DNA-tested lines, both mum and dad will be tested in accordance to their mix. We start toilet training and basic commands sit, come and wait. Extensive Puppy Pack Puppies are vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped and leave with follow-on food, blankets, toys and more. All puppies will have lifelong support from us Bonding time New owners are encouraged to visit their new puppy before they go to their new home multiple times, to make the transition easier for them by getting to bond with their new family and lots of advice for the humans. I have passed your details to everyone I know who has a dog, and even a few without!! Apart from giving me the best dog in the world, the support I was given from day one has been exceptional. The price will depend on the size of the litter, costs and colour of puppies. Both parents have been bred by us, and both grandparents on each side. These will be ready for their new homes at the beginning of December. A little bit about us Here at London Doodles we believe a good family pet can only be created when born and bred from good pets; which cannot be achieved by breeding from dogs kept in kennels. The modern day dog is becoming less and less of a working dog in the traditional sense — their new role is to provide joy to their families. Knowing what I want from my breed and what I am already achieving is what motivates to dedicate my life to these wonderful breeds. We are small home breeders — a mother and a daughter team. Our aim at London Doodles is to work towards a multigenerational dog with a diverse genetic make up. Similar to the ;Australian Labradoodle;, except bred with our own lines so we fully know the breed inside out. We strive to create well balanced dogs suitable as pets or therapy dogs. This idea was started many years ago, but due to the ways in which the breed was founded I decided it is best to do it my way, the most ethical way I can. I want to create a breed of dog which is free from inherited conditions, with a vast gene pool, which would help with the stability of the breed. Labradoodles are well known now for their intelligence and great temperament. But many modern homes want a non shedding dog, making the labradoodle a great choice. We have mummy dogs in guardian homes, which are specially selected parents who care for the dog as their family pet, and in return for financial care, training and support for their dog, I maintain breeding rights. All of our dogs have loving homes for life, and never spend a day in kennels. Contact Us Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Umbilical cord training Throughout the rest of this guide I will be referring to each of these 4 methods and when you should or could be using them. Once used to using the paper or the pads, you slowly cut the area covered until they reliably use just a couple of sheets and never miss. You then slowly move the paper toward the outside where another set is placed and you begin to encourage your puppy to go outside only, before completely removing the papers inside. At this point they will have made the transition. A top tip when paper training is when you clean away soiled paper, you should hold one piece back and place it as a middle layer of the new papers. Puppy pads have a scent that attracts a puppy, paper does not. Effectiveness: On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 3. This is confusing and will make the learning process take longer. Best suited to: Either people who are going to have an indoor bathroom spot long-term, or people who will not use a crate for training yet cannot commit to constantly supervising their puppy when inside the home. Ease of use: On a scale of 1 to 5, definitely a 5. But it does result in more mistakes from your puppy until later in life. Equipment needed: Nothing but stacks of old newspapers! A very cost-effective method. Description: The method takes advantage of the fact dogs have a natural instinct not to soil the area where they eat and sleep. Key to this is making the crate just large enough to stand in, turn around easily and lay down stretched out but no bigger. The rest of the time you watch them and regularly take them outside to potty to teach them good habits. Best suited to: Everybody! This is because you will have to crate train your puppy before you can use a crate for house training which does take time and effort. Click here for my free and detailed guide to crate training your puppy. Equipment needed: A suitable crate. I have a guide to help you select the right size and type that you can read by clicking here. Effectiveness: On a scale of 1 to 5, I tentatively give it a 3. It could actually score higher or lower depending on how committed you are and how successful at supervising your puppy you are. Best suited to: People who are against any kind of confinement and can stay at home to watch their puppy all day every day. Mostly people who work from home and the retired. But this method also forms a part of every house training plan, whether you use other methods alongside or not. This is because when a puppy is free inside a home, they MUST be closely supervised to prevent any mistakes. Ease of use: On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 2. It scores low as it requires a lot of input from you as the owner. It is quite draining never being able to take your eye of your puppy. Equipment needed: None. Not a crate, newspapers, puppy pads or anything. The cheapest of all the methods…unless you put a price on your time. But it is highly effective. Description: This technique calls for you to tether your puppy to you by leash and have them follow you wherever you go when inside your home. You will notice and be able to intervene and correct every possible mistake, taking them outside every time they need to relieve themselves. Used correctly, the opportunity for your puppy to make mistakes is completely removed so every single time they need to visit their bathroom spot is a training opportunity you will take advantage of and no mistake goes uncorrected. Best suited to: People who spend all their time at home with their puppy and would also enjoy literally being tied to their pup all day. Further Info: for a detailed discussion of this technique, the benefits, downside, and many more tips, please see my article: Umbilical Cord House Training: What is It? How Does It Work? A Mix Of 3 Methods I use and recommend a mixture of crate training, constant supervision and paper training. I use constant supervision extensively because when a puppy is outside of the crate you have to watch them diligently to avoid puppy mistakes. Admittedly this is somewhat going against my advice because I always recommend to avoid paper training if possible. It encourages or allows your puppy to toilet inside the home, before then training them not to do so. This is confusing to your puppy and harmful to our house training efforts. But even though I recommend against it, using paper training ever so occasionally as a fall back plan works well for me. Most dogs love being outside and will use any excuse to get out there and stay there. You do this by using a cue word and walking them on leash to their potty spot, not allowing them to do anything else and if they do not potty, taking them back inside and trying again in a few minutes. Because a full bladder or bowel is uncomfortable, dogs are happy to relieve themselves, but some may try to hold it if they think they can get to stay outside and sniff around a while. If people use different words, your dog will get confused. This will slowly teach them the command. And this is fine for the first couple of weeks while they have no bladder control and will perform their business very quickly. And some dogs even learn to actively hold their bladder just so they can stay outside to explore for longer. Before you can do this you need to first get your puppy used to wearing a collar and leash. Have You Got Everything Prepared? A Check-list Before You Start Like everything in life, house training runs smoother if you have everything ready before you start, hopefully before you even bring your puppy home. Have you: Decided on and marked out a suitable bathroom spot? Chosen and purchased a suitable high-quality nutritious food? Figured out the times of day you will feed your puppy? Got a collar and leash? Put in place a leash training plan? Bought a suitable crate and set it up in a suitable place? Bought bedding for the crate? Bought chew toys to occupy your puppy in the crate? Decided on the commands you will use if any? Purchased either baby gates, a pet barrier or an exercise pen for longer term confinement? Sourced stacks of newspapers or puppy pads to use in the long-term confinement area? Bought some small but highly tasty training treats to use as a reward? Bought specialized pet stain removing and odor neutralizing cleaning products? Bought a UV light to find hidden spots of urine that must be removed to prevent repeat accidents? Sat and discussed with every member of your household your finalized plans so everybody has the same info? Successful House Training Is All About Schedules And Routine Dogs thrive when living to schedules and routine, doing best when they have set times for eating, going to toilet, exercise, training and play. But because the passage of food through their digestive system stays roughly the same, if you feed your puppy at the same times every day they will need to defecate at roughly the same times every day. This results in fewer mistakes, more opportunities to praise your puppy for going in the right place and so speeds up their learning. Depending on their age a puppy will need to poop 3 to 6 times a day, and wee many more times than that. Can these times be predicted? Mostly they can. When a puppy needs to potty depends on when they last ate, drank and their recent activities. Mostly they need to go: First thing in the morning The instant they wake up from a nap at any time of the day Just before going to bed Within a few minutes of eating or drinking Immediately after a play session Immediately after any excitement But a puppy also needs to go many times per day regardless of recent activities, so you should also take your puppy to their bathroom spot on a consistent schedule such as the following: At 8 weeks old — every 30 mins. At 10 weeks old — every 45 mins. At 12 weeks old — every 1 to 1. At 16 weeks old — every 2 hours. At 20 weeks old — every 3 hours. Some will need to wee within 2 minutes of drinking, others after 20 minutes. Some will need a bathroom break within 2 minutes of waking, others 15 minutes later. You have to determine your puppies own natural tendencies and create a schedule to suit. To achieve this, you need to follow this 5 step process: Feed them to a strict schedule. Decide on exercise, play and training times. Develop a schedule including feeding, exercise, play, training and all scheduled potty times. Use the information gathered in your diary to learn from any mistakes and adjust your schedule for the following week. The more you can stick to schedules and routines, the smoother and faster the process will be. But you can stray from the path when necessary and still find success, it will just take a little longer. You should feed your puppy 3 times a day when 12 to 26 weeks old. From 26 weeks old and onwards, feed your puppy just two times a day For 2 meals a day you need to space them out 8 to 12 hours apart. What works for me is shortly after I get up at and when we have our evening meal between PM and PM. Availability Of Water: You should make sure fresh water is always available but because drinking too much or too little can be a sign of health problems, you do need to monitor their water intake. Physical activity often leads to a puppy needing to potty very soon after. So to encourage predictable potty times for your puppy, you want to schedule their exercise and play. Deciding when to exercise, train and play with your puppy is entirely up to you. You should fit it around your lifestyle and commitments, but try to make it the same times each day if you can. Enter all the following details into a single column in an excel spreadsheet, or write them down as a day schedule with a pen and paper: When you wake and add an instant bathroom break before you do ANYTHING for yourself! Enter the times you will play with, train and exercise your puppy. Enter a scheduled visit to the bathroom spot after each of the activities listed in points 1 to 3. Add scheduled bathroom visits after any length of time longer than your puppy should be expected to hold it according to their age. Write in scheduled sleeps for your puppy, place them in the crate or confinement area. After writing down this schedule, tick off each task as you go through the day with your puppy. This way you will always know what needs to be done and when, and there will be no confusion about whether someone else in the house fed, exercised or took the puppy to the loo. I discuss this further in step 5 below. You should be able to pick up on any patterns and adjust your own behavior to avoid mistakes in future. Was puppy left alone and peed in the living room while you made breakfast? Puppy should never be left alone unsupervised, learn from this mistake. Or maybe puppy peed in the crate after an hour? Learn from this mistake. Well done for watching them closely enough. So increase the frequency. Therefore you should stretch out the time between visits by 10 to 15 minutes for the following day. This is how you find out. And Now House Training is So Much Easier By writing out the schedule as in step 3, you should never forget to feed, train or take your puppy to potty. And by using the schedule as a diary as in step 5, you get feedback on how you and your puppy are performing, and are armed with the necessary info to make changes to your schedule over time. You, your puppy and their needs all stay in sync and house training becomes that much easier. Just make a spreadsheet in excel and print it out, or simply buy some lined paper. Keep it somewhere you can always see and know where it is, alongside a pen or pencil and write entries in it as you watch your puppy throughout the day. After this, continuing with a diary every day is the best advice, although keeping one for 3 consecutive days each week will be sufficient for you to pick up on any changes as they mature. Once your puppy is 5 to 6 months old, they will have sufficient bladder control and experience to make a schedule and diary unnecessary. Just make sure they get access to the outside at least once every 3 hours and all will be fine. Extending The Time Between Toilet Breaks I discussed earlier how a puppy will need regular visits to their bathroom spot, something like every 30 minutes at 8 weeks old, every 45 minutes at 10 weeks old and so on. But every puppy is different and their progress in having longer time between needed toilet breaks will vary too. You do this because as a puppy grows, the size of their bowel and bladder increases, so they will be able to hold more for longer and you want to take advantage of this. This is also teaching them necessary bladder and bowel control. Use your cue word before you take them: By using your chosen cue word every time before you take them to potty, your puppy will learn what the trip is about and what they must do. This eventually leads to faster results as they know what is expected of them. Lead your puppy to the bathroom spot on leash: This gives you the ability to keep your puppy at the bathroom spot and prevent them wandering off, getting distracted and forgetting what they are there for. Make sure you stay with them at their bathroom spot: If you have them on leash, then of course you will be. When they start to go, say your chosen cue word in a soft warm voice. Mix up the reward between play, time off leash and a food reward to keep them guessing, but keep the food rewards to a minimum as what goes in must come out and random feeding promotes random elimination times! Many people pop out, stand for 1 minute and then come back in. Some people recommend to stay out there for 10, 15, 20 minutes, whatever it takes until they go, then praise profusely when they do. I recommend you give them 3 to 5 minutes, saying your cue word every 30 seconds or so but otherwise standing silently still just holding their leash so they cannot wander off. Take them back to their bathroom spot in 10 minutes or so. If using a crate for house training: Pop them back in the crate and leave them for 10 minutes. Then take them back to their bathroom spot. Take them to their bathroom spot after 10 minutes. If not, take them away from their bathroom spot and watch them for 10 minutes before returning them to their bathroom spot. And if crate training, do not leave them in the crate too long else they may be forced to soil in there. Prevent this at all costs. Rinse and repeat the visits to and fro like this until they do potty, then follow the next sections advice. What You Should Do Between Scheduled Bathroom Breaks Between scheduled bathroom visits you should do two things: Allow some supervised free time in your home, and use your chosen house training method. By free time I mean time outside of their crate, or off leash, or out of their confinement area. Time free to roam, explore and live life. When 10 weeks old they may need to toilet every 30 minutes, so they only get 5 to 10 minutes free time. When 12 weeks old, they may need to toilet every hour so they can get 35 to 40 minutes free time. You allow this free time because you are of course working toward a time when they will always be free and trusted unsupervised. To get there they need the experience, to get used to being free in your home and begin seeing it as a place they need to keep clean. They also need social interaction and life experiences. But what are the signs a puppy is about to potty? Heading toward, barking at or scratching the door to the outside. The minute you see any of these signs you should take your puppy to their bathroom spot immediately. There may well be some false alarms, but better safe than sorry. Carefully watch them and you should soon notice what body language means a wee or a poop is imminent. There will be recognizable signs. We do this because the time is fast approaching when mistakes are most likely to be made. If using constant supervision: Carry on as you are. Then at their scheduled potty time, attach a leash and lead them to their bathroom spot. If using a crate for house training: Encourage your puppy into their crate and close the door, leaving them there until their scheduled potty time and then release them, instantly attaching a leash and leading them to their bathroom spot. If using umbilical cord training: Attach a leash and tether your puppy to you, ready to react if they make moves to eliminate. Take them to their bathroom spot at the scheduled time. If paper training: Take your puppy to their confinement area where their papered bathroom spot is and supervise them, ready to intervene if they make moves to potty away from the paper. Not good when you need to be there to encourage them for doing it in the right place. If they do, you can pick them up and carry them, or take them by the collar and gently lead them to their bathroom spot, then encourage them to finish where they should. But to me this seems foolish. Instead of a little pile or puddle, you then have a long line of wee or poop from where you caught them all the way to the bathroom spot that you then have to deep clean instead. Then think how they were able to make such a mistake and tweak your plans so it cannot happen again. But any corrections or punishment now will be futile. House Training For Full Time Workers This advice applies not just to full-time workers , but also if you must occasionally leave your puppy home alone for a few hours. Most importantly, follow all the advice in this guide so far for the times that you are home. Supervise them, correct any mistakes, set feeding and elimination schedules and everything else I have advised. First of all, if like me you use a crate, you simply cannot leave your puppy in the crate for many hours. This is very unfair on your puppy and it will destroy the crates power as a house training tool if they lose the instinct to keep it clean. Secondly, please do your best to enlist the help of a family member, friend, neighbor or hire a dog walker to periodically pop in to visit your puppy, take them to their bathroom spot, give them some social interaction and so on. But I also freely admit to using paper training myself occasionally, for the unavoidable times I have to leave my puppy home alone for a few hours. If you have to leave your puppy home alone for any reason, usually because you work, then paper training in your absence is the only thing you can do. You then have two options available to you: Buy and use an exercise pen, or confine your puppy to a single, puppy-proofed room. As they get used to pottying on paper, reduce the area covered one sheet at a time until just a small area remains covered. Once you know your puppy can hold their bladder for longer than they have to be left alone, remove the paper altogether. By 16 to 20 weeks, they should be able to last the 3 or 4 hours max they will be left alone and somebody comes to exercise them and allow a bathroom break. Between 8 and 12 weeks when weeing seems spontaneous , my puppy spends a fair bit of time in there and I paper train them to use puppy pads. Our kitchen and dining room was separated by an arch where a door used to be, with tiled flooring, making it ideal. I used a baby gate across the arch between the kitchen and dining room, and initially covered the dining area with paper, over time reducing it to just two sheets with the puppy pad holder on top. The dining area is completely empty, with no furniture, nothing in there. Skirting boards, the corners of furniture items, anything within reach is a potential target for teeth and claws. My girlfriend works from home, we crate trained and we had no problem finding house sitters in an evening if we needed one, so we all but had things covered. But this is something you need to be mindful of. Whatever the reason, there just WILL be times you cannot supervise your puppy. The essence of house training is to prevent mistakes and praise your puppy heavily when they potty in the right place. If you cannot watch your puppy, the chances of them making a mistake go through the roof. So even if you choose to use a constant supervision method exclusively, you will still need to confine your puppy sometimes to a paper covered area just in case. I mean literally none at all. One minute they are trotting along, the next they are leaking. No warning signs for you, not even any warning signs for them. I recommend setting up an exercise pen with the entire area papered, or do as I do and confine them to a room with the entire area papered. Use this time to paper train them, to get them used to weeing on paper and gradually reduce the area because you will use this method if you ever have to leave them home alone during the next 4 or 5 months. They will sniff, circle and so on as I mentioned before. At this point you can now move on to using your chosen house training method. Start encouraging them to potty in the right place from the minute you get them home. So the good news is, even at 8 weeks they will be able to last 4 or so hours and you will only need to wake once during the night. Also, make sure to take them to their bathroom spot right before you go to bed so they can empty themselves. Then set an alarm for 4 hours after their bed time when you must get up and take them to their bathroom spot. No excuses, you simply must do this. If you find your puppy has soiled in this time, you should set the alarm for half an hour earlier the next night 3. After a few days of not having a night-time accident, set your alarm for 15 minutes later and increase the time by 15 minutes for each successful night they do not have an accident. If you find they make a mistake one night before you wake, set the alarm back half an hour, make sure they stay dry a few days and then increase 15 minutes nightly again. And by using this schedule, you strike a good balance between a couple of inevitable accidents while stretching out the time at a good pace to lasting a full night. If they soil their crate more than once in any given week, you may have to progress slower add 15 minutes every 2 or 3 days , or perhaps sleep them in a papered exercise pen or their confinement room. Maintaining their instinct to keep the crate clean is of utmost importance. What To Do At The Bathroom Spot At Night When you take them out at night, say your chosen cue word, take them straight to their bathroom spot, praise them gently when they finish their business but do not reward them with anything else. The last thing you want is to teach your puppy that during the night is a time for play or food treats! This will come back to haunt you in a big way and result in noisy sleepless nights. You want your puppy to learn that night-time is for sleeping and for nothing else. Do nothing else. Some will be able to last the whole night without a potty break at 10 weeks rarely , and some may not be able to at 15 weeks also rarely. But certainly by 16 weeks old your puppy will be able to last a 7 hour night without needing to potty if you do not feed them for 3 hours or provide water for 2 hours before bed time and allow them to empty themselves right before you lay down for the night. No Progress? If you are feeding, exercising, training and playing with your puppy to a schedule, and when you look at your diary there seems to be no pattern to the times they need to potty, you should seek the advice of your vet. Common ailments such as gastroenteritis, urinary tract infection and health issues affecting internal organs and the genitalia can lead to a dog needing to potty much more frequently, often leading to eliminating in the house. Again, seek the advice of your family vet. You cannot successfully house train a puppy who is ill because their bodily functions will be too unpredictable. But 6 to 7 months is the ball park figure to aim for. A single mistake in the home can cause a major setback. A puppy may not make a mistake for 2 weeks, then you give them too much freedom, they make a mistake and all of a sudden they are regularly trying to potty in the home again. Also, some puppies just seem to forget everything for a few days now and then while growing up, even after being perfect for a couple of weeks. Just stick to your plan and they WILL eventually get it. Conclusion With house training, the fewer mistakes you allow your puppy to make and the more they are rewarded for doing the right thing, the quicker they will learn and the faster you will find success. Because of this, the more effort you put in and the more time you spend with your puppy at the beginning — supervising to correct mistakes and taking them to their bathroom spot many times each day — the better. But there are many other things you can do to help yourself and your puppy to find success. This guide has provided you with all the theory, strategies, tips and tricks you will ever need to successfully house train your puppy as quickly and efficiently as possible, with the fewest mistakes along the way. Please see the entire series linked to below:. Print Potty train your puppy quickly Housebreaking is one of the least desirable tasks when adding a new puppy to your family. It is never fun but consider it a necessary task. You will never regret having a dog that knows your home is not a bathroom. When to start housebreaking Housebreaking should begin the day you bring your puppy home from the breeder. It is important to establish quickly that there is a right and wrong place for your puppy to go potty. How long does it take to house train a lab puppy? I wish I could give a definitive answer for this, but the truth is that every puppy is different. Most puppies can be completely house broke by the time they are months. But assume there will be a lot of ups and downs through the process. Some puppies learn very quickly and rarely have an accident. Others take more time to make the connection. Here are some things you can do to help the process go smoothly. Have the right attitude! Keep your attitude in check to help this process go quickly and smoothly. Have patience! As already stated, potty training can take some time. It may happen, but it is unlikely. Instead, plan for a long haul and then you will be more patient and understanding when mishaps happen. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Step 1: Establish a place for your puppy to go potty To get started housebreaking your puppy, you must first establish a place where it is okay for your puppy to do his business. Find a place outside that is not too far from your home, but an area where you are not worried about killing the grass or trampling plants that are important to you. Consider this carefully, because once your puppy starts going potty in this area it will be exceedingly difficult to move or change the area. Once the scent is there, it is natural for dogs to continue going potty in the same area over and over. Do I have to potty train outside? In some areas of the country, winters can be very cold. Some new puppy owners wonder if it is too cold for their Labrador puppy to go outside to potty train during these times. The answer is no. Most Labs can easily be outside for a few minutes even during the coldest nights to go potty. A pee pad is a disposable, leak proof pad that is scented to attract your dog and encourage going potty on them. We highly discourage using pee pads because in the long run it is confusing to your dog. If you spend time teaching your puppy to NOT go potty inside your home and then flip-flop and begin letting them go inside your home on a pee pad, your dog will be confused. Besides, eventually you must retrain them to going outside, so the best policy is to never start letting inside be an option. Step 2: Establish a routine and schedule for your puppy Establishing a routine is the single most important step for housebreaking. The more consistent you are, the faster your puppy will learn to go outside for potty. This time will increase rapidly over the next few weeks, but that first week is going to take a lot of time and energy on your part to consistently let your puppy out on a schedule. To make being consistent easier, consider this: Set a timer When housebreaking puppies, we find that setting a timer is helpful. An hour flies by and you hardly realize it. For the first few days at least, set a timer and let your puppy out hourly, especially if your puppy is not in a crate. We will discuss that more in a bit. Timing is everything There are other times when you need to let your puppy outside. Immediately after eating or drinking your puppy should go outside. Eating and drinking will trigger a need to go potty, so to avoid accidents, take your puppy out every time they eat or drink. And if they drink a lot of water, you may have to take them out several times before they are back on schedule. Anything you can do to make going potty a routine will help your dog learn and associate that going outside is where I need to go to go potty. Use a command I know this sounds crazy but using a command can help your dog form an association between the command and going potty. At first this is meaningless to the puppy. And you cannot discipline your puppy for a potty accident in the house that you never saw happen. The solution for this is never let your puppy go unsupervised. This can be exhausting, that is why we suggest using a crate to help. The stern words must be said during the accident or immediately after to have any effect. Using a crate to house train your puppy First, while your puppy may not love his crate right away, if properly introduced and used consistently, Labs usually come to love their crates. As den animals, dogs will view their crate as a den where they can go to sleep or get away from the business of the home. Learn more about crate training your Labrador puppy here. When using a crate to housetrain your puppy, you first want to make sure that you have a very small crate. One that is just a little bigger than your puppy. This is particularly important because you do not want your puppy to be able to move around much in the crate. If they can move around, they can and often will go potty in the crate. So, start with a very small crate and get bigger crates as the puppy grows. Whatever you choose to use to block off the larger area, make sure that it is not something your puppy can chew on or ingest. You will still need to find a way to gradually increase the area that the puppy has access to, so I just find the multiple crate solution easier. You should still set a timer and take your puppy out on a regular basis, and you will want to schedule some time each day for the puppy to run around the house and play while supervised. Step 4: Using praise to speed the house breaking process You can help your puppy more quickly understand that going potty outside is the right thing to do by giving your puppy well-timed praise. But the praise must be well-timed. You should give the praise while your puppy is going potty outside or immediately after. Timing is very important! Lots of people get upset when the dog goes inside but fail to praise when the dog does the right thing. Not all dogs are the same. Some puppies will whine just before they go potty in the house, or whine at the door when they need to go. Some will hide somewhere you cannot see them and do their business there. Still others may scratch at the door. How long can a puppy hold it overnight? With young puppies, weeks old, you will need to get up several times a night to let them out. It can be helpful to limit the amount of water your puppy has access to close to bedtime. We usually aim for every 3 hours and then steadily increase the time as they get older. But each puppy is different. Final thoughts on how to house train your Labrador puppy Remember that housebreaking is a process. It rarely follows a straight line and more often there will periods of success and occasional mishaps. Stick with it and before long your puppy will understand that going potty in the house is not okay. Until next time, happy retrieving. How to housebreak your Labrador puppy. Time to start potty training your Labrador Puppy Potty training or house training is one of the first things that you will have to focus on after bringing home a Labrador Puppy. However, you must know what to expect when toilet training a Lab puppy, you must be prepared with patience and dedication since house training can be difficult in the beginning. Here are the house-training basics that you will need to follow to train your puppy. House training is done over time, and here is how. You can also take your puppy into your yard if you have one. Teaching your lab puppy go potty in the yard is the best idea since Labradors produce a lot of waste when they are grown. If you live in an apartment you have no other option but to take your Lab outside to evacuate. Lab puppies love to go outside and explore new territories. So for apartment dwellers, the first months of potty training will happen indoors. Puppies can refuse to go potty on surfaces that they are not used to. For example, if your puppy gets used to evacuating on hard floors, going potty in the grass will feel awkward to your puppy, and will prefer to do it on the sidewalk. So, using an artificial grass puppy pad while you potty train your Lab indoors can help to transition to real grass when your puppy is ready to explore the outside world. How to toilet train a Labrador Retriever Puppy Keep an eye on your puppy for signs like circling, sniffing, and scratching the floor. This means that your puppy needs to potty. Take your puppy outside or to the designated potty place in your house or apartment. This will help your dog know that is the place to go do the thing. If the activity is successful praise your puppy for doing a good job. You can also give your Lab puppy a treat for doing a good job, Labs are a food-motivated breed, so yummy treats help a lot with training. Positive reinforcement will help your Labrador to go potty in the right place. Limiting the movement of your puppy will make it easier to keep an eye on during this process. Consider using baby gates to close an area of your house. The area must be big enough so that your puppy can move and play inside. It should be close to your yard or the area of your house where you want your Lab to go potty. Also, this area must be easy to clean, you can expect accidents in this part of the potty training. Then take the puppy to the potty place and let it finish there. Do not scare the puppy if you catch it in the act, the goal is to get its attention and let it know that it is not doing the right thing. This is something you must teach your dog. Do it patiently and be consistent with the training and eventually, you will get your Labrador fully house-trained. Use some white vinegar diluted in water or an enzymatic odor remover to thoroughly clean the area. For this period, you might need the following items to begin potty training your Labrador puppy. Make sure they are all pet-friendly and of a reputable brand name. Absorbent pee pad : Dog training pads mostly come in handy in the first stages of house training, before your puppy can go potty outside. The benefit of a pad is that the mess your puppy makes will be confined to just one place and it will be easier for you to clean up. Stain Remover : As a routine, accidents are bound to happen. And this is why having a good cleaner is extremely important. Along with a pet, cleaner make sure you also have ample small towels on hand. Dog poop bag and Pooper scooper : Having these is also very important. They will come in handy when you have to pick up and discard the mess your little friend makes. You can carry these in your bag or even in your pocket when you go out on a walk with your dog. Treats: Many dogs are motivated by food, and this is why you will need food treats that your Labrador puppy enjoys. After your dog listens to your commands and goes to the right place, give him a treat, so he understands that food comes after he goes to the right place. A leash and collar: This will allow you to show your dog where the right place is. Barrier gates : This is also an essential supply as it will confine your dog to a specific place. Barrier gates make it easier to keep your house floors clean. Pee finder : Finding and cleaning dried pee will help prevent future accidents. You might also want a car seat cover in case you have to travel somewhere with your little friend. An artificial grass pad to train your puppy for the outside. When to start house training your Labrador puppy: On a general note, younger Labrador puppies have very short attention spans. At what age should a lab puppy be potty trained? House training should begin as soon as your Lab puppy arrives at your home. Which is normally at 7 to 9 weeks of age. So, if your little Labrador puppy is a few weeks old, you might begin with basic command words to get familiar with the house routine and also your voice. You can use this time to show your new Lab puppy the areas of your house it is allowed to be in, and close off any part of your house that is off-limits to your dog. The best moments to train your Lab puppy are: After a nap. Silver Labrador Retriever sitting in the forest. This can make potty training a bit like trying to teach a tornado to sit still. You may find your pup is more interested in playing than actually doing their business. Distraction Central: Speaking of energy, Labs are easily distracted. One whiff of an interesting scent or the sight of a squirrel can derail your potty training efforts. Make sure to minimize distractions during potty breaks and keep your pup on a leash to maintain control. If your Lab is hesitant to go potty in wet weather, try using a large umbrella or a doggie raincoat to make the experience more comfortable. Labrador Retriever nibbles nose of his owner. Growth Spurts: Labs grow quickly, and with rapid growth come frequent potty breaks. Remember when you were a teenager and you could eat an entire pizza without consequences? Well, your growing Lab needs to relieve themselves just as often. Adjust your potty schedule to accommodate their increasing bladder capacity. Hunger Games: Labs have a hearty appetite, and what goes in must come out. Be prepared for more frequent potty breaks if your pup is eating like a champ. So gear up, dear Labrador parent, and embrace the journey! Why Potty Training is Important Potty training a Labrador puppy is an essential aspect of their early development. It is a process that requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Potty training helps your puppy learn where and when to eliminate, which is crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy living environment. Moreover, potty training helps prevent behavioral problems such as house soiling, which can be frustrating and time-consuming to address. By teaching your puppy to eliminate in the appropriate place, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and keep your home smelling fresh and clean. Another benefit of potty training is that it helps strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. When you take your puppy outside to eliminate, it provides an opportunity for exercise, fresh air, and socialization. It also gives you a chance to reward your puppy for good behavior and reinforce positive habits. Two Labrador puppies playing Kong toys. Lastly, potty training is important for the health and well-being of your puppy. When puppies eliminate in inappropriate places, they are at risk of exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses. By training your puppy to eliminate in a designated area, you can reduce the risk of illness and ensure their health and safety. When to Start Potty Training Labrador puppies are adorable, but they can also be a handful. But when should you start? By this time, your puppy should have enough control over their bladder and bowel movements to start learning where to do their business. You should also consider your own schedule and lifestyle when deciding when to start. Establish a routine for your puppy, with set times for meals, playtime, and potty breaks. Your labrador puppy is still learning and may have accidents along the way. Instead, reward your puppy for going potty outside and praise them for their good behavior. With time, patience, and consistency, your labrador puppy will learn where to do their business and become a well-behaved member of your family. Establishing a Routine Establishing a routine is crucial when it comes to potty training your Labrador puppy. Make sure to take your puppy out to potty at the same times every day, such as after meals, naps, and playtime. Choosing a Designated Potty Area Choosing a designated potty area is another important step in potty training your Labrador puppy. Pick a spot outside that is easily accessible and consistently use that spot for potty breaks. This will help your puppy associate that area with going potty and make it easier for them to understand where they should go. Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement is key when it comes to potty training your Labrador puppy. When your puppy goes potty in the designated area, make sure to give them lots of praise and treats. This will help them understand that going potty outside is a good thing. Avoid punishing your puppy for accidents, as this can cause fear and confusion. Instead, simply clean up the mess and continue with the training process. Potty training a Labrador puppy can be a challenging process, but with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, it can be accomplished successfully. Remember to establish a routine, choose a designated potty area, and use positive reinforcement to help your puppy learn where and when to go potty. Common Potty Training Problems and Solutions Labrador with red collar sitting outside in an afternoon. Accidents in the House One of the most common problems that new puppy owners face is accidents in the house. The key to dealing with accidents is to clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove any traces of urine or feces, as the scent can attract your puppy back to the same spot. Another way to prevent accidents is to supervise your puppy closely. Keep him in the same room as you, or use a crate or playpen to limit his access to the house. Take him outside frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Praise him when he goes potty outside, and give him a treat as a reward. Resistance to Potty Training If your puppy seems resistant to potty training, there could be a few reasons why. He may not understand what you want him to do, or he may be scared to go outside. Try to make potty time fun and rewarding by using treats and praise. Take your puppy to the same spot every time, so he knows where to go. If your puppy still resists, you may need to try a different approach. Some puppies respond well to a potty bell, which you can hang by the door and ring every time you take him outside. Others may need a little extra encouragement, such as a favorite toy or a special treat. Inconsistency in Training Consistency is key when it comes to potty training. Make sure everyone in your household is on the same page and using the same commands and rewards. Stick to a regular schedule for feeding, playtime, and potty breaks. This can help you identify patterns and adjust your training as needed. Remember, potty training takes time and patience. With the right training and plenty of positive reinforcement, your puppy will learn to go potty outside in no time. These techniques are designed to reinforce good potty habits and make the training process more efficient and effective. Labrador Retriever with the owners at the park. Bell Training Bell training is a popular technique that involves teaching your puppy to ring a bell when they need to go outside. To start bell training, hang a bell near the door that you use to take your puppy outside. Eventually, your puppy will associate the sound of the bell with going outside to potty. Encourage your puppy to ring the bell themselves by gently nudging the bell with their nose or paw. Crate Training Crate training is another effective technique that can help with potty training. By using a crate, you can teach your puppy to hold their bladder and bowel movements for longer periods of time, which can help prevent accidents inside the house. To crate train your puppy, choose a crate that is the right size for your puppy. The crate should be big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so big that they have room to go potty in one corner and sleep in another. Gradually introduce your puppy to the crate by placing treats and toys inside and encouraging them to go in. Outdoor Training Outdoor training is the most important aspect of potty training your Labrador puppy. By teaching your puppy to go potty outside, you can prevent accidents inside the house and reinforce good potty habits. To outdoor train your puppy, take them outside frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Reward your puppy with praise and treats when they go potty outside. If your puppy has an accident inside, clean it up thoroughly and avoid punishing them, as this can make them afraid to go potty in front of you. Conclusion Potty training a Labrador puppy can be a challenging process, but it is essential for a happy and healthy life with your furry friend. It requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By establishing a routine, choosing a designated potty spot, supervising your puppy closely, and being patient and consistent, you can successfully potty train your Labrador puppy and avoid future accidents in the house. Remember that every puppy is different and may require a unique approach to potty training. Be flexible and willing to adjust your methods as needed. With time and effort, you will have a well-trained and happy Labrador puppy that enjoys spending time with you and exploring the world around them. Good luck! Thomas Meet Thomas, a certified dog trainer with years of experience helping owners develop strong, positive relationships with their dogs. With a strong belief in the power of positive reinforcement training, Thomas has helped countless dogs overcome behavioral issues and learn new tricks. When he's not working with his four-legged clients, Thomas can be found hiking in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with his own rescue dog by his side. Load More. Labrador house training routines. We want them to learn to wait until they are outdoors before emptying their bladder or bowels. It is about maturity too. We need to understand that tiny puppies have immature bodies and are not physically capable of waiting very long. On your side There are two factors on your side in the potty training process. When it comes to bladder control, fortunately your puppy improves with every day that passes, so this factor does not work against you forever. The same applies to the fact that the puppy has been removed from his nest, he will soon learn to accept his new nest. The principles of puppy potty training The puppy is learning the principle of extending the nest area, which he keeps clean instinctively, to include your entire home. Punishment is counter-productive in this process as it teaches the puppy to avoid emptying himself in your presence. Rewards are helpful, but given the right routine, a puppy will naturally learn to be clean without them. The secret to successful house training lies in selecting targets that the puppy can achieve. If your puppy sometimes needs to wee every 15 minutes whilst he is awake and active, you will have to take him outside every 15 minutes. Restricted access Start small applies here too. Allow your puppy access only to a small part of your home. Increase the area he has access to, only when he is capable of keeping the current area clean. Just because he can. And because the sensation of a filling bladder is a new one. Your job is to teach him to wait a little longer. You do this by confining him for a short time, every time his bladder fills. You can confine him in his nest within a crate , or in your arms. He will be reluctant to wee in either location. If he wets himself, you have waited too long! It takes two You need to go outside with your puppy, and stay out there with him, each time he needs to wee. A tiny puppy is unlikely to empty himself on his own. This especially applies in cold or wet weather. Routines Matter When House Training a Labrador Retriever Based around these practical requirements you can create your own house training routine. For a puppy that needs to wee every half an hour, it will go something like this Take puppy outside to the toilet area and wait with him until he empties himself Bring him indoors and allow him free access to your kitchen for fifteen to twenty minutes Crate or cuddle the puppy until it is thirty minute since his last wee Take the puppy back out to the toilet area If at any time the puppy does not empty himself then confine him for another ten minutes and try again. As soon as he is regularly not needing to wee after thirty minutes you can extend the duration of free access to your kitchen. Provided you stick to these principles and strategies, the house training process, though quite intense for a short while, will pass smoothly. Supervise Your Puppy Your second job is to supervise or contain your puppy when his bladder is filling up. You can do this by crating him for a few minutes, or by cuddling him in your arms. I recommend the cuddle option for the first few days, that way you can introduce the crate gradually once he has settled into his new home. Either spend your first day together in the yard getting a feel for how frequently they pee. As you can see, there is some guesswork involved in house training a puppy, but not too much. The secrets of successful outdoor toilet trips Not wanting to pee outside is a common toilet training puppy problem and one we look at in more detail in this article. Keeping your puppy company is the key. You need to go outside with your puppy and wait there with him until he has done a wee. This may take longer than you would like, and you probably have better things to do than stand in your yard while your puppy chases butterflies or plays with your shoe laces. But stay outside you must, until he has done that wee. Coming Indoors Early If you must come indoors before your puppy has relieved himself, you need to supervise him very closely. Hold him in your arms — or put him in a small crate for a few minutes — before going back out to try again. It is a new puppy problem, and it will pass. And if you teach your puppy to pee on command, it will pass even quicker! Rewarding success If you put plenty of effort in, and take your puppy out a great deal in those first few days, he will quickly learn that the place you have allocated to him for potty purposes is the place to pee. You can praise him and give him a little treat for doing so. Have your treat on hand keep them next to your poop bags so you remember to grab both on the way out , and deliver it right after your puppy has completed their business. Rewarding his successes and ignoring his accidents is the quickest way of successfully communicating what you want, and quickly potty training your puppy. Stage 2 — Learning self control During stage 2 your puppy begins to develop some self control. This means he can wait a few minutes before emptying himself when his bladder starts to feel full. Keep an eye on your puppy for the tell tale signs that he needs to use the toilet: whimpering, whining or barking sniffing about, especially sniffing in circles! Using Your Crate If your puppy is now used to his crate, you can start using it stretch out the gaps between toilet trips. Accidents during stage 2 At some point during stage 2, many puppies will be able to last an hour or so between wees. This is when puppy parents often relax their vigilance, and their puppies start having accidents in the house again. Simply go back to shorter gaps between trips to the yard for a few days. Then start to space out those trips again, but more gradually this time. Stage 3 — Extending the clean zone This is where all your hard work starts to really pay off. Once your puppy is confidently and consistently toileting outdoors, and you can further stretch out the gaps between toilet breaks, and start to introduce your puppy to the rest of your home. Take it slowly, and if accidents occur, to go back to shorter gaps between trips outdoors for a few days. Bear in mind that your puppy may be used to peeing in the yard and not in the kitchen by now, but they might not automatically understand which rule applies to the lounge. Method 2: How to potty train a puppy indoors This section has a lot in common with how to potty train a puppy when you work. So follow method 2 if you need to know how to potty train a puppy in an apartment as well. And that means using pads. How to potty train a puppy on pads The simplest way to do this is to restrict the puppy to a smallish room with washable floors. Cover the floor with puppy pads to begin with, with their bed in one corner. How do you train a puppy to pee on a pad? With this arrangement in place, as long as your puppy leaves his bed to pee which his mom will have encouraged him to do , he will pee onto the pads. So over the next few days, reduce the area of the floor that is covered with puppy pads by half. You should find he begins to make an effort to pee and poop on the part of the floor that is covered — but it needs to be a sizeable part to get this good habit established. How to potty train a puppy fast using pads — reducing the toilet area By the end of the first week, you can begin to reduce the part of the floor that is covered with puppy pads right down to a small area, preferably near the back door. It is usually best to do this when you have some time booked off work — or during a long weekend when the weather is fine. But if you choose to crate train your puppy LINK alongside potty training him, the crate can be a useful aid for potty training too. Once your puppy thinks of the crate as their bed, they will be reluctant to soil in it. You Still Need To Watch Your Puppy Always watch puppies closely in their crate during potty training, and whisk them out to the right spot at the first sign they might need to relieve themselves. You can find out a lot more about crate training and the role it plays in rapid house training on this page. As well opportunities to use the toilet, Labrador puppies need company and socialisation while they are small. So, if you are going to go back to work you need to arrange someone to look after him, or to come in at intervals throughout the day to play with him and take him out. Here are some articles which will be of interest if you are thinking of getting a puppy and work full time:.

A Labrastaff, of course! These dogs, also known as Staffadors, Lab Staffies, or Staffy lab crosses, are the perfect mix between the loyal Labrador Retriever and the lovable Staffordshire Bull Terrier. This fact alone should give you a solid indication of what the Labrastaff is capable of and whether it will stick by your side as a devoted buddy. If you are still unsure, we will go over more of this breed's characteristics and traits in the following sections to clear up any misgivings you may have. Labrastaff History Labrastaffs are very recent hybrid dogs. Thus there isn't much solid data available regarding their historical past. John's dogs after the capital of Newfoundland—served as companions and assistants to the community's fishermen. The dog's utility and pleasant temperament caught the attention of outsiders, and English sportsmen brought a few Labs to their country to use as hunting retrievers. The Labrador Retriever was recognized as a unique breed by the Kennel Club in after the breed thrived in England. In , the AKC adopted a similar policy, and in the s and s, British Labs were brought to the United States to help create the breed. After World War II, the popularity of the breed began to soar. In , the Labrador Retriever surpassed all other breeds to win the top spot among AKC-registered dogs, a title they've held ever since. Early Staffies were bred for the harsh bull-baiting sport , in which dogs tried to choke and restrain a bull by grasping its nose and dragging it down. When England outlawed bull-baiting in , owners preserved their dogs' devoted and brave characteristics. While some Staffies were kept for dog fighting, many Staffies found new paths as beloved family pets or working dogs. The reputation of the Staffy changed when people became aware of the close relationship they might develop with their human friends. They might not all look the same as a unique breed, and there is no standard size for them. If you've read any of our articles on other mixed breeds, we often talk about how the dominant parent gene may affect the size of the pups. For the coat, the common colors are black, brown, and brindle. They may also have amber, hazel, or brown eyes. The physique should be athletic and muscular, with the head typically broad, like in Labradors. The tail is typically thick at the base and tampered at the end, while the ears typically droop down. In addition, the Labrador Staffy cross will have large chests, strong necks, and powerful jaws. So far, the Labrastaff dog comes in sizes up to 24 inches and weighs between 40 and 80 pounds. If you love medium-sized dogs that are soft around kids, then a Lab Staffy mix is for you. They are kind and devoted to their family, and they will warn you if they notice any danger. Normally, they don't bark at visitors, but they might if they sense unease or danger. It is fine to let a Lab Staff mix alone in your home with other dogs as long as they are all behaved and your Labrastaff is calm. But keep in mind that your Labrastaff would rather be with people than be left alone for an extended period of time. We recommend you provide a secure, fenced-in outside space. This way, kids at home and Fido may play joyfully in the afternoons! Both parent breeds have sharp minds and are eager to please their owners. The good news is that even inexperienced owners ought to be able to quickly train their Staffy lab cross to behave properly as an adult. However, note that the young of both parent types are rowdy and mouthy. When enthusiastic, they have the potential to damage, knocking over objects. Also, the Labrador puppy's teeth are razor-sharp, even when it's just playing or not trying to hurt someone. Both of these breeds are known for pulling on the leash, so either start early in training or invest in a good harness for powerful pullers. Consider hiring a dog trainer if you need assistance with a training session. It pays off in the long run! Labrastaff Exercise If there is one thing you should remember after reading this article, it is that the Labrastaff dog is not suitable for couch potatoes. Both parent breeds are high-energy, so if you're thinking about acquiring one, be ready to provide the appropriate exercise. You can expect a daily off-leash stroll of 1—2 hours. Expect this mixed breed to like the water as much as Labradors do. Along with extensive walks and indoor activities, they will love swimming in pools or lakes! You should also provide your Labrastaff with lots of brain exercises in the form of puzzles , games, and other activities. Without them, your Staffy Lab mix may grow restless, agitated, and hostile. Remember that a dog with enough exercise is calmer and gentler inside the house. Lab Staffy Mix Grooming Although neither of the parent breeds has a long coat, Staffadors descended from Labradors will require a little maintenance. To keep your Labrastaff dog's coats healthy and free of mats and tangles, give them a brief brush daily. On the other hand, dogs who have more Staffy pedigree will require less grooming. Their short coats won't require much upkeep. Although, checking them regularly is still good because the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known for having skin problems. Brushing with the proper grooming equipment daily will also keep your Lab Staffy mix from developing gum or periodontal disease. Labrastaff Health Did you know that Staffies live a little longer than Labs? The Staffy is a bit healthier than the Labrador, so hopefully, that will also pass to the litter. Labrastaffs are typically healthy dogs, although predisposed to some diseases their parent breeds encounter. Some of the most prevalent health issues that your Lab Staffordshire Terrier mix may have are: Bloat Unfortunately, Labradors and other dogs with deep chests are more susceptible to bloat than other breeds. WebMD says it occurs when your canine friend's stomach becomes bloated due to the presence of gas, food, or liquids. Eating quickly Having one big meal a day Eating or drinking too much Eating from a raised food bowl A lot of running or playing after they eat Epilepsy This mixed breed can experience reactive, primary, or secondary seizures. The brain's response to a metabolic issue such as low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin results in reactive seizures. On the other hand, trauma, stroke, or brain cancer can all cause secondary seizures. The condition is primary or idiopathic epilepsy if no other cause can be identified. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are frequently affected by this genetic health issue. Your four-legged companion may have a cataract if it looks to have a cloudy-looking substance in its eye. Your dog may exhibit the following symptoms of vision loss: Clumsiness. Staffadors live between ten and fourteen years. This figure is only an estimate, and we base it on the lifespans of the Labrador and Staffy. Labradors typically have a shorter lifespan than the smaller Staffy. So the genes the puppies inherit will partly determine their lifespan. Other factors will be important; the health of the parent dogs will be a crucial factor in how their offspring develop. Staffy Lab Characteristics When you mix a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and a Labrador, the result is a medium-sized dog that is robust and well-built; typically, you will see a broad head and a long, permanently wagging tail. They could have the thick, dense waterproof coat of the lab or the short, smooth coat of the Staffy. In addition, the Staffy is a bit healthier than the Labrador, so hopefully, that will also pass to the litter. A propensity to be overweight is a problem for both parent dogs, mainly because the Staffy and the Lab are greedy dogs and will eat until they burst. So attention needs to be given to this area when the puppies grow a little older. Labradors are always one of three colours, black, yellow, or chocolate, but Staffies can come in various solid colours and brindle. Overly enthusiastic play from children is unlikely to antagonize the Labrastaff. You can be sure that your children and Labrastaff will have a great time if you provide them with a secure area where you can keep your eyes on them. Even though they are lovable, they are still pretty big dogs for young children. Add in the boisterous nature, especially when young, and accidents can happen. Brad Davenport Brad has spent his entire life surrounded by dogs and has owned all sorts of breeds, including Dachshunds, Great Danes, French Bulldogs and he currently has a little Hasanese called Biscuit. Brad is an experienced dog writer who is obsessed by canine health, care and psychology and has completed several courses on dog care and training. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Labrastaff Highlights The Labrastaff is a mixed breed dog. The most common colors of coat for a Labrastaff are black, brown, and brindle. Labrastaff dogs and children get on great together. They will form strong bonds, and the dog will take on a guardian role to your kids. Early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Make sure to reward your Labrastaff for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home to your family. The Labrador Retriever originally hails from Canada, where it was bred for hunting and retrieving before changing roles and becoming renowned as a guide dog. The Labrador Retriever is widely believed to be one of the most popular dogs in the United States. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has hunting roots. Nowadays they make great family pets, and most of their aggression has been bred out of them. The Labrastaff has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. Labrastaff Size The Labrastaff is usually described as a medium-sized dog. Although, as is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 40 to 80 pounds and range in height from 17 to 24 inches. Female Labrastaffs might be visibly smaller than their male counterparts. So if you can offer a safe and fenced in outdoor space that you can also supervise, your kids and your Labrastaff will frolic away the afternoons very happily indeed. While Labrastaffs are usually great around humans , they can become wary of other dogs. Aggressive tendencies might otherwise emerge. Labrastaff Health Labrastaffs are generally considered to be healthy dogs; although, the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Labrador Retriever and Staffordshire Bull Terrier face. Some of the more common health problems Labrastaffs suffer from include: Bloat Hip Dysplasia Labrastaff Care The Labrastaff is a dog that thrives in an outdoors arena. Ideally, walks will also offer the opportunity to turn into runs and swims; safe off-leash areas will also bring out the best in the dog. Labrastaff Feeding An ideal Labrastaff diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with high energy. Its texture is straight. Getting your Labrastaff used to being groomed from a young age is key—otherwise the breed might start to act stubborn around the brush! In general, the Labrastaff is a pretty adaptable dog when it comes to climate. But always make sure to provide a dog coat if the weather gets too frosty and your canine seems cold. Also, during hotter months, make sure shade and fresh water are always available during the outdoor play times the breed loves so much. Just be wary to leave the breed alone during feeding times—this is a dog that does not tolerate being busied while trying to chow down! If you have existing household pets, be sure to properly introduce your Labrastaff to them and set boundaries. This also applies to dealing with other dogs encountered during walks. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Labrastaff Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labrastaffs because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Below Dogs Barn take an in-depth look at the staffy lab cross, we look at the temperament and the nature of this dog and the even more in demand puppies for sale. Does a Staffy cross Labrador make a good family dog? What do you get when you breed two of the most popular dogs in the country, which are playful, clever, loving and great with children? Yes, that's right a Staffador. For those of us who, like Goldilocks, want something not too big, not too small, not too hard not too soft. This mix-up of a Staffy and a Labrador is just right. Here at Dogsbarn we think they are the perfect choice for a family pet. With them and their crossbreeds accounting for around 1 in 4 dogs. Standing at around " and weighing in at lbs for females and up to 40lbs for males they come in all colours of the canine rainbow except liver and merle and are exceptionally strong for their relatively small size. Stocky and muscular they have suffered from a bad reputation in recent years, which is entirely undeserved. Unfortunately, they are the breed most often to be found in rescue centres around the UK and account for the majority of the 8, dogs put to sleep every year. The silly Staffy is the joker of the canine world, his tail is always wagging and he is at his happiest when amongst his family, especially children. Playful, kind yet energetic Staffys are the perfect family pet. England's bloodthirsty history contributed to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier being originally bred for bull or bear-baiting and subsequently dog-fighting in the mid 's. Bulls arriving at markets were actually set upon by dogs as a way of tenderising the meat. Therefore, these early bull breeds were not bred for looks but rather gameness and stamina. They were also used as protection for the wives and families left behind, of soldiers fighting the Crimean war. Their loyal, gentle, protective nature earned them the nickname of "Nanny Dog. Gentleman Jim and Ch. Staffy's have an impressive physique. A broad head with dark round eyes, short snout and a wide mouth that gives them a permanently smiling expression. They have a scissor-like bite and rarely drool. A strong neck leads to a square muscular body and they have a powerful tail. These athletic dogs suffer from few health problems although they can be susceptible to skin allergies. They have a lifespan of between years. They are keen to please and one of the easiest breeds to house train. They need to be socialised at an early age as they can be aggressive towards other dogs. Staffys do have some terrier traits they love to dig and left alone outside can easily burrow under a fence. They can also have a strong prey drive like most terriers, so watch out if your hamster escapes. They are being used more often these days as working dogs they have a good sense of smell and make excellent therapy dogs. Contrary to popular belief they don't make good guard dogs they just love people too much. The job they adore the most though, is childminding, playing with and cuddling their extended family. Loyal and fearless a well-trained Staffy loves life and is a happy addition to any home. The Labrador Retriever or Lab as it is commonly referred to, is one of the most popular breeds in the world being ranked number 1 in both the USA and UK in .Highly intelligent, gentle, kind and even-tempered they make fantastic pets as well as working dogs. The English fishermen who settled there in the 16th century used them to retrieve fish that had fallen from the lines or help haul the nets in. Unlike many other dog breeds, with their dense coats and webbed feet they love the water, are excellent swimmers and can tolerate extremely cold water for long periods. Eager to please their retrieving abilities made them a fantastic sporting dog being the "king of retrievers" their mouths are so gentle they don't damage the fowl. In fact, a Labrador can carry an egg in its mouth without breaking it. The name Labrador was first mentioned by the Earl of Malmesbury who wrote a letter referring to them as his "Labrador Dogs" and the name stuck. Over the years they were imported to England where, because of their exceptional qualities they were bred into other retriever lines including the Curly Coated Retriever. They were finally recognised by the Kennel Club in .Puppies of all colours can be found in a litter, originally only the black ones were recognised as true Labs. The brown and yellow are caused by a recessive gene and these pups were culled at birth. These days all colours are acceptable. .There are two types of Labrador-Show and field lines. Show Labradors or English Labradors as they are known in the US, tend to be smaller and stockier than their counterparts with a thicker coat, otter like tail and more sedate nature. Field or working Labs are taller, rangier, lighter in frame with a less broad face, longer nose, more energetic personality and are easier to train. Labradors along with German Shepherds and Spaniels are one of the most common working dogs on the planet. Their outstanding sense of smell means they excel at tracking and make excellent search and rescue dogs being used by both the police and military over the years. Gentle and intelligent they also make fantastic assistance and therapy dogs but the job we are most used to seeing them doing is as guide dogs for the blind. Guide Dogs is the world's largest breeder and trainer of working dogs. The majority of dogs being bred now are now Labradors crossed with Golden Retrievers which produce puppies having the best characteristics of both. Labradors love to chew and they don't care what. Shoes, socks, furniture, hands they just love having something in their mouths, which is why it is a good idea to have a box of strong toys handy to give them something appropriate to munch on. Guide Dog breeds This infographic is brought to you by The Telegraph. Guide Dog breeds - Telegraph They are also renowned for having voracious appetites and are not generally fussy eaters so their food intake and exercise needs to be monitored to prevent them becoming overweight. A relatively healthy breed their lifespan is usually around years. Good articles for further reading on diets. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier crossed with a Labrador will be a medium sized dog and they will be strong and quite heavy set with a broad head and a permanently wagging tail. Both breeds are boisterous and energetic so if you are looking for a low energy pooch this combination is not for you. Depending on which characteristics they inherit from the parents the health problems should be fewer. The dense coat of the Lab helping with the Staffy's susceptilbilty to skin problems and keeping them warmer, and the Staffy's slightly longer lifespan and good health counteracting the Labs propensity for hip dysplasia. They will more than likely be greedy dogs as both Staffy's and Labs have a love of food and depending on which gene is the more dominant these pups will be a variety of colours although solid white won't be as common as it is with purebred Staffys. Here are some of the things you need to know about a Staffy x Labrador Are they easy to train? Without a doubt, yes! Both breeds are intelligent and have an inherent eagerness to please their owners. Even novice owners should quickly and easily be able to train their Lab x Staffy everything needed to become a well-mannered adult. However, it should be noted that both breeds are boisterous, and mouthy when young, things which need addressing sooner rather than later. They can cause a fair bit of damage knocking over both ornaments and people when excited and puppy's teeth are sharp even when playing or not meaning any harm. Both of these dogs are also renowned pullers on the leash The solution to that can be found here so it worthwhile drumming in the "Heel" command early on in training. Does a Labrador cross Staffy need much grooming? All dogs benefit from grooming it gets them used to being handled, improves circulation and is usually a pleasurable bonding session between pet and owner. That said a Staffy cross Labrador coat is likely to be short if slightly thicker than a purebred Staffy so should just need regular brushing. With the prices of professional grooming increasing every year, more dog owners are just buying the tools themselves and doing it at home. Both breeds are average shedders so a daily brush through will keep hairs to a minimum. Another thing to watch out for is a muddy puddle both these breeds love mud so if you don't fancy too much bathing keep them away. Does a Staffy x Labrador retriever need much excercise? Although not as much as some breeds a Staffy cross Labrador definitely needs quite a bit of exercise. As mentioned above both breeds can be excitable, a well-exercised dog is calmer in the home and less rowdy. Also both dogs are prone to overeat and may suffer from health problems caused by obesity such as arthritis and diabetes. So it is important they have regular walks to burn those calories. Temperament-Is a Labrador x Staffy good with children? There should be no better playmate for your children than this crossbreed. Both the Lab and the Staffy have a special place in their hearts for our offspring and are incredibly tolerant, playful and gentle. Neither breed is particularly nervous or highly strung so can cope happily with the noise and rough and tumble of the average family home. As with any dog they should always be supervised with young children as a pulled ear or lip can provoke a reaction from the gentlest of dogs. What is the cost of owning a Staffador? Both these breeds suffer few health problems so vet bills should be lower than some purebred dogs. Of course any breed can become ill or suffer and accident so it is always worth taking out insurance. The cost of this will also be lower not only due to the fact it is a dog of medium size but also a crossbreed. Food shouldn't be expensive either as neither breed are fussy eaters and will chow down on almost anything. Easy to train.