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We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Labradors are incredibly athletic dogs that love to run, play, and swim. Since they're such an active breed, their legs and muscles are their most significant attributes. If you notice that your Lab's legs are uneven, should you be concerned? Dogs with longer back legs should be presumed normal and healthy unless the dog is showing signs of pain or discomfort. If your dog reacts when you touch their back leg joints or changes their behavior, you should speak with your vet about your concerns. There are several reasons why your dog's back legs might be shorter in the back. Some aren't so concerning, but there are some potential health concerns that may occur. You should be aware of those and signs to look out for. As long as your dog is acting normally, there should be no reason to be concerned. Even though it may look uncomfortable to you, there are some completely normal instances where this may occur. Puppies often go through awkward months as they develop into the fully grown pets we know and love. Some parts of their body grow faster than others. This often results in some very uneven body compositions. Perhaps the most important thing you can do during this time frame is to puppy-proof the house. The goal of doing this is to try and decrease the likelihood of an injury. Some ways to prevent accidents include blocking off any staircases and keeping an eye out for items that could become jumping hazards. It can be very uncomfortable and debilitating to dogs. Hip dysplasia is when the hip joints become loose or deformed, causing various health conditions. This disease can be found in dogs of any age or breed but is very common in breeds like Labradors and other large breed dogs. Some of the symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include the following: Inability to walk or stand up Limping Inability to jump or climb Sitting in abnormal positions Hopping while running Reduced activity level Stiffness in the back legs, which causes the back legs to appear longer than the front. If your dog is diagnosed with hip dysplasia or Arthritis, talk with your vet for more information and suggestions to help your dog feel more comfortable. Also, you might want to talk with other Lab owners who might have gone through the same thing with their dogs to see what they did. Dwarf dogs result from breeders choosing to breed popular dog breeds with small dogs to create a smaller "cute" version of the dog and create an illusion of a permanent puppy. Dwarf dogs have many health concerns since they tend to be very different from their original breed. Dwarfism in dogs characteristics include the following: Smaller than other dogs of the same age and breed. Slow growth Bone structure abnormalities that are inconsistent with the breed. Spotty coats If you suspect your dog has dwarfism, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. If your Labrador is mixed with an unknown dog, another breed may influence its body structure. If you think that your dog could be mixed with an unknown breed, a DNA kit may be a worthy investment. The information you get from this product will help you gain some valuable insight into what other breeds are present in your dog. They can also swim and retrieve birds and ducks for their owners. Their muscular hind legs are a valuable tool as they swim tirelessly through frigid waters and can push ice out of their way. Old English Sheepdog Old English Sheepdogs have a sloping topline, meaning their back is at a slight slope due to their high rear legs. Depending on how severe the case is, it may cause extra strain on the legs that are taking most of their weight. If you are an active person who spends time running or biking with your dog, be sure to pay attention to how your dog is feeling and stop for breaks if necessary. Standard Body Measurements in Labradors Labradors are medium-sized and can reach around .The back should be level, while not sloping up towards its rear legs. Their hind legs should be level with their front and be very muscular. The most important thing is that your dog is healthy, happy, and well taken care of. Conclusion Overall, if your dog shows no signs of discomfort, the difference in leg size shouldn't be an issue unless you plan to put your dog in shows. If your dog is still growing, that's most likely the cause of appearing high in the rear. They can help you rule out some possible causes, such as hip dysplasia, dwarfism, and Arthritis. Be sure to look out for hazards around the house and yard to prevent any future injury. It just means that the angles in her back legs are straighter than is desirable. Having back legs that have good angles i. If you watch your pup walk you may notice that her tummy kind of bobs left and right, side to side as she goes along this is a consequence of walking with legs that are a little straight. She may also look a bit like she is standing on tippy toes on her back legs - that is, the larger part of her foot pad is not fully in contact with the ground, and the nails on her middle two toes may wear a little bit more be shorter than the outside two toes. Or you may not notice this till she is older. None of this is necessarily a problem. If you had been a person wishing to use your pup to breed from eventually, then this news would mean that you should not be breeding from this pup. But if she is just a pet then there is nothing you need to do and nothing to worry about - I would just do the usual thing of not over-doing the exercise, don't let her run up and down stairs and avoid jumping anything much till she is a year this is good practice for anyone, regardless of leg comformation. At your next vet visit ask the vet to explain to you what they mean, with a diagram. When your dog is older you can also ask the vet to check how good your pup's hips joints are, if you like - but this is a totally separate matter to having straightish back legs. Don't worry too much at this stage. There are a few reasons why your dog may have longer legs in the back than in the front. If your dog is of a particular breed, it may have longer back legs. Breeds trained for dog shows and running may often have a high rear appearance due to longer back legs. Do you have a young dog still in the puppy stage? It may simply still be adjusting to its body during a growth spurt. Unfortunately, long hind legs in a dog can be a sign of an underlying health issue such as hip dysplasia. This painful condition occurs when the hip joints become loose or deformed. Any breed can be affected by this condition. Dogs of all ages can also suffer from it. It is most common in larger breeds of dogs such as Labradors. How can you tell if your dog is suffering from hip dysplasia or has healthy long hind legs? If your dog suffers from hip dysplasia, the back legs will often become stiff. This stiffness makes the hind legs appear longer than they really are. Other signs of this disorder include hopping while running, inability to jump, limping, and reduced activity. While it is not a life and death issue, your dog could be a dwarf. In the pursuit of having a cute version of a big dog, some breeders will breed large dogs with tiny dogs. So how can you spot dwarfism in your dog? Look out for a disproportionate head, spotty coats, and an abnormal bone structure inconsistent with its breed. Pay attention to the growth of other dogs of the same age and breed. If your dog exhibits slower growth than those other dogs, it is displaying another sign of dwarfism. You may have to make some extra trips to the vet and be knowledgeable about various accommodations for it. Is it normal for a dog to have longer back legs? Having longer legs in the back is perfectly normal and healthy for a dog unless the dog appears to be in pain or discomfort. Some breeds naturally have longer legs in the back. If your dog yelps in pain upon being touched on its back leg joints or appears to be less active, this is cause for concern. The muscular back legs of the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers make them excellent swimmers that can endure long swims in cold icy waters. The high back legs of an Old English Sheepdog give their backs a slight slope and provide great agility for hunting animals. It is also normal for a dog to have longer back legs if it is a mixed breed. Certain breed standards require taller back legs. So, if one breed that usually has more even legs is mixed with a different breed known for tall back legs, the body composition may be affected. Do some dog breeds have longer front legs? Some dogs have very long legs in general. As mentioned earlier, some breeds naturally have longer back legs. However, it is not common for any dog to have longer front legs. If your dog has longer front legs, it most likely has some deformity. The following dog breeds have legs that would be perfect on any catwalk: Scottish Deerhounds. They must be waddling over you this moment, and the next moment, they are running after a butterfly in the garden. Labradors can have longer back legs than their front legs, and that is completely normal. And if these conditions persist, then most probably, your Labrador is suffering from Hip Dysplasia or any other underlying health issue. However, their legs male or female must measure anywhere between 14 to 18 inches. According to researchers, show-breed Labradors usually have a leg-to-body ratio of about .At the same time, the Labradors who are bred for the field have longer legs than their bodies. The longer leg over the body proportion helps them with their athletic and working instincts more profoundly. Labradors usually do not have very long back legs, but Labrador Puppy Hind Legs can appear longer. If you experience notice so, take a deep breath and just calm down. But their bones are still developing, and for some, it makes takes the age of 2 years to come into their desired shape. However, if your Labrador still has longer back legs, this might be a matter of concern. Even how much uncomfortable it may appear to you; this can be completely normal for the dog. Some of their body parts grow faster than others showing some type of deformation. However, in reality, uneven body composition is most likely temporary, especially if your dog is less than two years. Dwarfism is a specific genetic condition that can make a Labrador appear smaller than its standard size. While seeing such dogs, people often refer to them as cute, but having one at home feels like a challenge to them. When noticed closely, their shorter legs become conspicuous. Dwarfism in Labradors can not only lead to shorter height or shorter legs, but it can give birth to many other physical ailments as well. For instance, Labs suffering from Dwarfism may have a disproportionate head, slower growth, and several bone structure abnormalities. The most common reason why your Labrador has a smaller front leg and longer hind leg is Hip Dysplasia. It is a common but very uncomfortable condition that Labradors often suffer with. Hip Dysplasia, though, is common in many dog breeds; with Labradors, it is extremely common. A Lab suffering from the same can experience pain and difficulty in walking and standing, thus decreasing physical participation, limping, and difficulties while jumping. In addition, due to Hip Dysplasia, some Labradors make also experience stiffness in their back legs which can result in making back legs appear slightly longer. Hip Dysplasia is hereditary in Labradors, and excessive intolerance during their puppyhood also can lead to the same. Along with that, they should be muscular even more than the front legs. Though if not, then probably your Lab is suffering from some underlying health problem. Upon suspecting the same, you can take your dog to an expert Vet. Consider finding a veterinary orthopaedic surgeon since these doctors are specialized in treating bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and other skeletal structures and disabilities related to the same. If a Labrador is bred with some dog breeds who have longer hind legs, it can produce a litter with the same physical build. This can be a result of the DNA dominance of another breed involved. Labradors have equal from and back legs, whereas their hind legs are more muscular. However, there is some dog breed that naturally has long back legs. Such breeds include Irish Wolfhound. Breeds with longer back legs Overview of common dog breeds with longer back legs While not every dog breed exhibits the characteristic of longer back legs, there are several breeds where this feature is more pronounced. These breeds often have unique body structures, and the longer back legs play a role in their overall appearance, function, and agility. Despite their overall short stature, their back legs are slightly longer than their front legs. This distinctive feature was originally bred into the Dachshund to help them burrow into tunnels and navigate tight spaces when hunting badgers and other small animals. Basset Hounds Another breed famous for its unique body structure is the Basset Hound. With a low-slung body and droopy ears, Basset Hounds also possess longer back legs compared to their front legs. This breed was developed for scent tracking and needed a sturdy structure to support their large head and powerful nose. The longer back legs provide additional support and stability, enabling them to efficiently track scents without tiring easily. Labrador Retrievers Labrador Retrievers , one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide, also exhibit a slightly longer back leg structure. Bred as working dogs, Labs were initially used for retrieving game during hunting. Their longer back legs offer them increased power and agility, making them excellent swimmers and efficient retrievers on land. Greyhounds Greyhounds are well-known for their incredible speed and sleek body structure. Their longer back legs play a crucial role in providing them with the power and acceleration needed to reach high speeds in a short time. This feature, combined with their lean bodies and deep chests, enables Greyhounds to excel in sprinting and chasing activities. These are just a few examples of dog breeds with longer back legs than front legs. In the following sections, we will dive deeper into the anatomical differences and reasons behind this unique trait. Anatomical differences The role of skeletal structure The skeletal structure of a dog plays a significant role in determining the length of their legs. Factors such as the slope of the croup and topline, as well as the angulation of the hip and shoulder joints, contribute to the appearance of longer back legs in some breeds. In some breeds, like the Greyhound, a sloping croup and a curved topline contribute to the perception of longer back legs. Angulation of the hip and shoulder joints The angles at which the hip and shoulder joints are positioned also play a part in creating the appearance of longer back legs. Breeds with a higher degree of angulation in their hip joints tend to have longer back legs, as this allows for increased power and propulsion during movement. On the other hand, a more upright shoulder joint may cause the front legs to appear shorter. Musculature and its influence on leg length In addition to the skeletal structure, the musculature of a dog also contributes to the perception of longer back legs. The development of specific muscle groups in the hind legs and forelegs can influence leg length and overall body shape. Hind leg muscles Dogs with longer back legs often have well-developed muscles in their hindquarters, such as the gluteal, hamstring, and quadriceps muscle groups. These muscles provide power and strength for activities like running, jumping, and swimming. As a result, breeds with longer back legs typically excel in activities requiring bursts of speed or powerful movement. While the foreleg muscles might not be as pronounced as the hind leg muscles, they still contribute to the overall balance and strength of the dog. In some breeds with longer back legs, the front legs might appear shorter due to the difference in muscle mass and development compared to the hind legs. In the next sections, we will explore the evolutionary and breeding factors that have contributed to the development of this unique trait. Evolutionary and breeding factors Natural selection in wild canines The leg length in dogs can be attributed, in part, to the process of natural selection. Wild canines have adapted over time to perform specific functions in their natural habitats, which in turn has influenced their leg length. Running and endurance Longer back legs are advantageous for canines that rely on running and endurance in their daily lives. For example, wolves and coyotes, which are ancestors of modern domestic dogs, have longer back legs compared to their front legs. This anatomical feature allows them to cover long distances with ease and maintain their speed and stamina while hunting or traveling. Leaping and hunting abilities In addition to running and endurance, longer back legs also contribute to enhanced leaping and hunting abilities. Wild canines need to be agile and swift to catch their prey, and the powerful hindquarters of dogs with longer back legs provide them with the necessary strength and acceleration. Selective breeding in domestic dogs In domestic dogs, the leg length differences can also be attributed to the process of selective breeding. Breeders have carefully selected and bred dogs for specific functions or aesthetic preferences, resulting in breeds with longer back legs than front legs. Working and sporting breeds Working and sporting breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers and Greyhounds, were bred to excel in tasks that require agility, speed, and power. Longer back legs provide these breeds with the necessary physical characteristics to perform their intended functions, whether it be retrieving game, herding livestock, or racing. Aesthetic preferences and breed standards In some cases, breeders have focused on creating dogs with unique appearances, resulting in breeds with pronounced leg length differences, such as Dachshunds and Basset Hounds. Dogs with longer back legs exhibit unique movement patterns that are influenced by their anatomy. Galloping and trotting Dogs with longer back legs tend to have a more pronounced galloping gait, which allows them to cover more ground with each stride. This powerful, efficient movement is especially beneficial for breeds that excel in running and endurance activities. Additionally, some breeds with longer back legs may display a unique trotting gait that enables them to move swiftly and smoothly over various terrains. Breeds with this anatomical feature possess increased strength and power in their hindquarters, which enables them to leap higher and climb with more ease. This can be particularly useful for breeds that are bred for tasks requiring agility, such as retrieving game or navigating challenging environments. Potential health issues While longer back legs offer several advantages in terms of movement and physical abilities, they can also be associated with certain health issues. Hip dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a common condition in some dog breeds, in which the hip joint does not develop properly. This can lead to arthritis and pain, especially in breeds with longer back legs. Regular check-ups, proper exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of hip dysplasia in dogs. Patellar luxation Patellar luxation , or dislocation of the kneecap, is another condition that can affect dogs with longer back legs. This condition can cause discomfort and mobility issues if left untreated. Spinal issues Some breeds with longer back legs may be more prone to spinal issues, such as intervertebral disc disease IVDD , particularly in breeds with elongated bodies like Dachshunds. Regular veterinary care, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding activities that put excessive strain on the spine can help prevent or manage these issues. In the next section, we will provide tips on proper care for dogs with longer back legs to ensure they remain healthy and happy throughout their lives. Proper care for dogs with longer back legs Exercise recommendations Importance of regular physical activity Dogs with longer back legs benefit greatly from regular exercise, as it helps maintain their muscle tone, joint health, and overall well-being. Engaging your dog in activities tailored to their breed and individual needs can ensure they remain fit and healthy. Suitable exercises for different breeds Each breed may require different types of exercise to accommodate their unique anatomy and capabilities. For example, Labrador Retrievers enjoy swimming and retrieving activities, while Greyhounds thrive with short bursts of sprinting. Nutritional considerations Proper diet for maintaining healthy joints A balanced diet is crucial for all dogs, but it is particularly important for those with longer back legs. Nutrients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain joint health and prevent issues like hip dysplasia. Importance of weight management Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for dogs with longer back legs, as excess weight can put additional strain on their joints and spine. Regular exercise, portion control, and choosing the right food can help keep your dog at an optimal weight and reduce the risk of health issues related to their unique anatomy. Preventative healthcare Regular check-ups Routine veterinary check-ups are crucial for dogs with longer back legs, as they can help detect and address potential health issues early. Screening for potential genetic disorder Some breeds with longer back legs may be prone to specific genetic disorders. Early screening through genetic testing can help identify any predispositions your dog may have, allowing you to take appropriate preventive measures and seek timely treatment if needed. Taking proper care of a dog with longer back legs involves a combination of appropriate exercise, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary care. By addressing these aspects, you can ensure that your furry friend remains healthy and happy, while also enjoying their unique physical abilities. Can uneven leg length cause health issues in dogs? While uneven leg length can sometimes be associated with health issues such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, or spinal problems, proper care and regular veterinary check-ups can help to minimize risks and address issues as they arise. Do dogs with longer back legs require special care or treatment? While dogs with longer back legs may not require specific treatment, they may benefit from certain exercise types, a healthy diet, weight management, and regular check-ups to help maintain joint health and reduce the risk of health issues related to their unique anatomy. Understanding this can help you appreciate their uniqueness and provide tailored care. After all, these traits make them a one-of-a-kind companion. Sharing is caring!

Bernedoodle Breeders California: Conclusion Choosing Responsible Bernedoodle Breeders in California So, the very first issue you could encounter when looking for a Bernedoodle breeder is scammers. These individuals set up fake social media accounts and post pictures of puppies that they source online in the hopes of tricky unfortunate hopefuls pet parents out of the cost of a deposit. Of course, just as soon as the money leaves your account, they disappear without a trace. It can be tricky to spot the difference between a real breeder and a faker. The latter often take great pains to make their operation look truly authentic. See Also: Click the image Another common issue is puppy mills. In this case, the dogs themselves are really real, but they are bred and raised in subpar facilities by people who are looking to make as much money as possible. The animals are just a means to an end for the breeders and so are often kept in appalling conditions where they are bred and bred and bred. Any puppies from these facilities will likely have numerous health problems. Puppy mills are a common problem in the States today. They can be tough to recognize if you are not able to visit your puppy before purchasing them. Make sure you thoroughly research any breeder that you deal with and carefully read all reviews. Facilities registered with these are often but not always demonstrating their commitment to safe and responsible breeding. Ensure Appropriate Health Checks One of the main responsibilities of breeders is to ensure they are using disease-free parent dogs for the continued health of the Bernedoodle line. They do this by putting the pups through comprehensive genetic screening that highlights whether they may have any genetic issues that could be passed onto their offspring. Responsible breeders will be happy to share the details of these tests with any prospective buyers. See Also: Click the image Look For a Health Guarantee The best way a breeder can demonstrate their confidence in their puppies is by providing the customers with a health guarantee. While the terms and duration of these can vary somewhat, generally, they last for around one to two years and basically state that if any issues develop as a result of genetic defects, the buyer can return the puppy for a full refund. Seek Recommendations from A Trusted Source A great way to find a breeder you can trust is to ask around. While friends and family are the best source of advice, there are also numerous reputable websites with reviews like this one and Yelp! There is also a large community of Doodle lovers who only want the best for these darling dogs that can be found on Reddit and in Facebook groups — make sure to use that to your advantage. Read Online Reviews You can learn a lot about the trustworthiness of breeding facilities and how they interact with their customers from online reviews. Luckily for us, we live in a world where people enjoy sharing their experiences — both good and bad. They specialize in all sizes of the Bernedoodle, from the smallest Toy Bernedoodles up to the largest Standard Bernedoodles. At Bernedoodles And Co, their main goal is to breed puppies for temperament, health, and as they say, adorableness. They raise all of their pups in a loving family environment alongside children, which ensures that these little Doods receive all the care and love that they deserve. By the way, this is also a great way for the puppies to socialize with the whole family and adjust to a home environment with all of its sights and sounds. They also utilize guardian homes so that all of their dogs and puppies are constantly cared for and nurtured. Their Bernedoodle puppies come in a variety of cute coat colors, including the highly coveted tri-color and bi-color phantom patterns as well as solid colors like apricot, black, caramel, chocolate, red, and tan. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Their puppies are all born from health tested parents and some of their pups have even gone on to become certified therapy dogs. Waitlist: Yes. Not that we need further solid reasons to get ourselves a furry companion. But when it comes to Bernedoodle puppies, there are a number of them that we can offer. Dietary Needs Your Bernedoodle pup will be happy with both home-cooked and packaged food. They are not fussy when it comes to their diet, as long as it is cooked at room temperature and nutritious. That is precisely how low maintenance they are! Exercise They do not require a lot of exercise. You can take them along with you to your daily visits to the park, and that is all they need. They are also happy with indoor workouts, so you do not have to take much effort to keep them healthy. Long Life They are known to live for as long as 12 to 15 years. So, you have guaranteed companionship for a considerable length of time! They are all either black or black and white, apart from brown or a mixture of all three colors. A Bernedoodle can be tiny, miniature, or standard-sized depending on the size of the parent Poodle that mated with the Bernese Mountain Dog. The F1 breed is the healthiest as it is a first-generation cross between purebred Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs. This breed provides consistency when it comes to puppies and gives rise to several genetic problems. F3 Bernedoodles F3 Bernedoodle puppies are the least healthy breed, as it is a cross between two F2 Bernedoodles. The most distinctive aspect of Bernedoodle pups is that you can never predict how they will look. Depending on which parent they take after, your Bernedoodle will grow up to have a unique personality and appearance. The additional icing on the cake is that they tend to have minimal shedding and very few health issues. This tendency is entirely unlike their parent breeds and sets them apart as the perfect low-maintenance pet. So, if you are thinking of getting a Bernedoodle pup as a pet, you have come to the right place. Read on to know about the 5 best Bernedoodle breeders in California and the whole range of assets they offer. Apart from that, it is also home to Hollywood, beautiful landscapes, and cliff-lined beaches. But it is relatively lesser known that California also plays host to Bernedoodle puppies. That too, from the most committed and trustworthy breeders in all of the U. However, you must be aware of illegal puppy mills that have cropped up due to the rising popularity of Bernedoodles. There are several breeders, but not all of them are assuredly reputable. First, you need to understand what you are looking for. Research the right size, type of breed, or other specifics to know the right fit for you. Make sure you can visit the dog shelter or kennel of the breeder that you are buying from. It is recommended to ask your breeder any questions that you may have. A reputable breeder will not only be happy to answer all your queries but will also have questions in return. A reputable and transparent breeder will always have the three vital things ready: Medical history of both the parents of the puppies Health checkups for the parents Recommended vaccination schedules for the puppies If you are adopting puppies younger than eight weeks, you should also definitely meet the parents of your Bernedoodle puppy. Make sure that your breeder is a part of the United Bernedoodle Registry established in .They are a reputable organization that maintains health and pedigree standards, apart from breed standards. The Best Bernedoodle Breeders in California We have conducted extensive research to put together the best Bernedoodle breeders in California that meet the best standards. Read on to find out! PuppySpot Ready to welcome a Bernedoodle puppy into your California home? Look no further than PuppySpot! Their rigorous breeder screening process ensures that your new furry friend will come from a responsible and ethical breeding environment. And, with a health guarantee for all puppies and ongoing support for new pet owners, you can have peace of mind knowing that your Bernedoodle will be well taken care of. With their commitment to ethical breeding and exceptional support, PuppySpot is the perfect place to find your new Bernedoodle puppy in California. So why wait? Start your search for the perfect Bernedoodle pup today and join the happy, waggy-tailed PuppySpot family! These folks know what they are doing and are pretty good at it too. They are the only breeders to offer a lifetime of support to all their puppies even after being adopted into loving families. This is in addition to a five-year health guarantee. The company policy also promises that their pups can have a smoother integration in their homes. Northern California Bernedoodle Breeder Responsibly breeding therapy grade doodles Looking for a reputable breeder to help you complete your family? We are passionate about responsibly breeding beautiful Bernedoodles for all lifestyles. Contact Us! Laurie and Cherise poured their hearts into this litter and it was evident from the moment we got Berkeley. They really prepared these puppies to thrive in their future homes. This puppy has made our home a better. He has added value in a way that only a bernedoodle can. Laurie and Cherise did an amazing job with his whole litter from their birth until they went to their families. They did amazing work with them exposing them to different environments, various stimuli, and preparing them for grooming practices. My husband and I run a youth sports gym, and coach high school sports, and we can bring him to the gym and he does so well with the loud noises and chaotic atmosphere of the gym. We highly recommend adding to your family with a doodle from West Coast Doodles. Cherise and Laurie really put their time into each of the puppies and it really shows by the time they come home to their future families. It has only been three days and Florence is already so well trained, patient, and comfortable even after a big transition to a new environment. They do so much research and exposure with these puppies during the early stages of their life, which we are already seeing making a difference. I highly recommend them and the puppies they raise! I had a seven hour drive home with Gus and Laurie gave me some helpful tips for our drive. He loves to play with all of them along with my two year old daughter. Overall great experience and we are very happy with our new pup. We love her. She is so curious and adventurous. She is so easy to take out and be around all different atmospheres. Our family is deep into high school sports and she comes to an occasional game and enjoys it. She has been such a great addition to our family. While we think Bernedoodles are perfect, they may not fit your family. So find a dog breeder and breed you can invite into your family. Puppies go home about 8 weeks after birth. Pick Your Puppy! Around 7 weeks we will begin scheduling times for you to come pick your puppy after reviewing their temperament testing. Bring Home Your Pup! Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one is a life diminished. Contact us with any questions you have about our program, our dogs or the Bernedoodle breed and we would love to chat with you! We love him so much already. The bar has been set for us. .Thank you, Theresa, you really are the best! Theresa is a caring, experienced breeder who knows the right way to raise puppies. She shared progress almost daily and was always available to answer questions. Even now, a month after bringing our little girl home, she is still available to answer questions or provide guidance. I highly recommend Theresa and Olive Branch Bernedoodles! She has been the most patient, amazing, knowledgeable breeder and foster family for my princess that anyone could ask for.She took the time to get to know each of us and definitely matched us with our perfect companion.Definitely goes to show the time and effort put into these precious little lives will pay off for all of us blessed with the opportunity to welcome them into our family. They grow up so fast. Sign up to receive news and updates. Email Address Sign Up Thank you! We are located in a little known canyon nestled in the foothills of South Orange County, Ca. Pups and parents play under the shade of the olive and oak trees. This is where our puppies start their journey to you…. Theresa Thoburn. Their consistency with coat type, structure and temperament has really come together over the last few years. What is a multigenertaional Bernedoodle? A multigen Bernedoodle is a Doodle who has two Doodle parents past the F2 generation. F1- Bernese Mountain dog or any coated breed crossed with a poodle. The degree of shedding and furnishings will vary. F1b- F1 Doodle crossed back to a Poodle. F2- F1 Doodle crossed with another F1 Doodle. This is the most inconsistent generation of Doodles. With any combination on those two locus. Our multigen mini Bernedoodles mature in the lb range and will all have at least one copy of furnishings. Our standard multigen Bernedoodles will mature in the lb range. We strive for fully furnished, straight or wavy coats that are as low to non shedding as possible. Genetic coat testing is done on all of our breeding dogs to ensure we match up only the best possible pair both health and coat wise. We put a lot of time and effort into making sure our matches are perfect. How Big are Bernedoodles vs. Mini Bernedoodles? They are anywhere from inches tall, depending on sex and influence from the breeds that they originate from. Mini Bernedoodles average between 25 to 59 pounds in weight and can be anywhere from 18 to 22 inches tall. They are a great size for those who want the temperment of an adorable Bernedoodle without the large size. What is The Temperament of a Bernedoodle? The Bernedoodle has a calm and gentle nature. They are sweet, loving, cuddly, and great with children. They tend to have an easier going nature which also means they can be slower to learn something new when it comes to training. What colors do Bernedoodles commonly come in? Each Bernedoodle has its own unique coat, much like their personalities. Depending on their genetic coat make up, they can have straigh, wavy or curly coats. We breed all sizes of this adorable breed! Whether you are looking for a regular Bernedoodle or a Mini Bernedoodle, Shady Oak Doodles can provide you with the perfect puppy! Bernedoodles Litters For Sale.

More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Whether for show, hunting, or pure companionship, our labs are sure to please! Labs are one of the top most breeds registered with the American Kennel Club. We are lovers and breeders of both the English and American Labrador Retrievers. We have been raising Labrador Retrievers on our farm since .Our labs have the genetics to produce chocolate, yellow, and black coats. Reaching anywhere from lbs. They are pet quality pups and representatives of the American Kennel Club. For information about our breeding program i. All puppies are de-wormed and receive their first vaccination prior to adoption - dewclaws are not removed. To secure a pup from one of our litters, please fill out a Puppy Request Form found on our Contact page. This will ensure we are able to pair your family with a pup that best suits your needs. We take the health and safety of our labs very seriously, therefore, families that have visited other kennels or breeding facilities must wait 48 hours before visiting our farm. We welcome all visitors and hope you enjoy our family companions as much as we do. Please call for an appointment and directions if you are interested in visiting us in person. Be sure to check out the Upcoming Litter page for more information! Make a reservation today! Her love for dogs prompted a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where she concentrated on behavior and genetics. Ann has attained many performance and breed titles with her Labradors. Over the years, she began to import classic English bloodlines which improved and strengthened her foundation blood. Our Mission To breed and maintain the classic Labrador temperament for whatever your goals may be. We are a small ethical breeding facility. We are stewards of the breed, not just puppy breeders. We breed an average of litters per year of quality black, yellow, and chocolate Labradors. Consequently, a waiting list is generally on hand for upcoming litters. Our small specialized size ensures lots of hands on for every dog, every puppy, every day. We are as dedicated to them as they are to us! Our Facility Dove Hill Labradors is located 1. We are situated on 12 acres surrounded by pastures, creeks, ponds, and woods. Our Dogs We maintain approximately 15 labs, where each one is a member of the family. Some are show dogs, some are performance oriented, and some do both. ALL of our Labradors excel in temperament. Check out our sister website DoveHillsEnglishLabradors. It's part of being a dog.Onyx is a week old black pup now under the care of Najla West. What a handsome character he is. The entire staff fell in love with that face. Your policies on worming, vaccination, feeding, and training dovetail with our policies nicely. We wish all new pet owners received such good advice from their breeders. Lastly, it was delightful to learn that this owner plans to neuter this pup and pursue professional training. I feel confident this pup will have a good life! We bought Jake from you 11 years ago when we lived in Virginia. We loved him so much and he was a central part of our family. He was extremely smart, almost like a person at times, and unbelievably kind. He was so gentle with our children and such a loyal companion for us. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Take a look at the three best Labrador Retriever breeders you can find in the state of Virginia. The 3 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Virginia 1. Located on rural acreage, the breeder has an expansive facility for breeding and offers boarding services with climate control, radiant heat flooring, and central air conditioning. All parent dogs are vetted for genetic conditions common in Labrador Retrievers, and only the top performers with natural hunting abilities, trainability, and temperament are bred. All puppies are born and raised at home, provided with handling and socialization, and released at 7 weeks. Puppies come with dew claws removed, veterinary records for vaccinations and deworming, and a 5-year health guarantee on hips, elbows, and eyes. Weather permitting, all puppies are introduced to birds, water, and loud noises. This breeder offers English and American Labs in chocolate, yellow, and black varieties. All puppies come with a genetic health clearance and veterinary records for exams, deworming, and vaccinations. Potential owners must fill out a puppy request form and may make an appointment to visit the breeding facility and meet the dogs. The property is fenced, allowing the dogs to enjoy the woods, open fields, and creek. Parent dogs are both English and American Labs and produce black, yellow, and chocolate puppies. All puppies are registered with the American Kennel Club and come with a month guarantee against hip dysplasia. Puppies are vet checked and come with records for first vaccinations and deworming. Tips for Choosing Reputable Breeders Breeding dogs , as well as other animals commonly kept as pets, can be profitable, leading to a rise in inhumane puppy mills. These high-volume dog breeding facilities churn out litters for profit, often ignoring the needs of the parents and puppies. In many cases, the puppies that come from puppy mills are unsocialized and suffer behavioral and emotional problems and health conditions. The facilities are poor, leaving puppies in extreme conditions in wire cages. The mother dogs are often found covered in filth with sagging nipples, crusted eyes, and parasites. When you research breeders, look for small operations with limited litters. Puppies should come with genetic health clearances, veterinary records, and vaccinations. Most puppies from breeders will be registered with limited breeding rights, meaning that your puppy will not be registered as a suitable breeding dog with the governing organization. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. The good folks of Virginia hold the Lab in high esteem. According to Google search statistics, Virginians rank in the 72nd percentile in Internet searches for Labrador retrievers. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Furthermore, telling a dog to sit, and then watching the dog do what he was told, provides children with tons of confidence. By giving children the confidence needed to consistently practice reading, they become better readers by virtue of the practice. Dog-owning children have fewer sick days off school, and children who own them often have better self esteem. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… Chesepians were the first inhabitants of the area now known as Tidewater in Virginia about whom hardly anything is known. They occupied an area which is now the independent cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. In , after a voyage of days, three ships headed by Captain Christopher Newport carrying men and boys made their first landfall in the New World where the Atlantic Ocean meets the southern mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. However, these English colonists of the Virginia Company of London left the area, and created their first permanent settlement at Jamestown. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client!

We are in-home breeders with long-term, ethical breeding practices. We partner with each other to serve the United States with excellent, low-tempered, family dogs that are blocky and stunningly beautiful. Our Breeding Program We are not a puppy mill. We are a family business. Bill and Rita live outside Pittsburgh, PA and are retired couple who enjoy our acre hobby farm and go to great lengths to ensure that our parent dogs and puppies are treated with the best care. We are small, professional hobby breeders and always strive to protect and improve the breed. Our interview process ensures that families are able to provide a good home and environment for our puppies. We stand behind our puppies and offer a 2 year health guarantee and have many happy customers that have ongoing relationships with us. They are carefully socialized every day with the ENS Super Dog Protocol , along with lots of love and kisses from all ages of children and adults. We feed the highest quality food, and our doggies enjoy being in a home where they are cared for all day long. Our dogs are family dogs that sleep in our home. They all are highly trained, groomed, exercised, and socialized. We have a fenced in play area, and large fields to run. We have other animals, including chickens, rabbits, cats and horses. Our 3 children love their animals and play a vital role in our puppies socialization. We have spared no expense to ensure that our puppies have absolutely the best health clearances. We want your pet to have a long and healthy lifetime! They also have a greatly reduced risk of cancer. Our puppies come with a 2 year genetic health guarantee , and we are also a proud supplier of NuVet Vitamins. We invite you to take the time to view their pedigrees and health clearances. To read more about us, click here. Over the years we have had 7 puppies and this was the best experience we have ever had with a breeder. Di has excellent communications and it was so easy to ask her any questions and reserve our puppy. She is also a great photographer and helped to document the life and growth of her litter of puppies. Through her photos and videos we could see the great socialization experiences she was providing the puppies. The clearances and K9data are all available online for the parents. Her puppies are healthy, clean, socialized and ready to go to loving homes at 8 weeks. Through our specialized training programs each puppy is prepared to take their place as a valued and happy member of their forever family. Golden Savannah is committed to responsibly breed and train each puppy. We are located in the beautiful hillside of Mohnton , Pennsylvania. Our Story Years ago, our first English Golden pups were born as ten stunning puppies that quickly became treasured members of the family. The name fit perfectly as we began to dedicate more of our time to breeding and raising our beautiful English Golden Retrievers. As the business grew we never established a full kennel, preferring instead to raise the puppies in a smaller and specialized environment. With many hours of research plus interacting with knowledgeable breeders, we learned that puppies who receive personalized training will have a more seamless and happy transition into their new family. In addition to breeding puppies, we also began offering several levels of added training programs for pups to learn the good hygiene, manners, and social graces. The English Cream Goldens are exceptionally friendly and intelligent, and a number of our puppies have even gone on to be successful therapy or service dogs. It is our joy at Golden Savannah to provide puppies that have become happy companion dogs to many, valued for their gentle benevolence and hearts of gold. We are located in the beautiful hillside of Mohnton, Pennsylvania. Customer Stories We go to great lengths to ensure that each puppy is entrusted into the care of a loving and capable family and we love to receive updated photos. It means the world to us at Golden Savannah to read stories about the pups that are sent from thrilled adoptive families. Introducing Mia, the newest member of our family. To be honest, I was completely overwhelmed with the idea of finding a dog, funding this adventure and the responsibility it would entail. When I started searching I became even more overwhelmed. I found many resources for veterans but not much for a young adult. I started searching for started dogs that we could continue to train on our own. Golden Savannah is a breeder from Pennsylvania. Mike was so supportive asking lots of questions to help determine just the right pup for Gretta and her needs. Continue reading… Kristi Pfeffer Nathe Hope all is well and you and your family enjoyed a wonderful summer! I wanted to send you some updated pics of our summer with Odin. He's been the best addition to our family and we couldn't love him any more! He's growing like crazy - already almost 60 lbs and just short of 6 months. People always comment on how well-behaved and mild mannered he is which makes us proud parents. There have even been multiple times where people have pulled over on the side of the road as we're going for walks to tell us how beautiful he is! And our friends and family love him just as much as we do! They all jump at an opportunity to babysit Odin if Andrew and I are going out of town. He's just finished his second round of training classes and has made lots of doggy friends and definitely captured the heart of our trainer. She also breeds Goldens here in Massachusetts and has a special connection with Odin. He gets to go to work with Andrew everyday and meet lots of people and dogs! I guess he feels like one of the boys : He's our little shadow and we can't wait to make more memories with him this winter! His championship linage traces back to "Dew Mist Kennels" in Sweden. Reservations now being accepted from qualified families for our upcoming Breeding. If you like the look of the parents, you will love their pups. Plan Ahead! Read what owners have to say about our Golden Retriever puppies. See Pepper and Maximus's past puppies. Originally bred for hunting, the Golden Retriever has a great reputation for their skill and proficiency as hunters, family pets, and magnificent looking dogs. The roots of the this particular breed can be definitively traced back to Sir Dudley Marjoribanks who was also known as Lord Tweedmouth, for the specific goal of trying to create a breed of dog that would be skilled in the hunt for waterfowl, and worthy of an aristocrat. Lord Tweedmouth was a wealthy land developer who resided in Guisachan, an estate in the Scottish Highlands of Glen Affric near Inverness-shire where hunting game was both sport and a means of putting food on the table. Lord Tweedmouth was a very proficient breeder who was able to successfully foster a number of animals such as Scottish ponies and cattle, and most notably the Golden Retriever. Nous was the only retriever pup of yellow color in an otherwise black litter that he purchased from a cobbler in Brighton, bred by Lord Chichester. Without a deeper examination of the history of each of these dogs, we cannot say with complete accuracy as to their ancestry. With the mating of Belle and Nous in , three females and a male, Ada, Crocus, Primrose and Cowslip, made up the first litter. The male pup, Crocus, was given to the second Lord Tweedmouth. The dogs that were bred include an Irish setter, the St. This created the perfect dog for hunting as well as imbuing characteristics such as gentleness, the ability to navigate water, and exceptional trainability. It was clearly established which dogs were bred to create the Golden Retriever, and why Lord Tweedmouth chose to mix these dogs. Lord Tweedmouth was a sporting gentleman who very much enjoyed the hunt for waterfowl on his estate with his countrymen. Recent innovations in weaponry of the period allowed shotguns to shoot at greater distances; therefore, it was necessary to have a keen dog capable of waterfowl retrievals in rough terrain. The innovations in saw new developments in hunting guns such as the center fire, breech loading, and hammerless shotguns. The type of breeding incorporated, along with new gun technology, showed how proficient retrievers were in the field. Most breed dogs today have been widely taken out of the workforce and become show dogs or family pets. This likely began when retrievers were introduced in the early 20th century for show. Lord Tweedmouth kept the yellow retriever away from the public eye until one of his prized dogs won the first field trial for retrievers in .Consequently this is when retrievers, Golden and Yellow, were first classified and showed prominence by placing first in Bench Competition. In , the Golden was given a separate breed class and became the Golden Retriever; henceforth, the Golden Retriever Club was founded that same year. In , the first Golden Retriever was documented in the United States and from here we can assume America fell in love with this dog. In addition, Canada registered a Golden Retriever in and played a significant role in developing the Golden Retriever of today. The Golden Retriever Club of America was founded in , and is closely related to the AKC for which the present day standard is followed. Furthermore, as a part of Golden Retriever lineage, a sire, Speedwell Pluto was born in England in , and had a global impact on the breed. Lord Tweedmouth died in , but managed to leave behind a very profound legacy. We can look at the characteristics of a modern Golden Retriever and discern what temperament and abilities Lord Tweedmouth was looking for. However, there are some distinct differences between the American Golden Retriever and the British line. The English Golden Retriever is wider, shorter, and more muscular, with a forehead that is a bit more block like. In addition, their chest is deeper, with shorter legs and a shorter tale. They are also heavier and have a height of 56 - 61cm, 22 - 24 inches at the withers, the tallest point behind the neck at the shoulders. Females are slightly shorter at 51 - 56cm or 20 - 21inches with narrower heads. The eyes are a bit darker and rounder as opposed to a more triangular and slanted shape of the American breed. However, these are not the most important qualities if you use the retriever in the field. The Golden Retriever, used in the field, needs all of distinct abilities that were originally bred into it. They are known as non-slip retrievers, which are dogs who are able to sit quietly in hunting blinds until they are ordered to retrieve game, both on land and water as well as walk without making any sound at heel. In addition, they need to be biddable, which is the ability to take direction from owners and handlers. In order to be proficient bird dogs, retrievers must have soft mouths so that they do not destroy game. Besides being a hunter, the golden retriever is an excellent companion for any homeowner who is willing to provide the kind of environment they need in order to thrive. As in most high caliber breed dogs, plenty of exercise is paramount to their happiness and success as a family pet. These dogs are not bred to exist in all family situations. One of the down sides, if any, of owning and taking care of a Golden Retriever is health related issues that may arise due to their breeding history. Depending on the breeder you buy from the average lifespan is anywhere from 10 to 12 years and they are susceptible to a wide array of medical problems. Some of these problems include cancer, cataracts, hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, heart problems, Von Will brand's disease, skin disorders and they gain weight quite easily so one should be careful not overfeed this breed of dog. However, this should not dissuade the serious dog owner from having a companion that loves children, is extremely loyal, friendly, intelligent, and overall very good natured, not to mention great hunters. Grooming a Golden Retriever as an essential part of any well maintained dog and this breed is no exception. You should dry shampoo on a regular basis, but only bathe when necessary. They are considered an average shedder which means that brushing and combing twice a week is a good way to remove wooly hair from their dense undercoats. The Golden Retriever is a fine breed of dog that will provide many years of companionship if kept active throughout its life. For instance, Gerald Ford owned a retriever named Liberty, author Dean Koontz is pictured on the back of his books with his golden retriever Trixie. Life Span Did You Know? The English Cream Golden Retriever is not a separate dog breed from the Golden Retriever ; it is simply a rarer coat color variation. These Golden Retrievers tend to have light white or cream-colored coats instead of honey, golden-brown, or reddish coats. As they are still standard Golden Retrievers, they are recognized by the AKC and other canine organizations and can be registered. An English Cream Golden Retriever has all the same traits as any other Golden Retriever; they are one of the most popular dog breeds and tend to be open, friendly, and make great family pets. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. As long as they are socialized and trained, Goldens tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are even known for being open and friendly with strangers. As one of the kid-friendly dog breeds , Golden Retrievers love attention. These dogs tend to be energetic, full of personality, and are devoted to their families. They also tend to be excitable, which means they can be prone to barking. Training your dog to stop barking early on can help curb this habit and help prevent it from becoming a nuisance. Due to their friendly, gentle nature and intelligence, Goldens can often be found working as service, therapy, or search and rescue dogs. English Cream Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. Their high energy and exuberance make them better suited for homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living, but you will need to dedicate a lot of time every day to ensure they get enough attention, mental stimulation, and exercise. Goldens fare well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they bond so closely with their families and are one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Some potential health concerns to be aware of in an English Cream Golden Retriever can include canine cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Good breeding practices reduce the risk of these health issues and make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. The national breed club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, an NCL DNA test, an ophthalmologist evaluation, and a cardiac exam at a minimum. English Cream Golden Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly trainable dogs that are a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Not only are they one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners , but they also tend to excel at obedience competitions and other dog sports. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered basic commands , move on to other activities or more advanced commands. Anything you learn will help and will only strengthen the bond you are building with your puppy. Plus, there are several other benefits of puppy training classes including socialization. English Cream Goldens may have a lighter-colored coat, but they still have the classic longer Golden Retriever coat that will shed a big year-round and heavier as the seasons change. You will want to bathe them as needed and get your Golden professionally groomed a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Trimming nails once or twice a month keeps them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. Daily tooth brushing is ideal to keep tartar buildup at bay. This, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Golden Retrievers are known for being high-energy dogs. Like Labrador Retrievers , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They do tend to calm down a little as they grow into adulthood, but will still have a lot of energy. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep this dog happy and healthy. Goldens tend to be athletic and versatile dogs. So, once they are done growing and the vet has cleared them for higher-impact activities, you can take them running with you, play frisbee, go hiking, train for dog sports, and more. As one of the most active dog breeds , you will likely run out of energy before they do and they will likely be up for even more activity if you are. An English Cream Golden Retriever generally lives for years on average. Golden Retrievers are one of the dog breeds of famous dogs.

By Catherine Armstrong Updated September 26, From 14 ounces to 75 pounds, your golden retriever puppy will grow and develop a lot during his first 2 years. Your golden retriever will be a faithful, loving companion during his life span of 12 to 14 years. Newborn Goldens Need Their Mom Like all puppies, golden retrievers are born blind, deaf and completely reliant on their mother for survival. She feeds them, licks them clean and keeps them warm. Golden retriever puppies weigh between 14 and 16 ounces at birth and will double their weight by the end of their second week of life. Golden retriever moms tend to be calm and friendly, so hold and socialize with newborn puppies often. Goldens Love Carrying Toys Around All puppies learn about their environment by exploring with their mouths, but goldens were bred to carry ducks without damaging them, so they're especially mouthy. Provide young puppies soft toys to carry around and you'll quickly see evidence of their retrieving instinct. Make sure the floor is clear of small items that are dangerous to puppies such as paperclips, coins and pills. Golden retrievers have thick, shaggy double coats that require daily brushing; otherwise their coats becomes hopelessly matted and tangled. Start grooming your puppy while he's young so he will be accustomed to holding still long enough to get pretty. Monitor Your Golden's Growth Carefully monitor your golden's growth between 4 and 7 months of age. The breed is prone to hip dysplasia, a painful joint condition exacerbated by rapid growth. Goldens who grow too quickly also suffer a higher likelihood of soft tissue injuries and some cancers. Feed your puppy kibble specially designed for large breeds, which is less calorie-laden than other puppy foods. Ask your veterinarian for a slow-growth plan to minimize health risks. Such a plan includes careful weight monitoring, a low-calorie puppy food, exercise and elimination of excess food. Exercise your golden puppy daily to train his metabolism to burn excess calories. Play with him on grass and soft surfaces to minimize the impact to his hip joints. Always a Puppy Your golden reaches his full height of up to 24 inches tall at the shoulder by the end of his first year and reaches his full weight at 2 years old. A male weighs 65 to 75 pounds; a female typically weighs 55 to 65 pounds. Goldens keep their youthful temperament well into adulthood. Make sure your golden pup gets plenty of exercise. The dog's size and active nature require that he gets more vigorous exercise than some dogs. As a retriever, he can have no greater joy than fetching tennis balls or splashing in a pond to retrieve sticks or floating toys. Caroline Colie, Ph. This article will give you tips and details about the golden retriever labor and delivery. This is perfect if you are a first-timer who is about to witness a litter in a matter of days, weeks, or months. Experienced pet owners are also welcome this in for quick refreshment or something new knowledge that wants to be learned. Prepare Yourself The important thing you need to do is to prepare yourself by educating yourself. More particularly if you are a first-timer. Recognizing the problems as early as possible is your advantage. This is because you can become calmer and think logically which makes the chances of delivery much safer. What you need is to scour every resource you have regarding the stages of labor and you should also determine the complications if something uneventful might happen. Given the fact that each canine breed has its own vulnerabilities and complications. Also, each dog has its own unique whelping and birthing process, so embraced the unexpected. Above all, the ultimate keyword you should know is preparedness as they are essential in delivering the litters safely and with ease. This is one of the best ways to prepare your golden retriever for labor and delivery. Gestation Period Generally, an all-female dog breed has a gestation that lasts up to 63 days. Determining the exact delivery time is still difficult find out. But the usual time frame of delivery is usually between 58 to 70 days. Although your local veterinarian can help you narrow the time frame by examining the female dog. Also, be aware the there are still chances that your female dog is not pregnant but feeling pregnant. This phenomenon is known as pseudocyesis or false pregnancy. If your dog has an improper diet, there can be complications and discomfort while on her pregnancy period. There are some things you should remember while your golden retriever is in the labor and delivery process. Some Tips: Never give them treats or scraps — Your goal is to feed your pregnant golden retriever highly nutritious food on a regular basis. Again, stick to the suggested regular adult food. Give him plenty of water — Make sure that your female dog has enough water. Check the water bowl very often. You need to keep them hydrated at all times. Feed your dog only small meals instead of bulky meals — The reason behind this is your pregnant dog has already full in the abdomen. Feeding her large meals will only create discomfort which can eventually lead to complications if you keep on feeding her in large amounts of meals. Feed them high-quality kibble food — Investing in premium quality and wholesome kibble food is a perfect meal for your pregnant golden retriever. The fact that high-quality kibble food has more quality ingredients and jam packed with nutrients and vitamins that your dog needs. Giving them low-quality kibble food is like putting them in danger. You should be wary of their diet and also watch out for any dog food that has GMOs, preservatives, synthetic ingredients, meat by-products, and fillers. Golden Retriever Labor and Delivery As your pregnant golden retriever nearing its labor and delivery, you are going to need to monitor her at all times and watch for changes. Check the body temperature at least twice as this can help you notify its impending birth. A day before the labor, your female dog will have a drop in her body temperature which is a sign of near birth. The normal temperature should be to .And prior to the labor which is 24 hours , the temperature may drop 98 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. In that case, be prepared. Stage One of Labor The moment the temperature drops, the labor is expected to happen anytime soon. Your dog might feel lethargic and anxious. This will be followed by a nesting behavior. While your dog is in its nesting behavior, this is the time to put her in the whelping box you should train her to get accustomed to the whelping box beforehand. In some cases, they will try to drag some piece of fabric or pieces of clothing into her whelping box. The initial stage will normally last 6 to 12 hours. Stage Two of Labor Moving on, this next stage is the right moment where the puppy is going to be delivered. There begin visible contractions. The female dog feels the strain. The first puppy is about to deliver in 1 to 2 hours prior to the straining and contractions of the female golden retriever. If you cant handle it properly, you can call your vet for assistance and for a care delivery process. After the delivery, the female dog may enter into her resting phase which lasts up to 5 hours. If there are expected puppies, active strains continue to persist and will begin again. You should know the estimated puppies by having your female dog take an ultrasound early on, so you are aware of the golden retriever labor and delivery are finished. Although some female dogs will not have their resting phase. Because in some cases puppies are rapidly delivered. Stage Three of Labor After the puppy is born, the female dog will enter stage three of labor. This stage is where the placenta is being delivered which normally occurs between 6 to 15 minutes after the delivery of the puppy. After the delivery, the mother dog will enter stage two of labor again. It will depend if the mother dog will continue in contraction or will continue her resting phase. The stage of 2 and 3 labors will continue if there are still puppies in the mother dog. You should watch out for the number of placentas. The number of placentas should tally with the number of puppies. Finally, the Whelping Stage By the time all the puppies are delivered, the female golden retriever will immediately clean the puppy. This process is removing the amniotic sac if still present and she will also chew the umbilical cord. After this, you will eventually hear the puppies crying. You can assist and nurse the newborn puppies in order to help the mother if need be. But keep in mind, no more heavy exercise for them, they should be given light physical activities only. Have them walk with you with a maximum of five short walks within a day. Your pregnant dog should be well-rested for the last 2 to 3 weeks prior to her delivery. Because the last weeks are going to be essential for the health of the puppies and the mother also. There will be complications or worse, puppies could die if the mother gets hit too hard or bumped somewhere on the abdomen part. That said, make sure that you consult with your vet before giving any treatment or any sort of medication. Because these can pass down to her unborn puppies. But be sure to talk with your vet all about it. That said, the vet is able to detect ant physical abnormalities, infections, or even diseases with the puppies. You should also ask some questions regarding the golden retriever labor and delivery. Because you will never know if the delivery will be safe or a complication will happen. There could be bleeding in her vagina before birth. Important Nutrients for Pregnant Golden Retrievers When feeding your pregnant golden retriever, you should consider several factors. Maybe right now, you are feeding your dog a cheap kibble food with low nutritional value and full of fillers and other synthetic components that can be dangerous to your dog. Vitamins Vitamins are obviously crucial to anyone and that includes that pregnant dog. There are fruits and vegetables and even organ meats that contain one of these vitamins. Also, vitamin D aids calcium absorption. Canned mackerel dairy products and eggs; and salmon are high sources of vitamin D. In addition, you should also include folate. Because folate is essential in preventing any multiple birth defects. Sources of high folate include liver, poultry, and pork. Just be careful of the amount of liver you are giving. Medium-sized dogs eat more than mg of vitamin A on a daily basis. Minerals Iron, calcium, phosphorous are important to every dog including pregnant ones. Calcium is great for the development of bone and tooth, and calcium is crucial especially during the nursing period. Meaty bones are high sources of calcium although you should keep your pregnant dog from eating dog bones after 7 weeks of labor because it might lead to problems in health. Phosphorous aids the development of bones in puppies, it can also prevent any bone health problems in female dogs. Fish and eggs are great sources of phosphorous. Iron helps fights anemia which is fairly common in dog pregnancy. The best sources of iron are organ meats, liver, kidneys, and beef heart. So you need to focus on this essential meat. There are premium kibble products that offer a large protein diet that is cital in your pregnant dog. Fatty Acids Great sources of omega 3 fatty acids came from fish like wild-caught salmon. You can also give some fish oil dog supplements in order to aid the overall health of your female dog. They are also beneficial in aiding the nerves, fetal brain, and also eyesight. Instead, you should be hygienic given the fact that the puppies are susceptible to any kind of disease. Hydrogen peroxide Towels paper towels, washcloths, and blankets Antibacterial gel ointment. Jan 20, Share Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States. They are known for their loyal and friendly personalities, and many people choose them as their first dogs. Such a popular breed is always in demand, and more Golden Retriever puppies are born every day. However, there is some uncertainty about how many puppies Golden Retrievers typically have. Due to their size, larger dogs tend to have larger litters, while smaller dogs tend to have smaller litters. As a bigger dog breed, Goldens can have anywhere from one to twelve puppies per litter, but six to eight puppies are about average. Some litters may have as few as four. Read on below to find out more. Why the Size of the Dog Breed Affects Litter Size The different sizes of litter between breeds are due to the fact that larger breeds have more room in their uterus to grow puppies, while smaller breeds have less room. This is likely due, in part, to the fact that smaller dogs have a shorter gestational period and thus less time to mature a large number of offspring at a more rapid rate than larger dogs. This difference in litter size can be important for breeders, as they need to consider the size of the breed when planning how many puppies to produce. However, it is also worth noting that different breeds of dogs will exhibit different average litter sizes, even within the same size class. For example, the German Shorthaired Pointer is around the same size as a Golden Retriever, but has an average of nine pups per litter. The first litter of puppies for a female Golden Retriever is typically smaller in size than later litters. Additionally, since the first litter is typically born earlier than later litters, the puppies may not have as much time to grow and develop before being born. She should, however, have regular checkups with a veterinarian to ensure everything is going well. Despite Golden Retriever mothers being able to deliver many puppies, not every pup will survive birth. A dam may give birth to four puppies, but only two or three will survive. Pregnant dogs require high-quality vitamins, minerals, and premium proteins in addition to a healthy and balanced diet. Additives and fillers in dog food can lead to poor nutrition and ultimately affect litter size. In addition, diet plays an important role in the health and survival rate of puppies after birth. The chances of a Golden Retriever producing a small litter are higher if they are unhealthy. It is also possible that the puppies are born weak and have a lower chance of surviving. Age of Parents Female Golden Retrievers should not be bred too young or too old. Ideally, a female should be between the ages of 2 and 5 when she is first bred. It is also important to consider the age of the male. Once a male reaches the age of 5, their sperm count will decrease. Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock Lineage Overly inbred dogs are less likely to have large litters than dogs with a diverse gene pool. Ask your breeder about their parents and whether they have been tested for defects if you are looking for a puppy. Conception Method and Timing It may surprise you to learn that the way your Golden becomes impregnated may determine how many puppies she will have. Having a larger litter is more likely for Golden Retrievers that become pregnant naturally while conceiving artificially is more likely to lead to a smaller litter. This is because the freezing process kills many sperm cells in preserved semen, resulting in fewer pups. Dogs that conceive within 48 hours of ovulation have a higher chance of having a larger litter. These larger litters usually occur in the third, fourth, and fifth pregnancy. Puppy Mills Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities that mass-produce puppies for sale to the public. In a puppy mill, the mother dog is often bred repeatedly until she no longer can bear puppies. There are many reasons why one should avoid buying a dog from a puppy mill. First and foremost, puppy mills are notorious for breeding unhealthy dogs. Dogs from puppy mills typically have a variety of genetic health problems, ranging from joint problems to heart disease. In addition, puppy mills often keep dogs in horrible conditions, with little or no veterinary care. Dogs in puppy mills may also be malnourished and abused. Conclusion In conclusion, Golden Retrievers have an average of eight puppies. However, a breeder or owner can mate their Goldie at the right time, exercise them, keep them healthy, and feed them high-quality food all year long, but ultimately they cannot control the litter size. Thanks for reading! Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Golden Retriever puppies are fluffy balls of joy, and you must be thrilled to welcome them into your home. But how many puppies should you be expecting from this upcoming litter? On average, Golden Retrievers can have around eight puppies. Litter sizes can vary depending on the breed of dog, so there are a few factors that can determine the litter size of your Golden Retriever. This article goes over what kind of litter you could be expecting based on your Golden Retriever mother. Litter Size: First-Time vs. This is the national average for first-time mothers, so it is normal for your dog to give birth to a few less or a few more. However, it is always important for her to have check-ups with a vet to ensure everything is going well with her puppies. It is very rare that your Goldie will have a single puppy birth. Litter sizes of over a dozen puppies are also possible with Golden Retrievers, but not as common. If your Golden Retriever is pregnant, it is safe to assume that she will give birth to four to nine puppies. While it is always important to feed your dog a healthy and balanced diet, pregnant dogs need high-quality vitamins and minerals and premium protein. Dog food that is filled with additives and fillers can affect the litter size. Diet will also be a factor in how healthy the puppies will be after birth and what their survival rate will be. Health: If your Golden Retriever is obese or not given enough exercise, this can affect the litter. An unhealthy Goldie will more than likely produce a small litter. The puppies might also be born weak and have a smaller chance of survival. Age of both parents. You do not want to breed your female Golden Retriever too young or too old. The age range for the female to be bred is 2 to 5 years old. However, if you wait to breed your Goldie for the first time after they are five years old, their litters will always be smaller in number. The age of the male is also a factor. The sperm count in males will decrease once they reach 5 years old. Genetics: Dogs that have a more diverse gene pool are more likely to have larger litters than dogs that have been overly inbred. This is why if you go to a breeder, ask them about the parents and if they have been tested for defects. Image Credit: PorChonlawit, Shutterstock Final Considerations If you are a dog owner, you already know how important health, diet, and exercise are for raising a strong and happy dog. These factors must also be considered when deciding if you want to breed your Golden Retriever. Have her checked with the vet before she gets pregnant to make sure she is healthy and able to carry a litter safely. Ensure the potential mate is also healthy and the right age. However, no matter the litter size, each puppy will be a bundle of pure joy! A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. Helpful tips for caring for your puppy About the Labrador Retriever The Labrador Retriever originated in Canada in the 19th century and is now a world-wide beloved dog breed. These dogs are medium-sized dogs, females have a height of .Their average weight as an adult is pounds for females and pounds for males. They have a life expectancy of years. When it comes to their temperament, Labrador retrievers are very loyal, friendly and affectionate companion dogs. They are known for being very social towards strangers and other dogs. Labrador retrievers also come in three colours : black, brown or yellow. These dogs are very active as they need plenty of walks, play time and affection. They are great with children and make a great companion dog. If you're thinking of adopting a Labrador retriever puppy, keep reading as we go through how to care for them! Learn more about the Labrador Retriever in our breed sheet. When to collect your Labrador puppy You can adopt and collect your Labrador puppy once they are 8 weeks old. This way, you make sure that they have had enough time to socialize with their family, mother and siblings. It also makes sure that they have developed good bite moderation before being adopted to their new family. Other advantages are that they have had time to drink their mother's milk and properly wean off. They will also feel more independent and will transition better to their new home after being 8 weeks old. We also encourage you to check out your local animal shelter before buying from a breeder. Where your puppy should sleep the first night When it comes to sleeping at night, your puppy will have some difficulties. This may be due to the new environment and new people. They may feel unprotected and disoriented. For this reason, it's normal to hear them cry as they may be calling their mother for guidance and company. Now that you've adopted this puppy, this is your job as their human companion. When they call out, try to be there for them as they are scared and lonely. Be understanding as your puppy learns to adapt to their new home. As a puppy is very dependent and on their first night they will feel scared and disoriented, it's best they sleep near you on their first night. Remember that puppies tend to sleep with their siblings and their mother. Being alone in a new place for the first time will be difficult for them. The best option for your new puppy is to sleep in their own bed inside your room, near you. So that if they feel scared or lost and cry, you can let them know that you are there with them. Once they feel more oriented and safe in their new home, you can move their bed to another location where they can sleep. Learn more in our article where we elaborate on how to prepare for your puppy's first night in their new home. What to feed your Labrador retriever puppy When feeding your Labrador retriever puppy, you will need to provide them with a rich and balanced diet. Keep in mind that puppies begin weaning when they are around weeks old. This means that they will slowly transition from their mother's milk to a solid food canine diet. A natural canine diet mainly consists in essential fatty acids and meat-based protein. The protein should have two or three types of protein from meat. For example: whole chicken, lamb, beef and fish. For fat sources, you can opt for chicken fat. Good fat sources can solute some of the most important vitamins a dog needs. When it comes to carbs, it should be kept in a low amount as dogs thrive on meat. If you are cooking for your dog, then we recommend to include low amounts of whole carbs, such as sweet potatoes. Lastly, you can offer some fruits and vegetables that provide good vitamins and minerals to help your dog's over-all health. Training your Labrador retriever puppy Labrador Retrievers are very active and intelligent dogs. Other than daily exercise, they will need basic dog training. Yes, even as a puppy! You can begin training your dog with paper training. Learn more about that in our article about paper training for puppies. You can then begin to teach them basic commands, such as to sit, stay, or even to play fetch. Remember to always train them for short amounts of time each day, not exceeding 15min, and always through positive reinforcement. This way, training will be enjoyable for them and will help you create a greater bond with them. To learn more, read our article about when to start training your puppy. Exercising your Labrador retriever puppy Your Labrador retriever puppy will needs plenty of exercise. Due to their small size as a puppy, this will mostly be at home. They will begin by playing with their siblings and walking or running around the house. Then, after their first round of vaccinations, usually around the age of 7 weeks old, puppies will begin to go outside. This is a very important part of their puppyhood as they will learn to go out on walks with their caregivers and will begin their socialization period. During this period, they will meet and interact with new people and other dogs. They will also explore new places. It's very important that during this period they have good interactions and don't get traumatized. When a puppy is well socialized from a young age, they will have a balanced temperament as adult dogs. Learn more in our article about socializing puppies. Hygiene care Next, we're going to talk about maintaining our puppy's hygiene. As Labrador puppies haven't grown their full coat, they won't need to be brushed regularly just yet. A bath is only necessary when they get very dirty on their outdoor walks. Dental hygiene is also important when it comes to caring for a puppy. You can opt for a dog tooth paste or a dental canine treat. Talk to your veterinarian to see which would be best for you puppy, and learn more in our article about dental hygiene for dogs. Other than that, we must make sure that their everyday environment is also clean and that we refresh their water bowl everyday. This way, our puppy will have great personal hygiene and we can help them prevent certain health issues from a young age. Health care Lastly, we're going to talk about your Labrador retriever's health. The Labrador Retriever is a relatively healthy and long-living dog, especially if they stay in shape. However, the lack of genetic diversity resulting from breeding programs makes them prone to certain hereditary diseases and conditions , which are usually manifested as the dog grows old. For instance, Labradors tend to suffer from hip dysplasia. When your Lab is a puppy, you must ensure they get the necessary vaccines, and you must follow their vaccination schedule during the rest of their lives. This will prevent them from suffering very serious diseases that tend to affect dogs. If you want your dog to stay as healthy as possible, go to the vet for check-ups every 6 months. You can prevent the development of common diseases by watching your Lab for symptoms and caring for them as best as you can. Labrador Retrievers are prone to obesity - they love treats, and if they don't get enough exercise they will soon become overweight, with the related muscular and joint problems. Helpful tips for caring for your puppy We hope that this article has given you great insight when it comes to caring for a Labrador Retriever puppy. Here are some other helpful articles for caregivers that are adopting puppies:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Well-bred Labradors are relatively low maintenance, fit and healthy dogs. But your Labradors continuing health and well-being does depend entirely on you. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, grooming, preventive measures and regular visits to the vet are the real key to maintaining a high level of wellness and good health. All these actions are your responsibility and solely under your control. Daily routines will be diet control, exercise and physical inspections. Weekly routines will be grooming, ears, eyes, teeth and nail care. Quarterly routines could be shared between visits to the vet, a canine dentist and bathing. And the annual routine will be vaccinations. Just remember that prevention is always better than cure, so doing your best to prevent any illness and catching problems at the earliest possible stage is the goal to aim for. The following are all areas where you only need a little knowledge to effectively take care of your Labrador well. And if you cannot dedicate this time and effort, then in the nicest possible way, you might be better suited to a pet with less demanding care requirements such as goldfish. Making Safe Your Home and Garden Labradors are a lively and inquisitive breed, especially during their first three years so you need to keep dangerous household items out of their reach. Conceal electrical wiring…we all know of their infamous love for chewing. Sharp teeth and electricity do not mix! A Labrador can easily choke on wrappings or trash that may be swallowed along with edible scraps. Labs are smart and opening cupboards and drawers soon becomes easy for them. Be mindful of the toxicity of certain plants — Over plants have been identified as toxic to dogs , so be sure to research any plant before bringing it into your home. Fence of any ponds or pools in your yard. These are just a few points to consider around your home and garden, there are many more. Just try to put yourself in your Labradors shoes and take a good look at his environment as he would see it. Try to see how he could get into trouble and take measures to prevent it. Click here for a more detailed guide on puppy-proofing your home and garden. Brushing also helps to shake loose dirt out of and spread the natural oils throughout their coat for that desirable, healthy glossy look we know and love. Related article: The Best vacuums for removing pet hair from your home. Frequent baths will strip their oils, leaving them prone to wet and cold in winter, causing dry skin and making their coat look dull and not shiny. Keeping Nails Trim Most Labradors will need a nail trim every 2 to 3 months, although some may never need it. Regularly walking your dog on hard ground, especially sidewalks and roads, will have a natural filing effect and keep your dogs claws in order. This can make them sore and bleed. Ear Care What with a Labradors slightly drooping ears and their love of water, the inside of their ears can sometimes retain too much moisture, causing bacteria to build up and infections to form. I shall be writing an article on this very soon. Just some of the problems a Labrador may have with its teeth are gum disease, loose teeth, cracked or broken teeth, root abscesses and a build up of tartar. These can be very uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to further problems if neglected. Therefore, you need to inspect their teeth regularly, take measures to clean their teeth and even visit a professional canine dentist every 6 months or annually for a thorough check up and any necessary treatments. Treat their teeth like you would your own. Dealing with Parasites Controlling fleas, ticks and other parasites is essential for keeping your Labrador healthy. Immediate problems include extreme irritation and skin sores, but extreme infestations can lead to more dangerous problems including Lyme disease and tape worms. If you stick to a regular grooming schedule as you should! Simply brush your hand against the lie of your Labradors fur and watch for any small moving dots and check for any clearly visible ticks. There are many safe and effective over-the-counter flea control products , many of which contain formulations to prevent ticks at the same time. Finally, depending on where you live in the world, you may need to put your Labrador on medication for heartworm. Where mosquitoes are a problem, they can pass on heartworm and this can be fatal. Even the medicine for heartworm makes your dog very ill so prevention is definitely better than cure! Diseases such as distemper, rabies, hepatitis and parvoviros to name just a few. Your puppy will have had his first shots at five or six weeks before you got to take him home, and he will need a few further shots over a period of up to 18 weeks. A rabies shot usually follows at 6 months of age or so. After this, your adult Labrador will need just a single booster each year to stay protected. For many facts on vaccinations and the schedule you should follow when vaccinating your puppy, please click here. Dogs need a balance of vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins different to that of a human and feeding them on human leftovers can lead to malnutrition, as can a diet based on cheap filler packed dog food. You should perform a little research to find and use a recognized healthy brand of dog food that will cater to your Labradors needs. To help with this, please see our articles that list 4 of the best foods for Labrador puppies opens in new window or the best dog foods for adult Labradors opens in new window …yours really will thrive on these handpicked, quality foods! Additionally, the best thing you can do is set up a feeding schedule for your dog, twice per day being the recommended, and be mindful of any extra treats. Your Lab should always be well fed but not over-fed. I shall discuss this more in a later article. An Important Note On Drastic Changes In Eating And Drinking Habits If your dog is off their food, drinks way too much or way too little for a period of time more than 36 hours, you should call your vet as this is almost surely a sign of an underlying problem. They are voracious eaters and will eat just because they can, not because they need it. Excess weight can lead to all sorts of issues including arthritis and heart problems. To prevent this, control their diet and give them plenty of exercise for them to burn off those calories. They really do need very little exercise of just a few short minutes a couple of times per day. Too much exercise for a puppy can cause skeletal formation issues and plays a large part in joint problems. Take it easy until your puppy is at least a year old. Bedding and Shelter A Labrador should always have a soft surface to lay upon. To prevent this you should get your Lab a large sized dog bed or line a crate to offer a soft and comfortable place to rest. If your Lab spends any amount of time outside, you must provide shelter to offer an escape from the sun in summer, and preferably the shelter should have a raised floor so the wet and cold is kept away in winter. If your Lab puppy gets used to sleeping in a bed of yours or your children, it will be a hard habit to break and will more than likely end in separation anxiety and night-time whining. You want your Labrador to be comfortable alone for periods of time and should start forming this habit ASAP. Training The importance of training your Labrador cannot be overstated. A dog is a dog and not a human. You need to teach your dog how to behave and what your instructions are asking them to do. Before a puppy can become a trusted, well-behaved dog they have a lot of learning to do…and you a lot of teaching! To learn from the written word, I am part way through building the ultimate resource in the form of this site. Routines for feeding, exercise, grooming and visits to the vet are all easily managed with a little knowledge and by planning a schedule in advance and sticking to it. Spending quality time with your Lab is also key, especially regular grooming sessions. You should also attempt to learn your dogs normal living habits, how much he eats, drinks and sleeps. Anything To Add? As always, if you have any questions, would like to offer feedback, suggestions or further advice on the subject, please do so in the comments section below. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. They help you find the information you need right now. You might also want to check out our sections on Labrador Puppy Training. Do let us know what you would like to see added to the site. We are always happy to have your comments and suggestions. When To Collect Your Puppy We highly recommend that puppies are not removed from their breeder until they are 8 weeks old. There are lots of good reasons for this. It helps puppies develop good bite moderation skills before they are adopted into a family, ensures that they are ready to adapt quickly to their new life. And it helps to reduce the sad numbers of puppies bred for a quick profit. Puppies sold under seven weeks old often have health problems and need special care, and extra veterinary attention. Check out the following articles for further information: When can puppies leave their mother Your first puppy Your first puppy is a huge adventure. You have so much fun ahead. Labradors are generally very friendly dogs, but they can also be very distractible. So do start daily training games, using plenty of food. You can get regular training tips from Pippa by email, using the box below. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. If yes, you need to be extra careful when handling the dog. You will take a lot of time to adjust to the needs and demands of the dog and spending quality time with the dog will help in this task. Labradors are highly attention seeking dogs. They may not have a lot of demands, but they can certainly not do without attention. Ignoring them is the biggest blunder when handling them. Since, Labradors are even tempered and lovable dogs, they constantly shower their owners with a lot of love and want the same to be reciprocated. Thus, the pet owners need to be quite open with their feelings and shower love on them and show them that they are loved and cared for. They are always ready to please their owners and many times, they bank upon their intelligence so as to please their owners. Labradors also need a lot of fun and excitement in their life. Taking them to the park and indulging in a lot of energetic play can help them to build a nice and strong bond with each other. There can be a lot of intelligent interaction between the pet and the owner that will help in cementing the relationship between each other. Having a highly energetic Labrador may pose a lot of problems as far as its security and protection is concerned. Many pet owners go microchip way to ensure complete protection of their friendly pets. While taking care of your Labrador, you also need to be particular about its diet and nutritional demands. They must be given food that is rich in the nutrients and minerals necessary for their proper growth. Moreover, Labrador love to indulge in a lot of exercising; hence their diet demands are also on a slightly higher side. Daily and regular exercise can make them more energetic and active. Some variations in the exercise can help the dog to enjoy the whole routine. The dog will enjoy boundless energy as a result and some outlet for this energy will ensure a well balanced pet. About Rahul From Delhi, Rahul is an animal lover at heart. He is a writer and most of his writing revolves around making people aware of animal issues like health, training and grooming. More like this.

Kristina began raising puppies before we were married and loved it so much that she kept doing so after we were married. Now we all help with the puppies and the kids love playing with the pups every day. This makes for friendly puppies who like people and are good with kids. We are now a five-star classified breeder who has served many happy puppy parents. We hope you can become one of them! She will always answer your calls and answer all of your questions so well and patiently. We purchased our gorgeous cavapoo Henry … More Mr. Ian 2 weeks ago and we could not be happier. He is the first puppy that I have ever met who slept in the crate on the very first night without crying. He sleeps through the night for hours and has not had one accident in his crate. He is calm and lovable and extremely social. Clinton and Kristina did an amazing job at socializing him. He is the sweetest little cavapoo boy! His addition to my life has been such an amazing experience. My vet gave him a good bill of health upon arrival. Any questions I had while working together, they were very helpful and patient. Overall, it was a wonderful experience to get Archie to his forever home. I have zero regrets about my decision, and who would have know that a puppy could really help improve my daily life. I would recommend anyone to purchase their pup from hopeful dreams. We brought home our sweet cockapoo puppy last week and are amazed at how well behaved she is. It is clear that the … More Martin family takes great care of their puppies. Already planning on getting a second puppy from them in the future! Check out some of our favorite Mini Goldendoodle Puppies ready and waiting for their new forever home…. However, it can be riddled with many questions and obstacles along the way. You can also start here at Doodle Doods in search of breeder reviews. See Also: Click the image One of the most important things to look for is rigorous health testing for genetic conditions. An ethical breeder ensures that all parent pups are tested for various hereditary diseases that Goldendoodles are prone to. Health testing should include OFA for hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, heart, eyes, and thyroid. For hip and elbow dysplasia, breeders can also provide PennHip testing. Equally important is that a breeder provides at least a two-year health guarantee that covers any tested genetic conditions. A good breeder has no problem showing you the health records and walking you through everything you might want to know about. Additionally, a good breeder has a great track-record in terms of past adoptions and litters. Look for online reviews, testimonials, or you can even ask the breeder if a previous customer would be happy to share their experience with you. All of the breeders in this article are highly-rated, follow ethical practices like rigorous health testing, and are recommended by many happy Goldendoodle owners. View all New York Goldendoodle breeders listed in our extensive Doodle breeder directory! This exceptional breeder specializes in Multigenerational Goldendoodles due to their higher non-shed success rate. In fact, all of their lines originate from AKC registered purebred parents. Fox Creek Farm follows the best, most current enrichment protocols. They raise their puppies with the Puppy Culture program , Early Neurological Stimulation ENS , and even introduce the pups to doggie door training, crate training, and basic commands. What Makes This Breeder Unique? At Fox Creek Farm, all of their parent dogs have been extensively tested and cleared for numerous genetic health conditions, including the hips, elbows, patella, eyes, heart, and many others. Waitlist: Yes, but be sure to contact them for current availability — who knows, you might get lucky! Goldendoodle Breeder Contact Details:. Welcome to Lakeview Doodles of NY! We care about our dogs, so to get them off to the best possible start, our puppies are raised inside our non-smoking, loving home with our children. This enables them to become used to the sights and sounds of an active family household. We have the good fortune of living on the shores of Lake Ontario located in Upstate New York, where we enjoy invigorating breezes with ample room to romp and play! On our website, you will find information about, and photos of F1b and Multigen Goldendoodles and Double Doodles. We follow NYS guidelines and regulations. All of our breeding parents undergo extensive health testing. This includes not only full genetic testing for over diseases, but also both parents undergo and have passed all the tests for their hips, elbows, patellas, hearts, and their eyes are checked every other year by our ophthalmologist. We would be happy to provide you with copies of their testing. When available, we also offer personal delivery of your puppy, and their starter kits, in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Ohio and Vermont. We will not ship or fly a puppy alone, but will welcome you to fly to get them. It is also possible to fly your puppy to you accompanied by one of our family members.

One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. It is also important to understand there are different types of golden retrievers which may affect pricing. For example, if you decide to choose the lowest golden retriever cost option, those puppies almost never have the necessary 3rd-party assurances or veterinarian procedures like dewormings, vaccinations, health-tested parents, or a thorough health checkup. These missing costs and services will be your responsibility, making the total cost ultimately the same. Not to mention the added stress on you these extra expenses and issues create! Adopting vs. Please note that depending on the shelter, you may have to pay additional costs for your Golden certain shots and procedures. Depending on if the golden retriever is a boy or a girl may affect the price as well. Some male vs female golden retriever differences may make you prefer one over the other. This will ultimately save you time and money on your golden retriever price because breeders often pay lower veterinary rates than individuals do. Distemper, for example, is a highly contagious disease that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems of dogs. Unfortunately, there is no cure — just a lot of expenses and stress which really adds to the overall cost of your Golden Retriever puppy. It is wise to ask your vet for guidance on this decision. Talk with your vet about the procedure, when you should get it done, and how much it might cost. Dental Care for Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers, like many dogs, can be prone to dental issues such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. These cleanings typically involve scaling, polishing, and potentially extractions if necessary. Some insurance providers offer optional dental coverage as an add-on or as part of more comprehensive plans. If dental coverage is included in the policy, it typically covers a portion of the costs associated with dental cleanings, extractions, and other necessary dental treatments. This typically includes services such as bathing, brushing, trimming, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and sometimes additional services like de-shedding or dematting. Some groomers may offer package deals or discounts for regular appointments or bundled services. This monthly expense may seem like an additional cost, but it can be a worthwhile investment when considering the potential savings on veterinary bills for treatments, surgeries, and medications. By having pet insurance in place, you can ensure that your Golden Retriever receives the necessary care without straining your finances in the event of unexpected health issues. Puppy Training and Socialization Classes Attending puppy training and socialization classes is highly recommended for the comprehensive development of your Golden puppy. These classes provide structured learning environments, social interaction, and essential obedience training. By enrolling your Golden Retriever puppy in these classes, you ensure they receive the necessary foundation for good behavior, social skills, and overall well-being. The cost for food will depend on the size, age, and activity level of your companion. Fortunately, the cheaper brands of dog food can be just as good as the more premium brands as long as they meet the standards of AAFCO and are made with minimal processing. When making your decision, make sure to avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives where you can, since they could cause health problems for your dog. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article. Best Golden Retriever Breeder in Colorado? Well, we will let you be the judge, but we love our dogs like family and treat them as such. We do not over breed our dogs or participate in any crossbreeding tactics or exotic dog types. We are Golden Retriever lovers, enthusiasts, and protectors. Every dog is like family to us. While we are happy to entrust our puppies to loving families, we do have a puppy acquisition process in order to ensure our high quality dogs are delivered to warm homes that are able to care for our dogs properly. Every puppy we sell is depending on us to properly screen new owners, so please understand we take this seriously. This also protects your interests and maintains high standards for you as well. All puppies MUST be picked up in person. No exceptions. Golden Retriever Lovers Welcome! If you have a wonderful home for one of our puppies, we would love to hear from you. Whether you want a family retriever or a specialty dog for hunting, we will help find the exact fit for you. Many times there is a waiting list so apply early! If you are just getting started and would like to discuss our process, we are also eager to hear from you. Contact Us Today! Look at the current breedings or litters we have or are upcoming and fill out our contact form specifying what breeding you are interested in. Before puppies are born we only take deposits on the first pick, second, and possibly third picks on both males and females. After puppies are born and all spots are filled you will be told what pick you have. Get ready to welcome a lovely puppy that will bring all the love and affection. Tucker is now 3 born and is my best companion. Tucker is the quintessential Golden, beautiful, faithful, active, family-oriented, and geez I cannot come up with enough good things to say. Tucker is my soulmate. He makes me smile every day. If I feel bad he cares and comes to comfort me. He is so wonderful. My parents adopted another Slater Creek Golden, different parents, and she is phenomenal. So beautiful and sweet. Slater Creek Goldens are all love, loyalty and so much fun. Linda — you and your pups are my favorite ppl! Linda you will be in my heart forever.

A litter is coming soon! Join our Big Dog Family!! I continued Training dogs because dogs are my passion. After moving back to NJ, I decided to add to our family and buy a female Boxer. However, I made the mistake of taking 2 children to pick up 1 puppy.Not much long after, as fate would have it, I met another boxer lover named Jen. She had 6yr old boxer named Ginger who has the most amazing temperament! It inspired me to breed boxers again. With the amazing well tempered beautiful litter he sired, we used him again this Spring and had two beautiful litters. And most satisfying is that all will be going to amazing homes! I own the Dam and her sister, who both are amazing. She is a brindle with black mask. The Sire is a big fawn colored black mask gentle giant. We have a 6 ur old female from the same bloodline who too has an amazing temperament! About Boxers The Boxer is a medium to large, short-haired breed of dog, developed in Germany. The coat is smooth and tight-fitting; colors are fawn, brindled, or white, with or without white markings. Testimonials from our Boxer Family From Luna's family: My family and I want to thank you for letting us be part of your boxer family. Our boxer puppy is from the last litter. She is a brindle and we named her Luna. When you first speak to John he puts you at ease and has professionalism, respect and knowledge. He includes you every step of the way and constantly posts pictures and updates about the litter. He also encourages at least 2 visits with your puppy and provides a free course on raising a boxer puppy. On pick up day he provides all paper work. .I have recommended John to several people. Our little luna is amazing She is a cuddle bug and is extremely gentle with my kids. She is playful and protective. She is a blessing and a great addition to our family. Thank you again John. Be well. From Butch's family: From the minute I contacted John on the website it was a very professional and enjoyable experience. Having the families all get together on the same day to meet their new puppies was a great experience. Pickup day was also well organized and I also enjoyed seeing all the puppies from the last litter at 6 months of age. This was our 5th boxer but by far the most enjoyable experience in getting a new puppy. We were searching for a reputable Boxer breeder and were very happy that we found John. He was very friendly and professional. He kept us updated on the different stages of Taco's wellbeing. The chance to meet our pup Taco and provide an article of our choosing to help acclimate Taco to his new family was very considerate. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a Boxer. Taco has become an integral part of our lives and we thank John for Taco. He is very friendly and answers questions - no matter how many you have! I was even able to come and meet the mother to see her personality and to meet John in person, which was a huge factor in making my decision to go with Big Dog Boxers. John cares about the dogs that come from his litter. He stays in touch and loves seeing pictures of how the dogs are progressing. You can see he truly cares about all the dogs. He has the best temperament and is very handsome. I am always getting stopped by people when I walk him he loves walks because of how beautiful his brindle coating is. Odin loves to cuddle and to play ball.Although I do not have children, Odin is exposed to my nieces and the children on my block - they all love him and he loves them - they all get excited to see each other! I do have a .My brother got one of the females from the same litter.I can't recommend John and Big Dog Boxers enough. When the time comes for me to get a second boxer, I will only go to Big Dog Boxers. From Samson's family: Having only experience with smaller breeds, we felt a little out of our depth when we decided to bring a boxer into our family. John paired us with the perfect puppy. John was terrific with providing information about the breed and answering all of our questions, so we felt much more confident when it was time to bring Samson home. From Hamilton's family From start to finish John was very communicative and responsive to all our questions and was always keeping us updated. John clearly cares about the litter and their health. We love our not so small baby boy that we got and couldn't be happier with our experience. From Daisy's Family John was great to work with right from the beginning. Answered all my questions and made sure I had all the information I needed. Daisy is a great pup and we love her so much. She has a wonderful temperament and has been easy to train. Our puppy Jasper has turned out to be oe of the finest Boxers we have owned! He is our 7th. His temperament is very sweet and funny. We had just lost our beloved Boxer 2 months prior and as fate would have it, Arnold became available. Within days we were able to meet Arnold and it was love at first site. John would send us updates as Arnold grew. John is very transparent and the puppies were loved and cared for as if he was keeping them all. Such a pleasure to work with. Please go on to Instagram and TikTok bigdogboxers to like! A young Ginger Nothing much has changed.She still runs around like a puppy! Sampson to Vet. For the complete list please see our Boxer Breeders List page. The price of a Boxer puppy varies depending on the breeder and where you are located. Boxer puppies usually go fast because this is such a popular breed of dog, so make sure you act quickly once you find one that interests you. The price of Boxer puppies in New Jersey might vary because of where you live and the reputation of the breeder. There are certain things you should consider when looking for a breeder like their location, reputation, and costs. The best way to research your breeder is by asking around for recommendations from other pet owners in the area. Word of mouth is often the most effective way to find a good breeder. Make sure you ask about costs and any guarantees or warranties that they offer. Visit Your New Jersey Boxer Breeder in Person Whether you physically searched for a Boxer puppy in New Jersey or found a breeder online, once you find one that interests you, the most important thing to do is visit them in person. It will also let you see their facilities first hand which can give you a better idea of what your puppy will be like. If possible, ask if they can let your future pup run around with other young boxers while you wait. This dog-to-dog interaction will help socialize him and make sure he grows up healthy and happy. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in New Jersey If you feel comfortable with your boxer breeder in New Jersey, ask to see references from other people who have purchased their puppies. If they are reluctant to give you any names or contact details of other customers, this might be a sign that there is something fishy going on. If previous customers had any issues with the company or their puppies, you should probably find another breeder. These people could also give you lots of helpful advice about your specific dog and what kind of personality he might have based on his parents and genetics. Meeting past customers will also give you the chance to ask them questions about their experience with your breeder. If they had any problems, this is your chance to find out all about it. Remember, even one bad review should be enough for you to walk away from a breeder. Even if your New Jersey Boxer Breeder has nothing to hide, they should still have a good veterinarian that they use regularly. The best way for you to find out is to ask them what type of veterinary care their dogs receive and who your puppy will be seeing. The general rule of thumb is that the longer the warranty period, the better the policy will be for you and your pet. The minimum amount of time usually given by breeders is 1 year but reputable breeders like those listed here at PuppySpot offer 2 to 3 years. Some lifetime warranties against certain genetic diseases. First of all, if the prices seem too good to be true…they probably are. Often times they just want your cash without caring about whether or not their breeding practices result in healthy, happy pets which could lead to expensive health problems down the road. Unethical breeders will also try to make you feel like they are doing you a favor by selling you their puppies, but this is just another tactic used to put pressure on the consumer. Finally, if the breeder says that only cash is accepted as payment…move on. Any refusal of credit cards should be an immediate red flag. Most reputable breeders will be honest with you and tell you if there are any issues or history of disease in either the parents or other relatives. The truth is that no one is perfect and every dog has some sort of health concern or another. Reputable breeders will know about these issues before they sell their puppies to you which means they will provide documentation for proof. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy Before you actually bring your new boxer home, the first thing that you should do is make sure to set up a safe and comfortable area for them. First of all, you will need to find a way to confine your boxer while you are away at work or school. The good news is that there are many different options available for everyone whether they live in an apartment or have acres of land. You also want to make sure that the bathroom has been properly puppy-proofed before your boxer comes home. This will typically involve covering up anything sharp, electrical or poisonous items that could pose a problem for your new pet. Finally, if you have any valuable items on hand such as a TV or laptop, make sure to put them out of reach. In addition, whenever you bring them back inside from playing around in the backyard make sure to immediately put them on a leash so that you can quickly grab them if they need to go to the bathroom. Once again, this will be a lot easier if you have a fenced-in area for outdoor playtime but it can still be accomplished using an electronic fence if necessary. Boxers are incredibly intelligent dogs which means that most of them pick up on things very quickly. In fact, many boxer puppies learn how to properly eliminate outside all on their own within just a few days of being home with you. If they have any accidents inside, never scold them because this will only lead to confusion and mistrust. Instead, always use positive reinforcement by either praising them when they do something good or by giving them a treat whenever they go potty out in the yard. Continue doing this until they understand that going outside is the only acceptable place to have a bowel movement. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter.