8 week old golden retriever puppies

8 week old golden retriever puppies

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Australian Labradoodle Grooming Guide Choosing a Groomer Before you bring your Australian Labradoodle to the groomer, ask if they have had previous experience clipping Australian Labradoodles. Show your groomer some photos from our website so that they know exactly how you expect the clip to look. Labradoodle coats require a regular brushing and grooming routine. How often you have your Australian Labradoodle trimmed will depend on how fast their coat grows, your personal preferences in how long you leave them, how much maintenance you want to do at home, and how often you have them groomed professionally. You can expect to bathe and completely blow out their coat every weeks, and plan to have them trimmed approximately every weeks. For an adult Australian Labradoodle, you should allow on average, 60 minutes every two weeks for brushing time. If your Labradoodle is active in the water or hiking in nature areas, you may have to run a brush through them more often to remove debris or loosen hair clumping during the drying process post-swimming. Wait until your dog is dry, then run a slicker through their coat. Purchasing a small grooming table and arm, and training them to stand still during brushing and drying will save your back. But be warned that you need to always have a hand on your dog when they are on the grooming table or attached to a grooming arm. Never leave them or turn away or they can try to jump off the table and injure themselves. When your Labradoodle has short hair, an inch or two, regular brushing with a slicker can work just fine. Once the hair gets longer, it is important to make sure you are reaching all the way to the base of the hair by adding a metal greyhound comb. If loose hair is not removed near the skin, mats can begin to form. In separating your dogs coat with your hand, you can brush and comb all the way to the skin. Work backwards from the feet up to the body, and the tail to the head. Brush in the direction of the hair, but add small amounts of coat to each stroke. At approximately eight months old a puppy coat needs more frequent brushing during its changeover to the adult coat. Bathing: Australian Labradoodles need bathed and brushed out approximately once a month. Puppies can be bathed as needed. If you are going to bath your Australian Labradoodle at home, be sure to brush through the coat completely first. If you do it the other way around, any mats will get tighter when you get them wet. Also, watch that you do not pull on the mat while you are cutting it, and be aware of how closely the skin may be to your scissors. We also use a dematting tool to help break a mat into a smaller piece for easier removal. Then brush, comb, or gently work any mats out. Purchasing a commercial hair dryer is worth the investment and will speed up the drying process. Head: The lovable teddy bear look of your Australian Labradoodle is enjoyed every time you look at them, and every time you take them out and others look at them. No matter what length the body is trimmed, that adorable teddy bear face can make up the difference in winning hearts everywhere they go. A picture is worth a thousand words, so the photos and grooming card below coming soon will help to clarify the following worded instructions you will need to convey to your groomer to get exactly the look you want to see. It is best to print out the grooming card and take it with you at each visit to your groomer. This creates a more natural look and keeps the hair from poking at or covering their eyes. It also makes it easier to clean any matter out from the corner in the morning. Feet: Keeping your Labradoodles paws shaped nicely will help less water and debris attach to their feet as they are coming and going. We start trimming around their paws by around weeks of age to get them used to the action of having their feet picked up and worked with. You want to go around the bottom edge of their paw in a nice, rounded shape, snipping off longer hair so that it does not hit the ground. Your groomer can trim hair from the bottom of their feet with a clipper and a 30 blade. Nails should be trimmed regularly every weeks depending on wear. The hair under their tail should also be trimmed to keep the area clean. It is important to realize that regular brushing, bathing, and grooming are different things. Grooming includes the trimming of the hair, and is usually done in tandem with bathing or directly after but does not need to happen quite as frequently, although you are welcome to do so if you would like. Bathing helps you check in on your Labradoodle, maintain their coat from tangling, and keeps them healthy and clean. Labradoodles should be bathed every 2 to 3 weeks but can go up to 4 or 5 weeks depending on the time of year and their other grooming habits. For example, a dog will shed more in the fall and spring as he or she prepares for the cold or hot weather respectively; you will want to bathe him or her more during this time. Bathing your Labradoodle regularly helps you take care of their hair and also allows you to inspect all areas of their body. You will want to take into consideration the amount of shedding happening as well as the amount of outside time your Labradoodle is getting. If it is a high shedding season, you will want to bathe and groom your Labradoodle more frequently to assist in the shedding process. Similarly, when they spend a lot of time outdoors they get dirtier with sweat, mud, pollen, or sticks and need a more regular grooming routine as well. Since a Labradoodle coat repels dirt anyway, this should not be difficult. Simply follow the standard guidelines, and you should be fine. Labradoodle puppies actually need less bathing than full-grown Labradoodles, except in the case of visible dirt. When a Labradoodle puppy is developing his or her adult fur coat, his or her body will be attempting to regulate the oils that help to prevent dry skin among other concerns. Additionally, it is not until a dog has reached past the six- to eight-month range that his or her adult coat has become more water-resistant. Thus, as your Labradoodle puppy grows and plays, it is important to consider only bathing once per month or unless you can see visible dirt. If you are able to simply brush the dirt away, and your puppy does not have a strong odor, you may consider doing this to spread the bathing process out. Daily brushing is not necessary but will make the scheduled grooming less intensive. Labradoodles are pretty playful dogs all throughout their lifetime, but this may be especially true during their puppy years. Therefore, you may find that your Labradoodle puppy tends to roll around in the dirt more than he or she will in later years. If this is the case, then the basic brushing or rinsing method may be preferable to bathing weekly. Many people wonder when it is safe to first bathe a puppy. Puppies can be bathed as soon as they are ready and able to go home. Keep in mind, though, that bathing a puppy can be a scary process for them, so you will want to consider a few tricks to make the process more fun. For example, you may bathe them in a smaller bin than a large white tub, run the water prior to baths so that the initial process is not as loud, and provide a treat before and after they complete a job well done in the bath. By creating a safe and fun environment and reflecting an exciting personality for them to mirror, your Labradoodle will have a better likelihood of enjoying bath time from the start. How often you groom your Labradoodle will largely depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Many Labradoodles do not need to be fully groomed more than four times per year. You can minimize full shaves by trimming more regularly before a full shave is needed. Keep an eye out for signs of wax buildup and excessive ear hair; these may be indications of ear mites or disease. You put the solution into each ear, massage it for seconds, and then wipe it out using a tissue. Check with your vet for tips on loose hair removal and which solution to use. Labradoodles have a thick, curly type of coat which means it will take longer to bathe them in comparison to other dogs with straight or thinner coat types. Choosing when you will bathe your Labradoodle, as well as having all of your bathing tools ready in advance is important for a successful bath. Do not expect to be done in a few minutes like you would with a short-haired or small dog. One thing to note is that if you want your Labradoodle to have time outside afterward for drying purposes or just to help them be comfortable before bed, you should aim for mid-day so the sun is out and they have plenty of drying time. Otherwise, you may choose to dry them with a towel or blow dryer if they will let you do so. Keep in mind, though, that many dogs are scared of loud noises, so your Labradoodle may take some warming up to a hairdryer if this is the option you choose to go with. Knowing What You Need Getting the right products and equipment is very important for bathing your Labradoodle. Below, I will include a section on great shampoos and conditioners to use with your furry friend. If you are comfortable just using your regular tub, you will not really need much more. Just a couple of towels and maybe a hairdryer for drying as well as a good slicker brush to detangle after will be the essentials! Ideally, you will have a hose or removable showerhead so that you can rinse it easier. If you decide that you would rather use something other than a regular tub, you may need access to other tools to help make this process go smoothly. You may choose to use a bin for them to stand in and a bucket to transport water for rinsing purposes. By choosing something that will require less effort on your part, you will be more accessible to your dog and make this process a fun and routine experience for him or her. The Process in the Bath for your Labradoodle Acclimate Your Labradoodle and Rinse The first thing you will need to do is get your Labradoodle used to the bath and showerhead. A bath is not something that a dog has naturally been bred to understand, so it takes a little coaching and familiarizing on your part. Many dogs quickly acclimate to the process, but it is helpful if you are there encouraging them along the way both in practice and in attitude. To help acclimate your Labradoodle to the bath, put a little water in the bottom of the tub and allow them to stand in it. Making sure it is warm is a good idea to get them a positive first impression. This can be done in a quiet and calm fashion to show your Labradoodle that this is nothing to be scared of or dreaded. After you have gotten them more comfortable with their surroundings the tub plus a small amount of water , try turning on the showerhead or hose attachment while petting them. Let them see it is not harmful and allow them to get used to the noise and feeling. Again, your calming presence and helpful comfort will be helpful if they are more fearful of the bath or bathing devices. Add Products and Check on Their Skin Once you are able to get them fully rinsed off as in there is no visible dirt on the fur and their coat is entirely wet , you will want to lather them with the product of your choice. Please ensure that this product is safe for your dog by checking with your vet or by using products that are designed for your fur baby. When you are lathering them with the suds, it is best to use your hands to do this so that you can feel around under the coat on the skin for any problems such as lumps, bumps, or parasitic ticks. Regularly feeling them including during bath time will help you to detect ticks or abnormalities earlier on and could save your Labradoodle from experiencing much worse pains. This is considered more of a preventative health approach than a reactive one. Keep in mind it is good to avoid ears on Labradoodles when rinsing and using products. Their floppy, large ears are prone to infections and issues. By using your hands to rinse and wash them, you will have much more control over the areas of the body that receive treatment. As they may be excited and moving about more freely, you can help to show them how to stay calm by holding them lovingly as you rinse them. It will be important for you to consider wearing clothes that you do not mind getting wet or sudsy so that you can feel comfortable providing whatever support your pup may need during bath time. Rinse and Maybe Repeat After lathering your Labradoodle with shampoo and inspecting by rustling your fingers through his or her fur, you should thoroughly rinse them off. You will want to make sure to use the hose or showerhead to get all areas of them thoroughly rinsed off. Be sure that there are no more bubbles or suds that are coming off from their hair as you complete the process. This is particularly important because leaving in shampoo by accident can cause worse tangling after the bath. So, rather than helping in the grooming process, this can actually hurt their fur and can become painful for them. Additionally, this can cause the next bath and grooming time to be much more difficult for you as you will have to untangle more fur than you would have had you just rinsed your dog off completely the first time. Drying Drying the coat of a Labradoodle is no easy task! If you know anyone with thick, curly hair or if that is you in this case , then that person can absolutely verify that drying their hair is likely the lengthiest part of the hair maintenance process. When drying off a Labradoodle, you can expect to go through large towels during this. You will want to use towels that have a higher absorbency, but they do not have to specifically be designed for use with a dog. Using a hairdryer if your pup will let you can improve drying time significantly! Many dogs get very excited positively or negatively by loud noises such as hairdryers. If your dog is positively excited about the hairdryer, you will want to hold them more firmly while you dry them off- though be sure that this is still considered a fun activity for your pup. If they are negatively excited by the loud hairdryer, be sure to warn them before you turn it on, calmly approach them, and keep the intervals of use short. Take extra care to dry their ears, using tissue or cotton, to make sure they do not have water caught in there for long. It is important to note that just like humans should not cram a Q-tip into the ear canal as this can actually push and pack wax and other substances further into the canal , you will want to follow the same precautions for your dog. Wipe off any surface of the ear that is visible to the human eye, but do not go any further. Allowing tangles to sit can cause them to become much worse — and the last thing you want is to end up at a groomer after spending time and effort attempting to do this on your own. Similar to human hair, one of the best things you can do is to use a thick bristle comb on the fur while it is still wet. This will ensure that the tangles are removed thoroughly without breaking or damaging the hair. You can find thick bristle combs specifically designed for dogs, or you can even just use one that is designed for human hair as long as you remain cautious and aware of your dog during the grooming process. Brushing with a thin bristle brush or comb before they are dry can cause their hair to break or come out more easily, so waiting to brush them is the best option here. If you are going to attempt to do this on your own, this is also the best time to trim them as well. If you notice they need it and have learned how to do so without causing harm to your dog there are several areas you can learn online then taking off a bit of length can be a great thing for them and you. If you are unfamiliar with the trimming process or do not have the right tools, it is important to take your dog to a professional groomer instead of attempting this and accidentally harming your furry friend. This would absolutely delay their enjoyment of bath and grooming time. Then, the owner can attempt in a small capacity on areas instead of the entire coat that he or she feels comfortable prior to the groomer trimming the rest, and then eliminate the groomer completely. When considering purchasing a shampoo and conditioner for your Labradoodle, it is critical to remember that you must find one that is designed for doggy fur. Sometimes, human baby shampoos can be used on dogs, but it is best to purchase one that is designed specifically for use with animals. Here are a few to consider: 1. Ph Balanced! Made In The Usa! Buy With Confidence! Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site s , as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. One of the things that I love about using this brand of shampoo is the fact that it makes untangling so much easier afterward. I am not positive as to why this is the case, although I assume it has something to do with the oatmeal. Either way, it definitely feels great for their fur. Healthy Breeds Pet Shampoo is a great product that is also economical. This brand is a great, safe choice if you are looking for a shampoo to try out for the first time! Labradoodles need to be bathed every two to three weeks. This will help clean their fur and allow you to check their skin. Dogs can get dirty really easily, and they need regular grooming to remove dirt and dust from their coats. Bathing your Labradoodle is not only essential to keep them clean and healthy, it helps to prevent hair knots and matting As a single coated and low shedding breed, Labradoodles will require deep rinsing when they are bathed. A small Doodle puppy having a bath Regular brushing, bathing, and groomings are all different things. Grooms include the trimming of the fur, and is usually done together with bathing or directly before. Groom every weeks for most Labradoodle coats Bathing helps with both aesthetics, coat health, and prevention of skin conditions Brushing for a wavy or curly coat LAbradoodle should be at least every few days the more the merrier If you own a straight coat Labradoodle shedding you should consider how much shedding is happening. If it is a higher shedding season, you should bathe and groom your dog more frequently to assist in shedding. Also, if your dog spends a lot of time outside, he gets dirty with sweat, mud, pollens, or sticks. He needs a more frequent grooming routine. This causes your dog to itch. Grooming for Labradoodles like Max after the beach means thorough rinsing with fresh water, followed by a Gentle Shampoo and brush at home. Labradoodle puppies need bathing just the same as full-grown Labradoodles. However a spot clean here and there is usually more appropriate for a puppy. They frequently make messes so a full bath is overkill and can hurt the coat. Puppies love playing in the dirt. This is normal behavior. Puppies often also struggle with potty training Puppies make a beeline toward bad smells and messes So expect a lot of spot cleans and mini baths for your Labradoodle puppy. How Old Should Labradoodle Puppies Be For Bath In terms of a full bath, you can start bathing your puppy when he or she is old enough to understand what is happening. Make sure you do this in an appropriate place, such as a bathtub or sink. Puppies need to learn about water before being bathed, so try to teach your puppy to enjoy baths. Do this by slowly introducing the concept, making it seem fun, and minimizing background distractions. Bathing dogs in a smaller container makes them feel more comfortable. These small gestures all work well together to create and reinforce a positive experience. Instead of using adult Labradoodle shampoo — go for a gentle puppy shampoo or even some baby shampoos if they are Vet and Groomer approved. Straight hair dogs still can have some Poodle-esque snout furnishings. This one needs a bath! A Labradoodle needs to be groomed and trimmed about once every two months. Trimming the hair around the face, butt, and ears is important because this is where most dirt accumulates. Our detailed grooming guide for Labradoodles gives 11 tips for DIY grooming. It is very possible to confidently groom a Labradoodle, but it takes preparation and practice. How to Bathe Your Labradoodle Bathing your Labradoodle takes longer than bathing many other breeds because of their thick coats. You should set aside some time before you bathe your Labradoodle so you can prepare everything you need beforehand. Some Labradoodles LOVE the water and playing fetch At Home Labradoodle Bathing Shopping List A decent shampoo that suits Labradoodle coats does not need to be crazy expensive Towels many, many towels Scissors even though we are not grooming, in case of knots or surprises Rubber gloves I do not use but many do Dog brush optional — I suggest a metal comb as well Small bucket for rinsing Tear stain remover if your Labradoodle has a light coat The Process in the Bath for your Labradoodle Acclimate your Labradoodle to the bath by putting some water in the bottom of a tub and allowing him to stand in it. Turn on the showerhead or hose attachment while petting him. Make sure he sees it is not harmful and allows him to get used to the sound and feel. Rinse first before adding any product. Sand, dirt, debris. Make sure the water gets to the skin level through the long coat. Once you are able to get the dogs completely rinsed off so that there is no visible dirt left on the fur and their coats are entirely wet , you will then want to lather them up with the product of your choosing. Labradoodle Max enjoys a cuddle in a towel after a shower and bath Make sure that this product is safe to use on your dog by checking with a veterinarian or by using products that were specifically designed for your furry friend. Use this opportunity to perform your own health check. Rinse your dog with water from the tap or small bucket and inspect them thoroughly before washing them again. Twice over gives a thorough and great result. This might seem obvious, but make sure there are no more bubbles coming out of the coat. Labradoodle luxurious hair does tend to trap some soap. Dry Time a Challenge Drying a Labradoodle is hard work! You need to use lots of towels, and you need to be careful not to scare your puppy too much. Use a hairdryer if you like, and be careful when turning it on. Also, take extra care to dry their eyes and ears. Most dogs find the noise of a hairdryer overwhelming. Brush a dry dog only. A wet dog can be combed blunt steel comb though, these are so helpful. You should bathe your dog fully when he is 3 months old. Use quality puppy shampoo and conditioners designed for puppies. You can skip the conditioner really — but some owners like this extra step. Before 3 months, you should get him used to being wet and having been washed. Do mini baths or fast baths for the puppy coat until this age. This helps make future baths much easier. Even getting used to the running water and towel dry will help your dog be happier as an adult doodle during a grooming session. The Consequences of too Many Baths for Labradoodles If you wash a Labradoodle too frequently, we risk damaging their adult coat. The coat needs time to grow and develop properly. If you wash your dog too often, you could damage its natural protective oils and leave it feeling rough and scratchy. The likelihood of skin irritation or reaction to cleaning equipment also increased with an over-washed coat. Dry skin, loose hair, and irritated skin need to be monitored. Realistically this will not be a concern for most of us. Our Labradoodle Max does visit the beach often, so he gets washed in Summer FAR more frequently than the other times of the year. We try to efficiently wash him using safe and gentle shampoo — but cut down the repeat lathering. When winter comes round, he bathes far less frequently — but we use more shampoo and later more when he does wash. A happy gray Poodle and Doodle dog. Their fur looks dull and lifeless. The entire coat has an odor If you have a sedentary, indoor Labradoodle — do NOT feel obliged to bathe your dog every 2 weeks. That said, you can help make bath time easier for your Labrador by starting early and introducing him to water gently. Use treats and praises to introduce him to all elements of the bathing process. A dog needs to learn how to take baths, shampoo, conditioner, wash rags, brushes, and blow dryer. It takes time and effort to teach a dog everything he or she needs to know about bathing. Start with a few short baths then gradually increase the frequency. Be patient. Dogs and puppies can take many different attempts to understand and learn a new concept. Should you blow-dry a Labradoodle coat? Start by using a gentle hairdryer setting. I know this sounds ridiculous as even the quiet settings are often very intense. But as possible, build up the settings slowly. Start with the outside of the legs — most dogs tolerate this the most. Then dry the legs. Save the head, chest, and face for the very last. The restraint is calming a bit and safe and makes maneuvering around a displeased Labradoodle much easier. It is the only area that requires you to have a little extra knowledge and to be cautious. We have a guide specifically about ear cleaning. A big number of issues that Labradoodles have with health and odor all relate to the ears. Ear infections are common, as are grime and mites caught in the ear hair. The Curly coat type is particularly prone to this issue. It was the most surprising area of grooming that I have encountered with Poodle Mix breeds. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. They do not require frequent baths because too much bathing can strip away necessary oils in their skin and fur. If your Labradoodle has a curly coat, you probably take them to the groomer on occasion for a trim, and they can be washed there. However, as any dog owner knows, dogs love to roll around in gross things, and your playful pup may not shy away from a mud puddle. Dogs are the same way. Also, when long fur gets wet, it will stretch more when you pull on it, resulting in rips and tears that will make their coat look worse. Let your dog test the water before you turn on the shower head or start dumping it on them. The last thing you want to do is create an aversion to bath time. Labradoodles tend to enjoy water, so they are likely to be fine in the bath. Choose the right products There are so many dog shampoos and conditioners on the market. It can be hard to choose which one is best for your Labradoodle. With this breed, simple products without a lot of scents or colors may be best. While the Labradoodle is considered to be a hypoallergenic dog, this does not mean that the dog cannot suffer from allergies. Labradoodles are prone to environmental allergies, which can extend to grooming products. If your shampoo makes your dog itchy and uncomfortable, they will probably scratch themselves excessively, which can cause skin problems. Also look for products that are non-toxic, because it is hard to stop your dog from licking himself. Look for a gentle shampoo, perhaps even one that is made for dogs with allergies. The goal is to remove the dirt and bad odors, not completely strip their skin and coat of necessary oils. There are also shampoos on the market that are designed to make white coats appear whiter. If your white Labradoodle looks yellow or discolored, you may want to try one of those shampoos. Conditioners are also available for dogs with especially dry coats, but they are not necessary for bathing. We use Madden pin brushes on our labradoodles and have found this brush to be excellent quality. If you catch them in play mode during the day, you will only be reinforcing that brushing time is something to get all riled up about. Nail Clipping Clipping their nails is also a good exercise to do when you find them tired out. They tend to care a lot less about things. You can start by just clipping the nails on one paw. This way your pup learns this is quick and no big deal. It also gives you the opportunity to practice this exercise 4 days in a row, rather than once and then having to wait for them to grow again. When clipping, clip just the tip of the nail where it starts to curve downward, holding the nail clippers parallel to the bottom of the paw. Be careful not to clip too much, otherwise it will hurt and the nail will bleed. Lean towards clipping little bits more often than trying to get a lot off all at once. Ear Cleaning Ear cleaning is something that labradoodles need since they have those long ears that trap and hold in moisture. Check their ears every few weeks and if you notice they look dirty, then get a cotton ball or makeup remover pad, etc. Never push anything down in the ear, you could damage the ear and cause your puppy pain. Do the other side, and finish with an ear drying powder. In fact, over bathing can harm this quality in their coat, and actually cause you to need to bathe more often. If they get dirty, let them dry and simply brush the dirt right out. It is good to get them used to getting wet though, and when you do use shampoo, we recommend a tearless shampoo specifically designed for dogs as their PH balance is different than humans. A good minute walk daily will meet this need your new family member has. Up until then, their joints are developing and jogging on pavement would not be good for their joints. However, this does not mean you have to limit their activity. Running across the yard chasing a ball at their own pace and will is good for their developing body, and talking walks through the neighborhood is an excellent way to meet their exercise needs. Labradoodles are a wonderful dog breed and opening up your home to one of these pups is going to bring so much joy into your life. With that being said, Labradoodles also require a considerable amount of maintenance and upkeep — with bathing being an easy thing to overlook. How to bathe a Labradoodle To bathe a Labradoodle, start by brushing them to remove any loose dirt, set your bath water to a lukewarm temperature, and gently help your dog inside. Lastly, dry your Labradoodle with a towel and blowdryer. A Labradoodle combines the incredible personality traits of the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. This makes Labradoodles both unique and expensive , as you get to have the playful nature of a Labrador combined with the intelligence and cleverness of a Poddle, which is why so many pet owners are hopping on the Doodle trend. However, this kind of pup needs to be approached with careful consideration as it has unique qualities that make it stand out among other dogs. One of the first characteristics you will notice with your Labradoodle is that your pup has a different type of coat. Unlike most dog breeds that have fur, a Labradoodle has hair, which means that you need to bathe it properly if you want to keep its coat healthy. To help you understand this further, we are going to take you through our 5 step Labradoodle bath time routine. After extensively researching Labradoodle maintenance, I have been able to gather enough information to determine how to properly bathe this breed. My research has shown me that you need to follow the Labradoodle bathing procedure carefully if you want to get the best results from their coat. Keep in mind, you can always get your dog groomed by a professional groomer. Depending on who you ask, you will get a few different answers on this but as a general rule of thumb, you should bathe your pup once per month. With that being said, each Labradoodle is different and you may find that you need to bathe your dog more or less often depending on its lifestyle and environment. If your Labradoodle has a pretty stable routine at home and goes out for casual walks in urban areas, then you can probably get away with bathing your dog every 5 to 6 weeks. On the other hand, if you have a very active Labradoodle out in the countryside or simply one that tends to get messy at dog parks, you may need to wash your pup as often as every 3 weeks. You also need to consider that there is a difference between bathing and rinsing. Bathing is a thorough cleaning process where you give your Labradoodle a deep wash that targets its coat fully, as well as its skin. Rining is simply washing off your dog after they get a little bit muddy or dirty. When you bathe your Labradoodle, you want to do it routinely and systematically so that you can keep its coat as healthy as possible. Whereas rinsing is something that you can do quite regularly when needed — with some owners giving their dog a rinse multiple times a week after rugged play sessions at the park. Before you commit to a routine bathing schedule for your Labradoodle, you should try to observe its habits and behavior so that you can find an optimal timeframe that suits your pup. As we said, each Labradoodle is a bit different and you should decide on a schedule for your dog based on its lifestyle. Labradoodle Bathing Supplies Before you can begin bathing your pup, you first need to gather all of the right supplies for the job. Simply spraying your Labradoodle with your backyard hose is not going to do the trick. These are the bathing supplies that you need to get before you can start washing your dog. Given that this breed does not have fur, you need to buy a shampoo that is specifically meant for hair. There are a lot of different shampoo products out there and it is easy to feel overwhelmed when you consider your options. Some products have been made just for Labradoodle coats, which are going to deliver the best end results. Check Price One thing you always want to watch out for are shampoos that contain a lot of additives and chemicals. Much like with human hair, a Labradoodles coat is going to benefit most from natural ingredients — so read labels carefully and try to rely on trusted brands. Some products have been known to cause skin irritations, which is something you want to avoid at all costs. Whenever picking out a new shampoo, always do a test first to see how your dog responds. If you see that the coat is healthy afterward and that their skin is not irritated, you should be good to go. The coat of a Labradoodle will require a thorough drying process, which is why it is best to have at least two towels handy before you begin washing. A blow dryer with multiple settings is also recommended so that you can expose your Labradoodle to it slowly, which will keep them from getting frightened and intimidated. Exfoliated Dog Bathing Gloves Your hands should suffice for bathing your Labradoodle but by using exfoliated dog bathing gloves , you will find that the cleaning process is much more thorough. These gloves were designed for cleaning dog coats and having them on can make a huge difference in how effective the bathing process is. They are texturized to remove more hair, which will ensure a minimal amount of shedding, and they will also help get rid of any dead skin on your Labradoodle. This dog breed has a very specific type of coat that needs to be looked after carefully, as it can easily get messy if you forget to keep a consistent cleaning schedule. These are the steps that you need to follow to bathe your pup. Step 1: Hair Brushing Before you begin washing your Labradoodle with water, you want to get as much dirt and debris out of its coat as possible by using a brush Having a reliable brush for your Labradoodle is going to be a must for maintaining its hair — regardless of washing. You will be amazed by how much cleaning time you can save by doing this properly. In addition to dirt and debris, you also want to remove any loose hair from the coat, as this is also something that will hinder the bathing process. With that being said, we always find that it is better to take care of as much of the prep-work beforehand so that you can avoid a rough transition when the time comes to bathe your pup. The first thing that you want to do is make sure that all of your necessary cleaning supplies are nearby so that you can easily reach them. You want to make your Labradoodle as comfortable as possible when getting bathed which is why you should set the temperature of your water before throwing them into the tub. Lukewarm is generally the most ideal temperature setting for washing a dog. Step 3: Help Your Dog Get Into the Bath Again, each pup reacts differently to getting washed and you want to make the experience as pleasant as possible for them. If your dog is willing to hop right in for their routine bath, then great. However, not all Labradoodles are like this and may feel intimidated or dislike getting washed altogether. You can either usher your pup into the bath so they can hop in on their own or you can gently pick them up and place them inside. You must approach this with care so that they are not frightened by the idea of getting clean — especially if they are puppies and still getting used to the idea of bathing. Once they are inside, make sure that they feel comfortable and secure before you begin cleaning. Allow 30 seconds to a minute of adjustment time without the water on so that they can gauge their environment. This is always a good time for a pet, a pat, and a treat to reassure them that they are in good hands. You should be able to get a substantial amount of cleaning done with water alone, which will wash out the majority of the dirt, dust, and any kind of debris that is embedded into their coat. After you have gone through with the initial rinse, turn the water off if possible especially if they find it unpleasant. Go through their entire coat gently yet firmly and scrub all the way down to their skin. A lot of dogs actually enjoy this part of the bathing process, as it is essentially a massage. Once the product has been properly applied, let it soak into the coat for at least a couple of minutes. You can then rinse out the shampoo while giving them another quick scrub, which should remove any remaining dirt or debris. Given the curly and shaggy nature of their hair, a quick pass-through with a towel is not going to be enough to properly dry them. With your Labradoodle still inside the bath, use a towel to remove as much water as possible from their coat. You will find that the town soaks up quite a lot and it will likely become wet very quickly. Having a second towel handy is always a good idea when drying your Labradoodle, as you are going to need it. Now, that the initial drying process is done, use a blowdryer to remove the remaining moisture. Dogs typically do not like blowdryers at first and may even be afraid of them. Get your Labradoodle used to the blowdryer by gently exposing them to it. Use it from a further distance on a light setting and gradually work your way closer. Helping them get accustomed to the bathing and drying process will make it easier when they are bigger. The specific method used to bathe a Labradoodle will vary from one dog to the next, because their coat types can vary significantly. Some may have the tight curls of the Poodle, whilst others have straighter, thick Lab coats. Is Labradoodle Bathing Important? While many Labradoodle dogs are easier to manage than other breeds or mixes thanks to their low-shedding fur, they still need routine grooming. And yes, this sometimes includes a scheduled bath. Labradoodles are energetic, playful, and fun-loving breeds that love spending time outdoors and in water. And, playtime outside almost always involves some splashing in puddles and rolling in dirt. When this happens, your doodle dog will need a bath! This could also be the case if your pet develops a skin condition that needs to be treated with a medicated shampoo. So, you may find the event happening more often than you first expected. Even if you take your dog to the groomer regularly, there will be times where you need to clean them after a particularly messy walk. This is especially true if you have a first- or second-generation Labradoodle crossbreed. Their fur sheds less and produces less allergy inducing dander than many other types of dogs. All dogs shed and shed most during shedding season, including the Labradoodle. Along with being low shedding, the Labradoodle also has a dirt-repellent coat that tends to be much easier to manage. You can begin bathing your Labradoodle once he reaches three months of age. Try using a quality shampoo and conditioner that is designed for puppies. This is a part of socialization and can help make future bath times much easier. Once you begin bathing your Labradoodle, you may be tempted to do it more often than needed. But, over-bathing your Labradoodle can actually be damaging to their skin and fur. Once your Labradoodle reaches at least three months of age, you can begin bathing him once every two to three weeks. Doing so could have a negative impact on their skin and coat. All dogs produce natural oils that help aid in skin and coat health. Over-washing them can hinder this natural production of oils they need in order to keep their fur healthy. Overproduction or underproduction of these oils can cause an increase in skin problems. Including allergies, dry skin, patchy fur, and can even increase shedding. Luckily, Labradoodles are not known to carry much doggy odor. Still, if you want to help keep your Labradoodle smelling fresh between bath time, you always have the option of using grooming wipes or coconut oil. Some owners find this helps to reduce dry skin, soothe allergies, and keep their Labradoodle smelling lovely. However, be aware there is currently little evidence in scientific studies for these claims. You can then gently rub in your chosen shampoo, working it through their curls gently. Make sure the shampoo is fully rinsed out before moving onto the conditioner. Once again, make sure all conditioner is fully washed out afterwards. Dry them off with a towel at first, gently patting them dry and squeezing water out of the fur. Use your hand to soften the intensity of air. Tips for Getting Your Labradoodle Used to Bathtime Getting your Labradoodle puppy comfortable with being bathed at an early age can make all the difference when it comes to routine bath time. We should note that most dogs do not like being bathed. Even dogs who love water often tuck their tails when it comes time for a good wash. That said, you can help make bath time easier for your Labradoodle by starting early and introducing them to water gently. Use treats and praise to introduce them to all elements of the bath including: The bathtub. The perfect combination! But how often should you bathe a Labradoodle, anyway? And how to do it? First of all, regular grooming and brushing is crucial to prevent matting and tangling, which can quickly turn into a matted mess if left unattended. And believe us, no one wants to deal with a miserably tangled pup! Speaking of bathtime, regular bathing helps to remove dirt, debris, and any lingering odors that your pup may have picked up on their outdoor romps. With a little TLC and some time spent in the tub, your Labradoodle will smell fresh, which is obviously nice for both of you. Just make sure to use a dog shampoo, as human shampoos can strip their skin of precious oils and cause unwanted skin irritations. Did you know that you can use special shampoos for targeted care? So grab that brush, fill up the tub, and show your pup some grooming love today! Labradoodles come in either curly, wavy, or straight coats, depending on which genetics they inherit from each of their purebred parents. Curly coats tend to trap in dirt, debris, and loose dog hair, which can quickly lead to stubborn knots and tangles inside the fur. Then we have the wavy combination coat, that may shed some hair, depending on whether they have an undercoat or not. These pups usually come with a double coat, which means that some shedding may be present. Fortunately, you can keep this at a minimum by regularly brushing your Labradoodle. It goes without saying that Labradoodles really shine with their long and fluffy coats, giving them that signature Doodle look. However, long hair also requires more brushing and bathing. This helps prevent matting, but also get rid of any build-up dirt, dander, loose dog hair, and debris from the coat. On the other hand, shorter hair is usually easier to manage and maintain. And for other pups, washing them every two months is perfectly enough! But if your Labradoodle struggles with skin dryness or irritations, then bathing them too often could lead to more problems down the line. We recommend you start bathing your Labradoodle as soon as possible. In fact, many reputable Labradoodle breeders already start basic grooming, such as brushing, nail trimming, and bathing even before adoption. Just make sure you continue with this at home so that your pooch can get used to it. For this step, we recommend you also get a dog detangler spray , which will help you get the job done much faster. The next logical question would be — how to brush a Labradoodle? First, you want to run your fingers through all areas of the fur. If you find any knots, first work on each of them individually with a sturdy metal comb. Make sure you never pull on the hair! Start from the feet and paws, moving your way up towards the belly and neck, and finish with the back. Be sure to start brushing from the tip of the hair and then moving up towards the root to prevent any tangles getting worse. One of our favorite methods for Doodles is line brushing — say goodbye to any knots and tangles! Start out by putting a little bit of warm water in the bottom of your bathtub so that your pup can just stand in it. You might even want to let them sniff and inspect it first. If your Dood seems all good, you can turn on the showerhead while petting them at the same time. Having a few tasty treats at hand can also be helpful here! For the ears, we recommend putting cotton balls right at the opening of the ear canals. This will prevent any water from getting into the ears. Make sure that the water temperature is just right — not too hot and not too cold. By thoroughly rinsing the coat beforehand, the shampoo can also lather up nice and easy. Apply a generous amount of your chosen dog shampoo and lather it up all over the coat. Make sure you properly massage the shampoo into the fur so that you can get all areas clean. Also, be mindful of areas like the armpits and groin, as some people tend to overlook them. This is also a great opportunity for you to check for any lumps and bumps under the skin. Again, make sure you use warm water and thoroughly rinse off all areas of the fur, especially armpits and groin, where the suds tend to collect. For obvious reasons, we recommend a tearless dog shampoo for the facial area. You might want to pay some extra attention to areas that tend to get dirty, such as the muzzle and beard. Since the face can be a bit tricky, it might take some time to thoroughly rinse off all that shampoo. Apply a decent amount of conditioner with your hands all over the fur. Although conditioning the head and face is optional, it is recommended for curly-coated Labradoodles. This way, the product gets into all areas of the fur, but also prevents tangling. Again, pay extra attention to those hard-to-reach areas that we tend to overlook. Before you jump in with a towel, let your pooch shake all that excess water off themself. Then, you can gently squeeze out any excess water from areas with longer hair with your hands. Then, take your towel and start gently, yet firmly patting your Labradoodle dry all over. You should start with the lowest power and temperature settings. If necessary, you can gradually increase the settings, but the temperature should never get too hot. Also, keep in mind that some pups can get scared of noisy blow dryers. You can also use a leave-in dog conditioner or a dog detangler spray and brush it through the fur to keep the coat tangle-free and luscious for longer. We recommend you use a specially formulated dog ear cleaner for this step, as Labradoodles and other Poodle mixes are prone to ear infections due to the restricted air flow inside their ears. It goes without saying that you should never use a human shampoo on your pooch, as it could lead to skin irritations, dryness, and a host of other issues. We recommend you check out our in-depth guide on the best shampoos for Labradoodles , where we have some excellent recommendations for different skin and coat concerns.

Do you want a Bulldog? Wondering if an English Bulldog is the right dog for you? Learn everything there is to know — good and bad — about the English Bulldog. English Bulldog Colors Red English Bulldog Red English Bulldogs display a rich, warm, and vibrant color, ranging from a deep, rustic red to a lighter, coppery shade. Their coat may be solid, or it could come with patches of white. This color variant often displays a mask around the eyes and muzzle, which is usually a darker shade of red or even black. The overall impression of a red English Bulldog is striking and exudes a sense of strength and nobility. Some Fawn Bulldogs may have a solid coat, while others may have white markings or a slight brindle pattern. Fawn Bulldogs often present a softer, more gentle look compared to their red counterparts. This color is highly desirable among enthusiasts for its elegance and subtlety. As you can see, Fawn is similar but a bit lighter than Red. Brindle English Bulldog Brindle English Bulldogs showcase a patterned coat, which is often a mix of dark and light strands resulting in a tiger-stripe or patchwork kind of look. The primary color may range from a light color to red or fawn, with darker streaks or patches. The dark brindling can be minimal or so heavy that the body appears almost black. Brindle English Bulldogs have a unique, standout appeal due to this intricate coat pattern. Also known as a Platinum English Bulldog. White English Bulldogs may be prone to deafness You may be wondering how the color of the coat could affect hearing. A lack of pigment cells The reason for this is that these genes are associated with a lack of pigment cells which give the appearance of their coats. This affects the small hairs in the ear There are small hairs in the inner ear that are called cilia, and when there is an extreme lack of pigment cells, the cilia may not develop properly, resulting in deafness. Hearing tests can rule out deafness If you are interested in a platinum or white English Bulldog or are just concerned about the possibility of your new puppy being deaf, be sure to ask your breeder about performing a BAER test. Test for Health Issues. What Is a Merle English Bulldog? Therefore, a merle English Bulldog is not a separate breed but only refers to a Bully having a distinct, speckled coat that comes in various colors. They can also have variations in terms of patching and dilution. Most owners describe the merle coat of an English Bulldog as a splotch painting or even a scoop of your favorite cookies and cream ice cream. In any case, these dogs are a product of their unique gene pool that gives their eccentric but loveable appearance. Are Merle English Bulldogs Rare? Merle English Bulldogs are the rarest color variation of the breed. Because they are produced through selective breeding, they are not as common as other Bulldog colors. Merle is also a result of a recessive gene, so there is a lower probability of passing on this trait to the subsequent offspring. It just goes to show that if you buy or adopt a merle Bully, you are one of the lucky few who can own this one-of-a-kind dog. However, regardless of their rare status, there is still a merle Bulldog variety that stands out among others. Their coat is covered with small gray or dark gray patches, scattered unevenly throughout their body. These colors can be exhibited as piebald or tri-color. Another notable feature of merle Bulldogs is their eyes. Due to their merle gene , these dogs will almost always have blue eyes. In rarer cases, they can also have heterochromia like the famous David Bowie. Compared to regular Bulldogs, their nose has light pink or mottled black and pink skin instead of pure black. Aside from these differences, a merle English Bulldog will look like your average Bully in terms of build and size. The head is large while the muzzle is short, giving them a squished look. Their pinchable cheeks are round and always protruding sideways. Contrary to their large head, their ears are small and thin, flopping forward comically. Their muscular bodies are covered with loose skin and hang heavily, forming thick wrinkles and folds on the face and neck area. Merle English Bulldogs also have short and stocky legs with good muscle definition. Their thick, stubby tail can either be straight or slightly skewed. Do you want to know what they look like as puppies? A merle Bulldog will grow up to have the same height and weight as an ordinary English Bulldog. They are considered a medium-sized breed. Typically, they stand at around 14 to 15 inches tall. Their full-grown weight falls at approximately 50 pounds for males and 40 pounds for females. At about a year old, a merle English Bulldog will achieve its full height. However, they may continue to gain their adult weight and fill their chest size until two years old. Color genetics in dogs is quite a fascinating subject. The merle pattern in this breed can only be explained through the existence of the merle gene. A dog can display the merle pattern with one copy of the dominant merle allele M and one recessive merle allele m. As mentioned, most merle Bulldogs have pink noses and blue eyes. There are different types of merle dogs that have their unique charm and appearances. This occurrence is mainly due to the unstable and variable nature of merle genes in general. Here are some different variations of the merle English Bulldog: Dilute Merle English Bulldog Dilute merle Bulldogs do not have any dark gray patches on their coats. Their coat appears to be a diluted gray color, but they are still distinguishable through their blue eyes. This is a result of the recessive red allele or E-locus that prevents the merle gene expression. These dogs often pass as a regular Bully in appearance, but you may notice very faint patches on some dogs. They are often called cryptic merles, phantom merles, or even ghost merles. As a carrier of the merle gene, they can still pass it to their offspring. Marlequin English Bulldog Merle Bulldogs can also exhibit a harlequin coat pattern. This means that a dog will have black and gray speckles on its white coat. This results from the merle gene M-locus interacting with a modifier gene at the H-locus. These dogs are often referred to as Marlequins. As they are called, double merle dogs have their eumelanin and phaeomelanin affected by two merle genes. This means that they almost have an all-white coat. Breeding two merle dogs creates a rare and beautiful canine, but it can also result in some health-related issues that I will discuss later on. The main reason for this is because the merle pattern is not a naturally occurring color in the breed. There are also some controversies regarding health problems associated with dogs carrying this gene. The United Kennel Club UKC , another kennel organization in the United States, only allows the registration of piebald English Bulldogs with well-defined patches of a solid color that are symmetrically distributed. Merle dogs do not pass this requirement because their patches appear unevenly throughout the coat. A merle English Bulldog will have the same temperament as any other Bulldog. They are sweet and gentle dogs that make wonderful family pets. You will have no problem introducing them to the household as they also get along quite well with children. Due to their sociable nature, merle Bulldogs always crave human attention. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are very easy-going and affectionate. In contrast to their soft side, merle English Bullies display a sense of courage stemming from their bull-baiting history. Since they were initially bred for this purpose, they make excellent watchdogs for the family. Early socialization and housebreaking are recommended for them to easily adjust to a home environment. If self-training becomes too challenging, enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is always an option. The lifespan of a merle English Bulldog is around 10 to 12 years, similar to other English Bulldog colors. However, one of the main drawbacks of owning them is the increased risk of inheriting several health conditions. Microphthalmia is generally caused by the abnormal development of the internal eye structure. Affected dogs usually have impaired vision that may lead to complete blindness. Anophthalmia: This is a very rare eye disorder wherein a dog is born without an eye or both eyes. Like microphthalmia, anophthalmia is a result of an eye anomaly during embryonic development. Merle Bulldogs with this condition will need lifetime support from their owners to adjust to their environment. It is usually identified by a cleft of the iris at the edge of the pupil. Deafness: Another impairment common to double merle Bulldogs is deafness. It is often associated with the degeneration of sensory nerve cells in the eyes due to the absence of melanocytes. While some are born without any sense of hearing, other double merles may gradually develop deafness in later life. Skin Cancer: The rate of skin cancer cases is higher in dogs with the double merle gene. Due to their lack of pigment, their skin becomes a lot more sensitive to the sun. The areas with pink skin, such as the nose and eye rims, are more susceptible to sunburn and, eventually, skin cancer. Recent findings show that merle English Bulldogs are also prone to have complications in the heart, bones, and reproductive system. However, these claims remain to be inconclusive. For a comparison of puppy prices for different types of merle Bulldogs, refer to the table below: Merle Bulldog Color. This can depend on many factors and could vary based on color variations such as lilac merle, tri merle, etc. In this guide, we cover all Merle English bulldog prices so you can get an idea of how much to pay. How Much is a Merle English Bulldog? What are Merle English Bulldogs? Why are They So Expensive? Merle English Bulldogs have an incompletely dominant M gene which dilutes dark colors. Therefore, these dogs end up with a marbled or mottled appearance wherein there is a true basic color and a paler color in the diluted parts. As mentioned earlier, there are several variations in the merle pattern — so you could have blue merle, lilac merle, tri merle, chocolate merle, etc. Although the AKC does not recognize merle English bulldogs, these dogs are in great demand. The reason why Merle English bulldogs are so expensive is due to their beauty, rarity, and uniqueness. The merle coloring creates random patches and patterns that are unique to each dog. No two merle puppies are the same, even in the same litter. Moreover, merle English bulldogs often have light-colored eyes or blue-grey eyes that make them look gorgeous. Since people want rare and beautiful pets, merle English bulldogs are in high demand. This demand has led breeders to breed specifically for the merle pattern. Many breeders even aim for beautiful merle patterns like red merle, sable merle, lilac merle, etc. Merle-colored English Bulldogs are also rare — as they are not recognized by various kennel clubs and are not allowed to participate in dog shows. Therefore, many English bulldog breeders who breed only show-quality pups refrain from breeding them. There are also some general factors that affect puppy prices: Other Factors Affecting Merle English Bulldog Price Coat Colors As mentioned earlier, merle English bulldogs often come with beautiful color variations in them and these can even cost higher. We will cover the costs of these Merle English Bulldog variations later in this guide. Often they are potty trained, socialized with kids and other dogs, and have even received some basic obedience training. In short: these confident little pups are ready for going to their forever homes. People are willing to pay higher for trained English bulldogs and breeders are more than ready to oblige. Pedigree and Bloodlines Pups with superior bloodlines cost much more than those born to bulldogs who are not registered or champions and title owners. Naturally, merle bulldogs are only born to merle bulldogs but there may be outcrosses too. Do note that merle genetics could result in deaf and blind pups. Ethical breeders may conduct genetic tests and health checks to ensure healthy merle puppies. Breeder Reputation Top breeders often charge a lot more just on the basis of their reputation and popularity. This is because of the fact that they have spent time, money, and effort in breeding unique merle-colored Bulldogs. As stated before, they even conduct health checks on the breeding dogs to rule out vision-and-hearing-related issues in the pups. Let us now discuss the prices of different variations of Merle English bulldogs. You typically will see colors like gold-brown, black, fawn, etc. There may be a marbled or mottled appearance on the back, face, and belly. Sable Merle English Bulldog Price Sable coloring in dogs usually means black color with lighter roots. In some dogs, the sable coloring takes the appearance of brown color. With the merle gene, there is a marbled pattern with brown, light brown, grey, or tan appearance. Chocolate Merle English Bulldog These dogs have a lovely deep brown base coat with a lighter color pattern sprinkled randomly on the back and the paws. The face typically has large patches of white, cream, brown, or black. The belly and chest could have white or tan coloring. The chocolate tri merle coloring is very rare which has increased its demand and, hence, the price. These bulldogs have randomly placed stripes of chocolate brown interrupting the base coat color. It is caused by a recessive gene and breeders breed selectively to get puppies having a purplish sheen on their coats. These dogs often have bluish or grey-blue eyes. Lilac tri merle English bulldog puppies are very much in demand. Some of these dogs have light eyes and sometimes, one eye is dark and the other is light. Blue Merle English Bulldog Price A white base with gray or dark gray mottling can create a bluish appearance resulting in the beautiful blue merle English Bulldog. These beautiful dogs often have the blue merle pattern all over the back and hind legs. The front legs may be solid colored — typically white — and the belly is white as well. There also may be white patches on the face and head. Blue merle bulldogs are rare, so breeders often grab the opportunity to charge higher for them. Blue Tri Merle English Bulldog Price In blue tri-merle English bulldogs, you will see colors like blue, black, brown, white, fawn, grey, and tan. Coat Color.

Welcome to the Arkansas state page on TrustedPuppies. Nestled in the southern region of the United States, Arkansas is known for its lush forests, picturesque mountains, and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal destination for Boxer enthusiasts. Our mission is to connect you with the best Arizona Boxer breeders and puppies for sale throughout Arkansas. Our site features a wide variety of reputable breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Arkansas, with an estimated dog population of around 1. Arkansas offers a wealth of dog-friendly amenities, including various dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and events catering to the canine community. Immerse yourself in the thriving dog show scene by attending events like the Arkansas Kennel Club Dog Show, where fellow dog aficionados gather to celebrate their love for their cherished pets. At TrustedPuppies. The majority of our trusted Boxer breeders offer secure and affordable flight delivery, with a dedicated flight nanny accompanying your new pup during their journey, ensuring they have a safe and comfortable trip as they make their way to their new home in The Natural State. In addition to flight delivery, most breeders also provide affordable vehicle delivery utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option ensures your Boxer puppy is transported to your doorstep by a professional who is knowledgeable about the unique needs of pet travel. Start your search for the perfect Boxer puppy today on TrustedPuppies. We later found out that their owner had passed away and that's why they were out roaming, probably in search of food and water. But lucky for them they picked the perfect neighborhood to seek out their basic needs because once everyone noticed them, they all came together and began putting out food, water and trying to gain their trust. This process took about two months because these two caught on to what people were trying to do and would not go into traps, they had set for them so they could get them to us so we could help these sweet pups try and understand that not all people are bad and that we just wanted to help. We at the Haven of the Ozarks believe that with a lot of time, basic training and patience that these two sweeties can grow to trust someone and be able to eventually live the happy healthy life's they deserve. We think that it would need to be someone that is willing to come out for a few days and spend time with them in their kennel and shower them with treats and love to gain trust before they went home just to make the transition from our shelter to a home easier on them. We've recently brought both pups into the office to hang out and Melon warms up much more quickly than his sister. All of our pets are fixed, up to date on their vaccinations, and microchipped. The Haven of the Ozarks is open form 9am-4pm, seven days a week. For more information, please email us at havenozarksanctuary gmail. All pets have lifetime sanctuary at Haven of the Ozarks. If they cannot remain with their adopter, they must be returned to the Haven.

There are some costs that might be covered by some pet insurance policies , and the costs will vary based on the dog and the services you choose. You can save money upfront by adopting or rescuing as well, although many rescue dogs do come with some medical costs attached. Fitting a Bulldog Mix Into the Family Dynamic Bulldog pug dog mixes are great family dogs, especially if you have small children. They are also great dogs for elderly folks as they do not require a lot of exercises. Bull pugs are really gentle and fun with small kids, but once the kids grow up, they will not be able to go on all of the adventures that kids want to go on, so keep that in mind. Bull pugs are great if you live in an apartment. You will have to have your bull pug be a mostly indoor dog as they do not do well in the heat for extended periods of time. However, due to their small size even smaller than a bulldog , bull pugs are the perfect breed of dog to have as an indoor dog. Bull pugs are not hypoallergenic, so if you or anyone in your family has any pet or dog allergies, I would steer clear of the bull pugs. Bull pugs are fairly good with being left alone for a day. Bull pugs can be obstinate when training, and, like bulldogs, they are a stubborn breed. However, if you keep consistent, short, reward-based training sessions, then you will have a trained bull pug in no time. Health Concerns for Both Bulldogs and Pugs and What that Means for Bull Pugs The biggest commonality bulldogs and pugs share in the health issues department is their potential for obesity. Both Bulldogs and pugs have great appetites I can relate and if you feed them too much, they will get fat. Bulldogs have a short, broad skull, and that leads to them having shortened nasal passages. Pugs also have breathing issues, so watch out for your bull pug. In addition, bulldogs are vulnerable to cancer and pugs are prone to eye issues. Mixed breed puppies may inherit some or all of these health problems. However, mixed dog breeds are usually healthier than purebreds and develop fewer problems. The History of Bulldogs and Pugs Bulldogs were originally bred in England for the purpose of helping to herd horses and cattle on farmland. After bull baiting was made illegal, bulldogs turned into a designer breed and got shorter and stockier. The former being short and stocky and the latter looking more like the original bulldog. Pugs came from China and they were dogs preferred by the royals. Pugs were often given as gifts to royals or as gifts from returning soldiers to their families. They almost went extinct until Queen Victoria kept a few and made them popular again celebrity culture has been around for a while. The popularity of pugs skyrocketed after this. Both breeds are designer breeds, so it made sense to breed the two together for the ultimate, low maintenance, family, designer dog breed. Related Questions Are bulldogs good family dogs? Bulldogs are laid back and gentle, so they are great dogs to have around young children. They do not require a lot of exercises and cannot go on grand excursions, but they are loved as family dogs. They are known to do very well with small children and in small apartments or houses with small yards. Are pugs good family dogs? Pugs were never meant to be anything besides companion dogs, so they are great dogs for elderly couples and young families. They are gentle and fun loving. However, they are not the healthiest breed of dog, so they do need an owner that is willing to take the time to take extra good care of them. Post Views: 1, Also known as the Bull Pug, this medium-sized dog has a stocky and muscular build that is brought about by crossbreeding. Oftentimes, it is referred to as a miniature Bulldog because it is the spitting image of its parent. Note that this is just a nickname. This Pug Bulldog mix is the offspring of two popular dog breeds. You may be familiar with the English Bulldog and Pug because they are unique in terms of their physical appearance. English Bulldog History You probably know the English Bulldog as it is quite remarkable because of its wrinkled face. This medium-sized Mastiff-type dog traces its roots back to England, as its name suggests. Originally bred for bull-baiting in the s, the naturally nice English Bulldog was forced to be aggressive to fit this extreme sport. In bull-baiting, a dog is pitted against a bull inside a ring. After the ban of this sport in , breeders changed their attitude towards this breed and started to care for English Bulldogs so they may be good canine companions. Fast forward to the present, the English Bulldog is now known as a sweet and dependable dog great for families and children. Gone is its former aggressive reputation. Pug History The Pug is just as remarkable as the English Bulldog because of its similarly wrinkled face and sociable and charming temperament. Known as the pampered pets of Chinese rulers, the Pug breed was brought to Europe in the sixteenth century. This breed was equally treasured by nobles throughout the Western continent. It was popularly bred with one goal: to be a companion dog. To date, it is still a popular companion dog as it was centuries before. One thing is for sure, though. Putting together its two parent breeds was intentional, thus making it a designer breed. The English Bulldog and Pug were so popular that breeders wanted to have the characteristics of both breeds in one canine. The result of this crossbreeding is a playful companion dog with a wrinkled face which is known as the Pug English Bulldog mix. Some breeders and dog owners also wanted to have an English Bulldog that is smaller in size. One way for breeders to develop smaller versions of purebred dogs is to mix them with a smaller breed. Other examples of this crossbreeding practice are the miniature Rottweiler and the miniature Collie. Many names have been given to this hybrid like the mini Bulldog and Bull Pug and they are recognized by canine organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and Designer Breed Registry. As I mentioned earlier, the English Bulldog Pug mix is sometimes called a mini Bulldog and one look at this pup will tell you why. Most Bull Pugs come with a round head, broad shoulders, and a muscular and stocky body like that of their parents. In terms of its face, it has the signature wrinkles of both parents, a medium muzzle, and eyes that are black and shaped like almonds. It falls under the brachycephalic breed group which means that because of its skull, it will have a flat face and squished nose. This mix may even come with an underbite! The English Bulldog is medium-sized, typically 14 to 15 inches in height, while the Pug is around 10 to 13 inches. Putting these two together will give an offspring smaller than a regular Bulldog but bigger than a Pug. Your English Bulldog Pug mix may grow as tall as 10 to 14 inches and as heavy as 20 to 45 pounds. It does not need much space to move around. For as long as you take it on walks, it is good to go. These are coat color traits they inherit from their parents. A litter of five to seven can have a mix of these coat types. Fawn is light tannish yellow that may manifest in a wide range of shades. Dogs with this coat color may have a light shade like pale tan, dark shade like deep deer-red, or other shades in between. There are crossbreeds with fawn coats that have black areas around their muzzles like that of Pugs. There are also Pug English Bulldog mixes that have black coats. Mixed dogs with black coats typically have a solid black color throughout the body. The usual patches of piebald Bull Pugs are white with a red or fawn backdrop. There are dog owners who use the term piebald to refer to two-toned or bi-colored coats. The crossbreed that inherits this coat from the English Bulldog parent has a colored base with a striped pattern that resembles tiger stripes. Usually, brindle coats come in color groups like black and fawn, white and red, and other combinations. Both parent breeds of the English Bulldog Pug mix are great for families, making their crossbreed offspring a perfect family dog. Playful, affectionate, and sweet best describe the English Bulldog Pug mix as it enjoys being in the company of its loved ones. If you are a dog owner of this crossbreed, expect to have a loyal companion who loves having you around. In fact, it can go on without getting any attention from you for a certain period of time. If you have a laidback and sedentary lifestyle, this pup is for you because it does not move around so much. While it can get playful and energetic especially during playtime, this dog also enjoys chilling on the couch with its fur parents. Take a look at this video of a Bull Pug playing calmly with a bug: English Bull Dog Pug mix playing with Bug When it comes to children, this mix is also a good choice. Its English Bulldog parent has a reputation for being aggressive. However, this is just a misconception due to its bull-baiting history. The truth is that the English Bulldog is sweet-natured and gets along with kids. The Pug breed is also sociable which makes their mixed pup good with the little ones. Aside from kids, the English Bulldog Pug mix also enjoys mingling with other dogs. To ensure that your dog will be as friendly, start introducing other people and dogs even at a young age. Early socialization can help them turn into nice-mannered dogs. This pup may need a little bit of time for adjustment, though, when meeting strangers. Its parent breeds handle stranger dogs and humans differently. The English Bulldog may be wary of strangers and exercises caution when being approached. Quite the contrary, the Pug is friendly, sometimes to an extreme level. How your pup will react will depend on its training and the inherited temperament. Your crossbreed pup may get more temperament traits from either of its parents, but rest assured, you will get a pleasant-tempered pup that is a perfect addition to your family. To give you a peek of what an English Bulldog Pug mix is like, here is a video compilation done by a fur parent. English Bulldog Pug Mix Lifespan and Health Issues As fur parents, we all want our beloved pooches to live healthy lives and spend more years with us so we should be well-aware of the health risks that come with their breed. Several health issues concern the English Bulldog and Pug which their crossbred offspring might inherit. Most conditions are related to the respiratory system, bones and joints, and skin. The result is a pain in the limbs which may cause your dog to start limping. Patellar Luxation: Another orthopedic issue, patellar luxation concerns the patella or kneecap. Dogs with patellar luxation experience discomfort in their knees and in some cases, loss of function. This is because during knee-flexing, the patella rides outside the femoral groove. Brachycephaly Airway Obstructive Syndrome: The Brachycephaly Airway Obstructive Syndrome is a common health problem in brachycephalic or short-nosed dogs. Both parents of this mix have this flattened skull so they are prone to this. Symptoms include difficulty in breathing, vomiting, and loud snoring. Pug Dog Encephalitis: The neurological disease called Pug Dog Encephalitis happens when brain tissues are inflamed causing pups to experience seizures, behavioral changes, disorientation, and more. This usually hits Pugs that are two to three years of age but may also occur as early as six months or as late as seven years old. No known cause has been found for this kind of encephalitis. Cherry Eye: Dogs have a third eyelid called the nictitating membrane. Diabetes: Diabetes is a common problem in dogs, but there are more incidents in Pugs. Because diabetic dogs are unable to regulate sugars in their bodies, they need insulin shots to help them do so. Canine Atopy: Getting allergies is common to Pugs and in some cases, they have a hypersensitivity reaction when exposed to allergens called canine atopy. Affected areas are usually the paws, abdomen, face, ears, chest, armpits, and flanks. Basic needs for canines are food, shelter, grooming, and training. However, these needs vary from one breed to another. What the Chihuahua needs may not exactly be the same as what your English Bulldog Pug mix needs. Knowing what your pup needs allows you to give it the best care possible. Feeding and Diet To ensure that you have a healthy pup, only give good quality dry dog food to your Pug Bulldog mix. On a daily basis, this crossbreed needs about calories to be served in two split meals. You may also consider giving homemade food. Cooked vegetables like spinach, carrots, asparagus, and sweet potatoes are good for your crossbreed dog. You may also give fruits like bananas, apples, and mangoes. Always remember to remove pits and seeds before serving. Besides giving your English Bulldog Pug mix the right kind of food, you should also monitor its food intake. Both parents are prone to obesity. While a chubby pup looks very cute, it is not healthy and may lead to many problems and complications. If you are starting to notice that your pup is getting underweight or overweight, consult your vet to get a diet recommendation. Cleaning and Grooming Short coats can be seen in both the English Bulldog and Pug and the same for their crossbreed pup. Use a soft brush to keep the coat beautiful and healthy and to avoid hurting your dog. Aside from its coat, you should also pay attention to the wrinkles on its face and body. Bacteria may start to build up when left unclean so be sure to wipe and bathe when necessary. This is also to avoid infections and allergies which they may be prone to. On top of that, regularly trim the nails and clean the eyes and ears. Brushing is also important and should be added to your grooming routine. Doing all these will help prevent infections and keep your dog healthy and happy. Training and Exercise English Bulldog Pug mixes are laidback and chill. If you do not enjoy too much physical activity, this crossbreed is for you because its exercise needs are not too high. A minute walk is already enough for this mixed breed plus enough playtime and bonding. Early morning and evening are said to be the best time for walks and exercise. Remember that both parent breeds are brachycephalic which means their offspring will be too. They cannot handle heat well and are prone to overheating. When walking, ensure that you have drinking water ready. In terms of trainability, this mix can learn tricks and commands. However, you need to have patience during training as it can get a little too stubborn. This is probably a trait inherited from its parents. Be firm when you train your pup but also not too strict. Have fun and consider training as bonding time. Do you know that the secret to successful training is positive reinforcement? Dogs listen and obey more when they are rewarded for good behavior. Prepare those treats for your training time! There may also be more expensive ones especially when you buy from a reputable breeder. Factors that may affect cost include size, health, breeder reputation, and lineage. There are also mixes from champion bloodlines but prepare to shell more. When choosing a breeder to buy a mixed pup from, consider a lot of things such as the affiliation of your breeder. Puppy mills are everywhere and they have poor practices and little care for their dogs, thus, low prices. Avoid them as much as possible. Caring for a pup entails other expenses aside from the cost of the dog itself. Prepare for one-time costs such as a leash, harness or collar, bed, toys, and the like. You also have regular expenses such as food, treats, and grooming items. For new pups, you have to spend for neutering or spaying, vaccinations, and deworming. However, they are also not highly common so you have to check the availability of this crossbreed: Greenfield Puppies — Fur parents have been trusting Greenfield Puppies since .They connect reputable breeders with interested soon-to-be owners and carry both purebred and mixed puppies. Adoption is also another option for those looking for an English Bulldog Pug mix. There are mixed breeds, puppies and full-grown dogs alike, that need a home. They have been saving Pugs and Pug mixes and helping them find a family that will give them the love they deserve. This group also provides education and guidance to adoptive families. Adoptable breeds include Pugs, English Bulldogs, Frenchies, and their mixes. Petfinder — With their vast database of dogs and cats, Petfinder can link you with animal shelters and adoption organizations so you can find your furry companion. Before buying or adopting a Bull Pug, you must know what you are getting into. Caring for a dog is hard work but more than that, it requires love and attention. Check out these dogs that you may want to consider. Frug: The name may sound funny but the Frug is an actual crossbreed. Both crossbreeds share some physical characteristics and low exercise requirements. Puggle: A mix of the Pug and Beagle, the Puggle is a smart crossbreed that likes playing. It is also good for families because it gets along well with kids. Unlike the Bull Pug, the Puggle does not enjoy staying put and is highly active and energetic. Poxer: The Poxer is the offspring of a Pug and a Boxer. This medium-sized designed breed is charming and lively. Fit for those with active lifestyles, this crossbreed loves physical activities. Both parent breeds of this mix are brachycephalic which also makes this dog one. Since a mix can take on any combination of traits from their parents, you want to make sure you ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix. Should an English Bulldog Mix take after their Bulldog parent, they will be sweet-natured, affectionate, and playful dogs that love being with their families. English Bulldogs are companion breeds that are known for being sweethearts. As long as they are socialized properly, they tend to be excellent with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although watchful, they are even agreeable to strangers once they have been introduced. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same from an English Bulldog Mix. You still want to talk to the breeder about the other parent as they are likely to introduce their own quirks. Meeting the mother in person can give you an idea of her temperament and the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. Although the breeder should have started some training and socialization, it is your responsibility to continue training and socializing a puppy once you get them home to ensure they grow into a well-rounded, well-behaved dog. Although English Bulldogs adapt to most living situations, they are sensitive to hot and cold, and are particularly sensitive to heat. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. This makes them a moderately adaptable dog breed. The other parent breed could introduce some traits that affect adaptability so you do want to ask the breeder about them. A mix could inherit conditions common to neither of their parent breeds, one of them, or even both of them. From the English Bulldog, potential health concerns to be aware of in an English Bulldog Mix include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Entropion, and Cherry Eye. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to prevent passing issues to puppies, so make sure you are asking about the health history of both of the parents. Although English Bulldogs can be stubborn, they are generally eager to please and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels and respond well to consistent training that is focused on positive reward and praise. If the other parent breed is also highly trainable, then you should be able to expect the same from an English Bulldog Mix. The other parent breed could also introduce the potential for an English Bulldog Mix that is more difficult to train. Mixed-breed dogs can inherit a coat that is a carbon copy of one of their parents or they can end up with a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should an English Bulldog Mix end up with a Bulldog coat, they will shed moderately year-round, require brushing a couple of times a week, and the occasional bath. If they have face wrinkles, you will need to make sure they are clean and dry regularly to prevent skin irritation. Cutting nails once or twice a month keeps them from growing too long. Ear checks on a weekly basis with careful ear cleanings as needed helps prevent ear infections. Daily brushing or use of an enzyme toothpaste is ideal dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. English Bulldogs tend to be lower-energy breeds that only require daily walks and some playtime to be happy. But, they will be energetic when they play and might be up for more activity if you are. The other parent breed can affect this. If they are a low-energy breed, then you can expect an English Bulldog Mix to be the same. If the other parent breed requires more daily activity, then you will need to be prepared for that potential range in an English Bulldog Mix puppy. Because they may still be a brachycephalic dog breed, they can overheat, so you want to be careful of overexertion. There are many safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs to help your English Bulldog Mix get the exercise they need. Fully-grown English Bulldogs usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. An English Bulldog generally lives for years. Although the other parent breed could affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in an English Bulldog Mix. Featured English Bulldog Mix Article. The Bull-Pug is dependable, sensitive and great with children. This dog strongly attaches to people, is very well-mannered, and has a sensitive nature. It is a breed that does not do well when left alone for long periods of time. The Bull-Pug relishes attention from its owner but also has a willful side. Bulldogs are known for being strong-willed, so you need to begin training as a puppy — and the best type of training for this breed is using positive reinforcement. As long as you maintain a firm and gentle hand in training, your Bull-Pug should learn quickly. Discover more about our Bull-Pug puppies for sale below! Temperament Bull-Pugs have a lot of energy as puppies but calm down a lot as they get older. They can be messy eaters: they tend to slobber and even snore, but these are traits that bulldog owners usually find endearing. The Bull-Pug will make a great family pet as they are wonderful with children and do well in apartments since they only have a moderate need for exercise. See store for details on a particular puppy. American Canine Hybrid Club.

Most German Shepherds find that sensitive dog food is best for their delicate digestion. Remember, portion control is key. Establish a regular feeding schedule, keep treats for training rewards not their main meal , give lots of fresh water, and always adjust the amount you feed your pup so they maintain a healthy weight. A comfortable space to unwind. Choose a German Shepherd-sized dog bed that suits their size and sleeping style. Some dogs love to sprawl, while others prefer to curl up. Crates are also essential, not just for training but for their safety too. A crate is a perfect place where your pup can lay their head when they need time away from the stress of life. All of these cozy spaces are great for when you want your pup to have time to relax and unwind. An exercise program to satisfy their high energy needs. Daily exercise is their secret sauce for a happy and well-behaved pup. Aim for at least 90 to minutes of daily activity, but remember, it varies from puppy to adult. Every German Shepherd, from puppy to senior, needs a good walk. So, gear up, grab that leash, and head out for some quality exercise time with your furry athlete for double the fun source. An enjoyable social life. Socialization is essential for a happy doggie life! Regularly schedule playdates or trips to visit other dogs they like to let them meet and enjoy their pals. It helps your four-legged buddy become a better-behaved, well-rounded pup. Think of it as a confidence booster. It helps them feel less anxious, more adaptable, and ready to conquer the world, one playdate at a time. When it comes to dog interactions, safety is the name of the game. Always supervise and pick up on cues. A wagging tail can mean excitement or nervousness. Keep things positive and fun to avoid any puppy drama. It takes time and the right training for a less social German Shepherd to make friends with other dogs. Socialization is part of what German Shepherds need to enjoy their doggie lives. Even if they have you as their human best friend, they still enjoy their own kind, too. A fun range of brain-stimulating activities. You see, German Shepherds are more than just muscles and fur. Now, onto the fun stuff! These are like brain teasers for your pup. Puzzle toys, with hidden treats or kibble, keep them thinking and problem-solving. Even better? There are entire training programs that help you brain-train your dog at home! A training plan to help them thrive. Training your German Shepherd for good house manners is not just about avoiding chewed-up shoes or gnawed furniture legs. German Shepherds thrive when they understand expectations. This makes them not just happier members of your household, but easier to get along with too. Start with the basics. German Shepherd puppies can get easily distracted, so simplicity is key. When training these spirited pups, set them up for success. Create a distraction-free environment, and use treats or toys as rewards to keep them motivated. Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Break down commands into smaller parts and reward them for each step in the right direction. This approach helps them grasp concepts quickly and builds their confidence. So, when it comes to training for house manners, remember the magic trio: simplicity, patience, and baby steps! A grooming routine to maintain their skin and fur. A well-groomed German Shepherd struts around with confidence, and a clean, shiny coat is just the tip of the iceberg. Regular brushing not only keeps their fur untangled and mat-free but also stimulates blood circulation and spreads those natural oils for a luscious coat. This grooming inspection can prevent little problems from becoming big ones when you catch them early. But a good scrub keeps those pesky parasites away and gets rid of any funky odors. But not any shampoo will do! There are always tasty dog chews that can help on top of brushing. And ear wipes can make cleaning their ears easier and help you spot ear infections before they run out of control. Grooming keeps your pup comfy, stylish, and in tip-top shape. A health plan for preventive and regular care. Now, German Shepherds often come with their own set of health concerns, like joint issues, sensitive stomachs, and even skin problems. Catching problems early can save you and your furball a ton of trouble down the road. Stay on top of their appointments and routine exams. A loving owner who gives lots of attention and cuddles. Despite their sometimes stoic exteriors, many German Shepherds crave your love and attention. Set some time aside every day to pet your German Shepherd, talk to them softly, and just tell them how awesome they are. Your German Shepherd relies on you for their needs, and when you provide them with the right care, it can make a world of difference in their comfort and happiness. Nutrition: Feed them a well-balanced diet suitable for their age, size, and activity level. Comfortable Space: Create a cozy environment with a comfy bed and a secure, clean living area. Exercise: Keep them active with regular walks and playtime to channel their energy. Socialization: Help them become confident and sociable by exposing them to various people, animals, and places. Mental Stimulation: Challenge their sharp minds with puzzles, brain games, and interactive toys. Training: Teach them basic commands, maintain simplicity, and use positive reinforcement. Grooming: Regular brushing, bathing, dental cleaning, and ear care ensure their comfort and well-being. Healthcare: Schedule regular vet visits to keep them in top shape and address any concerns promptly. Love: Always shower them with affection, quality time, cuddles, and play! Basics Collar Choose a well-fitted, sturdy collar with a solid hook for attaching a leash. When adopting a puppy, make sure the collar can be expanded as he or she grows. Ideally, there should be enough space for two fingers to slide underneath the collar, but no more. One with a bit of stretch will allow your pet some freedom while still allowing you to maintain some control. Retractable leashes work nicely for German shepherds as well. ID tags If your shepherd goes missing, ID tags tell others that he does belong to someone and is actually not a stray. Microchip Dogs that go missing may sometimes go months or even years before they are reunited with their owners. Some will never be reunited at all. A microchip can increase the odds that you will find your German shepherd in the event he becomes missing. Dog Food A very important item on any German shepherds checklist is food. The ideal dog food will provide adequate nutrition and contain few fillers such as grain that might cause allergies. Puppies have different nutritional requirements and therefore need a different type of food than adults. Our Review: Best Food for German shepherds Food and Water Bowl Food and water bowls designed especially for pets have a shape that makes them easy to access. They are also heavier than normal bowls and are therefore more difficult to tip over. Choose one set of bowls for the house and another set of folding ones for travel. The right container will have a tight-fitting lid and clear sides so that you can easily see how much food is remaining. Food Scoops A German shepherd need between three to four cups of kibble per day. Food scoops ensure even portions and prevent overfeeding. Read also: German Shepherd feeding guide: how much and how often to feed a German shepherd Dog Crate A dog crate can help with potty training and also gives your German shepherd a place he can call his own. Buy one that will accommodate your canine once he reaches adulthood. Use dividers to gradually expand the space while he is growing. Our Review: Best Dog Crate for German Shepherds Dog House A well-insulated doghouse will provide protection from the elements and give your German shepherd a safe place in which to relax outdoors. The ideal size will allow your pet to stand up and fully turn around in once inside. Choose soft material such as fleece, sheepskin, or even a down comforter. Opt for a durable rubber or nylon material rather than Kevlar. In that case, they may become a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage. Tug Toys A German Shepherd puppy playing tug-o-war in a garden. This breed has naturally strong jaw bones that require regular exercise. Beef, pork, turkey, lamb, or even rawhide bones are tough enough that they will not splinter while your pet is chewing. Your pet will enjoy having you throw a ball and then being able to run after it. A toy ball will also come in handy when teaching your shepherd how to fetch. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys provide mental stimulation and can help ward off some of the separation anxiety that German shepherds are susceptible to. They also help develop mental acuity and are therefore a valuable tool when it comes to training. Some dogs also find them very comforting, especially in stressful situations such as thunderstorms. Health Vitamins and Supplements Multi-vitamin soft chews in treat form ensure adequate nutrition to help your puppy become strong and healthy. Glucosamine supplements will help your GSD maintain joint health as he grows older. Dog Bed A comfortable, sheepskin-lined dog bed will provide the ideal spot for overnight snoozing or an occasional nap. Buy one a little bigger so that your GSD will have plenty of room as he grows. First-Aid Products Build a first-aid kit so that you can easily attend to minor scrapes and cuts at home. Some things to keep in it include roll gauze, medical scissors, hydrogen peroxide, and antibiotic ointment. A topical solution applied monthly can help you combat these pests, as can certain oral medications. Heartworm Meds source: urbananimalveterinary. Has your German shepherd tested as soon after adoption as possible? That way, you can obtain an up-to-date prescription that will provide the best possible protection. Potty Pads Training accidents do happen, regardless of how careful you are. As such, you should have plenty of potty pads on hand when adopting a puppy. However, you could need them for an adult GSD if you must go sometime in between walks. Training Dog Treats Treats can serve as a reward and are a useful tool when it comes to training. Your shepherd will love ones made from pumpkin, sweet potato, liver, or peanut butter. Treat Pouch Keep dog treats handy for training sessions or long walks with a waterproof treat pouch. A small pouch that clips onto a belt or backpack will provide you with optimum convenience. Head Halter A head halter provides greater control when walking. Harness German shepherds are very strong, active dogs. Accordingly, it is sometimes easier for a child or small adult to walk a GSD who is wearing a harness rather than only a collar. Our Review: Best Harness for German shepherds Muzzle Muzzle-training your shepherd will teach him not to bite or pick up unwanted objects from the ground. It will also prepare him for visits to the veterinarian or groomer later on. No Chew Spray German shepherds are naturally curious and may therefore chew on furniture, electric wires, or other household objects. No-chew spray protects your valuable items from damage and helps keep your GSD safe. Clicker A clicker provides positive reinforcement for your German shepherd and is, therefore, a valuable tool for training. One with an ergonomic design that will allow you to performed extended training sessions with ease. Keep some with you in the car in case your German shepherd decided to romp in the water or mud while out on a walk. Dog Shampoo German shepherds have very sensitive skin. As such, any shampoo you use should not contain any harsh chemicals. Look for one with a mild formula and natural ingredients such as oatmeal to help soothe itchiness. Our Review: Best Brush for German Shepherds Comb A fine-toothed comb can also help with de-shedding your German shepherd and can be used in between brushings. As an added bonus, many combs can also trap fleas in between their very tight teeth. An ergonomically-designed pair of trimmers will provide greater accuracy and is best for beginners. Avoid commercial toothpastes made for humans, especially those that contain fluoride-a substance harmful to dogs. Super Absorbent Towels Absorbent towels can be used for everything from cleaning up messes to bathing. Cleaning Pooper Scooper or Shovel Keep your yard clean by scooping feces on a regular basis. A scooper with a flat bottom similar to a dustpan is ideal for picking up poop out of tall grass. A folding shovel can also come in handy for taking walks in the park. Poop Bags Be ready for long walks and hikes by having lots of poop bags. Small ones are fine for puppies, but as your GSD grows you will probably need large or even extra-large bags. Carpet Cleaners and Vacuums This breed is known for shedding, which means that regular carpet cleaning is a must. Choose a vacuum with lots of suction, and consider investing in your own shampooer if your home has a great deal of carpet. Use newspapers to cover a wide area whenever you are potty training. Lining the inside of a kennel with newspapers makes it easier to clean up after an accident as well. Safety Dog Door A dog door will allow your German shepherd to come and go at will. Accordingly, you will not have to worry about having someone let your dog out to go potty while you are at work. Playpen A playpen is a great way to keep your GSD puppy from chewing on or getting into things. A doggie playpen has wire panels that you can extend to provide more room as your shepherd gets bigger. As your GSD grows, you may need to stack multiple gates on top of one another in order to provide sufficient height. Some even have two-way videos, barking alerts, or audio microphones as well. Travel Carrier A carrier can come in handy for hauling your German shepherd safely to and from the vet, grooming appointments, and training sessions. One that can accommodate very large dogs will serve your GSD well from its puppy stages to adulthood. Travel Kennel Travel kennels provide a place where your pet can feel safe. They are also a must if you plan to travel with your GSD by airline. Choose one with sturdy plastic walls, vented openings, and a gate that latches securely. Dog Car Seats or Restraints German shepherds love riding in cars. Ensure yours is safe by offering the right dog car seats or restraints. A full-grown GSD can weigh up to 80 pounds, so keep this in mind when buying a car seat. Before bringing your shepherd home, locate a veterinarian who can help you with routine exams and another one you can call on for emergencies. Contact Details of the Previous Breeder or Rescue Knowing how to reach your breeder or rescue agency can prove invaluable should your GSD experience health problems. Grooming Salon Regular grooming can prevent much of the shedding that is associated with German shepherds. Find a groomer who can help you with regular bathing, nail trims, ear cleanings, teeth brushing, and deshedding to keep him healthy and looking great. Trainer German shepherds are highly intelligent; however, they do require training in order to learn obedience and develop mental acuity. The right trainer can streamline the process and give you more time to bond with your dog. One can also be a lifesaver if you must leave your GSD alone for an extended period. Find a reputable boarding facility before bringing him home. Pet insurance can help you manage these expenses very affordable and will easily fit into your monthly budget. Related posts:. Due to their high energy and intelligence, they take lots of time and attention. They are also high maintenance in the grooming and exercise departments. Despite all the time they require, they are worth every minute. Their love and loyalty is unmatched and there is no greater companion than a faithful German shepherd dog by your side. Whether you own one or are planning to get one in the future, there are 17 items that you must have if you own a German shepherd. They are: 1. Good Quality Crate There are many good reasons to teach a dog to use a crate and very few excuses not to. Just a few reasons why crate training is a good idea include, they may be crated at the vet so being familiar with one will help them be calm; they may at some point in their life need to travel in a crate; during an emergency, they may need to be crated for their own safety; a crate is the perfect place to keep your dog when home repair is being done and other strangers are going in and out of the house; when recovering after illness or injury; it is a great training tool, a safe place for an unsupervised puppy. Strong Leash and Collar German shepherds are incredibly strong and very determined. The last thing you need is a collar or leash that will break at the wrong moment. Even better, owning several leashes and collar styles can come in handy. Some tools that can help are educational books, videos, clickers , tugs , treat bag , high value treats , crate, leash , and slip collar. Since German shepherds are so intelligent, there are many things you can teach them so these tools are just the tip of the iceberg. Your plans will depend upon the tools you need so these are just the basics that everyone can use. Chews and toys German shepherds have powerful jaws and they love to chew, especially puppies. There are some companies that make durable rubber dog chews such as Ruff Dawg and Westpaw that are great for German shepherds. Some of these can hold treats to help keep their interest. German shepherds also need lots of exercise and love to play. You can do both at once by playing games of fetch, Frisbee , tug , and more. Nothing will make your German shepherd happier than spending time playing with you and their favorite toy. Good Brush German shepherds shed and shed a lot. To reduce the amount of pet hair in your home, a good deshedding brush is great and a slicker brush will also help remove loose fur. Shampoo and conditioner Despite their shedding, German shepherds are relatively clean dogs unless they get into something that makes them dirty. However, they will need to be bathed so a good Ph balanced moisturizing shampoo and conditioner will help keep them clean and remove dead fur. Since they are also known for their sensitive skin and some have allergies, there are special shampoos that can he kept on hand to reduce itching, seasonal dry skin, or to heal skin irritations. Fenced Yard German shepherds need lots of exercise and a place to safely run and burn off some of their energy. They also have a high prey drive and many love to chase small animals and such so a fenced yard will also help keep them safe should they encounter wildlife or see neighborhood animals. Healthy Food Notorious for their sensitive digestive systems, German shepherds do best on a high-quality diet formulated for large breed dogs and puppies. Storage container for food To help keep food fresh and preserve nutrients, an airtight storage container is perfect. They make them large enough to store an entire bag of food, which is a huge plus. But they are also yummy and fun and like all dogs, shepherds love them. Food and water dishes Depending on the dog, the best food and water dishes are either stainless steel or ceramic. If your dog likes to dig in their water, a heavy bottomed bowl can help reduce spills. If your dog eats too fasts and gulps their food, a slow feeder can help slow them down and make mealtimes more enjoyable. Some bottles have a built-in dish that the water squeezes into so they are super convenient. Our favorite is a bowl with a leak-proof lid for the car that also helps keep the water cool. Dog poop bags Another must for going out with your dog is a supply of dog poop bags. There are containers you can attach to their leash or you can just keep a supply in the car and put one in your pocket. Either way, to avoid embarrassment, they are a great to have on hand. Dog bed Since German shepherds are over 50 pounds when grown, they are considered large dogs. They love a good dog bed that is comfy but also supports their back and joints. Even if they sleep in your bed, their own dog bed is a great idea. Nail clippers Since German shepherds are so active, their nails should be kept trimmed unless they wear them down themselves. Even if you have someone else trim their nails, a good quality nail clipper is good to have on hand in case you need to trim or cut a nail. If you prefer, a nail grinder tool can be used. This is not a complete list but things to consider putting in your kit include the phone number for animal poison control, blood stop powder , bandages, ace bandage, Gas X and Benedryl, Zymox Otic Ear Treatment, etc. Tags and microchip One of the most important things you can do for your dog is to keep their Identification tags and microchip information up-to-date. With no way to reunite them with their family, they are lucky if they are rescued but many dogs are euthanized simply due to overcrowding or they are injured before arriving at the shelter. To protect your dog from becoming a statistic, always keep their ID on them and your contact information current. No one thinks their dog will be the one to get lost but, sadly, it happens all the time. We hope you find this list helpful. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. Checklist Dog Crate Getting a crate for your German Shepherd puppy is quite crucial for the following reasons: Allows the puppy to feel secure Speeds up potty training Keeps the puppy safe by controlling his environment Conditions your dog should you need to travel and use a travel crate Some people erroneously feel guilty for crating their pup. However, dogs need structure, especially when bred from work-driven breeds like German Shepherds. A dog crate provides a sense of security by reducing the space around the pet. A room might be small enough for us, but placing the puppy in it will make him feel like he is in a large vacant warehouse. The necessity of getting a dog crate brings up the question of size. What size crate is best for a new GSD puppy? Read my post on the recommended German Shepherd crate size to find out the best size to buy and why. Opt for the size inch variety. You can move the divider to make more room as your puppy grows. I draped a dark-colored blanket over the top to make it more den-like. She was around three years old when I finally got rid of it, but some dogs enjoy them for life. As German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other joint issues, you should invest in a good crate pad. Dog Bed You might think getting a crate is the same as getting a bed. Some crates come with a matt or pad disguised as a puppy bed. Since German Shepherds are big dogs and do not take much time to grow to their full size, you will need an orthopedic dog bed to support their weight and protect their joints. My post on the best orthopedic dog beds for German Shepherds elaborates on the pros and cons of different dog beds. The gist is that you need a bed to prevent joint pain that bigger dogs experience. German Shepherds are prone to arthritis, and though a genetic element plays a role, bad crating practices can accelerate such problems. I chose the Big Barker because of the scientific evidence that it improves joint pain and stiffness in arthritic dogs, enhancing their quality of life. This means a lot to me as my German Shepherd was diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis at only six years old, but it helps knowing she sleeps comfortably. I have to admit — I was also attracted to their year no-flatten guarantee. You can check out my full review of the Big Barker here. Novice dog masters also make things difficult through a combination of poor choices. Then they make the situation worse by opting for a collar and using tugging as a means of discipline. This is cruel to the dog and teaches him nothing. It is a front-clip harness, meaning you lead your pup from the front, which gives greater control and steering, making it impossible for your dog to pull. A fellow dog owner designed it, and it has all the love and care one would expect from an owner who is solving a problem he has previously faced — a dog that pulled. You can also learn more about my pick of the best no-pull harnesses for German Shepherds in this article. Toys German Shepherds are full of energy, which means they have to be surrounded by things that can exhaust their excess vitality, such as a range of chew toys, tug toys, and puzzle toys. These will stimulate his teeth, muscles, and mind, respectively. Toys help your new German Shepherd develop and stay entertained. You can also use toys to train a German Shepherd to find things and track, but that comes later. For now, you must make sure you get him a large selection of puppy toys. Your new best friend needs different exercise routines and changes in the environment, both of which can be normalized via travel. A car restraint allows you to secure your German Shepherd puppy in a car seat safely. Using a dog crate as recommended above will make it easy to communicate that car rides are okay. I like the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel because it comes in various sizes, and for the first few months, you might prefer a smaller crate. This model is made from premium plastic, does not require any tools to set it up, and has lots of vents to keep your pup well-ventilated. Poo Bags Your new German Shepherd puppy is going to be the cutest thing on earth up until he has to poop. At that time, how much you like having a GSD will be strongly correlated with how close you are to a poo bag. Regardless of whether you buy a pack of poop bags or accumulate enough disposable bags to cover a month of dog poop, you need to have something to carry dog waste. Remember, a puppy poops two to four times a day. Amazon Basics Unscented Dog Poop Bags are among the most affordable products in the category, with the bags supply being the most economical. These bags are 9 inches x 13 inches, which is a much more efficient size than the standard disposable bag. You might not need this size at first, but trust me; they are the best for an adult German Shepherd. Dog Shampoo You must get dry shampoo for your dog because German Shepherds do not need to bathe more than a few times a year. In other words, your new puppy is half a dozen baths away from adulthood. In the meantime, something is required to keep him clean, right? Tropiclean Waterless Shampoo for Pets is a high-quality, low-priced option made from natural ingredients like plum, oatmeal, and cucumber. It is backed by a market leader in natural wellness and has accumulated over 4, positive reviews and ratings on Amazon. Dog Food Food, water, and shelter are some of the basic needs of all mammals. Dogs are no exception, especially when they are bred under human supervision. Therefore, getting dog food is one of the most important prerequisites for bringing home a new German Shepherd. After that, just ensure you choose a large breed food. Bringing home a new pet is a joyful experience. You might find yourself constantly staring at the beautiful yet timid puppy, and it will take a couple of weeks for the puppy to feel at home. Until then, the dog will be open to cuddles and start interacting with the person who feeds him and plays with him. Make sure he spends time inside the crate as well as outside it. The dog may seem shy and aloof for the bulk of the first week, with the first day being his most seemingly introverted one. The dog will miss his pack and call out for them with whining or whimpering sounds or even barking. You should make sure he feels safe and secure and only comfort him through the night when you take him for a toilet break. Your German Shepherd puppy will need comfort, and you can do a few things to help him feel better. Comfort the pup to make him feel secure. Feed the puppy and make sure he is warm. Turn the lights off and make sure he gets enough sleep. Your new German Shepherd needs to get used to a schedule, work on independence, and see you as the leading figure. One of the differences you will notice when your puppy is freshly released from the breeder is his excessive appetite for sleep. Some might want the puppy to wake up to cuddle. Others will wonder if it is healthy for the puppy to sleep so much. In general, a German Shepherd puppy should sleep 8 hours at night and hours during the day. Though, the dog should not be forced to fit a schedule and must be left to determine how he divides his hours of sleep in the first few weeks of adoption. Final Thoughts The arrival of a new German Shepherd puppy can be an exciting time, but excitement can also inspire nervousness. The puppy will feel less overwhelmed and scared after the first 3 days and will further settle during the first 3 weeks. This is the time to have a good German Shepherd puppy training schedule so you know what to teach and when. Related Posts You May Like:. Feeding and grooming 1. Traditional leather collars with an engraved tag are a popular choice. They can be personalised with up to 25 characters of information which will help someone return your pup to you. But here at Happy Puppy HQ, we love them! If your puppy reaches the end of their leash quite suddenly, a harness distributes the impact over a large area of predominantly muscle, rather than concentrating it on a small area of delicate throat tissues. And they make it easier to safely control your puppy during training. Travel Restraint Most people want to be able to travel with their dog. But there are some things to buy German Shepherd puppies that will make this easier. Puppies who travel unrestrained in vehicles can be somewhat mischievous however! It can be all too tempting to try and climb into your lap or your footwell, for a bit of attention. Furthermore, unrestrained dogs are more likely to sustain serious injuries in a collision. However, if your GSD puppy is a destructive chewer, this kind of crate might not last long. Another Alternative A great alternative is anchoring their harness securely to the seat belt plug. This will keep your puppy in place, and distribute the impact of a crash as safely as possibly over his body. So one of the things to buy a German Shepherd puppy is a leash. Young puppies are very receptive to new experiences, so teaching them to accept wearing a leash is easiest while they are still young. Most GSD puppy parents find that they need two types of leash. The Two Types First, a short lead for keeping their dog under close control near traffic and whilst walking on the sidewalk. Crate People tend to have mixed feelings about dog crates. But used responsibly, they have heaps of advantages. They can become a cosy den for your puppy, which he will learn to associate with being safe and relaxed in. They can make toilet training quicker and easier. And they prepare your dog for being unavoidable crating in the future, for example if they ever need to stay at the vet, or travel by air. Our crate training article is all about how to choose the best crate, and use it correctly. And this article is all about choosing the right size for a German Shepherd. So add some bedding to your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy! If you decide to move onto something more supportive as they grow up, our review of the best beds for German Shepherds will help you find the perfect next step. Many of them are available in standard crate sizes too — perfect for making the bottom of a crate as luxurious as can be! Puppies are curious, playful, and at times even total trouble-magnets! Creating a safe place in your home where you can leave them for a few moments to visit the bathroom or answer the door protects them from harm and gives you peace of mind. Your puppy zone should ideally have wipe clean floors in case of toilet accidents, and you should invest a little time teaching them to associate it with good things — by leaving treats in it for them to find, and returning their favorite toys there when they leave them lying around. Toys Like all puppies, German Shepherd pups have stacks of energy. So, toys should be a priority on your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy. They love to play, and playing plays a valuable role in developing their muscles, motor skills and coordination. In fact, GSDs have pretty tough teeth and jaws, even from a young age. So we recommend choosing toys designed with durability in mind. Food and Water Bowls All puppies need access to clean, fresh water. And whilst we recommend using most of their daily food allowance as rewards during training, you might also like to give them small meals in a bowl. In fact it is estimated that bloat causes the death of approximately 1 in 7 GSDs. Food Your puppy should come home with a modest supply of the food they were weaned onto by their breeder. This will minimize the possibility of them etting an upset tummy. Our article on the best diets for German Shepherd Dogs will give you some food for thought. Are they just the start of a slippery slope towards canine obesity? Well, we think treats have an important role to play in successful German Shepherd training! But the best way to capture a new behavior, or advance an established area of training to the next level, is by offering a high value food reward at first. Pieces of cooked chicken or small cubes of cheese are equally effective. Some we Like You may need to experiment with a few brands to find out which your GSD will work the hardest for. These basics belong in every dog owners kit: A brush, for removing loose hair, debris, matts and tangles — German Shepherds need their coats brushing at least two or three times a week. Shampoo, for when they roll in in something stinky. Toothbrush and Toothpaste These could be considered part of general grooming supplies. Medical procedures such as setting broken bones and corrective surgery for bloat cost several thousand dollars. Most insurance plans have the added bonus of including public liability cover. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.

Breeds The link has been copied! Get ready to fall in love with the Straight Hair Goldendoodle - they are sure to bring a smile to your face and endless joy to your life! The Straight Hair Goldendoodle is a delightful and joyous breed that has captured the hearts of many. With their cheerful disposition, friendly personality and unique appearance, these dogs are the epitome of love, happiness and fun. They are a perfect blend of their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents , and have the best qualities of both breeds. Their straight hair adds a touch of elegance and grace, making them stand out in a crowd. These dogs are intelligent, playful, and affectionate, making them ideal family pets. Straight Hair Goldendoodle It's a common trait for this breed and is a result of their Poodle genes. The flat coat is low-shedding and low-maintenance, making it a popular choice for those with allergies or who don't want to spend a lot of time grooming their pet. However, it's important to note that the coat may require regular trims to maintain its shape and keep it looking neat. Whether a flat coat is good or bad is subjective and ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs. The important thing is to ensure the dog is healthy and well-cared for, regardless of its coat type. Can Goldendoodles Have Straight Hair? Yes, Goldendoodles can have straight hair. Goldendoodles are a crossbreed of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, and the coat type of each individual dog will depend on the dominant genes it inherits from its parents. Some Goldendoodles have curly hair, which is typical of Poodles, while others have wavy or straight hair, which is more typical of Golden Retrievers. Are Goldendoodles Always Curly? No, Goldendoodles are not always curly haired. The coat can range from loose waves to tight ringlets and everything in between. It's important to note that the coat may change as the dog grows older and that regular grooming may be necessary to maintain the desired appearance of the coat. What Is a Flat Coat Goldendoodle? The "Flat Coat" refers to the coat type, which is less curly and wavier than other Goldendoodle coat types. This breed is known for being friendly, intelligent, and having a low-shedding coat. The Flat Coat Goldendoodle is a popular choice for families due to their friendly and affectionate nature. They are often described as sociable, outgoing and gentle dogs, making them great companions for children and adults alike. They are also highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners or those looking for a well-behaved pet. It's important to note that as a hybrid breed, the temperament and appearance of a Flat Coat Goldendoodle can vary widely, with traits from both parent breeds appearing in different combinations. This is why it's important to meet the individual dog and their parents before adoption to ensure a good match for your household. Goldendoodles with straight hair are relatively rare compared to their more curly-coated counterparts. This is because the curly coat is a dominant trait in Poodles, which is one of the breeds used to create the Goldendoodle. While some Goldendoodles may have a straighter coat, it is not a common or consistent characteristic of the breed. It's important to keep in mind that Goldendoodles can have a range of coat types, including wavy, curly, and even corded, and the coat type can vary even within the same litter. The coat type of a Goldendoodle is largely determined by the genes they inherit from their parents. When looking for a Goldendoodle with a straight coat, it may be helpful to work with a reputable breeder who can provide information about the coat type of the individual dog and their parents. However, it's also important to keep in mind that coat type should not be the only factor considered when choosing a Goldendoodle, as temperament and personality are just as important in determining if a dog will be a good fit for your household. The coat type of a Goldendoodle, including the flat coat, can vary widely depending on the specific genes that the dog inherits from its parents. However, it's generally believed that the coat type of a Goldendoodle can be influenced by the generation of the cross. F1 Goldendoodles , which are first generation crosses between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, tend to have a wider range of coat types and textures, including flat coats. F1B Goldendoodles, which are a cross between an F1 Goldendoodle and a Poodle, tend to have curlier coats due to the higher proportion of Poodle genes. It's important to keep in mind that the coat type of a Goldendoodle can be influenced by many factors, and that there is a great deal of variation within each generation. In general, the coat type of a Goldendoodle is largely determined by the genes that the dog inherits from its parents. When choosing a Goldendoodle, it's important to meet the individual dog and their parents to get a better idea of what coat type to expect. Are Straight Hair Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? Goldendoodles, including those with straight hair, are often marketed as being hypoallergenic due to their Poodle heritage. However, it's important to note that no dog is truly hypoallergenic. All dogs produce dander, which is a major cause of allergies in some people, and some dogs also produce a protein in their saliva that can cause an allergic reaction. The idea that Poodles are hypoallergenic is based on the belief that their curly coat is less likely to shed and produce dander compared to other breeds. While this may be true to some extent, the coat type of a Goldendoodle, including straight hair, can still produce dander and trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. If you have allergies and are considering getting a Goldendoodle, it's recommended to spend time with the individual dog to see if they trigger your allergies before making a decision to adopt. Additionally, it may be helpful to work with a reputable breeder who can provide information about the health and temperament of the individual dog and their parents. Do Straight Coat Goldendoodles Shed? Yes, straight coat Goldendoodles can shed, just like any other breed of dog. While the Poodle, one of the breeds used to create the Goldendoodle, is known for having a low-shedding coat, the shedding of a Goldendoodle can vary depending on the genes they inherit from their parents. Goldendoodles with a straighter coat may shed more than those with a curly coat due to the hair being more loosely attached to the skin. However, the shedding can still be minimal compared to many other breeds of dogs, especially if they inherit more of the Poodle's low-shedding genes. It's important to keep in mind that all dogs shed to some extent, and that the amount of shedding can vary even within the same litter. When choosing a Goldendoodle, it may be helpful to spend time with the individual dog and their parents to get a better idea of their shedding tendencies. Additionally, regular grooming and brushing can help minimize shedding and keep the coat looking healthy and shiny. Yes, it is possible for F1b Goldendoodles to have straight hair, although it is not as common as the curly or wavy coats. F1b Goldendoodles are a cross between an F1 Goldendoodle Golden Retriever x Poodle and a Poodle, and as a result, they tend to have a higher proportion of Poodle genes and a curlier coat. However, coat type is determined by a complex interaction of genes and is not a guaranteed characteristic of a specific generation of Goldendoodle. While F1b Goldendoodles are often bred for their curly coats, some individuals may have a straighter coat due to the influence of other genes. Additionally, the coat type of a F1b Goldendoodle can vary even within the same litter. How Maintenance And Grooming Differs The maintenance and grooming requirements for a straight coat Goldendoodle may differ from those with curly or wavy coats. The amount and frequency of grooming needed can also vary depending on the individual dog's hair length, thickness, and rate of growth. Wavy Coat Maintenance Wavy coat Goldendoodles typically require more maintenance compared to those with straight coats, but less than those with curly coats. Wavy coat Goldendoodles need to be brushed regularly, at least once or twice a week, to prevent matting and tangling of the hair. A slicker brush or comb is a useful tool for removing loose hair and distributing natural oils throughout the coat. It's also important to avoid over-bathing a wavy coat Goldendoodle, as this can strip the coat of its natural oils and cause it to become dry and frizzy. When bathing is necessary, it's recommended to use a gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo to keep the coat soft and shiny. Wavy coat Goldendoodles may also benefit from regular grooming sessions with a professional groomer to keep the coat in good condition and maintain its shape. These sessions can include trimming, shaping, and clipping to maintain the desired length and style of the hair. Curly Coat Maintenance Curly coat Goldendoodles require frequent brushing, at least once or twice a week, to prevent their fur from matting and tangling. This is because of their high maintenance coat and the fact that its length, thickness, and rate of growth can vary from dog to dog. For the best results, it's advised to use a slicker brush or comb to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout the coat. It's also important to limit the amount of baths for a curly coat Goldendoodle, as this can strip away the natural oils and make their fur dry and frizzy. If a bath is necessary, opt for a gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo to keep the coat soft and shiny. In addition to regular brushing, regular grooming sessions with a professional groomer can help to maintain the shape of the hair and keep it looking its best. These sessions may include trimming, shaping, and clipping. Finally, it's important not to brush a curly coat Goldendoodle's hair when it's wet, as this can cause matting and tangling. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the hair and retain its beautiful curls. Straight Coat Maintenance Straight coat Goldendoodles typically require less grooming and maintenance compared to their curly or wavy coat counterparts. However, it's still important to keep their coats in good condition by brushing them regularly. A weekly brushing with a slicker brush or comb can help remove loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout the coat, keeping it shiny and healthy. This simple grooming routine will also prevent matting and tangling, which can be a problem for straight coated breeds. While trimming is not necessary for all straight coated Goldendoodles, some individuals may benefit from a regular trim to maintain the length and shape of their hair. This can be done by a professional groomer or with the help of clippers or scissors at home. It's also important to avoid over-bathing a straight coat Goldendoodle, as this can strip the coat of its natural oils and cause it to become dry and brittle. A straight coat Goldendoodle can make a great pet for many different families and individuals. Some reasons why you may want to consider getting a straight coat Goldendoodle include: Lower grooming needs: Straight coat Goldendoodles typically require less grooming and maintenance compared to their curly or wavy coat counterparts, making them a good choice for those who don't want to spend a lot of time and money on grooming. Minimal shedding: Goldendoodles are known for being low shedding dogs, and straight coated individuals are no exception. This can be a great benefit for those with allergies or who are looking for a pet that won't leave hair all over their furniture. Easy to care for: Straight coat Goldendoodles are relatively low maintenance, making them a good choice for busy families or individuals who want a pet that is easy to care for. Affectionate and playful: Goldendoodles are known for being affectionate and playful dogs, and straight coat individuals are no exception. They can make great companions and family pets for those who enjoy spending time with their pets. Ultimately, whether a straight coat Goldendoodle is the right choice for you will depend on your lifestyle, preferences, and individual needs. It's important to research the breed thoroughly and consider all factors before making a decision to ensure you find the right pet for you. Conclusion Straight Coat Goldendoodles are a unique and versatile breed that can make great pets for families and individuals looking for a low maintenance and low shedding pet. These dogs typically have lower grooming needs compared to their curly or wavy coat counterparts and are known for being affectionate, playful, and easy to care for. However, it's important to keep in mind that the needs and personality of each individual dog can vary, and thorough research and careful consideration is necessary to ensure you find the right pet for you. For additional pet-parenting tips, head over to TryFi. And don't forget to check out TryFi's innovative Fi Dog Collar , which offers GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and escape alerts to keep your furry friend safe. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. The average, standard-sized straight hair Goldendoodle is 21 to 24 inches tall and weighs 45 to 75 pounds. A Goldendoodle sitting on the grass. Genetics What makes their coats different if straight-hair Goldendoodles are so similar to other Goldendoodles? The answer lies in genetics. Goldendoodles inherit a KRT71 curl gene from both parents, also known as a Cu locus gene. It is impossible to determine whether a Goldendoodle puppy will have straight hair both before birth and as a puppy. However, there are some early indicators. The percentage of Golden Retriever in the parents can also help determine this. Goldendoodle puppy lying on the floor. Second-generation puppies have two first-generation Goldendoodles as parents. Thus, puppies in the first and second generations are some of the most likely to be born with straight coats. Backcrossing causes the percentage to shift in favor of Poodles, so straight hair Goldendoodle puppies are less common in these cases. Once the puppy is born, you can examine its snout to determine if it is a straight hair Goldendoodle. Short, straight hair around the mouth indicates that it will have a straight coat. Basic Care The diet, exercise regime, and common health conditions of a straight hair Goldendoodle are identical to those of other Goldendoodles. Their grooming needs, however, will differ. Chocolate Goldendoodle taking a bath. Meat protein is easiest for this breed to digest. Animal fats are beneficial because they add flavor and provide energy. Essential fatty acids will keep Goldendoodle coats shiny and healthy. Nonetheless, they are a good source of prebiotics and fiber and provide energy. Vitamins and minerals are essential. Some basic ingredients may include these, but the concentration is often too low. Most dog food brands add vitamins and minerals to offset those lost while cooking the food. It is essential to consider the size of the Goldendoodle. Those with a toy or mini parent will likely require medium-sized dog food, even though most Goldendoodles are large dogs. Goldendoodles with standard-sized parents will typically need large-sized dog food. All Goldendoodles should have easy access to water. Exercise As we discussed, Goldendoodles are naturally high-energy dogs. They will need a significant amount of exercise each day. One long walk a day is the minimum exercise requirement for most Goldendoodles. Aside from walks, Goldendoodles often enjoy activities such as: Fetch Running with people or other dogs Hiking Hide-and-seek Grooming In many ways, grooming a straight hair Goldendoodle is simpler than grooming a curly hair Goldendoodle. Straight coats have fewer knots and less debris tangled within the fur. The most important aspect of grooming a straight hair Goldendoodle is brushing. Using a slicker or pin brush will catch loose hairs so that the Goldendoodle sheds less. If there are stubborn knots or mats, the owner should speak with a vet. Like most breeds, straight hair Goldendoodles only need baths when they begin to smell or after rolling in something dirty. Health Conditions Goldendoodles are prone to certain diseases that afflict Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Common conditions in Goldendoodles include: Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball and joint of the hip grind against each other instead of gliding smoothly. Cataracts Cataracts are an eye disease that can cause poor vision and blindness. Typically, older dogs are more prone to being diagnosed with the disease. Cancer Golden Retrievers are the most likely to get cancer, passing this tendency onto Goldendoodle offspring. Epilepsy Experiencing repetitive seizures with no apparent cause is characteristic of epilepsy. Goldendoodle puppy is not feeling well. This variation of the breed is typically less expensive because straight hair Goldendoodles are less popular than their curly hair counterparts. Adopting a straight hair Goldendoodle will be much less expensive. Rescues only charge a small adoption fee. Behaved Goldendoodle carried by her owner. FAQs Are you curious to learn more about straight hair Goldendoodles? Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the breed. Do the coats of Goldendoodle puppies change? Around six months of age, puppies will shed their coats. The only difference between the puppy and adult coat is texture, but the color and coat type can change. This shedding process may happen quickly, but it can span a few months. Do straight hair Goldendoodles shed? Straight hair Goldendoodles inherit a double coat from Golden Retrievers. Although they shed less than purebred Golden Retrievers, these Goldendoodles will still shed their coats twice a year. Because of this excess shedding, straight hair Goldendoodles are considered less hypoallergenic than most other Goldendoodles. The dander on their fur can cause allergic reactions when they shed. Regularly brushing a Goldendoodle will decrease the amount of shedding, but it will not eliminate shedding. Are straight hair Goldendoodles rare? Although they are not especially difficult to breed, straight hair Goldendoodles are relatively rare. Breeders tend to produce primarily curly and wavy hair Goldendoodles because they are more favorable for most dog owners. What is the average lifespan of a Goldendoodle? Goldendoodles live to be about 10 to 15 years old. Regular visits to the vet, a proper diet, and adequate exercise allow Goldendoodles to live longer. Thus, learning about the breed allows owners to promote the best and longest life. Final Thoughts Straight hair Goldendoodles are uniquely beautiful dogs. They maintain the same friendly, energetic, and social nature as Goldendoodles, but their straight coats align closely with Golden Retrievers. Still, they have the adorable scruffy face that distinguishes Goldendoodles. Although there is no definite way to know a puppy will have a straight coat, specific features and genetic testing can estimate the possibility. If a breeder believes that they have a straight coat Goldendoodle puppy, they will likely charge less for this puppy than for curly or wavy hair Goldendoodle puppies. Goldendoodles can lead long, healthy lives, so long as they are cared for properly. Grooming is essential because it protects these dogs from uncomfortable knots, mats, dirt build-up, and insects. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Straight coat Goldendoodles have a stronger resemblance to the Golden Retriever and are absoDoodletutely gorgeous. All coat types inherit the personality traits of both the Poodle and the Golden Retriever. They all possess the pretty face, large eyes, long lashes and that endearing smile. Of the three types of coats found on a Goldendoodle — I believe the straight coat is the rarest of them all. However, Goldendoodles with straight coats are becoming very popular. Straight coat Goldendoodles rarely occur in F1 or F1B generations. Their coat is silky smooth and classified as low to moderate shedding. Experienced Doodle breeders are able to tell you because they understand the DNA of their doods along with the generations. The best rule of thumb is — look at the fur around the face and muzzle, not the body. Smooth face and muzzle fur indicates a straight Goldendoodle coat type. For weeks Harley the puppy looked like he licked an electrical socket. Hair was sticking out everywhere! We receive many emails about coat types because people are still learning about this cross breed. No matter what their hair does — curl, wave or lay still — I adore their playfulness, cuddliness, and loyalty. They are great companions for all human lifestyles. Prospective owners are sometimes shocked to learn that straight hair Goldendoodles exist! Goldendoodles with straight hair, sometimes called flat coat Goldendoodles, are often the subject of a lot of confusion. Is there anything wrong with them? Keep reading to get all your questions answered about this unique Goldendoodle coat texture! Can Goldendoodles Have Straight Hair? While not as common as wavy or curly coats, Goldendoodles can have straight hair! As a mixed breed dog, Goldendoodles will take on some qualities of both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Naturally, some Goldendoodles will have a flat coat like the Golden Retriever and some will have a curlier coat similar to the Poodle. Breeders often strive to produce Goldendoodle puppies with curly coats, as they tend to be more allergy-friendly and have a lower potential for shedding. Photo courtesy of archiebgolden on Instagram. Are Goldendoodles Always Curly? Goldendoodle coat types can range from curly, to wavy, to completely straight. While there are plenty of straight hair Goldendoodles out there, curly coats are definitely more common in this breed. What coat type a Goldendoodle puppy has depends entirely on the DNA passed on from their parents. Straight hair comes from the Golden Retriever side and curly hair comes from the Poodle side. Photo courtesy of boopitsremy on Instagram. What is a Flat Coat Goldendoodle? A flat coat Goldendoodle is a term used to describe Goldendoodles with straight hair that lack furnishings. Whether or not a Goldendoodle has a flat coat is based on if they have furnishings. See how the one on the left has a more scruffy, teddy-bear look? Just like humans inherit traits from their parents, so do Goldendoodles! Coat texture is one example of a trait that can be passed along from either parent breed. Coat texture can differ not only between litters of puppies but between individual puppies from the same litter! In any given litter of Goldendoodles, some puppies may have flat coats while others have curly or wavy hair. Responsible breeders take great care to select dogs from well-known bloodlines and perform extensive genetic testing prior to breeding. This not not only reduces the likelihood of genetic health issues in Goldendoodles , but it can help increase the chances of a low-shedding and allergy-friendly coat. Breeders sometimes say that straight haired Goldendoodles have an improper coat. Photo courtesy of presleydoo on Instagram. This number indicates how far removed from the initial pairing of two purebred dogs a litter is. Still confused? The generations most likely to result in a straight hair Goldendoodle are F1 or F2 since they both contain the highest percentages of Golden Retriever DNA. Alternatively, you may find a breeder that backcrosses a Goldendoodle to a Golden Retriever resulting in puppies even more likely to have a flat coat. However, this is extremely rare to come across. Most people are hoping for a curly haired Goldendoodle. Are Straight Hair Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? Straight hair Goldendoodles will NOT be hypoallergenic. Photo courtesy of remdog. Do Straight Coat Goldendoodles Shed? Straight coat Goldendoodles will usually shed moderately. The good news is that with the right knowledge and tools, Goldendoodle shedding can be effectively managed! It all starts with a healthy diet, frequent brushing and bathing, and using the proper equipment. Additionally, dog owners prefer to get a hypoallergenic breed to have a pleasant disposition and not shed. Given this, Goldendoodle straight hair is one of the best dog breed characters. Well, we get where the excitement comes from, but before that, you may want to learn more amazing facts about them. So make sure you read until the end of this article to know more about Goldendoodle with straight hair. A gene in dogs known as the Cu locus, sometimes called the Curly Coat Gene, is responsible for determining whether or not a dog can have curly hair. The upshot of this is a curled coat because the Cu locus prohibits keratin from adhering to the structural components. If it has keratin in the genetic composition, then the Goldendoodle will have a straight-coat Goldendoodle or flat-coat Goldendoodle. The existence of this gene in a dog can be determined by using a DNA test. Goldendoodles of the second generation, commonly known as F2 Goldendoodles, also have a significantly increased likelihood of having straight hair than Goldendoodles of earlier generations. Most Goldendoodles are mated with a Poodle to produce a flat coat retriever poodle mix with reduced allergens and would shed less. Markings may grow more obvious or less noticeable, and the colour may also shift with time. It is difficult to predict what a mature Goldendoodle will look like accurately. On the other hand, maintaining consistent breeding procedures can assist in removing a certain amount of uncertainty. The coat should only be brushed once or twice weekly with a pin brush or slicker brush and given a quick rubdown with a grooming mitt. The size of the dog, as well as its coat, are typically what distinguishes a Mini Goldendoodle from a standard Goldendoodle. Due to the fact that mini Goldendoodles are smaller than ordinary Goldendoodles, it is necessary to groom them on a more frequent basis in order to preserve their coat in pristine condition. Due to their small size, Mini Goldendoodles require a significant amount of exercise on a daily basis; otherwise, they run the risk of developing a variety of health issues. Your Goldendoodle may look untidy and unappealing if its coat is shedding. Grooming your Goldendoodle correctly will result in a clean, healthy, and lustrous coat for your dog. Understanding how to groom your Goldendoodle to prevent knots in the hair is crucial. Large Goldendoodles with Flat-Hair Shed More The quantity of shedding a particular Goldendoodle does will typically be determined by the type of coat as well as the size of the dog itself. No matter how old they are, a huge Goldendoodle with flat hair is guaranteed to shed a significant amount of hair throughout the course of its lifetime. The majority of the time, dogs of this variety of Goldendoodle have a double coat that sheds. To give one example, Goldendoodles with curly coats shed significantly less than those with straight hair. There are some people claim that their Goldendoodle puppies lost significantly less hair when they were younger than other dogs their age. Nevertheless, stress levels that are not typical can cause spontaneous shedding. However, you should expect much shedding with a Goldendoodle straight hair. There are situations in which it is equally, if not more, problematic. With more shedding comes increased dander, dust, and general housekeeping. Hip Dysplasia Is A Common Issue With Goldendoodles When breeders of Goldendoodles approach the breed with understanding, the resulting dogs have a better chance of being relatively healthy. The majority will live between 10 and 15 years with proper care, assistance from medical professionals, and much love from their families. Hip dysplasia is the condition that manifests itself in this hybrid breed more frequently than any other. This is due to the fact that both poodles and retrievers have a history of being affected by the condition. In order to reduce the likelihood of this problem occurring, you should do a PennHIP or OFA examination on the potential parents before breeding them. Social Anxiety Is Common In Cross-breed Flat-Haired Goldendoodles Even when they are in a comfortable setting, Goldendoodles experience a high level of anxiety when they are left alone. If you leave them home alone every day while you are at work, it may lead to destructive behaviours on their part because of their anxiety or boredom. These dogs have a passion for chewing everything that is beyond their grasp. Therefore, it is possible that you will find vandalized furniture, shattered dishes, or shoes that have been torn when you return. This is just one example. On the other hand, they are commonly found in litters of F2 and F2B. Because the majority of people searching for a Goldendoodle puppy prefer the characteristic curly coat of a Doodle, flat-coated Doodles do not appear as frequently as their curly-coated counterparts. If you were to meet an adult Doodle with a flat coat, it is highly unlikely that you would recognize it as a Goldendoodle at all. Because of this, people frequently have the impression that these dogs are more uncommon than they actually are. The presence or absence of furnishings in a Goldendoodle determines whether or not the breed has a flat coat. These generations are also typically the most cost-effective options available. This can be becuase potential owners select puppies with curly coats since they are less likely to cause allergic reactions than those with straight hair. Goldendoodles can have either straight or curly hair, despite the fact that most breeders want to produce dogs with curlier coats for their offspring. The genetic makeup of a dog is, of course, the deciding factor in every aspect. The science of genetics provides the answer. Goldendoodles receive a copy of the KRT71 curl gene from both of their parents. This gene is also referred to as the Cu locus gene. Do Goldendoodles with Straight Hair Shed? Goldendoodles with straight hair acquire a double coat from their Golden Retriever ancestors. These Goldendoodles would still shed their coats twice a year, even though the amount of hair they lose is significantly less than that of purebred Golden Retrievers. You can learn more about why Goldendoodles shed. Which Generation Goldendoodle is Best? An F2b or multi-generation puppy is your best choice and your safest bet if you want the greatest shot of possessing a Goldendoodle with all of the characteristics and intellectual capacity that are preferred in a Goldendoodle, including that classic Goldendoodle look, an allergy-friendly coat that sheds very little or not at all, and the personality traits. Yes, there is a good likelihood that the coat of your Goldendoodle will change. Depending on the sort of adult coat that your puppy has inherited, this transformation could be either dramatic or quite subtle. It all depends on the adult coat. Around the age of four to eight months, they will finally do rid of their fluffy puppy coat, and around this time, their adult coat, which is more rigid and dense, will begin to grow in. Conclusion There you have it! A Goldendoodle with straight hair is a good and beautifully looking breed that requires less upkeep and can be a good companion to have by your side. Their lack of curly hair is a result of their absence of the curly coat gene or the Cu locus. It is because of this genetic condition that Goldendoodles produce that smooth flat coat. It is also due to this that a number of pros and cons arise in keeping them. That is why make sure you weigh all the considerations and take note of the 15 facts mentioned above before having one as a pet. Related Posts. Above: Mini F1b, Curly. Above: Mini F1, Wavy. Coats can vary in color. A good way to predict adult color is to look at the ears of the puppy. In addition, consider the pedigree when expecting a litter. It is hard to understand the complexity of the gene pool when mating. From my experience, red is considered a dilute gene of black. When red is bred with white, black or brown, black is dominate and pups are black. Two red parents, will make red or apricot. However, to carry the true red gene is very rare. Red can often fade with maturity. Many breeders boast about having red as it is highly sought after, but it can and may fade with time. I make a good effort at trying to produce red, but it is more rare. Brown and black also produce black. Two browns will make brown. Red can be so dark red that it is considered mahogany or rust. My Sangria, F1 mini-goldendoodle female is an example of this beautiful color. I do not claim to be an expert in the study, nor do I make any guarantees on future adult color. In breeds like the cocker spaniel, the red will be apricot as a pup, but can become dark red with maturity. Spots can also widen with maturity or appear to have moved around as they broadened out. In designer breeds, the puppy can look completely different as an adult then how it did as a puppy. You may notice this at the very first haircut. As much as we love color, we need to pay more attention to the temperament of the puppy and make sure the puppy is very socialized and loved, especially during the critical stage of development up to 5 months. See my temperament testing page for more information on this. Loose and wavy: This is the most common type of coat found in a goldendoodle such as an F1. They are considered low to non-shed. They are easy to maintain. You may want to brush in the common friction areas such as behind the ears, hind quarters, and underarms. Bodily brushing about once a week. Straight: These coats are considered flat or sporty like the golden retriever. They are the easiest to maintain and need minimal brushing. They will have some shed. Curly: These coats can be easily identified with the crimping on the forehead as a pup. They are most common in F1bs. Their coats can have "loose curl" or "tight curl. Examples: Above: "Loose and wavy" as a puppy at 5 weeks old. This is an example of an F1. Left: "Curly" as a puppy. Puppy at 5 weeks old. F1b, crimping on forhead visible. Right: "Straight" at 5 months. This coat type typically can be found in F1 litters. No crimping on forehead or ears. Left: tight curl as an adult. Right: "Curly" at 10 weeks old. More squiggles on forehead than "loose and wavy" type. Notice the difference. This is an example of an F1b. This coat type is best for those that have allergies and desire lots of curl. An excellent example of a loose and wavy coat. This dog is an F1 miniature goldendoodle from Ginger and Tamale. Some of Ginger's puppies do throw the sport coat. It can be difficult to predict how the coats will turn out as adults, but we do our best to look for wavy features in the early stages. In the end, unless you have allergies, please understand they are so much more than just how they look. You get what you get and don't throw a fit! I do my best to help you pick out what you desire, but please note, I do not guarantee coat quality. Puppies are not an item I can stock on the shelf. Mother nature is in control. Many F1s will develop their wave after they go through their coat change at 5 months of age. It can take even up to 8 months to see the true coat quality. The short answer is yes. It is most likely though still very rare for F1 and F2 Goldendoodles to have straight coats. How Does a Goldendoodle get Straight Hair? A Goldendoodle with straight hair? There is a specific gene in dogs that controls curl called Cu locus, also known as the curly coat gene. The absence of this gene in your Goldendoodle will cause a straight coat. If you want a straight-coated or curly-coated Goldendoodle specifically, how are you going to tell which is which? The first thing to know about this is that the coat will not change or, if it does, change very minimally from puppyhood to adulthood. So, if a puppy has a straight coat, it will have a straight coat for life. Another way to tell whether or not a Goldendoodle puppy will have a straight coat is by whether or not it has furnishings. Furnishings are things like eyebrows, mustaches, or beards that are characteristic of wavy or curly hair. Similarly, if the hair around its mouth or nose is curly, wavy, or straight, this is how their coat will be for their life. No specific generation of Goldendoodle will have a straight coat, but there are generations in which one is more likely to find a Goldendoodle with a straight coat. The more Poodle genes in a Goldendoodle, the more likely it is to have curly hair. Similarly, the more Golden Retriever genes in a Goldendoodle, the more likely it is to have straight hair. This is uncommon, however, because people who want a Goldendoodle tend to want a curly-haired Goldendoodle, so Goldendoodles are not bred with Golden Retrievers very often. In F2 and F3 Goldendoodles, the parentage is another great way to tell whether or not a Goldendoodle will have a straight coat- if its parents do, that raises the chances of its puppies having straight coats. First, flat-coated Goldendoodles shed more than curly or wavy-haired Goldendoodles. Unfortunately, straight-coated Goldendoodles are less hypoallergenic, and may still cause allergies in people that are allergic to dogs, so those who are allergic should steer clear of flat-coated Goldendoodles. Lookswise, those who pick a flat-coated Goldendoodle lose the classic Goldendoodle look. Though this label sounds bad, it can bring lots of benefits. First, a straight-coated Goldendoodle will admirably resemble a Golden Retriever, which is said to be one of the cutest dogs out there. This is because dogs with flat coats are less prone to getting tangles and mats in their coat than curly or wavy-haired dogs. This will also lend to it being less expensive. The Mini Goldendoodle Smooth coat is more apartment-friendly and safer for young kids. The Mini Goldendoodle straight coat is also easier to groom and clean. These pups are active, fun-loving, and intelligent. They have a gentle guard instinct and love to please their owners. Is Straight Hair Goldendoodle a great family dog? The Flat Coat Goldendoodle craves human companionship and loves spending time with her family. Because of their great temperament, these pups are perfect for families of all sizes. Is Straight Hair Goldendoodle good around small children? The Straight Coat Goldendoodle is ideal for children of all ages. These pups are gentle and patient with children, making them perfect family dogs. Straight Hair Goldendoodle grooming and cleaning Grooming a Flat Coat Goldendoodle is much easier than her curly-haired counterparts. Brushing her coat twice a week will remove loose hair and keep it clean. Straight Hair Goldendoodle haircut The Straight Coat Goldendoodle has lovely locks you can keep as long or as short as you like. How to straighten Goldendoodle hair A curly Goldendoodle can have the smooth, long-hair look of the Flat Coat Goldendoodle. This diet should supply her with the nutrients she needs to keep a healthy weight and good skin and coat condition. The Good and the Gas! Straight Hair Goldendoodle exercise requirement The Straight Coat Goldendoodle is an energetic breed that will need plenty of activity to keep her occupied. She loves playing fetch, chasing the ball , and running around the yard with her family or canine friends. At the very least, you should take your Goldendoodle for a long walk every day. However, she can be stubborn when it comes to housebreaking. Straight Hair Goldendoodle common health issues The Straight Coat Goldendoodle enjoys a healthy life free from congenital issues. Nevertheless, here are five health issues you should be aware of. In some cases, it can be fatal. Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is an issue with the hip joints in young Doodles. These pups have a high risk of developing a laxity in their hips, which causes them a lot of discomfort and pain. Bloat: This is a fatal issue that affects large breeds. The stomach twists and blocks the blood flow to vital organs. Without medical treatment, bloating can be quite dangerous within hours. This discoloration makes it difficult for her to see and can lead to blindness. Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis: This is a heart condition that causes poor blood circulation in the heart. It can be harmful if left untreated. However, their recent popularity has convinced more breeders to sell straight-coated Goldendoodles. Check with any reputable Goldendoodle breeder to see if they have any Smooth Coat Goldendoodles available. It is possible that some Goldendoodle puppies with straight hair change their coat texture when they get older and often get wavy or curly fur. How to tell what coat your Goldendoodle will have? You have a Straight Coat Goldendoodle puppy if you see short straight hair. Can Double Doodles have straight hair? For a Double Doodle, straight hair is a possibility, albeit a rarity. To get a Flat-coated Doodle, she would have to inherit the coat type from her non-Poodle parents. Are Straight Hair Goldendoodle rare? Yes, Straight Hair Goldendoodles are pretty rare. Can F1b Goldendoodles have Straight Hair? In a Goldendoodle, straight hair occurs when the Golden Retriever genes dominate. Is the Straight Hair Goldendoodle right for me? The Goldendoodle is an ideal all-around pet that comes in multiple sizes. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More A Goldendoodle with straight hair might have been a rare sight in the recent past, but they are gaining much recognition in Doodle circles. Just as adorable as their curly and wavy counterparts, Goldendoodles with straight hair sport a less Poodle-like look while also benefiting from a less demanding coat care regimen. Can Goldendoodles Have Straight Hair? The Goldendoodle is probably one of the most popular hybrid breeds thanks to its amazing personality, loving nature , and hypoallergenic coat. As the Goldendoodle is a mix of the Golden Retriever and Poodle, the puppies will inherit their genetic makeup from both of the parents. Consequently, this gives us a wide range of estimates about how the Goldendoodle puppies might turn out. Some pups will inherit their looks and traits from the Poodle parent, while others take after the Golden Retriever parent. By combining the genetics of the Golden Retriever and Poodle, Goldendoodles can come in four coat types — curly, wavy, straight, and flat coat. This makes them the perfect choice for people who struggle with allergies. People often refer to straight coat Goldendoodles as flat-coated. However, not all straight coat Goldendoodles have flat coats. If straight coat Goldendoodles have fluffy beards, eyebrows, and ears, then flat coat pups have short and smooth facial hair. In fact, they look very much like the Golden Retriever parent. After all, the purpose was to create a breed that has many of the same qualities as the Golden Retriever, but with an allergy-friendly coat. Although breeders often prefer to produce curlier Goldendoodles, straight haired Goldendoodles can just as well happen. Naturally, a Goldendoodle is more likely to have a straight coat if their lineage includes equal parts of the purebred parents. So, why exactly do some Goldendoodles have straight hair? Genetics Whether a Goldendoodle has straight hair or a curly coat, the biggest key factor is their genetic makeup. Naturally, the outcome is never the same. Some puppies exhibit dominant Poodle genes, others have more dominant Golden Retriever genes. What determines if a Goldendoodle pup gets curly, wavy, or straight coat is the presence and amount of curl genes. Additionally, genetics also determine if a puppy can get a flat coat. Many Goldendoodle breeders do genetic testing on their parent pups to know what coat types can be achieved. However, keep in mind that not all breeders have their dogs DNA tested.

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. 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. Regular dog-walking increases social interaction for children—especially those who have just moved to a neighborhood and are feeling homesick for their former home. A child who might not want to go out into the neighborhood alone, feels that he or she has a purpose in walking the dog, and therefore can face unfamiliar faces or places more easily than when alone. Walking the dog could be the perfect way for a shy or awkward adolescent to meet new friends in the neighborhood. 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… During the 17th century, shortly after founding of Jamestown, Virginia in , English settlers explored and began settling the areas adjacent to Hampton Roads. At that time, settlers began clearing land along the James River the navigable part of which was called Hampton Roads for plantations, including the present area of Newport News. Newport News was a rural area of plantations and a small fishing village until after the American Civil War. Construction of the railroad and establishment of the great shipyard brought thousands of workers and associated development. It was one of only a few cities in Virginia to be newly established without earlier incorporation as a town. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! My name is Harper, and I'm a female dog with a sleek black coat and a cute white spot on my fur. I'm here to tell you a little bit about myself and why I would make the perfect addition to your family. First and foremost, I have a gentle and loving personality. I wouldn't harm a fly, let alone a mockingbird! I am always eager to make new friends, both human and canine alike. Whether it's cuddling up on the couch or going for a long walk, I'm always ready to spend time with my loved ones. As a bonus, I'm also a very good-looking pup. My black coat is shiny and smooth, and my white spot and the white between my eyes make me stand out in a crowd. I always turn heads when I'm out and about! So, if you're looking for a sweet and friendly companion, look no further than me. I promise to be the loyal and loving friend you've been searching for. Don't hesitate to contact my current caretakers if you're interested in meeting me - I can't wait to show you just how wonderful I am! Come meet me and all of our Furry Friends Tuesday through Saturday

This sweet creature, unfortunately, gets a bad rap because of its past and because of owners who raise Pit Bulls improperly and for inappropriate reasons. Despite being originally bred for fighting, playful Pitties excel in being companions, working dogs, and service dogs. As long as you properly train and socialize your APBT, it will get along well with kids and other pets. The American Pit Bull Terrier With a height that ranges from 17 to 21 inches 43 to 53 cm and a weight that can reach up to 60 pounds 27 kgs , the Pit Bull has a muscular and proportionate body with floppy ears and a long tail. Pitties are also famous for their irresistible smile, which gives this dog a happy, expressive face. The Boxer Bred as an ancient war dog, the Boxer is another muscular and powerful dog that is said to be great with families. As a natural jumper, the playful and energetic dog needs an owner with a lot of patience who can provide him the exercise, training, and socialization he needs. A Boxer puppy It has a short muzzle and full, round eyes, and looks confused or curious in an irresistible way. With a short, sleek coat, this dog has a height between .Boxers, without a doubt, are loving dogs. Does this hybrid look more like Pit Bull or the Boxer? Their appearance is unpredictable, but one thing you can be sure of is that Pitoxers could have more attributes from one parent compared to the other. How big will a Pitbull Boxer mix get? Male and female Pitoxers can grow to 17 to 20 inches 43 to 51 cm and 16 to 19 inches 41 to 48 cm in height, respectively. Males have an average weight range of 60 to 80 pounds 27 to 36 kg while females can weigh between 50 to 70 pounds 23 to 32 kg. The beautiful Pitbull Boxer Mix This medium-to-large dog has a broad head and chest, short muzzle, long legs, and a short, smooth coat. Its coat comes in all sorts of colors, but the most common ones are black, brown, yellow, and tan. With their short hair and lack of double coat, they are sensitive to extreme weather conditions. During summer, stay away from intense heat by taking your Boxer Pit mix out early in the morning or at night. They also have a fun-loving, even-tempered nature, so they usually fit in well with most families. Boxer Pitbull mixes generally have a more stable temperament and are less aggressive. They like staying close to their pack, so many of them are affectionate and loyal companions. The key is to reduce the likelihood of aggression in the Boxer Pit mix is proper training. You can keep your Pitoxer from turning into an overprotective guard dog by introducing him to as many animals and people as you can. If they are socialized at a young age and are treated with love and respect by the people around them, these crossbreeds can be such a joy to have around. A good dog is a reflection of its owner, and how your Pitbull-Boxer cross turns out depends on how you raise it. Does this pup look like a scary fellow to you? How does the Boxer Pitbull Mix behave around other pets like cats? If a Pitoxer puppy gets proper socialization, it will grow up without having trouble getting along with the other pets that you have in the house. Yes, even with cats. Taking in a full-grown Pitbull Boxer Mix is a different matter. Prepare for a potentially problematic situation between him and the other pets, especially cats and smaller dogs. Be gentle yet consistent in teaching your dog commands. Use rewards and lots of praise to encourage him to be obedient. Punishing your pet is likely lead to result in aggression. Do these hybrids shed fur? Brushing his coat once a week is enough. You can use a bristle brush or a grooming mitt for ease. Unfortunately, the coat of the Pitbull Boxer mix is not hypoallergenic due to its moderate shedding. You can bring them to the vet or a reputable groomer once a month for ear check-ups, too. Big breeds like the Boxer Pit need 2 cups of dry dog food a day, split into two or three meals. If your dog has an average level of activity, they would need around 1, to 1, calories a day. Aside from food, make sure your Boxer Pit mix has clean drinking water at all times. Providing the exercise these crossbreeds need Coming from strong, muscular purebred parents, the Pitbull Boxer mix requires a lot of physical activity. Help your Boxer Pit mix release his pent-up energy through 2 hours of physical activities per day. Once you notice that your dog is starting to slow down and pant, give him a 5-minute break and give him some water to hydrate and cool-off. Make sure to give your dog the exercise it needs. Insufficient physical activity can lead to frustration which means barking, digging, and destruction. These are tips for a full-grown Pitoxer, though. Health problems that the Pitbull Boxer Mix may get You might think that giving your dog enough exercise and keeping an eye on his diet should keep him healthy enough throughout his lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Though these hybrids are generally healthy, they can still be susceptible to the health conditions that affect their parent breeds, such as:. Brindle 2. She needs plenty of exercise and lots of play! Given that both the Boxer and the Pitbull were bred for use as working dogs, these breeds are very energetic, so your Boxer Pitbull Mix requires a lot of exercise. This is what a well-exercised Boxer Pitbull Mix should look like: The Boxer Pitbull Mix is very playful and will need lots of toys at home. Careful, though! With her strong jaw and love of chewing, this dogs can destroy a chew toy within minutes. When you take her out, take a ball or a Frisbee to play fetch. She will love it! You should take her out for a brisk one-hour walktwice a day. If you are running, twenty minutes to half an hour should be enough. If your dog tires you will notice her slowing or beginning to pant excessively you should stop for a five-minute break and hydrate her. I recommend taking out a collapsible doggie bowl in which you can give her water. A note on exercising your Pitbull Boxer Mix puppy This advice on exercise applies to the adult dog only, as when large-breed puppies do too much running and ball-chasing this can cause long-term injuries. With your Pitbull Boxer Mix puppy, it is best to do lots of short walks and indoor play until she matures, at about 1 year — 16 months. Watch this 11 week old Pitbull Boxer Mix. She is curious, playful, active, and absolutely, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Whatever the weather — not with this dog! In rainy weather, she will need a doggie coat to keep her warm. During summer months, it is best to take her out in the early morning or the evening when the sun is less intense. She may still need sunscreen, but make sure you purchase one without zinc oxide, as it is toxic for dogs. The Pitbull is also a very affectionate dog when well-socialized, who will lick you all over if you give her an inch. She was in fact bred for both work and companionship , and due to her gentle nature, is beginning to be used more and more as a therapy dog. Both Boxer and Pitbull are also great with children , which makes them excellent family dogs. The Boxer is very patient and protective, while the Pitbull is solid, a people-pleaser and highly trainable. So mix them together and what have you got? A companionable, affectionate dog who fits in perfectly with a family, wants a lot of attention and gives in return. It is, of course, worth noting that as puppies they are going to be more hyper, and so their contact with children must be supervised. Also, your dog must be well-exercised to be around children, as if not she will be incredibly excitable and could knock over a small child. Her guard dog instinct is strong, which can be useful if there is an intruder or attacker. These are courageous dogs who used to risk their lives baiting bulls, so have no doubt that she will defend you and yours if necessary. If this instinct gets out of hand, however, it can become a problem. You must make sure that you socialize your Boxer Pitbull Mix from a young age with as many people as you can. Invite friends and neighbors to your home and provide her with a positive association by having the person give her a treat when they arrive. As long as you train her well and stay consistent, this dog will be the friendliest dog around. She might be too hands-on for older pets Providing they are both socialized properly, both breeds can get on well with other animals, particularly Boxers. As for play style, Pitbulls can be rough and Boxers like to use their front paws when playing much like a boxer… oh, that makes sense! People are also beginning to look past the negative stigma around Pitbulls and realize their high intelligence and trainability, too. Director of Operations at Universal K9 claims that out of the hundreds of dogs he has trained for police work, the Pitbull, Kiah, is one of the top three he has ever placed. These dogs can be stubborn, though, meaning that you need to be firm and consistent with them. As long as you are in charge, your Boxer Pitbull Mix should pick up basic commands quickly. Make sure you do enough repetition and provide rewards and lots of praise. As puppies, they are boisterous and energetic little characters. You will need to be assertive in order to get their focus. She is a moderate shedder Though these dogs have a short coat, they are moderate shedders and will require a good grooming session once a week. They will probably lose more fur in the Spring, from April through May, so it may be a good idea to brush her twice a week during these periods. She will also need her ears checked monthly, either at the vet or with a reputable groomer. She is usually healthy but has some potential health concerns The Pitbull Boxer Mix is generally a healthy breed, as both pure breeds are as long as she gets sufficient exercise, of course and as I mentioned in the intro it can live for up to 13 years. Having said that, it is always worth being informed on any potential health issues this breed can develop, so here are the main ones your dog could be prone to: Cancer While the majority of Boxers are healthy , they are at risk of an aggressive form of cancer called hemangiosarcoma , which occurs in the blood vessel cells. It can be difficult to detect, but signs can include weakness, a distended abdomen, difficulty breathing and weight loss. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible, as this cancer can spread rapidly. Hip dysplasia This condition consists of a malformation of the hip joint, where it is unstable or loose in the socket. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals shows that this condition occurs in both breeds , although Pitbulls are more susceptible. Severe cases can lead to arthritic joints and lameness. Signs can include walking or running with an altered gait and reluctance to fully extend their rear legs or jump. Weight control helps enormously with this condition; keep her slim, as any excess weight will put stress on her joints. Heart disease The Boxer is prone to a heart problem called aortic stenosis , which in most cases of the disease the dog is born with. This disease causes narrowing of the aortic valve, which puts pressure on the heart. Symptoms can include rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, sudden loss of consciousness, and congestive heart failure. If your vet picks up a heart murmur, the diagnosis can be confirmed with an X-ray and a cardiac ultrasound. Allergies Pitbulls can have various allergies , so your Pitbull Boxer Mix may be susceptible. They can be treated with antihistamines, and in the case of skin irritation, you should use shampoos specifically designed for sensitive skin. Conclusion Are you a family with children without any older pets? Are you ready to dedicate your days to plenty of exercise and play with your new lively companion? Can you give her the consistent training she needs? If the answer is yes to all of the above, you are more than ready to own a Pitbull Boxer Mix, and she will be more than happy to have you. Have you got a Pitbull Boxer Mix and a story to share? Comment below! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. Had her posted on the local shelter site but no takers. We have a year-old Chihuahua and 8-year-old Yorkie so keeping the new dog inside is not possible. For a temporary measure we put a cardboard box with lots of pillows and blankets warmed in the dryer on the porch swing. It has since warmed up into the range. She appears to be happy running around outside and sleeping on the porch swing near the now chewed up box. We have ordered a dog house for her and are having her spayed tomorrow. We are a late middle-aged couple but I hope to be able to walk with her at least once a day. I hope you can wish us well for rescuing her. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Bullboxer Pit Highlights The Bullboxer Pit is a mixed breed dog. Bullboxer Pits may tend to overeat. Owners must be diligent about monitoring diet. Bullboxer Pits have often been used as farm or guard dogs, due mostly to their loyal nature and powerful strength. The most regularly seen coat colors are brown, tan, yellow, and black. Although their coats are easy to maintain, Bullboxer Pits do shed all year long. Brushing can help. Due to their exercise requirements, physical strength, and need for training, this breed might not be best for novice dog owners. Boxers came on the scene in Germany back in the s; the dogs were often used to transport supplies and ferry messages to troops during the first two World Wars. The American Pit Bull Terrier was first employed in blood sports and used in baiting bears and bulls. The first ever Bullboxer Pits can be traced back to a German dog breed called the Bullenbeisser, which is now extinct. Due to the care and attention Bullboxer Pits require from an owner, many of them can end up in shelters. Bullboxer Pit Size The Bullboxer Pit is often described as a medium-sized dog, although they are also stockier and sturdier than many other middle-sized canines. Most weigh in at 50 to 80 pounds and range in height from 16 to 20 inches. Female Bullboxer Pits can often be a little smaller than their male counterparts. Bullboxer Pit Personality Bullboxer Pits have often been used as farm or guard dogs, due mostly to their loyal nature and powerful strength. These dogs can be especially devoted to their families, and often become very protective of any children in the household. Very upbeat walks—or even jogs—are required, so the owner must also be able to maintain a healthy and regular exercise routine. Around two hours of exercise per day is required—adding agility training or even swimming to the daily sessions can help vary things up. Apartment dwellers may find that many buildings do not permit Bullboxer Pits to live with them. Some of the more common health problems Bullboxer Pits suffer from include: Obesity due to overeating. Boxer pitbulls are one of the original crossbreeds. Boxers originated in Germany during the s and were useful in times of war. Known for their intelligence, boxers would deliver messages to the battlefield across long distances. On the other hand, American pit bull terriers were used for baiting animals like boars and bulls in blood sports. In the past, boxer pits were known as the Bullenbeisser by German breeders. Unfortunately, this specific version of the boxer pit went extinct many years ago. That said, similar practices are used to create the boxer pits that you see today. Boxer pitbulls are gorgeous dogs. Their fur is often straight and smooth but long enough to cause problems with shedding. A boxer pitbull also has big, wide dark eyes and straight, pointy ears. However, some ears may droop on boxer pitbull mixes. In many cases, the way they look depends on the breeder and the dogs involved in the breeding process. Other facial features include a short snout, long legs, and a broad chest. When it comes to color, pitbull boxers are usually light brown with patches of white. Some boxer pits may have more brown or a darker shade of brown that gives off a maroon appearance. What Size Is a Pitbull Boxer? Pitbull boxers are not the biggest dogs but are not the smallest breed either. The average boxer pit weighs between 50 and 80 pounds, so there is some variation there. Variation likely depends on the breeder and the dogs used for breeding. When it comes to height, boxer pits are not that tall. When standing on their hind legs, they may reach close to 50 inches. Boxer pits have short and smooth coats. Boxer pits are known for being loyal and intelligent. Boxer pitbulls are also good with other animals and children but only under the right conditions. Are Boxer Pitbulls Affectionate? Boxer pitbulls are affectionate dogs that are loyal to their owners. They want to play with you, spend time with you, and even cuddle up in your lap. Boxer pitbulls are also easy to play with. Running in the backyard is sufficient, but they are also great hiking companions. In fact, you can do most activities with a boxer pit. Boxer pitbulls are great with kids; they will play with most toddlers and teenagers without hurting them. Plus, children can wrestle around with them without them getting too aggressive. This makes boxer pitbulls great companions for both adults and children. That said, there is a catch. Boxer pits do have aggressive tendencies when not socialized properly. Furthermore, boxer pits may be too large to play with babies and toddlers because of their weight and strength. Boxer pitbulls are good with other animals. However, they are larger dogs, so make sure you watch how your animals interact closely for signs of aggression, injury, or danger. Are Boxer Pitbulls Aggressive? Socialized boxer pitbulls are not aggressive. Do Boxer Pitbulls Bark a Lot? Not all boxer pitbulls have the same traits, so some dogs may bark at cars as they pass your window. Ultimately, it depends on the traits the dog inherits from its parents. Are Boxer Pitbulls Intelligent? Pitbull boxers are intelligent dogs and respond well to most types of training. Boxer pitbulls are also smart enough to understand triggers for rewards and punishment. Are Boxer Pitbulls Easy to Train? Intelligence is a big factor when it comes to trainability. They respond well to reward-based training and positive feedback. Moreover, they enjoy pleasing their owners, which makes them easier to train. For example, punishment does not help them learn. Instead, it leads to the opposite and increases aggression. Another problem is that boxer pitbulls become overly excited sometimes. When this happens, they become more stubborn and harder to train. Luckily, the solution here is to just let them cool off for a few minutes. Are Boxer Pitbulls Energetic? Great activities to help your boxer pit expend energy include walking, hiking, running, and fetching. Of course, plenty of safe chew toys will help too. Boxer pitbulls can be good apartment dogs, but it depends on how much space you have. Smaller apartments will struggle to contain the energy of a boxer pitbull, which may result in damage and restlessness. Boxer pitbulls also benefit from time spent outdoors in backyards and parks. Are Boxer Pitbulls Good Watchdogs? Boxer pitbulls are good watchdogs. Boxer pitbulls also get defensive over their home or owners, so they may display aggression towards aggressors. Boxer pitbulls, like many other breeds, can be good service dogs. That said, boxer pitbulls are becoming increasingly popular as emotional support animals ESAs. How to Care for Boxer Pitbulls? Caring for a boxer pitbull is easy when you have enough space and free time. As for grooming and other types of maintenance, boxer pitbulls are low-maintenance dogs. Boxer pitbulls are low maintenance when it comes to grooming. To groom your pitbull boxer, give them a few baths every three months with mild dog shampoo. While that may seem like a big gap between a bath, over-grooming can lead to skin issues. Do Boxer Pitbulls Shed? Boxer pitbulls shed a minimal amount of fur throughout the year. Brushing them every two or three weeks is enough to maintain their coat and remove excess hair. What Should a Boxer Pitbull Eat? Boxer pitbulls need a diet full of nutrition because of their high energy levels. Some important specific ingredients to look for in dog food for a boxer pitbull are ground bones, fat healthy fats , and vegetables. However, you should consult your veterinarian on all diet matters first. Boxer pitbulls have a few common health issues. These health issues include: Hip dysplasia Hemangiosarcoma cancer Allergies Depending on the health issue, there are a few ways to prevent them. Hip dysplasia is challenging to prevent, but your best option is to watch them as they age and limit their activity. For example, limit sudden changes of direction and aggressive pulling. To prevent other issues like cancer, take your boxer pitbull to the vet often to check for heart murmurs and other risk factors. For allergies, vet checkups will help you get the appropriate treatments. Boxer pitbulls have an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Are Boxer Pitbulls Expensive? Boxer pitbulls are not expensive dogs — at least when you compare them to purebred dogs like Alaskan huskies or German shepherds. You may also find boxer pitbull for free at adoption centers and online. How to Find a Boxer Pitbull Breeder? How long have you been breeding boxer pitbulls? Are your boxer pitbull puppies socialized? When was the dog last vaccinated? Is there a guarantee of health? Can You Adopt a Boxer Pitbull? Yes, you can adopt a boxer pitbull, and the process is often easy. Are Boxer Pitbulls Purebred? Boxer pitbulls are not purebred dogs. A boxer pitbull is a mix between a boxer and a pitbull. Furthermore, boxer pitbulls respond well to training and can learn dozens of voice and hand commands. Boxer pitbulls also have a mild temperament when it comes to barking, which is great for new dog owners. Therefore, boxer pitbulls may be a blessing for dog owners who love their antics, but also possibly too much work for someone looking for a more low-key dog. Below we list traits you must love to enjoy a boxer pitbull: Affectionate and playful. The recipe features real meat, garden veggies, and fruit plus whole grains and LifeSource Bits rich in antioxidants. It also features ingredients that support healthy growth and development for a growing pup. Natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine are the building blocks of healthy joints and cartilages ideal for mobility. It is packed in vitamins and minerals with antioxidant benefits for lifelong health and happiness. This kibble made for large breed adult dogs also features Iams DHA Gold to promote mental sharpness and alertness and also to encourage healthy cognitive ability. It is crafted with prebiotics for healthy digestion and strong defenses. Puppies and adult pooches have diametrically different nutritional needs, and senior canines require kibble that is gentle on their aged teeth and stomachs. We suggest you pick one of our recommendations for the best puppy food brands and the best senior dry dog food and see how your pup responds. Who knows? Given that your Pitbull Boxer is neither big nor small, they may like the taste of the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food alike, so you might want to offer them both kinds! Pitbull Boxer Mix Exercise Requirements The general advice for most dogs would be to train them while they are young. But in the case of your Pitbull Boxer cross, you have to very cautious. Puppies of large-breed origin that exerts too much energy from running or playing can cause injuries that may last his lifetime. For puppies, activities may be limited to regular short walks or play until it has reached a certain maturity, around one year up to 16 months. As it gets old, the daily exercise requirement will also change. For an adult Pitbull boxer, minutes of exercise should be adequate to maintain good health. It is a very energetic hybrid so they will thrive in a lively environment. An ideal home would mean lots of space to move around, inside or in the backyard. Some states enforce restrictions with regards to Pitbull mixes like your pitbull boxer, so you have to keep it on a leash while out exercising. Using a leash will also prevent them from running into or jumping into everyone they encounter. They are most happy walking around in the city or the Dog Park or even trudging in the mountains. Another essential thing to consider is the weather. During the rainy season, your dog will need a raincoat to protect her from the rain and also to keep her warm. Sunscreen can be used but avoid products with zinc oxide, as it is a poisonous substance. The jacket provides full chest coverage, and the solid print is stylishly chic. The elastic leg straps and adjustable fastener guarantees a snug band comfortable fit. It also features reflectorized stitching so you can see your dog even at night. It is guaranteed durable — it features a galvanized cable and coated with crack-resistant vinyl. It should be able to withstand up to 7x the weight of your dog. My Dog Nose It! Pitbull Boxer Cross Training The combination of Pitbull and Boxer is explosively stubborn, so it is a suitable pet for someone with a firm and unyielding grip in training and socialization. And as always, your dog will react and respond best with positive reinforcement, rewards, and incentives. Punishment will never work, and more often than not, will only create or aggravate behavioral problems. It is essential to reward your pet to encourage positive behavior. Early socialization and training from puppyhood will form the foundation of a well-adjusted dog. Training your Pitbull Boxer should be a piece of cake because of their ability to pick up commands. To get their focus though, you would need to be tough and establish yourself as the master and make him obey you. We listed some training activities you can try out with your petpal: Behavior Training — How do you train him to stop barking mad? Constant practice will help you achieve the desired effect but never shout at him even if he continues to bark. Also, allow him to learn commands other than barking. Keep in mind that the goal is to reward your pup for being silent. Chores Training — Teach him to fetch your newspaper for you. Playing fetch with a toy or a ball should prep your dog for this activity. All you have to do is replace the toy with the newspaper and tech your Pitbull boxer how to get it, pick it up or bring it back to you. Fun Training — Rollover is one activity designed with your big Boxer Pitbull in mind. Start with getting your dog to lie down, and eventually how to roll over. Make sure you reward each action accordingly, and of course, practice makes perfect. Pitbull Boxer Combination And Families The Pitbull Boxer will become accustomed to any family dynamic most especially when trained well and socialized correctly. Their energetic and sometimes rowdy nature can knock off small bodies, so be extra careful if you have kids. There are specific training designed to help you manage this kind of behavior. Check with your local authorities with regards to the legal status of Pitbull mixes in your area. Find out if your Boxer pitbull mix is banned or restricted. Not only will they thrive in large spaces to allow lots of movement, but they will also want owners who will dedicate their time to train and socialize and to love and care for them.

People want to know what color puppies they will get if they breed this color to that color. All you can do is make a guess. With some research and knowing the background of your lines, one can make a more educated guess, but once again its just a guess. I have spent a lot of time and effort to study pedigrees and colors but even I am still learning. Especially when it comes to the multi colors its all still a guess. Vet gen does have a DNA test that will supposedly tell you the color genes that your dog carries. I will warn people that you should never bank all your money on that test. I have known of quite a few people that have tested their dogs and gotten strange colors in their litters that were not even talked about in the test. I am also unsure if this test takes into account the multi colors. I am going to take this page and talk about what I have learned and what I have had personal experience with colors. First off what you personally are breeding for in color, is what you have to take into account. Just throwing 2 poodles together and hoping for the best is NOT good breeding practices. Once you have established that two dogs are proper breeding material and that they offset each others faults, then you have to take into account, color compatibility and what you are working towards in color. Most reputable breeders you will find will specialize in certain colors. Trying to work on too many colors at once can become frustrating and confusing, even though the temptation is great! Just throwing 2 colors together can seriously destroy the colors and their points pigment of the nose, lips, eye liner, and pads are considered the points. All other colors should have black or self colored points. This also comes into play when talking about Multicolors and mixes of the above colors. You can pretty much count on a Sable ALWAYS carrying the fading gene and that the puppy will not stay the color that it is when it is born. There may be a color hidden there that you did not know about and need to consider. Its a good way to tell the recessive color genes in your dog. This includes the parti colors. This is why many breeders think blues are a great basis for a breeding program, depending of course upon what colors you are breeding for. Mixing of these colors will cause incorrect pigment on the points since the brown shades have liver colored points and Red, Apricot, Cream, and White should all have jet black points. Breeding red or apricot to silver causes the color to fade even more than they already do as the silver and blue colors carries the fading gene. True I have bred blue to red before due to the fact that was what I had to work with at the time. But if you are truly working to deepen and darken reds and apricots and produce beautiful dogs that hold their color, you do not want to introduce any more of the fading gene into these already fading colors than you have to. These colors once again will introduce the fading gene into your browns that you are trying to keep dark. These colors will ad a yellowish tone to your whites. However, there are some breeders out there that do breed for creams and off whites by using these color combinations. Other than the absolute DO NOT's listed above, how you combine colors totally depends upon what your end goal color is in your breeding program. When using a black every few generations in a red breeding program you will hopefully help to keep dark points on the puppies and also to darken their color. HOWEVER, be very careful what colors are in the background of said black that you do not inadvertently introduce more of the fading gene. Many people consider a color bred red to have apricot in the background. This is because apricot is a dilute of red so still in the same color family. HOWEVER, do not forget that this apricot causes more fading gene to be present in your reds, so the fewer apricots used the better to keep the color. Breeding true blacks to a brown is a great way to help reduce the fading that we see in most browns. HOWEVER, once again be very careful what colors are in the background of said black that you do not inadvertently introduce more of the fading gene. Remember white is already a fading color so breeding it to another fading color will not hurt the color. You really do have to be careful when breeding whites as it is easy to loose the pigment in the points. Putting a Silver, Blue, or Black in the background will help to keep these points nice and dark. Your best chances exist when one parent being bred to these colors is a silver. I would stay away from using whites, as I have said above, or you will have to worry about pigment on resulting white offspring. When it comes to color and pattern breeding in the parti colors and by parti I mean the old definition of more than one color , it is VERY difficult to say what you are going to get. This is probably due to breeders here in the US focusing on the solid colors for so long and looking down upon the parti colors as something that is undesirable. NOTE: If you are breeding for a specific color pattern it is recommended to breed like pattern to like pattern for best results. It is very hard to say though how heavy of markings you will get in a breeding as of yet. I have had very heavily marked piebalds that have been bred together and have produced piebalds will very little spotting at all. Since each and every piebald has a unique pattern and no two are alike its very hard to guess at how the genes will come together. You also have the new trend of people trying to produce heavier marked piebalds. These piebalds are know as true Tuxedos a dog that has white in a bib around the neck that may or may not go all the way around the neck, totally white on the belly and up into the chest, white on the legs that may extend all the way up to the elbow and or knees, may or may not have white markings on the face or head, and with the rest of the dog being predominately the darker color. There are many breeder out there that are incorrectly calling their abstract mismarked poodles a tuxedo. These puppies are usually produced from solid dogs or a solid bred to a piebald and not from two piebalds bred together. They are heavier on the dark color than the white but still are considered to be a piebald and are produced by piebalds. Once again your best chance of getting a tuxedo is to breed to a tuxedo. However you will also get regular piebalds in the litter. Since these tuxedo piebalds are just a heavily marked version of a piebald, the exact formula of breeding to get these markings is still being worked on. It all depends upon what the background of that phantom dog is and if that dog will carry the piebald gene. If the phantom carries the piebald gene I have found that the phantom gene is recessive to that of the piebald gene. If the phantom does NOT carry for piebald, then usually what you will get is a mixture of heavily abstract mismarked and even solid colored puppies. Every once in a while you will get a phantom patterned puppy but as I said it seems to be recessive so that would mean that the piebald would carry the gene for phantom. Puppies produced from such breedings are usually referred to as parti factored. Meaning that they carry the gene for parti. However this is still debated among parti people. Genetically they should carry for parti regardless, however when some of these parti factored are bred to a piebald they will not produce piebald puppies. It all will depend upon how these recessive gene line up in the produced puppies. Also remember that you can breed a pair together one time and get totally different results the next time they are bred together. Some colors seem to be more conducive to producing piebalds when bred to solid colored dogs such as white and silvers. It is still unsure as to why these solid colors seem to produce piebalds more than others but is speculated to be because they are recessive colors and not dominate to the piebald color. I personally have noticed that blues will tend to produce piebalds as well as other parti colors when bred to a parti patterned dog. Once again I believe this is because blues carry the gene for all colors. Once again as with the piebald puppies it may or may not come through in your breeding. It depends upon how the recessive genes line up. Also as with the piebalds there are some colors that are more conducive to producing phantom when bred to a solid than other colors. There seems to be a link between the phantoms and the red poodles. It is unsure what the correlation is yet but there is a lot of speculation. I have also noticed that whites and silvers will allow the phantom gene to come through. Also surprisingly I have known of quite a few solid blacks that will throw phantoms that have not had phantoms in their background that we know of. Many of these solid blacks have had a lot of red in the background, which leads us back to the correlation between reds and phantoms. If you look at the dogs that were used to create the poodle, such as the Portuguese water dog, you will see where these abstract markings come from. Abstract markings are called mismarks by many of the older breeders. I find that the term abstract used by the UKC is a lot more pleasing to most people. Contrary to the belief of the old time solid breeders this is not a flaw but something that is in the poodle genes from the beginning as I explained above. These dogs will usually have white on the chest, some white on the feet or toes and may or may not have white markings on the face or head. In the old days all the parti patterns were lumped into the mismark category, however today we know that the abstract gene and the genes for the other parti patterns are separate genes. Since most dogs carry for the abstract, you can get abstracts in any litter, whether its solid bred to solid or solid bred to another pattern. On the other hand I have bred to poodle that were abstracts together and gotten some of my most beautiful solid colored puppies. You do have to be careful as these solids will then carry this gene recessively and if you are working to produce only solid colored puppies you will have to breed accordingly. It is unsure as to where that particular gene originated but I believe this gene too comes from the dogs used to create the poodle breed. I have found that most brindles are produced from a blue parent. Once again this would go to show that blue carries for everything. Brindle bred to brindle will produce almost nothing but brindle as this gene seems to be quite dominate. Brindle bred to a solid color will usually produce a litter with mostly brindles and a few solids. These solids produced WILL carry and produce brindles. The brindle pattern can be produced in a variety of colors. SABLES Sables have also been around since the beginning in poodles and in my opinion is a difficult color to reproduce. A sable bred to a sable is of course your best bet to produce sable but it does not always result in sables. I have seen two sables bred together and the result was nothing but solid colored puppies with no markings what so ever. I have also noticed that many sables will come from a blue parent just as with the brindle pattern. I have also seen sables produced by solid silvers and whites. It is difficult to try and tell someone how to breed for sable when not much is known about the sable gene. I also do not know of a lot of breeders out there breeding just for sable. Like piebald markings on the body and phantom markings on the face, or a brindle with abstract markings, or a piebald with brindle or sable being the spotting color. These are the most difficult to determine where they came from. Its all in how these usually recessive genes line up. Sometimes they appear out of seemingly thin air. Until more is know about how the parti genes combine, and more test breedings are done to try and produce more multi patterns, its almost impossible to tell someone what to breed together other than the obvious combinations that may or may not produce the desired effect to produce a multi patterned parti. Just for an example, many people think that breeding a piebald to a phantom will produce a dog with piebald markings on the body but phantom markings on the face. Where this may have been the way some have been produced in the past, it will usually not result in a multi patterned dog. Article written by Keisha C. It just wastes my time and yours. I do not have any puppies or adults for sale. All articles on this site unless otherwise states are written by me, Keisha of Arpeggio Poodles. Articles by other people have been given their due credit. I am sorry I have to post this but I am finding my articles being stolen and being placed on other peoples sites. All photos are sole property of Arpeggio Poodles unless otherwise noted. Reproduction of photos without express written permission is prohibited! All pictures and graphics unless otherwise stated are of my own design. Please do not take them. Most of the information on my site is from my own views, opinions, or research that I have done. Where appropriate I have sited my sources and links to their sites. Do not take my opinions as that of a licensed vet. Any person that relies solely on my information does so at their own risk. Thanks for all the support! We have reached so many visits that our counter that only goes to 1,,, has started over for the 6th time now. Thanks everyone for making this site such a success! This site is dedicated to my Mother and Father. Bless you both. I know you are happy once again being reunited. Thank you for being my friends, my teachers, my heros and my parents. I miss you both greatly. Your loving daughter. We at PuppyFor. We have them in all sorts of colors, including red, black, grey, sable, silver, white, brown, apricot, and cream. Adults grow to be between pounds, and a height of 10 inches or under. Teacup poodles are smaller, between pounds, and under 10 inches in height. This means you can take them with you in-cabin when flying. Intelligent - Did you know that toy poodles and teacup poodles are the second smartest of all puppy breeds? They are also highly trainable. Hypoallergenic - Do you or someone in your family suffer from allergies? Social - Poodles have wonderful temperament, and are very social. Your friends and family will fall in love with one in no time. Extremely affectionate- Toy poodles and teacup poodles are very affectionate, and love to cuddle and be around you. We only breed parents if they have had no health or genetic issues for at least 2 generations. When you purchase a Toy or Teacup Poodle from us, we provide a health guarantee, X-Ray report showing the puppy has no joint issues, a health and vaccination certificate, and microchip the puppy. We always offer high quality videos of each Poodle, so that you can see for yourself how they look in real life. We never use stock photos or re-use photos of puppies. Each and every photo and video of our Teacup and Toy Poodle puppies are of that puppy. Puppy Breeds.

8 week old golden retriever puppies - We appreciate your time and hope we can answer any questions you have about our English golden retriever puppies. We have a 14 acre farm located just outside of Culpeper, Virginia. Our golden retrievers are all in the house with us, although there is a dog room. This room provides the golden retrievers a safe space where they can't get into trouble if they are without supervision. A group of dogs tend to pack together and follow a leader, even in behavior they wouldn't do on their own so it's important to keep them safe when alone. As a breeder, I spend much of my day in the dog room working. More time if there is a litter of puppies for sale! I put my goldens out every hour or so and let them stay out until they ask to come in, usually 15 or 20 minutes. We both get a lot of exercise with this schedule. As the days grow longer, they enjoy staying out longer. Winter was my first breed dog and now, at five, is a pet only. Snow is the only breed female I have but this will be her last litter. She will be going to her forever home after this litter. She has another four years of breeding but I believe she will be better served by letting her find her perfect home. Reine and Summer are the future breeding couple and will be bred next year. Although we started breeding Cream Golden Retrievers in , we have been raising goldens retrievers for over 40 years. There is no better companion or family pet. All of our dogs are house pets. They share the house with us, their rescue siblings and a few old cats. Currently the money is going to Samaritan's Purse. We also donate a puppy every litter to Semper K9s Assistance Dogs. Our english golden retriever puppies are raised in our home with us, their parents, aunts, cousins and sisters. We are a small family breeder with all of our dogs and puppies living in our home with a lovely large one acre, fenced-in yard just 20 minutes southwest of downtown Richmond, VA. They are socialized with us and our other dogs in our home. Absolutely NO cages, puppy pens are used occasionally to keep order in the house, but never kennels, or runs or outdoor doghouses. Although we do not use crates as a general rule ourselves, many Shadymist puppy families and friends do with great success. We agree that crate use is highly recommended for at least the first few months as it aids in house-training, prevents boredom destruction, maintains a safe environment for the puppy from curiosity mishaps, as well as a peaceful place to nap with a toy and a blanket. Your English Cream Golden Retriever puppy is raised from birth to your home within our home with constant love, attention and interactive stimulation, all of which promote a healthy, stable people-loving personality with good basic manners! Our home, here in the foothills of the Appalachian Trail and the Great Eastern Divide, is surrounded by all the beauty and wildlife that West Virginia offers. We have enjoyed every minute of these wonderful, loving, intelligent and beautiful dogs. We do not in-breed or line-breed our dogs and, our dogs eat a raw meat diet, they also enjoy fruits and vegetables everyday along with vitamins. Our puppy's health is considered long before they are born. They are a stockier dog, with big black eyes. Our dogs are very light cream and the lightest color possible for this breed. They are very pack oriented meaning they want to stay close to their own people. They have a very calm demeanor as adults and make excellent therapy dogs. They are intelligent, intuitive, loyal, travel well, and make excellent companions for all ages. They have been very popular for their overall beauty and personality, but foremost are healthier than American Golden Retrievers since they have not been so in-bred and line-bred like American Golden Retrievers a common practice with most breeders over the years. White Oak Golden Retrievers follow a holistic approach to raising dogs. We are authorities on health and diet. We want all our Golden Retrievers to live long lives in health and strive in every way to educate and support our Golden Retriever owners. Our information we share is backed up with research from leading Holistic Veterinarians all over the world. If you would like more information on welcoming a White Golden Retriever into your family contact us today: White Oak Golden Retrievers. Cream and sugar? Yes, please. Our English Golden Retriever puppies are born and raised in a highly supervised and nurturing environment and are extensively integrated into our daily family life and receive lots of individualized care and affection. We have meticulously developed puppy care protocols that prepare each puppy for a successful and easy transition to their new home - including sleeping through the night and ease of potty training. Their regal physiques, jet-black pigment and lush coats make them irresistible! Our lists typically fill up very quickly, so keep this in mind when planning the ideal timeframe to contact us for bringing your new baby home. Based on your preferred timeframe for bringing your puppy home, we will contact you as soon as there is news of anticipated due dates. Pre-Reservation Contact List: This is for families who express interest in a Creekside Golden puppy at some point in the more distant future and is ordered based on the date of application submission. Families on this list are also kept up-to-date on news as it becomes available, and as time draws nearer are then transferred to the Reservation List described above. Families are asked to complete a brief application that provides information about their home environment and the physical and temperamental preferences for their puppy. We are then able to carefully consider these preferences when matching puppies with their new families. We provide our new owners with a very comprehensive puppy packet containing: Holistic Lifestyle Recommendations.


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8 week old golden retriever puppies - We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. Origin of the Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Designer dogs — the result of deliberately crossing two different pedigrees — are a relatively recent phenomenon. But the Labrador and German Shepherd pedigrees both go right back to the 19th century. And understanding their individual histories provides important insights into German Sheprador temperament. Labrador history Labradors were originally bred as hunting dogs, to retrieve fallen waterfowl from the water. Breeders selected breeding dogs for traits which made them great at this job: a strong build, a thick waterproof coat, and an enthusiasm to learn and work in a team with their handler. The best Labs were also gentle and chilled out companions once the hunting day was over. Which is why Labradors exploded so successfully onto the pet scene, and into service roles as well. Unlike Labs, GSDs needed to be able to work confidently at a distance from their handler. They also used to double up as watch dogs and guard dogs, alerting their owner to the arrival of anything unfamiliar, which might be a threat to their flock. Like Labradors, they also proved to be remarkably versatile, and succeed in a wide variety of roles — including police work, military work, narcotics detection, and service roles. What to Expect From a Black Lab German Shepherd Mix The whole purpose of establishing pedigrees for purebred dogs is to ensure that all the puppies descended from that pedigree look and behave in a reliable way. Inevitably, mixing breeds creates possibilities for unpredictable results. Puppies inherit traits from both of their parents at random. Designer dogs with parents who have a lot in common are easier to predict. Puppies from parents who either look very different, or were bred for very different purposes, are more variable. Black Labs can also carry the genes for chocolate and yellow coloring. Some Labs also silently carry the genes for markings like tan points. These genes hark back to when Gordon Setters contributed to the foundation of the breed. So a black Lab German Shepherd mix puppy might be black or dark brown, and have markings including sable shading or tan points. How big do German Shepherd black Lab mixes get? Labradors and German Shepherds are both medium to large sized dogs. Labs weigh 55 to 80 pounds, and GSDs weigh 50 to 90 pounds. For both breeds, females tend to occupy the bottom end of the weight range, and males the upper end. So, a black Lab German Shepherd mix could weigh anything between 50 and 90 pounds too. Their weight will be partly determined by all of the following: the general parameters of the breed the size of their parents their sex and environmental factors, like receiving adequate nutrition in puppyhood. Do black Lab German Shepherd mix dogs shed? Labs and GSDs both have thick double coats — ideal for insulating them against harsh weather conditions whilst working. So, one thing we can say for sure about the black Lab German Shepherd is that they too will be high-shedding dogs. Regular brushing, and seasonal grooming with specialist tools like a Furminator can help to keep your house clear of discarded fur. They also have a strong retrieving instinct — or in other words they like to carry things around in their mouths! Black Labs in particular have traditionally been favored for working roles, so they tend to be focussed and easily motivated to engage in training. German Shepherds are often described as courageous and loyal. They have strong herding and guarding instincts. Part of this is an innate distrust of unfamiliar people. Although, they are devoted and affectionate to their human family and regular guests. They are also very smart, and capable of picking up new cues quickly. But they are both talented problem solvers and quick learners. Sheprador puppies are sure to be smart and trainable too. So, the training and socialization you do with them while they are young will be very important. Puppies under 12 weeks old readily form positive associations with new things, if they have a good first encounter with them. Socialization is particularly important for German Shepherds and their mixes, because they are naturally inclined to be wary of strangers. It gives them the confidence to interact calmly with the world when they are older. Typically friendly breeds like Labs still need socializing too. And very friendly individuals will also need teaching how to greet people calmly, without jumping up or getting over excited. German Shepradors also need methodical leash training from a young age — being dragged along the sidewalk by a large dog is no fun! Exercise Labs and GSDs are both athletic dogs which have been bred to be mentally and physically active for several hours a day. An adult Lab GSD mix dog needs at least 2 hours of walking per day. At home, they enjoy additional games of fetch, tug and scent work. Training and puzzle feeders like Kongs and sniffle mats are valuable for providing mental exercise. A Sheprador is also likely to enjoy dog sports like fieldwork and advanced obedience training. Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Health Just like in every other respect, Sheprador health is a mixed inheritance from both of their parent breeds. Labrador Health. This will help you to recognize the nature of the Sheprador a little better. This gave us the Labrador we have come to know and love in modern-day society. Your black Lab pup could weigh as much as 80 lbs, reaching heights of 24 inches. The black Labrador Retriever is an ideal companion because they are always eager to learn and a pleasure to train. These loyal fur babies come from a long line of useful working hounds. Did you know that up until the s, the lovable Labrador was pretty much only black and was intentionally bred to go along on hunting and shooting expeditions? Read next: black dog breeds. The Temperament of the Black Labrador Retriever These sweet-natured furballs are generally pretty active. They love to play and learn. They especially love meeting new people, and they have a strong sense of family loyalty. The American Labrador, or hunting Lab, is built with a daintier frame and tends to possess a bigger drive for retrieving. These doggos are successful at field trials and competitive activities such as hunting. Some Labs, however, are bred specifically for the show ring. Black Labradors are an asset in hunting and sporting communities, and although the popular choice was black, that has shifted slightly in recent years. Where hunting dog owners still do prefer a black coat, those wanting a Lab as a pet or in a show certainly have a preference for a lighter shade. Breeders today sell predominantly lighter-colored Labs, such as yellow, fox red, and chocolate. These good-tempered hounds can be proud members of your family for 12 years or even longer with a healthy diet and the right exercise regime. Standing tall at about 26 inches at shoulder height, this fuzzy friend is clad in a glossy coat and outlined with curvaceous, athletic proportions. A star student, the German Shepherd is delightfully reliable, courageous to the core, and a loyal companion to have by your side. Looking for more intelligent GSD mixes? Getting to Know the German Shepherd The beloved German Shepherds are loyal to the point of putting their own lives on the line when it concerns protecting their loved ones. German Shepherds are extremely courageous but are also one of the most intelligent dog breeds. But when they mean business, these hounds can give a cheetah a run for their money. Looking for a smaller companion? Read more about the most intelligent small dog breeds. The Temperament of the German Shepherd Stout-hearted German Shepherds have been described as the canines that lead the ranks of royalty. Moreover, their character is what sets them shoulders above the rest of the hairy hounds. They have, however, been noted to display a distant, cool quality that does not always bode well for making new friends. However, they still continue to be devoted guardians and valuable team members. Want a protective GSD mix? Yup, you guessed it. A hound that is a blend of two fantastic pups. Both bring enthusiasm and athletic abilities to the table. Labradors, for example, were originally bred as hunting hounds to retrieve fallen fowl from the water and aided as companions on the hunt. Two of the most popular doggos in America are the Labrador and the German Shepherd, so they make for a popular choice among breeders interested in exploring hybrid breeds. These designer pooches are the result of crossing two pure-blooded canines. The Nature of the Lab and German Shepherd Mix When mixing two different dog breeds, each with its own unique nature, there is a possibility for random and unexpected results. This is because traits are passed on and inherited randomly. We can, however, predict that a Sheprador puppy, much like any other hybrid, will inherit the best features from their parent dogs. Despite this, of the batch of hybrid Sheprador pups, some will display more of a German Shepherd personality, and others, more of a black Lab Retriever. Labradors are a very big success in the service and work industry, and to have as domesticated pets in the family home. Their gentle, laid-back nature was an asset to their human companions after a long day of hunting. Born and bred as herding dogs, German Shepherds make excellent security dogs and prefer to work at a distance from whoever is in charge. A handler or herder will get alerted by their German Shepherd whenever something suspicious poses a threat. Labradors are not similar in this regard. But like the lovely Lab, German Shepherds are incredibly versatile creatures and excel in any task they take on. Both doggos are gifted in service or military posts and even in the detection of narcotics. Socialization of the German Shepherd Labrador Mix An essential part of parenthood, when it comes to owning a dog, is socializing your pup. This process allows your pooch to get used to other animals and people. It also helps them to get to know new places and activities. Believe it or not, this is even more reason to prioritize socialization so as to ensure that when they do inevitably interact with other animals or people, they do so in the best way possible. The German Shepherds in your Sheprador will mean they are loyal to the end when it comes to their favorite humans, but they can definitely be wary of strangers. Luckily through early socialization during puppyhood, they can learn good habits. Socialization can even include having people over at your house so they can become used to new voices and faces. Getting them used to small children is also essential to avoid any unwanted accidents out of fear or nervousness. And, of course, if you have other pets, the earlier you introduce them to your Sheprador puppy, the better. Anything new should ideally be introduced earlier rather than later. German Shepherd Labs are likely to inherit this friendliness from both of their parents. Proper socialization will ensure that all parties are comfortable and that your pooch has the confidence to get out there and interact in a healthy way. Read more about why puppies whine so much and why puppies lick your face. Additionally, you should also be sure that you have lots of free time for games and activities that your dog can join in on, such as garden games or even jogging and hiking. These pups can get bored easily and become destructive if they are not properly stimulated. These dogs are really great with children, much like their parent breeds. If properly socialized as puppies, they are truly a joy to have around kids supervised, preferably. So if you have family members who can share the responsibility of entertaining these hounds, then that would be ideal. They are some of the least-aggressive dogs out there, thanks to the Lab in them. But, supervision is important because of their size and slight clumsiness. They can easily knock over a small child in the excitement of fun and games. As you can tell, these doggos are definitely on the needier side and require plenty of love, attention, and care. And not to mention, you are guaranteed a lifelong companion and proud family member. The Appearance of the German Shepherd Lab Mix When one combines these two brilliant pedigree pets, you are likely to end up with a lb hound offering servant-hearted companionship and a diligent, working spirit. Your German Shepherd mixed with Lab will stand tall at about 25 inches and will display the high intelligence and athletic ability of their parent breeds. However, predicting the coat pattern and color of the Sheprador puppy that will emerge from the breeding is not an easy feat. Predicting the inherited physical appearance of any dog is tricky enough as is. So, for the most part, the looks and personality of your Sheprador can be quite a gamble, as with any designer breed. This will simply make your precious pup all the more unique and special. But, if you are specific about the traits of your Sheprador pup, then a reputable breeder will be able to follow the genetic line of the parent breeds and make a rather accurate prediction. These physical and personality traits are a lot easier to predict when the parent dogs — in this case, German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever — are quite similar in nature, which they fortunately are. German Sheprador Coat Labradors have tight, short hair, while German Shepherds have a medium-length, double coat. They can also have longer coats that are wavy. Shepradors are not exactly low-maintenance dog breeds when it comes to grooming. True to its parent breeds, the Sheprador has a double coat consisting of a super warm undercoat and a coarser outer coat to protect them from the elements. These dogs historically worked outdoors, so adequate protection from the heat or the cold was essential. Due to the gene for long coats being recessive and very unusual among Labradors, your Black Lab German Shepherd Mix will most definitely have a neat, short coat like its Labrador parent. This means that even if their German Shepherd parent has a long coat, it is highly unlikely to be passed on to their puppies. However, a lint roller will definitely be your best friend when it comes to maintaining furniture and clothing. Consider also how this handsome hairball may affect any existing asthmatic or allergic conditions. The other main concern when it comes to apartment living is the exercise needs of these dogs. So, if you are available for a rigorous daily walk and plenty of playtime, then it can work. As long as these hounds have the opportunity for daily energy expenditure to keep them happy and healthy, all will be well. Other than that, they will be in their element if they can curl up on the couch for movies and naps with their favorite humans. Like most crossbreeds, mixed breeds are usually healthier than their purebred parents. So if your Sheprador takes after their German Shepherd parent, then you may encounter spinal problems that lead to arthritis and hip dysplasia as they get older. The silver lining is that the good health of the Labrador balances out the potentially compromised health that German Shepherds sometimes have, and the result is a stellar, mostly-healthy Sheprador pup. Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow Dysplasia is characterized by lameness in the forelimb and results in limping. Progressive Retinal Atrophy : This ailment affects the photoreceptor cells of the dog which causes them to deteriorate over time. It eventually leads to blindness. In addition to these conditions, Labradors are also prone to allergies. However, there are no DNA tests to detect this predisposition, so your best bet is to check with your breeder about a family history of allergies. It results due to a lack of von Willebrand factor protein vWF. Hypothyroidism: Marked by an underactive thyroid condition, this endocrine disorder in dogs is rather common. It causes bodily functions to slow down, and warning signs include lethargy and weight gain. Cataracts: German Shepherds are prone to eye problems like Cataracts. It occurs when the dog develops cloudiness in the eye, which disturbs its vision. It causes abnormal blood clot formation. More About the Health of Your Black Lab and German Shepherd Mix While this breed has some health concerns in its parent breeds, these can be detected early on with screenings. Other than that, conditions like obesity can be prevented by pet owners. The best thing you can do with your Sheprador puppy is to find a reputable breeder and ask many questions. Find out about the parent breeds, what their health and medical histories are, and be sure to ask for health screening certificates. Life Expectancy of the Sheprador Now that we know what health issues to look out for, what is the lifespan of these hounds? Labrador Retrievers live between 10 and 14 years, whereas German Shepherds typically live less long, between 9 and 12 years. Exercise Regime for the German Shepherd and Lab Mix With black Labs and German Shepherds being high-energy, athletic animals, combining the two of them results in a grown Sheprador in need of at least 2 hours of walking a day. These two types of dogs were bred with the initial purpose of being active and physical for several hours each day. They are excellent work dogs and will likely chew your furniture or dig up your rose garden if left ignored or indoors for prolonged periods of time. In addition to going for walks or runs, playtime with your Sheprador can include tug of war, fetch, and working on developing scent detection. In addition to needing lots of playtime and physical stimulation, they also need a lot of mental stimulation. This can include dog puzzles and dog toys — they are very mouthy pups, so multiple chew toys, or anything to clutch in their jaw, for that matter, will suffice. Not to mention, these hounds will be in their element with doggy sports like obedience training, agility work, and fieldwork. They are hard-working and love any opportunity to learn something new while pleasing their favorite humans. Both parents of the Sheprador were bred to spend several hours a day being mentally and physically challenged. And take note that no amount of fetch games with a ball launcher will be too much for these playful canines. Dietary Requirements of the Labrador and German Shepherd Mix In order to ensure you have a Sheprador with a happy and healthy life, you should be sure that you feed your pooch the right dog food. Not all dog food on the market is high quality, so carefully selecting the right brand is important. In general, a good rule of thumb is to opt for food with all-natural ingredients and high-fiber dog food that includes fruits and vegetables. Also, make sure they have a diet high in protein. You should also avoid food with filler ingredients, artificial flavoring, and preservatives. The Labrador side of these hounds will certainly mean they come with a big appetite and a love for snacking. Due to this, Shepradors are very prone to weight gain and overeating. To avoid gulping down their dinner, it may be best to invest in a slow feeder. If Shepradors are allowed to become overweight, they will suffer from joint problems, hip dysplasia, and, later on, arthritis. This mixed breed is quite widely accessible and is luckily not as pricey as other, more fashionable crossbreeds. The best route is to research reputable breeders and follow recommendations. Shepradors are not extremely expensive dog breeds. Adopting a Sheprador If you are struggling to find a reputable breeder or you simply have your heart set on a Black Lab German Shepherd, then rescuing is a great option. Be sure to check out your local shelters and adoption agencies. These pups have so much love to give and deserve a second chance at a happy home. They are also easily adaptable and should slot into their new environment and family without too much fuss. Remember that they flourish on positive reinforcement and rely on learning and training in order to thrive. Like with any relationship, there will be highs and lows. But, for the most part, the pros will likely outweigh the cons when it comes to the Black Lab mixed with German Shepherd. Cons of Owning a Sheprador They can inherit serious health issues: this is emotionally and financially stressful, but health screenings can, fortunately, help predict and prevent inherited issues. They need lots of exercise: without sufficient exercise and a generally active lifestyle, these hounds will grow restless, bored, and unhappy. They are likely to shed heavily: without a frequent brushing and sweeping routine, your pooch will leave your home in a blanket of hair. Pros of Owning a Sheprador Shepradors are outgoing with loyal personalities: your Sheprador is always eager to play, engage, learn, and meet new people, which makes them great companions. They are great family pets: affectionate and loving, Shepradors want to belong in your family and feel needed on the team. The dogs are excellent security dogs: the Sheprador is innately a protector and a watchdog and will alert you of any threats to your safety. Final Thoughts on the Sheprador There you have it, folks — the brilliant, blended Sheprador that we all adore. This razor-sharp, athletically-inclined hound is a sure companion to have at your side. They are eager to please and easy to train, which will make them a pleasure to have around in the home or on the job. You cannot go wrong with parenting one of these fur babies unless, of course, you have a problem with too much loyalty and brilliance. Looking for more GSD crossbreeds? Take a look at these posts next:.