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Blonde Brownies are Born Welcome! Introducing the Blonde Brownies litter. These medium multi-generation Australian Labradoodle puppies were born on October 20th, and we are excited to show you all their unique traits. Labradoodles are known for many different things, including their variety of colors and patterns. The Blonde Brownies are what we call a rainbow litter. That means all the puppies in the litter are different colors and patterns. Spirit is actually an apricot, but shows as cream. However, she carries genetics for all the different colors. That means, depending on which stud we pair her with, we get a different variety of colors and patterns. In this litter, we have: sable, parti, phantom, and a tri. Those are all rare colors within the Australian Labradoodle world. This litter has another unique feature; it is what we call a dual-sired litter. In a dual-sired litter, there are two possible fathers. We had planned for Spirit to honeymoon with Trip. Trip is a young rookie, this was his first honeymoon. So we called Hombre as backup. Hombre has lots of experience and we knew for sure we would be able to give all the families on this list a puppy. At about three and a half weeks of age, we will do a DNA swab and send it off to the lab. .Then the lab will confirm parentage for us. Results will come in about a week later and we will know who belongs to which daddy. Spirit herself is very relaxed. Part of this is from the pre-pregnancy and pregnancy. Right now the puppies are all blind. Their ears will open after their eyes, usually around the three week mark. Spirit looks after that for them. Feeding eight little faces like this is a lot of work. She has some homemade chicken in addition to her usual raw food. We like to ensure the puppies know that people are safe from day one. We do a couple of things with them each day to solidify that people are good. We hold the puppies close to our neck and we let them snuggle in. We also talk while we hold them so that they get the vibrations from our chest. We also make them just a little bit uncomfortable each day. While holding them, we simply tip their head down for a brief second. It helps them become better adjusted, happier and calmer puppies in the future. This litter will be going home to their families just after Christmas. We are already starting to see their little personalities. Meet the Puppies Brown He is a sable. His face is a very dark chocolate whereas his body is a beautiful light golden caramel color. This is one of the hallmark traits of a sable. What makes a sable is darker tips on the coat. Sometimes those tips will be in a cluster such as on the face or on their tail. She also has the cutest little white tiptoes. Just adorable. Green He is black, with beautiful white markings. I just love the deep richness of the ebony color dogs and their white markings just give them a striking look. This guy has the cutest little white tiptoes and he also has a little white goatee. The white goatee that he has is courtesy of his grandma Bijou. Bijou puppies all have little goatees and its an adorable little trait. This fellow also has a beautiful white chest. Grey She has another very unique Labradoodle color and pattern. She has tan points on the front of her paws and on the side of her face. A phantom has markings that are similar to a Doberman or a Rottweiler. The tan is on their legs, on the side of their face or on their chest. She also has white. So that makes her a particularly unique girl. Peach This little girl is a parti dog. This is another unique marking of Labradoodles. A parti is two colors. This girl is brown and white. She has gorgeous big white ruff around her neck and she has some pretty little white markings on the sides of her hind legs and then the cute little white tip on her tail. She has beautiful totally symmetrical markings on her face. But he is an extreme parti. By an extreme, we mean that most of their body is one color and their markings are made up of their second color. So this guy has black markings on his head, with a mostly white body. He has a lot of white on his face and then he has black on his bum and on his tail. He has a really interesting tail pattern as well. Normally with a parti you get a tail with a white tip, but this guy has a swoop of white across his black tail. Purple She is the only puppy in the litter that is solid. Her coloring is simple yet striking. A real beauty. Van Isle Labradoodles. What Is A Mini Labradoodle? The difference is that the Labradoodle is mixed with a standard-sized Poodle, not a mini one. Some puppies will have more Lab in them, others will have more Poodle. A distinctive feature of multi-generational puppies is their ringlet coat, which happens to be super soft and almost rug-like. The Mini Labradoodle comes with many coats, either white, tan, black, apricot, caramel, chocolate, red, silver, cream, and grey. It almost sounded like we were naming off desserts for a while. When it comes to Miniature Labradoodles, the options are endless. When compared to its parent breed, the Mini Labradoodle has a heavier body than the Poodle with more muscular forelimbs. It has a more narrow snout and muzzle than the Labrador. As mentioned in the first paragraph the average lifespan of a Mini Labradoodle is 12 — 14 years. More research needs to be done on the distinct illnesses or diseases that could affect this dog. The Labrador, for example, is prone of hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, eye disorders, and cruciate ligament injuries. Poodles, on the other hand, have their set of issues, including patellar luxation a knee injury of sorts , cataracts, sebaceous adenitis, and other skin problems. Mini Labradoodles are the America or, actually, it was the Caribbean islands of dog breeds. This breed can be found in a lot of pop culture memorabilia. Labradoodle Monopoly token Even some of the biggest celebrities in the world have Mini Labradoodles at home. The Prince and Princess of Norway are big fans of this breed. As mentioned above the smallest version of a Mini Labradoodle ranks between 14 — 16 inches 35 — 40cm at the shoulders. But what if a Miniature Labradoodle takes after its Labrador mom or dad? Mini Labradoodles can get as big as 21 — 24 inches 53 — 60cm if there are a lot of Labrador genes mixed in. One size does not fit all. In terms of weight, a smaller Mini Labradoodle will be between 15 — 25 pounds 6 — 11kg. A lager Mini Labradoodle will weigh between 50 — 65 pounds 22 — 29kg. This breed is full of surprises. Is The Mini Labradoodle Hypoallergenic? Want to know a secret? There is no such thing as a non-shedding dog. All dogs shed to some extent. This breed is considered allergy-friendly and hypoallergenic. That being said, we can never promise that you or someone you know will never get a reaction. It could be its saliva or dander. Because their parents are so different in size, temperament, and appearance characteristics, your life as an owner becomes a box of chocolates. The general temperament of a Miniature Labradoodle is silly, playful, and fun. These dogs are a safe choice because they tend to be friendly to everyone. Strange people, strange dogs, cats, babies, toddlers — you name it, they love it. Of course, there are some exceptions to the rule. And it all depends on genetics. If your Mini Labradoodle is more Labrador, it may be wary of strangers. Poodles are more aloof. Labradors are prone to boredom but more playful and sweet. They like to run around and swim. Poodles are smarter and more relaxed around the house. Less active and need less exercise. In China, for example, the first gene-edited dogs from were reported to have muscle enhancements and better running ability, making it optimal for hunting or police applications. They were two Beagles named Hercules and Tiangou. Here are other Poodle and Labrador mixes that qualify as designer dogs. White Are They Hypoallergenic? Dog breeds, like the Poodle, have been labelled hypoallergenic because they are low- or no-shedding. This is because some of the main allergens from the dog are in their saliva and transferred onto their coat through self-grooming. The hairs with saliva and the allergen spread throughout the house when dogs shed. Dogs actually have a number of proteins that humans can react to. Making elimination of these allergens impossible. With any dog, allergens will always be present, even if they are low-shedding. So, a Mini Labradoodle is not hypoallergenic. The best way to learn if a specific Miniature Doodle triggers your symptoms is to spend some time with them before bringing them home. Do Mini Labradoodles Shed? The amount your mix sheds will depend on which parent they take after. Mini Doodles with a hair coat will shed a lot, like the Labrador. Fleece and wool coats will be better at catching shedding fur before it falls through your house. But, a recent study in has found that the allergen levels in the coat of a hypoallergenic dog and in the home environment of these dogs are the same as that of shedding, non-hypoallergenic breeds. In fact, some public spaces and homes of non-pet owners about thirty-four percent tested positive for pet allergens. So, you will be exposed to at least some allergens, no matter what your dog, and how much they shed. Coat Care and Grooming Mini Labradoodles require at least a weekly brushing if they have a double-coat, like the Labrador parent. Poodle coats are more high-maintenance. They need daily brushing. This is because shed fur gets caught by their tight curls. This is a dog that would very much benefit from regular visits with a groomer! Mini Labradoodle Size So, is the full grown Mini Labradoodle size compact, like the Miniature Poodle parent, or medium-sized, like the Labrador parent? Based on the typical sizes of the Toy Poodle and Labrador, a full grown Mini Labradoodle will be 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. The average weight of a Mini Labradoodle ranges from 15 to 25 pounds. Or at the high end of the spectrum at about 30 pounds. The best way to predict the size of your puppy is to take a look at the parents. This size becomes more easy to guess in second or third generation mixes, since the parents are more similar in size. Both parent breeds are intelligent, active, and people-oriented. So, a Miniature Labradoodle will likely be the same. They will form strong bonds with their families, and will often get along with other pets, especially if raised together. However, purebred Miniature Poodles can be shy around new people and other dogs. This may be why some people associate Poodles with biting and snappy behavior. Proper early socialization to people and other animals will prevent this. You should start socializing a Mini Labradoodle from when they are a puppy. Early training and socialization are important to help ensure a friendly and well-behaved pet. Once your dog is up to date on their vaccinations, they can join puppy kindergarten or obedience classes. This is an effective and fun way to both train them and get them to use to other dogs at the same time. Activity Levels The Mini Labradoodle comes from two active, working breeds. So, they need a lot of exercise, despite their smaller size. Be prepared to take this dog on lots of walks and to spend at least an hour of play time with them each day. Swimming can be another enjoyable activity for this breed. Having interactive dog toys for your Doodle will also help to keep both their bodies and minds stimulated. Keeping your dog occupied and entertained may help prevent them from getting into mischief. Mini Labradoodle Health The Mini Labradoodle is at risk of inheriting common breed health problems from either parent. The most likely conditions to be passed down are those prevalent in both the Labrador and the Miniature Poodle. But they can also be screened for by the breeder. A reputable breeder will not breed a dog that tests positive for these conditions. Ask your breeder to provide proof of testing for all recommended screenings for both breed parents. Other common problems that Miniature Labradoodles are at risk of include: Gastric Dilatation bloat. It's time to talk about Labradoodles. This combination Labrador retriever and poodle is an excellent family dog who's often sought out by allergy sufferers because of their minimal shedding. The ever-popular Labradoodle is immensely trainable and, unlike some dogs, a good fit for first-time dog owners. On the larger side, these pups can take up some space-but are great with kids and will adapt to their family's lifestyle. The standard version, which is a Lab bred with a standard-sized poodle, can grow to be about 24 inches tall and weigh up to 75 pounds. If you're searching for a dog on the smaller size, it's possible to also find mini Labradoodles, a hybrid of a Labrador retriever and a miniature poodle. The loving, loyal doodles are a fun addition to any family. They're prone to zoomies and more than happy to play with the baby. Labradoodles are healthy dogs and need exercise, though the amount of running, playing, or swimming might depend on their makeup of Labrador and poodle genes. But regardless of the genetic breakdown, you'll need to get used to trips to the groomer. These pups are hairy. A quick note: Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles aren't the same. Australian Labradoodles are crosses between a poodle, Labrador retriever, and cocker spaniel. Appearance Like many Labradoodle characteristics, your dog's appearance will depend on the generation you're looking for. To illustrate: Martinez breeds F1 half Labrador, half poodle , F1b 75 percent poodle, 25 percent Lab , and F2 87 percent poodle, 13 percent Lab Labradoodles. The half-Lab F1s will have longer, wavier hair and will still shed, Martinez says. The F1bs and F2s will have more poodle-esque hair that's tighter, curlier, and generally won't shed. They'll often look like little teddy bears as puppies. Labradoodles are often thought of as hypoallergenic -even though no dog is truly an allergen-free animal-but generally the F1b and F2 generations are considered better options for some allergy sufferers. Martinez recommends people with allergies spend time with their puppy before they adopt. His customers are required to. They'll come in around inches tall, Martinez says. As for colors, Labradoodles run the gamut. You'll find them in black, white, cream, red, chocolate, or a mix of those colors. Taking after their poodle brethren, these fluffy boys and girls need to be brushed frequently , too. Temperament Martinez loves the dogs he breeds-he owns 10 himself-and was especially effusive about how Labradoodles act around people, families , and children , even kids who might not know exactly how to pet or interact with dogs "They love people," he says. But not only can these pups live with cats -Martinez says several of his puppies have gone on to become therapy dogs , meaning they're calm and affectionate enough to visit schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers to offer psychological and physiological support to patients and people in need. Some Labradoodles go on to become service dogs , as the breed creator originally intended. But don't confuse them for docile dogs. They still have big personalities-Martinez describes a typical day with his dogs as "entertaining"-but mischievous behavior can be counteracted with training , which Labradoodles quickly pick up on. Genesis Service Dogs , which breeds Labradoodles to help children and adults with special needs, says the dogs will mature slower than their Labrador retriever brethren, so they'll be puppyish for about a year and a half. Then they'll become even more affectionate toward their humans. They're mostly quiet, keeping barking to a minimum, but Labradoodles' energy level can vary based on their generation, Martinez says. The dogs with more Labrador genes F1s will be more energetic than the ones with more poodle in their blood. Labradoodles will often reflect the energy levels of their owner, Martinez says, but they're still descendants of sporting dogs who like having something to do. Whether that means long walks together or playing games in the yard, a Labradoodle will be happiest with any activity he can do with you. Living Needs Labradoodles are flexible when it comes to where they live. While the standard Labradoodles are bigger, they can still reside in an apartment, though generally Martinez admits smaller dogs, potentially miniature Labradoodles, are better suited for living in smaller homes. If you do live in an apartment or smaller home where yard space is limited, make sure you can regularly fit in enough exercise and play for your active pup to blow off some steam, like a visit to the local dog park every so often. Labradoodles certainly won't turn down a house with a big, fenced-in yard , though. Martinez lets his group of pups spend plenty of time outside, where they'll be just as likely to lay down for a spell than run around on the doggie playground equipment. They do need exercise, though. If Martinez sends a puppy home with someone who works all day, he advises them to invest in a dog walker so their doodle is able to stretch his legs during the hours he's left alone. But if you have the time and like to explore, a Labradoodle could be the perfect hiking partner. And since poodles are considered water dogs, some Labradoodles like to swim , too. This breed is good for all ages, Martinez says, but Labradoodle owners will still need to put the work in with positive reinforcement training and to meet their activity needs. He subscribes to the oft-used mantra: There aren't any bad dogs, just bad owners. Care It's important to start training your Labradoodle puppy as soon as you bring him home. Labradoodles are considered smart dogs and will pick up what you're teaching very quickly. Martinez says they may even understand some commands within the first day. Labradoodles are smart enough that daily training doesn't take too long. Martinez recommends three or four sessions of 10 minutes each day to accommodate the dogs' short attention spans, which is like that of "a young child," he says. They're so easy to train and quick to learn that even first-time dog owners can fare well, Martinez says. But if you don't have the time or know-how to train, obedience school is the answer. Once he's learned to recognize the basics, your doodle will start making those classic head tilts when you mention their favorite words walk, car, treat. According to Martinez, early socialization -both with other dogs and people-is important for Labradoodle puppies. Martinez says he lets the puppies he breeds spend their early days with his adult dogs to get them used to other dogs at a young age. If your vet says it's safe, you may want to have your new Labradoodle puppy meet other humans and dogs in their first few weeks in their new home. When it comes to exercise, three to four walks a day will suffice which is why you might need a dog walker. Otherwise, swimming, hiking, or some playtime in the yard or at the park will help your dog immensely. Labradoodles do enjoy their activity, but Martinez says they'll spend just as much time lounging around to relax. Grooming is another integral part of caring for your Labradoodle, but it's probably best to outsource it. These fluffy boys and girls need regular trims. Martinez sends his dogs to the goomer for a haircut every six weeks, regardless of whether they're F1s, F1bs, or F2s. Regular brushing is a good idea, too, because you don't want your Labradoodle's hair to get matted or uncomfortable. You'll also want to keep those ears dry and clean , and don't forget to keep up with the nail trimming and tooth brushing , either. Health Here's another reason Labradoodles are good for first-time dog owners: They're a relatively healthy breed over their years of life. But being the ideal combination of Labs and poodles also means Labradoodles can be susceptible to the health problems of both their parent breeds. Labs, for instance, will commonly suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia , so the risk is there for Labradoodles as well. Doodles can also run into problems with myopathies, diseases that damage muscles , and exercise-induced collapse. For anyone looking to adopt a Labradoodle, Martinez couldn't emphasize enough: Make sure your breeder conducts DNA tests on your puppy's parents to find any genetic abnormalities. The same goes for having their hips and elbows tested and certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. If the breeder you're considering doesn't do that testing or says it isn't needed, find someone else. Martinez notes that Labrador retrievers are happy to eat just about anything and everything. While your Labradoodle will likely be a bit pickier, be sure to keep any weight gain in check since they may have a tendency to overeat if they're allowed to. History Australian Wally Conron is credited as the modern-day creator of the Labradoodle, breeding the first one in the late s. He was trying to create a guide dog that would also be hypoallergenic, by breeding a Labrador retriever and a standard poodle. Clearly, his efforts were successful. The breed exploded in popularity, and since it is the combination of the U. People seek out the Labradoodle for its trifecta of cute looks, friendly demeanor, and minimal shedding. While the Labradoodle is the seemingly ideal dog for people with allergies, Conron has said he regrets his creation. Because of the intense demand for these "designer dogs," Conron has expressed concern over the bad actors who breed Labradoodles in puppy mills-and the inexperienced and sometimes misinformed breeders who fail to prevent genetic problems from being passed on to new generations. Labradoodles have belonged to several famous owners, including golfer Tiger Woods, actress Jennifer Aniston, and actor Henry Winkler. Doodles certainly earn their keep on Instagram, so if you need some extra fluff in your life, the Dood Squad is a good place to start. Was this page helpful? Contact Us Labradoodle Colors Australian Labradoodle coat colors colours come in a wide variety of options. Below is a listing of the different coat colors, coloring descriptions and what to expect with their coats throughout their lifetime. Caramel Caramel colored dogs have liver noses brown. Their range of coat color can vary between light yellow to almost red in hue. The difference in a caramel dog and a chalk, cream, apricot and red dog is their nose color. Chocolate True chocolates are brown in color. Many chocolates do fade over time. Cream This color comes in a wide variety of shades but it should be creamy in appearance. The nose pigment is black. The pigment for the nose is black. Parchment This color is a creamy beige chocolate color. It has been described as a cup of coffee with a generous addition of milk. These dogs are born milk chocolate and will develop their parchment coloring over time. The nose pigment is rose. Red True reds should be rich and dark in color and the roots should be no lighter. Sadly, this coat color tends to fade over time. The nose color is to be black. This color develops over the first years. Nose pigment should be rose. Chalk This color is a white looking color. However, if you were to compare it to a true white, it would appear to be more chalk-white in color. Nose pigment is black. Black Black Labradoodles should be solid in color with no sprinklings of other colors throughout the coat. Their pigment color should be black. Silver These pups would start out black and their silver coloring develops over the first few years of their lives. The color range can be anywhere from a light pewter to a dark charcoal. Silver dogs need to have black pigmentation. The blue coat will develop over the first few years. The color should be solid once they are full grown. It should be a dark-medium smoky blue. Lavender This color has a smoky lavender chocolate coloring that almost gives off a pink to lilac appearance. These pups are born chocolate and will come into their beautiful lavender coats over the first few years. Their pigmentation should be rose in color. Parti These dogs need to be at least fifty percent white, with spots or patches of any other above solid color. Full or partial saddles are acceptable, but are not preferred. Ticking in the white of the coat is acceptable but not preferred. The nose pigment needs to match the solid color. Any combination of acceptable colors is allowed. Nose pigment should follow requirements listed above based on the solid base color. Information and photos republished with permission from Australian Labradoodle Association Save Ready for your puppy? The most common Labradoodle colors are black, cream and gold. Black Labradoodles are common finding generally one per litter. These Labradoodles represent the base price for a dog within this breed. The color of a cream Labradoodle can vary between different shades with some having red tinges through their coat. Although the color cream may vary the whole coat should be one consistent color. Apricot Labradoodles are often born with lighter colored coats that darken over time while others that are born apricot in color develop to have a light cream coat. The entire strand of fur on a golden Labradoodle should be the same color. Golden Labradoodles often fade as they grow. These dogs are neither common or rare. These Labradoodles should hold their color until adulthood. The chocolate colored Labradoodles tend to be a popular choice. Their coloring should be even. Chocolate Labradoodles often appear almost black at birth. A parchment should not have other colors mixed into the fur. Large blotches of any color on white make for an acceptable Parti colored Labradoodle. The hardest to breed and come by is the red Labradoodle. Any combination of two colors is acceptable as long as they have the distinctive markings. A black and gold phantom is among the most common. These dogs are on the rarer spectrum. These Dogs are on the rarer spectrum. While gold is a common color, the birth of a Labradoodle with a deep red coloring is as rare as they come. A red Poodle is unusual making a red Labradoodle even harder to come by. The roots of a red Labradoodle should match the tips. Red Labradoodles are hard to breed and even harder to come by. Red Labradoodle Puppy and Adult The range of Labradoodle coat colors is extensive although no matter which puppy you pick, Labradoodles make loving life long friends. Related posts:. It is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Note: there are two totally different types of Labradoodles, the Australian Labradoodle and the American Labradoodle. The Australian Labradoodle is a purebred dog, while the American Labradoodle is a hybrid dog. There are a few different ways breeders are producing American Labradoodles. This is not the best cross for people with severe allergies. Health Problems Prone to hip dysplasia and genetic eye problems. She's happy to get it thinned, but it doesn't last long it grows back fast. We caught them in the flower pots and started to shoo them away, but had to take a picture first.Labradoodles make amazing pets. We have been socializing them and exercising them faithfully every day and can see their excellent temperaments developing. His coat is less curly, more shaggy and scruffy looking. He is cool, laid back and more mellow than most other Labradoodles. It could be his age.

As affectionate and intelligent pets, Labs are the perfect fit for families who can give their pups lots of love and activity. And when you combine these traits with other personalities from popular breeds such as German shepherds, corgis , and huskies, the mixes are sure to melt hearts. A Bit On Labrador Retriever Mixed Breed Health and Genetics Before adopting a new puppy, it's important to understand the health and genetics of the breed in order to provide all the loving care you can. When dog breeds mix, traits from both parents present themselves in the breed, creating both adorable physical characteristics and loving personalities as well as various health risks. Theresa Entriken , DVM, says health risks aren't meant to discourage pet parents from choosing mixes, but it's important to stay alert for as your pet ages. Early signs typically include noisy panting , a raspy bark and tiring easily with exercise, but later signs can include vomiting and muscle weakness. Before adopting, make sure to research breeders carefully and avoid breeders who aren't putting the puppies' health and safety first. And be sure to consult a veterinarian to learn about the health risks of both parent breeds. Now, on to these fun-loving mixed dog breeds! Along with being adorable and easy to train, their curly poodle coat offers minimal shedding for us allergy-suffering dog lovers. Whether you're looking for a companion to explore the outdoors or a puppy to train, this mix is sure to deliver the fun. These intelligent dogs are full of energy and affection, making them the ideal companion for any active owner. The caring and active personalities from a Lab and golden retriever makes this crossbreed a perfect fit for anyone looking for a loving, active dog. Beagles are natural scent hounds and Labs love to have fun outdoors, so this gentle mix will want long walks to sniff every corner they can. Mixed Breeds By K9 of Mine Staff 19 min read July 14, 23 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Labrador retrievers are well known for their even-tempered personalities, loyalty, fun-loving natures, and complete devotion to their family members. In fact, the Labrador retriever continues to be the most popular dog breed in the US — a position the breed has held for 27 years straight! Take a gander and share your thoughts in the comments below! Note: K9 of Mine does not endorse irresponsible breeding — please keep in mind that this photo collection is intended for enjoyment and pooch appreciation, not as any kind breeding recommendation or resource. There is very little official data about mixed breed dogs, so the photos displayed here are chosen based on information given by owners. We are unable to personally verify the breed heritage of the pooches shown here — instead, we must simply trust that owners are truthfully describing their dogs with they share photos of their mixed breed canines. TL;DR: Just enjoy the cute photos of doggos! The Basics of the Labrador Retriever Before we introduce you to some of the cutest Lab mixes around, it is important that we talk about a few of the basics of Labradors. This will help you decide whether a Lab mix may be a good fit for your family! Labradors usually weigh between 60 and 80 pounds and stand about 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder. Labs have moderately long lifespans of about 12 years, though some reach even older ages. Labs are members of the sporting group, who were originally bred to help fisherman tend nets, until their owners started using them to retrieve downed birds. Labrador retrievers have a friendly, happy-go-lucky demeanor, and they usually get along with most two- and four-footers they encounter. Labs are full of energy and often make superb running or hiking companions. Labrador retrievers can make great pets for first-time dog owners, so long as you provide plenty of exercise and stimulation each day. Labs are people-oriented dogs, who thrive best in homes that are rarely empty. Labrador retrievers are generally intelligent and eager to please, making training a breeze. Labs tend to shed pretty heavily, thanks to their thick double coats. Labrador retrievers do often suffer from a few common health problems, including patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and osteochondritis dissecans. No dog breed is perfect for all situations or scenarios, but as you can see, Labs are certainly one of the most appealing breeds in the world and they have quite a bit to offer the right family! Without further ado, here are some Labrador designer breeds that are sure to steal your heart. In some cases, like the Labradoodle a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle , the names are pretty popular and used widely. Australian Shepherd Lab mixes also produces some puppers with pretty adorable coat color patterns , which just adds to their appeal. These pups are best paired with active owners. But while they may have blockier builds than typical Labs, most of these guys and gals are big softies, who love nothing more than cuddling with their humans. Like Labs, American bulldogs excel at a wide variety of tasks, making them great all-around dogs for families, farmers, hunters, and more! Labs are lovable goofballs who are all about fun and games, while Akitas are no-nonsense pooches, who project an air of competence and quiet dignity. One pooch in the litter may take after the Lab parent, while another may more closely resemble the Akita. Name aside, these playful pups have energy levels that are off-the-charts, so be sure you have a big yard and plenty of time to visit the park before adding one of these dogs to your family. Well, the Beagador may be just the thing! But, they can be a bit aloof around strangers. But when you cross a bullmastiff with a Lab — a dog who views all strangers as potential pals — all bets are off! These mixes can be a bit of a house-keeping headache, as Labs shed pretty heavily, while bullmastiffs are Olympic-caliber droolers. Labs have held the 1 spot since , but the cocker spaniel has sat atop the popularity pyramid in 23 different years since the s. Note that there are two different corgi breeds the Cardigan Welsh corgi and the Pembroke Welsh corgi , and each will produce a slightly different version of this mixed breed. Either are considered Lab Corgi dogs. Doberdor Labrador Retriever X Doberman Pinscher A post shared by Charli the doberdor charlithedoberdor Given that Dobermans and Labs are both very affectionate dogs who bond strongly with their owners, Doberdor mixed breed pups will make great companions for individuals and families alike. The Doberdor loves his human family and will make it known with endless puppy kisses and loyalty. Wanna see more Doberman mixes? Check out 15 of our favorites here! You may just want to consider the Dalmador. Labs make pretty good jogging partners themselves, and Dalmatians can run for days. Honestly, there are a variety of Dalmatian mixes available for fans of polka-dotted pooches. Dachsador Labrador Retriever X Dachshund. Typical Lab mix traits The best Lab mix breeds are of course a matter of opinion. As with any purebred dog, it depends entirely upon why you want a canine companion. If you want a small Lab mix as a family companion then getting one who is crossed with a smaller, calmer breed is a good choice. But if you want a dog for sports or hunting then going with a Labrador crossed with another working breed is a sensible move. If you want a dog to have a go at agility, then a Collie cross is a great place to start. Lab mix dogs are often found in shelters or Lab rescue centers. What is My Lab Mixed With? Labrador mix bred dogs can often look very different to either of their parents. And in some cases, if the parentage is unknown it is entirely possible that they have more than one breed in their genetic makeup. If you are rescuing an older dog, the only way to know with reasonable certainty where your mixed breed dog came from, is to order a DNA test. This will give you as many as three or four generations back, and give you a great idea what breeds went into your wonderful dog. They are fairly rare, as Afghan hounds are not terribly numerous. Your Afador puppy is likely to grow to be fairly large, as both Afghan Hounds and Labradors are reasonably tall. You could therefore end up with a dog with medium to long fur, which will require regularly grooming. Afghan temperaments tend to be more aloof than that of Labs, with less boisterous enthusiasm for everyone they meet. Basset Hound Lab mix Another rare cross but one which has great appeal to some people, is the Bassador. They are on average around 14 inches tall as adults, with body proportions suiting a larger breed of dog and shortened legs. Working line Basset Hounds tend to be in far better shape than their show bred cousins, and this is where you should start your search if you have your heart set on a Bassador. Border Collie Lab Mix Border Collies are incredibly intelligent dogs, who work very well with their owner if properly trained. Loyal to their families, and fairly indifferent to everyone else. They are quick to learn and can be taught a mind boggling range of activities through positive reinforcement training. The show dogs tend to be the least driven, although still high energy dogs that require a lot of stimulation. Like Labs as puppies they can be very nippy. This can express quite strongly around children, as they attempt to herd them around. They are not generally therefore recommended to families with very young kids. They do however often make excellent pets when older for active, busy families who enjoy training and working together. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are without a doubt some of the friendliest little dogs in the world. They are charismatic, fun and loyal. They also have a fairly good average lifespan of 11 years. However, there are a couple of big, scary health problems associated with large numbers of this breed, so be very careful and do a lot of research if you are thinking of bringing one into your home. Health problems impacting a vast quantity of these little dogs include mitral valve disease , a heart problem which causes early death, and syringomyelia. This is a neurological problem caused by the size and shape of their skulls, not allowing their brain and brain stem to be properly accommodated. Two very popular breeds of gundog with a lot of similarities, this is one of the cross breeds where can be fairly confident of the type of Lab mix you will be getting when you bring home your puppy. Goldadors are very popular seeing eye dogs. They are well known for being intelligent, fast learners and very co-operative with their handlers. Like their Golden Retriever and Labrador parents, they tend to have very friendly temperaments and love spending time with their human family. Golden Retrievers are similarly sized dogs to Labradors, but with a far longer and wavier coat. Most Goldadors seem to have shorter fur more like the Lab parent, but this is not guaranteed. Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be fairly calm and aloof as adults, and require a lot of dedication to socialisation when they are young due to potential nervousness around strangers and guarding tendencies. Due to their size, they are not really recommended for homes with young children or frail adults. Bernese Mountain Dogs are very large, growing up to 28 inches tall and weigh up to pounds. They also have a long coat, which requires a lot of grooming to keep in a good condition. Unfortunately like many extra large breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs do not have very long life expectancies, averaging around 8 years long. When looking at longevity size is a big factor, and giant breed dogs regardless of whether they are mix bred or not will have shorter lifespans. You could therefore expect to see your puppy potential live fewer years than the average purebred Lab. They are utterly beautiful dogs, and if well managed can make wonderful companions. Labmaraner The Weimaraner is a beautiful dog, and an intelligent one too. Like all members of the gun dog group he has been bred with co-operative working in mind. Although he tends to be slightly less people focussed in general than your average Lab. This means that they are not as obsessed with greeting everyone when you take them for a walk. However, they can also be a little harder to engage in the training process and in some cases be even more driven than a Labrador. Like Labs, Weimaraners can also be prone to separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. Labradoodle Labradoodles are the most popular Labrador Retriever designer dog breed at the moment. A Labradoodle will not necessarily be a non-shedding dog, and may require some extreme grooming or very regular visits to the poodle parlour in order to not become matted. Pitbull Lab Mix The Pitbull Lab mix should be a great family dog, full of energy, with a short, easy care coat. Rottador or Labrottie Rottweilers crossed with Labradors are known as Labrotties. Or Rottadors. And they can be incredibly beautiful and dedicated companions to their families. Rottweilers can be up to around 27 inches tall, with big heads, deep chests and well muscled bodies. They are powerful dogs and need commitment to positive training from day one from their families in order to understand how to behave in their homes. Rottweiler temperament is also quite different to that of your average Labrador Retriever. There is no way of knowing which of his parents your Labrottie will take after. Rottweilers are a guarding breed. Extremely loyal to their family, but known to be wary of strangers and unpredictable around children if improperly socialised and managed. Your Labrottie puppy must be very well socialised, just as you would with a pure guarding breed dog. Make sure he has regular positive contact with people of every age, and is familiar with things like beards, hats and unusual items of clothing. Springador Springer Spaniels crossed with Labs are often referred to as Springadors. They can make fabulous pets or working dogs, but can have the extremes of both breeds. They are not for the inexperienced or inactive owner. Springers are very lively dogs with an incredibly high prey and hunting drive. They benefit from positive reinforcement training from an early age. In general Springers have great temperaments. However, there are some working lines which have nervous aggression problems and fixations on light chasing. Make sure that you meet the Springer parent to ensure that they are confident and not agitated. English Springer Spaniels tend to be smaller and lighter than Labs, with a longer coat. Springadors often have shorter coats, and can look a lot like a slightly shaggy black Lab with a few white markings. Lab Mix Temperament When you buy a mixed breed dog, their temperament will be a product of their varying lineage. They could end up with any mixture of the two lines temperaments, or something completely different. Make sure to meet both parents to ensure that they are confident, friendly characters. If both lines are happy, loving dogs then the chances are good that your puppy will be the same. Photo kindly provided by N Pappalardo. If your Labrador is a known cross, then you can make an educated guess that he could be anywhere between the average sizes for those breeds. However, it not always the case. And with a Labrador mixed with unknown other dogs, then they really could be any size at all. The Labrador element to their genetics does not limit their growth. Nor do they mean that they will definitely have any specific height to them. There will potentially be huge variation even within the litter. I grew up next door to a family who had two Labrador x Terriers from the same litter. One looked exactly like a Labrador in every way, except she had very short legs. The other was Labrador height but with a totally different shape. If size matters to you, then a purebred puppy or dog over 18 months old might be a better choice. Lab Mix Health Mix breed dogs can still be susceptible to the diseases carried by their parents. Especially if those diseases are common in both breeds. The Labrador parent should have a clear eye test of less than a year old. They should be PRA clear, and have a lower than average hip score. For full health testing for Labs check out this article. The other parent may also need a clear eye test, and a good hip score. The most important thing is to pick a puppy whose parents have both had all of the health tests relevant to their own breed. And whose personalities you would be happy to see replicated in your pup. Alternatively, look for a rescue dog that you have met and fallen in love with yourself. Should a Lab Mix take after their Labrador Retriever parent, they will be a playful, energetic, and affectionate dog that loves their families. Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs that tend to have an extended puppyhood. They are also social, friendly, and tend to be patient and gentle with children. This makes them fantastic pets as they also tend to get along well with other dogs and even other pets, despite their retriever tendencies. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. You still want to ask questions about the other parent breed as they are bound to introduce some potential quirks of their own. Although Labs are happiest with room to run, they adapt well to apartments as long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and affection. They also do well in most climates, but do not like to spend long stretches of time alone. If the other parent breed is also highly adaptable, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? As with purebred dogs, health often depends on reputable breeding practices. Just as a mix can inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, they could also inherit all of them or some combination of them. From the Labrador side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a Labrador Mix include patellar luxation , hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cataracts. The other parent breed will likely introduce some other potential conditions to this list. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Labrador Retrievers are highly trainable dogs that can be a good fit for owners of any experience level. First-time owners may have a challenge at first with their high energy and exuberance, but tend to be successful. If the other parent breed is also highly trainable, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. If the other parent breed tends to be more challenging to train, then you will want to be prepared for that potential and be ready to enroll in puppy training classes if you need them. A Lab Mix can end up with a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should they inherit the Labrador Retriever coat, it will be short and will shed throughout the year with heavier shedding as the seasons change. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath keep a Lab coat healthy. Trimming nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Because dental care is often overlooked, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth every day or using an enzyme toothpaste daily in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed helps prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Labrador Retrievers are high-energy working dogs that need plenty of exercise and a job to do to be happy. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog breed, then you should expect a Labrador Mix to be a high-energy dog as well. Even if the other parent breed sits in a lower activity range, you will still want to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog should they take after their Lab parent. Fully-grown Labrador Retrievers tend to stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. Labs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed could affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Labrador Retriever Mix. Featured Labrador Mix Article.

Home of Kennel free living and lots of loving! Good Gracious Goldens was created in when I decided to follow in my mothers footsteps as she has been raising them for over 3o years. Recently we welcomed our 3rd child and decided it was time to split the work without compromising the experience for our adopting families. Now we are working along side Lone Oak Goldens, my dear friend Lori. This decision is not one we took lightly as our reputation is very important to us but I knew her care and expertise would only make us better! I could not imagine a more wonderful partner. She raises them in her home in NE and brings them to my home when they are ready as most of our adopting families are in Colorado including many repeat families! Now I can put all my focus in the communication I pride myself on quick replies , while Lori is loving on the puppies and socializing them getting them ready to meet you! And trust me when you see these puppies you'll see just how much love was poured into them!! I like to say us working together for you, is the truly best of both worlds! We love the English Cream and American Golden breed. We couldn't imagine a better way of life! Of course watching them grow up and thrive is amazing, but I would say my favorite part is seeing the families faces when they see their new family member. Thank you for taking the time to read about us! Our Philosophy! We believe dogs and puppies should be unconditionally loved and cared for as they truly become part of your family. When choosing the right puppy for your family, there are many choices out there. Some puppies are raised in undesirable conditions, this is incredibly heart breaking. Which is why we raise our Golden Retrievers with absolutely no kennels. We believe this makes us different from other breeders. As we are continually trying to improve our breeding program. Our reason for raising English Creme Golden Retrievers is because of our love for the breed and the joy our dogs have brought to our lives. We desire an extraordinary puppy for your family too. When you pick us, we have to pick you too, as we too are selective when choosing forever homes for our pups. Within the first 8 weeks of their lives we spend a lot of time helping them develop social skills and simply loving on them. We get to know each one of the puppies and are fully committed to helping you choose the puppy that is best for you and your family based on gender, temperament and color. We recently joined our breeding program with Lone Oak Goldens. Two families raising puppies together equals double the love! We want to thank you for taking the time to let us introduce you to our family dogs "Grace", "London","Ellie", "Viva", "Margo", "Cooper" and "Hudson" along with their sweet puppies! We look forward to meeting you soon! Sincerely, Libby and Lori. Our area has wide open spaces with majestic views of the Rocky Mountains. We are devoted to raising beautiful, healthy, well-balanced and socialized golden and labrador retrievers, goldendoodles, goldadors, bichon frises, cavaliers and cavachons. All of our foundation adults are free from hereditary problems and are backed by a health guarantee. Whether you are looking for a Golden Retriever puppy, Labrador Retriever puppy, Goldendoodle puppy, Goldador puppy, Bichon Frises puppy, Cavalier puppy or Cavachon puppy, we' would love to help you find the perfect dog. We combine excellent confirmation, exceptional good looks, intelligence and athleticism for the perfectly balanced dog. In order to achieve this goal, we begin with wonderful foundation bitches and sires that possess several generations of healthy dogs. Many of our dogs have several generations of clearances. Our puppies are bred for wonderful dispositions and temperaments to provide great companionship and use as family pets, service dogs, therapy dogs, conformation and hunting companions. You will not find more loyal, affectionate, and trustworthy companions. We look forward to hearing from you to tell you more about these wonderful pets and show dogs. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Colorado Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Colorado? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Colorado? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Best Golden Retriever Breeder in Colorado? Well, we will let you be the judge, but we love our dogs like family and treat them as such. We do not over breed our dogs or participate in any crossbreeding tactics or exotic dog types. We are Golden Retriever lovers, enthusiasts, and protectors. Every dog is like family to us. While we are happy to entrust our puppies to loving families, we do have a puppy acquisition process in order to ensure our high quality dogs are delivered to warm homes that are able to care for our dogs properly. Every puppy we sell is depending on us to properly screen new owners, so please understand we take this seriously. This also protects your interests and maintains high standards for you as well. All puppies MUST be picked up in person. No exceptions. Golden Retriever Lovers Welcome! If you have a wonderful home for one of our puppies, we would love to hear from you. Whether you want a family retriever or a specialty dog for hunting, we will help find the exact fit for you. Many times there is a waiting list so apply early! If you are just getting started and would like to discuss our process, we are also eager to hear from you. Contact Us Today! Look at the current breedings or litters we have or are upcoming and fill out our contact form specifying what breeding you are interested in. Before puppies are born we only take deposits on the first pick, second, and possibly third picks on both males and females. After puppies are born and all spots are filled you will be told what pick you have. Get ready to welcome a lovely puppy that will bring all the love and affection. Tucker is now 3 born and is my best companion. Tucker is the quintessential Golden, beautiful, faithful, active, family-oriented, and geez I cannot come up with enough good things to say. Tucker is my soulmate. He makes me smile every day. If I feel bad he cares and comes to comfort me. He is so wonderful. My parents adopted another Slater Creek Golden, different parents, and she is phenomenal. So beautiful and sweet. Slater Creek Goldens are all love, loyalty and so much fun. Linda — you and your pups are my favorite ppl! Linda you will be in my heart forever. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Located on a 40 acre farm east of Denver, Colorado we have plenty of space for our dogs to run around and get exercise. Unlike typical breeders we do not confine our golden retrievers to small kennels, but instead let them run and play as much as their hearts desire. Health Guarantee To ensure the health of our golden retrievers we make sure they are always up-to-date on: Health Checkups Shots Health Screenings - OFA certification for hips, elbows, and thyroids We also focus on the mental health of our dogs by keeping them happy interacting with people and other dogs on a daily basis. This ensures excellent temperaments, great dispositions, and that they are extremely well mannered. Before they are sent to their new homes each puppy gets a health checkup from the vet and their first round of shots. We also offer to microchip your puppy when you pick them up to keep them safe. In addition to all of this, we offer a health guarantee protecting against many hereditary problems. At birth: We help the mama clean the puppies so they are introduced to human scent from birth. Birth - 4 weeks old: We bottle feed the puppies in supplement to their mother's milk to ensure they are getting adequate nutrition. Handled from birth to get used to human scent Free time outside their kennel so they can explore their surroundings. Introduced to our pet cat and other dogs to become comfortable around all kinds of animals. All of the things mentioned above are part of how we ensure that our puppies are happy, healthy, and playful when they are ready to go to their forever homes. To see information about available golden retriever puppies and to see pictures from past litters click the links below.

Crate training will have many benefits for your bulldog, including protecting him from household hazards and reducing his separation anxiety. It should be either 24 x 30 inches 61 x 76 cm or 24 x 36 inches 61 x 91 cm for a French bulldog, and either 42 x 30 inches x 76 cm or 42 x 36 inches x 91 cm for an American bulldog. This will allow you to increase the crate space as your puppy grows into an adult. The crate should be a place of safety and comfort for your bulldog. Place his favorite blanket and toys in the crate. You can also place a quilt or sheet over the crate to make it feel like a cozy den. A bowl would preferable, since he wouldn't be able to pull it out of the crate very easily. Leave the door open during the early stages of crate training so he can explore the crate at his leisure. Once your bulldog is comfortable entering the crate on his own, work on closing its door behind him. Start with closing the door for only a few seconds and then letting him out. If he starts whining or crying, wait until he calms down before opening the door. When he can handle a few seconds, close the door, leave the room, and return after random lengths of time e. Remember that puppies cannot hold their bladders for very long, so you should not leave your puppy bulldog in the crate for long time periods. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source When you are home, spend time with your bulldog while he is in the crate. Bulldogs are friendly and sociable dogs; interacting with your bulldog will keep him from getting lonely. Always remember that the crate is a place of safety and comfort, not punishment. Your bulldog should always have a positive association with the crate. Home » Puppy Training for the first 8 weeks home Puppy Training for the first 8 weeks home Training for puppy for your first 8 weeks home Olde English bulldogs are affectionate, friendly, courageous and intelligent. However, there is one trait that bulldogs also tend to exhibit — bullheadedness. They can be incredibly stubborn, which makes training them somewhat difficult. Purchase a crate. Some people think a crate represents incarceration, but a responsible dog owner knows that a comfy crate is a haven for his or her bulldog. If there is a lot of activity in your home, your bulldog will appreciate having a place to get away from it all. Because dogs of all breeds dislike soiling the areas they sleep in, a crate can be an invaluable tool when it comes to house-training. Buy a crate the just fits the puppy as he grows. If the crate is too big the puppy will soil an area at the opposite end of the crate from his sleeping spot. Crate Olde English bulldog puppies when you must leave them on their own. No dog should be left in a crate indefinitely. Remember this is a tool, not a prison. Bulldogs are smart and, again, stubborn. Schedule meal times to prevent accidents. English bulldogs love food and will eat until they get sick if not carefully watched. Fill a bowl with high-quality puppy food using the feeding chart on the puppy food bag to measure the correct amount by weight I recommend Canida and allow the puppies to eat for 10 minutes twice daily. If there is any food left in the bowl, save it for the next feeding. Take your English bulldog puppies outside for plenty of potty breaks. English bulldogs have small bladders and should go out every hour initially, working up to every few hours. Generally speaking, a pup should be able to hold it for one hour longer than its age in months. Take your English bulldog baby outside after naps and meals, as well, to prevent accidents in the house. Praise each puppy heartily after it has gone potty and offer a small treat as a reward. Bathe puppies at least biweekly using a mild antibacterial antifungal shampoo to cut down on dirt and grime in their skin folds, and dry thoroughly, including spaces in between wrinkles. Wrinkle cleaning is recommended twice a week for Olde English Bulldog puppies. Teach your puppies to walk calmly on a leash. English bulldog puppies can be stubborn, but a leash will help guide the puppies and keep them under control. Let the puppies drag the leashes around to get used to the feeling of something behind them. Once they stop paying attention to the leash, pick it up and follow the puppy. Walk backwards a few steps, tempting the puppy with the treat. Train each puppy in basic obedience commands once it is acclimated to the leash. When you interact with your puppy, you want to: Use a firm — but not angry — tone of voice. Reward with praise, toys or treats. Be consistent. Inconsistent training is poor training. Expect accidents and mistakes at first. Your puppy is like a toddler just learning how to walk. Most vet clinics and pet supply stores offer puppy training classes for the whole family. I strongly encourage all new puppy owners to attend. Its great socialization and gets the whole family on board with the training. About Us As the premier breeder of Olde English Bulldogges in the Southeast, we love providing families and individuals of all ages with healthy, happy puppies from this amazing breed. Easy Bulldog Training Step-by-Step Guide Bulldog training may seem daunting when you first get that adorable puppy, that is why this guide will break down the process in simple and easy to follow steps. The secret to a well-behaved bulldog is to start with training as early as you adopt him. Early training helps the puppy better develop his brain and habits potty training, leash training, socialization and more! Bulldogs as pets are a great choice because they are a happy and relaxed breed. This was a cruel sport that was, fortunately, banned almost years ago. The breed retains its strength but has become a calm and amusing breed. I have personally worked with many bulldogs and non of them were stubborn at all. The stubbornness of a dog comes from not understanding its owner. The training methods outlined below will help you communicate with your bulldog successfully! As you train, keep an eye for some common British bulldog health problems like respiratory problems, overheating and skin allergies. Bulldog training can be fun and easy! Bulldog Puppy Socialization Socialization is the single most important exercise you need to do with your puppy and you have only a few months to work on it. It involves showing your puppy the world he will be living in and making positive associations with the things, animals and people in it. Every single new event, person, animal, object or sound your puppy encounters should be followed by a treat. This will make every association positive and you puppy will learn no to be fearful of new things. Learn more about socialization exercises for your bulldog puppy dog. Bulldog Potty Training Probably the second most important task is to teach your bulldog puppy to potty in one place or outside. Puppies are very smart and can learn simple things very easily. Potty training requires patience and perseverance. The main idea is to create a schedule or habit for your puppy to follow. A bulldog puppy can hold his bladder 1 hour for every month of life tops! If he has accidents, simply clean them up with an enzymatic cleaner and move on, do not punish your bulldog. Learn more about potty training schedules and techniques to teach your bulldog to potty outside in as little as one week! Teaching your bulldog puppy to moderate his biting Puppies are curious creatures and they like to explore the world with their mouth! This means that your puppy may want to bite your hands, shoes, pants, couch, table legs and even walls! There are two important things to teach your puppy about mouthing: To bite gently without hurting you , To chew only his own toys. Crate training your bulldog puppy can also help prevent home destruction and teach your puppy that the only things available for biting are his own dog toys. They are smart dogs that can learn as much as any other dog breed. Follow these steps to teach your bulldog the basics of obedience training. Positive Bulldog Training Positive bulldog training is about rewarding your dog for doing something right and ignoring your dog when he does something wrong. Positive training also involves actively teaching your pooch the things you would like him to do instead of expecting him to know on his own. There are two training methods that are very useful to teach your furry friend obedience: luring and capturing. That is why punishing or rewarding a dog for something he did in the past does not work. To help with timing, dog trainers use a marker word or a clicker. A marker word is used to mark the moment the animal did something correct and it is followed by a treat. The use of the word helps you have better timing, which in turn helps your bulldog understand what you are rewarding for faster. To teach your pooch the meaning of a marker word, all you need to do is say it and follow with the delivery of a treat. Good boy! Practice repetitions, 2 to 3 times a day and you will notice that your pooch will start responding when he hears that magic word! Bulldog training STEP 2: Teaching your bulldog its name One of the most important things to teach your bulldog is its name. This is always neglected, you name your bulldog, then assume he will understand that is they way you call him. Unfortunately, this is not true and recognizing its name is one of the most important things a dog should know. If your puppy doesn't look at you when you call him, how is he going to do what you ask? Teaching a dog its name is super easy, here are the steps: Say your bulldog's name As soon as he looks at you, say your marker word or click! Immediately afterwards, give him a treat! Repeat many times and in different places and situations. Bulldog training STEP 3: Teaching your bulldog basic obedience commands Now comes the fun part, training your bulldog to respond to basic commands. Contact Us How to house train a English bulldog puppy the right way The easiest way to go about house training your new bulldog puppy is by utilizing a crate. Dogs are and always have been den and pack animals, they naturally and instinctively prefer the shelter of a den. Therefore most dogs will not urinate or defecate in their crate, which is why it is such an invaluable tool for housebreaking. The first thing to understand, though, is the need for repetition and consistency. Begin by purchasing the appropriate size crate. Think den not condo! It should be small with just enough room for your bulldog to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. It is not an exercise pen. The use of too large a crate will encourage your bulldog puppy to use a small portion of it for a bed and the rest of it as a place to potty. We use the Midwest Life Stages crates. Leave the crate door open and allow your bulldog puppy to come and go as he pleases. Keep his favorite treats handy that you only use for the crate. It gives the puppy a nice reason to go in and creates a positive experience. At mealtimes, feed your bulldog in the crate with the door closed. At night, just before bedtime take your bulldog puppy out to potty. Put your puppy in his crate and shut the door. For the first 3 nights set your alarm for 3 hours. Set him down and wait. When he goes potty, praise him and put him back in his crate. Set your alarm for 3 more hours and repeat. After three days, if it has been successful and there have been no accidents, move to 4-hour intervals. After three more nights, you have hopefully taught your puppy that you will be there to take him outside when he has to go. If there have been no accidents you can then start going to bed and waiting until your puppy wakes you up to potty. It is important to respond and take him out immediately if he wakes during the night. In the morning, as soon as you wake up, immediately take your puppy out. By house time, I mean freedom to move about but always in the same room as you so that you can keep a constant eye on him. We use baby gates to block off access to other rooms. During the day repeat the above process and continue to take the puppy out every hour. If he does not do his business put him back in his crate and try again in 15 minutes. NEVER let a bulldog puppy in training out of your site. Use the crate as you would a playpen for a human child. Even if you leave the room for a minute, either take the puppy with you or put him in the crate. If you turn your back for 60 seconds and your puppy has an accident, then you messed up and made a mistake and have missed the opportunity to make a correction and teach the puppy. Do not rub his nose in it and do not use any physical correction! When he goes outside give him lots of praise. Use an odor neutralizer. When an accident occurs it is important to completely remove the odor, otherwise your puppy will gravitate back to the area to relieve himself again. You can buy the neutralizers from most any pet store. Do not use household cleaners, most contain ammonia which will attract him back to the same spot. A Few Tips to Help You Succeed Puppies will need to go potty first thing in the morning, after every meal, as soon as they wake up from naps and just before bedtime. A few hours before bedtime take up his water, this will help buy you a litter more time between potty breaks at night. If you see him smelling a particular spot or circling around, pick him up and take him outside. Keep your puppy on a regular feeding schedule and take away his food between meals. Puppies may not initially like the crate. Some will cry, whine, bark and drive you crazy the first couple of days. Doing so will teach your puppy that if he barks or whines long enough he will get rewarded and this will only encourage the behavior. Training an English bulldog puppy takes time, consistency and patience. Dogs function best with structure, routine, and clear expectations. Share this post.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Working, training, titling and living with our dogs ensures that we have a thorough understanding of each dog's temperament, character, strengths and weaknesses, and this in turn allows us to make the best breeding decisions possible. In short, the type of widely versatile dog the German Shepherd was designed to be. Just as importantly, they are also serving families across North America as sound, trustworthy and loyal companions and protectors. When asked to sum up the goals of our breeding program, the best and most concise answer is to produce working dogs that people can live with. We believe that a good GSD is one that has the drive and temperament to perform a wide variety of tasks and that dogs who do not possess strong working ability are not correct representatives of the breed. At the same time, no one should have to sacrifice companionship for utility. We feel that dogs who cannot also relax and be good family dogs, no matter how well they work, are also incorrect representatives of a breed like the GSD that is supposed to be about balance. Originating in the late s from the selective combination of different types of regional herding and working dogs, the GSD was created to be all around working dog; a utilitarian breed capable of performing a wide range of services. The GSD's strong reputation and world-wide popularity is due primarily to its versatility and working heritage. Yet often when they hear "working dog" or "working bloodlines", those who are unfamiliar with these dogs are under the false assumption that these dogs are hyperactive, dangerous, and in general unsuited to family life. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our dogs possess the courage and drive to excel in police or personal protection work, yet are gentle enough to play with a room full of kindergartners. They are high drive and will give their all in training and work, but when the day is done they will turn off and happily lounge about with the family watching television. As a working breed, we firmly believe that it is the responsibility of all GSD lovers, but especially breeders, to maintain it as such. But we also feel very strongly that no matter how much a dog may excel in working endeavors, if it is unable to be a stable and trustworthy family companion, it is not a good representative of the German Shepherd breed. And certainly not a breeding candidate. We strive for this balance between work and home life in all of our own dogs and in the puppies we produce. At the same time, this does not mean that a German Shepherd is an appropriate dog for everyone. When asked if they make good pets, the answer is always "Yes, but.While they are reliable, devoted and enjoyable companions, German Shepherds, and the working lines in particular, need owners that are experienced with dogs, lead active lifestyles, and enjoy involving their dogs in all aspects of their lives. These dogs are highly intelligent and have a strong, inborn desire to work with their owners and utilize their natural drives. While this makes them highly trainable, it also means that even the "pet quality" puppies from working line litters are not couch potatoes. In addition to regular physical exercise, these dogs also need clear, fair, consistent leadership, mental stimulation through training, and quality one-on-one time interacting with their people in order to be happy, well adjusted and well mannered companions. If you want a laid-back, low maintenance house pet, a German Shepherd is not for you. If you want a dog that will work tirelessly for you, be your constant and faithful companion, defend you and your family with its life, let your children crawl all over him AND you have the desire and ability to properly raise, socialize and train your dog and ensure that his needs for mental and physical exercise are met, you have come to the right place. Call Today! We breed from only the best quality bloodlines in the world adhering to the strict German SV standard. Our dogs are health tested hips, elbows, back and DM and are titled from both showline and working lines, raised in the house and already started before they go home! What else separates us from other Michigan German Shepherd Breeders? Von Buchmann German Shepherds, aka Michigan German Shepherds, is not a kennel but we are a home where our handful of dogs, bred to the strict German standard, stay inside with us and are a part of our family. They are family members to us. We stay small so every dog can get the attention and time they deserve, and our puppies can be raised in a family situation. Our puppies are not only born in the house, but they stay in the house. Our German Shepherd puppies go from our whelping box right to crate training and house breaking introduction. We get several comments from families they are very easy to finish housetraining. Phoenix von Buchmann IGP3 ang a normal hips and elbows dm clear, queen of the house and grandma to all of our showline babies Preserving the breed is at the utmost importance to us so our dogs are bred to uphold German SV standards. We breed to the German SV standard to ensure we have the most stable and healthy dogs for your family. I, Peggy Buchman, grew up with German Shepherd dogs and have loved them my entire life. My daughter started training German Shepherd Puppies and dogs in IGP, service work, and pet training and it has brought back all of my favorite memories of them. What a wonderful experience this has been, breeding and raising German Shepherd puppies. Watching the development of them as they grow with their new families, feedback has been amazing. Many families have come back for a second and third German Shepherd Puppy. We have dogs in sport homes, service homes, and mostly family companion homes where comes our most important focus, temperament! Since we raise our own dogs and keep from our own stock we have a great understanding what is behind your puppy and his or her pedigree. Raising and training our own dogs to the German standard takes a lot of commitment, time, expense, and is never easy. Please scroll down and slide left to scroll through our many Testimonials. We are hands on in all aspects of our German Shepherds. Training and Handling our own dogs for Titling, Showing and Breed Surveys Even down time is exciting with our acreage to take leisurely runs, even going on family travels Up North "I take pride in the German Shepherds I am producing here at von Buchmann German Shepherds" - Peggy Contact Us Today Real Testimonials Mia is such a little love at about 40 pounds now with beautiful markings! She has been easy to train since she is so food motivated. She has a great personality and temperament. We just love her so much and thank you for a great bloodline!! Susan S. He is an amazingly sweet, loving, playful and handsome little guy. Donnie D. Hank is doing great! His color is fantastic and his listening skills are superb!!! He very much enjoys our outings and meeting new people still!! And does very well with it! Simon E. My puppy, which I name Kimber has been nothing short of amazing. She is a very beautiful GSD, healthy, and very willing to learn new things. I have actually train Kimber to be a diabetic alert service dog for myself, which she picked up very well and is happy to work. Peggy was more than willing to help evaluate which puppy of the litter would have the best attitude for my life being around several young children. We interviewed other breeders but you could immediately tell that Peggy truly cared about her dogs and took care to ensure we would get a puppy that was a good fit for us. She answered all of our questions and continued to do so long after the actual adoption. Our dog has been a wonderful addition to our family and our next German Shepherd will be from Von Buchmann! High quality German Shepherds and a breeder who cares, you really can ask for more. Denise B. We purchased our first puppy from Von Buchmann German Shepherds in .Since then, we have been back to get two more puppies. Peggy is a very knowledgeable breeder and her dogs are beautiful and well trained with great temperaments. We are very pleased with Von Buchmann German Shepherds. April R. Besides his physical beauty, he has a protective yet loving temperament, listens and responds to all commands, was well socialized and mannered, and only barks when alerting me to perceived danger. You will not be disappointed. Susan H. We bought our first German Shepherd from this breeder and have been over the moon impressed with how this pup fits perfectly in to our family. Peggy did a great job of recommending the perfect puppy based on drive and temperament for our family with three young boys. Our pup is currently 11mo old and such a joy. Ever the professional, Peggy answered all of my possibly annoying first time dog owner questions with care and grace. She has been a resource for us months after our purchase and I would not hesitate to contact her with questions in the future. I highly recommend this breeder without reservation. Kelli S. Their temperament, physique, coats and general health are outstanding. Jodi H. I give Von Buchmann German Shepherds a 5 star! I have a beautiful 18 month girl from Phoenix. Peggy Buchmann matched the perfect pup with what our family wanted in a Shepherd. Our pup was used to a household environment, family life, and well socialized for her age when we got her. The follow up with Peggy has been amazing. She is quick to answer questions and offer support and suggestions. Peggy takes her breeding seriously and strives for great temperment, good health, and beauty with her pups. Tammy S. Very knowledgeable, caring and responsible breeder that is always responsive to concerns or questions! Our second male from her is now 7mos and is incredible! Mark M. We have had our beautiful Luca with us for nearly 10 years. We will not hesitate to look to Von Buchmann for our next family member. Thank you for such excellence. Kristen R. The difficulty in finding great Michigan dog breeders Why is it hard to find purebred German Shepherd puppies for sale in Michigan? This statistic ranks the Wolverine State as the 10th most populated region in the United States. And as of May , it's safe to assume that as of May , Michigan's general population has exceeded the 10,, That's lots of houses, lots of families, and even more people who call Michigan their home! So why is finding German Shepherd puppies for sale so difficult in the Lakes Region? There does seem to be a lack of reputable German Shepherd breeders in the area. And though there can be many great reasons for his, we have a few guesses. Small businesses like dog breeders are having a tough time According to Thumbtack's small business sentiment survey of Michigan-based business owners, the Wolverine State ranks extremely low for some of the more important metics for judging business health and overall market friendliness. Looking beyond just the pet industry In an effort help you understand why the market for buying puppies especially a more 'expensive' breed like the German Shepherd in Michigan is poor, we've pulled a few examples from Thumbtack's business survey mentioned above. Trying to navigate through all of the forms and documents is a nightmare. There is no set guideline to follow in terms of locating the appropriate paperwork for my specific business needs. Some regions have strict laws, others not strict enough. Many areas have breed-specific laws that limit the breeding and sale of dog breeds deemed by the public as having an "aggressive temperament. There are too many layers of bureaucracy. Each city has its own requirements. A state license should be adequate anywhere within the state. For specific shipping inquiries and other information requests, please feel free to contact our kennel at any time through email: [email protected]. We generally respond within 12 hours, less during the work week! This is a great dog for the right person! Hi, everyone, my name is Clover. I tend to become overwhelmed easily, and the shelter environment is, well, rather overwhelming. So I'm looking to be rescued ASAP by a patient and understanding human; someone who's prepared with a pocketful of snacks, ideally to help me keep my cool when I'm venturing outside my comfort zone. I'm a fun-loving dog who loves to play chase, so a home with cats wouldn't be a good fit for my exuberant personality. If you've got the skills to read both my subtle and not so subtle body language, I'd love for you to be my guiding light. Being a 1-year-old German shepherd, it goes without saying that I have an overabundance of energy as well as a brilliant mind. If you're a human with an active lifestyle, I want in on it. I'm talking hikes, fetch, puzzles. I'd even be open to some agility training once I get to know you a little better. Please teach me to channel my energy away from fear and towards fun! Since I'm a sensitive girl, I'd do best in a single family home without dogs and adults only. Remember, adoption is not just about finding a pet; it's about changing a life. Are you craving a new chapter? Me too! Take a chance on this pup, and you'll be rewarded with a transformation beyond your wildest dreams.

Pin16 Wanna remember this blog post!? Be sure to Pin to your favorite Pinterest Board! Goldendoodles are becoming quite popular. Being a first-time Goldendoodle pet parent can be both fun and overwhelming. The fun about a Goldendoodle is their goofy personalities, playfulness, sweet demeanor, and of course their ability to get along with any dog they meet! However, coat care tends to be the most overwhelming aspect of owning a Goldendoodle. This is why for first-time Goldendoodle pet parents, coat care tips are essential. Instead, there is matting knots and tangles , mildewing of the coat from access to water, overgrown hair in the eyes, dingleberries, hair in the ears, hair breakage from harnesses, dry skin, and coat, and of course an overgrown coat that is impossible to manage. Here are my 5 Coat Care tips for 1st time Goldendoodle parents. Using the right brush for your Goldendoodle is essential. The only brush you wanna use is a slicker brush. Check out my top brush recommendations. And that will lead your Goldendoodle to get skin issues and possibly shaved at the groomer. A doggie blow dryer is a much more expensive purchase— but is your best investment for a Goldendoodle. Allowing your Goldendoodle to air dry—can cause the coat to sour and mildew. And cause skin problems as well from growing bacteria. This also causes matting. It is best to fully dry, brush, and comb your Goldendoodle. This is usually my 1 rookie mistake amongst my first-time Goldendoodle pet parent. However, Goldendoodles have a very high maintenance coat and require extra TLC. A high-quality groomer will absolutely help you along your journey. Wanna know if you have the best groomer for your Goldendoodle? Many first-time Goldendoodle Pet Parents try to groom their doodle at home to save money at the groomers. But that is just so dangerous. Read more about why it is dangerous to groom your dog at home. This will help keep your dog mat-free, accustomed to grooming, and free from odors. Goldendoodle coats are man-made. This will get on your furniture and can be incredibly unhygienic if you have small children or if you allow your pup in your bed. Choose high-quality food and supplements to give your dog healthy skin and coat. Low-quality food causes a dull coat, dry skin, allergies, and smelly feet. All fluff no substance. If you have any more questions regarding your Goldendoodle check out my Ebook just for Goldendoodle Pet Parents! Or leave a comment below! With Love, October 25, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The Goldendoodle, a hybrid breed that launched into popularity in the United States in the s and never left the top list, Goldendoodles are affectionate and smart dogs whose amiable personalities are well-suited for a variety of owners and lifestyles! How do you know if the Goldendoodle is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Goldendoodles! As we quickly stated earlier, the Goldendoodle is a hybrid, a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. Thanks to the success of Labradoodles Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross-breed , dog breeders began to intentionally breed Golden Retrievers with a range of Poodles, creating a variety of Goldendoodles in different coloring and sizes. What are Goldendoodles Breed Characteristics? Some distinguishable characteristics of the Goldendoodle include their sizing range, variety of coloring, and temperament. Goldendoodles can come in mini to standard size, thanks to the genes from their poodle side. Goldendoodles can weigh starting at 15 lbs for miniature sizes up to 80 Ilbs for standard. One of the most distinguishable features is their thick, soft, curly coats that are considered hypoallergenic because they shed less frequently than other dog breeds. What are Goldendoodles Personalities like? Goldendoodles love people! They are friendly, affectionate, and love to please. With the right amount of socialization, this breed will be a friend to everyone! However, their fun-loving personalities also bring a lot of high energy, jumpiness, and nippiness throughout puppyhood. This is important to remember especially if you have young children at home. Goldendoodles can make excellent family dogs, but proper training and boundaries must be started the moment you bring them home to help get them there! Think about your current living environment and where you plan to be in the next few years. That being said, if you were planning on adding a Goldendoodle to your life, consider that these pups do best in a home with enough space especially if you are getting a standard-sized Goldendoodle and a fenced in yard! While some Goldendoodles on the smaller range of the size scale work great for apartment dwelling, these are energetic breeds that need space to exercise and play. Regular walks and training sessions at a local park will help them expel some energy in a constructive way, and are highly recommended for this breed, especially if you live in a city environment! How to Care for Your Goldendoodle! Goldendoodles can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, hypothyroidism, and Gastric Dilation Volvulus Bloat. To avoid having to shave down their beautiful coats, daily brushing to remove mats is recommended, along with regular professional grooming appointments. Like all other breeds, having their nails trimmed and teeth brushed regularly will ensure they stay clean and healthy! Goldendoodle puppies are very smart and love to work! With consistent puppy training from an early age, they can master basic obedience skills quickly, and also move on to more advanced training, including therapy and service animal training. Start your puppy off on the right paw by establishing their daily puppy schedule complete with feeding, potty breaks, nap times, playtimes, and puppy training sessions! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your Goldendoodle puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Puppy training can provide your puppy with controlled socialization with other puppies under the supervision of a puppy trainer that can watch out for rough playing or dominant behaviors between puppies. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to great people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged Goldendoodles are very intelligent which means they love stimulating activities! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. You will learn to communicate with more body language and signals to focus your puppy at performing tasks necessary to help individuals that are incapable of doing it themselves. Respect their alone time. This is especially challenging for young kids when they can look like real-life stuffed animals! But, this constant handling can often cause some frustration for these young pups, having them act out with more nipping to try to make the petting stops, or growling, which can lead to more serious behavioral issues down the road. Make sure to give them dedicated time through the day to rest and their own space where they can be left alone to nap, unbothered. And always monitor young kids when they are interacting with the puppy so you can easily step in to give your puppy a break when they need it! Did you recently bring home a Goldendoodle puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! By Patricia Kaowthumrong. Reviewed by Barri J. Morrison, DVM on Dec. Since then, the dogs have been coveted companions that are beloved for having low-shedding qualities, a clever-yet-highly-trainable personality, and a patient family-friendly nature. The standard large-size, wavy-haired Goldendoodle can grow to 20—24 inches tall and about 50—90 pounds, but also come in smaller sizes as Mini Goldendoodles. Caring for a Goldendoodle The Goldendoodle is bred to exhibit the best qualities of both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Goldendoodles are very intelligent and do well in obedience classes and agility training. While they can live happily with other dogs, cats, and children, the pups can be prone to separation anxiety. Goldendoodle Health Issues Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs that can live 10—15 years, but they are prone to common health conditions of the Poodle and Golden Retriever breeds. Discomfort is commonly displayed by pups via limited mobility, which can include reduced activity, difficulty going up stairs, or even difficulty just getting up. Heart Disease Goldendoodles are genetically predisposed to heart disease, particularly a congenital variation called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS. The heart must work harder than normal to pump blood through this narrowed area, causing heart muscle abnormalities, says Whittenburg. Grain-free and boutique brand foods should be avoided. Glaucoma is an eye disease involving increased pressure. Symptoms pet parents should look out for include bulging eyeballs, watery discharge, redness to the whites of the eyes, and dilated pupils. The condition can be treated with long-term medication. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness. Cataracts is a common condition in dogs that causes clouding in the eyes and can lead to vision loss. Cataracts can be treated with surgery but, left untreated, can lead to complete loss of vision. What To Feed a Goldendoodle A balanced diet will help your Goldendoodle maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity-related health conditions. That means ensuring your pup eats the proper amount of high-quality dog food and always has access to fresh water. First bred in the late s as guide dogs, the Goldendoodle—a crossbreed of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle—became a popular household pet in the United States during the s. To help reduce the risks of heart disease, avoid feeding your dog grain-free and boutique brand foods, Whittenburg says. Behavior and Training Tips for Goldendoodles Goldendoodle Personality and Temperament If socialized properly as puppies, Goldendoodles can certainly live in homes with other canines. Goldendoodles are energetic dogs that require 30—60 minutes of physical exercise per day, which can encompass a combination of everything from walks and runs to hikes and playtime. Pet parents should avoid leaving their four-legged friends at home alone for too long. Goldendoodles are energetic dogs that require 30—60 minutes of physical exercise per day. Overall, Goldendoodles are known for their gentle temperament, making them ideal for households with kids and elders. Goldendoodle Training Goldendoodles are known for being intelligent and easily trained, so they excel in activities like agility and obedience classes. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, using treats to reward good behavior. At the time, Labradoodles and Cockapoos had already gained popularity as service dogs. However, over time, breeders received requests for smaller versions and started breeding Golden Retrievers with Poodles of different sizes. Now, Goldendoodles typically come in the following three sizes: Miniature: The miniature Goldendoodle stands at inches and weighs pounds. Small: The small Goldendoodle is much more comparable to medium-sized dog breeds , standing at inches and weighing an average of 50 pounds. Large: The large Goldendoodle is similar to other large breeds, weighing pounds with a height of inches. However, most Goldendoodles take after their Golden Retriever parents with golden fur, while others have Poodle colors ranging from orange and cream to dark brown, gray, and black. The type of Goldendoodle coat also varies depending on the parents. For example, you can find Goldendoodles with wavy, straight or curly coats, and many even have tight curls. However, Golden Retrievers and Poodles are highly active dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Poodles and Golden Retrievers are two of the smartest dog breeds, making Goldendoodles highly intelligent and eager to please, which is good news for you! In addition, your Goldendoodle will be easy to train and love to learn, so they make great service dogs. For example, a recent study found that Goldendoodles experienced more dog-directed fear than Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Ensure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day to prevent destructive behavior. Therefore, when adopting a Goldendoodle, try to learn as much as possible about the parents and ensure they have no history of health issues. Goldendoodles are prone to certain conditions like hip dysplasia and canine seizures because Golden Retrievers and Poodles are. Additionally, Goldendoodles score significantly higher than their parent breeds in some problematic behaviors, including dog-directed aggression, dog-directed fear, and stranger-directed fear. Most Goldendoodles will be happy with at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, but some might need several hours, depending on their age and overall health. In any case, expect your dog to want to spend a lot of time outside playing fetch, running off-leash, and going on adventures. Nutrition Like all dogs, Goldendoodles require a balanced diet to keep them healthy and happy. Your dog should eat high-quality food appropriate for their age. For example, puppies should eat food formulated for puppies to ensure they get the right balance of nutrients. How much you feed them is as important as feeding them a healthy diet. How much your Goldendoodle should eat largely depends on their activity level. The more your Goldendoodle runs and plays, the more they should eat. Grooming Grooming is essential for all dogs because it can help prevent odor and treat certain skin conditions like canine dermatitis. Goldendoodles shed minimally but still need regular brushing and baths to remove dirt and debris. Additionally, some Goldendoodles have skin allergies you can treat with medicated shampoos. Your Goldendoodle will also need regular trims to prevent their fur from matting. Dogs with floppy ears, like the Goldendoodle, are prone to ear infections , so you should check their ears for discharge and odor every time you groom them. Training Goldendoodles are highly active, intelligent dogs that will require training. High-energy dogs without proper training are prone to destructive behaviors, like chewing furniture or jumping on people. However, obedience training at a young age can prevent undesirable behaviors. These dogs are known to be food motivated, so find them a treat they love and invest in reward-based obedience training to help them learn how to behave in everyday situations. In addition to obedience training, you should focus on socializing your dog. However, socialization can prevent fearfulness around strangers and other dogs. Abused or neglected dogs are more likely to have behavioral problems, so taking the time to train your Goldendoodle should prevent any unwanted behaviors. Additionally, training is beneficial for your dog because it provides mental stimulation that can prevent boredom and keep them calm when relaxing at home. This breed typically does best in homes with extensive, enclosed yards that allow them to roam freely, run, and play. Where can I get a Goldendoodle? You can adopt a Goldendoodle from a shelter or purchase one from a reputable breeder. However, adopting from a rescue specializing in Goldendoodles is usually much cheaper. Are there any downsides to owning a Goldendoodle? However, there are several downsides to owning a Goldendoodle. However, if you get your dog from a shelter or breeder, they can provide a health history to ensure both parents are healthy. In addition to potential health issues, Goldendoodles need a lot of exercise and play. Goldendoodles that don't receive enough exercise may engage in undesirable behaviors. Goldendoodles also require lots of grooming, like their Poodle parents, to prevent their fur from matting. Taking your Goldendoodle to a groomer every month or so is recommended. They also make good family pets since they're social. Apart from grooming and providing them with exercise, caring for a Goldendoodle is straightforward. Talk to a Dutch vet today. Dutch offers telemedicine for pets to ensure your Goldendoodle gets the care they need from the comfort of home. Try Dutch today. Published on Mar 07, and updated at Mar 13, .Click Play to Learn More About the Lovable Goldendoodle History of the Goldendoodle Goldendoodles were first bred in to be guide dogs, but the breed gained popularity among breeders during the s. The idea for the crossbreed was inspired by the successful breeding of the labradoodle, which is a poodle and Labrador retriever hybrid. As one of the most popular domestic dog breeds in the United States, the golden retriever was an obvious choice for crossbreeding with the delightfully hypoallergenic poodle. The first three dogs to earn the American Kennel Club Obedience Champion title after its introduction in were golden retrievers, which proves their loyalty and ease of trainability poodles were originally bred as retrievers and water dogs, and both the breeds score in the top 5 of the smartest dog breeds. These genes pass on to the goldendoodle, so owners can be assured of an athletic, intelligent and obedient companion. Goldendoodle Care Though low-maintenance, goldendoodles require adequate exercise, grooming, and training. This social breed thrives with its family and friends inside. The fur of a goldendoodle varies, but most of the time, their fur is in between the two extremes when it comes to grooming. They respond best to positive, reward-based training and will gladly show off their tricks for a tasty treat. Exercise With average to above average energy levels, goldendoodles require daily exercise and love to go for walks, runs, hikes, and swims. Their playful nature and retriever genes make them great fetch partners, too. Owners should aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day including walking, running, swimming, and tackling agility courses. To keep their skin and coat healthy, they need a moisturizing bath every few months. Depending on the dog, a goldendoodles may grow long hair over its eyes or between its toes and appropriate trimming is required. Training Goldendoodles are obedient, athletic, and smart so they take well to training and are eager to please. Agility comes to them naturally and courses are a great place for goldendoodles to burn energy and create a strong bond between owner and companion. They may inherit the health problems associated with poodles and golden retrievers, but it is possible that the hybrid minimizes health problems due to their genetic diversity. Goldendoodles often do exhibit this enhanced health, but only when its parents are purebred golden retrievers and poodles who have been bred responsibly and have no hereditary health issues. Hip dysplasia : Poodles and golden retrievers are both prone to hip dysplasia, so a hip exam is highly recommended to keep a potential issue in check. Eye disorders : Eye issues are also a common problem among poodles and golden retrievers. Setting up an annual eye exam with your veterinarian is a great idea for all goldendoodle owners. A dry kibble high in protein and fats does the trick. Dry kibble is helpful in removing plaque and promoting general dental hygiene. Corn, wheat, soy, and dairy are common canine food allergies. Goldendoodles are susceptible to food allergies, so it is a good idea to minimize these ingredients in their diet. Go for a grain-free diet with whole vegetables. Where to Adopt or Buy a Goldendoodle Check with your local animal shelter or rescue group to see if there's a goldendoodle available for your home. Big Fluffy Dog Rescue also includes goldendoodles in the type of dogs that it rescues. The Goldendoodle Association of North America provides a list of breeders on its website. Goldendoodle Overview Smart and fairly easy to train Good for those with pet allergies Friendly dogs that are good with kids and other pets Cons Needs at least 30 minutes to an hour of daily exercise Doesn't do well being left alone for long periods of time Susceptible to food allergies, requiring higher-quality, allergen-free food What Is a Designer Dog Breed? Like goldendoodles? You might also enjoy these breeds:. If there is a behavior your puppy exhibits that you may think is cute while your puppy is small, you need to think ahead and determine if this behavior will be acceptable from an adult dog. Consistency is the most important tool for training a puppy in their first year and beyond. Each family member needs to use the same techniques and commands so as not to confuse your puppy. It is important to remember that a puppy associates a reward or a disciplinary action with its behavior in the past 3 seconds. Waiting longer than 3 seconds to reward or discipline is very confusing to a puppy. You cannot stop this behavior, but you can certainly direct your puppy to chew upon acceptable items until this phase passes at about a year of age. The only way puppies know how to play is the typical wrestling, biting, chasing, tackling, pulling, and nipping they do with littermates. In the absence of littermates, you and your family suddenly become the littermates. Repeat this same disciplinary action a total of three times in a row. Every now and then, a particularly feisty puppy will become more excited by this disciplinary action and need a more distinct disciplinary measure. This next action needs to be initiated quickly. This will be uncomfortable for your puppy. When behavior meets with uncomfortable consequences, the behavior will stop. With all this being said, the absolute best remedy is for you to arrange daily play dates with other puppies or young dogs. The bottom line is that your puppy needs to have active playtime each day. Jumping — Your puppy will jump on you to get your attention. This may seem innocent while your puppy is small, but Grandma may not appreciate being knocked over by the full grown untrained dog. Make sure you do not reward the puppy for the act of getting down as this will enforce the behavior of jumping up only to be told to get down for a reward. This is not a sign of aggression unless you allow this to go undisciplined over time. You need to actively discourage any and all growling directed at you. If your puppy growls at you when you get close to the food bowl, immediately remove the food bowl and feed the puppy out of your hand. Do not stop brushing until the puppy accepts this without growling. Each puppy needs to learn its place in the pecking order of a family. Obviously, they need to be the lowest on the totem pole. If allowed to be boss, growling is a normal thing for a puppy to exhibit when showing its dominance. Each family member must establish they are boss. This includes young children who are timid or fearful of the puppy. Remember that any behavior you allow as a puppy is then extremely difficult to curb later in life. If you do not wish to have your adult dog on the furniture, do not sit on the sofa holding your puppy. If you do not want your grown dog to grab your pant leg, etc. Leash Training — Training your Goldendoodle puppy to walk on a leash without pulling will take some time. Be patient and read our complete guide to leash training here. Buying a Trained Puppy — You can opt to have your puppy purchased at Fox Creek Farm trained by a professional trainer. Buying a trained puppy can save you a lot of time and benefit the entire family. Please visit our board and train services page for more information. Pet Insurance — We always recommend that any dog owner have a good quality pet insurance. Choosing the best pet insurance will take you a bit of time to learn about the coverages and fees associate with the brand and your particular dog. Spend some time with our blog articles on pet insurance linked above to determine what is right for you and your furry friend. By Dr. They are known for their excellent temperaments and for being great for people with allergies. They make great guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, or just plain old family pets. But there are many things that you need to do to make sure that your puppy is happy and healthy. This article is a complete Goldendoodle Care guide for puppies. How do care for a Goldendoodle puppy? There are many things that you need to do to make sure that your puppy is healthy and happy. Vet visits for vaccines and spay or neuter Provide a high-quality diet Behavioral Training Monitor for signs of Illness By following these steps, you will have your Goldendoodle puppy started on the right track for a long healthy, and happy life. This Golden Doodle Care guide will provide you with the needed resources when you have a question on how to raise your Goldendoodle puppy. How To Care For A Goldendoodle A Visit to the Vet When you get your Goldendoodle a crossbreed between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever that has recently increased in popularity , you will want to schedule an appointment for them at your veterinary office. While this hybrid dog breed is not prone to health issues, they can still contract issues like ear infections or other issues from their environment. Your vet will examine your puppy to make sure that they are healthy and review what vaccines they may have previously received. Most of the time, they will check their stool for worms and get them started on a vaccine schedule. This is a common schedule that most vets follow for vaccines. This is usually done by the breeder before you get your Goldendoodle puppy. Most of these worms are microscopic, but some you can see in their stool. If you see worms, make sure to let your vet know. Your vet can give your Goldendoodle puppy medication to get rid of these nasty worms. Not only will your pet need vaccines, but they will also need heartworm, flea, and tick prevention. All of these parasites can cause health problems in your Goldendoodle , some of which can be fatal. When do I need to get my Goldendoodle Spayed or Neutered? Most vets recommend spaying or neutering your Goldendoodle puppy around 6 months of age. Some people will wait a little longer before spaying and neutering to allow their Goldendoodle with you. Your veterinarian can discuss the pros and cons of spaying your dog around 6-month vs. This decreases the chance of mammary tumors in females and eliminates testicular cancer in males. By not spaying your dog, you are risking them developing a pyometra. A pyometra is an infection in the uterus that can be fatal if not caught early enough. Puppies recover from the spay or neuter procedure very quickly, where older dogs may take a few days. Surgery on your young puppy will help them from developing major problems later on in life. While puppies can be very cute, over breeding dogs has caused lots of pets to end up in a shelter and not in a loving home. For your dog to stay healthy, they will need proper nutrition. There are many great diets on the market. Most pups will need food that is higher in protein than adult food. You should also look at the ingredient list on the back. The first ingredient should be protein. It is also better if it is the whole protein and not a protein meal. Once your Goldendoodle puppy is almost fully grown , you can switch to adult food. This is usually 8 months to 1 year of age. Most Goldendoodles will stay on an adult diet until they are around 7 years, then they will switch to a senior diet. Your veterinarian can recommend many great brands of dog food. Treats often contain higher amounts of fat than regular dog food. How much to feed a Goldendoodle Puppy? Most recommended following the feeding instructions on the bag, but a good rule of thumb is about 1 cup per 15 pounds a day. Most of the time, it is recommended to split these feeding into a few different feedings each day. When your puppy is very young, most vets worry about your Goldendoodle puppy being able to regulate their blood sugar. By giving them multiple meals a day will help keep their blood sugar at optimal levels. Some people will feed their puppy a mixture of wet food and dry food as their teeth are coming in, and once they have all of their teeth with switch them to strictly dry food. When feeding your Goldendoodle wet food, make sure to decrease the amount of dry food that you are feeding them, or your Goldendoodle can become overweight. Behavioral Training and Socialization When you first get your Goldendoodle puppy, you will need to train them on how to act and socialize them with other people and pets. This makes sure that you raise a well-mannered Goldendoodle. You will have to train them on how to do many things such as: Potty Training Not to Chew on things Simple sit and stay commands How to walk on a leash Potty Training There are two main ways that people potty train their dogs. Most people will crate train or potty pad train their Goldendoodle puppies. Crate training is the most common way, but people in apartments or people who live where winter is very harsh sometimes prefer potty pad training as they do not have to always take their dog outside. Crate Training Some people do not want to keep their Goldendoodle in a crate all day while they are gone. Usually, after a few days, these puppies will adapt to being in a crate during the day. It will even make life easier for you, especially if they are making a mess all over the house or destroying everything in the house. By using consistency and teaching your dog that staying in a crate is fun and not scary will not only make potty training easier, it will also help with vet visits and traveling. Goldendoodles love having a place to call their own. By providing them with a crate, full of blankets and toys, and their food bowl, they will quickly love spending time in their crate. By making this space fun and cozy will make it very easy to train your Goldendoodle to stay in a crate and reduce the likelihood of separation anxiety. They do not like lying next to or in their urine or poop. If you have a large mixed breed Goldendoodle puppy probably from a Standard Poodle parent , you can still get a big crate and use the partition provided with the crate to block off a section of the crate for them to stay in while they are growing. When you are not able to watch your puppy constantly put them in their crate. Many times, this will be when your puppy wants to sleep, or you are gone from the house. Your new puppy will let you know that they need out to potty. These signals may be whining and scratching at the side of the crate or barking at you. As soon as you notice these signs, take your puppy out immediately. Do not let them use the bathroom in their crate as this teaches them it is okay to potty in their crate. Eventually, your puppy will be able to hold it the whole time in their crate without having an accident. Potty Pad or Paper Training If you do want to allow your Goldendoodle to have a place to potty inside, the potty pad training them is a great idea. Potty pad training is great for people who are at work for a very long time or people who cannot make it home during the day to let their Goldendoodle outside. This is also great for small Goldendoodles that live in an apartment or in an area where winter is very harsh. By potty pad training your Goldendoodle puppy, you are giving them an approved location to use the bathroom while you are gone. Sometimes potty pad or paper training your puppy is not the best thing to teach them to do. If your final goal is to only have your dog use the bathroom outside, then it is advised to skip potty pad. Potty pad training can teach your dog bad habits and that it is okay to use the bathroom inside the house. Many times, this can be very confusing for young Goldendoodle puppies. How to potty train your Goldendoodle puppy Potty training is very simple. There are both disposable potty pads and washable potty pads that you can reuse. Lay one of these pads out for your puppy. When you would take your Goldendoodle puppy outside to use the bathroom, take them to the potty pad instead. Your Goldendoodle puppy will quickly learn that this is an approved place for them to use the bathroom. With a little persistence and patience, your Goldendoodle puppy with quickly learn where is an approved spot for them to use the bathroom. Goldendoodles are very smart, and very quick learners most only have a few accidents in the house. Some do take a little longer to potty train usually because they can also be very stubborn. Why is my Goldendoodle Chewing on Everything All puppies will go through a teething phase where they will chew on anything. This is a normal and sometimes painful process. Your Goldendoodle puppy will start to lose teeth around 3 months of age and continue until they are a little over 6 months. During this time, you will notice that your Goldendoodle puppy is chewing on anything and everything. This behavior can become a lifelong habit if you do not give your dog something approved to chew on during this puppy teething phase. During the teething phase , your Goldendoodle puppy will find many different types of objects to chew on to relieve the pain from the new teeth coming in. But chewing on your furniture and shoes is usually not a wanted behavior. You should give your dog appropriate toys and teething devices during this time. Also, you need to teach your Goldendoodle puppy that nipping and biting people and other animals are not allowed. If you have another pet in the house during the time that your Goldendoodle puppy is teething, monitor their playtime as sometimes these nips and bites can escalate into a serious fight. Socializing Your Goldendoodle Puppy It is best to start to socialize your puppy early. This is one of the most important parts of caring for your Goldendoodle. Goldendoodles are a very energetic dog, so give them a chance to get in some exercise! Socialization should start around 8 weeks old. Most people will start with puppy classes. This is a way that you can get your Goldendoodle puppy around other puppies. During your Goldendoodle puppy first few months of life, you need to introduce them to many different sounds and environments. Puppy classes will give your puppy the opportunity to learn basic commands such as sit and stay as well as how to walk on a leash. During this time, it is recommended that your Goldendoodle experiences different types of social environments involving people and other dogs. Without this proper Socialization and training, your Goldendoodle puppy may be afraid in certain situations, such as with new people or animals. When training your Goldendoodle puppy, think of all situations that they may have to encounter in their life. Your Goldendoodle puppy should be relaxed around new people, pets, cars, people on bicycles, honking horns, stairs, cats, exams by the vet, and large crowds of people. If you can get your dog to get used to these situations will make for a much more relaxed life for you and your Goldendoodle. Between 2 and 4 months of age, your puppy is the most comfortable learning these new behaviors, having new experiences, and meeting new people or animals. They may still be scared at first, but you can help them by taking them very often to new places and around new people. Also, provide positive reinforcement when they behave appropriately and support them if they are afraid. After your Goldendoodle is 4 months old, they are usually less tolerant of learning to adapt to new environments and people or animals. This can make obedience training difficult in an older dog. Grooming Training Your Goldendoodle puppy will not need much grooming for the first few months. Just a good brushing every day or so to prevent mats and remove tangles will suffice. Show them all the tools, including your clipper, comb , brush , and scissors, and give your Goldendoodle puppy a lot of praise. Touch their nails and face and make sure that they have a good time. This will make grooming them as adults much easier in the future your groomer will thank you! Signs of Illness in Your Goldendoodle When your puppy is young, they are susceptible to many diseases and illnesses. This is why you need to make sure that your Goldendoodle receives all their needed vaccines. These vaccines alone will not prevent all disease. You will also need to watch your puppy for any signs of Illness. If you see any of these signs, you need to take your Goldendoodle puppy to your vet as soon as possible. Not eating. It is wise not to acquire your puppy until she is at least weeks old and has already had at least one inoculation shot protecting him. Vaccinations — Your puppy needs a series of shots while she is still very young. Talk to your Vet for a more thorough list as well as any special issues for the area in which you live. She will need a series of at least two to three more of these inoculations given 3 weeks apart. DO NOT have a rabies shot given at the same time as the other inoculations. It is best to wait at least two months after the combined shots before giving the rabies serum. We recommend that you not place your puppy on the ground in public areas until they have received their full series of puppy shots. Teeth—of dogs are often overlooked and should be cleaned regularly. Once you get the hang of it only takes a couple of minutes. Teeth of mature dogs should be kept free of tarter, which destroys gums and teeth prematurely and can cause other heath related problems. Ears —should be kept clean and free of excess hair on which ear wax can gather. You can use a liquid or powder cleaner and antiseptic in each ear from time to time. Since you will be taking your Goldendoodle to a groomer every couple of months they will be sure the ears are clean and alert you of any issues that may arise. Toenails—need to be trimmed every weeks. Your groomer or Vet can take care of this process for you. We do not remove dew claws these are kind of like a thumb and are located inside and an inch or two above the front paws. These nails will need trimmed occasionally as well. Hair on the bottom of the foot pads should also be trimmed off to insure good footing. Tear Staining — All dogs tear, but on a few it will stain muzzle below the eye to a dark brown. Often the tearing is due to hair touching the eye causing it to continually tear keeping the area below the eye wet. To prevent these stains, keep the hair below the eyes trimmed short and regularly dry with a tissue until the issue is resolved. Hair hanging over the eyes may cause irritation and excessive tearing. Keeping this hair trimmed up and away from the eyes will help to keep tearing minimal. If the eyes are crusty looking or have a yellowish green discharge, take her to the veterinarian as this is a sign of infection. Feed a premium, high quality food without additives, food color, corn or wheat will aid in maintaining white stain-free faces. Corn and wheat are the two most common ingredients that can cause food allergies in dogs. Most of the time it quickly clears up and returns to normal. If it persists a bit longer then try a good dog probiotic like Pro-Pectalin. The easiest way to do this is by using a plastic spoon and a small Zip Loc bag. Scoop up a bit and drop the spoon and all in the bag.

Grooming will have to be a priority for this dog. Stay on top of all that hair by brushing your dog weekly. A mid to large sized dog, the Aussiedor is best suited for a house with enough yard space to get plenty of exercise. As mentioned above the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix can weigh anywhere from 40 to 80 lbs 22 to 36 kg and reach 22 to 25 inches 56 to 64 cm in height. The Australian Shepherd is also recognized as a loving family dog, particularly around children. Herding genes mean protectiveness, so this is something to watch for with an Australian Shepherd Labrador mix. Separation anxiety can be a factor. Nonetheless, these genes make a great therapy dog and both parent breeds are known to excel in these working roles. The ease of trainability is high, as this mix has an impressive IQ and loves a good mental or physical challenge to get those juices flowing. Positive reinforcement will keep her motivated to please and socialization will help soften herding instincts when it comes to the presence of strangers and other pets. Check out this video that showcases some vital techniques used to train an Australian Shepherd Labrador mix. You will need to challenge her because if not, she will challenge your belongings to a game of bite and chew. Spend an hour each day playing fetch, frisbee or going for a long walk. Labradors are known to be phenomenal swimmers, which could mean the same for your Australian Shepherd Labrador mix. If you have a pool, make a splash to burn off extra energy. For rainy days, keep interactive toys handy, such as doggie puzzles, that work the brain. Aussidors Have a Big Appetite This breed is not one to miss a meal. They have a big appetite, but also have a tendency to pack on the pounds, so keep meals on a schedule. Opt for calorie-dense dry dog food that is high in protein. Feed your adult Aussiedor 3 to 4 cups of food per day, divided into 2 meals. This is the belief that hybrids tend to be harder than the purebred parents due to a broader gene pool. Of course, as with any species of animal, there are a handful of health issues to stay informed about. You should always be prepared to ask breeders questions about health issues and they should be able to provide clearances from the vet. These are the most common Australian Shepherd Labrador mix health issues to be aware of. Elbow dysplasia: Growth abnormalities in the elbow causing painful mobility. Hip dysplasia : Abnormalities in the hips that are painful and hinder mobility. Muscular dystrophy: A disease that causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle. Collie eye anomaly: An inherited disease that aggravates the bilateral eye and can cause blindness. Progressive retinal atrophy: Degeneration of the retina that can cause vision loss. Cataracts: An opacity in the eye lens that impairs vision. Bloat: When gas causes the stomach to be distended, putting pressure on the diaphragm. Not to mention how adorable they look! Please oh please beware of puppy mills, though! With puppy mill dogs, puppy health is known to be poor. Do you have a pencil ready? Write down the following tips and keep them close to your heart when seeking out Aussiedor puppies for sale. Remember: good breeders should be dog lovers Breeding dogs is something that takes passion and love. Unfortunately, there are those few slime balls looking to bag a quick buck by exploiting the innocent. Here are 4 signs to look out for: A breeder should be an open book. Never make an online transaction. Ask to visit the location where the puppies were born and live. If a breeder declines, take it as a red flag and shop elsewhere. What do they have to hide? Puppy mill breeders will want to hustle fast, offering transactions that can be made online and charging cheaper prices than the average. Do your research on what the average cost is. Beware of breeders that make guarantees. For instance, if a breeder claims that their Aussiedor puppies will grow to a certain height or act a specific way, move on to the next one. Remember, no one can make predictions on how a hybrid will turn out. Here are some helpful sources to locate Australian Shepherd Lab Mix for adoption. Temperament: Exuberant, outgoing and friendly. Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Appearance As a cross their appearance can vary greatly between a nice mix of the two, or can lean more towards one parent or the other. The same thing can be said about their size with some being a heavier set like the Labrador or others being leaner like Aussies. Aussiedors are generally broad-shouldered and solid in structure with the broad face and large head of a Labrador. Their ears hang low and their tail is relatively long compared to the body. Size Once fully grown you can expect them to stand 25 inches tall, although they can be as short as 18 inches. As for weight it should range between pounds. Colors Despite the fairly basic colors of its parents, the Aussiedor is quite the rainbow dog. They come in nearly every color imaginable! The most common colors for this mix include bicolor black and white , tricolor black, tan and white , blue or red merle, tan, black and tan, spotted, speckled or brindle. Coat Their coat can be a mixture of types thanks to the difference of coat between Australian Shepherds and Labradors. It can either be straight or somewhat wavy and length can vary too. No matter how it may look all coats are typically dense and repel water like Labradors. Both the Labrador and the Australian Shepherd are heavy shedders, and the Aussiedor is no different — in fact, they usually shed even more than their parents. If you do not like finding fur everywhere, the Aussiedor may not be the dog for you. Their devotion to their family means they are also prone to separation anxiety. It is likely they will have the herding instincts of their Australian Shepherd parent. The wide range of colors means they can have numerous different markings. Aussiedors make excellent family dogs and adore children. Due to their easy going nature, they do not make the best guard dog. They are loyal to their people, kind and gentle with children and friendly to people that it knows. Some Australian Shepherd Lab mixes might lean more towards their Aussie side and be cautious around strangers, whereas others will lean more towards their Lab side. As a general rule though they tend to lean towards the easy-going attitude of the Labrador Retriever. Both Australian Shepherds and Labradors are high energy breeds, meaning that this cross is no different. They need lots of physical stimulation every day to keep them occupied and plenty of toys to play with. These dogs can easily play and run around for hours on end without breaking a sweat so make sure you have plenty of room and time to exercise them. They also excel at dog sports, including flyball, agility, and other active sports. They are not big barkers although they will bark to alert the family to anyone coming up to the house, or sometimes when they play. One important thing to know is they can sometimes have the herding instincts of the Australian Shepherd and attempt to herd small children or small animals. Fortunately, they are incredibly smart and are easily trained out of these undesirable behaviors. These dogs make excellent companions for families. Labradors are generally amazing with kids and also great with strangers and Australian Shepherds are similar although they can be more aloof. This creates a nice mix that adores children and playing, but can also be a bit protective of their family. Caring for an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix The Aussiedor is an amazing companion but their exercise and grooming requirements are not for busy adults. These dogs need a lot of time to be able to run around and be brushed. Even more, brushing will be needed if they have a coat that is similar to the Australian Shepherd. However, their easy-going nature makes them a perfect companion for novice dog owners or someone looking for their next competition dog. They are also amazing dogs with children which means there is almost no family that this dog does not fit with. Remember these dogs do not do well living in an apartment and some even have issues living in suburbs. Exercise Requirements As both their parent breeds are high energy your Australian Shepherd Lab mix will also be high energy. They can handle living in the suburbs with a fenced-in yard to play in along with daily walks, although they thrive on farms or larger properties with a job. At least two walks a day are needed for the Aussiedor. Just a walk around the block will not be enough for this dog, they need to be off-leash with space to run around. They will also need time to play when you get back home. Agility is a great game to teach and a great way to burn their energy out. Number of Walks Per Day: .Grooming and Shedding The biggest downfall to this incredible breed is the grooming and shedding responsibilities. Both Australian Shepherds and Labradors shed a lot, so the Aussiedor is no exception. Although their coat will blow out in the spring and fall, you should still be prepared for a lot of shedding throughout the rest of the year. At the very least the Shepherd Lab mix needs to be brushed weekly, although this should increase to every couple days during shedding season. Brushing your dog regularly and blowing out their coat if they have the longer fur of an Aussie can help control the extreme shedding. Shorter coat variations also do well with a damp washcloth being run over their coat to remove any excess fur. Feeding and Diet Just like their Labrador parent, the Aussiedor is prone to eating everything in sight and putting on weight. So with this pooch, you need to keep a close eye on their weight. A high-quality, calorie-rich, dry dog food is best for this breed. You might also need to use a slow eater bowl since they are prone to bloat. Australian Shepherds tend to live for about nine years, while Labradors typically live for closer to twelve. Thanks to the hybrid vigor, you can expect Aussiedors to live closer to about twelve years. Regardless both breeds are very smart and pick up on things quickly. They respond best to positive reinforcement especially if they lean more towards the Aussie. Aggressive methods such as pinch collars should be avoided as it will cause your Aussiedor to shut down and become disinterested in learning. Make sure to stick with only light corrections. As with any dog, socialization is an important part of doggy training when the Australian Shepherd Lab is young, but not as important as some other breeds. By nature, this is an easy-going dog that gets along well with everyone including kids, cats, and sometimes even strangers. They need their fair share of mental stimulation so you can set up a few jumps — training their agility is a great way to meet both their physical and mental stimulation needs. These dogs are physical athletes and they love being able to perform. 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. They are not purebreds like their Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever parents. The main colors of Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes are brown, cream, black, tan, and brindle. They are often a blend and mix of any of these colors. These dogs are generally not recommended for people with allergies. They tend to shed quite a bit. Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes can be very tolerant of children, but like all dogs, should be supervised when around youngsters. They may try to herd small children thinking they are part of their flock. Australian Shepherd Labs do get along with other dogs but it is important to socialize puppies. This gets them used to other dogs and also to people, although they are also affectionate to strangers. These pups like to stay active through the day. If they get bored, they could become destructive. They enjoy activities like frisbee, swimming, hiking, and walking. If you need a running partner, the Aussie Shepherd Lab could be your new coach. Australian Shepherd Lab Mix History The Australian Shepherd Lab mixed dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retrievers in the late s, likely in North America. Today they make great companions and guide dogs, and often work as drug detection dogs. They need to have jobs and are happiest when they are active. They were originally bread to herd cattle and need to stay active. The Aussie Shepherd Lab mix was bread to be a super working dog. Mixing two breeds also minimizes health issues that tend to affect pure breeds, as they are often inbred. Breeders continued to create Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the pup for you. Check your local shelters, look up Australian Shepherd Lab Mix rescues, or check with breed specific Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breed dogs. That said, as a mix between Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever parents, you can expect Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes to be in the medium size range. Most weigh in at 40 to 80 pounds and range in height from 22 to 25 inches at the shoulder. However, many can be smaller or larger than average. Many Australian Shepherd Lab Mix lovers describe their dogs as protective, loyal, athletic companions. They are medium in size and full of energy and with lots of love to give. One thing Australian Shepherd Labs are not good at is being alone for long periods of time. Without the companionship they need—as well as exercise and the chance to put their intelligence to work—they become bored and frustrated. Like every dog, the Australian Shepherd Lab needs early socialization. Lots of walks and outings to local parks can help with this. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Australian Shepherd Labs are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Opt for cotton balls over q-tips. Due to their floppy ears they are prone to infection. They should be checked weekly for redness or a strong odor. This may indicate signs of an infection. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. One main concern when it comes to your Australian Shepherd Labs care will be maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, as this breed is prone to tartar buildup. Dental chews can also help combat the plaque buildup. How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Australian Shepherd Lab diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs—including weight, energy, and health—to make a specific recommendation. They tend to shed quite a bit, if you are not familiar with robotic vacuums, consider looking into a RoboVac. These pups will require a few good brushes per week. Brushing will also help to spread the oils throughout the coat. Australian Shepherd Lab mixes have a water resistant top coat and a warm undercoat. They are resilient in rain and snow. They can be very tolerant of children, but like all dogs, should be supervised when around youngsters. Always teach kids how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Socialization teaches puppies how to behave and greet other dogs. Find out if this is the right dog for you by learning about their Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever parents. However, you may want to try Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Eye problems like cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and retinal dysplasia Hip and elbow dysplasia Osteochondritis Hypothyroidism To make sure that your pup is healthy, take it to the vet the moment it arrives home. It should be tested against the genes that cause hereditary cataracts. He must receive nutrition that is ideal for its build and weight. As much as possible, your dog should maintain a perfect and healthy weight. Giving your dog treats is the number one cause of obesity and being overweight. If you want to train your dog and reward it for good behavior, use positive reinforcement instead. The following dog food is the best for Australian Shepherd Lab mix breeds: 1. It is also made from brown rice, sweet potatoes, apples, spinach, carrots and more. It also comes with vitamins, minerals, and supplements that can help your dog burn fat more efficiently. It does not contain coarse grains but is made from wholesome ingredients and has a high-protein formula. It is the best food for highly-energetic dogs that are prone to digestive problems. Canidae Grain-Free Pure Sky Dog Food This mixed breed may come with digestive issues and allergies; therefore, this dog food may help your dog reduce these medical conditions. This will help maintain muscle mass and healthy digestion. Not all human food is good for dogs. Avoid the following food as much as possible: Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Chocolate, coffee, and tea Onions, chives, and garlic Salty foods and junk food You want your dog to have a healthy life, full of joy and happiness. The owners should try to provide them for their pups, but at the same time stay away from worst dry dog food. Puppies need energy for their active social life so take a look at our list of best puppy food brands. Dog-grandpas who prefer to stay home and watch TV might enjoy best senior dry dog food. Your pup inherits lots of genes from their lovely parents so you can try out best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food and see if any of them sticks. This dog needs you for mental and physical stimulation. It requires a lot of time for exercise and play. If this is not met, your dog could become bored and could become destructive. Activities, like running, jogging, Frisbee and fetch, are good activities to do every day. Take your dog to a playground or dog park where you can play with your dog in a safe environment. This mixed breed loves to swim owing to its Labrador Retriever roots. You can take this to a lake or dog pool where it can master its diving, fetching and retriever talents. Invest in the following durable toys for your dog. This rope toy is durable and will never break or tear. Your dog will love to play with this toy again and again. You can play all kinds of games indoors or outdoors with this durable toy. Ultra Rubber Ball Dog Toy Durable and will last forever, this ball dog toy is made from rubber and is safe for your dogs. You can play catch, fetch or any game or play outdoors with this soft toy. It is straightforward to train this dog, and with the following techniques, you can prepare this breed quickly, efficiently and safely. Give Your Dog Positive Reinforcement Food treats can cause obesity and other medical conditions which can cause the life and health of your dog. Instead of treats, offer encouraging words, pats, and hugs and play with your dog. You may also provide his favorite toy instead of treats. As soon as it arrives home, teach it house proofing rules. Show where he will eat, sleep and where it will find its food and water. Your little one may not get it right away, but with constant training, he will do just well. Therefore it would be best to train your dog new tricks by doing this indoors or in a familiar and safe environment. You may train it in your backyard or indoors and then gradually move outdoors once he is more comfortable and less distracted. A Lab Australian Shepherd dog may get professional training to become service dogs, herding dogs or guard dogs. An expert may train your dog for obedience training, protection training, attack training and other special tricks he can perform daily. But aside from its endearing and loving nature, it can also be used as a guard dog. This dog is brave and will guard its flock no matter what happens. This dog loves to play with kids and will herd them if they are not herding sheep or livestock. This dog will be patient and will like to be with other dogs and pets at home. The Lab Australian Shepherd should socialize with other dogs and people early. This should be done the soonest to prevent developing anti-social behaviors and aggression against people or other pets or dogs. Your Australian Shepherd Lab pup will become a disciplined, happy and healthy dog when caring for it and train it early. It should be exposed to other pets soon and receive ample hours of exercise and training daily. The Australian Shepherd Lab Mix, affectionately known as an Aussiedor, is a strong and playful, medium-sized dog breed with a solid build. The Aussiedor is a mixed breed dog from cross-breeding a purebred Australian Shepherd with a purebred Labrador Retriever. Designer dogs come in a variety of coat colors and types, depending on the genes and appearance of the parent breeds. This hybrid dog breed has a striking appearance with expressive almond-shaped eyes and is highly intelligent, active, and hardworking. An Aussiedor puppy makes an adorable family pet and companion for any dog owner that wants a high energy pooch. Fact: The Australian Shepherd dog did not originate in Australia as the name suggests. It actually originated as a herding dog in the 19th Century to work on ranches in the West of the United States of America. This loveable dog is known from its roles in Cowboy and Western-type movies as the herding dog on the ranch. Over time, the Aussie has developed a reputation as a strong and intelligent working dog that is easily trainable. It has, therefore, has been used successfully, for many decades, as a herding dog and shepherd dog, a service dog, a protection dog, and in a variety of search and rescue jobs. The Aussie has a high energy level with a herding instinct and is happiest when it is being kept very active and where it knows what it has to do. This is not your average couch potato pooch but it can be a happy family dog as long as it is kept busy. The Labrador Retriever dog is from Newfoundland, Canada. Possibly as early as the s, they were used by fishermen to retrieve fish from nets and catch those that escaped back into the sea. They are all good swimmers and have a gentle mouth grip that will not damage the prey they are ordered to retrieve. This dog breed came to Great Britain around .The 5th Duke of Buccleuch, a British Aristocrat, heard about their retrieving skills and is believed to have been one of the first people to import the Labrador Retriever dog from Newfoundland, Canada. He did this because he wanted a smart working dog on his estate on the Scotland Borders. He wanted to use them as gun dogs for retrieving the wild ducks he shot on his estate. Another British Aristocrat, the 2nd Earl of Malmesbury, was also a fan of Newfoundland retrieving dogs for hunting and quickly noticed their skill for retrieving waterfowl on land and in water. In , the new 6th Duke of Buccleuch met the new 3rd Earl of Malmesbury on a shoot and realized their mutual respect for these skilled hunting and retrieving dogs. The Earl then gifted two of his male Labrador retriever dogs to the Duke, who then used two of his female labs to begin breeding more and this is believed to have continued the pure Newfoundland lab bloodline we still see today in our Labrador Retrievers. The lab is simply an adorable and gentle dog that makes the ideal family pet. Its fun-loving and loyal nature, and easy-going temperament, makes it suitable for any age of dog owner or living environment. Meet the offspring: The hybrid offspring of these two purebred dogs is the Australian Shepherd Lab mix puppy — the Aussiedor puppy. Fact: Designer dogs are increasing in popularity and so is the trend to give them a cute combo name that reflects a bit of both parent names. The Aussiedor puppy will inherit characteristics from both parents. What are the main characteristics of an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix? Like any other crossbreed, the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix can inherit the characteristics of either parent or both. Crossbred dogs are no more likely to inherit health issues than purebred dogs; in fact, it is believed they may actually be stronger. Any puppy mix dog can inherit all, some or none of the health issues its parent breeds have. It can be heavily weighted towards the characteristics of one parent more than the other. The characteristics of an Aussiedor are a combination of nature and nurture: genetics of the parents, the environment and the quality, type and amount of training and socialization. The Aussiedor — possible coat colors Both parents have a double coat: a water-resistant topcoat and a warm undercoat. Therefore the Aussiedor will inherit the same double coat. Fact: The merle gene is associated with health problems and if both parents have this dangerous gene it can cause various eye diseases and deafness in their offspring. Fortunately for this Australian Shepherd mix , its Labrador Retriever parent does not carry this gene. Loyalty and companionship The Aussie Lab is a relatively new breed. Given its parent mix, it will be extremely loyal with a loving temperament when trained and socialized properly. It will make a very caring and protective companion, and crave company and inclusion. It needs to have company and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Reputation: This breed is kind and gentle. Both parents have herding instincts so the Aussiedor is likely to inherit these instincts too. This means it will want to work and herd, so it needs to be trained and socialized early to prevent young children and other family pets from becoming part of its herd! They have a reputation as a high energy breed that can be gentle but can inherit the cautious nature of the Aussie and be a little aloof with strangers. It is not known as an aggressive dog but needs to be kept occupied or it can be mischievous. Trainability: The Aussiedor puppy needs to be trained and socialized as early as is will inherit a herding instinct and be highly active. This mixed breed is protective and could be occasionally aggressive with strangers. They may attempt to take over and herd small children and smaller pets so they need to be controlled. The trainability of this very intelligent breed should be quite easy as it is a working type dog. Positive reinforcement and small treats will work well but not harsh discipline, or any form of negative punishment or physical restraint as it may rebel. Power and intelligence: This mixed breed dog is very intelligent, strong, and active with a herding and working drive. It will enjoy and need working challenges incorporating mental and physical stimulation, but it will be curious and want to investigate the other side of the fence. Socialization: Early socialization and discipline are strongly recommended for any crossbred dog that has a herding and working dog heritage. Any type of hybrid dog with two intelligent parents will be strong-willed and need to be active and occupied. They will not want a sedentary lifestyle and will enjoy as much exercise and action as the owner can provide. When trained and socialized this mixed breed dog will be approachable and friendly around children and other animals. Purpose: Any herding or working dog will want to be useful and please its owner. Behavior: The Australian Sheprador is agile, active, and can be strong-willed so it needs to be trained early as it can easily and will become destructive or mischievous. When trained it will be a playful and friendly companion and family pet. Physical Characteristics of the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix This dog has an unusual appearance, with striking eyes, sometimes even different colors, and a beautiful coat. Both male and female tend to follow the same growth patterns in terms of size and weight. Unlike some breeds where males can grow to a larger size. Size: The Aussiedor is a medium sized dog. Australian Shepherd Lab mix puppies This mix is a smart, high-energy, high-shedding ball of fun. They require socialization due to guarding tendencies, and have some potential for inherited health issues, but they also have all the earmarks of a great pet. Today we will take a look at the pros and cons of the Australian Shepherd Lab mix. We do know more about the origins of the parent breeds. If you have a first generation Aussiedor, then her origins really start with Labs and Aussies. Even if your mixed pup is second generation or beyond, the history of the parent breeds can heavily inform the makeup of the individual dog. These retrievers were later mixed with Newfoundlands to produce the classic Lab that we recognize now. They are prized as hunting partners, service dogs and of course family pets. Aussies descend from sheep-herding dogs that are believed to have originated in the Pyrenees Mountains in Spain and France. However, the Australian Shepherd that we know today was refined in the United States. Today, Australian Shepherds are still used for herding in some areas, but many of them are beloved farm dogs. They accompany their owners on trail rides or farmers who are working crops. They are also popular family pets. Especially for people with small children and good-sized yards that allow games of fetch and chase! What To Expect From An Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Learning about the parent breeds can help us to understand the possible temperament, behaviors, and appearance of a mixed breed like the Aussiedor. Labs are a little taller, ranging up to .Aussies can range between 40 and 65 pounds, and Labs are usually slightly bigger, ranging from 55 to 85 pounds. A Labrador Australian Shepherd mix will likely be a medium-sized dog, falling somewhere in the range of the parent breeds. They have sturdy, athletic frames and happy wagging tails. What are some other options? A black Lab Australian Shepherd mix, for example, could have the dark fur of the Lab parent, the generally lighter solid coat of the Australian Shepherd, or a multicolored coat like many Aussies. Chocolate Labs are perhaps the most popular color variation in the very popular Labrador Retriever breed. But just as with the black Lab Australian Shepherd mix, no one can promise that your Aussiedor will have a chocolate coat. On top of that, chocolate Labs have a recessive gene, making them a more rare coloration. Yellow Labrador Retrievers are more common than chocolate Labs, but not as commonly seen as black Labs. So you may still find it tricky to track down an Australian Shepherd yellow Lab mix. Ultimately, whether you find a black Lab Australian Shepherd mix, an Australian Shepherd chocolate Lab mix, or an Australian Shepherd yellow Lab mix, the exact coloration is impossible to guarantee. Australian Shepherds also have something of a reputation, so your Labrador Australian Shepherd mix will shed prolifically. However, an Aussie double-coat will require a good bit more maintenance. You might consider using a slicker brush to prevent the coat from tangling, to get rid of dead hair, and to remove whatever debris that your pup picks up during the work or play day. This dog will need weekly brushing at minimum; an Aussiedor with an Aussie-type coat might benefit from regular trips to the groomer to keep his fur from matting. Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Temperament When it comes to temperament, the Australian Shepherd and Lab mix is most likely going to be a handful for novice dog owners. Both Labradors and Australian Shepherds are high-energy dogs that were bred to work. Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Personality Due to their strong herding and thus guarding instincts, some Australian Shepherds can be protective of their families. This may make them shy or a little bit aggressive around strangers. Socializing an Aussie from a young age may reduce the chances of their guarding instinct from showing up later. Conversely, Labrador Retrievers are usually NOT shy or reserved with strangers or other dogs although a few individuals may be so. They are generally very smiley and happy dogs that love anyone who will give them attention. Knowing whether an Aussiedor will act more like a Labrador possibly a bit jumpy and prone to following her nose or an Australian Shepherd very jumpy and possibly prone to nipping at heels is a coin toss. Socialization Socialization is important for all breeds, really. Training your dog to react well in new and different circumstances is part of raising a happy, well-behaved pet. Introduce your pup to different environments, people of all ages, and other animals. Training And Exercise Australian Shepherd Lab mix training is best carried out with positive methods. From day one, reward behaviors you want to see, like calmness, ignoring the wildlife and not jumping up. Keep that buy brain occupied. This mix is not a lap dog or a couch potato. They need lots of interaction and play time in order to be happy and both physically and mentally healthy. Exercise Requirements This mix will do well with a fenced-in yard for play time, but they will truly thrive on a farm or larger property that will give them a job to do. They are people-pleasers who will love being your best mate or farm hand! Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Health And Care Just like purebred dogs, hybrid dogs may also develop certain conditions based on their genetics. Labrador Health Labs are generally quite healthy for medium to large dogs, but they do have some potential for health problems, both inherited and acquired. Inherited issues include hip and elbow dysplasia and PRA. Labs are also prone to other problems that may crop up along the way, such as obesity, ear issues, and skin allergies. Australian Shepherd Health Australian Shepherds can be prone to hypothyroidism, or autoimmune thyroiditis. Lymphoma is also unfortunately common in Australian Shepherd dogs. According to a study published by the Journal of Veterinary Medicine, idiopathic primary epilepsy is commonly inherited in the Australian Shepherd breed. Dogs with the MDR1 mutation should not be given certain antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, anti-diarrheal drugs, dewormers, pain medications, or tranquilizers. Mix Health Your Aussiedor could potentially inherit any of the health problems to which the parent breeds are prone. Both Australian Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are prone to hip or elbow dysplasia and cataracts. Make sure they both have good hip and elbow scores and a recent vet check. The Lab parent should also be PRA clear. Some sources suggest that the average Aussie lives between 12 and 15 years; however, one study found that the median age was closer to 9 years. In general, mixed breeds live a little longer than purebreds. So you could reasonably hope for your Aussiedor to have a life expectancy near the latter end of this spectrum. Shelter Dogs Fully grown rescue dogs have more reliable temperaments. When introducing a new adult dog into your home and neighborhood, be cautious around children and other animals until you can be secure in their behavior. Especially when you wish to purchase a puppy from a responsible breeder who uses genetic testing. The exact amount that you pay may also vary based on the parent stock, how much they are worth to the breeder, and the number of puppies available. Aussie Lab Sheprador. The resulting puppies can be a perfect mix of both parent breeds. Or they can take more after the Lab, or be a perfect replica of an Australian shepherd parent. The chance of predicting the exact appearance of a mixed breed dog is like winning the lottery! However, taking a closer look at both parents can give you some idea of what traits you can expect to see in your puppy. Size As a cross between a Labrador and an Aussie shepherd, you can expect your Aussiedor to be a medium-sized dog. Most are between 18 and 25 inches high at withers and weigh between 40 and 80 pounds when fully grown. Color Purebred Labrador retrievers have solid coats that can come in various shades of yellow, chocolate, and black. On the other hand, Australian shepherds are never solid and their coats come in a variety of different colors, including merle, black, red merle, red tricolor, blue merle, red, and black tricolor. Aussiedors often have brown, cream, black, tan, or brindle coats, but they can come in many other color combinations. When it comes to length, this mix can have a short or medium-long coat depending on which parent it takes after more. Being a double-coated breed, your mix will shed quite a bit all year long and blow their coat twice a year. The Aussiedor will keep you and your vacuum cleaner busy every single day of the year! Like any other designer hybrid, this mix inherits traits from two very different dog breeds. To get a better idea of what personality traits you can expect to see in your pooch, take a closer look at both its parents — the Lab and the Aussie. Furthermore, being a mix of two working breeds, your sheprador will have an impeccable work ethic with a strong desire to work. Eager to please, protective, and friendly, the Aussie sheprador has an endless supply of energy and is always in the mood to play. Being a highly athletic breed, this mix is best suited for active families with older children who will know how to play and interact with a dog. Keep in mind that your sheprador might inherit a strong herding instinct from its Australian shepherd parent. The Australian shepherd and Lab mix is a people-oriented and outgoing dog that likes to be involved in all family activities. And although Aussie shepherds are often kept in barns to be close to cattle, the Aussiedor prefers human company and should live indoors, close to their family. Activity Level Since both Labs and Aussie shepherds are highly energetic working breeds, it should come as no surprise that the Australian shepherd Lab mix is a bouncing ball of energy. This mix needs around two hours of strenuous activity every day; otherwise, they will quickly become bored and destructive. Running, swimming, cycling, hiking, and agility sports are all great ways to keep your pooch physically challenged and exercised. Also, if you have a chance to put your dog to work, go for it! Being a true working breed at heart, your pooch will enjoy having a job to do and will happily complete whatever task you give them. Caring For An Aussie Lab Mix Like any other dog, the sheprador requires proper care and attention to stay happy and healthy. Here are a few things you should pay attention to: Exercise As mentioned previously, shepradors have high exercise requirements and need around two hours of vigorous activity every day. Ideally, you should walk your pooch two to three times a day and also let them blow off some steam with activities such as running, swimming, or agility. Additionally, games such as fetch, flyball, and Frisbee are ideal for this mix since they keep your pup physically and mentally challenged at the same time. Intellectual Stimulation True to its parent breeds, the Aussie sheprador is one smart canine! Without proper mental stimulation, these intelligent dogs can easily become bored and frustrated. When bored, the good-natured Aussiedor turns into a menace that will chew, dig, and destroy your home and furniture. Companionship Aussie Labs are people-oriented and amiable dogs that crave human company. Without the companionship they need, Aussiedors can easily become depressed or develop separation anxiety. Due to their high social needs, this mix is best suited for large families and homes that are never completely empty. If you live alone and have long working hours, you should rethink getting this mix and consider a more independent dog breed. Grooming Australian shepradors usually have short or medium-long double coats that shed quite a bit. In terms of grooming, this mix is a high-maintenance breed. You should brush your Aussiedor five times a week to control the shedding and keep their coat clean and tangle-free. Bathe your dog once every two months or as needed using a mild, hypoallergenic dog shampoo. Aussiedors have floppy ears that easily trap dirt and are prone to frequent and painful ear infections. A sure sign your pooch needs to have its nails trimmed is if you hear them clicking on the floor. Diet Ideally, your Australian sheprador should eat food formulated for medium-sized breeds with high energy. How much food your dog needs will depend on its size, age, activity levels, and metabolism. Known Health Problems Although generally healthy Aussie Labs are predisposed to some of the same health problems that Labradors and Australian shepherds face. These include: Hip and elbow dysplasia: These are very painful conditions caused by malformation of the hip and elbow joints. Affected dogs usually experience mobility problems, lameness, and arthritis and must take pain meds during their lives. Cataracts: In Australian shepherds, hereditary cataracts start forming after two years of age and are caused by a gene mutation. This type of hereditary cataract leads to progressive vision loss. Life Expectancy Aussie shepradors have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. With proper care and regular veterinary checkups, many Aussiedors stay completely healthy well into their senior years. How To Train Your Australian Shepherd And Lab Mix As an offspring of two highly intelligent and trainable dog breeds, the Aussiedor is a very smart breed with a huge training potential. Like all other dogs, this mix reacts well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training. In fact, it can only make matters worse and cause your pooch to shut down and be afraid of you. The people-loving and smart Aussiedor is eager to please and will learn obedience in no time with reward-based training. Start training your pooch as soon as you bring them home to help them grow into a well-behaved and obedient dog. Besides training, you should also start socializing your mix from a young age. If your mix takes more after its Australian shepherd parent, they might be wary of strangers. Exposing your pup to different people, sights, sounds, and smells from a young age will help them become friendlier and more accepting of other people and dogs. The Lab Aussie shepherd mix makes a wonderful pet to active people and outdoorsy families with older kids. Being a working dog breed, this mix is also suited for life on a ranch or a bustling farm. These highly energetic and athletic dogs need a job to do and prefer to be involved in all family activities. If you are an active person who can keep up with such an energetic dog and give it a job to do, the Aussiedor might just be the pup you are looking for. Before buying a pup, schedule an appointment to meet the mother and inspect the conditions the puppies are kept in. They will also be able to show health certificates for both parents and puppies. The exact price depends on a lot of factors including the breeder, your location, lineage, and coat color. Used by fishermen to catch fish and ducks, the Lab evolved into a universally loved family dog. Highly trainable and friendly, Labs make great service dogs for people with disabilities, and are also used as search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Australian Shepherd Despite what their name might suggest, the Australian shepherd was developed in the United States. Originally bred to herd livestock, Aussies make great family pets although they remain working dogs at heart. Loyal, protective, and smart, the Australian shepherd is one of the most energetic breeds you can find and is bound to keep you on your toes. The Lab Aussie shepherd mix makes a great pet to active people and families with older children. Highly energetic and agile, they should live in a large home with a fenced backyard, ranch, or farm. Not the one to sit idly, this mix needs an active owner that will know how to challenge them both physically and mentally. He was my first puppy as a an adult and as you might have guessed he was an Aussie Lab mix! Linus showed some of the above traits, but not all. His coat was more reminiscent of an Australian Shepherd which was longer, more fine, and very soft. Linus was an amazing dog. He could run with the best of them, but could also be very calm and focused. He had the herding instinct as we caught him rounding up the kids from time to time. All in all Linus had many of the traits mentioned above. I would not have considered him a high energy dog that required hours of exercise. He was fine and willing to run for hours, but also just as content curling up by your side while reading a book. Conclusion The Australian shepherd Lab mix can be a great pet and companion to active families with older kids and outdoorsy people. Highly energetic and smart, this mix will need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and thrive. If so, what is your pooch like? Tell us more about your experiences owning this mix in the comment section below! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.

Are Poodle Pitbull Mixes Friendly? The short answer for this is yes, Poodle Pitbull mixes can be very friendly. Although both Poodles and American Pitbull Terriers are loving, energetic, family companions, each breed has distinctive tendencies, and every dog its own unique personality. Whereas Poodles tend to be a bit more dignified, intelligent, and aloof, Pitbull breeds are usually more people-oriented, playful, and eager to please. Because both of these breeds have a loyal and protective nature, Poodle Pitbull mixes are prone to being shy around strangers and can be known to bark, though they are rarely aggressive in any way. This makes it especially important that they receive plenty of socialization and basic training beginning in their puppyhood and continuing throughout their lives. With keen intelligence and a desire to please, this mixed breed is highly trainable, but because they tend to be sensitive, you should mainly rely on positive reinforcement when training and interacting with them. Just like people, dogs will have unique exercise requirements based on their genetics, diet, size, gender, and overall health. Both standard Poodles and American Pitbull Terriers are active breeds that need plenty of daily exercise, so you should expect that your Poodle Pitbull mix will need the same. A post shared by Dani Marie wild. Pitbulls have an abundance of stamina and both of these breeds have a lot of energy and drive, so they will require regular moderate exercise to stay happy and healthy. Poodle Pitbull mixes can have a high-maintenance curly coat with minimal shedding or a sturdy, short coat that requires weekly brushing. Pitbull breeds like American Pitbull Terriers, on the other hand, have a very easy coat to care for since their fur is quite short and sheds frequently. Similar to Poodles, American Pitbull Terriers have a single coat, and their fur sheds whenever the hair has reached its genetically determined length before dying and falling out. Being brushed once or twice a week is typically plenty and bathing is only necessary when the dog is visibly dirty. Even the healthiest of dogs can be prone to conditions or illnesses, and your Pit Boodle will be no exception. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, usually known as Bloat, is another dangerous condition in which the gut and internal organs become twisted, resulting in cellular damage or even organ death. Some sources mention that as much as half of all standard Poodles also suffer from Sebaceous Adenitis, which causes the immune system to attack the sebaceous oil glands and skin, leaving dandruff, thick or scaly skin, hair loss, and skin infections. American Pitbull Terriers, although typically robust and hearty, are still prone to several different health concerns. One of the biggest issues for the average Pitbull is allergies; food allergies and allergies to materials like grass or dust are very common. Another health concern for Pitbulls is their increased likelihood of having heart issues like congenital heart disease as well as murmurs or irregular heartbeats. Hypothyroidism is another very serious issue for many Pitbulls, characterized by a lack of thyroxine, causing secondary issues like lethargy, muscle loss, weight gain, infections, and hair loss. You can expect your standard Poodle Pitbull mix to be between inches cm tall and weigh around pounds kg. As with many other physical factors of designer dogs, predicting the expected size of your dog may prove difficult. Standard Poodles are known as medium to large-sized dogs. Their adult height is usually inches tall at the shoulder, with the males typically on the larger end of the spectrum. Similarly, where female Poodles generally weigh between 45 and 60 pounds, males can weigh anywhere from 45 to 70 pounds. This breed has a square frame, long slender legs, and elegant features. American Pitbull Terriers are usually considered medium-sized dogs, largely due to their stocky body type. Females are typically inches tall, while males are only fractionally larger at inches tall. Pitbulls can weigh anywhere from 30 to 85 pounds, depending mostly on their family line rather than their gender. Depending on which parent the dog takes after most will best determine their estimated lifespan. Generally speaking, you can expect a Pitbull Poodle mix to reach years with two years more or less definitely being possible. Across the board, most rescues, expert sources, and breed associations agree that standard Poodles generally live between years. American Pitbull Terriers, on the other hand, have a wide variety of expectations; with most claiming they usually live 8 years. This discrepancy of the statistics may have something to do with the abuse and suffering which was often fatal in Pitbulls who were forced to fight for their lives. Are Poodle Pitbull Mixes Expensive? Like other designer dogs, this mixed breed can greatly vary in pricing depending on their breeder and location. Because there are no breed standards or breed associations in place, breeders can charge as much as people are willing to pay for their Pit Boodle puppies. Many of these puppies are coming from irresponsible or inexperienced breeders, who may or may not be acting ethically. Pitbull mixes are sadly plentiful in shelters, it may be harder to find one mixed with a Poodle though. Just like other pets, having a dog can be quite expensive when you consider all the costs involved. If you start with just the normal base expenses, that will probably include food, bedding, toys, and treats. Even more costly is veterinary care such as wellness checks, vaccines, and preventative care for your furry friend. In the end, though, keeping a member of your family happy and healthy for the many years to come is worth every penny. Make sure to read up about everything you need to know about a potential new family member. If you have any questions, feel free to ask or share with us your experiences on owning a Pitbull Poodle mix! Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. These sizes reflect the weight and height, from the smallest to the biggest. Speaking of temperament, we need to look at the following question before we go any further… Are Pitbulls Aggressive? Yes, and no! To answer the question fully, we need to look to the past. The Pitbull breeds were originally created for fighting, so aggression was encouraged. However, these dogs were also bred to be loyal and affectionate towards their owners. All Pitbull breeds are descended from the Old English Bulldog, which is now extinct. Bulldogs were created for the bloodsport of bull-baiting, where bulls were placed in a ring while dogs attacked them. Some were forced to fight against each other. Some were placed in pits where they had to catch and kill as many rats as possible. The pit that was used for fighting is where the Pit Bull name came from, as new breeds based on the Bulldog were created for these bloodthirsty pastimes. These were Pit Bull Dogs, shortened to Pitbull over the years. Why is all this relevant? Because these dogs had to be aggressive if they wanted to survive, and large amounts of money were at stake. They possessed a trait known as gameness, which gave them the instinct to fight to win or to die in the attempt. Eventually, dogfighting was also outlawed in most places, but continued illegally as it does today, unfortunately. However, as these dogs began to be bred as companions rather than for fighting, their gentler nature emerged. The vast majority of Pitbulls today have, thankfully, never seen a fighting pit and never will. They have been used as working dogs on farms, especially across the U. Are they aggressive? Well, they have the potential to be aggressive, as do most dogs. Any dog that is fearful, in pain, feels threatened, or has been abused may show aggression at some point. Pitbulls from fighting lines, that is, one or both parents were bred for fighting, will certainly be more predisposed towards aggression. However, Pitbull pups from an ethical, responsible, and reputable breeder will be far less likely to be. A well-adjusted, properly trained, and socialized Pitbull is a joy to behold and a pleasure to be around. So, are Pitbulls aggressive? In the past, they definitely were. Some still are today, but these are unfortunate creatures that were either bred for fighting or mistreated and in pain. This has a bearing on our Pitbull Poodle mix, as many of you will understandably be keen to know whether this unique designer dog might also be aggressive. Photo from: wild. Some people call it the Pit Boodle, or simply the Boodle. Others use the name Pitbull Poo, or the Pitdoodle. Which one is your favorite? Can you think of another? Pit Boodle seems to be the most popular at present, though whether this remains the case is yet to be seen. In the future, it may be that some of these breeds become established and accepted as purebred dogs. Photo from: rubythundr Without a doubt, the Pit Boodle makes an amazing family companion. She has the strength, loyalty, and affection of the Pittie, and the intelligence and humor of the Poodle. Will she be aggressive? This depends on how you treat her! Dog aggression towards humans is almost always a result of bad treatment. True dog lovers rarely have a problem with aggressive dogs. She might sneak off to find a quiet place on the 4th of July or any other occasion when fireworks are being set off. Looking for a kid-friendly dog? Then, the Pitbull Poodle mix might be the one for you, as they adore being around young children. Her lively, energetic nature, and her ability to form strong bonds with family members very quickly make her an ideal family dog, even for first-time dog owners. You should always use positive reinforcement when training, as this brings the best results. This breed will not respond well to harsh words and shouts. The curly Poodle coat tends to be a looser curl, making it easier to brush out the loose hair. A good family pet? Pitbull Poodle Mix Breeders Photo from: mylittlefurfamily One of the most important aspects of getting a puppy is the place where you buy it. You must be certain that the parent dogs have been cared for and kept in good conditions. Look for a small-scale, local breeder if possible. Visit them and ask if you can take a look around the kennels. Ask lots of questions, and check whether they have health screening and a health guarantee. Be prepared to answer any question about your home and lifestyle, as a good breeder will want to know where their precious pups are going! Avoid buying online at all costs. This is a major outlet for puppy mills, where dogs are produced simply to make money. Pet stores and backyard breeders are also best avoided for the same reasons. You should steer clear of anyone who plays on the fact that a dog is rare, as they are using this to justify charging more. Check out reviews for breeders online to see what ordinary people have to say about them. Take your time about it, and never be rushed into making a decision! Pitbull Poodle Mix Adoption One way to avoid breeders and potential puppy mills altogether is to head down to your local rescue center or dog shelter. Fees are usually higher if they include things like spaying and neutering, vaccinations, etc. This is because selective breeding in purebred dogs, sometimes over hundreds of years, has narrowed the gene pool, resulting in a range of genetic defects. Mixing two breeds sometimes avoids this by injecting fresh genes into the hybrid pups, making them much healthier than their purebred cousins. Even so, there is still a possibility that your Pitbull Poodle mix might suffer from some of the following conditions: Hip dysplasia — A malformed hip joint that makes it painful for the dog to walk. Ear infections — These are common in most dog breeds, especially those with floppy ears. Ear wax can build up and dirt gets stuck inside the ear canal. This provides a warm, moist environment for bacteria to thrive in, leading to infections. Heart disease — This one is always a cause for concern! There are several different types of heart disease, but Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles are particularly prone to dilated cardiomyopathy the heart becomes enlarged, thin, and weak, and is unable to pump the blood properly. In Pitties, the main heart problem is aortic stenosis. Dogs with this condition have a narrow aorta, meaning that the heart has to work harder. It is treatable, but can lead to heart failure. Obesity — Extra weight puts strain on the heart and joints. It can also lead to diabetes and cancer. Obesity often happens in old age, when dogs are less active but still eating the same amount of food as they did when they were younger and fitter. It is always best to feed your dog the appropriate amount of food according to its age and activity level. The Pitbull Poodle mix has a lifespan of between 9 and 15 years. Why is there such a big difference? Small dogs generally live longer than big dogs, so the hybrids that use the Miniature and Toy Poodles will probably live longer. The larger Pitbulls, such as the American Pitbull Terrier and the American Bully, account for the lower end of the scale, as they can be pretty big dogs. These two breeds have a lifespan of between 8 and 12 years. So, how can you make sure that your Pit Boodle sticks around for at least 15 years? First, find a good breeder! As we mentioned above in the section about breeders and several times elsewhere! Second, you need to feed your pup good-quality dog food , only give it healthy treats, and make sure that it has plenty of exercise. You should also take it for regular check-ups at the vet, as this will help to identify any potential problems early. Nevertheless, you need to remember the general rule that the bigger the dog, the shorter its lifespan. Pitbull Poodle Mix Price Photo from: mylittlefurfamily This is a rare crossbreed, which may affect the price. All of these factors will affect the final price! This means that any price we suggest here will be a rough estimate based on the limited information available. This proves the point that many factors influence the price of puppies, but you should never be tempted to go for the cheapest option without thoroughly checking out the breeder. A pup that is sold at a bargain price may not be healthy, which is why the seller wants a quick sale. However, someone could try to sell you a puppy at a premium price to trick you into believing that it is of the best quality. Sadly, there are too many unscrupulous people out there. Shop around, do your homework, and keep your wits about you. Some people say it is, others disagree! To be fair, both may be right. It all depends on which particular breeds are involved and which genes are dominant in the offspring. In many cases, a Pit Boodle has a curly coat like the Poodle parent, which is famous for its hypoallergenic qualities. Then again, the pup may favor the Pitbull side, with its short, smooth coat type — although this is quite rare. We also need to keep in mind that hypoallergenic simply means that the dog is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than some other breeds. In Summary Photo from: dogsoffleashes Who would have thought that you could mix the Poodle and the Pitbull? But, is this the doggy friend of your dreams? Its appearance will vary depending on which size of Poodle and which Pitbull breed was used. It could be as small as 15 inches or as tall as 24 inches. It could weigh as little as 30 pounds or as much as 70 or even 80 pounds. This dog will need at least 45 minutes of exercise each day, as well as some quality playtime. It is great with kids, especially after being properly socialized. Your Pit Boodle will probably have a dense, smooth coat that could be black, blue, gray, fawn, silver, cream, brown, cafe-au-lait, or brindle. If you do find that it becomes too much for you, try using a professional groomer. This is a good idea once in a while anyway, as it keeps your dog looking in top condition. It sounds like an unlikely combination, but the Pitbull Poodle mix is already making waves, and it looks like it might become popular. Fans of traditional breeds are fearful that hybrids will make purebred dogs extinct. It has to be said that this is a real possibility in some cases, as trends and fashions change. The main issue here is that whatever breeds are available, they are healthy, loved, and cared for. Related Links:. The Boodle is a mix between the purebred Poodle and the purebred Pitbull. While crossbreed dogs are quite popular these days, Pitbull Poodle Mix dogs remain somewhat rare in the canine kingdom. For this reason, finding a Pitbull Poodle Mix puppy could prove difficult. The good news is that with patience, research, and dedication you should be able to find one of these curly cuties through a reputable source you can trust. But is a Pitbull Poodle Mix really the hybrid dog for you? As with all dogs, there is quite a bit you should consider if you are considering investing in this type of crossbreed. Sometimes known as the French Poodle, the Poodle is actually a German dog bred specifically for water retrieving. A natural athlete, the Poodle soon made his way to France where he worked as a street performer and circus dog. This dog is the ideal dog for those who struggle with allergies. Today, doodle hybrids are some of the most popular cross breed dogs in the canine kingdom. And because modern-day Poodles come in three size varieties, you can find a broad range of Poodle mix dogs in different weights per your specific needs. One thing all Poodles do have in common, experts agree, is their incredible intelligence, their affinity for people, and their athleticism. The term Pitbull is a broad term used to describe a number of different breeds that all fall under the bully breed category. Some Pitbull types are not recognized as true breeds by major breed clubs like the American Kennel Club, though most Pitbull enthusiasts agree that there are varying differences between pitbull type dogs as a whole. Unfortunately, PItbull dogs were originally red for blood sports and bull-baiting, which lead to these dogs having an unfortunate reputation as aggressive. The truth is, most studies have found that Pitbulls are actually very people-oriented, eager to please, and family-friendly. As with all dogs, Pitbulls need routine training and socialization to grow up happy and healthy, and this will also be true for any Pitbull mix you might come across. Pitbulls are highly intelligent and trainable, and they are best suited for active dog owners and dedicated dog owners who are willing to take the time to train, socialize, and exercise their Pitbull or Pitbull mix properly. There is some controversy surrounding crossbreed dogs like the Boodle mix. Hybrid dogs like the Pitbull Poodle Mix are not considered purebred dogs, though they are also not considered mutts. Instead, these types of dogs belong to their own category known as crossbreeds, mixed breeds, hybrids, or designer dogs. These are dogs that are the specifically chosen offspring of two purebred parent breeds. Unfortunately, modern-day crossbreeding is somewhat controversial. Although the practice has been ongoing for centuries, it has only recently become a popular trend among dog lovers and breeders over the last two decades. This trend has led to a variety of mixed-breed dogs, many of them Doodle mixes , that are being bred and sold for as much and sometimes more than their purebred counterparts. Purebred dogs, while often considered wildly overbred, do have the benefit of predictability when it comes to their appearance, temperament, and overall health. Crossbreed dogs, on the other hand, are less predictable when considering these traits. Another part of the controversy has to do with the idea of hybrid vigor. Hybrid vigor is the idea that crossbreed dogs may actually be healthier than purebred dogs thanks to their widened gene pool, which could mean they are less likely to inherit specific genetic health issues from one parent breed over the other. Of course, there are also those who point out that crossbreed dogs like the Pitbull Poodle Mix may be less healthy and more at risk, especially considering they have a wider gene pool to contend with. Whichever side of the fence you stand on, there are a few things you should consider before considering a crossbreed dog like the Pitbull Poodle Mix. First, temperament, appearance, and health will be left up to chance and genetics. This is especially true if your Pitbull Poodle Mix is an early generation crossbreed. Second, not all breeders who breed and sell crossbreed dogs are reputable. Are you wondering if the Pitbull Poodle Mix makes a good family dog? Then wonder no more! This crossbreed has the potential to make a fabulous family dog and is likely to get along well with children and other pets when well trained and socialized. Some Pitbull dogs may be prone to dog-on-dog aggression if not properly trained, though this can be worked with and Pitbull Poodle mix dogs are quite trainable. In fact, the Pitbull Poodle mix is likely to have an affinity for children. These dogs are energetic and athletic, plus they are sturdy and robust enough to enjoy playtime in a yard with youngsters. We recommend helping children learn basic canine body language so they can better understand when their dog is happy, playful, stressed, or fearful. It is also important to never leave young children alone or unsupervised with your family dog. Training should be done using positive reinforcement training techniques that utilize treats and praise. Socialization, the process of introducing your dog to a variety of different experiences like people, places, environments, sights, sounds, and other animals, should also begin as early as possible. If your dog has allergies, which many Pitbull Poodle mix dogs do we recommend staying away from poultry-based treats and instead choosing liver, sweet potato, rabbit, or salmon. We should also note here that the Pitbull Poodle mix dog is best suited for those who have large yards where their dog is able to run and play freely. The Pitbull Poodle mix is a high-energy dog that requires routine exercise, and this could be overwhelming for some owners. So, how can you properly exercise a Pitbull Poodle Mix? Keep reading to find out! Exercise is important for all dogs no matter their breed, size, or age. However, for a high-energy dog like the Pitbull Poodle Mix, routine exercise and mental stimulation are a MUST to ensure your dog is living his healthiest, happiest life. The proper exercise for a Pitbull Poodle mix will consist of one to two good walks a day. These walks should be half an hour to an hour or so long for each outing. The Pitbull Poodle mix may also enjoy hiking, jogging, and swimming. Remember, the Poodle specifically was a bred water retrieving dog, and if introduced to the water correctly your Pitbull Poodle mix could learn to love lakes, pools, and even the ocean! We should also point out here that the PItbull Poodle mix comes from two breeds that do have a high prey drive. For this reason, the Boodle dog can be prone to taking off after smaller animals when out and about out of instinct. Avoid aversive walking equipment like choke chains or prong collars and instead stick with no-pull harnesses and collars that help to teach your dog ideal walking manners when utilized with praise and treats. This harness fits your dog naturally and helps reduce choking or pressure on his throat or trachea. And because it clips in the front, it reduces the pressure put on the chest which could encourage your dog to try and pull ahead on walks naturally. This harness is adjustable and even comes in different colors! Along with ensuring you have the proper walking equipment to exercise your dog with, we also suggest investing in some toys and tools to help keep your dog mentally stimulated. Without proper mental stimulation, the Pitbull Poodle mix can be prone to boredom which can lead to behavioral issues like stress, boredom, chewing, barking, marking, and anxiety. You also have the option of investing in puzzle toys to help keep your Pitbull Poodle mix active and engaged. The Pitbull Poodle mix is a cross between two very different-looking purebred dogs. The Pitbull is a shedding dog that has a smooth coat and sheds moderately year-round. The Poodle, on the other hand, is a hypoallergenic dog that sheds much less and produces much less dander than most of its other canine counterparts. While we do recommend doodle mix dogs for those who struggle with allergies, it should be noted here that getting a hypoallergenic Pitbull Poodle mix could be hit or miss. If he is more like his Poodle parent in appearance, his coat could have the potential to grow out long and become tangled or matted. Because the Pitbull Poodle mix dog is not eligible for show, you may opt to have his coat kept in a puppy cut. Puppy cut hairstyles are much easier to manage in dogs like Pitbull Poodle mix dogs as they are easier to maintain. Luckily, the Pitbull Poodle Mix should not require bathing too often, and will only need to be washed with a dog-safe shampoo once every four weeks or so. This shampoo is so gentle in fact that you can use it on puppies or on dogs who are struggling with bug bites or hot spots. The shampoo is made with natural ingredients that soothe and hydrate the skin , and help to alleviate allergies, itchiness, and irritations. It also smells great and is made with lavender, jojoba oil, eucalyptus oil, and other soothing ingredients that reduce inflammation, itching, and doggy odor. The Pitbull Poodle mix is a healthy dog overall, but there are some gentic health issues he could be predisposed to. The Pitbull Poodle mix dog has a decent lifespan of between 9 and 15 years. He may also have the benefits of hybrid vigor, which can reduce his chances of suffering from certain genetic health issues from one parent breed over the other. Of course, like all dogs, the Pitbull Poodle Mix can be prone to any of the same genetic health issues of his purebred parent breeds. While it can be difficult to predict just what a crossbreed dog like the Pitbull Poodle mix could be predisposed to, it can help to take a look into the health issues of his parent breeds. Pitbull Pitbull Poodle Mix Temperament And Personality Pit Poodles are loyal and affectionate with their owners, especially if they have been loved and cared for in a loving home environment. The mixed-breed dog is alert and eager to learn. They make excellent watchdogs, in addition to being excellent pets. Pitbull Poodle Mix dogs are affectionate and fun-loving. They should be active and strong and exercise daily. They make great jogging partners for active owners. People who lead sedentary lives need to find ways to drain their pup's energy. Yes absolutely! Pitbull Poodle Mix is an excellent family dog. They love to play with children and can keep them entertained for hours. They also resist naughty antics from children as they have a high pain tolerance. Don't let the negative reputation of the Pitbull name put you off having Boodles as a pet for your family. Dogs loved and cared for with love and respect are never dangerous to their guardians. It is important to socialize your dog with other dogs as soon as possible. This will allow them to learn to enjoy the company of other pets. You should also make sure they are not loose around other animals. You can monitor your Boodle's interactions with other animals and intervene if you feel things are getting out of control. Pitbull Poodle Mix Exercise Requirement Dogs can go wild because they lack mental and physical stimulation. This can be avoided by ensuring your Pitbull Poodle Pitbull mixes get at least 45 minutes to an hour of exercise each day. They can become aggressive and frustrated if they don't get enough exercise. This Boodle's curly coat collects fur and dander rather than letting it shed. This coat can be prone to mats and tangles, so you should brush him daily to keep him clean and shiny. Wooly Boodles will need to be bathed more often than other dogs. Tightly curly hair traps dirt, debris, and other waste. Pitbulls can be passed on to Pit Boodles the same way a Pitbull can adopt their Pitbull parent. A Pitbull-like Pitbull Boodle will have a smoother coat. He will lose, but he will require less care. The puppy can live for several weeks without bathing and tolerates weekly brushing. Whatever the situation, you should use mild, gentle shampoo for your Boodle. To avoid excessive earwax buildup, brush his teeth at least once a week and clean his ears. Also, be sure to trim their nails as long as possible. Long nails can restrict a puppy's movement and gait. Pit Boodles don't always get the curly coat of the Poodle. Expect moderate shedders if your Pitbull puppy inherits the Pitbull coat. Curly hair keeps loose hair from floating around, allowing him to stick to his fur instead. To get rid of loose hair, your Boodle must brush his teeth daily. Your dog's size, age, and activity level will affect his diet. A veterinarian can help you determine how much food your Pit-Poodle should eat daily. Avoid giving leftover Pitbull Poodle Mix, especially fatty foods and foods high in salt, sugar, and spices. Consuming such foods can lead to toxic effects and long-term health problems, including obesity and high cholesterol. Instead, always feed your puppy natural canine food. It's also essential to make sure your Boodle eats slowly. Bloating can lead to serious health problems. This can be avoided by dividing their daily meals into two parts. To prevent them from eating too quickly, you can buy food bowls. Pitbull Poodle Mix Common Health Problems The Pitbull poodle mix is not purebred and does not have the same genetic health issues as its parents. That doesn't mean you should blindly buy them. Always ask about the parent's health exam and medical records before purchasing a Boodle puppy. These diseases are common in both parent breeds. So let's find out what they are. This can lead to hip dysplasia in puppies. Before buying a puppy, ensure the parents do not suffer from hip dysplasia. Bloating: Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , is a condition where there is an excessive amount of air in the abdomen. If you don't take your pet to the vet immediately, this condition could prove fatal. Eye Problems: Poodles can inherit eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy PRA , cataracts, and distichiasis. These conditions are not life-threatening but can lead to blindness. Ear Infection: Ear infections can be severe and cause long-term problems for your dog. Earwax can cause infections in your Boodles' ears. Soak a cotton ball in warm water to clean your puppy's ears. Addison's Disease: Addison's disease is a disease in which dogs' adrenal glands stop producing certain hormones. If treatment is not given immediately, it can be fatal. Therefore, you should take your dog to the vet immediately if you notice any signs such as lethargy, vomiting, or lack of appetite. Obesity: Obesity can lead to many other diseases. Your Boodle can gain weight by overeating, not exercising, or eating fatty foods. Excess weight can lead to heart disease, orthopedic problems, and diabetes. A healthy Pitbull Poodle Mix puppy from a good breeder can live up to years. Leave a comment. They have both the strength of the Pitbull and the intelligence of the Poodle. With the right care, socialization, and training, you can be sure that the Pit Boodle will be a wonderful companion even for kids! Aside from being a great family dog, the Pitbull Poodle mix is also known for its adaptability and instinct for obedience. To understand the Pitbull Poodle mix better, we can take a glance at the parent breeds and know their history. One of these theories says that Poodles were bred from rugged Asian herding dogs and were then captured by an ethnic group native to North Africa called Berbers. Another theory is that they were descended from dogs that left the Asian steppes with the nomadic German people called the Goths. In the past, Poodles were often used as hunting dogs and duck retrievers. Because of this, they were owned not by the common folk but by wealthier families who hunted fowls. They were originally bred from Old English Bulldogs who fought and killed bulls for entertainment purposes. After games like bull-baiting were prohibited, other games followed such as ratting in which Bulldogs competed to see who could kill more rats. These games became increasingly popular which led competitors to believe that there was a need for better-skilled dogs. Later, the Pitbull found itself in America, left behind its old identity and became known as working dogs. They helped in hunting and protecting livestock and families. Photo from mexikiwitex IG How the Pitbull Poodle mix will look when fully grown is very unpredictable since Pitbulls and Poodles are built very differently. Pitbulls are muscular which shows their strength while Poodles are slender and exude elegance. But whether a Pit Boodle puppy will inherit more traits from its Pitbull or Poodle parent, some traits are predictable. These will let you know what to expect from Pit Boodle puppies. Build The build is harder to predict since the Pit Boodle puppy may either take after the Pitbull parent or inherit more from the Poodle lineage. If the Pit Boodle pup takes after the former, it may grow into a muscular build with a boxy silhouette. These pups are generally proportional but they may have slightly longer legs compared to other medium dogs. The coat can come in a multitude of colors, including white, tan, black , grey , and blue, and they may have a brindle pattern. Thus, a fully grown Pitbull Poodle mix can be as small as 18 inches or as tall as 24 inches and can weigh anywhere between 40 to 70 pounds. The Pitbull Poodle mix makes for a great family dog because of the superb temperament inherited from both breeds. Pitbull and Poodle mixes can be great with children as long as they are socialized properly. They are gentle and playful medium-sized dogs who are generally careful around children. Of course, despite this, accidents can happen at any time. Socializing them at a young age will decrease the chances of any accidental injury from happening. This could result in aggressiveness but this can easily be prevented if you train your pup well enough. As much as possible, the Pit Boodle pup should not be left at home alone since they can feel scared and agitated. This could lead to them biting and gnawing at anything they can reach. If it goes on for an extended period of time, this behavior could get worse. Female Pitbull: Which Is Better? Every dog is different, and the same is true for each Pit Boodle puppy. Their size can affect their expected lifespan, with some smaller Pitbull Poodle mixes living longer than the larger ones. The Pitbull Poodle mix is generally a healthy dog but as with all animals, they are at risk of a few health issues. Since the Pit Boodle is a mixed breed, they can inherit the known health conditions of either parent. In general, Pit Boodles have a life expectancy of 9 to 15 years. Hip Dysplasia: Both Pitbulls and Poodles are at risk of hip dysplasia , which makes it a very high-risk condition for Pit Boodles. To avoid the risk of hip dysplasia, make sure your pup has a healthy lifestyle. Otherwise, they can easily develop arthritis and other mobility difficulties. If left alone, skin infections are likely. Bloat: One of the most common health issues, bloat is usually seen in dogs with improper diet and insufficient exercise. If left unchecked, this can be fatal for your dog. Obesity: Another common health issue caused by an improper diet and lack of exercise, prolonged obesity can lead to several health issues such as many types of cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and faster degeneration of affected joints. Advantages and Disadvantages of Breeding Pitbull and Poodle Together For years, crossbreeding has been controversial in the dog world. Crossbreeding has advantages and disadvantages, and the same is true for crossbreeding a Poodle and a Pitbull. Some dog enthusiasts prefer crossbreeds because they often have a unique look. This is especially true for the Pitbull and Poodle mix because of how different the parents look. They may also be at a lower risk of congenital diseases, especially if only one of the parents is a carrier. In the future, the Pitbull Poodle mix can become the basis for a new dog breed. For example, because hip dysplasia is common among both parents, it is a high-risk condition for Pit Boodles. Lastly, because designer dogs are becoming increasingly popular, some mixed-breed dogs can be more expensive than purebreds. If you want to bring home a Pit Boodle pup, be prepared to spend some money. Brush their teeth regularly even if chewable treats are given and take them to the vet from time to time to ensure that your health habits are checked and okay for your pitbull poodle mix. If you give your dog table food, chances are, it will develop illnesses brought about by human food. Opt to stick to dog food pellets, soft meat, etc. Bloating: this is a common thing among different breeds. Bloating leads to gastric dilatation-volvulus if not addressed immediately and may lead to death. Hip dysplasia: Poodles are prone to have joint dysplasia most commonly in the hip and pelvic area. This occurrence happens when joints pop out of the socket, causing immense pain for the hybrid. Pitbull Crossed With Poodle Food Requirements Make it a point to ensure and prioritize the type of food you allow your dog to eat because this will significantly affect its longevity of life and health status. Take note of the size and needs of each breed it came from so you may plan a specific diet for your hybrid. Treats are good for training as well but refrain from making it a daily habit to lessen weight gain. Make sure you choose snacks that have low caloric content. Take note of the nutrients needed to ensure a proper diet. Always choose foods that are rich in protein, as they are high energy dogs. Make sure to avoid typical dog allergens such as wheat, corn, and potatoes. Your dog might be prone to skin diseases as well, and its best to strictly follow feeding instructions. If you look hard enough, the market offers a lot of high-quality foods you can give your pitbull poodle mix. Instinct takes pride in improving the coat of any dog that stays on their dog food for a while. High-energy dogs will surely benefit from all the protein this brand gives. It also contains oat fiber for proper digestion, and dried cranberries, blueberries, and spinach as antioxidants. It includes chicken, fish, and whitefish meal. Antioxidants such as Vitamin E, beta carotene, fruits, and vegetables are incorporated to boost the immune system. Oatmeal, barley, brown rice, and rye are included to promote digestion and L-carnitine for fat burning. Their product has natural microorganisms to help aid digestion in line with the incorporation of lentils as a fiber source. Considering that your gorgeous mixed breed is a medium-size dog, you can offer them either the best dry dog food for small dogs or the best large breed dry dog food — it may surprise you to find out which parent they take their taste for food after! Whichever brand you settle on, make sure that it is only the best dry dog food kind as going for the worst dry dog food may have dire consequences on the overall health of your pooch. Pitbull Poodles Exercise Requirements Your boodle is a product of two very different breeds: one is highly active, and the other focuses more on the intellectual aspect so it would be best to choose equipment or toys that can exercise them physically, as well as train their minds and awaken their sensitivity. Make sure you schedule play time with your dogs, whether its walking or running or playing in the park to ensure that they have a healthy lifestyle. You can also incorporate exercise in your home. Try playing hide and seek or fetch in your backyard, anything to keep your dog going and panting. Physical and mental exercises are essential to avoid putting your boodle in an idle state, which can lead to depression, boredom, and destruction. Try your best to plan any form of activity that will keep your pups active physically and mentally. To improve your exercise regimen, here are some toys you can purchase: Canine Hardware Chuckit! Classic Launchers: This is perfect for the non-athletic, stay at home type of owners. This product is also ideal for the energetic side of your hybrid, without giving you the sore arm from repeatedly throwing the ball. FluffyPal Chew Toys For Puppies Small Dogs And Medium Dogs: This product is an all-in-one type because it can be a teething toy which can remove tartar, a potential favorite toy, and it also has a vanilla scent to counter any dog drool smell. Not only does it exercise your hybrid, but it also teaches it about rewards and positive outcomes when they follow a command. Hear Doggy! With the balanced need for exercise, you can choose to specify activities that will enhance their physical and mental abilities. Make sure you have enough space for them to run around and play. So this can be a bit of a challenge because you need to exercise both aspects. Pit bulls tend to exercise wanting the alpha position, which needs training that involves firmness, confidence, and a strong will. A poodle is an intelligent type and will be a bit challenging to train, so they need more patience and understanding. Always start training once you establish what you want and need for your pup. Train your puppies before reaching a year old, starting from simple commands until more difficult ones. Here are tips to make training easier for your boodle: Plan What You Want To Teach: To avoid confusion for your dog, make sure you have a plan as to what commands you want your dog to learn. Schedule Shorter Sessions: The reason for this is to have a higher attention span. If you think long sessions bore your hybrid, cut them down to at least 30 minutes to an hour to ensure, you have their full attention. Practice Positive Reinforcement: a poodle is an intelligent breed, and they remember when you praise them for doing something right. They tend to be shy and aggressive towards new people, which might be the case for your boodle. You can visit the vet and ask for tips, or you can bring them to the park until they familiarize themselves with different people and dogs as well. Potty Training: This is an essential type of training for almost all dogs. It saves you effort and money, and it also lessens the stress of accidentally stepping on unwanted stuff. Throughout history, pit bulls are known and recognized as dangerous and aggressive. On the other hand, poodles require mental stimulation and constant socialization. A mix of the two breeds will still require socialization training. Your pitbull poodle mix can be stubborn at times, but they are also easy to train. Make it a habit to remind family members that your dog needs to exercise, so that you can take turns as to who will take the dog out for a walk. Having a big space is ideal for the energetic side of your dog.

I went through diaries from the last ten years or so to come up with the usual times pups begin doing all sorts of things, and the ages at which I do different challenging and socializing things with them. Knowing how much people enjoy cute puppy photos, I put one or two photos in the main text to illustrate a new development and supplemented those by a link to more photos that you can view if you like. I have been breeding for 42 years. Years ago, all the screening anyone did was OFA hips. Then OFA began offering elbow certifications. As I went on and encountered other problems such as eye conditions and bad hearts in dogs I bought as breeding prospects or was offered by breeders as breeding prospects, I began screening my dogs for them as soon as OFA began offering certifications. I began with the old American lines, which still had a lot of German imports in their pedigrees. For example, photos from the C litter [whelped ] are distinguished from those of the CC litter [whelped ] by the use of the one-letter or the two-letter label. First, Selecting Parents I do more health screening on a prospective breeding prospect than most breeders. Thyroid ad eye certifications must be redone annually. When I buy pups as breeding prospects, usually 1 out of 3 pass all my health screenings at age 2. The problem is that most health problems are multi-gene recessive faults and can hide in the gene pool for generations. When a particular pup is conceived, it may get an excess of the bad genes and have a health problem. I follow my pups all their lives and keep track of any problems they might have, hopefully minor, and use that knowledge as I choose future breeding partners. So we breeders work in the dark, guessing which combinations of breeding partners will give us what we want, grieving when individual pups get a concentration of some bad genes for a certain trait. I have a friend who had an absolutely gorgeous, super social, fantastic Rottweiler who had 10 generations behind him of every ancestor having OFA good hips. When he turned two she did his OFA hip x-rays and he was severely dysplastic. It happens. All we have to go by are the phenotypic traits that show up on x-rays, not the genes that the dog has. For OFA evaluation the dog is sedated, stretched out on its back, and an x-ray taken. Three radiologists look at the x-ray and rate it excellent, good and fair are passing grades; failing dysplastic hips are rated mild, moderate or severe. In PennHip, the dog is sedated more deeply. After the standard x-ray is taken same view that OFA uses , a fulcrum is placed under each hip and pressure applied. The actual laxity is measured in the joint. PennHip rates each hip separately and gives each a distraction index and rates the possibility of its developing arthritis as the dog ages. PennHip is MUCH more expensive than OFA and only veterinarians who have completed PennHip training can do the x-rays so for me it not only involves a higher fee for the x-ray but also travel expenses and a day lost from other activities. The only health problem for which we have a gene test is spinal myelopathy DM , where the spinal cord gradually becomes constricted and the dog loses control of its rear end. DM comes from a mutation in a famous German dog who was bred to extensively in Germany and whose progeny are all over the world. DM Carriers will not get the condition as the dominant normal gene carries the day. My breeding dogs also must have some kind of training title. Mine usually have Nosework titles, often the Canine Good Citizen title, sometimes agility titles. Outside stud dogs to whom I consider breeding must have as many health screenings as possible and titles, either those listed above or others such as AKC obedience or tracking titles, or Schutzhund BH or further Schutzhund titles. I am serious about breeding dogs that are mentally and physically sound, with good working drives, and I want prospective breeding partners to have proved that in some way. I show a pedigree for the litter with the titles and health screenings listed for four generations. Artificial Insemination, especially with frozen semen, is iffy, so I wait at least until we do an ultrasound at four weeks in whelp before asking for a deposit; sometimes I wait until the pups are born. People on the waiting list are notified first and allowed to put down a deposit before I advertise the litter on my website. I ask people to spend some time doing the application as it gives me a first idea if one of my working-line pups would work for them. My dogs are intense and highly intelligent, not good for people with couch potato lifestyles or who will not spend time training and socializing. Once I approve a person as a possible puppy owner, they are welcome to come meet all of us. Beginning when pups turn three weeks old, people are invited to come play with them. I have to do an ultrasound to determine if my girl is pregnant. Twenty-eight days after breeding an ultrasound will show fetuses, and more importantly, fetal heartbeats. The heartbeats let you know you have live, developing puppies. The uterus has two horns, with puppies implanted and developing in each horn. German Shepherds are so thick that ultrasounds are of little value other than to confirm pregnancy; learning how many pups she has must wait until we can do a x-ray just before her due date. Otherwise, life as usual continues until just before her due date. We keep on training as long as she enjoys it and she exercises as usual, including her daily ball sessions. The Last Week in Whelp As close to her due date as we dare, we take an x-ray to see how many pups she has so I know for sure that we get all of them safely into the world. A week before her due date, I begin taking her temperature twice daily. I also begin adding some raw beef liver or heart to her lunch. I always save hearts and liver anyone gives me just for the near-to-whelping moms because organ meat helps induce milk production. Even if they begin refusing the raw beef cubes, they will gladly eat the heart or liver. The puppies have begun to drop from high in the rib cage to the abdomen area — her lower sides are larger while there almost seems to be a space up higher. The puppies are just too large to remain up under the ribs any longer. Mom has lots of mammary development, getting ready to lactate, and when she moves she clicks as her udder sways back and forth. Quinta shortly before whelping. She is so big that she looks like a snake as she walks towards me, the puppies swaying to the left during one stride and to the right on the next stride. I let her determine how much exercise she needs and just throw the ball when she returns it to me. I begin to really watch her as her behavior starts to change. She will be restless and want to stay close to me as I wander around the house, often begging me to rub her tummy, placing herself so that she can lean her head back and look into my eyes with her own and make sure I know how miserable she was. The strips absorb fluids as each pup is born and are easy to grab in handfuls to remove before placing more fresh strips in the box. I have tried shredded newspapers at times but generally prefer the strips to be wider. For the first couple of weeks they give the fragile, blind pups a place to squeeze into in case mom lies upon them without realizing it. A thermometer helps me make sure the whelping bed is warm enough. I have a doggie door going to a small private yard where she can potty if she needs to. All is ready. Her crate is right by my bed so I can hear if she becomes restless during the night. If at bedtime the thermometer says anything close to .For whelping, I pull the whelping bed out into the middle of the room so that I can access all of it and have plenty of light. I try to take photos as soon as mom has them cleaned up, but I usually wait to weigh the pup and put on its collar until mom is busy with a new arrival and not too worried about me handling the previous one. Average weight is 16 ounces, though occasionally one will weigh up to 20 ounces. I used to sew pieces of Rickrack into collars, but recently have been able to find Velcro collars in a wide enough range of distinguishable colors to make them practical. The first-born male always gets a blue collar, the first-born female always gets a pink collar, and for subsequent pups I try to put darker collars on the sables and lighter collars on the black and tans, again for better quick identification especially in the low-light whelping room during the first few days. I sit by the whelping bed and read a book, frequently checking mom as she peacefully nurses her pups, then go on alert when she goes back into labor. If she goes longer than 2 hours, I will give her an oxytocin shot to stimulate more contractions. When she delivers a pup, I let her clean it — tumbling the pup around as she chews the umbilical cord and dries it, gets it breathing well and rids it of any fluid inhaled during whelping puppy yelling is healthy! Pup on the heating pad while another is being born, BB litter. More photos: BB litter and LL litter When all are born, I give mom a last oxytocin shot to be sure she has expelled all the placentas. Oxytocin causes the uterus to contract, thus forcing out any leftover fluids and sometimes a hidden puppy. I remove all the shredded newspaper, scrub the whelping bed, let it dry and then put layers of flat newspapers under an absorbent fleece bedding that will wick moisture away from the pups plus give them good traction. Quinta with part of the CC litter my Lively is the pup with the multicolored collar. I then lift the pups back into the whelping bed. Joyful with the BB litter, all black and tans. More photos: FF and KK litters After taking a few photos, I push the bed under the table to create a draft-free, private den for them and add a big bowl of cool water for mom. Newborn pups sometimes roll away from mom and not yet know how to sniff and find her. Eventually they figure things out and the new mom relaxes — their yelling having upset her as she tried to be everywhere for everyone. Peace descends and all of us sleep. This is meant to be a brief overview and is by no means comprehensive. Pregnancy Dogs are pregnant for approximately 9 weeks, or 63 days. During this time, our job is to keep the mother well fed, well exercised, and relatively stress-free. The mother will visit our veterinarian at least three times—once for a prenatal health check, once for an ultrasound, and once for an x-ray. The first ultrasound is to simply confirm her pregnancy so we can begin accepting deposits and preparing to whelp. The X-Ray is for later in the pregnancy to get a more accurate count on how many puppies we are expecting. The mother is fed with proper nutrition as recommended by our veterinarian as well as prenatal and postnatal supplements. Puppies are born blind and deaf. To minimize stress, we do not remove the puppies from their mother for long periods. We do not want the puppies to associate the smell of humans with stress of any sort—rather, we want them to associate humans with safety and comfort. We desensitize the puppies to human touch while they are in the whelping box with their mom. From birth we touch their feet, ears, tails, mouths, stomach, etc. This helps the puppies to accept invasive human touch as a normal part of their lives. This will minimize any problems later on in life when your dog needs grooming, nail clipping, teeth brushing, etc because your dog is very familiar with these experiences already. ESI gets the puppies smelling novel and unique scents from birth to get the olfactory system working well and sharpen their limited senses at an early age. They cannot see or hear yet, or regulate their body temperature, and they require a lot of tender care from their mom. The new mom is usually very excited and concerned about each newborn, and sometimes overly enthusiastic about chewing off the umbilical cord, which may later result in an umbilical hernia that will take a little longer to close, but is no danger to the puppy. We record the ribbon color and weight of each puppy so that, when we weigh the pups throughout the next days and weeks, we can make sure that each one is gaining weight. Normal weight for a newborn German Shepherd puppy ranges from g to g 0. We take great care to ensure that our newborn German Shepherd puppies have the best chance for a healthy start. A German Shepherd female can be in active labor for 6 to 18 hours, sometimes even longer if she takes a break while having a large litter, and we of course do not leave her side during this time. I stay up making sure that the whelping box which is always in my office or bedroom is clean and dry after each puppy is born, and that the temperature stays constant 86 - 88 F in the room. We keep the temperature at this level for about 2 weeks, gradually reducing it down to normal F by the end of the third week. Someone is always present with the puppies during the first 5 days. I handle the puppies several times a day, as well as weigh them every other day during this period, to make sure that everyone looks and acts healthy, nurses well, and is gaining weight. I usually buy a dozen fluffy cotton towels, and use two at a time as bedding for the whelping box. I change these towels twice daily at this stage to make sure the puppies are always clean and dry. Starting from day 3, and until day 16, I follow The "Super Dog" Program for our puppies - an early neurological stimulation program described by Dr. Carmen Battaglia. It has numerous benefits later in life for puppies. Often, puppies that were born the smallest overtake the bigger ones. Even at this tender age strong individual differences can be noted among German Shepherd puppies. Also, there is difference in their color and markings, and long-hair German Shepherd puppies can often be identified at this age. The new mom is very attached to her puppies at this age and is very reluctant to leave them even for the shortest time. She spends a lot of time sleeping with the puppies nursing peacefully, and is also very happy to be busy cleaning each puppy several times a day and flipping them around gently with her nose. At about 2 weeks of age German Shepherd puppies actually start looking more like puppies, and not just fat black sausages with feet attached. We use undiluted evaporated goats milk from a can, warmed up to be pleasant to the touch. Most puppies readily accept the bottle, and we consider this to be very important bonding and social time as well. Three weeks of age is my favorite age of all. The puppies now can be recognized as German Shepherd puppies. They are alert, playful, and there is a lot of wrestling, tail-wagging, and even barking going on as they explore their surroundings and interact with each other and their mom, all of which is extremely cute. I will often just sit in the whelping box with them, letting them play with my clothes, climb up on my lap, and generally just enjoying their carefree company. We also provide them with various toys starting at this age, and make sure that they listen to loud music, banging on the door, vacuum cleaner, etc. They weigh around 1. At first, they may not have a lot of success with it, as some of them try to suckle on the meat, but in a few days they master this new type of eating very well. We also continue giving them goats milk, but in a shallow saucer pan now, and with some rice baby cereal added, so that they can practice lapping. At this age, the mom is no longer so keen on constantly staying with her puppies, and only visits them to feed them and for a clean up. We continue changing the bedding twice a day now, knowing very well that in about a week it will become times a day, as the mom will not be able to keep up with her cleaning duties any more. We wash soiled towels with a little bit of bleach and a little bit of perfume-free detergent. Four weeks of age is even more fun as the puppies keep developing, but the amount of cleaning starts to increase in geometrical progression, and it becomes a full time job to keep the puppies well fed and clean. The mom is only visiting now and then at this point, and enjoys spending her time in the office, so that she can hear and see the puppies, but not necessarily be with them. With mom visiting for a few brief feedings each day, we feed them three times a day with the following diet: 1. Cottage cheese 2 tbsp per puppy , mixed with plain yogurt 1 tsp per puppy , evaporated goats milk, rice baby cereal 1 tsp. Raw tripe, or beef liver cooked with all kinds of vegetables At about 5 weeks of age the duty of keeping the whelping box clean becomes nightmarish, and this is a good time to introduce German Shepherd puppies to the outdoors. This is a room that is a part of the house, but has free access to the outside world. This room is equipped with a wooden resting platform so that puppies do not lay on concrete, with a heating lamp above it, and the floor is completely covered with a layer of pine woodchips. The outside area is about 6 x 6 ft and the floor is made of paving stones. There is another wooden laying platform here. This is a very important period when we introduce our German Shepherd puppies to more noises, show them the way in and out of the house, introduce them to the other dogs, play tug-of-war, etc. Also, we introduce raw frozen sardines and "The Honest Kitchen" products to their diet, and will occasionally feed kibble, soaked well in warm water and mixed with green tripe from a can At 3, 5, and 7 weeks of age our German Shepherd puppies get dewormed with a high quality wormer, to be certain that they are free of intestinal parasites. At about 6 weeks of age the puppies get their first combination 5-way vaccine including Parvo and Distemper , and at 7 weeks of age we start welcoming visitors who are interested to come and look at the puppies. Often during weekends we have several groups of visitors of all ages coming to interact with the puppies, which is such a great socialization opportunity for them. Copyright .All rights reserved. Final Thoughts How to Prepare for Your German Shepherd Giving Birth German Shepherds are truly great pets, and preparation for your dog giving birth will be one of the most important things you do for her throughout the birth process. But first, take a look at this incredible 3-minute video of a German Shepherd giving birth. Nature is truly amazing: German Shepherd giving birth incredible video Even though dogs are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to the actual birth, there are still plenty of things you will need to do to get her ready and get the area ready where she will be giving birth. Talk to Your Vet The best way to be proactive in the success of your German Shepherd giving birth will be to have frequent discussions with your vet and maintain an open line of communication with them. In any case, once you suspect your dog is pregnant, you will need to take her to your vet for regular check-ups. Ensuring her overall health is the crucial first step. Your vet will conduct a thorough exam and alert you to anything you need to be aware of. As with pregnant humans, health concerns are elevated during gestation, so be sure to take your mom-to-be to the vet straight away and continue to monitor her throughout the pregnancy. Be sure to ask your vet any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your German Shepherd during the coming months and the birth itself. They will give specifics for your dog and anything else you need to be aware of. The third trimester is when the pups develop rapidly, and your girl will need more calories for energy, depending on how many pups she is carrying. You should gradually transition this, and the feeding schedule should be little and often aid digestion. But if your vet specified anything additional due to an individual circumstance for your GSD, always adhere to their instructions. Having the checklist ready is an essential step to making sure you are ready. And remember, you will want this checklist to include everything you may need before, during, and after the birth. That will also include emergency items that you hopefully will not need but should have ready. Standard Supplies: Clean sheets, towels, and blankets You will want to have some of the blankets around the mom. They will help keep her warm and feeling safe and secure. If she has a favorite blanket or an old shirt of yours that she loves to snuggle up with, use those. But you will also need additional towels and blankets ready for the little pups after birth. Ensuring they are all warm and cozy after the birth will be, first and foremost. A pile of German Shepherd puppies bundled up with mom surrounded by comfort blankets is also just really adorable. Heating Pad or Heat Lamp Newborn puppies are unable to regulate their body temperature. The new mama understands this and will do her best to keep her pups warm using her body temperature and cuddling them close. But having a heating pad or lamp ready to go will help keep the space warm for the newborns. If you opt for a heating pad, you can place it underneath the towels and blankets where the puppies lie. It also has loads of temperature settings and timer settings, giving you plenty of options. If you opt for a lamp, be sure it is far enough away not to be too hot and burn the puppies. Place your hand underneath it to gauge where it gives a subtle warmth without causing your hand to feel hot. I prefer a heating pad as it just seems the safer option. Whelping Box and Mat To prepare for whelping, a whelping box will be required for the German Shepherd puppies to snuggle up in after the birth while the mom is recovering. You can purchase a large basket or make one yourself using a large cardboard box. German Shepherd puppies, on average, weigh around 0. As we know, German Shepherds seem to go from adorable 2-pound pups to majestic pound protectors in the blink of an eye. So, knowing how much they weighed after birth and monitoring their weight gain throughout their infancy is an essential step to proper health. There is no need to take them directly from mom and plop them onto a scale straight away. Give them time. But have it ready to take their weights within the first day or so. According to VCA Hospitals, the area where the puppies are kept should be between degrees for the first four days. Then gradually decrease the temperature to 80 degrees by the 7th — 10th day, and finally, 72 degrees by the end of the fourth week. Emergency Supplies: Baby Nose Suction Bulb Sometimes newborn puppies have built-up mucus around their nose, and the mucus causes breathing troubles. The mom will do her best to lick it away, but if you see one of the German Shepherd puppies still struggling with taking breaths, you need to have a baby nose suction bulb , such as this one from Amazon, ready to go. Gently swaddle the puppy and use the bulb carefully to suction the mucus out and hold him for a while after, massaging his chest very gently. Gloves, Sterilized Scissors, Thread, and Antiseptic Solution Typically, the mom will cut the umbilical cord herself by biting through it. Once tied off, ensure the end of the cord is cleaned with antiseptic. Cleanliness during this is critical, so a pair of medical gloves and a clean workspace are essential. Soft Travel Crate Hopefully, the birth goes smoothly, and there is no need to take your German Shepherd to the vet during it. But if there is an emergency or you have any concerns, always call your vet or nearest animal hospital immediately. Have the crate by the door with plenty of cozy blankets and familiar smells ready to go if you need to transport your GSD. This is never an ideal situation, so it should be avoided whenever possible, but under emergency circumstances, you may need an impromptu trip to the vet. Pro Tip! Use the buddy system. If you need to take your German Shepherd to the vet during birth, it will help to have someone with you. Consider asking a few close friends or relatives. They can drive while you sit in the back with your girl to comfort her. This is going to be a scary moment for your German Shepherd, and she will appreciate being able to have you by her side. Ensure the Environment is Clean and Comforting You will take much of this care during the prep stage. You will be placing clean towels down, ensuring everything is sterilized and ready for the momentous occasion. But during the birth itself, you will want to help maintain that environment. Here are a few things to consider that will help you make this a comfortable environment for your German Shepherd: Have familiar sights and smells around, such as toys, soft clothing, and blankets that she likes. If there are open windows and loud noises, shut the windows and do everything you can to limit the amount of noise and distractions around her. Give words of encouragement occasionally in a soft and soothing voice, letting her know she is doing great. In between puppies, she will need a breather. Make sure she is supported and comfort her during these breaks. Your German Shepherd will begin nesting behavior during the onset of labor, and her temperature will drop. She will become restless and may refuse food, pant, pace, shake, or vomit. But how do you know when the birth is imminent? You will see clear fluid from her vulva before the first birth. The first puppy should be delivered within minutes of hard straining. Giving Your German Shepherd Space During the Birth Oddly enough, one of the best ways to care for your German Shepherd during her birth journey will be to leave her alone. All dogs are instinctual in ways that amaze us mere humans. GSDs are also incredibly smart. So, between their instincts and intelligence, they have a knack for understanding what to do during and after giving birth. They will know what is best for their health, as well as the health of their newborns. Interfering too much during birth can cause frustration and even anger in your German Shepherd. While she will most likely understand you are trying to help — she knows best, and she will need her space. Once you have completed all preparations and have done all that you can from your end, the best thing you can do is sit back and enjoy the incredible experience of watching your German Shepherd Dog give birth. Be Ready When She Needs You Part of sitting back and watching as your German Shepherd gives birth is also knowing that she may need you, and, if so — be ready. If you have done the proper preparations, everything will be ready in case of an emergency or even a small hiccup. Here are some warning signs to be aware of as you watch the process and when you need to intervene: Your GSD has shown signs of going into labor, including a temperature below degrees, and does not end up going into labor within 24 hours. A puppy has only come halfway out, and mom seems to be struggling. She appears to be in pain, and is yelping or crying. One of her breaks in between puppies lasts more than 4 hours, and you know there are more pups to come. Typically, a long break will happen halfway through, which can be up to 4 hours. But past that, there could be something wrong. She is having contractions for more than 45 minutes without another puppy coming. If there is something more complicated, you will need to take your girl to the vet. This is another reason the buddy system is a great step to take. Now what? A big part of the preparation is to ensure that everything is ready for the new mom and pups once she is done. She is going to be exhausted, needing lots of rest and love. And the newborns will be adorable little helpless creatures that need their canine mom and their human mom or dad too! Making sure they all stay home, clean, and healthy is the number one priority after birth. During your discussions with your vet, this should be something that is covered. Your vet will offer specifics if there are particular health concerns for your German Shepherd. But otherwise, they will have general guidelines to keep the new family safe and sound. Once your German Shepherd has had enough time to recuperate and seems to be doing well after the last birth, take her outside to urinate and get some fresh air. She may not want to, as she wants to stay with her newborns, but encourage her to go outside for a quick pee and move around. Next, try to get her to drink some water and see if she has an appetite. At this point, all the puppies should be warm and snuggled in the whelping box. Let Mom join them and begin nursing them. They are going to be hungry, sleepy, and hungry again. Your job is to make sure the pups are getting enough food from Mom, and that mom is getting enough rest to care for them properly. If your German Shepherd stops producing milk for a while, you will need to have supplements and formula on hand so you can feed them yourself from a bottle. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are smart, instinctual, and fiercely protective. They also make amazing moms. And they know exactly what they need to do during the birth of their puppies. We hope this article has given you confidence in knowing what to do when your German Shepherd is giving birth. You will know when you are needed, and you will have everything ready to go from your checklist if she tags you in. You will soon be hugging those little bundles of joy and wondering what to name them. This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute pet medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for your pet. Please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. November 21, Home » Our German Shepherd Aura is about to start Whelping There are many signs your German Shepherd or any other dog will give you when they are going to soon be whelping. Aura is in labor right now! We took her temperature and it started dropping. She is normally a .Wednesday morning we took her temp and it was .A few hours later it was .Towards 6pm it was .It is important that she eats but we did not want to upset her stomach. Instead of her current puppy food diet which she was refusing we cooked rice and boiled chicken breast. Boneless, skinless chicken breast of course, you do not want a dog eating too much fat, especially at a critical moment like this read up on pancreatitis for more info on dogs eating fat. She started panting. Several short breaths by mouth, a few heavy pants via nose. She is uncomfortable. She is an indoor dog. During the night she went under the bed and pulled everything out to create a nest of sorts! When we let her out to go potty she starts digging at the ground to nest. She is not a digger but today she is. Then we have the stretch. A picture below shows her famous stretch. Note that she is on her side and the rear legs are extended. We stayed up with her til 3AM Thursday and fell asleep on the couch. It does look like tonight is the night though. This is her pre whelping stretch. Sorry about the lighting, the pic was taken around midnight. She started labor at noon, three days early, which in itself is a little worrisome, but not that unusual. I now know why she was early. Anyway after several hours the first puppy was presented in the vaginal canal, but too deep for me to pull it out. This is when I first became worried that this delivery was not going to be normal. After two hours and several doses of Oxytocin, I was ready to take her in to the vet for a possible C-section. Of course this always happens on Sunday or holidays after hours. I placed her on the grooming table to examine her one last time before calling the vet and I could feel that the puppy had progressed far enough that I could pull it on out, which I did. To my surprise the puppy was alive and is doing very well today. This puppy was large, but not unusually so, and I surmised that because this was her first puppy she just had trouble pushing out an above average puppy in size. I also surmised that the rest of the puppies should come much easier at this point. I was wrong. The next puppy proved to be just as difficult if not harder for her. After five hours and several doses of Oxytocin this puppy presented itself breach. After feathering and some brave pushing by the new mom, I was able to grab the rear feet of the puppy and ease it out. This puppy was two to three times larger than the average newborn German shepherd puppy. Unfortunately, this puppy did not survive the breach delivery. Sometimes when females have small litters the puppies can grow too large to allow for an easy and normal delivery. When this happens the female will often have the puppies a few days early to keep the puppies from growing any larger. Going to a vet during delivery is very expensive and also could expose the new puppies to diseases. Therefore, it not a decision made lightly. No easy way or formula exists for knowing when it is time to seek professional help. For example, I had a female that was in labor for over hours with no progress made towards delivery. I had been in contact with my vet and he said that we had waited long enough and to bring her in. While picking her up on the delivery table a viable puppy fell out on to the ground. I was sent home and while on the way home she had another two puppies in the 10 minute drive. She ended up having 10 healthy puppies. Another female was in labor all day with presented puppy that was stuck deep in the vaginal canal. After several hours of pushing she was exhausted and could not push anymore, and this time, in the middle of the night on the 45 minute drive to Oklahoma State University Animal Hospital she fell asleep and delivered the puppy in the backseat while snoring. When she fell asleep she relaxed enough for the puppy to slide on out into the side-pocket of my trucks door. In this case she had to have a C-section to deliver the remaining four puppies because she had exhausted her ability to push. All five puppies were healthy and are doing well today with their owners. Making the decision to go to the vet during delivery problems is not easy and best should be made once you have surpassed your knowledge and abilities to deal with the myriad of issues that could arise during delivery. Knowing when you have exhausted your expertise is also not easy. If you are considering getting a German shepherd puppy consider getting one of our older puppies and save a little money on some very high quality shepherds. We have several wonderful puppies that that are ready to go home. Ask me a Question and I will provide my opinion. Also, please see our web page: KeystoneGermanShepherds Sincerely,