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Jumping You probably noticed that all of the things above are unwanted behaviors. This can lead to heart problems, joint problems, and other potential health problems. These following suggestions for exercising your pup will cover both mental and physical exercises. Play tug with your golden Another good game to play with your pup is tug. This is also a great opportunity to work in some training, as you can teach your golden to drop it , take it, and even have them do sits or downs to resume the game. Play chase This is a great game to play, especially with puppies, since most puppies love nothing more than to chase or be chased. Get your dog hooked on chew toys Teaching your dog to love to chew on chew toys is one of the best things you can do for your puppy. Chewing releases feel-good endorphins and channels their chewing energy into an appropriate toy, instead of something in appropriate, like your household items. It can also help them relax, and put overtired puppies to sleep. Play with a flirt pole Using a flirt pole is great for young puppies because it allows them to chase and pounce a toy while you stay a safe distance away from their razor-sharp teeth. Oliver loves it, plus it takes a ton of mental energy to figure out how to get all of his kibble out of it. Other puzzle toys include the Kong Wobbler , snuffle mats , and food balls. This is a win-win since he loves the puzzle toys and it takes more energy to work for his food than to just gobble it up from a food bowl. Play hide and seek This is a great game that combines training and a little bit of exercise, but it does require that your golden knows how to stay. Just be sure to fully dry them off because goldens are susceptible to hot spots. Take your golden to doggy daycare After a day of daycare, Oliver is usually wiped out for the night, as well as half of the next day. Set up a doggy playdate If you have any friends that have nice dogs, or if you meet anyone in a local Facebook group, try to set up a doggy playdate. Your golden will love it! This is especially good for young puppies, since they need to be socialized with other dogs and you can make sure the other dog is up to date on their vaccines. Conclusion Since golden retrievers were bred to hunt out in the fields and marshes all day, they need a lot of exercise. How much exercise does your golden need per day? Have any questions about exercising your golden retriever? Let me know in the comments below. Related articles:. How much exercise a Golden Retriever needs in a day will vary depending on their age. A puppy will need anywhere from minutes of exercise per day, while an adult Golden will require anywhere from minutes of exercise per day. This makes exercise mandatory for your Golden Retriever, as without it, dogs can become bored and start engaging in undesirable behavior. Regular exercise keeps furry friends happy, healthy, and calm. How much exercise is needed to keep your Golden healthy and happy depends on their age. For instance, a puppy is still growing and developing and will require less daily activity, while an adult Golden Retriever will need significantly more. So, if your puppy is three months old they will need about 15 minutes of daily exercise, at four months about 20 minutes of daily exercise, at five months, they will require roughly 25 minutes of daily exercise, and so on. This rule is encouraged until your pup reaches one year old. Keep in mind that puppies still have tender bones that are still developing and little bodies that are still growing. Over-exercising as a puppy can lead to early bone and joint issues. Beginning exercise with your Golden Retriever at a young age creates a strong bond with your dog and encourages a happy, healthy lifestyle right from the start. Adult to Senior Golden Retrievers Exercise for adult Golden Retrievers is crucial for maintaining good health and keeping muscles and joints functioning while also managing their weight. It is recommended that adult Golden Retrievers get roughly 20 — 30 minutes of exercise twice a day. A good way to ensure your Golden Retriever will get the right amount of exercise is to consider your own lifestyle and tailor your needs. Best Ways to Exercise a Golden Retriever There are a ton of ways to make sure your Golden Retriever is getting enough exercise, rain or shine. Early exercise helps them get on track for a lifetime of healthy living. It also helps to get out their energy so they remain more calm during training. Exercises for Puppies Walking. Taking your puppy on a walk is a great way to get in a few minutes of exercise and for both you and your puppy to get some fresh air. When taking your puppy on a walk, be sure to walk at a normal pace, stopping when your puppy sits and continuing once your puppy stands up again. Running free. If you have a fenced-in backyard or access to a fenced-in dog park, letting your new furry friend run free is a wonderful form of exercise for energetic pups. At around three months, you can introduce your Golden Retriever puppy to swimming by allowing him or her to wade in and play in low water. This is a great form of exercise for little ones because this type of exercise is low impact on tender joints. Interactive Dog Toys. Interactive dog toys are great for rainy days, or anytime you find yourself stuck inside and need to exercise your puppy. This interactive dog toy will keep your pup busy, on the move, and comes with the added benefit of dispensing treats. Hyper Pet Doggie Tail. This plush toy wiggles vibrates, and barks and is sure to keep your pup moving and entertained. This large interactive toy puzzle includes three squeaky chipmunks that will keep your pup occupied. Wobble Wag Giggle Ball. This is our dogs favorite toy. He plays for hours with this thing. It does make noise, for the crazy rolling feature is what our Golden loves! Golden Retrievers are natural retrievers, so this game will come naturally to them. An added benefit of fetch is this can be played indoors or outdoors. Remember to keep toys lightweight for small mouths. Be sure to mix it up so your dog has a variety of exercises. This keeps him interested and helps work out different parts of his body. Hiking Hiking is a great way to break out of the ordinary walk around the block. Before you go, check to make sure hiking trails are dog-friendly and check rules regarding leashes. This COMSUN Collapsible Dog Bowl is great for taking on a hiking trip as they are durable, reusable, and can clip right on to your backpack, purse, or leash Dog Parks Golden Retrievers are naturally friendly dogs, so taking your dog to a dog park is a great way for your dog to run around free and get social. Be sure to check your local dog park rules before you visit. Here are a few apps that can help you find the perfect spot to take your furry friend. Dog Park Finder Plus — this app not only lists dog parks, but also includes a list of dog-friendly restaurants. Bark Happy — this app lists local dog parks, as well as, dog-friendly restaurants and hotels, and amenities offered at each one. PlayPal Dog Park Buddy — Another great app for locating dog parks, and PlayPal allows you to set up puppy play dates with your friends. Swimming Swimming is a great exercise for your Golden Retriever and a great way for them to keep cool during hot summer months. Golden Retrievers are natural swimmers, and their coat allows them to dry quickly. If your dog is new to swimming, take it slow by starting in shallow waters; and even if your dog is used to the water, remove their collar and be sure to keep an eye on them while swimming because accidents can always happen. Fetch Fetch is a super fun game for you and your Golden Retriever. You can spend and hour straight with some Goldens and they never tire of this game. Agility Training Agility training is not only fun for your pet, but also helps you bond with them. Find a way to distract them, perhaps with their favorite toy, then hide. Your dog will love running around the house trying to find you. Dock diving is like fetch, just in the water. Dock diving can be tiring, so be sure to look for signs of your dog becoming tired. Laser Pointer Another idea for some inside exercising is shining a laser around the house and allowing your dog to chase it. Tug of War Tug of war is a great game to play indoors or outdoors, and can be played with a variety of toys. The Goughnuts Tug Toy is a safe and tough option for a tug of war rope for your dog. Tug of war can trigger aggression in some dogs, so if you notice this type of behavior, discontinue this activity and choose another form of exercise. As a pet owner, you may wonder if your dog is getting the amount of physical activity they need. Here is a list of signs your dog may be exhibiting if he or she is not getting enough daily exercise. Weight Gain. Weight gain will occur if your dog is eating too much and not exercising enough. Consider increasing the amount of exercise your dog is getting, and also consult with your vet regarding a diet and exercise plan. If your dog was once social but has become more withdrawn, they may not be receiving enough physical activity. Like humans, dogs require physical activity to maintain good physical and emotional health. Destructive Behavior. Excessive Barking or Whining. If you notice your Golden Retriever becoming a little too excited when going outside and engaging in activities such as leash pulling or becoming difficult to control while on a walk, it may be time to increase how much exercise he or she is getting. Stiffness or Lack of Endurance. Always consult with your vet just in case there are underlying health conditions. If you are interested in training your dog, be sure to read our Guide to Training a Golden Retriever! He and his wife have three children who are always keeping Brady entertained. They love spending time together, traveling, and meeting other dog families. Recent Posts. June 18, Golden Retriever exercise is mandatory! Without it they can become bored and frustrated and display destructive behaviors such as chewing or barking. Regular exercise helps your Golden to be calmer at home, builds strength and reinforces learning. Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things — a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in the shaft of winter sunlight. Golden Retriever puppies are energetic, active and playful but for a puppy up to 2 years old, exercise should be light to moderate for 1 to 2 hours daily. It is very important not to force your puppy to do hard exercise during its tender age because their bones are still growing. They may develop pain due to strenuous exercise which can result in lameness or even deformed bones. Socialization is the process of introducing Golden puppies to a wide range of sights, smells, sounds and experiences such as playing in a park with other dogs and children around. Golden puppies should be familiar with vehicles, a variety of buildings and walking surfaces. Exercise to improve socialization such as gentle Golden Retriever training can start as soon as you bring your puppy home. After 2 years Golden Retriever exercise can be at a moderate to hard level, at least 2 sessions per day. Here are 5 practical suggestions for Golden Retriever exercise: 1. Simple 1 to 2 hours of walking a Golden Retriever. Swimming — Goldens love the water! Running around in open spaces — take a ball with you for an energetic game or play session. Agility games such as running over and through obstacles is great Golden Retriever exercise. Dog walking is the most common Golden Retriever exercise. Try zigzagging, circling, or retracing your footsteps a short distance before going forward again. Try doing a different route to your usual walk. Keep such sessions short as they require a lot of self discipline and concentration and make them as exciting as possible, with lots of unpredictable speed and changes of direction. Reward him between each exercise with an exciting game praise or a treat before releasing him for more free running. This game can encourage your dog to keep a close eye on you and improve recalls. Most Goldens like chasing and retrieving balls so it can seem a good idea to throw it far way with a tennis racket or ball launcher. However, hand throws keep your Golden near by and give more lively chases. Never throw sticks as they can be very dangerous — as an alternative you can buy rubber sticks or use a piece of old hosepipe. Regular exercise is important for Golden Retriever puppies and adults as they are active dogs. Walking a Golden Retriever can be enjoyable and interesting for they are intelligent dogs who love to have fun! Golden Retriever exercise will help maintain their fitness, health and happiness. Read the full disclosure here. All dogs need exercise to live a fit, healthy and fulfilling life. No matter the breed, no matter how large or small, no matter their age, they all need exercise. But some need more than others. So what are the Golden Retriever exercise requirements? Golden Retrievers Are A High Energy Sporting Breed As the name suggests, the Golden Retriever is a sporting breed initially created to retrieve fallen game for hunters in the Scottish highlands in the 19th century. Retrieving in the Scottish Highlands, with its mountainous landscape pot-holed with ponds, lakes and streams is very physically demanding work. So when they set out to create the Goldens, they had to be a high energy, sturdy breed with lots of stamina and an affinity for water. They needed a dog that could travel large distances, hiking and swimming in rough terrain for the best part of a full day. And with this breed, this is exactly what they got. They need physical activity. They become very destructive , chewing , digging, and running around your home and garden like little tornadoes. Too full of pent-up energy to be able to concentrate and behave themselves well and some will even try to escape their home and garden at every opportunity. Only now, all that food will just turn into fat and lead to poor health and weight issues. Yes, Golden Retrievers are very prone to obesity. Usually a combination of their owners doing two things: Giving in too often to those expertly crafted begging routines. Not giving their pooch anywhere near a sufficient level of exercise. Excess weight leads to a variety of problems such as heart disease, increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and damage to their hip and elbow joints. Keeping your Golden at a healthy weight is the responsibility of any caring owner. This rule basically states: A puppy needs no more than 5 minutes of exercise for each month it has been alive. So a 3-month-old puppy needs only 15 minutes exercise per day, a 5-month-old needs 25 minutes. This exercise is a proper, structured exercise. Meaning brisk walking on leash, gentle games of fetch. Puppies are growing fast and their bones and joints can be easily damaged by over-exercising. Follow the 5 minute rule and encourage very little jumping or vigorous exercise! Continue the 5 minute rule until your golden is nearing one year old. As a general rule to follow, a healthy adult Golden retriever exercise needs consist of a good hour of exercise every day. But the genetics of your dog could mean you need to increase or decrease this. Those retrievers from a working field line will be more energetic and have higher exercise needs, perhaps as much as 2 hours per day. Whereas those from show lines could get by on 45 minutes. But all Goldens need regular exercise, at least twice per day or they will become bored and probably destructive. Try to provide different forms of exercise such as hiking, running, swimming, playing fetch…you need to stimulate their minds as well as their hearts and muscles. They will take every bit of physical activity you throw at them and then be able to do much more. You will tire yourself out long before you can tire them! Some Golden retrievers suffer arthritis and other joint pains as they age. If this is the case with your dog, please speak to your vet and follow their advice. With some ailments exercise can make things worse and you do not want that for your dog. Like humans, dogs are individuals and age differently. Just be mindful of not asking too much of your elderly dog. They can still enjoy walking long distances and swimming, just avoid jumping hedges and chasing balls for an hour straight. Believe me, you will know! In all cases, if your Golden has behavioral problems and seems highly strung and out of control, the first thing you should do is have them checked by a vet for health issues. And if they receive a clean bill of health then the simplest of cures for a better behaved dog is to exercise them more. Try it for a few days, you just may be surprised at the results: An exercised Golden is a calm and happy Golden! Conclusion Golden Retrievers are a high energy sporting breed and require a lot of exercise. A lack of it can lead to a variety of health problems, hyperactivity and behavioral problems! So for a healthy and happy dog…and owner…provide your beloved puppy with just as much physical activity as they need and deserve! Jogging alongside you, running along as you cycle, going for long hikes , the occasional swim and sessions of playing fetch all qualify as good Golden Retriever training. You will stay fit and active and happy together. You May Also Like. Read the full disclosure here. Keep in mind that healthy adult golden retrievers should get about an hour of exercise a day , with some needing more and others maybe less. If you are looking for fun ways to exercise your golden retriever, consider these 14 options that will help keep your pooch happy and healthy. The list starts with outdoor activities before transitioning into indoor options that you can do on rainy or cold days. Walking Or Running The most obvious way to exercise with your golden retriever is to simply take them for a daily walk. Your pooch will gladly walk alongside you for an hour or more a day since this breed is very athletic. If you enjoy jogging or running, take your dog with you next time. Because of their build, goldens have no issue keeping up with human runners, even those who go running regularly. As a bonus, walking or running with your retriever will help you stay active as well. Fetch Another obvious but fun way to give your golden retriever exercise is to play fetch. Go to your backyard or the local park and throw their favorite toy. Wait for them to bring it back and throw the toy again. Remember to give your dog breaks and think about their personality. If, for example, your golden tends to get easily distracted, try playing fetch in an enclosed area to keep them concentrated on you. Also, make sure to choose an appropriate object for the game. Avoid sharp or heavy objects that can hurt your retriever; instead, stick to balls, squeak toys, small sticks, ropes, or other vet-approved toys. Best of all, you can also play fetch on a smaller scale inside if the weather is bad or you feel too sick to go outside. Hiking If you are tired of simply walking or jogging around the neighborhood, then plan a more exciting trip and take your golden retriever hiking with you. Always be sure to check whether the trail or park you plan on hiking in is dog friendly and whether your canine needs to be on a leash while there. Remember that hiking requires a great deal of athleticism and can be very tiring. If your golden retriever is sick, young, or old, ask your vet whether they are up to the task. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a bowl with you and let your golden pause to drink at regular intervals. During the hike, try to aim for soft terrain and stay clear of dense underbrush and sharp rocks since these can damage paws. When you get home, give your retriever a thorough bath or brush out and check for fleas and ticks. Although they are now frequently family pets with humans who have no intention of hunting, this is still part of their genes. You can take advantage of this, get outside, try something new, and let your retriever do what they were bred to do. They will truly enjoy field retrieving and hunting with you and this will ensure they stay in great physical shape with strong muscles. Hunting with your golden will also promote bonding. It also helps you build a bond with your golden as you work together towards a common goal. Depending on where you live, it should be easy to find an agility group. You can even adjust this activity for inside play on rainy days. Set up items like tables and hula hoops and get your retriever to go around, under, or over them. You can even work on balancing on top of smaller items. Swimming Swimming is another great way to exercise your golden retriever and it will let you both stay cool on a hot summer day. Retrievers tend to be natural swimmers and because of their special coat, do not feel the cold and dry off quickly so can partake in cold winters as well. You can even just invest in a small kiddy pool, fill it up, and watch your dog go crazy. If you do plan on swimming with your golden, remove any collar or other apparel they may be wearing and always keep an eye on them to make sure they are safe. While these dogs are typically excellent swimmers, accidents can happen, especially with a collar getting snagged. You can even find a doggy life vest if you want to be extra safe. Also, make sure to give your dog a thorough bath after swimming in a lake or pool to get rid of chlorine, dirt, and other items that can cause irritation. Many dogs can be trained to get comfortable on a treadmill. Start off by simply having them in the same room as the machine while it is on so they can get used to the sounds and sights. You can then turn off the treadmill, get them to stand on it, and give them a treat. After they seem comfortable, turn it on at a very low speed and encourage them to stay on with treats. Over time, you should be able to increase the speed of the treadmill to the point where your golden retriever can eventually get a good workout on it. If they have problems getting used to it, try standing in the front of the treadmill and giving them the occasional treat for motivation. Remember to always supervise your dog when they are on a treadmill and never tie them to it. This is simply a combination of swimming, diving, and fetch. Grab a floating toy that your dog loves and throw it into the water. Wait for them to swim and retrieve it, then repeat the action. Many areas even have dock diving groups and you only need a safe area for swimming. Before dock diving with your golden retriever, make sure they are a confident swimmer and check the area for potential dangers such as hidden rocks or other objects in the water. In reality, dogs such as golden retrievers can have plenty of fun with these toys as well. Simply shine it around the room or any other indoor space and watch them follow and chase the red dot. If this happens, it can lead to retinal damage. Hiding Treats All dogs love treats and you can take advantage of this to give your golden retriever some exercise on a rainy day. Take some of their favorite treats or testy dry dog food and hide them around your home in various places. Consider putting them underneath rugs, behind chairs, under tables, or behind doors. Your dog is likely to get exhausted looking for the treats and get a great workout in the process. Your golden retriever may even get enough exercise from a toy that dispenses treats when they solve a puzzle, but it depends on the animal. Just remember to restrict yourself to a reasonable number of treats. Giving them too many can make them sick or defeat the point of exercising by leading to weight gain. For some dogs, this will trigger aggressive or predatory behavior that is not good in a domesticated animal. If you notice these issues, stick to a different form of exercise for your retriever. Playing Hide And Seek If you are concerned about giving your golden retriever too many treats, you can adjust the above game to hide yourself instead of treats. Distract your pooch by giving them their favorite toy to play with. As soon as they get distracted, go to another area of your house and hide. They will start to run all over the place looking for you, mildly exercising themselves. Suddenly the game is not only exercise, but it also reinforces training. Jumping Jumping is another way to get your dog to burn plenty of calories even if you are stuck inside. You can encourage your dog to jump in plenty of different ways. Tap them on the nose so they know you have it, then stand up and hold the toy over your head. They will jump up to try to reach it. As a bonus, this method also lets both of you work on your leg muscles. An alternative is to encourage your dog to jump up and down with the help of bubbles. Just make some non-toxic bubbles like you would for your children or buy a pre-packaged solution. Blow the bubbles up high into the air and watch your dog go for them. This exercise method has even caught on enough that you can find bubbles for dogs in fun flavors like peanut butter and chicken. If you use bubbles, always make sure to pick non-toxic ones that are safe if they are ingested. Conclusion No matter which method you choose to exercise your golden retriever, the goal is to have fun, keep them healthy and mentally stimulated. Always make safety a priority and find an activity that you both enjoy doing. Soon you will look forward to play time as much as they do. You May Also Like. Excessive ball throwing and catching. Fast-paced walks. Walking on hot days. Running a puppy alongside a bike. Dogs and puppies should not be exercised immediately before or after eating, as this can cause problems such as bloating. How to Exercise A Golden Retriever Puppy Providing puppies with the opportunity to exercise is a very important aspect of their healthy life. Not only does exercise have multiple health benefits, but it also gives them a good opportunity to socialize and bond with their owner. Check the temperature outside to avoid overheating. Make sure they wear a proper collar and tag. Make sure they are comfortable with their collar and leash. During Eeercise One way to help your puppy get exercise is by having them on a leash with you and following these tips: Walk at a normal pace. Stop to rest if your puppy keeps sitting down and continue when they get back up. Avoid over-exercising. You can also allow your puppy to exercise without a leash. Allow your pet to run freely in a safe environment, such as a backyard or designated dog park. Having them off the leash is a good way for them to regulate their own pace and exercise they want but do watch for: Watch out for signs of fatigue, including panting, slowing their pace, and lagging behind you. Watch for overheating signs such as excessive panting, drooling, vomiting or agitation. Keep your puppy hydrated. Signs that your dog is overheating and what you can do to help After exercise After your puppy has finished his exercise, make sure to offer them plenty of fresh, clean water and allow them to rest. After they have calmed down and rested, you can offer them a healthy treat or feed them. Exercise For Your Puppy In addition to giving your puppy short, daily walks, here are some other options of exercise that your pup will enjoy. Swimming Swimming is a great exercise for all dogs as it helps strengthen and tone muscles. Get your puppy familiar with water first after they are 3 months old. Fetch Golden Retrievers are meant for retrieving, so a good game of fetch will come naturally to them. Just make sure to watch for any signs of tiring. Dog toys that move There is a wide variety of interactive toys for puppies that are highly stimulating and can help with exercise. Play with other dogs Having your puppy be around other dogs is a good way to give them an exercise buddy while they work on important social skills. Whist Golden Retrievers instinctively know how to retrieve, they need to be trained from a very young age to catch. Signs Your Puppy is Getting Too Much Exercise Exercise keeps joints limber, promotes good range of motion, maintains muscle mass, and can help prevent injury. But too much of it can actually cause injury. Watch out for signs of over-exercise like sore muscles, behavioral changes, and joint injury. Sore Muscles Sore muscles are a sign that your pup is getting too much exercise. Refusing or struggling to go up and down the stairs. Refusing to eat because it hurts to lower down. If you notice signs of soreness, give them time to rest and lower the amount of exercise they are getting. Continuing to exercise, at this point, can lead to injury. Behavioral changes If your puppy usually enjoys going for walks with you but starts to shy away from walking or whimpers when you begin the walk, this is showing you that something is not right. Inconsistent conditioning can lead to changes in behavior as well as injury. If there is a joint injury, your puppy will begin to limp or favor one leg over the other. Another sign that is said to be a sign of joint injury is if you notice your dog putting its head down while walking on the good leg but lifting its head when walking on the bad leg. Heat sickness Heat exhaustion is a concern during the warmer months. Younger dogs have difficulty regulating body temperatures, so too much exercise can cause them to overheat. Signs of heat exhaustion are excessive panting, disinterest in eating, and drooling. Stopping suddenly can also scrape the bottom of the paws, causing the outer layer of the pad to wear off. It is good not to drag your dog while they are leashed, instead, be patient with them and listen to their cues. Golden Retrievers are popular dogs for outdoor activities. That is why we feature them here at Outdoor Dog Fun with these articles:. Sep 13, Sep 20, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Our goldens are such high-energy dogs. In order to stay mentally and physically healthy, they require exercise. They need more exercise than many dogs. Of course, the amount and type of exercise will vary based on their age, genetics, health, and overall health and fitness. He may become destructive or he may gain weight. So, to keep him healthy and happy, he should be well-exercised. Even adult goldens may chew the wrong items like your furniture and dig in your garden when under-exercised. Or they may bark excessively, jump on counters or people even when trained not to, or be mouthy. Also, he may gain too much weight. This can lead to heart disease, risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and damage to hips and elbows. A dog who receives enough exercise has toned muscles. Exercise also keeps his body and metabolic system functioning properly and engages his mind. Of course, puppies, adult goldens, and seniors will require various amounts and types of exercise. But generally golden retrievers, being sporting dogs meant to work, need more exercise than many breeds. Genetics enter into the equation. This can also help you determine what type of exercises to include in his regimen. So a three-month-old puppy should receive no more than 15 minutes of exercise up to two times a day. And break up the time he plays. For example, have a short minute walk and, after a break, a three-minute fetch session. Then, after another break, a two-minute training session. Vary the activities. Doing all these activities will not only help your pup exercise, but it will also help further your bond. My rescued golden retriever Riley came to me when he was about six months old. To say that he was energetic would be an understatement. He would jump on us, be mouthy, and generally destructive when he arrived. Of course, he needed training. But I also had to meet his exercise needs so that we could have a great relationship. So I took him on long walks, played fetch with his Kong ball, played tug and release, and played with puzzle toys. He also played with my other dogs. And he went to daycare two or three days or half-days per week. Between mental and physical exercise, he became the great dog he was meant to be. He enjoys life, loves everyone, and is very well-behaved wherever he goes. But he was worth it. Of course a young adult or one from hunting lines may need more. They may even need an hour-and-a-half or two hours per day. Just like us, goldens are individuals. But others may still be very active at 10 years old. Of course, some goldens are still very active at that age and beyond. But how much and the type of exercise they should engage in depends on their general health. The same is true of goldens with disabilities. They still require a sufficient amount of exercise according to their needs. Types of Exercise for Your Golden Of course both physical and mental exercise are required to have a healthy dog. There are many choices that will help your dog be fit and happy. Always monitor your dog to see if he seems too tired or appears to be injured. Stop and seek veterinary advice. Start out slowly and add time over many sessions as your pup can handle it. Vary the exercises. Some can be performed inside as well as outside. So even on a rainy day, you can sufficiently exercise your dog and meet his needs. Walking or Running Of course, you should first teach your dog to walk on a loose leash before exercising him on a leash. Walks at a natural pace are best for most goldens. Start with short walks, increasing them over time. Avoid walks on the hottest or coldest part of the day. Always walk on safe footing and avoid slippery or sharp surfaces. Of course, running is another matter. The pounding may be too much. Running on soft running paths or level grass can be alright for some dogs. Of course, a full vet checkup should occur before starting any running program with your beloved golden retriever. Some people jog with a dog. Others may skate or ride a bike with their golden alongside. Of course, some dogs enjoy hiking with their people. There are many sights and smells for a dog to enjoy. Play Groups Your puppy or dog can also get a lot of varied exercise playing with appropriate dog playmates. Dogs romp and wrestle together. You can set up your own or join in to well-run dog playgroups or even dog daycares. Playing With Your Dog You can play fetch with your dog if he knows how to retrieve and give up the toy on cue. He may even fetch a favorite ball. Or play tug with a toy like a rope or fleece toy if your dog will take it and release it on cue. The options are limitless. You can play hide and seek with your golden while inside. You can heel with him, have him come on cue, or teach him to wave! Mentally Stimulating Toys There are many activity toys you can buy or you can make your own. Some are puzzle toys where your golden seeks out kibble or treats. Or treat-dispensing balls. If you or a friend has a swimming pool, you can teach your dog to swim. They make life vests for safety. Start him in shallow water and build from there, with you accompanying him. Always make sure that he knows where the steps are and how to get out of the water. My golden Spencer used to like to swim in the bay when we vacationed at the shore. He was a great swimmer, but he wore a doggy life vest and I had him on a long-line for safety. There are also dog facilities like boarding and daycares and vet hospitals that have facilities where your pup may swim. Swimming provides a great cardio workout as well as being easier on joints than many land exercises. This can be good for dogs with joint problems and arthritis. In fact, aqua therapy is often used for dogs who need physical rehabilitation from injuries or surgery. The following suggestions can be performed in competitions or just for fun and exercise. You can even join a dog training club or take courses to learn how to perform these activities. There are so many choices, including: Lure coursing, where a dog chases after a plastic bag attached to a lure that whizzes by on a specially designed course. Sight hounds often participate in this sport. Scent work, in which a dog finds something by scent. Agility, where a dog learns to run a designated course with tunnels, weave poles, dog walks, and teeter totters. Flyball, where a dog learns to jump over a course of jumps and retrieve a ball. Rally obedience, in which you train your dog to walk through a course accompanied by you. He performs certain tasks at each sign on the ground that you encounter. He may have to sit and lie down and perform other obedience exercises throughout the course. Dock diving is a sport in which goldens and labs excel—usually being water-loving dogs. He stays on the dock, awaiting your command. He then runs along the dock and flings his body into the water to retrieve the toy. In competition, the goal is to have the longest jump possible. You should be able to feel his ribs without seeing them. Some occasional zoomies are natural. And he should also be able to listen and pay attention to you and to perform known commands, Too much exercise can be as bad as not enough. Final Thoughts Just like us, goldens need physical and mental exercise to remain healthy. It will also further the bond with your four-legged best friend. How much exercise does your golden receive? What activities have you tried? Please leave your comments in the 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. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation.

Wet food.As well as it being tasty, there are certain things to look out for when hunting for the best wet food for your puppy. For example, large and giant breeds are particularly prone to orthopaedic problems if they do not eat an appropriate diet while they are growing. That's why you can find food designed specifically for larger breeds. This is easy with wet food but is not as noticeable on treats. The more they eat, the more it will cost you. You should also be aware that your pup will need more food as they grow, and they grow incredibly quickly. You should also always consult your breeder. ShepherdSense has put together a handy guide on what your pup should eat at every stage of their growing development. All dogs can be prone to allergies, but some breeds are more susceptible to developing allergies and the German Shepherd is one of these. Many things may trigger an allergic reaction in German Shepherds, including food products like animal proteins, wheat, eggs, soy or milk and environmental pathogens that are present in their everyday environments such as pollen, dust, perfumes or moulds. Some German Shepherds can also be allergic to flea saliva, leading to a condition known as flea-allergic dermatitis. When this condition occurs the dog will develop irritated skin after just one flea bite, leading to incessant itching, red spots on the skin and inflammation. German Shepherds are known for having thick fur, so brushing and checking their skin daily or weekly is vital to keep on top of any changes. If you think your German Shepherd does have an allergy, seek the help of your vet as soon as possible. She has been working in the Journalism industry for over a decade and has written for an array of brands including John Lewis, Daily Mirror and Grazia. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's rennovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in the garden with her sausage dog Waffle. Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us. Nothing seemed to agree with her. She looked scrawny and always had stomach issues. Changed to royal canin junior at 3 months old and never looked back. She is just one year old now and she is still thriving, very strong , excellent coat , no more stomach problems and loves her food Originally published in zooplus. Changed to gsd junior food for the last 10 weeks or so and I can't believe the change in her. She looks amazing and her poops are much better! Would highly recommend this product. Even when the bag arrived and we tore it open he was excited by the smell, started to introduce it slowly with his old dry food and would notice he would pick out all of the new food and leave all of his old. Every single meal without fail we have a wagging tail and an empty bowl. Fantastic service from zooplus whereby arrived earlier than expected - vey impressed. Everyone remarks on how our dogs look so much better then any other they see. He's now almost adult, 14 months, and has grown into a healthy german shepherd, with a beautiful shiny coat. Translated from zooplus. A diet that places a high emphasis on a protein-rich recipe, duck, salmon, and venison are the trifecta of nutrient perfection that form the basis of this diet. Glucosamine and chondroitin are prominently featured in this powerhouse food formulation to assist with optimal joint functionality. Pros: Three lean and flavourful meats, duck, venison, and salmon, are the foundation of this diet. Glucosamine and chondroitin encourage healthy joint function. Prebiotics have been included to assist with the development of healthy gut flora. Cons: There is a heavy emphasis on lentils, peas, and potatoes, foods that can be common allergens for many dogs and that have also been linked to lowered fertility rates in breeding dogs. The addition of taurine would help to boost overall cardiac health, and it, unfortunately, is not present in this food formulation. The gentlemen who found the pup, Corporal Lee Duncan, returned home to Los Angeles, bringing the pup with him. Here he began to train the pup, equipping him with the skills for life on the big screen. That pup was named Rin Tin Tin. A dog of immense versatility, the German Shepherd is a dog that possesses great talent and excels at many different activities including as a service or therapy dog, police and military work, scent detection, and more. The breed is a happy worker and loves to learn new skills, making this dog a true joy to train. The original purpose of the German Shepherd was to serve as a herding dog. In addition to this role, the German Shepherd also provided comfort to those involved in the rescue efforts and the family members of those lost in this tragedy. A breed with lots of energy to spare, the German Shepherd either needs a job to do or vast amounts of daily exercise at a vigorous pace. Dogs that do not receive an appropriate amount of exercise each day may develop nuisance behaviours such as persistent barking, digging, and chewing. Intensely loyal to those it loves most, the German Shepherd will protect its home, hearth, and family with extreme vigilance. The breed is naturally wary of strangers and is not overly welcoming to new people entering its territory. Though the German Shepherd most often enjoys good health, there are a number of different health problems that can plague this intelligent, athletic breed. These may include hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, degenerative myelopathy, allergies, and exocrine pancreatic deficiency. Unfortunately, a good diet alone is not sufficient to prevent disease from occurring in any dog breed; however, the right food can help lay an excellent foundation for optimal canine wellness. The best dog foods for German Shepherds include supplements to help boost overall joint, heart, and skin health. The ideal diet for the German Shepherd is comprised of approximately 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat. Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for German Shepherds To enjoy optimal health and wellness, the German Shepherd does best on a well-balanced diet comprised of the finest quality ingredients and based on a lean meat protein. One of the most important things a dog owner must do is select the right diet for their dog. Once this task is complete, it is then necessary to determine how much of the food the dog should eat per meal. Though this may seem like a daunting task, the best dog foods for German Shepherds provide owners with a starting point through the suggested serving sizes listed on their packaging. The German Shepherd is both active and athletic. If sufficiently exercised and fed in appropriate amounts each day, this dog type should not become overweight. However, since the German Shepherd can be predisposed to developing hip and elbow dysplasia, maintaining a healthy body weight is critically important. For this reason, free feeding is strongly discouraged, and all food should be carefully measured and monitored. The German Shepherd is one of many breeds that can be predisposed to developing the life threatening condition called bloat. Though experts are uncertain what factors must combine to result in this issue, it is believed that eating too much and too rapidly may be partly to blame. To prevent this from happening, the German Shepherd should be fed a large breed food formulation if possible as these types of diets contain big enough pieces of food to encourage slow and thoughtful chewing and swallowing. Dog Food Dietary Requirements for German Shepherds The busy German Shepherd thrives on a high quality diet that is based on a lean, meat-based protein. The best dog foods for German Shepherds include a whole meat or meat meal as their foundational ingredient. By-products are commonly used by many commercial dog food companies as they are an inexpensive source of protein that is derived from meat. However, this type of protein is taken from cuts of the animal that are less desirable for human consumption, and thus, are not the ideal choice for the active German Shepherd. Other protein sources often seen in dog foods are the plant-based proteins soy, corn, and wheat. These ingredients have been linked to allergies in many dogs and make a poor foundation for a high quality diet. These items offer no nutritional value to the German Shepherd, and foods containing them are best avoided. From carbohydrates, the German Shepherd gains the fuel it requires for fluid digestive processing and a thriving immune system. The ideal source for these carbohydrates is fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Dogs with sensitivities to grains may do best on a grain-free food. Healthy fats contribute the essential fatty acids needed for optimal coat and skin health. These fats are best obtained from animal sources and include such foods as chicken fat and oily fish. Alternatively, some plant-based oils offer ample amounts of the required nutrients the German Shepherd must have. Supplements included in a food formulation help a diet to be more well-rounded, providing added nutritional benefits to the German Shepherd. The most beneficial supplements for the German Shepherd are glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, prebiotics, and probiotics. Things to Look for in the Best Dog Foods for German Shepherds In selecting the best dog food for the German Shepherd, here are some guiding principles to keep in mind: Meets APHA nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food Free from chemicals, flavours, colours, or other difficult to identify ingredients Fortified with beneficial supplements Based on lean meat proteins Comparing The Best Dog Food for German Shepherds. A good place to start is to consider the characteristics of these dogs so we can find the perfect nutritional balance. The breed is also known by other names including the abbreviation GSD and Alsatian. Its not surprising that the German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany where farmers were trying to standardise a breed of dog for herding sheep. The dog was a powerful animal wolf like in appearance with a strong herding instinct. The GSD is also very fast and has a good sense of smell. As breed popularity grew, the GSD spread in numbers around the world. The name Alsatian comes from the French region of Alsace which borders with Germany. However although the dog is still sometimes referred to as the Alsatian, it is once again commonly known as the German Shepherd Dog. The Key Points of the German Shepherd. They are very attractive medium to large dogs and are highly intelligent. There appearance commands immediate respect and will ward off intruders without so much as a growl or bark. They are widely used as guard dogs throughout the world due to their strength and somewhat intimidating and wolf-like appearance. They are not used so much these days as herding dogs despite originally being bred for that purpose. They are used for a variety of purposes by police forces, military and security personnel internationally. The breed is known to be intensely loyal and has been known to lay down their life for their family. When they relax with their families they can be as playful and funny as any other breed. In the right hands they can also make extremely good pets able to live with families. They are notoriously protective of their owners and loved ones, having been known to give their lives in order to save their closest. They are energetic dogs that require plenty of exercise to keep them stimulated physically as well as mentally. Ideally you should devote two or three hours of your day to your GSD for exercise and mental stimulation. Since they are big powerful dogs that are wary of strangers, it is essential that they are properly trained and socialised. A GSD that is not trained properly will likely be unruly and can be very dangerous indeed. A key point is that they are large, high energy dogs. Their powerful muscles will demand plenty of best quality protein to maintain their mass. Protein is best served up in the form of top quality red meat, poultry or fish. Their diet should also comprise of some fruits and vegetables to provide vitamins and minerals for proper function and wellbeing. These are not only good for the coat and skin, but also support the immune system and joints. Is there anything Else to Note? All breeds have similar basic needs as far as diet is concerned. We have seen that German Shepherds are powerful and energetic so they need plenty of calories and protein. Poor quality ingredients should be avoided at all costs and it is recommended to provide dog food without grains. Some of the best known and largest brands are generally the worst products to feed your dog as they invariably contain poor quality ingredients and grains such as wheat, soya, barley and sorghum. These are not ideal foodstuffs for dogs and you should seek products that include vegetables and fruits rather than grains. Canagan Adult Tins Canagan Adult tins are a complete wet food available in a variety of recipes for your German Shepherd. The food is freshly prepared to a recipe specially formulated by experts. It has the correct ratio of protein to carbohydrate which is highly beneficial to German Shepherds. Canagan contains a myriad of vegetables and botanicals dense in nutrients. This gentle meaty recipe is made from the very best fresh ingredients together with carefully selected superfoods. The ingredients include fresh turkey, heart, liver and beef green tripe. It provides an easily digestible protein which is gentle, satisfying and nourishing for your dog. All meat ingredients are butcher quality and British. The food is supplied in convenient frozen patties which minimises preparation and thawing time. The recipe includes five carefully selected superfoods which boast a high density of nutrition. These are parsnip, beetroot, orange, asparagus and pumpkin providing vitamins and fibre to maintain your German Shepherd in good health. This recipe contains naturally occurring collagen to support joint health, skin and coat. It also includes prebiotics to support a healthy gut flora and digestive system. Post navigation.

Please learn a bit more about our Boxers on our "Meet Our Boxers" page where you can see pictures, video, and information about them. We are a homeschooling family; therefore we are home everyday and able to provide our puppies with lots of attention and family interaction. Our emphasis here at Box Elder Creek is on doing our very best to provide families and individuals with a quality puppy; one that is healthy, well socialized, has an outstanding well-rounded disposition and has the look of a true quality Boxer. We do not have puppies all the time, as we chose to only have a few litters per year; in doing so we are able to dedicate a lot of time, care, love, and attention to each and every one of our puppies. We know that we have a very limited amount of time before our puppies will be leaving us and joining their new families; we feel it is our responsibility to get our puppies off on a great start in life while they are here with us, this helps ensure they will be ready and able to become a valued and much loved member of their new family. Boxers make wonderful family pets, they are great with kids and have excellent temperaments, but they are not for everyone. They love to be a part of the family and enjoy any activity that involves interaction with people, be that hiking, jogging, agility, games that make them think, lounging, babysitting, learning try clicker training , patrol duty, stealing children's toys to get everyone to chase after them, they are prone to collect shoes into piles they seem to think this is an important job , re-arranging the laundry is a favorite past time Boxers are always very helpful!! Life with a Boxer is never dull!!! They are silly and very much a jokester. Please make sure a Boxer is for you before purchasing one as they will test your patience at times. If you are looking for a dog that is independent, a Boxer is not for you as their family is very important to them and they tend to want to follow you around all day long. Boxers adore their family and it is very important that they be apart of it. I also highly recommend before purchasing a Boxer that you make sure you will have the time for proper training, as lack of training is the 1 reason Boxers end up in Boxer Rescue. We are delighted to welcome you to our website and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you into our Boxer family! All Rights Reserved. Chances are that you chose her because you like Boxers and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle: Affectionate, easygoing, and lovable Loves to play games, especially fetch Intelligent, friendly, and easily won over Large, strong, and athletic, with lots of stamina in cooler climates Good with kids and other pets An excellent guard dog, courageous and dependable You may also recognize these characteristics in your Boxer pooch: Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog Exhibits signs of separation anxiety if left alone too much Can be gassy and drool a lot Can be independent and strong-willed Needs frequent attention from her family Suspicious of strangers She is a bright and energetic companion that forms close human bonds. With early socialization and consistent leadership, she is a cheerful and dependable addition to any family. The modern Boxer was developed in Germany during the 19th century from mastiff-type dogs, and was originally used to hunt large game and for fighting or baiting. The Boxer is a high-energy dog with an enthusiastic and animated nature. They are a friendly and high-spirited breed that loves to play with children. Some Boxers can be stubborn, but most are eager and quick to learn. Boxers enjoy close human contact and demand to be the center of attention with their clownish antics. The Boxer is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Boxer. By knowing about health concerns specific to Boxers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Boxers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Boxers. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Boxer looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your Boxer is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Boxers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Boxers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Boxer is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Boxers Heart Disease Boxers are prone to multiple types of heart disease , which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control also go a long way in preventing heart disease. Boxers are especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, your pet may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. If indicated, treatment includes medication and dietary supplementation. Bloat Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Boxer is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! This is a common problem in dogs, and your Boxer is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite, and reduced activity level followed later by a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss. Treatment usually includes oral medications, and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Boxers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, including your Boxer. Usually, surgical correction can stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary for the best outcomes. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like when playing Frisbee are key in avoiding these painful injuries. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, causes a wobbly, drunken gait in affected pets. Wobbler disease is the result of a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck that pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. When pinched, the nerves do not send signals to the brain as they should causing the pet to be unable to feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice with wobbler disease are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Treatment options include medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery. It affects Boxers more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs, eventually suffering from paralysis in his hindquarters, which also leads to incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture, and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is an immune system disorder common in Boxers in which the intestinal lining becomes overrun with immune system cells called lymphocytes and plasmacytes. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea is common, or symptoms may flare up suddenly and then improve again for a time. Stress, diet change, or intestinal parasites can make IBD worse. If your friend has diarrhea or digestive upsets that are not explained by more common reasons, diagnostic tests, which may include intestinal biopsy, will be needed. Lifelong medications and special diets are usually required to keep IBD under control. Unfortunately, Boxers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. Multiple Skin Problems Your Boxer is susceptible to various kinds of skin infections and diseases. One type, Malassezia dermatitis, is caused by a kind of yeast. When this yeast infects the ears, it causes itching, redness, and an accumulation of brown, waxy discharge. On the skin, this yeast leads to greasy, hairless areas, especially on the neck and throat, with a characteristic odor. Another common skin disease called seborrhea can cause dry, flaky skin or greasy, oily skin. Skin diseases make your pet itchy and uncomfortable. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders that occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Lymphoma Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Boxers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Bleeding Tumor Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Boxers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Mast Cell Tumor Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Boxers than other breeds. The sooner these tumors are surgically removed, the better. Unfortunately, mast cell tumors often look very similar to other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, many of which are not harmful. Therefore, all suspicious lumps should be tested and surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal, so early detection is critical. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and Boxers are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us at or call an emergency hospital. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Acepromazine Sensitivity Acepromazine is a widely used tranquilizer that is often prescribed as a sedative for travel and anxiety. For many years this drug was considered to have a wide margin of safety, meaning that vets prescribed it readily for traveling pets and for pets with noise phobias. Recently, however, studies have uncovered some dangerous side effects in a few breeds, notably the Boxer. Respiratory Distress Syndrome Respiratory distress syndrome, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Boxer. Short-nosed dogs have the same amount of tissue in their noses and throats as longer-nosed dogs, but with less area to contain it. As a consequence, the soft palate at the back of the roof of the mouth is too long and may hang down into the airway. All of these differences can lead to a narrow and obstructed airway such that many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, your pet is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, and heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended to alleviate airway obstruction. Taking Care of Your Boxer at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Boxer live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Boxers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She can have a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a sturdy fence is a must. She can be sensitive to temperature extremes; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Boxer needs help. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.

She is a chocolate merle with an impressive pedigree! Fiona loves to play and likes when the other girls chase her. She is smart and loves to cuddle. Fifi, as we call her, has the best personality and a sweet demeanor. Fiona is retired and will live the rest of her days lounging on our couch! Lola Lola is retired but will be staying with us. Bella Bella has retired and living her best life as an only dog! We love him soooooo much. Thank you! I was sent pictures and felt so close. I waited not so patiently to fly to Santa Fe to pick her up. The breeder brought her to me in Santa Fe and gave us a ride back to the airport. We were in Instant love. She is a secure, healthy, adventurous Frenchie, and in the two weeks she has been in our family has been the best. We are so grateful that we found Wild Blue. Our puppies are bred to be cute and intelligent and are raised to have the best personalities and temperament. You can expect the greatest attention to detail to make your experience of purchasing a puppy a fun and enjoyable process, as it should be. We are located in Denison, Texas about 1. We are happy to meet you halfway in Amarillo. We have answers. The price of French Bulldog puppies varies from breeder to breeder no matter your location. Some of the factors that affect the price include breeder experience, coat color, and pedigree. The great thing about searching through the Uptown network is that you can be matched with the perfect puppy that fits your price range! What kind of dog is a French Bulldog? French Bulldogs are small apartment dogs with perky bat-like ears, a wrinkly face, and an adorable expression that is hard to resist. The breed has been popular since the 18th century and continues to be a favorite until today. Bred to be smaller than their English Bulldog cousins, Frenchies are great companions and are easy to care for. Why are Dallas French Bulldogs so expensive? French Bulldogs are extraordinary dogs that require special care when breeding. Because of their anatomy, Frenchies have extremely narrow hips that make reproduction quite a challenge. They have to be artificially inseminated in order to conceive and later on, need a C-section when delivering the puppies. The medical expertise needed during this stage is largely the reason why French Bulldog puppies are expensive. Will I be matched only with French Bulldog breeders in Dallas? The Uptown network spans 48 states and you are free to find a match anywhere! The businesses and breeders in our network are experienced in delivering puppies to their new homes -- even when it means crossing state lines. You can pick up your new puppy at a major airport near you or arrange to meet where the puppy was born. How do you screen French Bulldog breeders in Dallas? Uptown Puppies makes absolutely sure that any business who joins the network follow ethical practices and have an excellent facility where the dogs are kept happy, healthy, and safe. Unlike other websites that simply post all businesses in the area without discretion, Uptown Puppies screens out anyone who is not up to standards. This prevents puppy mills and backyard breeders from participating in our community. We want you to bring a happy and healthy Frenchie that will be with your family for many years. What is a puppy mill like for French Bulldog puppies Dallas? Puppy mills are terrible places where dogs breed almost all their lives to produce as many litters as they can. Are there any French Bulldog puppies in Dallas right now? Looking for a Frenchie to take home today? Sign up for free at Uptown Puppies and meet all the beautiful French Bulldog puppies from ethical breeders in Dallas.

Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile dog breeds in the world. They are strong willed and highly intelligent with a very playful spirit. These qualities make them a wonderful family pet. German Shepherds can be a bit wary of strangers and other animals, so early socialization is very important. German Shepherds are born protectors. They will give their families a great sense of security, while their loving and lively personality will make them true companions. German Shepherds are also quite adaptable. They are police dogs, military service dogs, guide dogs for special needs individuals, and of course they still retain their herding instincts. German Shepherds love to run around the yard with children and adults, playing daily games of fetch, and any other physical activities enjoyed by their family. When choosing the sex of a German Shepherd, it is good to keep in mind that males are more protective of their surroundings and females are more protective of their family. Overall, the German Shepherd combines the best qualities of all breeds into one - loyal, dedicated, attentive and courageous.

Breeds The link has been copied! The German Shepherd breed has always been popular in America. In fact, they have been ranked as number 1 in popularity throughout most of U. If a female German Shepherd dog GSD has joined your family, and you are thinking about breeding from her, you may be curious about how many puppies you should expect in one litter — as well as how many she might have over her years with you. On average, a German Shepherd can have puppies per litter. Some have as many as 15 or as few as one puppy per litter. On record, the biggest German Shepherd litter was 17 puppies by a dog named Mosha. The gestation period is approximately 63 days about two months after conceiving. However, this number may vary by several days. A German Shepherd dog can have two litters per year until around the age of 8. This means that a German Shepherd Dog can have approximately 14 litters in her entire lifetime. Well, the answer to this may help you understand the quantity of puppies they produce in a litter. The German Shepherd is native to Germany and is a cross breed between working sheep dogs and a dog believed to be a quarter wolf. They were originally bred to protect families and to herd livestock. Are there factors that affect the number of puppies a female German Shepherd can have? How many times in a year can they give birth? Knowing how many puppies to expect may help you plan resources to accommodate them if you are planning on becoming a breeder. A female German Shepherd with a small body will have a smaller litter size compared to a GSD with a bigger body. If you want a larger litter size, therefore, you should breed your German Shepherd before they are seven years or older. The best breeding years are between 2- 5 years of age. As the male dog ages, their sperm count decreases, and this affects the number of puppies in the litter. If you are a breeder, it is best to practice breeding when the male dog is in its prime years, between 2- 5 years. This way, you are likely to get a bigger litter size. The female should also have a healthy diet before breeding. Diet and health go hand in hand. A diet that consists of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates will help your GSD to have a larger litter size. Your vet will help you determine the perfect diet before, during, and after your dog's pregnancy. Although it may be nerve-wracking, you need to be there to help your German Shepherd give birth. A whelping box with a heating pad or a heating lamp will help keep the new-born puppies warm. New-born puppies are unable to regulate their body temperature, hence why the heating pad or lamp will come in handy. Heating pads: place them under the blankets or towels where the puppies lie. Make sure the setting is comfortable for them. At birth, they weigh about 0. German Shepherd dog puppies have four developmental life stages after they are born. You will notice the mother licking her puppies to clean them. Milk from their mother is very crucial at this age. They can begin eating some main foods but still nurse and feed on soft foods. By eight weeks, a puppy has all its teeth, and the teething process begins. At this time, you should ensure each puppy starts to wear a properly-fitted dog collar. For added security, choose a collar that allows you to track their location via GPS. Final Thoughts Owning a dog is a joyous experience, and when you own a German Shepherd, you have a loyal, smart, fierce, and protective dog for life. To add to that, German Shepherd dogs make good mothers and they know what to do during and after giving birth. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Fi smart dog collars make it easier than ever. German Shepherds are a large breed, so larger litters are often expected. Though most dog breeds give birth to 5 to 6 puppies, the average litter size of a German Shepherd is 8. The largest known German Shepherd litter was 17, birthed in by a white long-haired German Shephard named Mosha in Indiana. Several years later, in , another German Shepherd birthed a whopping 16 puppies —the largest litter the Leamington Spa Charity has ever seen in its 60 years of breeding dogs. If you have a healthy pregnant German Shepherd, expect her to give birth to at least 5 puppies. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. In a year, a healthy German Shepherd can get pregnant twice a year. Unlike smaller breeds, German Shepherds can go into heat once every six or so months. It's during this time that they can get pregnant. A normal heat cycle lasts between two to four weeks long on average. So, if you don't want your beloved German Shepherd to return home pregnant, make sure she's kept away from other dogs during this period. You can take her outside to play, as long as it's in a secure enclosure like your backyard. Apart from the breed itself, there are a ton of factors that affect a German Shepherd's litter size. You can use these factors to predict approximately how many puppies your German Shepherd will give birth to when the time comes. Size It goes without saying that the larger your German Shepherd, the larger her potential litter. This is because biologically, larger dogs can safely carry more babies. Puppies can either stop growing during the developmental stage or be reabsorbed by the mother's body. Some of the puppies may also be miscarried. The same is said with German Shepherds with underlying health conditions like diabetes or obesity. Both parents need to be in excellent health to maximize the litter count. Age The age of both parents also affects the size of the litter, with the female's age more important than the male's age. German Shepherds under the age of 7 produce larger litters than German Shepherds over the same age. Additionally, German Shepherds bred after the age of 5 may have smaller litters in the future, as opposed to those bred earlier than 5. No matter the age, the first litter will be smaller than the upcoming litter. As for the stud, the older the male gets, the fewer his sperm count. Larger litters will likely occur if the male is under the age of 5 when bred with a female. Heritability Dogs tend to inherit their mother's litter size potential, so long as they're healthy. If you've purchased your German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, you can contact the breeder and ask them how many litters your pup's mother would produce on average. Nutrition Nutrition is a major factor in determining a dog's litter size and health. This is why numerous nutritional guidelines for pregnant dogs exist. Poorly fed pregnant dogs don't have the required nutritional support to produce a large litter. Therefore, providing high-quality food throughout the pregnancy is crucial. Pregnant dogs have different nutritional requirements than non-pregnant dogs. They also need high amounts of soluble carbohydrates, as well as calcium and phosphorous for puppy bone formation and nursing. Pregnant dogs that are fed a balanced diet without supplements produce the largest litter. High doses of supplements may kill developing puppies, reducing the litter size. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. Like humans, the most reliable way to tell how many puppies a German Shepherd is having is through ultrasound examination. The veterinarian can scan your pregnant dog's belly and generate images of her uterus. Through this, you can count how many puppies your German Shepherd will likely have. That said, the images aren't usually of the highest quality. The ultrasound might fool you into thinking there's only one puppy when there's actually two or even three. And since puppies tend to huddle up together, you might also mistake two puppies with one big puppy. As such, take the images with a grain of salt. Ultrasound examinations are usually done at around 45 days of gestation. It's during this time that puppies' bones have developed and calcified, allowing you to see their shapes on screen. Different dog breeds have different gestation periods. Some give birth after only 60 days, while others give birth after 80 days. Some even surpass the day threshold, like Dalmatians. German Shepherds fall in the day category. On average, German Shepherds give birth after approximately nine weeks or roughly 58 to 68 days. Veterinarians can predict your dog's due date with an ultrasound scan, so you can prepare weeks beforehand. If your German Shepherd's gestation period lasts longer than the predicted due date, contact your veterinarian immediately to avoid future complications. Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. Aug 3, Share German Shepherds tend to have between five and nine puppies in a litter. Eight is the average. According to the AKC , the largest litter registered was 17 puppies. This litter size is significantly larger than some other breeds. German Shepherds are larger dogs, so they are going to have more puppies than smaller breeds. For instance, Dachshunds only have one to six puppies on average. The largest litter ever came from a Neapolitan Mastiff, a breed that can reach pounds. When it comes to litter sizes, size does matter. It is impossible to tell how many puppies that a particular dog might have until she gets further into her pregnancy. These factors may help you make a good guess, however. This is most obvious when comparing different dog breeds. In turn, small breeds have small litters. However, the exact size of the dog also matters. Smaller German Shepherds will have smaller litters on average than larger German Shepherds. If your dog is larger, she may end up having a larger litter, or she might not. This will reduce the overall size of the litter. Even if you feed her excellent food and take care of her, underlying health problems can cause puppies to perish before they are fully developed. Diabetes is an excellent example of this. However, improperly fluctuating blood sugar can have a massive impact on growing puppies. Without the proper blood sugar levels, many puppies will not develop properly. Short-term conditions can also cause some puppies to develop improperly and be reabsorbed. For instance, infections can cause one or more puppies to stop developing altogether. Most miscarriages go unnoticed without any clinical signs, especially if only a few puppies are lost. Only late-term miscarriages usually get noticed. This seems to happen most commonly in purebred dogs, according to the vets at High Street Steeping Vet Clinic. Purebred dogs may have more genetic abnormalities than mixed breed dogs because they inherit traits from a smaller genetic pool. The odds of them inheriting something harmful is higher, simply because there are fewer genes for them to inherit. Many purebred dogs are also inbred, including the German Shepherd. Middle-aged German Shepherds tend to have larger litters than younger and older dogs. German Shepherds typically have the largest litters around age 5. After that, they may decline in size. However, this decline is more rapid and apparent in some dogs than others. Many older dogs have health problems, which likely affects their litter size too. Some of these health impacts may go unnoticed and therefore, be wrongly attributed to age. Season There is evidence that the season that the dog gives birth affects the litter size. However, other studies found no correlation between when the litter was born and the overall litter size. There may be a regional component to this, though. In areas with more significant seasonal changes, the season may make more of a difference. In the tropics, it may not. However, more studies are needed to determine this possibility. Heritability Studies have found that dogs may inherit their litter size potential. Dogs that are born to bigger litters tend to have bigger litters themselves. If there is another factor at play, it will likely take precedent. Plus, much of this heritability may be linked to the size of the dog. Many dogs are going to be a similar size as their parents. Nutrition Image Credit: Monika Wisniewska, Shutterstock There are a few nutritional components that can affect litter size and the overall health of the mother and her puppies. When a mother dog becomes pregnant, her nutritional needs change. Protein is essential for pregnant dogs. This is similar to what puppies need, so many pregnant dogs are often fed puppy-intended dog food. Fatty acids may also play a role. Dogs with lower levels of serum glucose in their amniotic fluid tend to have smaller litter sizes. Therefore, feeding them a diet higher in omega fatty acids may be helpful. Image Credit: J. Feeding your canine a better diet may result in a bigger litter, for instance. If your dog is sick, it is paramount that you treat them before attempting to create a litter. However, these factors have to be adjusted before the dog gets pregnant. Once the dog has conceived, it is impossible to increase their litter size, though you can prevent losses. There are also many factors out of your control. While there are a few things that you can do to reduce the risk of these issues, you can never prevent them entirely. Even if your dog lives in a clean environment and is healthy, infections can still occur. You should be feeding her food suitable for puppies as soon as you plan on breeding her or at least as soon as you find out that she is pregnant. Choosing which dogs to breed also impacts litter size and can be controlled to a certain extent. However, some dogs may have small litter sizes but may otherwise be great breeding candidates. In general, to increase your dog's litter size, we recommend doing the following: Regular testing for infections Regular vet checks for reproductive tract disease Final Thoughts The average German Shepherd litter size is about eight puppies. However, there are many factors that can go into this. Keeping your dog healthy is essential to maximizing litter sizes. But many factors are outside of your control. If a puppy inherits specific genes, they are less likely to develop correctly and make it to birth, lowering the overall litter size. Related Reads:. A junior is the canine version of a teenager, and this is usually the time period between six and twelve months old. Adult dogs have completely finished growing and range between one and seven years old, while mature dog is at least seven years old. After this age, the dog will then be considered middle-aged. The ages of the last two categories will depend on the breed. A senior dog is an older dog that has reached the final quarter of its life expectancy. Since a German Shepherd has a life expectancy between 12 and 14 years, it will enter its senior years when it is between nine and .A geriatric dog is one that has reached the end of its stated life expectancy — and is still going strong. If Gunther the German Shepherd makes it to 15, he is considered geriatric. Is it true that dogs age seven years for every human year? She says it may have stemmed from an observation that dogs lived to be 10 years old, while humans lived to be 70 on average. It is true that dogs age much faster than humans, but the extent and speed of this process depends on many factors. Larger dogs tend to age faster and have shorter life expectancies than smaller dogs. The AKC divides dogs into four size categories: Small 20 pounds or under Medium 21 to 50 pounds Large 51 to pounds Giant Over pounds An adult male German Shepherd usually weighs between 66 and 88 pounds, and an adult female generally weighs between 49 and 73 pounds. Then, until they reach the age of five, they age four years every year. Large dogs that are over five years old then generally age five or six years every year, and a German Shepherd that lives to be 14 is comparable to a human of .How many puppies can German Shepherds have? It is born completely helpless and depends on its mother for everything; it even needs her help to go to the bathroom. The puppy will typically start to crawl when it is a week old, and its eyes will open a few days later. The first baby teeth emerge when the puppy is two weeks old, and it will start going to the bathroom on its own around the same time. The socialization period lasts from the third to the twelfth week. Then, when the puppy can move, see, and hear, it needs to learn the social skills that will enable it to successfully interact with humans and other dogs. However, it still needs to stay with its mother during this time, so she can teach it proper dog behavior and other vital life skills. German Shepherds this age should also be introduced to humans to begin getting used to their presence. They will generally begin playing with their littermates and their humans when they are about four weeks old. Puppies that are at least seven weeks old can then be housebroken. The following video covers the growth and development of a German Shepherd puppy from when it is seven weeks old to six months old. The owner noted such physical changes as increasingly erect ears and darkening fur. The juvenile period lasts from three to six months and ends when the dog reaches sexual maturity. By this age, the puppy has all of its baby teeth. The puppy will be old enough for obedience school towards the end of the juvenile period. By the time a German Shepherd is six months old , it will look mostly like an adult dog, but it has not yet finished growing. It will have reached about 70 percent of its adult height and weight, and it will also have all of its adult teeth. German Shepherds, at this age should be spayed or neutered unless their owner plans to breed them. Health A healthy German shepherd will produce many healthy puppies compared to an unhealthy one. Always take your GSD to a vet clinic to confirm that she is in a healthy state. This is because the larger ones have a bigger carrying capacity. Diet Diet plays a crucial role in influencing the size of the litter of a GSD. Feed her a balanced diet rather than only kibble throughout. Age German shepherds are more fertile between the ages of two to three years. If she gets older than that age, she is less likely to deliver a large litter. Individual Genetic Factors If a German shepherd delivers a large first litter the chances are that she will do the same in the second and the third litter. Gestation period for a GSD Their pregnancies take around 64 days which is a little more than other dogs. This is influenced by their bigger size. What to Expect of a Pregnant German Shepherd Change in Appetite The appetite might increase or decrease depending on the stage of pregnancy. She can show signs of morning sickness like vomiting. In case of a reduced appetite, you should try to feed her her favorite meal. Decrease in Activity If your GSD feels exhausted most of the time, she will be taking a nap more than usual. If your dog likes sleeping a lot, this sign might go unnoticed. Unless you have confirmed that she is pregnant, sleeping a lot should be seen as a red flag especially for active dogs. Behavior Change Behavior change will depend on an individual dog. Some German shepherds will seek extra attention and will be around you most of the time, while others will like isolation and will be hostile whenever you get closer to them. Her abdomen will enlarge, though this is among the last signs of pregnancy. This should not worry you as she will be back to her normal size once she delivers. The nipples might get dark red in color. Other times the milk might leak in the late stage of pregnancy. Frequent Urination A female German shepherd can increase the no of times she urinates during pregnancy. Sometimes it can be territory marking. She can pee anywhere, in the living room, the seat, or in the corner of a room. Nesting Behavior During the last stage of pregnancy, she will start preparing a place for the expected puppies. She will shred anything from blankets, newspapers, or clothes and keep them in her nest. Proper Feeding Feed your expectant German shepherd a balanced diet. Buy her the best dog food you can afford. It is advisable to increase the quantity of food you feed her. Instead of giving her a lot of food at once, divide the food into smaller portions and give it to her many times. This is to ensure that that the mother and the unborn puppies are healthy. Give Her space Due to hormonal changes, your dog will have mood swings. If she is not willing to eat or play do not compel her. Just give her space to be herself. Whelping Box A whelping box is set on the last stage of German shepherd pregnancy. It is a safe and comfortable place equipped with all the necessities needed for safe delivery. The place should be noise-free. Bottom Line German shepherds are caring parents. In rare cases, German shepherds eat their newborns. Be watchful to avoid such instances. Related Posts:. Puppies If your German Shepherd is pregnant or you are planning on breeding you may be wondering how many puppies can a German Shepherd have. The amount of puppies each German Shepherd has will vary on many different factors. This article will answer dive into the factors to help you better predict the number of puppies your GSD will have. Generally, you can expect a German Shepherd to have between 5 and 8 puppies per litter. However, German Shepherds have had litters as large as 14 and as small as only 1. There are many factors that contribute to the size of the litter. A German Shepherd can have puppies twice a year. Large dogs like German Shepherds go into heat around every 6 months. During their heat is when they are capable of becoming pregnant. A normal heat cycle lasts between two and four weeks long. Thus, if you breeders or individuals who are looking to breed their GSD track their heat timing and plan to have them mate during their heat. German Shepherds are pregnant for nine weeks on average. Factors That Affect German Shepherd Littler Size Although it is normal for a German Shepherd to have between five and eight puppies a litter, there are many factors that can increase or decrease the litter size. The most common factors are below: The size of the female dog The size of the dog has a big impact of how many puppies they can carry. Although German Shepherds are considered to be a large dog breed some female German Shepherds are larger than others. A female GSD that is larger will be able to carry more pups than a smaller one. Inbreeding Another factor that can contribute to litter size is inbreeding. A pregnancy that is the result of inbreeding will generally produce less puppies than one that is not. Accordingly, if you want to increase your GSD litter size make sure not to bred a female with a male that is related. The age of female The age of the female German Shepherds also plays a role in their potential litter size. Older German Shepherds will generally have smaller litters. The prime age to breed a GSD is between 2 and 5 years of age. You should not breed an elderly GSD. Just like with human males, the sperm count of male German Shepherds will decrease as they age. This decrease can make it harder for them to get a female pregnant and can also impact the litter size if they do get a female GSD pregnant. Health of the female Another factor that is important is the overall health of the female German Shepherd. In order for any dog to produce a healthy plentiful litter of puppies the dog carrying the pups has to be in prime health. Leading up to pregnancy your dog should be fed a high-quality diet, and during pregnancy a GSD will require a diet in that a certain amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates to ensure a health pregnancy. Additionally, pregnant German Shepherds can sometimes need dietary supplements if they are not getting the appropriate nutrients through their diet. Conclusion There are many factors that impact how many puppies German Shepherds can have. Most commonly German Shepherds will have between five and eight puppies, but age, health, and inbreeding can cause a GSD to bear a smaller litter. Breeders who are looking to increase litter size will need to make sure that all those controllable factors are in line and let nature do the rest. How many puppies do German shepherds have in their first litter? April 27, We all know that German shepherd is an intelligent dog and quite active in all his areas. But apart from his intelligence, he is the most fun-loving dog. And I also found that this is the only breed of dog which is so versatile, he can be your family dog, a guard dog, a military dog, a police dog, a search and rescue dog and a herding dog as well. I can say that this is the most versatile dog. Pregnancy and litters of German shepherd dog The bodyweight of a female German shepherd is around 30kgs and height are between 20 to 24 inches and this is a bodyweight for the healthy pregnancy of a German shepherd dog. German shepherd dog becomes a wonderful mother and she has a huge number of litters in her pregnancy. This is no fixed numbers of puppies in the German shepherd litter and it can vary from 1 to 15 puppies. Usually, a female German shepherd dog has 8 puppies in her first litters. A Female German shepherd has two litters in a year and this started from an early age and continues up to the age of 8 which means that she can have 14 litters in her entire lifetime. Factors affecting the size of litters.

Apply to Adopt A little about us.Genuine Australian labradoodle puppy breeder since .Located in Monterey, California just two hours south of San Francisco. We are a small in-house breeder specializing in breeding miniature to medium labradoodles from the seeing eye dog Australian lines. We do not ship our puppies but will meet new owners at the airport. We average four to five litters a year. This gives us the time to complete early neurological stimulation starting at three days and desensitizing to fireworks, thunderstorms, etc. We give each litter and each puppy the love and attention it needs during those first irreplaceable eight weeks of your puppy's life. We take great responsibility in giving every puppy the best start in order to grow into a well-adjusted, highly socialized, and healthy member of your family for many years to come. Our puppies are born in our bedroom, raised in our kitchen and get the best of care and lots of handling from their first day. We not only guarantee genetic health but also have very strict requirements for the temperaments of the breeding dogs in our program. Puppies are examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, and micro chipped before going home. About Australian Labradoodles.Australian Labradoodles are beautiful, healthy, allergy and asthma friendly. They were originally bred to be service dogs and not a 'designer' pet. The Labradoodle breed started with a request over thirty years ago by a family needing a seeing eye dog but who also had a family member with asthma. After some research and years of breeding by leading service dog breeders, Tegan Park and Rutland Manor in Australia, the Australian Labradoodle was born. Our top goal is excellent health, fantastic temperament, and service qualities. Just like any other breed that becomes popular, though, some breeders have started breeding for the popularity of these dogs and not for the benefit of the breed itself. So here's how to make sure you're getting the dog you want. Here are some helpful tips to understand what a breeder means when they are using these phrases. The multi-generation Australian Labradoodle, which is the original Labradoodle, has a foundation stock including six different parent breeds. These dogs were developed in Australia, and hence the "Australian" in the name of the dogs. This was a breed that was developed with goals in mind for a low shedding service dog, not a designer dog. The multi-generation Labradoodle has only poodle and lab in its heritage. It does not include the other parent breeds that were originally used by the creators of the breed. These have been primarily developed later in the U. These dogs tend to shed their coat since they are more closely related to the Labrador and often have a wire hair look to them. The "Back Cross" or "F1B" is a dog from an F1 see above mated back to a poodle usually for coat correction. These dogs have not had the multiple generations of Labradoodle mated with another Labradoodle nor the addition of Australian Labradoodle foundation stock or multiple parent breeds. Breeding Labradoodles takes more than just mating two dogs and hoping for the best. It requires lots of research, time, and money to raise the healthiest litters possible. Unfortunately, the soaring demand for Doodles has also attracted Doodle scammers and puppy mills. The Humane Society conducts an extensive review of problematic breeders and puppy mills each year. Likewise, look for breeders who offer at least a two-year health guarantee for all their puppies. Typically, health warranties cover most or all genetic diseases that the parents have been tested for. For more on issues that can plague Labradoodles take a look at our article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Additionally, many reputable breeders are also recommended by Gooddog. To become a certified breeder by any of these organizations, the breeder must follow strict health and genetic testing standards, and follow ethical breeding protocols. All puppies are handled from the day they are born. The pups are exposed to children, everyday sounds, sights, and household experiences. What Makes This Breeder Unique? With 17 years of experience in breeding Australian Labradoodles, we pride ourselves on selecting only the best dogs for our breeding program, which in turn ensures that we are producing the best puppies imaginable. We work closely with our licensed vet to perform health testing, including hip and elbow testing; eyes, heart, skin, and patella testing; and a series of genetic tests, on all of our breeding dogs. We provide a temperature controlled, in home my master bedroom environment, with sound therapy to expose your puppy to lifes sounds from an early age. This helps desensitize your puppy to the sounds of life traffic, fireworks, outdoor machinery, crying baby, misc appliances, automobiles, etc. We start crate training at 5 weeks with a soothing heartbeat snuggle puppy to comfort them as they transition to sleeping alone and all the puppies love it and sleep better with minimal crying. We add nutrients and special additives for puppies to their drinking water. We add probiotics to their food for a healthy GI tract and immune system. We make special liver water, gruel, with puppy supplements, dog milk formula to their nutritionally dense food to support eyes, ear, bone, joint, coat and heart health. We expose your puppy to sunlight daily on the deck right outside the puppy nursery area. There is always a plush bedding for their cozy comfort in their play areas for those impromptu naps puppies love. Our puppies are held and played with while being bathed and exposed to water, in our walk-in shower, which builds a positive experience, with water, for their lifetime. Bath time is with a human sitting in this large shower allowing plenty of space for your puppy too roam around and enjoy water in a nurturing experience. The puppies love it instead of being in a sink with a dry human just washing them. Water is actual playtime while they get clean and build positive experiences with being wet. Instead we utilize Puppy Culture, Badass Breeder protocols and tons of love from humans that are passionate and dedicated to what they do. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We look forward to providing you with your fury best friend! When full grown, these health tested, Australian Labradoodle puppies will be approximately pounds with wavy fleece coats, curly fleece coats or the occasional straighter hair fleece coats. Our puppies can go home as early as 8 weeks old. We can also hold back a puppy if you are interested in training services. Sugar Pine Doodles on Facebook. Would you like to be a guardian for one of our breeding doodles? Please click for our Guardian Home Program to learn more. Find the Next Member of Your Family. In July , Kiah, my Australian Shepherd, was killed and the opportunity to adopt a miniature Labradoodle named Daphne came along. Needless to say, I fell in love with the little bundle of joy that helped me get through the loss of my best friend Kiah. My family had always planned on breeding Australian Shepherds, but after bonding with Daphne and meeting other Labradoodles, I was quickly hooked and Ocean View Labradoodles was born. In , I went back to school for a degree in teaching and needed help if Ocean View was to continue. My parents took an interest in labradoodles as well and Ocean View Labradoodles became a family business. My mom, Sheri, is the main contact person for our puppy families now, especially during the school year! The whelping area is in my bedroom, the playpen when they get older is in the living room, and when the pups are old enough to venture outdoors, an outdoor run area is made available to them during the day. They are introduced to a litter box early on, which will get them started on potty training before they leave Ocean View for their new homes. They will also be socialized with our other dogs, our cat, and children of all ages to provide them with as many experiences as possible to lessen their stress when they leave our home. They have been groomed at least twice by the time they join your family. We feed both our parent dogs and our puppies a holistic dry dog food. Lets Bark About It. We are a small, family friendly breeder of Goldendoodles and Labradoodles in Suisun Valley California. Our puppies are raised at our home and are socialized with adults, children, and other dogs daily. You can be sure your future furry family member will have a sweet, gentle disposition. We pride ourselves on our well behaved, cheerful, and intelligent puppies. Our labradoodles make terrific family companions, activity partners, and even therapy dogs. Our home is in Suisun Valley where our families have been farming for over years. To the west of our farm is Twin Sisters Peaks, the highest points in the part of hilly ridge that borders our little valley. This locally well known peak called Twin Sisters, and is where we take our name from. In this case, mom is a goldendoodle and dad is an Australian labradoodle. Since their settlement in this area, our past generations have always farmed our land. We continue to farm tree and row crops. But we also have great love for animals of all kinds. For many years, we helped our children learn to raise and respect animals through the 4-H and FFA. Just as our parents did with us growing up. Reserve your spot! Or give us a call today!

As you may have noticed, most of the puppies in our most recent litters have been reserved by families on our wait list. However, there are still a few left. Pictured in the galleries above are the remaining puppies we have available. If you are interested in bringing one home, please contact me and I'll be happy to share additional information. The calendar is getting quite full with puppies going home this month beginning tomorrow and then spread throughout the whole month so if you are wanting to bring one home, we'd enjoy talking with you and accommodating your schedule if applicable. Hope to speak to you all soon! Be sure to also follow our Instagram page, it's been receiving lots of attention these past few days alone! It's official we have anticipate several litters over the course of the summer months and beyond! And while we have many families already on our list to reserve a furry companion when it becomes available, we always have our list open. It's a new year and we plan to stay quite busy throughout! And if you've ever wondered what it'd be like to have a Havapoo for your family, be sure to contact us either at the email address provided or via the link above to our Instagram account! We'd be happy to share additional details. Time and again we receive emails from our respective, adoptive families telling us how much they love their furry companions. Our puppies, upon entering their new home, act as though they've been living there for years. It truly is amazing and we couldn't be happier for these families. If you're one of them.Thank you. We appreciate you all so much! Welcome, Havapoo fanciers, fellow doggies and even friendly felines. At the top of the page you'll find links for navigating to various pages on our site. We hope you find our information page helpful when deciding to adopt a puppy from us before you fill out an application. However, if there are additional questions or would rather speak to me over the phone, I am always here as a reference as well. Contact Nathan riverviewpuppies gmail. There are many inquiries about our Havapoo puppies everyday so be sure to email us on availability if you are interested in adopting with us. Thank you for visiting and enjoy your stay! We look forward to hearing from you! These pictures have been sent to us from our "puppy families" from all over the country and as you can see all are living happily with their respective families! Seeing the result of a puppy who we have spent much time caring for here, now living in their new homes, is something we find very rewarding and special. Thank you to all who have participated in sending these pictures and updates! What is a Havapoo? This small designer breed is a mixture of a Poodle and a Havanese. It is difficult to say exactly when they were first bred by dog breeders, but we can assume it is from the surge of popularity of Poodle designer dogs, caused by the Labradoodle in the s. The Poodle is originally from Germany, bred to retrieve waterfowl more than years ago. They were then favored by French nobles and aristocrats — their good looks and entertaining personality made them popular companions. The Havanese breed originated in Cuba, it was brought over by Spanish colonists and bred as lapdogs for nobles. Over years of refining the breed have resulted in what we know today as the Havanese. This new mix dog is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but the Poodle is part of the non-sporting group and the Havanese is part of the toy group. The cost of a Havapoo pup will vary depending on the breeder and the parents. You can expect a healthy Havanese Poodle to live between years. But looking at each parent breed will help give us an idea about what your pup can look like. Some Havapoo puppies will favor their Poodle genes and others may inherit a Havanese look, or they could have a mixture of both. They will have a small roundish head, with a slight but definitive stop. They will have well-set dark eyes, most commonly brown. Their ears will be floppy and fall down onto their cheeks. Their small rectangular build and short legs will give them a toy-like look — this is exaggerated if they are bred with the Miniature Poodle. No matter the unpredictability of the Havapoo look, there is no doubt they will be cute and adorable. Height and Weight The Havapoo can range in size, it mainly depends on which Poodle their parent is standard or miniature. The Miniature Poodle can weigh between lb and stands between inches. Whereas, the Standard Poodle can weigh between lb and stand over 15 inches tall. The Havanese breed can weigh lb and stand up to .You should expect your Havapoo to weigh around lb and stand between inches tall — the smaller Havapoo is bred from Miniature Poodles. Colors Both the Poodle and the Havanese have a wide range of coat colors solids, bi-colors, and tri-colors. According to the AKC breed standard, Havanese dogs have 16 official colors. Some of these include black, black, and silver, chocolate, white, fawn, silver and gold. The Poodle breed standard states there are 10 official colors, some of these include apricot, black, blue, brown, gray, silver, and cream. So your Havapoo can have any number of colors! It is also common for the Havapoo to have white markings on their chest, face, and on their feet. Coat One thing you can almost guarantee with your Havanese Poodle is their luscious coat. They can have either a medium or long-length coat. The coat can either be wavy or curly, depending on which parent breed the Havapoo pup favors the most. Havapoo Temperament Just like their appearance, the Havapoo temperament is unpredictable as they could favor one of their parent breeds traits over the other. To understand the Havapoo dog more, we can look at each parent breed. The Poodle is famous for its intelligence. They are also very sensitive to our body language and voices, which might give them an edge when it comes to obedience and socializing. They can be shy with strangers at first, but once they are familiar they will come around. Miniature Poodles are likely to be more excitable and anxious than Standard Poodles, so this is something to consider. It should be noted that Miniature Poodles are more likely to be shy and fearful in new situations; socialization can help a Mini Poodle to become more confident. Havanese are affectionate dogs, they are more confident and outgoing than the Poodle. These pups are mischievous and playful and will make their own fun, by chewing your shoes if you have not given them enough attention. So what does this mean for your Havanese Poodle mix? The Havapoo is a friendly companion dog that will thrive in a loving home. Being a very loving and trustworthy mix breed, they are not good guard dogs. They are great with dogs and other pets. When introducing a Havanese Poodle to other pets, introduce them gradually, by presenting them with something with their scent on and then let them meet face-to-face. Your Havapoo will always need their favorite chew toy. The Havapoo is not known to be yappy, but they can and do use their voice! They will bark when playing or when they are excited. Havanese Poodle mix dog is great with kids — they love playtime and a nice cuddle session and will be gentle and loving towards children. In addition to them being eager to please, they do very well with dog training. They do best with positive reinforcement, so give your dog a reward when they follow your command or when they stop unwanted behaviors. As they are a dog that is sensitive to your body language and voice tone, your Havapoo will respond positively if you are confident and give them encouragement. If, as an owner, you are stressed out, your dog will sense this and become anxious as well. Do not punish your Havanese Poodle, it will stress them out and even encourage them to continue the behavior. Socialization is just as important as training. Even though the Havapoo is a fairly sociable dog, they still need socializing in new situations as a pup. Introduce your puppy to new experiences and situations. Being highly intelligent and energetic, the Poovanese needs to keep its mind occupied. Give them a puzzle feeder, or play games with them like hide and seek or go find the treat. Teaching your dog new and fun tricks will also keep their mind sharp. Caring for a Havapoo The Havapoo is a fairly small dog and can adapt well to apartment life. They are suited for any type of family including singles, couples, big families, or empty-nest homes. As long as you give them enough attention, including their exercise needs, they are quite happy to just be by your side. Exercise Requirements They may be small, but that does not mean they are lazy. In fact, they are very energetic and playful. With all this energy to burn, they should be getting at least 1 hour of exercise a day. They also need a couple of hours of indoor playtime, so buy them a few toys. Grooming and Shedding Grooming your Poovanese is fairly easy. A simple brush every other day to prevent tangles and matting will be plenty. Only give them a bath when they are particularly smelly or if they have been playing around in the mud. Bathing a dog too much can wash away their natural oils, leaving their coat dry and dull. General dog grooming should also be taken care of. This includes brushing their teeth twice a week, trimming their nails, and cleaning their ears. Feeding and Diet Knowing what to feed your Havapoo dog is not an exact science, you should feed them a balanced doggy diet with all their nutritional needs in check. Dogs need: Protein they are the basic building blocks for cells and tissues Dietary fats this is where they will get their most concentrated form of energy Carbohydrates Fiber this keeps their digestive system running nicely Vitamins and minerals are also a necessity Feed your Havapoo high-quality natural dog food and make sure to avoid dry food that has artificial filler ingredients like corn syrup. How much you feed them depends on their weight. If your Havapoo is 15lb they should be fed around 1 cup of kibble each day or if they are 30 lb they should have around 1. They can also be given fruit and veg, to help them get the vitamins and minerals they need. Known Health Problems Havapoos are a designer dog mix, meaning they have less chance of inheriting genetic disorders, as they have more genetic variance. They are prone to developing hip dysplasia and patella luxation — these are joint and bone issues. Patella Luxation is more likely to occur with Miniature Poodles. This is when the kneecap dislocates causing pain and lameness. With planning ahead you could get reimbursed for every vet bill from now on! This Havanese -poodle mix has a low-shedding, "hypoallergenic" coat , an alert but friendly nature, and an absolutely adorable look. Pair that with the breed's bright mind and moderate exercise needs, and you've got a dog who can fit right in with nearly any home or family, including first-time dog owners. Appearance With any relatively new hybrid dog breed, including the Havapoo, everything from appearance to personality can vary widely. This is true even within the same litter—especially early on, when one parent is a purebred Havanese and one is a purebred poodle. Each Havapoo puppy's looks and temperament depend on which traits he inherits from his parent breeds, so answering questions like, "how big do Havapoos get? Size, in particular, can differ greatly, with full-grown Havapoo dogs ranging from a tiny 10 pounds to as much as 45 pounds. This is because the poodle parent can be a toy , miniature , or standard poodle. But many adult Havapoos stay under 20 pounds because miniature and toy poodle parents are more common. His fluffy tail is just the cherry on top of a practically perfect little pupper. Sometimes called a poovanese, Havadoodle, or Havanoodle, the Havapoo has a soft, shiny coat that's wavy or curly much like a poodle's , and comes in just about any color. While he needs to be brushed thoroughly a few times a week to avoid tangles and mats, it's an easy enough job to do yourself, especially if you use grooming as an opportunity to snuggle and bond. Havapoos don't shed much , thanks to those poodle roots—and that makes them a good choice for people with pet allergies. But remember that no dog is truly percent hypoallergenic , regardless of how they're marketed. Temperament A bright mind, a signature bouncy gait, and a deep and abiding love of laps describes the Havapoo temperament pretty darn well. He's not only a brainy little buddy, but he's eager to learn and show off his tricks, which may be no surprise. The Havanese is known as a trick dog , and both Havanese and poodles have long histories of performing in circuses. This is an eager-to-please dog who's a delight to train using positive reinforcement , but you need to be mindful of how many treats you're giving him as a reward—he can have a tendency to put on weight. Basically, if you have a lap and love to give, they'll be your best friend. They generally get along well with other family pets, too, including cats and other dogs. But don't assume that snuggles are all he needs; this playful breed still demands daily exercise and stimulation to be happy and healthy. While Havapoos aren't typically a yappy dog, they are alert and can be quick to bark when someone new approaches. They're generally equally quick to stop and befriend the newcomer, though, so while he'll play the watchdog, don't count on your Havapoo for any guard duties. Providing your Havapoo puppy with early socialization and training he'll do great in puppy kindergarten classes! Living Needs Do you live in a home or apartment that allows dogs? Congratulations—you have a perfect space for a Havapoo. Even the largest of Havapoos aren't terribly big dogs, and they're as happy in an apartment as they are in a home with a big, fenced yard. Just make sure you're prepared to give them the opportunity to be active each day. He says Havapoo owners should think twice about taking their pup to the dog park. Fortunately, Havapoos don't require a park full of pups to meet their social needs. As long as they have you by their side, their tails will keep wagging. The Havapoo is a quintessential lap dog and will share snuggles with the whole family, but, as with any dog, small children must be supervised around him. But, because the Havapoo's coat will vary a bit depending on how much poodle versus Havanese genes prove dominant, you may need to enlist the help of a professional groomer to keep him looking—and feeling—good, Miller says. Some experts believe this hair should be plucked regularly to prevent ear infections, while others believe that plucking itself can actually cause damage to the skin that leads to ear infections. Miller leans toward plucking, "so that the canals are more open to the air and the pet owners can more easily use ear cleaning solution routinely to keep those ears clear. The Havapoo's fur can also lead to trichiasis , or facial hair rubbing on the eye, Miller says, as well as excessive tearing, which can lead to mats and skin infections near the eye. Havapoos can get feces stuck in the hair around their rear end if this area is not kept well groomed. And like all dog breeds, your Havapoo will benefit from regular nail trims —don't let him click clack across the floor! When it comes to meeting your Havapoo's physical and mental stimulation needs, it should be a pleasure. He's a playful and intelligent dog and wants to make you happy. Using consistent reward-based training will go a long way in a short time. Some will love a certain food, while others crave praise, toys, or games. But be careful not to overdo it on the snacks, as this can impact their weight. Some dogs adapt, but others require surgery to correct the condition. Dental disease is another common issue for small dogs. Here's what you need to know: According to the Havanese Club of America , health issues you may see in this generally healthy breed include eye disorders, chondrodysplasia, deafness , heart murmurs , Legg-Calve-Perthes disease , and patellar luxation. Poodles can be prone to Addison's disease , which affects the adrenal glands, endocrine diseases such as diabetes , Cushing's disease , and bloat , according to the Poodle Club of America. History Although it's impossible to say exactly when and where the Havapoo originated, it's generally believed they came to rise in popularity in the past 20—30 years in the U. His origins may not be clear, but there's no mystery as to why this hybrid breed appealed to breeders and dog lovers alike. Pairing the Havanese's affectionate, funny personality with the poodle's allergy-friendly coat and athleticism makes perfect sense. Be particularly wary of any Havapoo breeder who claims to have mini or "teacup" Havapoo puppies and is marketing them as a unique breed. Unscrupulous breeders are quick to act when a breed—including a crossbreed—becomes popular, and they go on to breed dogs in inhumane conditions, not providing the type of care and attention that responsible breeders give to their dogs. Be smart about shopping for your best furry friend and avoid falling for a puppy mill scheme by watching out for these red flags: There are multiple mixed breeds for sale from the same breeder. The website offers specific wait times for puppies. The breeder offers to ship puppies. Havapoos aren't to be confused with the similarly named Cavapoo a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and poodle mix. Despite the different parent breeds, the two hybrids can look similar. Was this page helpful? They are a happy, outgoing, charming, small but sturdy dog whose temperament and trainability have made them excellent candidates for obedience training. Havanese are natural companion dogs: gentle and responsive. They become very attached to their human families and are excellent with children. Very affectionate and playful with a high degree of intelligence. These cheerful dogs are very sociable and will get along with everyone including people, dogs, cats and other pets. They live long lives, years , and possess a kind spirit. Havanese are gentle, kind little dogs that are ideal for owners who want a little buddy to follow them around. Havanese are responsive and friendly. They are intelligent, faithful, and devoted to their families. They are natural clowns as well. Havanese are affectionate and living to please. They are attentive, quiet and gentle, but still love to play. They will play tirelessly with children. Havanese require minimal exercise, making play sessions an easy outlet for their energy. The Havanese is a non-shedding, hypoallergenic double-coated breed with soft hair, both on outer and undercoat. Adult hair coat reaches 6 to 8 inches, and has a pearly sheen. The Havanese gives a rugged impression of a little dog, sturdy, and while a small breed, it is not fragile. Easy to obedience train, this curious dog loves to observe what is going on. The Havanese have a long reputation of being circus dogs, probably because it learns quickly and enjoys doing things for people. It is not their nature to bark a lot. Havanese are good watch dogs — making sure to alert you when a visitor arrives, but will quickly welcome the guest once it sees you welcome them. Havanese live for your every word and gesture. We know that the Standard sized Poodle developed first, and that the Miniature and Toy Poodles were developed afterwards, and all three varieties have a long history. An interesting hypothesis dealing with the history of any breed that predates written history, did the breed develop from a common ancestor, or did the breed develop because dog fanciers from different countries were trying to breed a dog for a particular purpose and function and, independently developed a breed of dog that had similar traits? The Mini, Toy, and Teacup Poodles are VERY smart, sensitive little dogs who make perfect pets for a less active person who has time to pamper these natural little clowns and be amused by their quaint antics. Well proportioned and squarely built, the Toy Poodle lbs was bred down from the Miniature Poodle lbs , and the Teacup lbs was bred smaller even yet. They are an intelligent breed with a good natured disposition and are very easy to train, the easiest of all the Poodles. Delightful and lively dogs, the Poodle makes an excellent family pet who will adapt to any situation and lives to please their master. Poodles are an efficient choice for the owner who wants an obedient dog. They are affectionate with their family, a little wary with strangers, but still accepting of them. They love to be around family and friends, and get along well with other animals and children. They hug better than any dog I have ever known! They come in any color, and have very curly, thick fur. Not only do they have an winning personality, but their hypoallergenic coat is non-shedding. The Poodle rates very high as a watch-dog. These dogs are highly alert and will let you know if something unusual is happening. Their Learning rate is also Very High. Obedience — Very High. Problem Solving — Very High. There are very few breeds that rate this high in everything. This is why the Poodle has been such a popular breed for so many generations! Poodles have a very long life span of 15 to 17 years. Well, I am going to explain here: When I began breeding the Designer Dogs, most folks were unfamiliar with the Havanese breed since they are fairly new to America. They have that wonderful sweet personality as the ShihTzu but do not have the flat face which contributes to teeth and sinus problems. I know that the ShihPoo mix breed is very hard to improve on -but nothing is impossible! It can be done with the HavaPoo! I spelled it that way on purpose! Even if you are dead set on a ShihPoo, you may want to highly consider the HavaPoo. You may not want to miss out on one of these wonderful, delightful little puppies! Sold Puppies. The Havapoo, also known as the Poovanese or Havadoodle, inherits traits from both parent breeds, resulting in a unique canine with a beautiful appearance and wonderful personality. Their ideal size and eagerness to please make them a wonderful companion dog and a perfect family pet. The Havapoo is currently one of the Top designer dog breeds in the United States. These lovely dogs are also known as Havadoo, Havadoodle, and Havanese Poodle mix puppies. Miniature and Toy Poodles are used in this mix for their gorgeous coats, agile mindset, and endearing personalities. Appearance and Grooming Because they are Poodle mixes, not all Havapoos will look the same. Some may favor their Poodle genes and others may inherit a Havanese look, but most will exhibit a good mixture of both. With a small round head and dark eyes, their ears will be floppy and fall down onto their cheeks. They have a beautiful, thick, hypoallergenic coat that can be kept medium or long and can appear wavy or curly, depending on which parent breed the pup favors the most. The most interesting thing about this breed's coat is that it can come in sixteen different color mixes, more than almost any other breed. The most common litters include black and blue, silver, chocolate, white, fawn, silver and gold, apricot, blue, brown, gray, and cream. Temperament If you're looking for a charismatic, friendly, and energetic family dog, the Havapoo should certainly be at the top of your list. Some Hava Poos will exhibit extrovert behaviors, while others can be docile and cuddly, enjoying most of the time staying close to their families. However, their trusting attitude and incredible sensitivity to voices do not make them a very effective watchdog. Family and Companionship This sweet little pooch is well-suited for most families due to its child-friendly nature and happy, playful disposition. Like most small dogs, the Havapoo can adapt to a large family home or small apartment. It is as playful as it is cuddly. This puppy will be just as happy curled up on your lap as they are socializing with other people and animals. Exercise Their curiosity mixed together with their sociable nature means that you can expect to spend a good amount of time out on a daily walk. Expect to walk upwards of 60 minutes per day as the charming little pups will want to get to know everyone they see people and animals alike. When at home, you can keep them busy with lots of toys and games that activate their intelligent minds. Training and Socialization When it comes to training, this puppy is extremely similar to its Poodle parent, thus making training a breeze. With the right amount of coaxing and praise it shouldn't take much time at all. As with any pup, always focus on positive reinforcement and rewards-based training. Focusing on negative reinforcement and punishment will make for a nervous and anxious pet. Frequently Asked Questions What is a Havapoo? This hybrid is the offspring of the Poodle and Havanese. What is the lifespan of a Havapoo? The average lifespan of a Havapoo is between 10 to 15 years. Is the Havapoo a pure breed? No, but both the Poodle and Havanese parents are. These dogs are not known for their barking, but they do require a lot of stimulation and play. If they get easily bored they may develop a habit of barking. It is important to keep them well exercised and busy with safe toys. How much exercise will my Havapoo require? They are filled with energy and love to be on the go so they will need a good hour of exercise and active play each day. It is best to split up the hour into walks and backyard or indoor play. These are not large dogs and they easily adapt to their environment. They are just as happy in a small apartment as they are in a large home so long as they are able to get out for adequate exercise and activity. A local dog park is a good option for free play and socialization. What type of coat will my Havapoo have? As with any mixed breed the coat and appearance will depend on which parent breed the dog takes on the most. How often will my Havapoo need to be groomed? Professional grooming is recommended to keep their coat and skin healthy, nails clipped and ears cleaned every 6 to 8 weeks. Is the Havapoo easily trainable? Having two intelligent parent breeds makes training a fairly simple process for the Havapoo. These designer hybrids thrive on positive reinforcement so be sure to be consistent and offer praise whenever they do something right. Socialization and familiarity is a big part of successfully training this dog so make sure to start introducing them to new people, places and pets at a young age. What color will my Havapoo be? The most common include brown, grey, tan, white or black. They can be solid in color, or have a mix of markings. Does the Havapoo also go by other names? What organizations and clubs are the Havapoo recognized? How much money will I spend taking care of a Havapoo? This cost includes food, vaccines, toys, crate, leash, and other expenses such as grooming your little one might need. How much will I need to feed my Havapoo? While your Havapoo is still growing you will need to feed them about 1 cup of dry high quality nutritious dog food daily. This is best divided into two separate meals per day, most often in the morning and evening. Havapoo Reviews. They have a curly, medium to long coat, round button eyes, small black nose, hanging ears, and fluffy tail. Their coat can come in multiple colors including red, brown, black, gray, and white. Discover more about our Havapoo puppies for sale below! These charming little fluff-balls are known for their friendly nature and energy. Bred for companionship, these dogs are known to be very social, trainable, friendly and easy to care for. Their fur comes in various colors including brown, grey, tan white and black. The Havapoo is sure to be extremely loving and loyal as well as highly intelligent, as Poodles are famous for being the most intelligent dog breed. Havapoos can also be somewhat sensitive, so be sure to give them lots of attention and positive reinforcement. They will not respond well to negativity or aggression in training. This lovely hybrid earns excellent marks across the temperament board from trainability to friendliness. They are not known for being loud or barking unless neglected. Give your Havapoo plenty of love, exercise, and stimulation and you are sure to have a lovely cuddle buddy eager to please! This intelligent dog will love to play games in addition to exercise. Give them an opportunity for recall such as naming toys and asking them to retrieve the specific toy. Off leash walking is very common for a breed like this as their recall and drives to please is strong. Early training and socialization will ensure a dog like this reaches its full potential of sticking by your side and being sweet too all people and pets! Care Due to their intelligent and energetic nature, Havapoos need some space to run and play to avoid boredom, which can lead to exhibiting destructive behavior. It is best to take them out for a short walk or jog at least once a day and give them mental stimulation. Like most other low-shedding breeds, it is enough to brush the Havapoo two to three times a week to ensure a clean coat and to prevent the coat from matting. Training Havapoo puppies are an intelligent, friendly, and outgoing breed and therefore easily trainable. As with other dogs, it is also best to begin training from a young age to avoid behavioral issues in the future. Grooming This hypoallergenic breed is great for people who suffer from allergies. Their low shedding coat still requires brushing about two to three times a week to avoid mats. It is also good practice to have their hair trimmed every six weeks or so to keep them nice and pretty. Make sure to keep up on their dental hygiene and check their nails regularly to see if they need clipping. It is recommended that a Havachon is only bathed when necessary, with a natural shampoo to avoid skin irritation. Check their ears every week for dirt and wipe clean. See store for details on a particular puppy. American Canine Hybrid Club. Life Span Did You Know? They are sometimes also called a Poovanese, Havanoodle, or Hanadoodle. This small dog loves to be around people and is the epitome of a companion dog. Although they are not recognized by the AKC because they are not a purebred dog, they are recognized by other dog registries. The Havapoo is a social dog that loves people and attention. They are known for their loving and affectionate personalities and playful antics. Oftentimes, Havapoos retain a puppy-like demeanor all of their lives. Because they tend to be open and friendly when well-socialized, they get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. Interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised as these are small dogs that can be easily injured by accidental falls or rough play. These traits make a Havapoo a good fit for single owners and any type of family. These little dogs may alert you with a bark if there is a stranger at the door, but they do not bark a lot unless they are trained into it. The Havapoo is a highly adaptable dog breed. Due to their small size and temperament, they are a good fit for smaller apartments as well as larger homes with yards. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. If you live in a climate with cold winters, you will likely need to put some layers and winter dog products on your Havapoo to help keep them warm. Although they may need to bundle up to stay warm while out on winter walks, they will still likely have a ball playing for a short time in the snow. Because these dogs are truly companions, they are happiest when they are around people. They do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also be prone to separation anxiety if they are not well-socialized or you do not work with them on it early on. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? A few potential health issues to be aware of in a Havapoo can include cataracts, deafness, hypothyroidism, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. The Havapoo is a highly trainable dog breed. In general, they are highly intelligent, attentive, sensitive, and eager to please. Although they do tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels, they can sometimes have a little bit of a stubborn streak, so novice owners should not be afraid to seek out puppy training classes. Due to their intelligence and attentive nature, Havapoos tend to pick up on things quickly as long as they are engaged. Keeping sessions short and interesting can help keep your dog engaged during training sessions. They will take harsh tons and corrections personally and it may damage your bond with them while also making training less effective overall. Their small size can also make potty training a challenge. Building a good routine, staying consistent, having plenty of patience, and using other house training tips to potty train your puppy can help you get there. Because a Havapoo is mixed with a Poodle, the coat colors vary widely, but the coat type is usually curly or wavy. Although their soft fur is usually low or non-shedding, you will still need to groom them regularly to maintain a healthy coat. Brushing them daily is usually sufficient to remove tangles and prevent matting. Professional grooming is recommended around every 2 months. Nails that are too long can get caught in things and make it painful for your pup to move around. Ears, especially those that flop over, can trap moisture, debris, and dirt, which can cause ear infections. Proper dental care for dogs can include brushing teeth every day, cleanings at the vet when needed, a special diet, dental chews, and more. Getting your Havapoo puppy used to having their mouth, ears, and paws handled early on can help make grooming throughout their lives a much easier process. Plus, if you reward them early on and keep it a positive experience, grooming tasks can help you build a bond with your dog and become a quality bonding time for you and your pooch. Havapoos tend to sit at a low to moderate energy level. Daily walks and some playtime are usually enough for this pooch. Their energetic personality also means that they will likely enjoy some extra activity as well. A trip to the dog park can be a lot of fun for a Havapoo. Once they are finished growing and are cleared for higher-impact activities, a short hike or even dog sports, like agility training , can all be good activities that are a lot of fun for a Havapoo. Most of the time, they will just be happy to be spending time with you. Because of their small size, they can tire out easily and overexert themselves. A fully-grown Havapoo usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Havapoos generally live for years on average. The Havapoo originated in the United States. Featured Havapoo Article.

Standard colors for Labs are yellow, black and chocolate. Shedding Labs are moderate to heavy shedders. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat shiny. Many Labs will overeat if given the opportunity, so watch their food intake closely. A complete and balanced diet and daily exercise can help prevent weight gain. Other health conditions that may affect Labs include hip and elbow dysplasia, myopathy and heart disorders. Labs may also have a higher risk for certain eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy. As with other large breed dogs , Labrador Retrievers are at risk of bloat, a life-threatening condition. Labrador Retriever puppies will thrive on a puppy food specially formulated to meet their unique needs during their first year of life. For information on how much or when to feed your Labrador dog or puppy, explore our feeding articles here. History The Labrador Retriever gets his name from Labrador, Canada, though the breed was developed in 19th-century Newfoundland as a water dog. Originally called St. Early Labs may have been bred with Newfoundlands and other water dogs before a breed standard was formed. Around , Labs were imported to England, where they served as hunting retrievers. The breed disappeared from Newfoundland entirely after government restrictions and various tax laws took effect. The breed was nearly extinct by the late 19th century. The Malmesburys and other English fans who imported the dogs saved the breed from extinction. Explore breeds like the Labrador Retriever. With doggie approval, customers are raving about the fact that their pups enjoy the taste of the food and the customers enjoy the price tag on the bag. One customer even stated that Purina Pro Plan dog food was recommended by their cardiologist—this testament speaks volumes about the quality of dog food that is produced by Purina. These Purina Pro Plan reviews show some very interesting aspects of the beloved dog food that all pet owners should know. Pros Excellent Price Point Customers reported feeling very pleased with the price point of the dog food. When customers search for the best food for their furry friends, they want the best quality they can find without having to break the bank. Purina Pro Plan does just that. But customers say that their dogs love the taste of Purina Pro Plan and are excited for meal time. With great taste and quality ingredients, this dog food is sure to provide your pup with the best of both worlds. Skin Improvement Our canine friends are used to having skin issues, just like humans. Customers reported that before trying Purina Pro Plan dog food, their dogs experienced rashes and severe itching. After trying Purina Pro Plan, the dogs saw no more rashes and the itching disappeared. Cons New Formula Unfortunately, within the recent years, Purina changed its formula for many of their products, including the pro plan line. Customers have sent in reviews stating that their dogs loved the older formula but hate the new formula. Sensitive Stomach Issues Reviews on Amazon. While this was not a common complaint, it is something to be considered when giving your dog with sensitive stomach this particular dry dog food. Product Line This chicken and rice formula dog food provides your pup with antioxidants that support growth and development. DHA is also included to help give your puppy the best support for their growing brain and vision. Customers gave this particular dog food formula 4. Customers rated this product 4. Whether they are puppies or senior dogs, this dry dog food will help your dog keep that lean muscle that keeps them healthy. Dogs need a lot of exercise and this particular formula is made with that in mind. Endurance is a key element to a healthy dog and Sport All Life Stages dry dog food does just that. Purina Pro Plan reviews show that this unique formula has added zinc which helps to give the skin and coat a healthy appearance and texture. Prebiotic fiber is also included to help increase intestinal balance. With over reviews on Chewy. With real beef as the first ingredient, Fido is guaranteed to get top-quality food. Customers rated this particular wet dog food 4. Ingredient Analysis Purina Pro Plan prides itself on providing real meat and not using poultry by-product meal as the top ingredient in all of their dry foods. Because fillers, corn gluten meal, and chicken by-products are used so frequently in dog food, Purina Pro Plan takes careful consideration into finding real meat to use as the top ingredient for high-quality protein and a great source of vitamins. The ingredient lists also show the use of prebiotic fiber and vitamins to help promote healthy and happy dogs from puppies to seniors. Purina has been a staple in the dog food industry for many years and customers are raving about the quality of food along with the affordable pricing of this well-known dog food. We take a look 2 puppy formulas one wet and one dry , as well as 3 adult formulas two dry and one wet that were top-rated by customers like you. Take a look at an analysis of the ingredients, pros and cons and recall history in this article with Purina Pro Plan Dog Food reviews. Your dog will thank you for taking the time to invest in their health and wellness. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Find on Amazon Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food, 30 lb, is designed to provide your large breed dog with the exceptional nutrition they need to live an active and healthy life. The optimal blend of fats and carbohydrates found in Eukanuba ensures that your furry friend has enough fuel to stay energized during their favorite activities. One feature that sets Eukanuba apart from other brands is its focus on promoting lean muscle development and joint health through a unique combination of animal protein, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate — essential for active adult dogs over 15 months old weighing more than 55 lb. Additionally, DHA and vitamin E support healthy brain function for sharp cognitive performance while the inclusion of 3D DentaDefense reduces tartar buildup to maintain clean teeth and healthy gums. A natural fiber blend combined with prebiotics aids gentle digestion so your large breed companion remains comfortable throughout their daily adventures. Fuel their extraordinary lifestyle by pairing this kibble with Eukanuba Adult Wet Dog Food — satisfaction guaranteed! Pros First ingredient is high — quality chicken for which provides optimal protein Perfectly balanced carbohydrates and fats for maintaining an active lifestyle of large breed dogs Supports healthy brain function with DHA and vitamin E Joint health support through a combination of animal protein, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate Cons May not be suitable for small breed dogs or puppies Contains grains, which some dogs may be allergic to More expensive than some other brands of dog food Best Labrador Retriever Dog Food to Consider Consider the nutritional requirements for different life stages, high-quality protein sources, joint support for active dogs, and Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat when choosing Labrador Retriever dog food. Nutritional Requirements For Different Life Stages Labrador Retrievers, like all dogs, have unique nutritional needs that change as they progress through various life stages. For example, puppies require more calories and nutrients to support their rapid growth and development compared to adult Labs. As your Lab transitions into adulthood, their calorie intake must be adjusted accordingly to help maintain a healthy weight. Senior Labs may benefit from reduced-calorie formulas or foods specifically designed for senior dogs, which cater to lower energy levels while ensuring proper nutrition in older age. High-quality Protein Sources One essential element to consider when selecting the best dog food for Labrador Retrievers is high-quality protein sources. Examples of top-notch protein sources include chicken, beef, duck, and organ meats such as liver or kidney. While single-source protein foods like these may be more expensive than multi-source alternatives, they offer superior nutritional benefits that outweigh the extra cost. For instance, organ meats are an excellent choice for less active dogs due to their high nutrient density but lower calorie content compared to leaner cuts of meat. Due to their size and energetic nature, Labs are prone to joint issues such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. One of the key components for maintaining joint health in your Lab is incorporating Omega-3 fatty acids into their diet. These essential fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation and manage joint pain in older dogs effectively. Additionally, feeding your Lab a diet rich in high-quality protein sources can help support muscle growth and maintenance, which further contributes to overall joint health.