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All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

These hard working dogs quickly made a name for themselves, and eventually became one of the most popular retrieving dogs in the world. They are then sent out to collect it and bring it back to hand, often navigating harsh terrain or rivers in the process. English vs American Lines Over the years they have been developed into two very distinct lines, one bred for work and the other destined for the show ring. The English Labrador is a dog built for show while the American or Field Lab was selected for their retrieving skills. In general you can tell them apart fairly easily, as the show bred dogs have broader heads, more barrel chests and the more typical standard otter tail. Working bred dogs tend to be slimmer, narrower in the muzzle and often have less of a show standard build and tail. Variations in Appearance The black Lab size depends on if he is a male or a female. For example, a female black Lab will usually be around 21—.A male black Labrador can grow to be .The black Labrador can weigh anywhere from 55 to 70 pounds if female and upwards of 65—80 pounds if male. The Labrador Retriever is a handsome dog with a sleek, water-resistant coat. By breed standard, black Labs should be entirely black, especially if they are for show. Coat Color Genetics The black coat color is so prevalent in Labradors because it is a dominant trait. That means that a puppy only needs to inherit the gene from one parent to have an all black coat. Grooming and Shedding All Labs shed equally regardless of coat color, but and they all shed a lot. You will also want to give your black Labrador a bath every now and then. This is especially so if he has gotten himself messy, since he loves to swim and get dirty. Are Black Labs Friendlier? Labradors have a great reputation for being easy going and loving dogs. Dogs with common coat colors are also possibly less likely to suffer from problems related to line breeding. Where breeders mate related dogs back to each other to retain a certain characteristic. There is no evidence black Labradors are any different to their yellow or chocolate cousins, but all Labs have a pretty great personality. They are confident, friendly and loyal. They are unlikely to be great guard dogs, but they might bark to alert you to a stranger arriving at the door. Training and Exercise Since black Labradors are so intelligent and active, we recommend giving them doggy jobs and training that you can incorporate throughout their lifetime. You can also utilize puzzle toys to keep their active minds busy. They will need a good amount of exercise every single day. Long walks, hikes, jogs, or swimming can be great exercise routines for you and your black Lab to share. Are Black Dogs Healthier? There are no links between the black coat color in Labradors and health problems. However, they are prone to the same diseases as the rest of the members of the breed. Hip and elbow dysplasia, sight problems and cruciate ligament disease are all fairly frequently found in the breed, but the former three are made less likely by health testing potential puppy parents. A healthy black Lab will live around 10 to 12 years. Make sure you know whether you want American or English lines, so whether your puppy is destined to be a pet, working dog, agility champion or show ring star. Ask to see evidence of hip and elbow scores, a clear eye test and a certificate to say the parents are PRA clear too. If you are looking for a black English Labrador puppy that is show quality, keep in mind the price will likely be a bit higher. From puppyhood to old age care The black Lab is up to 24 inches tall and weighs up to 80lbs. Depending on on their ancestors, your black Labrador puppy may be a little smaller than this when they are fully grown. And the hunting or American Lab may have a lighter frame and a strong drive for retrieving. The lifespan of a black Labrador is 12 years, and some purebred black lab puppies can live even longer given the right diet, exercise and a healthy dose of luck. He was my constant companion almost into adulthood. He came on countless runs through the woods, spent hours playing ball in the backyard, but also sat with his head gently rested in my lap whenever I was sad. It has always amazed me that despite the black Labrador being the most common color, it is in some ways the least appreciated. With an amazing history of working alongside human companions, and a fabulous temperament, this pup really is one to watch. This black retriever has been favored by the hunting community for generations. But they were bred from a fishing companion that has been extinct now for nearly fifty years. This breed was also most likely the route of the rather different, and bigger, Newfoundland. Albeit often with white markings. Do you ever feel like you see more black Labs around than any other color? The first chocolate Labradors that we know of were born in the s, but colors other than black were not at all popular until the mid 90s. Horribly, for many generations most puppies born with chocolate or yellow coats were routinely euthanized at birth! If a puppy has inherited the gene for black coat color from either of her parents, this is the color that her coat will be. These both come from a pigment called eumelanin. More eumelanin leads to a black Lab, less leads to a chocolate. Genes come in pairs. Here we are dealing with B genes at the B locus. B is dominant over b. So a pairing of BB or Bb will give a black coat. Only bb will give a brown coat. A puppy gets one gene from each parent. With me so far? This is because these genes are also effected by another set of genes, at the E locus. E is dominant, and does not get in the way of the B genes. But e is recessive, and this does. It has the potential to stop the B genes giving a black or brown dog, and gives us yellow Labrador pups. And these all interact with each other differently to give different coat colors. This diagram explains them nicely: You can see from these combinations alone that the most common result is a black Lab puppy. But also how chocolate and yellow Labs were hidden for a time through careful matings and selective culling. But there is another twist to the black coat color tale. Occasionally a Lab is born with the dilute gene. This genetic twist essentially tones down the shade of the dark coat color. In the same way that the chocolate Lab looks silver when this gene is activated, the black Lab looks charcoal. In genetic terms, this dilute gene lives at the D locus. Popularity of Black Labs Black Labs have always been the most prevalent color, but their popularity has changed over the years. In the sporting dog community owners of hunting dogs still often prefer the black coat, but pet and show owners often show a preference these days for the paler colors. Chocolate and yellow Labs can even fetch higher prices from some breeders, not to mention the less common fox red and silver tones. Black Dogs Are Harder To Rehome There is a sad phenomenon in pet shelters, which impacts the rehoming rate of black dogs. Prospective owners often pass them by, regardless of temperament, in favor of the brighter colored pups on offer. But these adopters are missing a trick, because black dogs have so much to offer beyond their coat. And what they do offer differs slightly between the Labrador types. English Black Labs — bred for show There are two strains of Labrador. One was bred for the show ring, and the other was bred for the field. Although they are both Labs in the true sense, these separate strains can be quite different and are easy to pick apart if you know what you are looking for. English black Labradors are often preferred by pet homes as well as owners interested in the ring. The English black Lab has a reputation for being a little slower to mature, and a lot more playful. American Black Labs — bred to work American black Labs are slimmer, less excitable but more driven. They stand around the same height, but their heads are less broad and their tails often have less of the otter quality that their show companions sport. Although still friendly, they are perhaps less inclined to play than their show bred cousins. And in contrast to this have a stronger drive to retrieve and hunt. The English black Lab was bred for looks over purpose. Their broad head and barrel chest is matched with a straight, thick furred tail and a heavier weight on the scales. Black Labradors bred for show or as pets tend to be slower to mature, with a more playful personality, and are arguably less likely to run off after wildlife! Which Type Suits You? American black Labs may need more exercise and mental stimulation than English black Labs. They will benefit from gun dog style training involving retrieving exercises. Black Lab Characteristics Although there is no denying that the different Labrador strains have separated to a fair dramatic degree, these are still all fundamentally black Labs. And they do have some features in common that makes them who they are. The Lab has a double coat, excellent for keeping them warm in and out of the water. Their thick straight tail is described as having an otter-like appearance. And they are almost all one single color with no other markings. Mismarked Labs rear their heads from time to time, but this is generally just a case of white toes or a splash of white on their chests. Grooming and Coat Care Your black Lab needs no special grooming due to his coat color. In fact, the grooming requirements of your Labrador Retriever are some of the simplest among dog breeds. Their coats are designed to take care of themselves. Though your furniture and floors may benefit if your dog has a twice daily brush when shedding heavily. Other than that Labs have a wonderful coat that requires only occasional washing. The eventual size of your black Lab puppy will depend a little upon their upbringing, and a lot upon whether they are from American or English lines. An adult black Lab will weigh anywhere from 55 to 80 lbs, and be from 21 to .The English black Lab will tend to be closer to the heavier end of the spectrum, and the American nearer to the lower. Black Lab Temperament Labradors are well known for being friendly. Perhaps sometimes a little too friendly! This bouncy breed is more likely to leap up and lick a burglar than to stop him in the act. The downside of this is that they can be easily distracted at the dog park by wanting to greet everyone they come across. Their jolly, lively nature can also lead them into trouble with people who are unsteady on their feet. Although lovably clumsy, this dog also has a brilliant brain. Intelligence Black Labradors have been bred for generations as hunting companions. Deliberately bred from dogs that were attentive to their handlers and relatively easy to teach commands to, they are absolutely an intelligent breed. Because to get that black coat expressed is just a matter of mating two dogs, whereas to get the recessive genes you need to at least partially make your breeding choices based upon the colors of the parents as well as factors to do with temperament and trainability. But the most important factor when bringing together two Lab lines should always be one of health. Training and Exercising Your Black Lab Black Labs are intelligent dogs and training is an absolute essential for them and their owners. RUnning, swimming, cycling, hiking and even dock diving are popular pass times. Although American Labs tend to be more driven to fetch, English Labradors are often still keen too. Both types need a good workout every day to keep them fit and healthy. And to help them relax at home. You can exercise your dog with a traditional walk, by going for a run together or through play. Retrieving games are a great way to give your Lab a lot of exercise without you having to travel quite such a long distance yourself. You can find some great ideas for games you and your Labrador can play together in this article. Black Lab Health The best way to avoid health problems is by purchasing a puppy from health tested parents. The main areas to be aware of are joint problems and eye problems. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common Lab complaints. This condition ranges in severity and an adult dog can have x rays to assess their joint health, and be given a score to let you know how well their joints have developed. To avoid your puppy suffering from this either both parents need to be Clear or one Clear one Carrier. If one is a carrier, your puppy might carry the gene too. A general eye exam once a year will make sure that there are no other vision problems manifesting over time. Most breeders advertise online now, so you will need to be careful to have a good chat with them before committing to buying a puppy. Do not put down a deposit before meeting the mother and the litter at their home. The mum should be relaxed and happy to meet you, and for you to handle her pups. If you are looking for a pet you will need to decide whether you think a show or working temperament is better suited to your lifestyle and family needs. Make sure the breeder willingly shows you copies of health certificates from both parents. As a minimum they should be PRA clear, have a recent clear eye check from a vet, have good hip scores and an elbow score of 0. If one parent has been shown as a carrier for dwarfism or PRA, be sure to check that the other has been tested clear. Good breeders ask lots of questions because they care about what happens to their pups, and will be open and willing to answer all of your questions too. You might find it helpful to check out our article on Labrador breeders before you start searching for a pup. You might also want to read this article: Choosing the Right Dog. The information in these articles will help you avoid some of the common mistakes people make when looking for their new best friend. Rescuing a Black Lab Rescuing a dog is a great thing to do if your circumstances are right. And rescuing a black Lab is even better, as this color can be hard to home. Reputable rescues will work hard to match you to the right dog, and help you to make a choice that fits in well with your family. Rescuing such a dog can be very rewarding. We hope you will find our article Should you adopt a Labrador helpful. You can view a list of rehoming societies on our rescue page. They will also offer plenty of support and help once you bring your dog home. Especially when it comes to behavioral and training problems. White or grey hairs may start forming around their muzzle, giving them a bearded or grizzled look. This pale hair is nothing to worry about and happens to most black Labs sooner or later. As your black Lab reaches old age, you might find that he slows down a bit. His typical energetic black Lab personality may mellow. He will be less boisterous, and more inclined to spend the day in bed than bouncing up and down by your side. The average lifespan of a black Lab is around 12, but if you are lucky your pup might be with you for 14 or more years. A more comfortable bed, ideally with memory foam, can help support those ageing joints. Ramps for accessing the car can really help them out too. Depending upon advice from your vet you might also want to switch them to a senior dog food , which is easier to digest and has additives that some believe can help slow the pace of arthritis. Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder 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 large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Want to have a Golden Retriever and a cat? Golden Retrievers are usually good with cats because they have friendly personalities and low prey drive. However, they do need to be introduced slowly and carefully and have separate spaces where they can be alone. Also, it largely depends on the individual. How old is the dog or cat? Are you introducing a cat to your adult Golden Retriever , or are you introducing a puppy to your cat? We asked Golden Retriever parents if they also have a cat. They have low prey drive. They were historically bred to retrieve birds after they were shot, not actively hunt small prey, like how beagles hunt. They have friendly personalities. Golden Retrievers just want to be with their families , not off on their own pestering cats. Has your Golden had previous bad experiences with cats? Do they love to chase little furry animals? Are they territorial about their home? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then maybe you should think twice before bringing home a cat. Also, how old is your Golden? Are they a wild puppy? Is your dog trained? Have they been socialized with cats? Having a well-trained, socialized dog will make bringing a cat into your home much easier. Also, what about the cat? Are you going to be getting a kitten or rescuing an adult cat? Does the adult cat have any history of living with a dog that you know of? Asking yourself these questions before you surprise your Golden with a new cat will help make the decision and possible transition easier. Play pens , crates and baby gates are great tools to help you do that. And before you introduce a Golden Retriever to your cat, ask yourself what your cat is like… Are they territorial? Have they had any history with dogs? Are they patient? Do they like other animals? Knowing the answers to all of these questions will help you be prepared before introducing the two new roomies. However, most cats and Golden Retrievers can learn to live together peacefully if you set them up for success. Click here to learn more about Golden Retriever exercise needs. Make sure each animal has their own safe space This is especially important for your cat. Rushing introducing them. Dog and cat relationships take time to develop, so be patient and take it slow. Not giving each animal a safe dog- or cat-free space. Letting the dog and cat alone with each other too early if ever. Not getting professional help. However, always take into cosidering the history of each potential roomate before bringing a new one home, and be sure to take introductions slowly. Do you have a cat and a Golden Retriever? How is their relationship? Let us know in the comments below! Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Related articles. With so many animals running around the home, anyone would have thought Morty would be used to meeting new creatures, but welcoming that many puppies into his home was a step too far. Doctor of veterinary medicine Michelle Gavin regularly offers her clients useful tips for integrating cats and dogs into the same home happily. Gavin insists that owners should "never force interactions" between the two animals and let them take it gradually. She told Newsweek: "On the first day you bring the puppy home, put the cat in a comfortable room with all it needs. Allow the puppy to explore the house while the cat is locked up. Be sure to set up all the puppy's belongings separately from the cat's. They're experiencing enough change as it is, they won't want to lose their regular patterns too. The TikTok video has received thousands of comments since being shared, as one user wrote: "Awww they were just curious about him," to which user brittmisfitscoven responded: "I thought he would've been curious too. He loves big dogs, just not kids I guess! Send them to life newsweek. Read more. Nash the golden retriever lives in Minnesota with his owners Ben and Paige. They've had him from when he was a puppy. Around the same time, they also adopted his feline pal, a calico they eventually named Nala. Though it took a little while for the two to get used to one another, in time a lasting friendship formed built on play-fighting and cuddles together on the couch. One of their most recent clips has proven especially popular, having racked up over 33 million views and counting. This combined image shows Nash the dog playing with Nala the cat, left, and enjoying a snuggle up together, right. A video chronicling the intertwined lives of the pair has delighted viewers on social media. Nashypaws "Thinking that adopting a cat and getting a retriever at the same time was a bad idea," an onscreen subtitle reads, while a montage plays clips featuring Nash and Nala wrestling and enjoying some snuggle time together. It's footage that goes some way to further dispelling the myth around cats and dogs disliking one another. In , a study published in the scientific journal PLoS ONE saw 1, pet owners with both cats and dogs polled on their pets' behavior. The findings showed that 64 percent of pet owners noted their dogs and cats played together at least sometimes. More interestingly, 58 percent said they often slept next to each other while 11 percent said their cats and dogs always slept side by the side. They cuddled and laid together more often when they were younger but now it's less common. Judging from the videos posted online, it would appear Nash's high energy approach to life is slightly at odds with Nala's more laid back style. This combined image shows Nash the golden retriever and his feline best friend Nala. Though they don't always see eye-to-eye, the pair enjoy a very special relationship that has touched many watching videos of them together on social media. Nashypaws It's all part of Nash's loveably adventurous personality though. He howls at any siren noise, barks at any squirrel or person walking by the house. He loves to play frisbee or ball. Another said the video was "better than a Disney movie," while a third declared: "They love each other, how sweet. Send them to life newsweek. Read more. Posted on Last updated: June 5, Golden Retrievers are known for their good looks. Along with being handsome pooches, their affectionate and gentle nature has made them one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. But can Golden Retrievers and cats get along? So before inviting a new doggy into your home or introducing a cat to the family, this guide will shed light on what you can expect. Contents 11 Need-to-Knows of Owning a Golden Retriever and a Cat Any new member of the family will take some time to get used to a different environment and an unfamiliar routine. Taking the proper precautions and care in the process is an essential part of being a pet parent. Nonetheless, the journey is exciting, and you can follow these guidelines to keep your pets safe and happy. Golden Retrievers and Cats Can Live in Harmony Golden Retrievers are friendly and loving dogs, which is no different when socializing with cats. Their intelligence also plays a large role in their success with cats. The American Bobtail cat has been credited with being the most similar cat breed to Golden Retrievers. Socialization can be achieved by bringing your Golden Retriever on adventures with you. They love to be a part of family hikes, trips to the beach, and vacations. Socialization is a perk; however, a cat might be a new experience for some dogs. When it comes to introductions, remember to be patient with your pets. Once they start getting familiar with the environment, you can slowly introduce them to your Golden Retriever. You can introduce the two through glass doors or when the family is at home to keep an eye on things. If necessary, you can always keep your Retriever on a leash for the first few encounters. As we all know, cats can be a bit finicky when it comes to new faces, especially when those faces have two big ears, a hairy face, and a wet nose. If your kitty is a fan of catnip , now would be a good idea to bring it out, along with their favorite cat treats. Dog training works well when there is sufficient stimulation to keep the dog focused. A dog treat, chewing toys , and dog puzzles work well to distract your dog as your cat makes its way around the house, taking in all the new and exciting smells. I know it can be challenging when adopting a dog that may not have owners who you can speak to — but finding out as much information about the dog as possible is essential. Shelters and rescue pages will know more about the dog than you. Does the dog get along well with other dogs and children? Have they been socialized with cats? Has the dog had any training, and if so, was it challenging? Is the dog territorial about their home? Training Goes a Long Way Training is the number one way you can bring your Golden Retriever up to be a polite and well-behaved pooch. These happy-go-lucky dogs are always on the lookout for human approval. With the breed naturally being easy to train, you can get a head start by teaching them from puppyhood. Boredom can lead to picking on other housemates, like your lounging kitty. A tired Golden Retriever is a good Golden Retriever. Your pet can retreat to a safe space if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. For cats, an open window or bed on a ledge does the trick. Dogs might have a cage , a kennel, or a bed tucked away somewhere in the house. Scratch posts and toys should also be kept apart. This avoids the chances of the two clashing over territory and food. When cats feel threatened, their first action is flight, fight, or freeze. You should always give your cat the freedom to roam around at its own will. With this freedom comes the chance for the two to establish a natural sense of hierarchy. Each pet will need to learn to respect each other and their boundaries. Cats are the ones who tend to be less inclined to interact with your dogs. They much prefer snoozing in the sun and cuddling up next to their humans. However, both pets should eventually become totally relaxed around one another. For the sake of your pets and your well-being, a professional trainer can assess the situation and work out the best solution for you and your fur babies. Having a household that has a Golden Retriever with cats is very possible, especially if the dog has been well trained. This is because your Golden understands that it needs to respect your cat as if they are the leader of the pack. That said, here are some other suitable cat breeds that will match with your pup: Golden Retriever and British Shorthair — Patient with puppies, but will remove itself from stressful situations and give your dog the cold shoulder. Golden Retriever and Siamese Cat — Particularly active with energy to play with dogs and are naturally curious. Golden Retriever and Ragdoll Cat — Extremely laidback cats, and are less territorial than most cats, perfect for welcoming new pets. This all depends on how accepting your kitty is of your new pup. Some pairings will take only days, and in some cases although rare , they will never get along. That said, it usually takes the two pets around two to three weeks to get acquainted. In truth, you never know how cats and dogs are going to react to one another. However, it takes responsibility to ensure your two pets feel safe and comfortable in their homes. In truth, you never know how cats and Golden Retrievers are going to react to one another. This golden retrievers and cats post contains affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase I will most likely receive a small commission. Just wanted to make sure you knew. Related Posts:. But can golden retrievers and cats get along? When it comes to socializing with cats, Golden Retrievers are friendly and loving dogs. Golden Retrievers Can Coexist With Cats If given the proper obedience training, socialization, and active exercise, Golden Retrievers get along well with cats. They are, in fact, happy, caring, and fun-loving dogs who enjoy making new friends. Furthermore, they appear to have a soft spot for children and smaller animals, including cats. As long as both the dog and the cat are trained and conditioned, the two will get along fine in the same house. Many Golden Retriever owners have seen their dogs cuddling with their cats after the two have overcome their initial hostility. The friendly nature of Golden Retrievers should persuade you to bring home your new pet. Golden Retrievers like cuddling Golden retrievers have a cuddly temperament and are affectionate and loving. Cuddling is one way they can express their affection for their owners. They are known for being gentle, and because of their cuddling habits, you can be confident that they will get along with your pet cats. Adding a Golden Retriever puppy into your home with a cat makes it more likely for the two to get along. Golden Retrievers bark less than other dogs Golden retrievers are one of the friendliest and calmest pet dog breeds. They do bark, but they do so less frequently than most other dog breeds. When they do bark, it is usually a friendly bark rather than an aggressive one. We all know that cats enjoy silence and sleep, so you can be sure that they would make an excellent pair. Golden Retrievers have a lower prey-drive Golden retrievers are gentle dogs by nature, and while they are commonly used as working dogs alongside hunters, they do not have a high prey drive. They are extremely sociable and playful dogs who prefer to interact with other animals they encounter. These bouncy and loving dogs are well-known for their love of playing and their desire to be as close to everyone as possible. Golden Retrievers are friendly The playful nature of Golden Retrievers is one of the reasons they are such a friendly breed. Golden retrievers are friendly and responsive to other pets, children, and new people in the home. They enjoy chasing a stick into the river and returning it to their owner because they enjoy the water. They quickly learn how to play games because they are a smart breed. Their soft mouth ensures that their games are appropriate for children. Golden Retrievers are gentle The golden retriever is a dog that is calm, intelligent, and affectionate. Golden retrievers are active but gentle with children, as well as other pets and strangers. Golden retrievers are gentle, giving them the appearance of friendliness. The Golden Retriever is a gentle companion and playmate for the entire family as a pet. These gentle dogs can hold an egg in their mouths without breaking it. If the first method of introduction fails or you are uncomfortable with it, try another. Proceed with caution during the introduction, even if the dog has previous experience with cats and the cat has previously lived with a dog. Cats and dogs rarely get along, but there are a few exceptions. Cats and golden retrievers get along because they are both friendly and calm. Cats and well-behaved golden retrievers get along swimmingly. These are intelligent, trainable, and respectful animals. Cats are treated as if they are members of their pack. Goldfish that have not been properly trained can chase cats, which cats clearly dislike. Goldfish can also be excessively energetic for cats. The golden retriever is one of the best dog breeds to keep with cats. Your actions and how you train properly can have a big impact. They are intelligent dogs that will adapt to sudden changes if properly trained. Training them can have an effect on their personality, so train them gently and correctly. When teaching them, make sure to reward them. Include dog training in your daily activities to speed up the process. Proper training can help your dogs behave; it can also help when introducing new animals that are slightly aggressive, such as cats. Cats are aggressive, in some cases, for a reason. Cats Can Be Territorial Any cat, regardless of breed, size, age, or gender, can be aggressive toward a new dog. A variety of stressors can contribute to it. The most common reason for aggression toward a new dog is fear. In this situation, your cat may growl, hiss, or swat at your dog. Your cat might appear nervous, fearful, or easily startled. They may attempt to flee and hide, but your dog may pursue them. This could worsen the situation. Introduce Them Gradually Separate the pets for at least the first days. They move their food bowls closer to the closed door with each feeding. Continue until each pet can eat calmly right next to the door. Meet and greet your pets in a common area of the house once they can eat their food calmly right next to the door. Repeat these face-to-face sessions on a daily basis. This training will ensure that your dog is well-behaved and much smarter than the average dog. Improving their memory will also help when interacting with people and, in some cases, new pets in the house. If tension arises, return to the introduction steps and repeat the process. Assure that the cat always has access to a dog-proof safe zone room. Certain dog breeds get along well with cats. However, integrating cats and dogs into a peaceful household takes some effort. The younger the furry kids start out, the better your chances of success. This means 6 months or less for cats and 1 year or less for dogs. Cats and dogs that grow up together learn to play and coexist. That means there will be fewer opportunities for fights and misunderstandings. However, because they are different species, there will be signs of caution. However, they can adapt to changes, and it depends on how well you train your dog. Most people believe that dogs and cats do not get along. Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve fowl from both land and water. These dogs were also popular as hunting companions for hunters and their families. Because Golden Retrievers are one of the friendliest and most gentle dogs, they also have a low prey drive, and with the proper training, they will surely get along with your pet cats. They are either snarling or lunging at them. The following are signs that your cat dislikes your Golden Retriever: Their ears have been pinned back. Their tails sway back and forth. They either hiss, spit, or yowl. When it comes to raising your furry friends, a safe place or environment is essential. It is either a separate or shared location for their safety and health. Inhalant allergies , which typically appear between the ages of one and three years, are one type of allergy that your dog may have. Affected dogs frequently react to multiple allergens and frequently have flea or food allergies. Treatment is largely determined by the length of the allergy season. It may include one or more of the three therapies listed below: In most cases, treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids or antihistamines will quickly stop the allergic reaction. In some cases, dietary fatty acid supplementation can improve steroid and antihistamine responses. Bathing with a hypoallergenic shampoo on a regular basis can be soothing to itchy, inflamed skin. Bathing also removes allergens from the coat that can be absorbed through the skin. Some therapeutic shampoos contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that may benefit your pet even more. Therapy for hyposensitization or desensitization: If the specific offending antigens are identified through allergy testing, the patient can be given allergy injection serum or allergy shots. Weekly injections of very small amounts of the antigen are used in this treatment. This is just one of many diseases and allergies that your pets could be suffering from, and as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. That is why, when you have these adorable pets lying around and running around, a proper and clean environment is required. If you want to introduce one to your pet cat, it is much easier and safer to do so when they are young. Proper training is also required; teach them how to live together and make it fun. How do you introduce a Golden Retriever to a cat? It is important not to rush the introduction of your new dog to your pet cats. If you want to have these adorable puppies and play with your pet cats, check out our golden retriever puppies for sale that are bred healthy by great breeders and are ready to go home after 8 weeks with all shots and documentation. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Looking for the best brushes for your golden retriever? This is an important question since not all brushes are created equal. Some brushes are great for golden retriever coats, some are ineffective on their coats, and some are potentially damaging to their coats. This is because why you need to brush your golden determines what type of brush to get them. There are three reasons you need to brush your golden: Brushing prevents and removes mats Brushing gets rid of loose fur and debris Brushing elps you have less loose fur around the house Preventing and removing mats is the most important reason for brushing your golden. Mats are clumps of tangled fur that can be painful and lead to skin problems. It would be like trying to brush out a piece of gum stuck in your hair. Sounds pretty awful, right? Well, the good news is that regular and proper brushing can prevent mats, or at least remove them before they get too bad. The next reason you need to brush your golden retriever is to get rid of loose fur and debris. My golden, Oliver, loves to roll around outside, but when he comes in he brings all sorts of things with him. Leaves, sticks, dirt, and sticky plant seeds cling to him and either get buried in his undercoat which can lead to mats or get deposited on the floor. Brushing gets this stuff out of his fur. And finally, brushing your golden retriever will get loose fur off of them and onto the brush, rather than off of them and onto your floors. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! If you only brush the top coat, then you could be missing out on harmful mats in the undercoat. Slicker brushes are made up of fine wire angled teeth that get out tangles, mats, and dead fur. Our favorite slicker brush is this self-cleaning slicker brush because it does a good job at brushing your golden, has gentle teeth, and cleans itself by getting all the fur out of the brush with the push of a button. You can get this slicker brush from Amazon here. Undercoat rakes are a little tougher on mats and tangles than slicker brushes, and are great at getting out dead fur from the undercoat. You can get this undercoat rake from Amazon here. Other Brushes For Golden Retrievers Although most people will be fine with just a slicker brush and an undercoat rake, there are other types of brushes for your golden. Many brushes are 2-in-1 combos of both pin brushes and bristle brushes like this Wahl dog brush. Combs are another option for brushing your dog. They do a similar job as undercoat rakes and are useful for getting mats out. This Andis Pet steel comb is good because it has teeth that are spaced out for when you first start working on a mat, as well as teeth that are closer together to help you finish it off. Remember the gum analogy earlier? Most people opt to just use a slicker brush and an undercoat rake since those do a good enough job. However, some people do love their deshedding tools and use them on their golden retrievers. What are your thoughts on deshedders? Let me know down in the comments! How Often To Brush Your Golden Retriever Since goldens have long, thick coats and shed like maniacs, you need to brush them times per week. Some goldens have longer, thicker coats than others, and need to be brushed everyday, while others like field golden retrievers have shorter coats and need to be brushed just a few times per week. Another factor that goes into how often to brush your golden retriever is the season. Of course, with all the extra dead fur, you may have to brush them more often then. And here are two pro tips if you want a clean house: Tip 1: Brush them outside When you brush your golden hair is going to be flying everywhere. Unless you want it to fall on your floors, brush them outside. Tip 2: Rub them down after you brush them Once you brush them, there will be a lot of leftover fur still laying on them. Rub them down with your hands in the same direction the fur lies to get it all off before you go inside. This will spare your vacuum from having to suck up a little extra fur later. The answer: as soon as you get them! However, you do want to brush them early and often to get them used to being brushed. Give them a lot of treats and keep the brushing sessions short and fun so that they learn to like being brushed. Conclusion The best brush for golden retrievers is a slicker brush. Some goldens will also need an undercoat rake if they have thick coats or get mats often. Have any questions about golden retriever brushes? Related articles:. The bristles are sharp and could hurt some dogs with delicate hair. It also has a good grip. However, its bristles are slightly sharp, and its price is a bit higher compared to similar products. It has gained popularity among pet owners for its exceptional shedding control capabilities. This removes the most shed hair. They effectively detangle and smooth the fur without pulling. FURminator also has anti-microbial plastic surfaces that keep germs to a minimum. Pros Innovative design for superior shedding control Detangles without pulling the hair Crafted with high-quality, long-lasting materials Comfortable grip Suitable for different coat types Cons Very hard to clean and could hurt your fingers. Use the 9-teeth side of this dog and cat brush for smooth dematting, and the teeth side for quick coat thinning and deshedding. Skin Safe: Pamper your pet - pain-free! The teeth on this dog brush for shedding are rounded to make sure your furry friend's skin is protected. This deshedding brush is perfect for cats and dogs with thick, long fur - but it's great for coats of all kinds! Long lasting and durable pet comb that works great even on horses. Easy Grip Handle: Get even the nastiest knots out with ease! Our dog and cat brush for shedding has a non-slip handle to give you a firm and comfortable grip. The tool has nine teeth on one side and 17 teeth on the other. Next, use the side with 17 teeth to thin the fur and remove the shed hair. Pros Dual-sided rake allows faster grooming Versatile and multipurpose grooming tool No-slip handle The bristles are sharp and tend to pull the hair out of heavily matted dogs. Its double-sided functionality, wide head, and comfortable design make it a go-to brush for faster grooming. Its price is reasonable as well. Built to last through multiple grooming sessions. It also promotes blood circulation and massages the skin for better pet health. It's suitable for all short- and long-haired dogs, cats, and other pets. Constructed with durable stainless-steel teeth, this comb effortlessly glides through thick double coats, gently removing tangles and mats without causing any discomfort. The high-quality stainless-steel material is corrosion-resistant and also prevents static buildup. It prevents hand fatigue during longer grooming sessions and also provides a comfortable grip, ensuring precise control and ease of use. The firm metal bristles easily brush through the thick coat of a Golden Retriever without harming their skin or causing discomfort. The bristles have a massaging effect on your dog and I find even when applying a good amount of pressure, my Golden enjoys it. This brush has an ergonomic handle with a non-slip grip to ensure a comfortable and safe brushing experience. A steel-tipped pin brush is great for everyday brushing to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris, and to smooth the coat. Pin brushes are gentle and safe to use without causing any discomfort to your dog. Steel Tipped Bristles. Smooths The Coat. Pros: A great brush to use for daily brushing to remove light tangles, and smooth the coat. This brush is lightweight and comfortable to hold. Stimulates the skin and distributes natural oils promoting a healthy shiny coat. Suitable for various coat types, making it a great option for Golden Retrievers with wavy, straight, or thick coats. Well made brush at a great price point. Cons: Not suitable for removing heavy mats or severe tangles. May not effectively remove loose hair from the dense undercoat. Tips For Brushing Golden Retrievers In a perfect world, your Golden Retriever would just sit still and let you brush his coat without a fuss. By following these helpful tips below, you can transform the brushing experience into something positive and enjoyable for both you and your Golden. We discussed 3 different types of essential brushes for Golden Retrievers, each with a different purpose. A slicker brush for removing tangles and mats, and loose hair, an undercoat rake for managing the dense undercoat, and a pin brush for daily brushing. I would suggest starting off with a pin brush as this is the type of brush that is the most gentle and comfortable for your dog. When your dog enjoys the brush you are using, it will make the brushing experience more enjoyable. Keep the brushing sessions short, use treats and praise, and be consistent. Establish A Routine Dogs love having a routine, it makes them feel safe and secure. Use Gentle Brushing Techniques Always be gentle when brushing your Golden Retriever by using light pressure and brushing with the hair growth. It is especially important to apply light pressure when using certain types of brushes such as a slicker brush and grooming rake, to avoid any skin irritation or discomfort. This short video demonstrates how to use a slicker brush properly: Brush One Section At A Time You may find that your Golden has a hard time sitting, standing, or laying in one spot for any amount of time, making it difficult to get the entire coat brushed. This also allows you to focus on any problem areas such as behind the ears where matting can occur, or behind the legs, or the tail which can easily become tangled. Brush Outside Brushing your Golden outside will eliminate the amount of hair inside your home. I always make a point of brushing my Golden Retriever outside, it allows her to lay in the grass or snow and chew her favourite stick. Make It A Positive Experience If you make brushing positive for your Golden Retriever, they will enjoy and look forward to being brushed. How can you make brushing enjoyable? Use treats and praise after a successful brushing session. Keep brushing sessions short and gradually increase the time. Be gentle and use the appropriate brush. Schedule brushing before a walk or playtime, that way your dog is rewarded after with a fun activity. The razor-sharp teeth cut the protective topcoat and make it appear frizzy and damaged. It really does more harm than good. There really is no need to use a Furminator on a Golden Retriever , especially when there are much safer and gentler options such as a slicker brush, or an undercoat rake. FAQs The following are the most frequently asked questions that Golden Retriever owners have about brushing. If you have any other questions please leave them in the comments below. Overall, the best type of brush for a Golden Retriever is a slicker brush, as it effectively brushes and removes loose hair from the double coat, keeping it smooth and tangle free. However, most Golden Retriever owners will use a slicker brush in combination with an undercoat rake to manage the dense undercoat and a pin brush for everyday brushing and smoothing the coat. Yes, Golden Retrievers need to be brushed in order to keep their thick double coats free of dirt, debris, tangles, and mats. Brushing helps to remove any loose dead hair and reduces shedding. It also distributes natural oils through the coat to keep it healthy and shiny. You should be brushing your Golden Retriever at least once or twice a week to maintain a healthy coat and keep it free from any tangles or mats. Daily brushing is really best to reduce the amount of hair in your home, and brushing your Golden Retriever daily only takes about 10 minutes. The best detangler brush for Golden Retrievers is a slicker brush with fine, gentle bristles. The best tool to deshed a Golden Retriever is an undercoat rake. Undercoat rakes are designed specifically to reach and remove loose hair from the dense undercoat. By using an undercoat rake regularly once a week , you can minimize shedding and maintain a cleaner home environment. Overall, if you have to pick just one brush that would be best for Golden Retrievers, it would be a slicker brush. However, incorporating an undercoat rake once a week, or even during the heavy shedding seasons, will really help cut down on the amount of hair in your home. For everyday brushing and removing light tangles, a pin brush is a great option. Do you have a favourite brush to use on your Golden Retriever? What is your experience with using these brushes? Let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear from you! Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. Top 3 Dog Brushes For Golden Retrievers November 10, The golden retriever requires the right grooming to keep its double coat healthy, shiny, and mat-free. It is important to learn how to groom your golden retriever from the moment they come home with you. The truth is that golden retrievers do require daily grooming. This includes brushing and combing everyday or at least 3 times a week. Creating a grooming routine with your dog is vital to keeping their coat mat-free! Matting is the number one grooming problem that golden retriever owners encounter. Matted fur does not only look bad, but it is very painful for golden retrievers. If not removed, it can also cause other health issues including discomfort, skin disorder, flea infestation, mites, worms, and other parasites. And severe matting usually leads to a shave-down right to the skin. Brushing on a regular basis also gets rid of loose fur and debris. Plus, it helps reduce the amount of loose hair around your house specially when they are blowing their coat, which happens twice a year. This rake is also great at getting out dead fur and all that loose hair especially if your dog has a thicker coat. The side with less teeth is designed to remove mats, tangles, and debris. The side with more teeth is perfect for deshedding and removing all dead and loose hair that usually ends up all around the house and all over our clothes. It saves lots of time on grooming and gets a ton of hair out with each stroke. A High Quality Slicker Brush The slicker brush is the number one dog brush recommended by grooming professionals for golden retrievers. It is actually the type of brush you want to start with when grooming your dog because it helps break up any knots and prevents matting. We love recommending the Self Cleaning Slicker Brush because it is very easy to use, super effective, and easy to clean and maintain at the same time. It is always important to keep the bristles of a slicker brush from bending or getting damaged as this can cause skin irritation, pain, and discomfort. What we love about this brush is that you can brush your dog, and then just click and clean the brush. The bristles retract when you click so they are kept from being damaged. And your brush can be stored and ready for your next brushing session. A Metal Comb A metal comb should be used after you have brushed your retriever thoroughly with the slicker brush and undercoat rake. The end result should be the ability to get the comb from the root to the tip of the hair. We like the Dual-length Dog Metal Comb. It has long and short stainless steel teeth to quickly and painlessly remove any remaining tangles or knots. And the anti-slip handle protects your dog from any slippery accidents. If you bathe your dog's matted hair without detangling it, it will just get worse! Brush, bathe, and wait for the fur to dry, and then brush it again. Do not brush a wet coat. They get rid of their old undercoat in preparation for the upcoming season. We highly recommend grooming with the Undercoat Deshedding Grooming tool. Use the the 9-rounded-teeth side first to remove any matting or tangles use short strokes. When done, proceed to use the rounded-teeth side to begin deshedding and thinning out your dog's coat. You won't believe how much hair will come out! Do not just brush the top of the coat as this does not really do anything to prevent matting. Start at the bottom of the coat, grab a handful of hair, and brush a line of fur away. You should be able to see the skin. As you go, brush the hair down making sure that with each line you get right to the skin. If you have the self-cleaning slicker brush , just click, clean, and store when finished. Otherwise, make sure the bristles are thoroughly cleaned. Use the wider-tooth side and short strokes for mats, and the side with narrow teeth to deshed and remove dead fur. The undercoat rake will save you tons of time when grooming your dog. It also creates a massaging effect that dogs tend to love. If the comb gets stuck in any particular section, go back and brush out the tangle with the slicker brush. Other Key Features to Consider in Brushes for Golden Retrievers Ergonomic design for easy handling and reduced strain on hands and wrists during grooming. Retractable buttons or self-cleaning features to make hair removal quick and convenient. High-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting for regular use. Specialized brushes for specific grooming needs, such as deshedding, massaging, or removing loose hair. Gentle bristles or teeth to prevent discomfort or skin irritation during grooming sessions. Non-slip grips for better control while brushing your active Golden Retriever. Versatility to use the brush on both wet and dry fur. Recommended and approved by professional groomers or veterinarians for reliable performance. A healthy coat will feel soft to the touch and not excessively oily or have an unpleasant smell, which might indicate yeast build-up or bacterial issues. A dusty appearance or frequent balls of undercoat fur shedding may signal allergies, hormonal imbalances, infections, or other concerns. For heavy shedders, a slicker brush is effective in tackling matting and removing loose, dead hairs. Alternatively, a gentle pin brush works well for regular coat maintenance, but it may struggle with severe matting. Dogs with long coats, like Golden Retrievers, often require more frequent brushing to manage tangling and matting. Many Golden Retriever owners prefer combining a slicker brush with a metal comb to achieve comprehensive grooming results. If you prefer simplicity and efficiency, opting for a slicker brush could be the best choice, as it efficiently removes matting and loose undercoat hair, streamlining your grooming routine. Every other day brushing for moderate shedders and regular coat maintenance. Weekly brushing for light shedders and short-haired Golden Retrievers. Wrapping Up Finding the best brush for your Golden Retriever is a crucial step towards maintaining their luscious coat and overall well-being. With their unique double coat, Golden Retrievers require specialized grooming tools that effectively address their shedding and matting needs. Embrace the tips and recommendations shared here to make grooming sessions a positive and rewarding experience for both you and your furry companion. Invest in the best brush for your Golden Retriever and witness the remarkable transformation in their health, beauty, and happiness. Happy grooming! How often should I shampoo my Golden Retriever? Shampooing a Golden Retriever should generally be done once a month, or as needed if the dog gets particularly dirty. Over-shampooing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Can you wash a Golden Retriever every week? Washing a Golden Retriever every week can be excessive and might dry out their skin and coat. Can I use baby wipes on my dog? Baby wipes can be used on a dog for a quick clean-up, but make sure they are fragrance-free and alcohol-free. How do you clean Golden Retriever ears? Gently wipe the inside of the ear, but avoid inserting anything into the ear canal, as this could cause injury. Regular check-ups with a vet can ensure proper ear health. Can I shave my Golden Retriever to prevent shedding? No, shaving a Golden Retriever is generally not advised as it can actually cause more problems. Their double coat provides insulation and protects their skin from sun and environmental damage. Regular brushing and grooming are the best ways to manage shedding. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Brushing any dog is important , as it helps to keep their skin and coat healthy by removing and preventing mats, circulating natural oils, and getting rid of dirt and debris. However, regular grooming of a golden retriever is even more important than it is for dogs with shorter coats, and pet parents should ideally aim to brush their dog for at least a few minutes every day with the best dog brush for a golden retriever. This can result in their coats getting tangled and muddy after walks, as well as occasionally seeming to bring back half the outside foliage embedded in their coats. Therefore, a regular grooming routine is essential to keep them clean and comfy. Regular Handling Helps To Socialize Your Dog Getting into a good routine of grooming can also make your life much easier when taking your pup to the vet or even to a professional groomer, as they will be used to staying still to be handled. Pin Brush These brushes have long, wide-spaced wire pins. They can come with rubber-tipped pins for added comfort. Bristle Brush Bristle brushes do a similar job to pin brushes, but they are more multipurpose, suiting short-coated dogs as well as longer-coated breeds. They come with different bristle lengths and spacings for different types of coats — longer, wider spaced varieties are best for goldens. They also help to stimulate the skin and remove stubborn dirt. These can be a good everyday kind of tool for a quick brush in between more thorough grooming sessions. Slicker Brush Slicker brushes are great for removing loose hair and dirt. They consist of rows of fine wire pins, which are perfect for detangling longer hair. Each pin has a slightly angled end which helps to remove any loose fur. They come in a range of different sizes, so you can pick one that suits your dog. They should be used with caution, as they can cause discomfort if too much pressure is used. Undercoat Rake The purpose of an undercoat rake is to help remove the undercoat during shedding and also generally detangle the undercoat. They come in different lengths, so be sure to pick one suitable for a golden retriever. A Guide To Buying The Best Brush For Golden Retrievers By now, you already know which brush type to go for, but there are still lots of factors you do not want to ignore when shopping for the best dog brush for your golden retriever. Some come with shorter handles, and others have bigger handles. A handle that does not fit well in your hands will strain your wrist and arm and generally be uncomfortable to use. For golden retrievers specifically, the ideal brush has to be suitable for double-coated breeds. You will also run into some that are versatile enough to cater to different coats. Pin Design Top-grade dog brushes mostly feature either flexible, soft, rounded, or bendable pins. Stay away from extremely cheap brushes, as most of them have stiff, sharp pins that are more likely to harm your dog than properly groom them. As a rule, most golden retriever owners will find they need the following brushes to various degrees: a wire pin brush, a bristle brush, a slicker brush, and an undercoat rake. Most golden retriever owners will use at least one of the following brushes to various degrees: a wire pin brush, a bristle brush, a slicker brush, and an undercoat rake. All of the brushes on our list are ideal to use on a golden retriever. You only have to figure out the purpose for which you need the brush for. This will help you narrow your selection to the best brush for your golden retriever in the four categories we looked at above. How much brushing does a golden retriever need? Golden retrievers should be groomed once to twice a week to avoid instances such as painful matting and excess shedding. Remember to use either a pin or bristle brush for regular shedding for regular brushing. But when their hair is too tangled, it would be better to first spray it with water or an appropriate conditioner before brushing it. A slicker brush is the perfect option for this purpose. How do you use a slicker brush on a golden retriever? Earlier on, I briefly mentioned that slicker brushes should be used with caution because they tend to cause a bit of discomfort, especially when you use excess pressure. Instead, use short, gentle strokes to avoid causing irritation. When should I start brushing my golden retriever? Most vets recommend that you start brushing golden retrievers while they are still puppies or around months old. Take it slow at first to allow your pup to become familiar with the grooming process. Remember to use the appropriate brush for the appropriate purpose. Most manufacturers have various options designed for grooming puppies and adult dogs. Last Word On The Best Brushes For Golden Retrievers For first-time owners of golden retrievers, it can seem like a minefield picking out the best brush for your golden retriever. But even long-time lovers of goldens can find themselves confused, too! You May Also Like.

For this post, we listed 12 of the best Golden Retriever breeders Midwest, one for each state. This is the reason why many breeders in the Midwest decided to focus on this dog of all breed options. See which of these breeders are found near you! This breeder is located in Twin Cities and is headed by Kimberly Jilek. Should you fail to care for the Golden Retriever pup, the Sleepy Morning Goldens are willing to take the pup back for rehoming. However, no refunds will be made. Most of all, all the Golden Retriever puppies from this breeder will be desensitized to various stimuli. Sleepy Morning Goldens also conduct Volhardt Personality Test on their pups to check their temperament. This is aside from other enrichment programs and activities they conduct. The puppies from this breeder are raised around two kids. They are also exposed to various household stimuli to ensure that the pups will thrive as family pets. Unlike other breeders, Layla plans each litter carefully. She and her family provide early neurological stimulation as well as other Puppy Culture principles in raising each litter. The Goldie pup is also vaccinated and wormed based on its age. Just note that Layla is the one to choose which dog is sent to a specific buyer. Jill raises each litter inside their home, together with her kids. They consider each Golden Retriever puppy as part of the family, which gives the litter the socialization they need. Take note that Jill only breeds a limited number of litters to ensure the quality of each pup. She also wants to maintain the family element in raising the puppies. As of this writing, Light Hill Goldens have planned litters until , which is open for reservations. All the puppies are covered by a 2-year health guarantee and a month guarantee against genetic conditions. The best thing about Light Hill Goldens is they offer two training options. All of which are available for a separate cost. Many of their puppies excel in sporting events and as family pets. Pat Swallows is the breeder behind the Topmast Goldens. Pat has owned Golden Retrievers for 48 years now. She started breeding 15 years ago, where she focuses on breeding hunting and working canines. As a small hobby breeder, Pat only produces one litter a year. With this, waiting time is quite long, but definitely worth it if you want a well-rounded canine. The best thing about Topmast Goldens is they provide a 5-year health warranty on all their puppies. Nevertheless, the pups also make great family pets. Aside from that, Craig performs early neurological stimulation on all the puppies together with desensitization and stimuli exposure. The puppies also undergo the Volhardt Personality Test and a slew of health checks. If you wish your dog to have a full AKC registration, you need to shoulder the needed vet examinations and clearances. While this might be an inconvenience, Buschur offers a full refund if the Golden Retriever pup is diagnosed with a serious defect or illness. Just make sure that you get the puppy checked within 7 days upon the day of arrival. Overall, all the puppies from Craig Buschur are covered by a 2-year health guarantee for congenital and genetic defects. Betsy Laakso is the breeder behind White Diamond Goldens, who focuses on producing affectionate and trainable family dogs. All the puppies sent to the buyers are microchipped and have passed rigorous health checks. Aside from that, the Golden Retriever puppies are AKC-registered and have received vaccinations based on their age. This guarantees the safety of the puppies and ensures that the owner is sincere in getting the dog. Waiting time: At least 12 months Puppy cost: Please contact the breeder Breeder contact info: kathy whitediamondgoldens. Aside from that, Beverly is an occasional breeder, so the availability of the puppies varies. Nevertheless, all the pups have undergone strict testing to rule out eye, joint, thyroid, and congenital defects. SureFire Golden Retrievers are focused on producing pups with good structure, excellent temperature, and sporty nature. You must bring the dog to the vet within 72 hours after receiving it. If there are any problems, Beverly is willing to help. Waiting time: Around 6 months Puppy cost: Please contact the breeder Breeder contact info: luvdogskc gmail. Leslie Boerboon is the breeder behind MapleHills. The puppies from MapleHills Kennel are covered by a month health guarantee. Leslie ensures that all the Golden Retrievers that she produces are free of heart, hips, elbow, and eye problems. Moreover, the puppies from MapleHills Kennel are dewormed at 2, 4, and 6 weeks of life. The pups also receive 5-way vaccination by the time they reach 7 weeks old. Overall, the puppies will be placed with a limited AKC registration. Buyers who wish to receive a full registration can talk to Leslie about the requirements. This breeder has been producing Golden Retriever puppies for more than 30 years now. It just proves their expertise and knowledge about the breed. Jacqueline Schepler is the breeder behind Golden Plains Goldens. Jacqueline came from a farming family, where dogs are a big part of their daily lives. As a breeder, she makes sure that each pup is desensitized to various stimuli, including farm animals, children, and so on. The puppies are also microchipped, dewormed, and vaccinated with their first rounds of shots. The best thing about Golden Plains Goldens is their lifetime health guarantee. Buyers can contact the breeder for guidance in case a genetic problem arises any time after receiving the puppy. Angela only plans 2 to 3 litters a year to ensure that the puppies are in good health. They will move the litter to a bigger area once it reaches 3 to 4 weeks old. Once the puppies turn 8 weeks old, they will be placed with the buyers. The puppies are covered by a month health guarantee for any genetic defects. Angela also provides lifetime support to ensure that the puppies will be raised well. You can either pick up the puppy from their location or have it shipped to neighboring states like Minnesota and North Dakota. As a stay-at-home wife living in an acreage, she breeds and raises well-rounded Goldies. All the Golden Retriever puppies in her care are desensitized to children and farm animals. Moreover, Fox Ridge offers a 2-year health guarantee for all their puppies. Rest assured that all the dogs have received excellent results in a genetic test, eye certification, elbow and hip dysplasia examination, and more. They also deliver the puppies, depending on your location. They started breeding dogs back in after buying their first female English Cream Goldie, Della. Bill lives in a acre property with a pond, perfect for raising Golden Retrievers. This gives the pups enough room to play, run, and experience various stimuli. Rest assured that the doggo will live for many years. Right now, Green River Goldens only produces minimal litters per year. Moreover, Bill can arrange shipment of the puppy through local pet couriers. A kennel will be provided for the safety of the dog. Waiting time: At least 6 months Puppy cost: Please contact the breeder Breeder contact info: bill greenrivergoldens. With the vast fields and acreages, the Midwest offers an ideal location for the likes of Golden Retrievers. Unlike puppy mills, the breeders we listed here are legitimate, AKC-affiliated, and proven by many pet owners. Lastly, make sure that you are fully prepared to raise and care for a puppy. As with any dog, a Golden Retriever comes with a set of responsibilities. We are a northern California breeder near Sacramento that prides itself on choosing our breeding dogs for top health, temperament, and beauty that conforms to the breed standard. Our dogs are selected from champion lines with health clearances. We will only breed dogs that pass all of these tests, so we can continue reaching to improve the breed through imposing high standards for our dogs. We breed dogs from these lines to continue a heritage of excellence in the breed. This standard is different from the AKC standard for golden retrievers, but both are accepted and licensed. The English type should have a blockier and fuller head, shorter muzzle, lower ear set, rounder eyes, stouter body structure, as well as a lighter color than the American type see comparison figure below. As an adult, it has been a pleasure to now show and selectively breed these beautiful English Golden Retrievers. Raising our English Golden Retrievers is a family endeavor that includes everyone from the youngest to the oldest. It is wonderful to make family memories with our dogs and children together. Our English Goldens are first and foremost pets who live and play among our family. Our children are involved from showing our dogs to whelping the puppies. Our puppies go home to their new families very loved and well socialized. In Northern California, we are located in Newcastle which is at the base of the Sierra Mountain foothills; close to Sacramento, and about miles from San Francisco or about miles from San Jose other cities near us are Roseville, Loomis, Folsom, Orangevale, Auburn, Lake Tahoe about an hour , and Reno about 2 hours. We can deliver our puppies to you if you are out of state, and personally travel with the puppy to bring your puppy to you. We cordially invite you to visit us and meet our beloved puppies and amazing dogs. We're located in the California Gold County just 25 miles east of Sacramento. Surrounded by golden foothills, we offer the perfect place to meet and enjoy the dogs. Expect to be greeted with wagging tails and wet noses during your visit, as our dogs are always excited to meet new people. Please let us know when you would like to visit by booking an appointment. The care and love you, Heather, and all at Classic Heritage devote to these pups is remarkable. The efforts taken to ensure pups are matched with their new happy forever home are excellent. Everyone I met was equally professional, educated, loving, kind, and a lot of fun. All of the dogs are beautiful and happy.We have had the best experience and have the most loving pup so anything we can do to help Classic Heritage we would. We have recommended you to everyone who has asked. We're here to help! We firmly believe that if you are going to do something in life, do it the right way and do it as best as you can. We view our puppies as extensions of our family. The adoption process is an opportunity to blend our family and yours, and we keep in touch with many of our puppies' families over the years. Our advanced health testing, cutting-edge socialization, and continual customer support provide the best experience possible for families who adopt our golden retrievers. We know purchasing a puppy is a huge decision in your life, and we invite you to join us. We believe in good health. Many breeders focus on a "show" quality dog or a certain look. At Summer's Goldens, we focus on life-long family companions. While we carry many Champion bloodlines, we use careful genetic selection to lower the COI Coefficient Of Inbreeding of our dogs and improve the breed. Lower COI contributes to better long-term health and benefits golden retrievers as a whole. We don't breed just for today; we breed with the future in mind to have healthy, happy golden retrievers for decades to come. We follow the health-testing guidelines of the American Kennel Club and the Golden Retriever Club of America by examining our adult dogs' hips, elbows, eyes, and heart. We only want the finest goldens to become mothers and fathers. We also do genetic testing through Embark , one of the most reputable and thorough genetic companies. By pairing healthy, genetically diverse parents, we provide the best possible conditions for puppies to live long and healthy lives. This is especially important for purebred dogs like golden retrievers. Not only do we focus on health, but we also take extra care to socialize our puppies well. We strive to cultivate friendly personality traits in our Golden Retriever Puppies for sale. High-quality socialization during the first two months of a puppy's life is one of the most critical components of its lifelong development. Socialization provides a strong foundation for emotionally healthy, well-adjusted adult dogs. This is easy to claim but hard to do. There simply is no replacement for quality time spent with puppies. We follow the lead of Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia and start with early neurological stimulation ENS when the puppies are just three days old. We continue thorough socialization until the puppies leave us. This includes exposing our puppies to a variety of different surfaces to walk on; human touch all over their bodies; temperature changes; different sounds like fireworks, doorbells, cats meowing, and car engines; children; baths and nail trims, and more. We want our puppies to be more than just physically healthy; we want them to be mentally and emotionally ready for their future families. You are welcome to read our reviews on Google and Facebook , as well as the Testimonials on our site. Our goal is to improve the breed of golden retrievers and provide outstanding companions for families. Contact us today and experience joy through our golden retrievers! What can you expect when you pick up your puppy? All of our puppies receive plenty of love and attention. We include a care package with every puppy to help you get started on the right paw. It includes the puppy's baby photos, a blanket with the mother's scent, toys, a bag of the puppy's current food, and more to help your puppy transition as smoothly as possible. We offer lifelong support for every puppy and welcome families' questions and updates. We feel responsible for our puppies and want them to have loving homes their entire lives. We ask potential families to complete the Puppy Application on our website. We allow families to choose their puppy based on the order of deposits received. All deposits are non-refundable unless we do not have a puppy for you. Please contact Marta with any questions! Where do our Golden Retrievers live? Check out the state pages devoted to each location where our Golden Retriever adopters live in the Midwest. Purebred Golden Retriever Puppies Buying a puppy is a big decision. We made that decision easy. Not knowing where your puppy has come from could lead to genetic health and socialization issues, and ultimately disappointment. There are even tons of puppy scams on the internet, some of which even try to imitate us! We believe dogs are not like family — they ARE family! Unlike other puppy adoption agencies in Ohio, we allow and actually encourage you to meet our Golden Retriever puppies for sale before you agree to take one home. Remember, too, that when it comes to getting a puppy, ultimately, you get what you pay for. You get a Golden Retriever you love, vetted for good health, from a breeder you trust. He has a very fun loving spirit and has made our family complete. Marcus and his family are very gracious and great to work with. We would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a Golden! She will be turning 9 months in a few weeks. I had a wonderful experience getting her through your company! So glad I got her. All Rights Reserved. I love everyone of them and their parents that took the pictures!! We are a breeder of Golden Retriever puppies in Minnesota. Welcome to Angels of Gold Golden Retrievers. My name is Lori. I have been a golden retriever breeder for over 35 years. One of the newest members of the family is Vivian. She was out of the litter of 12 when Talia passed away. Brodie was the Patriarch of our Gang, having sired 10 litters, 1 with our dear Angel and 9 of them to dams owned by others. Many of those dam owners and adoptive parents keep in touch with me and are all very good references and some have become very good friends. Brodie came into our lives in May of .He has great Champion Bloodlines. I am hoping I can get Champion and competition titles on my 2 young girls in the future. Check out their individual pages for photos. I live on 20 beautiful acres in North central Minnesota, with 3 ponds for them to train and swim in. We breed for health, temperament, performance and beauty. They will excel in performance, conformation, field, anything you desire to do and most of all they will be your best friend!

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. E-mail Share by e-mail German Shepherds make great family dogs — they are loyal, intelligent, and have lots of energy! A good diet is key to giving your pet a long and healthy life, and the wrong diet can lead to a number of health problems. German Shepherds are big dogs with active lifestyles, so making sure they get the right nutrition at different stages throughout their lives is essential. Feeding your German Shepherd Puppy Puppies are growing rapidly and have very specific nutritional requirements. Puppy food tends to be high in calories and protein as they are bundles of energy at this age! Feeding your German Shepherd puppy a good quality balanced diet is essential to ensure that they grow up to be healthy adults. There are some foods designed specifically for large breeds such as German Shepherds, which provide extra support for their growing joints. You should look out for these foods in the pet store and ideally choose one of these large breed diets. You can find further general puppy feeding guidelines and advice via the AKC as well as specific German Shepherd facts and info. How often should I feed my German Shepherd puppy? Puppies need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs to support their rapidly growing bodies. German Shepherd puppies should be fed 4 meals a day until they are 3 months old, then reduce to 3 meals a day until they are 10 months old when their growth rate starts to slow down. Once they reach this age, they need 2 meals a day. When should I start feeding adult food? Puppies must stay on puppy food until they reach adult size. German Shepherds are large dogs and tend to reach adult size later than smaller dogs. They are usually fully matured at months. German Shepherds should stay on puppy food until they are months old, then they should move on to an adult diet. Feeding your adult German Shepherd An adult German Shepherd will weigh around lbs and need at least an hour of exercise every day, so their diet needs to reflect this. It might seem like your dog is eating a lot, but they need to replace the energy they burn off and eat enough of the right nutrients to sustain them! How often should I feed my German Shepherd? Adult dogs should be fed two meals a day. When should I switch from adult to senior food? As dogs get older their nutritional requirements change again. They are less active, and German Shepherds are more prone to joint problems such as osteoarthritis. You should consider switching to a senior diet at around 8 years of age. What type of food should German Shepherds eat? Whichever diet you pick, you should ensure it is suitable for large dogs or working breeds and that it has plenty of protein and calcium, and also includes some type of doggy superfoods, too. Commercially prepared foods are the best way to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy, and they come in wet or dried forms. Some dogs prefer one or the other, whilst some enjoy a variety and mix of both. Dry Food Dried food is cheap, easy to feed and store, and has lots of benefits for your dogs. Dogs fed a dried food diet will drink more water, and you can soak the kibble to add a bit extra if you like. Wet Food Wet foods contain more water than dried, and often resemble meat which some dogs love. The food is usually in chunks with jelly or gravy, and some dogs prefer it to dried. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are large and active dogs with demanding nutritional requirements throughout their lives. They go through a rapid growth stage as puppies, and as adults need the right balance of nutrients to replenish the energy they burn off exercising. They need to eat a diet that has the right balance of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, and ensure they get the right number of meals a day to maintain good physical and mental health. Puppies should eat meals a day until they are around 10 months old then they should eat 2 meals a day as adults. Do German shepherds require a lot of food? German Shepherds are large dogs so naturally, eat larger portions than smaller breeds. They are active dogs and need lots of protein and energy to keep them healthy. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

We are located in Nottoway County just 45 miles west of Richmond, Virginia. We have been breeding quality English Labrador Retrievers since .Am Ch. Pointed Mtn Meadow Duck Naked Here at Piney Creek we are dedicated to producing quality Labrador Retrievers with strong bloodlines, calm disposition, sound health and great looks. All puppies produced at Piney Creek are very well socialized to people, sounds and sights. They are handled by us from the day of birth. All puppies are vet checked twice, given all required dewormings, first vaccination, dew-claws removed and are micro-chipped before being placed in their new homes. All puppies come with a hip and health guarantee. In the interest of preserving the integrity of the breed, all breeding stock is AKC registered with final OFA on hips and elbows at 2 years of age and eyes are cleared annually by CERF. Our puppies are placed on limited registration, unless otherwise discussed and agreed upon, to protect their quality of life when they leave our home. Limited registration confirms your pets lineage, it is a non-breeding registration. Any puppies produced by a dog on limited registration will not be able to obtain AKC registration. We will always take back a dog of our breeding at anytime in the dogs life if the owner for any reason can no longer care for the dog or puppy, it does not have to be the original owner. Of course the owner will not receive a replacement puppy. We are members of the National Labrador Retriever Club and support their standard and code of ethics as well as the American kennel Club. We welcome all visitors and hope you enjoy our dogs as much as we do. Feel free to contact us by phone or e-mail anytime. E-mail us at pineycreeklabradors gmail. The Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Furthermore, telling a dog to sit, and then watching the dog do what he was told, provides children with tons of confidence. By giving children the confidence needed to consistently practice reading, they become better readers by virtue of the practice. Dog-owning children have fewer sick days off school, and children who own them often have better self esteem. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… Richmond has been an official city since .Richmond became the confederate capital in .At this time the capital building housed both the state legislature and Confederate. The distance from Richmond to Washington DC is 98 miles. The distance to the Virginia state capital is miles. Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. My husband is fourth generation on this land and we truly take pride in the beauty of where we call home. We are lovers and breeders of quality yellow, chocolate and black Labrador Retriever puppies. Genetic research and personality testing has been a must to make sure the puppies we raise will live long, healthy, and happy lives. They are an excellent companion with beauty and personality that compares to no other. They have an eagerness to please in addition to their smart nature which makes them perfect for therapy work, a hunting companion or a perfect family pet. Our puppies are home raised with the meticulous care that is needed to produce well rounded, happy and healthy puppies. We have 3 children ranging in ages from 5 to 12 who help us to socialize and raise the puppies. This ensures that they receive proper care, get a jumpstart on training and receive the socialization that they need. All puppies are closely monitored from the time they are born until they go to their new homes at 8 weeks. We monitor daily weights for the first few weeks and then weekly to ensure optimal growth is occurring. Puppies are dewormed every 2 weeks for parasite prevention. At weeks all puppies will receive a complete health check and receive first vaccinations by our veterinarian. They have been tested, and are free and clear from all genetic diseases completed on their Labrador Retriever breeders panel. Please contact us by phone or email for an appointment.

Facebook: Willow Brooke Bernedoodles 8. They would like to let you know that their aim in breeding is to leave a healthy legacy behind them. When a breeder has that kind of intention, then you know they are a reputable breeder. Besides being conscientious, they also have a lot of experience in breeding, along with a true passion, which is maybe the most important part. So, here, you have the whole package. So, hoppity hop to their site and fill out their form, which is the initial way to contact them. Or, just give them a call and learn the details. Then, it is time for the puppy contract. They can be considered experts as they have more than 14 years of tradition and love for these pups. It was love between one standard Poodle and one Bernese Mountain Dog that produced their first puppies. So, you will definitely find the standard version here, and if you are looking for a medium-sized dog, they have them, too. They believe that dogs are more than just dogs. They will give you instructions on how to behave with your new Doodle, and also inform you about everything so that you can decide whether that is your cup of tea. He will come with a two-year health guarantee, and all vaccinations, deworming, and certificates. If you want cuteness overload, I recommend visiting their website because there are a lot of cute pictures there. Details About The Breeder:. Showing 1 - 22 of 22 resultsPage 1 - 22 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. Their mom is the most gentle sweet natured mini Poodle one could ever have the.Most of the puppies are expected to mature pounds, the male in photo .Expected to weigh lbs. We have 4 females and 3 males all fully furnished with hair, See all Mini bernedoodles genetic tested. This weekend Special price. Ottawa Bernedoodle Hugs has a litter of mini bernedoodles for sale. The puppies are raised in a.Both parents have genetic testing. They are raised in a loving home. They were bornJuly 17th and are ready.A .I am expecting some Tri coloured puppues. My puppies go through Early Neurological.These affectionate companions are perfect for families or individuals with allergies. Parents are on site, mom is a Bernedoodle 37lb and dad.Scooby loves to cuddle and loves being around kids. Scooby will be right around 35 lbs full grown based off of the weight of his parents, he.Daisy will be right around 35 lbs full grown based off of the weight of her parents, she will make a great addition to any household. Daisy is all up.Arnold loves to cuddle and loves being around kids. Arnold will be right around 35 lbs full grown based off of the weight of his parents, he will.They have a lot of extra training and an extra vaccine. They are very laidback and love children and people of all ages. They have been.They are ready to go any day. They have there first shots dewormed miccrochipped health records and a year health guarantee. The mini grow

Both Both the Retriever and the Poodle are in the top 5 in terms of intelligence. The Poodle is 2, while the Golden Retriever is 4! Teddybe Show More Teddy Bear Golden Doodles are a beautiful and unique hybrid breed that has become increasingly popular since the early 's. Teddybear Goldendoodles make amazing companions or service dogs. They are very intelligent, highly trainable, loving, loyal, and hypoallergenic. English Goldendoodles are very friendly. They love everyone, not just bonding with one person. They give affection to everyone they meet! They are a very adaptable breed, an excellent choice for beginner owners, easily trained, laid back, great with children, the perfect companion, and have a strong desire to please people. With training, Goldendoodles make excellent service dogs. They do very well with a positive reward based training. We give a one year warranty for any unforeseen genetic defects. Our babies will be sent to you with a full health certificate from head to tail, and fully up to date vaccines. Your new family member will be ready to give you hugs, kisses, and lots of lov Show More Our relationship does not end at the adoption of one of Gunter Golden Doodle puppies! Your new family member will be ready to give you hugs, kisses, and lots of love! Gunter Goldendoodles stay in touch with our extended family offering help and advice through the training periods. We love to get pictures as the puppies grow as well as hear all the great and funny stories! We want to help you have the best experience possible with your new family member. You will always have an open communication with Gunter Goldendoodles! We become family! We make sure our families are ready for the puppy transition and have been educated on the challenges of a puppy and how to handle each step of the maturing process. One of our most important goals is to insure our puppies are completely ready for their transition to their forever home by giving them the best start possible. First and foremost we want our families and puppies to be completely happy! Breeding dogs has been a passion for people through many centuries. It is exciting, heart warming and very challenging. The purpose should be to improve the breed not to just increase its numbers. It is a hobby for us and we absolutely love it! Drop us a line, we love to talk about our hobby! Yes, email me when puppies become available. Message sent. Because of flight shortages, we are offering these puppies only to families that can either come and meet them in person for pickup or meet at the Pittsburgh PA airport. Please contact Rita Power directly about this litter at: and schedule a facetime call or call. Please ask Rita about pricing. I'm April Power and we have a location near you in Maryland. We are a family partnership. Sisters and brothers, Mom and Dad, we all are breeders together with the same high standards. We have Goldendoodle puppies in a couple of different states because we are family breeders. We raise puppies in our home, highly socialize our Goldendoodle puppies, use high-quality food, and health test our parent dogs! We are so excited to be a high-quality puppy breeder and work with you on your journey. We have a few dogs and run a Guardian Program just like a few of our family members do. That keeps all of our urban doggies in less than 2 dog homes and also keeps them from ever being rehomed! We really enjoy our little business, and we hope you will enjoy the process with us too! About our English Goldendoodles English Goldendoodles have better health testing and more mellow personalities. This makes them extremely suitable for urban areas. They have such amazing temperaments! We chose this breed starting out with the English Cream Golden Retrievers and absolutely adore our mellow English Golden Retriever mothers. Add the poodle for non-shedding and intelligence and, wallah! The most perfect blend of all time! Goldendoodle Puppies Please feel free to contact us! We are horse lovers and dog lovers. We still enjoy both in the DC Maryland area. Our experience growing up on the farm in Pennsylvania gives us a love for farm life. We are so happy to be able to develop puppies and breed amazing lifetime companions. Please reach out to us and get to know us better, see our available Goldendoodle puppies below and enjoy watching them grow. Please reload Did you Find Answers Frequently asked questions such as "Do you have any puppies available right now? Do you take a waitlist? Do you know when the next litters are going to be? Will you have litters later in the year? Most of the puppies are being raised in Idaho right now, but we have a couple litters a year in PA right now. We are all blood family members The Power Family. Some differences for the English Golden Retriever include a shorter and more muscular body, lower energy, lower cancer rate, broader muzzle, shorter coat, and coats are lighter in color ranging from cream to gold. We will produce solids, parti-factor or abstract, as well as Parti English Goldendoodle Puppies! Our Parti English Goldendoodle Puppies will range from red and white, apricot and white, chocolate brown and white, black and white, and sable parti puppies. All Dams and Sires have obtained extensive health clearances prior to being bred. This combination produces an F1 Goldendoodle. These dogs will have a higher success rate for non-shedding. Coats are loose wavy to curly and mostly non-shedding. The F1 Generation sheds light to minimally, while the F1B Generation typically is minimal to non-shedding. Weight: typically 25 lbs. Weight: typically lbs. Medium: Height: over 17 but under 21 inches 43cm to 52cm at wither. Standard: Height: over 21 inches 53cm to 63cm at wither. Weight: typically 51 or more lbs. We do not currently breed mini or petite sizing. The coat of a Goldendoodle can vary from straight, loose wavy or curly. An F1 Goldendoodle will have a loose wavy coat, while an F1B Goldendoodle litter has both curly and loose wavy coats within the litter. Goldendoodles can be black, red, white, apricot, brown, cream, Cafe Au Lait, silver beige, silver or blue, and may be a combination of these colors. Goldendoodles carry the color patterns brindle, sable, ticking, abstract, tuxedo, parti, and phantom. They have an excellent write-up explaining Colors and Coats. This website in general is a great resource to learn all about the Goldendoodle! Daily walks are a must if you don't have a safely enclosed area for them to run freely. They love games and many are attracted to water and love to swim. This breed does wonderfully with all, including children and makes for an overall wonderful companion dog, many with therapy potential! As with any dog, socialization and training should start while the dog is still a puppy and continue throughout its life. Look for a puppy kindergarten class locally or join the AKC S. Puppy Program , training based on positive techniques. You do not have to be an AKC purebred puppy to participate in their S. Puppy Program. Find a class here. This is a great place to start socializing and training. A well-socialized, well-trained Goldendoodle makes a wonderful family companion. Early socialization and training establishes those lifetime bonds between the family and puppy as these programs teach you how to communicate with your new puppy and get started on the right foot. Situated on beautiful acreage, our home is located about 35 miles north of Springfield, Missouri. Breeders that aren't serious come and go but our passion for raising quality puppies with a distinctive look and excellent temperaments has been a dedicated journey since .A clear vision and outline of socialization and a team of experienced trainers develop puppies that will be a joy to your home, not to mention the star of your little one's obedience classes! We have had the privilege of raising and keeping back our best puppies from champion sired parents since to develop healthy puppies with correct coat, body type, excellent temperaments, specialty colors and adorable looks that you can enjoy and be proud of. Our team knows that you have probably done a lot of research and may still have questions. Feel free to reach out to us to talk about what you are looking for in your new family member. We look forward to meeting you and helping you choose a quality puppy that will bring joy to your home for many years to come!