dudley labrador puppy

Goldendoodle puppies are all the rage right now. However, as cute as they are—getting a Goldendoodle puppy is a big deal! Their cuteness is just an added bonus! Goldendoodle Puppy Is a Goldendoodle the right fit for you and your family? Nowadays any and every level of dog owner is purchasing a doodle—people who have only owned short-haired dogs, incredibly calm dogs, and sometimes first-time dog owners. As a result of not knowing what a person is getting themselves into when they purchase a doodle, doodle rehoming is at an all-time high! Even though many people love their doodle—a doodle may not be the right fit for you. Many people are giving away their Goldendoodles, rehoming them, or sending them to a rescue. If you skimp on the price, you could end up with a dog that is poorly bred. Which is incredibly dangerous for you, your puppy, and the breeding industry. Genetic testing helps prevent the breeding of dogs that test poorly for bad genes or health and behavioral issues. This will essentially cost you a fortune later in high vet bills, training costs, and potentially medical and lawsuit charges. Dogs in a Kennel Additionally, buying from a low-quality breeder to save money helps keep puppy mills in business. Puppy mills over breed their dogs. Those poor overbred dogs are usually stuck in a kennel their entire life—usually in a cramped space, stacked on top of each other, sitting in their urine or feces. There are also puppy mill breeders that keep their puppies in outside kennels, never getting to socialize with other dogs or humans. And they never have a chance to live a life of happiness and freedom. Why on earth would anyone want to support something so inhumane??? Remember the age-old saying, you get what you pay for. And that goes for dog breeders as well. Please choose to purchase your dog from an ethical breeder. If you purchase from a breeder that does not perform genetic testing, you are at risk for a plethora of issues. Please do your research, but due to the explosion in Goldendoodle popularity, there is a higher chance of running across a bad breeder and bad genetics because there are many who are in it for the money and not for the love and care of breeding a sound Goldendoodle. High Coat Maintenance The biggest complaint I hear from Goldendoodle parents is how high maintenance the coat is. Their coat requires quite a bit of brushing. Actually……a lot of brushing. At least 15 minutes a day! A little too easily. And those mats hurt and restrict body movement. Not only do you have to brush your Goldendoodle, but you also have to comb down to the skin, until the comb goes through the coat effortlessly. This means you will actually have to block out time from your day to physically brush your dog every single day. Otherwise, your doodle ends up completely knotted up. This leads to moisture becoming trapped in the coat once this happens, bacteria begins to grow and then your doodle will get hot spots and major skin issues. Putting your dog through that kind of torture for simple aesthetics is really uncool. To ask your dog groomer—who is more than likely an insanely over the top dog lover will feel awful torturing your dog for 3 hours as they try to hurriedly brush and pull out mats due to appointment restrictions. If you feel you have what it takes to brush your Doodle daily and keep them mat free, then a Goldendoodle is a great choice for you! If not. .Plus it can be dangerous, especially if you attempt to trim out matting. During quarantine I witnessed quite a few dogs with burns, cuts, nails quicked too short, and uneven faces and coat lengths. Some dogs were so burned by the clippers they needed vet attention. The cut caused the leg to get infected Luckily the dog was surrendered and ended up with a great life! They take longer to wash, dry, and trim. Almost times longer than many other dog breeds. Therefore, they cost more professionally. Your dog begins to lick these itchy areas and bites incessantly until the spot becomes red and irritated, sometimes bloody. Doodle with Skin Issues And sometimes if a Goldendoodle is bred poorly, they can have health and skin issues ranging from ear infections, hot spots, and skin allergies as well. Which is kinda gross considering your house will begin to smell the same way. I have groomed many sour-coated Goldendoodles that have smelled so bad, we had to air out the grooming salon. They tend to hold moisture and grow bacteria quickly. The trouble areas are usually underneath the ears, under the chin, their feet, and their sanitary booty and pee-pee areas. Getting on a regular bath and professional grooming schedule can help save your furniture, carpet, and bedding from getting that dog odor. Doodle Grooming Guide 7. This can sometimes be too much for people to handle. I have older clients that have Goldendoodles and sometimes they are too afraid to bring them in alone for fear of falling from being pulled holding the leash, or tripping over their Goldendoodle while trying to bring then in for a professional groom. Many times the mouthiness feels like extreme biting. However, training can fix most mouthiness cases. Goldendoodle Puppy 9. Shedding Many Goldendoodles do shed! Especially if they are a first-generation or F1, which is a Golden Retriever crossed with a Standard Poodle. And for this reason, I have witnessed many Goldendoodles either returned or given away, or sent to a rescue group or shelter. Goldendoodle Hair .Their friendliness results in jumping, barking, using their arms and feet, mouthing people, and of course—crotch sniffing. In some rare cases, Goldendoodles can be aggressive. Size Nowadays Goldendoodles come in a variety of sizes, ranging from toy to standard. I have witnessed countless Goldendoodles come out large, and large Goldendoodles come out small. They were supposed to only grow to 30lbs, but now weigh a whopping 90lbs! Dog Allergies Despite popular opinion, I can assure you that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Even if your dog is an FB doodle. All dogs have skin which sheds and all dogs have hair which sheds, some less than others. Otherwise, all of the pollen, dirt, leaves, and dust they come in contact with, will stick to their coat. Thus, creating an allergy-ridden furball running around the house. I feel like this just about covers many of the reasons I see Goldendoodle rehomed. Hopefully, all of these points can help you make a better, informed decision in regard to purchasing a Goldendoodle puppy! Join My Tribe to learn more about Pet Parenting! October 25, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The Goldendoodle, a hybrid breed that launched into popularity in the United States in the s and never left the top list, Goldendoodles are affectionate and smart dogs whose amiable personalities are well-suited for a variety of owners and lifestyles! How do you know if the Goldendoodle is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Goldendoodles! As we quickly stated earlier, the Goldendoodle is a hybrid, a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. Thanks to the success of Labradoodles Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross-breed , dog breeders began to intentionally breed Golden Retrievers with a range of Poodles, creating a variety of Goldendoodles in different coloring and sizes. What are Goldendoodles Breed Characteristics? Some distinguishable characteristics of the Goldendoodle include their sizing range, variety of coloring, and temperament. Goldendoodles can come in mini to standard size, thanks to the genes from their poodle side. Goldendoodles can weigh starting at 15 lbs for miniature sizes up to 80 Ilbs for standard. One of the most distinguishable features is their thick, soft, curly coats that are considered hypoallergenic because they shed less frequently than other dog breeds. What are Goldendoodles Personalities like? Goldendoodles love people! They are friendly, affectionate, and love to please. With the right amount of socialization, this breed will be a friend to everyone! However, their fun-loving personalities also bring a lot of high energy, jumpiness, and nippiness throughout puppyhood. This is important to remember especially if you have young children at home. Goldendoodles can make excellent family dogs, but proper training and boundaries must be started the moment you bring them home to help get them there! Think about your current living environment and where you plan to be in the next few years. That being said, if you were planning on adding a Goldendoodle to your life, consider that these pups do best in a home with enough space especially if you are getting a standard-sized Goldendoodle and a fenced in yard! While some Goldendoodles on the smaller range of the size scale work great for apartment dwelling, these are energetic breeds that need space to exercise and play. Regular walks and training sessions at a local park will help them expel some energy in a constructive way, and are highly recommended for this breed, especially if you live in a city environment! How to Care for Your Goldendoodle! Goldendoodles can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, hypothyroidism, and Gastric Dilation Volvulus Bloat. To avoid having to shave down their beautiful coats, daily brushing to remove mats is recommended, along with regular professional grooming appointments. Like all other breeds, having their nails trimmed and teeth brushed regularly will ensure they stay clean and healthy! Goldendoodle puppies are very smart and love to work! With consistent puppy training from an early age, they can master basic obedience skills quickly, and also move on to more advanced training, including therapy and service animal training. Start your puppy off on the right paw by establishing their daily puppy schedule complete with feeding, potty breaks, nap times, playtimes, and puppy training sessions! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your Goldendoodle puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Puppy training can provide your puppy with controlled socialization with other puppies under the supervision of a puppy trainer that can watch out for rough playing or dominant behaviors between puppies. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to great people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged Goldendoodles are very intelligent which means they love stimulating activities! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. You will learn to communicate with more body language and signals to focus your puppy at performing tasks necessary to help individuals that are incapable of doing it themselves. Respect their alone time. This is especially challenging for young kids when they can look like real-life stuffed animals! But, this constant handling can often cause some frustration for these young pups, having them act out with more nipping to try to make the petting stops, or growling, which can lead to more serious behavioral issues down the road. Make sure to give them dedicated time through the day to rest and their own space where they can be left alone to nap, unbothered. And always monitor young kids when they are interacting with the puppy so you can easily step in to give your puppy a break when they need it! Did you recently bring home a Goldendoodle puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Goldendoodle Size In recent years , Goldendoodles have become one of the most popular dog types for pet lovers across North America because of their wonderful Goldendoodle temperament, cuddly good looks and they make great family pets. These doodle mix pups are the offspring of two beloved dog breeds — golden retrievers and poodles. The crossbreed poodle mix of these two dogs in this breed group brings out the best of both lines. These dogs are affectionate, loving, kind, and accepting of strangers, making them an ideal choice for both new and experienced dog owners. The Goldendoodle puppy is one of the cutest! Five important things to know about Goldendoodle temperament 1. They do, however, have a very high energy level and a high activity level, and do best in households with enough space and time for lots of exercise. Goldendoodles love all the classic canine activities, such as fetch, long walks, and running. Many also love to explore water and can learn to swim, and they make great guide dogs, service dogs, and even therapy dogs. With plenty of exercises, most Goldendoodles display very little aggression and are very obedient. As your dog ages, you will want to watch for hip issues referred to as hip dysplasia. Most other health issues are minor. Though many top breeders offer trained Goldendoodles for adoption, these pups can also continue their training at home. Goldendoodles are very smart dogs and willing to learn new behaviors and commands with the help of positive reinforcement. Punishments such as hitting or shouting at a Goldendoodle are not recommended and can inhibit the Doodle training process. Crate training and alone time training are highly recommended, as Goldendoodles can suffer from separation anxiety. Socializing Is Good Goldendoodles are naturally curious, friendly dogs and calm around humans and, like their parent breeds, most are also fine around other dogs. This is especially true of professionally raised Goldendoodles that have lived around their littermates for at least the first eight weeks of life. They are both wonderful pets with beautiful curly coats, and both are easy to train. Goldendoodles can have some key personality differences, including more immediate friendliness with new people. Both of these doodle mixes benefit from an active lifestyle, but Goldendoodles can be slightly less energetic. As the offspring of two sporting class dogs, Goldendoodles share DNA with many popular hunting dogs. Goldendoodles can be known to chase smaller wild animals, including squirrels, chipmunks, and mice, so be sure to keep your friend on a leash during their first visits to the local park. In our training program, they will be introduced to other animals to build comfortability and tame curiosity. If you are considering adding a Goldendoodle to your family, you can be certain that it will bring plenty of love and fun into your home. Take a look at our available puppies or contact Pride and Prejudoodles today for more information. Speak to a member of our team to learn more You Should Know the Temperament of Goldendoodles Both the standard poodle and golden retriever were originally bred as a sporting breed. The Standard Poodle was originally bred as a retrieving dog specifically for the water! The Golden Retriever as its name would suggest was also bred to accompany his master on the hunt to retrieve game. Retrieving is a skill that requires dutiful obedience on the part of the dog and an active, alert disposition. In recent decades, the vast majority of poodles and golden retrievers have been bred for family pets rather than hunting companions, but their original roots remain. Golden retrievers in particular have been frequently bred for their obedience and service dog potential. And both breeds are quite athletic, tend to like retrieval games like fetch, and are overall moderately active dogs. Bred specifically for its small size and companionship, the Miniature Poodle tends to be more demanding of attention and can be more excitable and less docile than their standard-sized counterparts. Miniatures are still known for their intelligence and affection and combined with the little extra spunk they pack, they can make an ideal addition to the right family. This is something to consider if you are wanting a smaller version of the doodle. An amazing dog! Goldendoodles are known for their friendly, gentle dispositions and their eager-to-please attitudes. They are incredibly people-oriented and easy to train! They have a charming sense of humor and an uncanny ability to know when their humans could use an extra snuggle. This type of coat is very similar to the Golden Retriever hence the shedding. Wavy coats are still prone to some shedding but are fairly easy as far as grooming - typically only requiring brushing a couple times a week to avoid matting. This type of coat is a good middle blend between the two breeds. The curly coat will be ultra-low shedding and is best for people with allergies, but it will require more frequent brushing to prevent matting. We find that they shed about as much as a human — so you will see hair in the brush when you comb them, but it will not be all over your floors and furniture as with most other non-doodle dog breeds. Your breeder should be able to tell what type of coats the pups have from an early age. At JLDD we love our multigenerational litters. Adding more poodle generally equates to a curlier coat and less shedding as seen in a F1b or multigenerational doodle. When bred down correctly such as coat testing completed on parent dogs then a breeder can ensure to only pass on the non-shedding gene to the next generation, so the result is an ultra low-shedding dog! Helpful Tip Alert! The trademark temperament and low-shedding coat of this breed do not necessarily mean this is a low-maintenance dog. When considering the athletic breed backgrounds of this dog as well as their very high intelligence, its no surprise that goldendoodles do require a lot of human attention. This is what makes the breed incredibly easy to train and great for first time dog owners but it also means that your goldendoodle will not be happy to spend his days alone in the backyard. The same intuitive, sensitive nature that makes the goldendoodle an excellent therapy dog candidate, also means that your pup will want to be with you all the time! If you are not prepared to never watch Netflix alone again, then the goldendoodle may not be the best fit for you! Most goldendoodles tend to be a second shadow to their owners and follow them around the house and are up for being a companion on any adventure! This is not a sedentary dog and will require some kind of physical exercise several times a week in order to be at his best. Finally, many people are attracted to the Goldendoodle for its minimally shedding coat. But this does not mean the coat is low maintenance. We have had owners groom their doodles themselves to save on costs, but it is certainly still a significant commitment to keep your dood looking fresh and mat-free! In conclusion, if you are prepared for a dog that enjoys an active lifestyle, lots of human interaction and mental stimulation and you have a plan for coat maintenance, the Goldendoodle is a great fit for you! View All Articles in Goldendoodle Grooming Goldendoodle Lifespan The great thing about Goldendoodles and other hybrid breeds is that they generally live long and healthy lives. Nonetheless, Goldendoodles are still at risk of certain health conditions , so you should be aware of the risks associated with them. By the way, choosing the right breeder will also go a long way in contributing to their lifespan and quality of life. More on that later. All in all, Goldendoodles have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. As a general rule of thumb, smaller Toy and Mini Goldendoodles tend to outlive their larger Standard Goldendoodle counterparts. This is common across all dog breeds. Therefore, we can expect the average lifespan of Toy and Mini Goldendoodles to be around 12 to 15 years. Meanwhile, Medium and Standard Goldendoodles may have a slightly shorter life expectancy of 10 to 13 years. One of the most important aspects of owning a Goldendoodle puppy is making sure that you have the space, time, and energy to care for one. Instead, you may want to consider getting a Toy or Mini Goldendoodle. Be sure to also check out our full puppy checklist here. The real work begins the moment your Goldendoodle puppy arrives home. As the day gets closer, you should also be prepared for the first night with your new puppy. This way, both of you will have a much easier time adjusting to the new family dynamic. Once your new puppy gets home, you should start with potty training , crate training , obedience training , puppy socialization , and leash training as soon as possible. This will help establish good behaviors and also help your pup to grow into a well-rounded and confident adult. If you struggle with certain behavioral problems, this guide will surely help you out. In terms of grooming and personal hygiene, this step-by-step guide on how to groom a Goldendoodle at home would be an excellent resource. Likewise, you should learn the basics of line brushing , since Goldendoodles are quite tangle prone dogs. In addition to that, our ultimate guide to dog nail trimming covers everything you should know about the topic. You may also want to learn more about Goldendoodle teething — the timeline, symptoms, and our top tips for caring for a teething puppy. For more resources on caring for Goldendoodle puppies, be sure to check out all of our Doodle Puppyhood Survival Guides. As we briefly mentioned earlier, choosing a reputable breeder is crucial if you do decide to adopt your puppy from a breeder. First of all, reputable breeders follow responsible breeding guidelines. This means that they only use health and DNA tested parents in their breeding programs, provide genetic health guarantees, and utilize various forms of enrichment methods to raise healthy, well-socialized, and well-rounded Goldendoodle puppies. You may also want to check out this article on Doodle scammers and puppy mills — a growing problem all across the globe. Goldendoodle is such an amazing breed, we cannot stop raving about these Doods! Goldendoodles are affectionate, fun-loving, social, and intelligent pups. They also tend to get along super well with children, provided that your Goldendoodle puppy has been properly socialized from an early age. For this reason, Goldendoodles make excellent companions for families with children, but also singles and couples. As intelligent and easily trainable as they are, Goldendoodles often have the tendency to be vocal. To be more precise, barking is a common problem that many Goldendoodle owners struggle with. Training is also vital here, as teaching your Goldendoodle puppy from a young age will help establish good behaviors. Are Goldendoodles High Maintenance? Indeed, some people would say that Goldendoodles are high maintenance when it comes to their coat care and grooming needs. Goldendoodles are prone to matting, which means that these pups need to be regularly brushed, bathed, and have their hair trimmed every few weeks or so. In fact, to prevent those knots and tangles from forming into full-blown mats, you should brush your Goldendoodle every single day. Goldendoodle Puppies Final Thoughts Goldendoodles make wonderful companions, but before you adopt one of these cuddly pups, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. From their size and grooming needs to their energy levels and lifespan, Goldendoodles require quite a bit of care and attention. These furry little bundles of joy will fill your days with happiness, laughter, and unconditional love.

This thoughtfully crafted dog food is formulated to meet the unique nutritional requirements of Labrador Retriever puppies up to 15 months old. It contains premium proteins and prebiotics for optimal digestion and energy. With vitamin E and minerals, it supports the immune system and overall health. The kibble size and texture promote dental health. This puppy food provides a tasty and balanced diet to support healthy growth and development, making it an excellent choice for Labrador Retriever puppy owners. This nutritious dog food is made with real chicken and eggs and provides essential vitamins and minerals for healthy digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. It also supports strong bones and healthy skin and coat. Its balanced nutrition and delicious taste make it a satisfying choice for adult Labrador dogs. This high-quality dog food offers a complete nutritional profile at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value-for-money option for pet parents seeking to provide their dogs with a nutritious diet. How to find the best Labrador dog food? Selecting the optimal dog food for your Labrador necessitates the meticulous evaluation of various factors. Look for high-quality ingredients: Choose dog foods that contain high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and are free from artificial preservatives and fillers. Choose a formula for Labrador Retrievers: Some dog food brands offer recipes designed explicitly for Labrador Retrievers, considering their unique nutritional needs. Suitability with age: Age factors matter a lot when choosing Labrador dog food. Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have different dietary requirements, so select a formula appropriate for your dog's age. Read the online reviews to get an idea of how other dog owners feel about a particular dog food brand. You may be interested in Product. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review An additional reason for there being specific food for puppies is the pieces are smaller which not only prevents them from choking, it also makes the food easier to digest. The pieces are richer, denser and the ideal size for smaller mouths. These ingredients are where your pup gets the nutrients they need to grow and live, nutrients that are sadly lacking in the cheaper dog foods. With foods that are a bit more expensive, your pooch can eat a more well-balanced meal and enjoy it. They eat more, they poop more, and this means house training becomes much harder for you. What you feed your puppy is a major factor in the success of your house training process. Firstly, dry food tends to be more complete and balanced with the correct amount of vital nutrients in it. The ingredients tend to be of better quality as long as you pick the right brand. Plus, dry food helps to keep teeth strong due to being a solid food, and the slightly abrasive nature of the solid food has a natural teeth cleaning effect. It also lasts far longer than cans as you need to feed less of it. Recommended Best Puppy Food For Labs And Large Breeds In this next section we give you 4 of the best foods on the market made from high quality ingredients but still available at a reasonable price. These foods will provide your puppy with all the nutrients they need in just the right mix and quantities, not just so they survive, but so they can truly thrive. Deboned chicken is high quality chicken protein, whereas the chicken and turkey meal is a concentrate. It is nutrient rich with vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A as well as containing minerals like zinc, iron and calcium. It even has some fruit content like apples and blueberries. The Lactobacillus acidophilus, green tea extract and rosemary extract are all known to help prevent infections. This is a very high-quality food your puppy will truly thrive on and is our top recommendation as the best puppy food for labs. However, if price is no object, K9 is certainly one of the best foods available! K9 Natural Grain-Free Puppy Freeze-Dried Dog Food gives your puppy all the benefits of raw food, aiming for optimum levels of growth and development — not too fast nor stunted — and for lean muscle mass and peak conditioning. Its main ingredient is grass-fed New Zealand beef. And this is rounded out by whole food ingredients like flaxseed, kelp, New Zealand mussel, fruits and veggies, and hoki oil which provides DHA for EPA for healthy brain and eye development. It gets a big thumbs up from us. The first ingredient is bison and is a high quality meat product. The next ingredient is lamb meal, which has a large amount of protein in it being a meat concentrate, percent more than fresh lamb meat. The third highest ingredient is sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of complex carbs. They contain fiber and beta carotene. In fact, this food consists of approx. This provides your puppy with a source of energy ideal for his busy puppy lifestyle. Overall, this food is highly recommended and your puppy should thrive on it. They also allow regular independent inspections of their manufacturing process and source ingredients the US, EU and NZ. So quality control is well taken care of. The large breed puppy formula contains a scientifically formulated balance of proteins, fats, phosphorous and calcium in just the right amounts and proportions to promote a healthy rate of bone and muscle development, highly important for large breed puppies where excessive nutrients can be just as harmful as malnutrition. The food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for the health of connective soft tissues which is reassuring for large breeds, and especially Labradors, who can suffer from many joint problems in life. It also contains omega oils for healthy brain development, as well as other fatty acids known to promote healthy skin and coat. So Eukanuba large breed puppy food comes recommended. The fiber in it will help with digestion while it has antioxidants that are known to help keep your dog healthy for many years to come. Royal Canin Breed Specific Labrador Puppy Royal Canin is a very well-known brand with lots of positive reviews from past and present dog owners on Amazon. It has an above average protein content than the minimum recommended for your dog, coming in at 31 percent protein at dry weight. The protein it has comes mostly from chicken by-product meal which is considered somewhat low quality and consists of whatever is left after chickens are slaughtered. However, it does NOT — as you might read elsewhere — consist of anything from feet to beaks. According to dogfoodadvisor. After chicken by-product meal, the second ingredient in this food is brewers rice. The fourth ingredient is corn gluten meal which is a residue left over once most of the useful, starchy carbohydrates have been washed out of it. With such popularity, high ratings and reviews with so many people saying their dogs thrive on this, there must be some truth to it. The third to 5th ingredients are wholesome whole grains that provide high energy from complex carbohydrates that are easy to digest. These are far better than corn and most other sources of carbs found in cheaper foods that are hard for a puppy to get any nutrition from. Out of everything in this product, 40 percent of it is protein, which is higher than average. About 14 percent of it is fat, and of the remainder, 38 percent is carbs. And the omega oils may help reduce risk of developing arthritis. Not only this, but Labradors are a large breed and are more sensitive to nutritional imbalances than smaller breeds. You really do need to get their diet right to do the best for them. Luckily, many brands of food specifically aimed at large breeds and Labradors have been created that provide everything they need in just the right amounts, that are easy for an owner to feed by simply following instructions on the packet. I know there is a lot of conflicting advice out there when it comes to dog food and it can be a nightmare to wade through if trying to find the best puppy food for Labs. So hopefully this article has been of some use to you. A very good resource that does good work for dog food quality awareness. Check them out! Please be aware this page contains affiliate links and Labrador Training HQ receives a small commission if you make a purchase through any such links. This has no effect on the eventual price you pay and we are very grateful for your support. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Increase portions as your puppy grows. Be sure to follow the rule of dog treats. This is about changes over time. Nutritional deficiency or excess can lead to disease and ultimately death. You may have noticed that your dog has dandruff after changing food, but the food is really good — try adding levels of zinc and vitamin A. Your main task as a pet owner is to monitor the health of a small family member and be responsible for this life. Image credit: canva. The first one is a protein that can be found in meat, poultry, fish, yogurt, and cooked eggs. Protein is responsible for the structure of muscles and tissues, as well as the formation and growth of new cells. In the diet for a Labrador puppy, it is imperative to include carbohydrates that are found in brown rice, potatoes, and wheat. Carbohydrates supply the body with glucose, which is responsible for the functioning of the brain and nervous system. An obligatory component of dog food is fats. It is a source of energy, development, and functioning of the cells and muscles of the body. Fats are included in oil and even fish oil. Puppy food for Labs or any other dog includes a certain amount of minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and others. Minerals in dog food form bones and cartilage and balance the nerves. It promotes the production of hormones in the Lab puppies, regulates the balance of fluids in the body, and transports oxygen into the blood. Like people, dog and puppy foods should include plenty of water. Water is life! Once in the body, they strengthen bones, and teeth and fill the Labrador puppy with energy. Cost point Every time you buy pet food, you think about the issue of price. Of course, cost is important when making a purchasing decision. You should be aware that higher-quality puppy food can cost more than the average price. Your dog is an irreplaceable member of your family, which must be protected and loved with all your heart. Risks and diseases Lab owners should know well about all risks and diseases that their dogs may face. Numerous studies confirm that the Labrador Retriever breed is prone to digestive sensitivities and skin allergies due to irritating foods. This leads to pruritic diseases. Skin allergies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract are severe. Labs are prone to obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight and body is considered an important point of caring for a dog. In general, Labrador Retrievers should have a taut, hourglass-shaped figure. Obesity puts additional stress on bones and joints and makes it difficult to stay healthy. To combat weight gain, you need to exercise your dog with certain physical exercises, follow a proper diet, control portion sizes, and receive treats. Another disease caused by malnutrition is Gastric dilatation-volvulus. In short, this is boating. Indigestion is a severe problem that should not be ignored. The worst risk is death from the musculoskeletal disorder of muscles, nerves, joints, arthritis, and spinal discs. Also, you should be aware that feed processing of dog foods affects the occurrence and development of cancer. Dry food is cooked at a very high temperature, which leads to the formation of harmful chemical elements in the body of the dog. Such food also contains carbohydrates, which break down into cancer-causing glucose. You can combine dog food with homemade recipe food for your pet yourself. Moreover, it is a good way of feeding your dog if the dog food at home is over or there is very little left, but you need to extend the time until the next purchase. Dogs fed solely on home-cooked or combined diets lived for about 13 years, while those fed only processed food lived for about 10 years. Like human food, it can be chewed easily. Food is broken down in the body so that key nutrients are absorbed more quickly. Such food facilitates digestion and relaxes the stomach. Reducing stress on the digestive system reduces the likelihood of bloating. If you still decide to cook homemade food, follow the rules. Study each ingredient. Cook all animal products for the exact finish to kill harmful bacteria. Risks of homemade dog food Most of the problems are caused by a misunderstanding of the nutritional needs of the Labrador. If you do not understand the effect of food on the body of your pet, which reaction is correct and which can lead to negative consequences and different stages of life, contact a professional veterinarian who can tell you in detail about the effect of food on the body of a dog and how to properly form a pet diet. What food is best for a Labrador puppy? We made for you the list of the best puppy food for Labrador puppies. We can highlight the most noteworthy products from this list. Should I feed my Lab puppy dry or wet food? Mix dry and wet food. What is better to choose — opinions are different. But if you are in doubt about which puppy food to choose, consult your veterinarian. What is the recommended amount of water for a puppy? Older pups that have been nursed require one-half ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight. What do you feed an 8-week-old Lab puppy? An 8-week-old puppy should be fed several small meals a day. After 14 weeks, the Lab puppy can switch to two meals a day. Food for a Labrador puppy should be full of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for healthy development. Giving treats is fine, but remember that Labradors are prone to overeating and gaining weight quickly. Also, try to give treats for obedience. You can choose canned food and dry food for your dog as you wish but you should always think about the effect of this dog food on your dog. Hope this article was helpful for you and that your pet will grow healthy and strong. Active, eager to please and easy to train — with the waggiest of tails and smiliest of doggy faces — when it comes to being a good-natured family pet, Labrador Retrievers tick all the boxes. How trendy is your dog? The breed has certainly come a long way from its hard-working Canadian roots — in 16th century Newfoundland, the ancestors of the Labrador Retrievers we know and love today were used to help fishermen retrieve nets and lost lines and pull carts loaded with fish. Labs will try their hardest to beg, steal or borrow just about any kind of food , even if it will do them absolutely no good at all. Sensitive puppy food is suitable for feeding Labrador puppies from 6 weeks to 12 months old. Shop sensitive puppy food. A recent scientific study has shown that a gene alteration specifically found in Labs indicates greater food-motivated behaviour than in other breeds. Researchers discovered that this variation occurs more frequently in Labradors chosen as assistance dogs and might explain why these canines seem more trainable with food rewards. When searching for the best diet for Labradors, look for recipes that are made from premium ingredients such as lamb , turkey and salmon to ensure excellent quality and superior taste. Shop high-quality Burgess dog food. Dogs need a balance of vitamins and minerals, and their food must contain zinc and copper supplements. They also need a little bit of fibre in their diet to help maintain a healthy gut. Burgess Sensitive dog food range caters for your dog at every stage of their life — all the way through from puppy to senior. Sensitive puppy food is suitable for Labrador puppies from 6 weeks to 12 months old and nursing mothers. Sensitive adult dog food is designed for dogs over the age of 12 months. For dogs over the age of 7, sensitive senior dog food is the perfect food for your Labrador dog. Our Labrador has a sensitive stomach and took to this change of food well. Healthy and balanced! We tried various diets, and this was the only one that settled him. She produces smaller poos! Dry kibble dog food is widely acknowledged to be a great way to deliver a nutritious, balanced, complete diet. The best dry food for adult and puppy Labradors is carefully crafted to provide exactly the right balance of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fats that your dog needs, in an easy-to-feed form. When introducing a new food to your dog, you should do it gradually to avoid upsetting their digestion. Mix in the new food with the old over a period of 7 to 10 days until the new food completely replaces the old diet. How often should you feed a Labrador Retriever and how much? Puppies, with their small stomachs need three or four small meals a day, while adult dogs generally have two meals a day. Sometimes, elderly dogs benefit from three or four smaller meals. If you feed treats for training or when out on walks, this should also be taken into account. Remember that treats should be just that — something special, fed occasionally, in small amounts. Feeding frenzy? While some dogs like to savour every mouthful of their food, you might find that when feeding your Labrador puppy or adult dog, that they scoff down their dinner in seconds, which is really not good for them. Eating food too fast can cause digestive upsets, some of which can be very serious, requiring immediate veterinary attention. By switching the food you are feeding them to something more nutritionally beneficial you may be able to change your Lab's eating behaviour and allow them to slow down. What foods are dangerous to Labrador Retrievers? Here are some of the main foods that are dangerous for dogs and should be avoided in a Labrador diet. If you suspect your Lab has eaten any of the following, consult your vet immediately. Alcoholic beverages Can cause intoxication, coma, and death. Chocolate, coffee, tea Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous system. Fat trimmings Pits from peaches and plums Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract. Grapes and raisins Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. Gravy If made from meat juices, it can contain high levels of fat, which can cause pancreatitis. Large amounts of liver Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones. Macadamia nuts Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle. Milk and other dairy products Some adult dogs do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhoea. Mouldy or spoiled food Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhoea and can also affect other organs. Mushrooms Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death. Onions and garlic raw, cooked, or powder Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia. Garlic is less toxic than onions. Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves; potato and tomato stems Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. This is more of a problem in livestock. Raw eggs Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain salmonella. Raw fish Can result in a thiamine a B vitamin deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly. Excessive salt If eaten in large quantities, it may lead to electrolyte imbalances. Sugary foods Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus. Table scraps in large amounts Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced and if excessively fed can lead to obesity. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed. Xylitol This artificial sweetener sneaks its way into all sorts of foods — from peanut butter to jellies and jams and is highly toxic to canines. After a dog consumes a significant amount of xylitol, there is a massive release of insulin from the pancreas. This, in turn, results in a dangerously low blood sugar level and symptoms such as weakness, trembling, seizures, collapse, and even death. Is a Labrador Retriever the right breed for you? These easy-going, rewarding dogs have high energy levels, and will thrive on lots of attention, positive reward-based training , plenty of exercise as well as the right nutrition to keep them happy and healthy throughout their lives. Making sure he or she gets the proper nutrients is one of the most important, if not the most, an important part of your job. The health and happiness of your big pooch depend on it. Whatever you do and whatever you choose, remember to pay attention to your dog, not the food. Read the labels on the packaging carefully, mentally taking note of all the good ingredients and all the ones to avoid. This alone should help you choose the best dog food for your Labrador. Image by Patrick Zbasnik from Pixabay We cannot stress enough that cutting back on puppy food is something you should not do. Do not sacrifice quality to save a few bucks. Kibble Other than the ingredients, wet or dry dog food options are also something to think about. For your Labrador pup, kibble could be a better option. Why is that? Well, dry food tends to have more complete and balanced nutrition. Everything included in a dry food recipe will be tailored to the specific ratios most suitable for your pup. Check out some of the best grain-free puppy food choices. Another important benefit to eating kibble over wet food is that larger breed kibble is bigger. This slows down their eating habits and prevents bloating, a potentially fatal health issue. Dry kibble benefits the owner as well. It is easier to store and lasts longer than wet canned food. And last but not least, the price point is significantly lower, and it will put less strain on your finances. Just make sure they get enough water at all times to stay hydrated. Chondroitin and Glucosamine These are the two ingredients in dog food that specifically treat joint problems. You can find them in supplement form on shelves at the supermarket, but ingesting them through food intake is the best way. Taurine and L-Carnitine Taurine is a protein chemical. Chicken is often found in pup food as the main ingredient. Look for these two ingredients when buying food for Labrador puppies. Look for food with a higher calorie count, fat and protein than adult dog food because puppies grow at such a rapid rate. Speaking of adult dog food, read more in this article to know if your puppy can eat adult dog food. The best food for lab puppies will have the right amount of everything, perfectly balanced. The answer is yes. A puppy needs more nutrition than an adult, as they are still growing. Because Labradors are large breed dogs, make sure you get food for larger breeds. Dog food for them will be formulated with ingredients to meet their unique health requirements, many of which are bone and joint related. If you get dog food that is breed-specific, the food will be developed for their digestive, coat and energy needs. The brands will make sure their food meets the caloric intake needs of your Labrador puppy. Check this article to know if your dog needs large-breed food. Vegetables are as good for them as they are for us! What they get from vegetables are the proper vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The brighter the vegetable, the more antioxidants it will have. Here is a small list of what other ingredients to look for. Vitamin A and E — For a healthy coat and a strong immune system. Calcium but not too much and phosphorus — These are for bone and dental health. DHA — This is for healthy cognitive development. What Ingredients Should I Avoid? By-Products Everything tastes good to your dog. They could use disturbing things like rendered parts from the slaughterhouse as meat fillers. Extremely unappetizing! Artificial Ingredients Artificial ingredients are not added for health benefits. If made with good quality ingredients, your Labrador puppy dog will love the taste of their food. Cost For a lot of us, the cost of puppy food is a big concern. Higher quality and more expensive brands will use better ingredients. Conclusion Every little piece of advice here is a general suggestion. As we always say, look at the dog, not the food. Monitor their exercise levels to determine if they are getting the right amount of nutrients in their food. Your vet should be your best friend aside from your Labrador when choosing the right food for your dog. To make sure your feeding habits are doing your dog good, you can take your large pooch to the vet to get an evaluation every few weeks. When a dog is spayed or neutered, their need for energy consumption decreases. Expert Tip Try a basic stainless steel doggie bowl for feeding your pup. As for water, try a heavier bowl. Did You Know? This globally loved breed is one that continuously makes it onto the top 10 lists for the best animal for a family, easiest to train, dogs that great with kids etc. But did you know that this popular breed originates from Canada? High five to all the Canadians out there! They come in three distinct colors: Yellow butter , chocolate brown and black. Labs are from the north and they love water since they are retriever dogs after all. If you have a Lab puppy, be sure to take a look at our life jackets for dogs article! Jess Jess is so thankful for the loyalty and love from her fur babies. Similar Posts. Your Lab puppy is going to require a different balance of nutrients than an adult Lab. Different dog breeds are susceptible to different genetic health conditions. Larger breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Nutrition plays a vital role in preventing certain health issues. In recent years concern has been raised about a possible link between grain-free and non-grain-free diets that list legumes high on their ingredient list causing heart disease. This may be of consequence to Labradors as the breed is more prone to heart conditions than others. This does not just include Labs, but owners of any large or giant dog breed should be aware of this important information so they can make the most well-informed decision. Image Credit: Didkovska Ilona, Shutterstock Choosing the Best Food While having a list of the best puppy foods is a great start, you still must narrow it down to one. So, how does one choose from a list of great choices? Below we will cover some of the most important things to consider before making your final choice. What Does Your Veterinarian Recommend? Chances are that your veterinarian has dealt with purebred Labrador Retrievers many times before. Dog Food Brand You want to ensure you are choosing a dog food brand that is reputable. Finding a brand that is made with veterinary nutritionists and is backed by scientific research is ideal. If a brand advertises that they participate in AAFCO feeding trials, this means they have invested in research to ensure there are no nutritional deficiencies in the food. The ingredients in any pet food will help you determine the quality of the food. Look for foods that contain real meat as the number one ingredient. Below is a list of ingredients that are best avoided: Ingredients to Avoid. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies.

Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. Litter planned for late Fall .Please check back for updates. We do not place colors based on potential puppy buyers preferences. While we will consider your preference for markings and sex, we ultimately will place pups based on temperament and what will best match said new family. If this is not going to work for you, please look elsewhere. She was expertly handled by her bestie Sonda Peterson all weekend. We're so proud of these two! Erie, "UKC Ch. We are SO proud of these two!! Erie is first in her litter to fininish, and first CH. We believe in proper health testing, and we do not support backyard breeders nor puppymills. Though we do not breed often, when we do plan a litter, we to strive to produce healthy, long-lived, conformationally and temperamentally sound boxers. We believe in a "well-rounded" boxer, with beauty, brains and longevity as well. Because we believe boxers are more than just a pretty face, we hope to maintain the working aspect of our breed, and believe our dogs should be able to excel in performance and working events as well. We support the choice to crop and dock, and also appreciate the "au natural" boxer. Our boxers are not just show dogs nor are they just working and performance prospects, they are first and foremost members of our family and the same goes for puppies we have placed. We want to thank Maribess Johnson, our wonderful friend and mentor who started this all. She was the only one to take a chance on us when we were just a "couple of college kids". We have answers. Am I limited to choosing local Boxer puppies, or can I look elsewhere? You can look wherever you like! One of the great things about our network is that ALL the businesses and breeders we work with know all about Boxer San Jose puppy travel. So no matter where you live or where the breeder is located, they can put your puppy on a plane to your nearest major airport. How does your screening process for breeders work? You can take a look at those standards in our Breeder Pledge. They cover all aspects of animal breeding and care - breeder knowledge, ethical standards, cleanliness, legal compliance, and more. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other dog breeding networks? At Uptown, we carefully examine and screen all of the applicants to our network - and we only work with the very best out there. What is a puppy mill like for dogs? A puppy mill is like a factory, churning out as many puppies as possible for maximum profit. A Boxer for sale San Jose bought from a puppy mill could have expensive medical conditions and behavioural problems. Are there any Boxer puppies available for me to buy right now? Where do Boxer dogs come from? The origins of the Boxer breed lie in the late s. They were bred from a mix of dogs, including the Bulldog and the German Bullenbeisser. They were first imported into American around , and they quickly became popular. What should I expect from the average Boxer? But as friendly as they are, Boxers also make effective guard dogs. How does the Uptown Puppies process actually work? We get applications from some of the best Boxer breeders from all over America, and we only admit the very best to our network. You can take a look through our list of approved businesses, browsing through Boxer puppies San Jose and upcoming litters. The process is quick, efficient, and stress free. How big a breed are Boxers? It's usual for a male boxer to be around 25 inches and to weigh between 65 to 80 pounds. Females tend to be between 21 to 25 inches, and generally weigh from 50 to 65 pounds. Look no further! We have a network of trusted breeders who ensure that our puppies are healthy, happy, and ready to be your new furry best friend. What are Boxer puppies? Boxer puppies trace their origin to 19th-century Germany, where they were developed as versatile working dogs. Around the mids, German breeders aimed to create a loyal and courageous dog capable of performing various tasks. They crossed Bullenbeissers with Bulldogs and selected for traits like strength, intelligence, and agility. The result was the Boxer we know today. Boxers quickly gained popularity as police and military dogs due to their loyalty, trainability, and protective instincts. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC in , solidifying their status as a distinct breed. Over time, Boxers transitioned from working roles to beloved companions and show dogs. Their friendly demeanor, boundless energy, and affectionate nature make them cherished family pets worldwide. The origin of Boxer puppies is a testament to the careful breeding and selection that have crafted a breed known for its remarkable combination of strength, intelligence, and affection. Temperament of Boxers Boxers are known for their playful and energetic temperament. They are intelligent dogs that are eager to please and love to learn new things. Boxers are loyal and protective of their family, making them great watchdogs. They are also affectionate and make great companions for children and adults alike. With proper training and socialization, Boxers make great family pets. We offer a vast selection of healthy and happy Boxer puppies that will make excellent family pets. With our commitment to quality and affordability, we make it easy for you to find your new furry best friend. About Vincent Hello! Are you looking for a lifelong companion? Look no further. I am here and just perfect for you. Trust me! I am very loyal, and I can make you smile with just the way I wag my tail. I have a wonderful disposition. Oh, silly me! Well, choose me today!

Intelligent Pug Characteristics Pugs are extremely playful and love to interact with their owners. They also get along well with other animals, especially cats and other dogs. They're most known for: Friendly Easy going Health Issues Because these dogs have only been bred for a few years, there has been no study on whether there are any specific health issues being produced from these crosses. In order to get a better idea of which health problems a puppy might face, you must research the parent breeds involved, and take a look at health issues that are common to them. The average reported lifespan of these dogs is between 12 to 15 years. Boxers can be prone to cardiomyopathy , bloat, hip dysplasia , and hypothyroidism , among other possible health threats. Pugs can be prone to obesity, breathing problems , eye problems, and skin problems. Boston Terriers are prone to eye problems , heart problems, epilepsy, and skin problems. Fox Terriers can be prone to Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, congenital hypothyroidism with goiter, and primary lens luxation, among other health issues. Rat Terriers can be prone to allergies, dental problems, and patellar luxation. Corgis are prone to eye problems, glaucoma , and progressive retinal atrophy. Beagles are prone to epilepsy , intervertebral disk disease, and tumbling puppy syndrome. English Bulldogs are prone to a long list of health concerns, including obesity, heat stroke, elongated soft palate , heart disease, and more. Keep in mind that a particular pup might never face one of these health issues, but the possibility could be there in the gene pool, so it's good to be aware. Are you InTheKnow? Sign up for our newsletter featuring all the latest stories and products we love. Invalid email I agree to receive email communications from LoveToKnow. The breeding procedures used to create this mix are extremely controversial. Many " miniature " dogs have been heavily inbred, so it's not uncommon for them to develop genetic disorders or become ill at a young age, even from a reputable breeder. The miniature Boxer is also a high-energy breed that requires a hands-on owner. They aren't meant for owners with sedentary lifestyles or those who reside in apartments. Because the miniature Boxer sheds, it may not be suitable for those looking for a hypoallergenic dog breed. If you understand the cons, there are many pros to this breed. Since they are smaller than Boxers, they are less expensive to feed and easier to care for. They require slightly less exercise than the original breed and can do well in smaller spaces, even if they aren't ideal apartment dogs. This mix is family-friendly, intelligent, eager to please, and easy to train. Also, they're relatively affordable to purchase as puppies. Finding Miniature Boxer Puppies for Sale When looking for a breeder of miniature Boxers, make sure you do your due diligence. Before you decide to do business, take the time to investigate the breeder fully to make sure you'll receive exactly what you're paying for. There are many unscrupulous breeders producing designer dogs, and you want to make sure the breeder can provide a health guarantee. The breeder should demonstrate that they are breeding to create dogs with excellent health and temperament. Because these dogs are not recognized by the top registry organizations and are not bred in large numbers, you may have to search for them online as well as locally through sites such as Craigslist to see if you can locate a breeder. Cost of a Miniature Boxer Puppy Because these dogs are not popular yet, they can be relatively expensive. Dog Clubs The miniature Boxer is not a recognized breed, but it may become one as some point in the future. If you'd like to register your pet with a dog club, both the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Certified Pet Registry take registrations for various crosses that produce this type of dog. Spend Time With These Dogs Before you bring one of these pups home, spend some time at several breeders' kennels so you can get to know the dogs in person. This is the surest way to find out if a Miniature Boxer will fit your lifestyle, as well as which particular cross you prefer. Getting a puppy is a commitment for the life of the dog, so be sure about your choice. Further information: Bullenbeisser Friedrich Robert and his boxer, The Boxer is a hunting mastiff developed in Germany in the late 19th century from the now extinct Bullenbeisser , a dog of English Mastiff descent, and Bulldogs brought in from Great Britain. Its task was to seize the prey and hold it until the hunters arrived. In later years, faster dogs were favored and a smaller Bullenbeisser was bred in Brabant , in northern Belgium. The Brabanter Bullenbeisser is generally accepted as being a direct ancestor of today's Boxer. The club went on to publish the first Boxer breed standard in , a detailed document that has not been changed much since. During World War I , the Boxer was co-opted for military work, acting as a valuable messenger dog, pack carrier, attack dog , and guard dog. Taken home by returning soldiers, the dog was introduced to a wider audience and soon became a favorite as a companion, a show dog, and a guard dog. Boxer early genealogy chart Flocki, the first Boxer German citizen George Alt, a Munich resident, mated a brindle-colored female dog imported from France named Flora with a local dog of unknown ancestry, known simply as "Boxer", resulting in a fawn-and-white male, named Lechner's Box after its owner. This dog was mated with his own dam, Flora, and one of his offspring was a female called Alt's Schecken. George Alt mated Schecken with a Bulldog named Dr. Flocki was the first Boxer to enter the German Stud Book after winning the aforementioned show for St. Bernards in Munich , which was the first event to have a class specific for Boxers. Blanka von Angertor, Flocki's sister, was even more influential when mated with Piccolo von Angertor Lechner's Box grandson to produce the predominantly white particolored female dog Meta von der Passage, which, even bearing little resemblance with the modern Boxer standard early photographs depict her as too long, weak-backed, and down-faced , is considered the mother of the breed. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white particolor, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing female, few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day pedigrees. Combined with Wotan and Mirzl children, they made the Boxer. Breed name[ edit ] The name "Boxer" is supposedly derived from the breed's tendency to play by standing on its hind legs and " boxing " with its front paws. Brace's Pet Owner's Guide to the Boxer, this theory is the least plausible explanation. At that time, the spelling "baxer" equalled "boxer". Both the verb boxen [English "to box, to punch, to jab"] and the noun Boxer were common German words as early as the late 18th century. The term Boxl, also written Buxn or Buchsen in the Bavarian dialect, means "short leather trousers" or "underwear". The very similar-sounding term Boxerl, also from the Bavarian dialect, is an endearing term for Boxer. These dogs were the result from mixes of Bullenbeisser and other similar breeds. Bier beer probably refers to the Biergarten, the typical Munich beer garden, an open-air restaurant where people used to take their dogs along. The nickname "Deutscher Boxer" was derived from Bierboxer and Boxer could also be a corruption of the former or a contraction of the latter. This seems improbable. Any such action would likely result in a badly bitten if not broken leg. On the other hand, a German breeder of 40 years' experience states positively that the Boxer does not use his feet, except to try to extinguish a small flame such as a burning match. But a Boxer does box with his head. He will hit not bite a cat with his muzzle hard enough to knock it out and he will box a ball with his nose. Or perhaps, since the German dictionary translates Boxer as "prize-fighter", the name was bestowed in appreciation of the fighting qualities of the breed rather than its technique. Boxer is also the name of a dog owned by John Peerybingle, the main character in the best-selling book The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens , which is evidence that "Boxer" was commonly used as a dog name by the early 19th century, before the establishment of the breed by the end of that same century. A brindle Boxer with two white socks Brindle, fawn, and white Boxer puppies See also: Dog health A healthy Boxer puppy Leading health issues to which Boxers are prone include cancers , heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy the so-called " Boxer cardiomyopathy " , [35] hypothyroidism , hip dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy; other conditions that may be seen are gastric dilatation volvulus also known as bloat , intestinal problems, and allergies although these may be more related to diet than breed. An emerging health concern among boxers is Boxer Juvenile Kidney Disease JKD , where the kidneys do not develop normally during gestation and leads to chronic renal failure. There is strong evidence to suggest JKD is an inherited condition in boxers with research being undertaken by the University of Ohio to determine the gene mutation, as well as other work separately by the UK Boxer Breeder Council. Mortality due to infection increases significantly with increases in inbreeding. The breed is particularly predisposed to mast cell tumours, a cancer of the immune system. Because of their brachycephalic heads, they do not do well with high heat or humidity, and common sense should prevail when exercising a Boxer in these conditions. See also: Dog food Boxers need plenty of exercise, which means their diet should be high in quality calories. The main source of these calories should be lean animal protein, which include lean chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish. They sometimes appear at dog agility or dog obedience trials and flyball events. These strong and intelligent animals have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, police dogs in K9 units, and occasionally herding cattle or sheep. The versatility of Boxers was recognized early on by the military, which has used them as valuable messenger dogs, pack carriers, and attack and guard dogs in times of war. Notable Boxers[ edit ] Punch and Judy were awarded the Dickin Medal for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in a military conflict.

Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? Making sure your German Shepherd gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is really important for keeping them healthy and happy. Regular exercise can not only keep them in good shape, but it can also help improve their behaviour and well-being. How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? German Shepherds are highly active dogs , originally bred for working and guarding flocks of sheep, and more recently used by military and police forces. All this means that German Shepherds are among the most high-energy dogs out there. Of course, their exercise needs can vary based on a number of factors including age, fitness level, general health, food intake and more. That said, most German Shepherds usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing. To get an exercise goal tailored to your dog, simply download the free PitPat app and enter their details. How much exercise does a German Shepherd puppy need? This is especially true for this breed since they are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia. As a rule of thumb, puppies will need five minutes of formal exercise such as walkies for every month of their age. These walks should be opportunities to explore their environment, work on training and good behaviour outdoors, and socialise with other people and dogs in a controlled manner. How much exercise does a senior German Shepherd need? You can also set your own goals manually in case they have higher or lower exercise needs. What types of exercise are best for German Shepherds? German Shepherds excel at all sorts of exercise and canine sports thanks to their working background. In addition to their daily walks, you could try:. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You need the best exercise for German Shepherd puppies to keep them healthy, fit, and, more importantly… Out of mischief! Quite the opposite is true for your fast-growing breed! German Shepherd puppies should stick to only five minutes of continuous, on-leash leisurely walking at a time, based on their age in months. So, an 8-week-old puppy can walk for 10 minutes at a time on a leash, while a 6-month-old can walk on a leash for 30 minutes at a time. However, your puppy can enjoy low-impact, gentle exercises for longer periods of time. You can play games that work on sustained growth multiple times per day safely. Instead, exercise on soft surfaces, for example: Grass Sand Dirt paths or trails Stretching of soft ligaments at too early an age, strains on young, growing joints, and carrying too much weight on their overall framework can and will harm your young puppy. This leads to problems in adulthood, which you could avoid! Remember to watch for: Panting heavily with rapid breath Lagging on their walks for longer than usual Stopping on walks and standing Lying down on their belly or side If your dog is hyperactive and displays excessive chewing and destructive behavior, they may need engaging brain stimulation to help them use their brains to engage in their environments constructively. Ideally, you also need to teach them basic commands and house manners. Start now with basic obedience training to avoid later behavioral issues. Eventually, your active, adult GSD will need at least 2 walks of 45 minutes each source. Other great ways to exercise your German Shepherd puppy include working on their balance, enjoying mental stimulation, and playing gently with toys they love. Until your vet clears your dog as having their bones fully fused this is around 12 to 18 months of age , activity should be cautious and slow-paced. Up to twelve months of age, natural free running is the best way to exercise German Shepherds. With free running, your dog is off-leash and can stop or slow as they wish. Limit and monitor on-leash walks and activity while your German Shepherd is growing. When walking on a leash, allow them to Walk at their own pace Stop and start as they please Sniff around leisurely to explore the grass, flowers, and trees Lay down, roll around, and dig in approved digging places Use a no-pull harness with a design that allows for natural shoulder movement to avoid unnatural gait development. Try this padded no-pull harness on your German Shepherd to avoid any neck injuries to her while she is young. This design also limits pulling and helps teach nice leash walking manners. The handle on the back of the no-pull harness makes it easy to grab your pup to stop them from running into a hazard or just to catch them! Read more helpful information on the benefits and disadvantages of using a harness or a collar to help you choose the right equipment for walking your new puppy. There are plenty of other ideas to try with your new baby German Shepherd. Even better? You can find so many ways to learn what your new German Shepherd puppy likes to play with for their fun and games! Keep reading for a German Shepherd puppy exercise chart and specific, step-by-step fun games to keep your new pup happy and healthy. Exercising puppies heavily too early in life may lead to joint damage. This is especially likely in large breeds with rapidly growing and heavily loaded joints, such as your GSD. High-Impact Activity to Avoid Jumping, especially from couches, furniture, or cars Twisting such as chasing a toy that wildly moves in many directions Exercising over hard or uneven ground especially sidewalks and asphalt Keep exercise short and frequent, as this is more beneficial than long, infrequent periods of activity. Sep 06, Puppies need exercise to develop healthy bones, muscles and hearts. Exercise goes a long way to help curb anxiety and behavior issues related to boredom. But you may have heard that too much exercise can be harmful. How much exercise is necessary, how much is too much, and what kinds of exercise should you be doing? As a general rule, your puppy knows best. Normal puppy play is okay, and you should never feel as though you should stop your puppy from playing on its own accord. Short walks are also okay, as long as your idea of a short walk isn't 3 miles every morning! Short games of fetch and tug are also okay. Fetch is especially hard on the body because most dogs rapidly accelerate to go after the ball and rapidly decelerate once they get to it, so good throws is plenty in conjunction with other acceptable exercises. Tug is also hard on the body, so minutes is plenty in conjunction with other acceptable exercises as well. Swimming is a great, low-impact exercise. Just make sure your puppy doesn't ingest too much water while swimming. It's also recommended that you not play fetch in the water because dogs can accidentally ingest a lot of water when retrieving toys thrown into bodies of water. Examples of exercises that are too rigorous for puppies are long hikes, running steps, long games of fetch, long walks, running, jogging, weight pull and pulling carts of any kind, wearing vests with anything over a few ounces in it for anything other than a short stroll, flyball, and inappropriate amounts of agility training. All of these things are stressful on soft, growing bones and joints and can result in hip and elbow dysplasia and musculoskeletal deformities, diseases and injuries. As a rule of thumb, don't exceed 5 minutes for each month of the puppy's age of acceptable exercise no more than twice a day. For instance, 15 minutes of exercise twice a day is ideal for a 3-month-old puppy, while 20 minutes twice a day is ideal for a 4-month-old puppy. As a general rule, you can start building up puppies to adult levels of exercise once they turn 9 months of age if they're not expected to grow over 25lbs. By a year they can be exercised as an adult as long as you properly build up their stamina. For medium and large breeds, you can begin to build them up to adult levels of exercise by 15 months and it's safe to exercise them as adults once they turn 18 months old. German Shepherd dogs will naturally travel in a cantering-lope rather than a slow walk. That means that it is imperative that you train your puppy early on how to walk on a leash by your side without pulling. German Shepherds are a powerful breed and are capable of dragging handlers who aren't strong enough to hold them back. Eliminate the possibility of a physical tug of war by relying on solid training instead. Remember, exercise is also great for keeping hip and elbow joints stabilized in German Shepherd Dogs. Many large breeds are known to suffer from hip and elbow problems later in life, but dysplasia seems to unfairly target the German Shepherd. Regular exercise can help to build muscle around joints to protect them. The more muscle, the less stress on the joint. Make sure you keep your puppies lean, well hydrated, and wait an hour or two after your puppy eats before exercise. If you stick by these rules, you lessen the chances of hip and elbow dysplasia, panosteitis, strains, sprains, ligament injuries, bloat, obesity, heart disease and arthritis. Also keep the temperature in mind and watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Stop exercise if your puppy no longer wants to play or stops to rest and everything should be fine. Beginners often have a lot of questions: how long should they walk with a German Shepherd, how often should they do it, and what are the rules of feeding and vaccination. Therefore, before the responsible purchase, it is important to get acquainted with the nuances of ownership. At what age can you walk a German Shepherd? Experts have different opinions about the age at which a German Shepherd can go for a walk. There are two polar positions, so owners should consult their breeder or veterinarian. Some experts, when asked how to properly educate the pet, argue that it is categorically not recommended to walk puppies before they reach 3 months old. This is due to the high vulnerability of puppies to infections, which they can catch while playing with other dogs during the period when routine vaccinations have not yet been done. Put napkins or gravel or sand on it. Keep a close eye on your puppy. The negative side of this approach is the increased likelihood of encountering puddles of urine at night even in adulthood. According to the opposite opinion, up to 2 months old puppies still have the immunity received from their mother, so you should start walking outside as early as possible. Increased production of vitamin D due to exposure to sunlight, preventing the development of rachitis. Frequent exposure to nature increases the production of general immunity. If you decide to walk your puppy from an early age, you must choose a small but clean area and prevent him from coming into contact with other animals, especially stray ones. Until the German Shepherd reaches the age of six months , you should carry him in your arms when walking up a flight of stairs. His spine is not yet strong enough, so sprains when going up and down are detrimental. How long should you walk The duration of a walk with a German Shepherd puppy should increase in increments. In the first days, minutes is enough to familiarize the dog with the world and empty the bowels and bladder, but you need to go out times a day. It is better to go out right after feeding. Further, the duration of time outside should be in accordance with age: three months — about half an hour, the puppy should definitely run; four months — from 40 minutes to 1 hour; at six months, the normal mode of walking is established — at least two hours, twice a day. If it is possible to walk longer, you should take advantage of the opportunity. You need to figure out how to walk your German Shepherd correctly. To do this, you need to follow a few tips. It is important to use every walk outside to teach your dog to potty outside the apartment or house. While the dog is still very young but is already used to having to pee outside, spontaneous but short walks at night are likely. Up to 6 months old, it is important to make sure that the dog does not jump over any obstacles. As with ladders, this harms the skeleton and back muscles. You should try to take your German Shepherd outdoors during daylight hours so that he can enjoy the sunlight. After exploring the nearest surroundings, you should decide where to walk for an extended period of time. Great if there is a park or square nearby where it is allowed to walk the dogs. It is also important to go to special doggy playgrounds. You need to give your pet some freedom to get to know other puppies and adult dogs. It allows: Control the movements of the dog and accustom the puppy to the leash. Helps in the initial stages of training. Prevents him from eating unhealthy food picked up off the ground. Provides safety when stray dogs appear. More mature dogs can be leashed to a collar. Answering the question of when you can put the collar on the puppy, many experienced breeders responded with a recommendation to do it as early as possible, so that the puppy got used to the foreign object initially. Before buying a collar or harness, it is important to pay attention to the material: Leather — is the most durable, suitable for walks and training, but it is recommended to replace it in rainy or snowy weather. Leather gets wet, stretches, and loses its durability from moisture; Tarpaulin — holds its shape in all conditions, but is prone to contamination and has a short lifespan; Synthetic — is versatile and does not have the negative qualities of the previous 2. To properly put on the harness or collar during the period of accustomization, you need to create a comfortable atmosphere for the puppy: calmly call by name, and offer a treat. Before buying, it is important to measure the pup. This will allow you to choose the optimal size collar, in which the German shepherd will feel comfortable, and walks will be a pleasure both for the pet and for its loving owner. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. For the most part, you let the puppy decide his own activities at this stage. Your puppy, at this tender age, does not need exercise; he needs activity. Indoor play consists of informal activities in which you educate your German Shepherd to avoid dangerous behavior while satisfying his need to be active. At this stage, it is more about mental activity games and basic training as opposed to physical activity. This nifty little toy is excellent for young pups. Here are some low-impact games that are appropriate for a German Shepherd puppy at 8 weeks of age: Puppy the Explorer Let your GSD explore the indoors while keeping a close eye on him. This also presents an excellent opportunity to teach him to follow you. You must do this organically. Wait for him to get in his explorer mode and start walking beside him. Remember not to exceed a period of 10 minutes of exercise in the second month and stop whenever your pup shows signs of being tired. The minute mark is the maximum duration, not the minimum. Initially, your puppy will get tired after a few minutes of walking around and exploring. In each subsequent week, he will be engaged for a few more minutes. You might need to use jazz hands to get his curiosity. Once your pup starts following your palm with his head, simply tap his nose and hug him. At this point, you might be tempted to start moving your arm out of his reach to prolong the game. Follow the Wiggling Toy This is the ideal transition exercise that I would start around the tenth week of indoor play. For this, I recommend the Pacific Pups Rope Toys Set from Amazon, not just because it is budget-friendly but because you can use toys of different sizes as your German Shepherd puppy continues to grow. Once you have him sitting close to you, introduce the rope toy and place it on the floor with your hand holding onto one end. Your job then is to make sure he takes at least four steps before he catches the rope toy. Again, this is a high-engagement, low-impact exercise that builds up the foundation for medium-impact activities later on. Jaw and Bodyweight Exercises Recommended age: 3 — 4 months Maximum duration: minutes per day, twice a day Risk factor: low Things to avoid: sprints Your German Shepherd puppy is now three months old; he is building on his training according to the standard puppy training methods, and you can start to interact with him more physically. Still, his growth plates remain open, and you still need to avoid exercises that strain the joints, especially ones located around long bones like limbs. At the same time, your German Shepherd has more energy and may want to exercise more than is good for him. As a result, your role has shifted. Here, instead of letting your puppy have the toy once he follows it and grabs hold of it, you play a small tug of war with him. If your GSD is used to getting the toy after following it, he may get too defensive when you tug it. I recommended the toy set for this reason precisely. The final thing worth remembering about this game is that you always lose! You place the rope toy on the ground and let your German Shepherd puppy follow it as you move it around. Once he grabs hold of it, you use your arm strength to keep it in place. Do not try to pull it too hard. It is also essential that you gradually move up the tug of war in time and position. Gradually you can move the tug toy slightly above the ground. Throughout this, make sure your dog is on a leash because you do not want to encourage grabbing and dashing. Ultimately, you have to let your puppy win! As soon as you release the toy, he gets to have it for a while. This is also the best stage to train him to release objects on command. Make sure your GSD is on a long leash before you start this activity. Associating running with playtime is risky. A long loose leash allows you to bring him back to you gently. Be prepared to spend a lot of time negotiating with your GSD. I suggest playing tug before this because it builds trust. When you roll the ball on the floor, your puppy will get it. You cannot expect him to bring the toy to you. You simply tug the leash gently and bring him close to you. Then, you hold the ball in place. You should not pull it away. That will only cause your German Shepherd to bite down on it harder. When you have it firmly in place, your dog will try to wrestle it free but will eventually let the ball go. You can encourage this by just talking to him in a reassuring tone and using training treats. As soon as he lets go of the ball, put it on the ground and roll it. As GSDs take pleasure in high-engagement activities, the activity itself becomes a reward. In my experience, this will always be a mixed bag. Some dogs never stop giving pushback at the retrieval stage, while others let go of the ball the moment you extend your arm toward it. Stick to softer surfaces, like grass and dirt paths, while your pup is young and their bones are not fully fused. Most GSD owners simply want to take train their puppy to walk on a leash in the neighborhood and park without getting pulled down the street. There are three basic ways to communicate how you want your German Shepherd puppy to walk on a leash with you: the stopping method, the turning method, and the luring method. The Stopping Method Open the door, but only open the door if your dog is sitting. This step could take some time and practice. Once you both are out the door, have your dog sit again. You need to lock the door and your dog needs to sit for this. During your walk, have your dog sit for you at various times. When he does offer a tasty, high value, quick-to-eat treat. Now immediately start walking again and give the release cue. Stand still and wait until he sits. This could take a while. This is important, especially because one day your little pup will be large enough to injure you if they pull you along on the walk wildly! This will take lots of time and patience. But setting a strong and obedient walk foundation allows you to enjoy your walks more and maintain control over your large breed dog as they mature and grow stronger. The Turning Method Use the same steps as above to get outside your house and begin your walk, except instead of stopping and waiting on your dog, turn in the opposite direction and begin walking the other way. Quietly turn around and guide them along when they get a few steps ahead of you. You may also tire of turning. But stick with it. Either of these techniques takes plenty of patience and a strong mental character. But your dog loves to learn. Their mind is like a sponge at this young age, but they also lack obedience skills and an attention span. Use treats and toys to get your dog to follow you. The Treat Luring Method: Hold the treat at their eye level in front of them so they can see and smell the treat. Take one or two steps forward, having them follow the treat with their nose and eyes. They will probably keep following the treat. She loves them! Take a couple of steps forward while squeaking the toy. As they follow, keep stepping forward and squeaking the toy. After a few successful steps forward, let them play with the toy as their reward. Keep up this game to motivate them to follow you. Eventually, your dog gains confidence in their new surroundings and with your help and will walk on their own. Never allow your dog to run loose near traffic. Never unleash your dog in a new area. Never allow your dog to eat objects found on the ground. They could be poisonous! Never think a person running or someone on a bicycle sees your little pup. Puppies are quick moving and can dart in front of a moving person causing them to trip and fall. This can also injure your dog as they may fall on top of them or kick or step on them. Pup is distracted Remember that being outside with your dog is equivalent to you going to Disney Land! Give them a chance to develop their attention skills, or use the high value treats to make them pay attention to you. If you are limited in the places you can go, choose different routes so your dog gets to experience new smells and sights. The dog looks stressed or afraid Find quieter areas to walk in or use the lure and reward method to help them overcome their walking fears. Carry them home and end your walk. Next time, go a shorter distance and take less time. Use positive training and rewards to communicate. The best walking setup for a puppy is a no-pull harness that connects at two different points in the front and back. No-pull harnesses are great for introducing your puppy to structured walks while keeping them safe and happy. Need More Manners Training? Your GSD needs to learn more than just walking nicely. He also needs to learn all the basics of obedience. Use this free training guide to get started today! This activity is usually one of the longest and hardest to teach since you are competing with the sights and smells of the great outdoors! Stay patient, positive, and stick to your training. Your doggie will love you for it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts.

Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! This comes at no extra cost to you. As a new Golden Retriever puppy owner, you may be wondering about when important puppy milestones happen, such as: When do they lose their puppy teeth? When do they stop growing? When do they finally stop biting? When do they sleep through the night? These puppy behavior stages and developmental milestones will differ from individual to individual, but this timeline can give you a general understanding of what to expect with your puppy. Day 1: Puppy is born You could also call this the best day ever. After carrying the pups for about 9 weeks , mom is ready to give birth! The average litter size for Golden Retrievers is 8. Their eyesight is very limited, and their soon-to-be-brown eyes are sometimes blue when they first open them. And as you know or will soon find out , they are very sharp. The puppy kibble is soaked in water, mashed up, and introduced to the pups. They work up to eating solid food about four times per day while still nursing from their mother. Because puppies need to complete weaning, most breeders wait until the puppies are 8 weeks to 12 weeks old before they send their pups home with their new owners. You can also start training them at this age the best way to stop bad habits is to not let them start! Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet here! The biting phase is one of the toughest behavior stages for puppy owners. Golden Retriever puppies lose their baby teeth at around 4 months of age. Sometimes he would be chewing and then start to play with something on the floor. Most of the time when that would happen we would find a tooth laying there. This depends on the gender and your individual dog. And this is definitely a conversation to have with your vet, as spaying or neutering your Golden Retriever too young can have adverse health effects. Females are typically inches tall, while males are inches tall. It becomes their undercoat. At one and a half years old, Goldens have typically grown out their full coat. Related article:. Tom Thorpe Blog Golden retrievers are in demand the world over. They are popular because of their versatility. Goldens make awesome family pets because of their wonderful dispositions. They are also great at hunting and amazing show dogs. You might be wondering what is wrong with your Golden. Overall, there will be nothing wrong with your Golden since growth is not a linear process for any breed. Instead, it might occur in spurts, especially the first 24 months of their life. However, it is crucial to monitor your puppy carefully during this vulnerable stage. It might be both fun and educational to watch your little golden puppy grow and develop. They are at their most impressionable. This is the stage where you can shape the personality of your puppy. In the first seven weeks of life, your golden puppy will be struggling to walk. They might be staggering and falling often. After growing several weeks after birth, the puppy will be able to develop stability while walking. It is extremely crucial at this point that the puppy is with their mother and litter. The mother will instinctively teach the puppy the necessary survival behaviors. During this time, the mother will teach the puppy the importance of obedience and affection. It is crucial to gradually socialize the puppy without separating it from the litter to get used to human interaction. During the third month of the Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, it is important to introduce it to its lifelong human family. It is crucial to spend plenty of time with the new puppy for socialization. But be cautious about moving the puppy around eight weeks or even later. The puppy might get traumatized and experience fear. During this period, any traumatic experience will have a dramatic impact on the puppy. Make sure to mitigate these stressful experiences, and if they do happen, it is crucial to remove the puppy from fear-inducing situations at once. Fourth and Fifth Month During the fourth and fifth month of Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, especially the sixth month, the puppy is already acting like a spunky puppy with full energy and teeth emerging. Make sure to train good habits in them by laying down consistent rules. Be cautious that your puppy might suffer their second fear impact. It might occur during the fifth month or later. During this Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, the puppy will act like a typical puppy—full of unlimited energy and plagued by growing teeth. Promote good habits in the puppy by enforcing rules. Be vigilant about the second onset of fear-impact, which might happen around the fifth month or later. Keep in mind Goldens are eager to please and are extremely trainable. Training classes give them a chance to stimulate their need for physical, social, and mental activity. You must establish a good working relationship with your Golden to build solid obedience skills. You should be able to overcome the challenges of handling a rebellious teenage Golden successfully. You should bond with your dog and develop trust. They will be exploring their potential and form friendships with other dogs and animals. It should be noted that not all dogs will like other dogs. Dogs are just like their human owners. Growth milestones At this Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, they will tend to have a short attention span. They require various activities to expend energy. You might find that they will be teething at this stage. Goldens were bred to carry stuff in their mouth, such as waterfowl. You might find that your Golden will enjoy picking up things with its mouth. Keep in mind that your Golden enjoys communicating. These dogs can be motormouths as well. They will be whining and barking. At this stage, it is crucial to focus on their style of communication. They must know the difference between friendly vocalizations and aggressiveness. Moreover, a dog owner must be able to interpret the body language of their puppy. It should be noted that puppies might undergo a fear stage. Training enables your puppy to work through their common fears that might arise during this developmental stage. Purposely expose them to loud sounds such as thunderstorms, fireworks, and crying babies. They should also witness unexpected movements such as awkward elderly movements and children playing. Exposing them to these will help them develop coping skills. It prevents them from being fearful and recognizes these events as normal and harmless. Purpose of training The purpose of training at this point is to establish schedules, rules, and routines. It is the time to lay down boundaries and expectations in the household. Make sure to explore and discover the talents and interests of your puppy. Most owners ask the breeder for a calm Golden who will simply sit on the couch with them during evenings. After this, they will find that their Golden will be happy to sit by their side at night and watch TV. Training is extremely crucial. Pet owners tend to prepare well for the baby stage, which is 2 to 6 months. However, they find themselves shocked and underprepared to handle their rebellious teenage Golden retriever. Unfortunately, this stage lasts much longer. The sudden spurt can send them to behave in extreme ways. They might be cranky, occasionally feisty, and have bouts of brooding. It is crucial to find friends for your puppy. They must interact with other dogs to release their pent-up energy. They must engage in play such as frolicking and wrestling. Similar to children, they will have their preferences. Respect the choices of your Golden. Although they are over the teething stage, the Golden must indulge their instinct to have something in their mouth. You can stimulate this need by giving toys and instructing them with commands such as drop, leave, and fetch. Keep in mind that at this stage, your puppy will require increased levels of physical stimulation. Engage them in exercises such as fieldwork, diving, and obedience. Scent games and hunting also prove exciting. It also helps them establish crucial traits such as teamwork and respect. At this point, your Golden retriever has overcome a difficult stage, and their well-mannered behavior becomes established. But keep in mind that another fear stage might occur. They are nearing 18 months and are closer to two years of age. You might find that their rebellious tendencies are diminishing. Female Golden retrievers might enter 1 to 2 heat cycles. Once they reach 12 to 24 months, they will need adjustments in their nutrition. Their caloric intake will depend on their growth and physical activity levels. Goldens are born athletes and must be slim and lanky their entire life. Adult female goldens should be in the range of 55 to 65 pounds while male Golden should be in the range of 65 to 75 pounds. Mature Goldens at 18 to 24 Months Training Training at this point should be well ingrained in your Golden. It helps if you were to provide activities that are fun and enjoyable. Growth Milestones Once they reach two years of age, the Golden will have reached the final phase of growing. But male Goldens will need another year to finish their full physical maturation, especially the development of their head and facial structure. In this stage, males and females should be neutered and spayed if you have no intention to breed them. Making sure your Golden meets the breed standard of weight can be a challenging task. Teenage Goldens require higher numbers of calories. But as their calorie needs peak, there might be changes in their body, especially if they have undergone sterilization. Weight control becomes a challenge. Their physical activity needs should be met. Goldens have athletic requirements similar to an Olympic athlete. The temperament and traits of the Golden come into full bloom at this point. It may be only nascent at the previous stages, but now it is fully manifesting. Purpose of training Keep in mind that their physical and emotional development is fully complete. The owner must take advantage of this period and build a strong training and foundation with their Golden. If you invest time and effort in the first two years of your Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, you will have the perfect dog of your dreams that will be your companion for life. Ideally, you should help them grow slowly. There are plenty of dangers associated with a dog growing too fast. Risks include bone diseases and arthritis. These conditions are even more prevalent in large breeds such as Golden retrievers. Overfeeding with low quality food results in growing too fast. When you examine ingredients on dog food labels, the first ingredient should be an animal protein source. If you find that your puppy is gaining weight, make sure to cut down the calories you give them. Keep in mind that bigger is not always better. Make sure your dog is within the weight range of the stage they are in. Managing their food intake and activity levels keep them healthy and fit. Final Thoughts You must know the Golden retriever puppy behavior stages so you can meet their needs and requirements. It is crucial to monitor not only the health of your developing puppy but also their training. Puppyhood is the time to instill good behavior to have the perfect dog companion that obeys your household rules and commands. When you invest time and effort in training and interacting with your Golden, it creates the huge potential that they might just become your ultimate friend. Puppyhood is a time when positive experiences can pave the way to a life as a well-adjusted and happy adult, while negative experiences can lead to long-term problems. Having an understanding of the rapid transitions between stages of development during this period can help owners support and nurture their pet through puppyhood and adolescence. Neonatal Period 0—2 weeks Newborn Golden Retriever The newborn puppy is blind and deaf, with eyes and ears that are neither fully formed nor fully open. This stage is all about growth and survival, and the pup spends all his time either sleeping or feeding. These antibodies will endow him with some immunity from serious illness for the next 6 weeks, at which point he can mount his own response to vaccination. The mother must stimulate the bowel and bladder to empty by licking the perineal region under the tail, as the pup cannot control this himself. Transition Period 2—4 weeks 4-Week Golden Retriever As anyone who has every bred a litter of puppies will tell you, one of the most exciting experiences is seeing the young pups open their eyes for the first time. Although their vision is blurry, and consists mostly of shadows and light, they clearly begin to respond to visual stimuli around two weeks of age. This also coincides with the ears beginning to function, meaning the pup is suddenly exposed to a wealth of sensory stimuli. He begins to urinate and defecate independently, although the mother is likely to continue helping. His appetite grows exponentially, and the mother needs extra nutrition during the next few weeks to keep up with his demands until he can eat solid food for himself. However, his focus is still very much on feeding, and interactions between pups are limited to gnawing and competing for the best suckling spot between two and three weeks of age. Toward the end of this period, pups will show clear signs of recognising their mother and siblings from a distance, and owners who have spent time with the litter up to this point will probably also be rewarded with squeaks of excitement when they approach. Socialisation Period 4—7 weeks 6-Week Golden Retriever By four weeks, the incredible rate of development means that our little pup is now mobile, alert, and very curious! Exploratory behaviours are seen from this age, meaning the pup begins to push boundaries in every sense to develop his own perception of the world. He will begin to wander from his mother and siblings, although he is initially likely to be retrieved by the mother any time she feels he is being a little too brave. Littermates and familiar humans are clearly recognised, and the pup begins to devote much of his time to play. This serves a number of purposes, providing much-needed stimulation to the growing brain, as well as allowing the puppies to establish a pecking order. The more boisterous and exuberant pups will assert themselves as the dominant members of the family, usually getting to lie on top of their siblings when sleeping, as well as securing their places at the most productive teats when feeding. Their increasing strength and enthusiasm mean that the mother may begin to find it difficult and uncomfortable to feed the pups as much as they demand, and so now is also the period when weaning begins, with the pups being introduced to soft food and encouraged to lap from a dish. This is a messy business! For at least the first week, the pups will get more food in their hair than in their mouths, and for large litters, the owners may need to help out with cleaning and grooming, using a wet flannel to remove the worst of the caked-on milk or food. This is called the socialisation period for a very good reason, and it is vital that pups are exposed to humans during this time. Stray puppies rescued after this point will always have, to a greater or lesser extent, an in-built fear of people. Gentle, regular handling is essential at least twice a day, though in reality, pups will benefit from much more. Although children are great at playing with and socialising puppies, one must be careful that the pups are not handled roughly or dropped. Aside from the risks of injury, painful or stressful experiences can have a lasting impact. Fearful Period 7—12 weeks Week Golden Retriever By 7—8 weeks of age, the pup has learned basic etiquette and behaviour from his mother. Siblings begin to become more competitive, and the playful battles for supremacy become a little more vigorous and heated. He has hopefully received adequate exposure to humans, and by avoiding negative experiences to this point is now confident enough to explore the world. However, this confidence is superficial, and the pup is now aware enough of its environment to realise that its mother and siblings do not themselves have full control of their lives — much of this control lies with their owners. For this reason, it is around now that pups begin to gravitate toward humans, and those that do not receive a lot of one-to-one attention during this period will again have issues with fearfulness and nervousness throughout their lives. During this phase, pups also begin to develop the capacity to learn basic commands, and the very brightest may begin to appreciate the importance of housetraining. Harsh correction, physical punishment, and shouting are all to be avoided. Now, and always, the dog will respond best to positive feedback when he behaves as desired. Juvenile and Ranking Periods 3—6 months 6-Month Golden Retriever While these stages are considered separate by some authorities on the subject of development, they overlap considerably, both in terms of time and behaviours. The puppy has learned some basic commands, has an appreciation of good behaviour, and has more or less mastered use of his growing body. His energy levels seem to increase daily, and owners need to be prepared to indulge in periods of play, as well as introducing daily walks to help vent this energy. As a normal part of this phase, most pups will begin to attempt to move up the social hierarchy. This is perfectly natural in the setting of a pack of dogs, where the youngest and strongest members of the pack will make the most useful senior figures, to the benefit of the other dogs. By progressing from the earlier games of wrestling with his siblings to the point where he is ready to physically challenge other dogs, the pup ensures both the security of the pack and his own position within it. However, as we have taken dogs out of this natural setting and placed them within our human families, this is not a behaviour we want to encourage. Any signs of aggression, such as bites which pierce the skin, or snarling, must be quickly dealt with by placing the pup away from the family, using a lead if necessary. By diligently and firmly set the ground rules of acceptable behaviour, the pup will quickly realise where the boundaries are, and will learn to happily accept his position in the family structure. Being too permissive or forgiving of this kind of behaviour can lead to devastating behavioural problems later in life. Of course, some chewing or biting is legitimately explained as teething behaviour. Obedience training is important throughout this period; juvenile puppies, like children, are veritable sponges, looking to soak up as much information as possible. Puppy training classes are an ideal environment for the stimulation they provide, but also for the guidance and input of a behavioural expert. Adolescence 6—18 months Month Golden Retriever Our puppy is now almost an adult — how time flies by! Although close to physical maturity, he is still learning, and will continue to sometimes behave inappropriately and have higher energy levels than an adult dog. It is important throughout this period to continue reinforcing all the good habits taught to this point, to practise regular obedience training, and to provide plenty of exercise. Adolescence passes quickly in some dogs, who may appear mature in every respect by one year of age, but can drag on in others; for example, the Lhasa Apso is known to retain puppy-like characteristics well into adulthood. One must remember to be patient during this period, providing corrective guidance when needed, but not expecting perfect behaviour at all times. Remember, we were all teenagers once! Puppy Timeline in Review Neonate - The pup is blind, deaf and helpless. He relies on his mother for warmth, food, and to help with bodily functions. He spends all his time feeding and sleeping. Transition - The senses awaken, with the eyes and ears beginning to function. The pup becomes aware of his surroundings and makes early attempts to explore his surroundings. He may show an interest in tasting food. Socialisation - Within the safety of his litter, the pup begins to venture further from the mother, and spends much of his time wrestling and playing with his littermates. Humans are recognised, and the pup begins to enjoy being handled and spoken to. Weaning is almost complete. Fearful - The pup gains an awareness of the world beyond his litter, and is ready for a new home. He will bond strongly to his owners at this point, but is sensitive to stress. He is capable of understanding commands, but needs gentle encouragement in training. Juvenile - The growing pup is energetic and boisterous. He needs regular exercise and obedience training to help control his increasingly mischievous behaviour. Ranking - He attempts to establish a higher position for himself in the family structure. Behaviours, such as chewing and growling, can no longer be tolerated, even in play. Strong leadership from the owner helps assure the pup he should remain submissive. A consistent approach to training and discipline, combined with patience, will help the pup through this phase and toward a happy adult life. Popular Dog Breeds. In America, English cream golden retriever puppies are known for their light-colored coat, unlike the stark gold of golden retrievers. If you are planning on bringing the best English cream golden retriever puppies into your family, be prepared to give them a lot of time, love, and care to keep them healthy and happy. Otherwise, you may find yourself struggling to calm down your puppy or get him to stop chewing on everything! Before you look for an English cream golden retriever for sale, check out the English cream golden retriever growth timeline below to understand how each stage grows into the next. And more importantly, what this means for you! Week 1 We start with the first week! We get to meet our newborn puppies when they weigh just around ounces. Immediately the first things we notice are their incredibly light coats, which may even seem close to white! Newborn puppies are born blind and deaf and rely on their senses of taste and touch and smell to experience the world around them. They must be kept close to their mothers during this stage and handled with extreme care. They may spend most of their time asleep. However, some early movers might begin to crawl or waddle around in search of food and nourishment. This is a good sign of development! Part of their natural sensory development comes with understanding how to move around and interact physically with the world. They are also very sleepy and get tired very easily! We keep them close to their mother and keep a closer eye on their development, looking out for any common issues. The entirety of weeks is usually referred to as the neonatal period, the first stage of development. Sensory development will continue and your puppy will start relying on their sense of sound and smell. Once they start to hear, canine vocalizations will kick in. However, it may take a bit more time before we hear a full-fledged bark. During this time, they will also start to get familiar with the everyday noises of the household. Telephone, TVs, people, the doorbell — any and every stimulation is a learning experience! One of the most exciting things is finally having your puppy stop squinting; they will have their eyes fully open! At the same time, you might notice your puppy starting to walk instead of simply crawling and waddling around. These first clumsy steps will give your puppy a new sense of independence, which is again, a sign of healthy development. It is so fun to see them actually getting up on all fours! Having been around many English Cream golden retriever puppies in our lifetime, this is one of our favorite developmental stages with them. Week 4 As week three transitions into week four, the puppy starts to interact more and more with their mother and littermates. They also reach some significant milestones! They will finally be able to eliminate waste on their own. It may surprise you to know that for up to three weeks, puppies usually rely on their mothers to help stimulate them to urinate or defecate. These needle-like teeth are sharper than they look, sometimes even sharper than the adult teeth they acquire later in life! New teeth mean your puppy can now eat somewhat-solid food. The solid food is still softened at this stage to help the puppy transition into solid food. Puppy kibble soaked in water and mashed up is introduced to the puppy to help them adapt. During this stage, these darling bundles of joy will be seen scampering around and playing with their littermates. Week 5 to Week 7 As week five kicks off, things start to get busier. The mother will continue weaning the puppy and she will correct any puppies with negative behavior. Once fully weaned, they will start to eat three times per day. This usually takes place between weeks of age. By week six, most puppies should also start receiving their vaccinations. Before a puppy is adopted, they already go through its first round of vaccinations. The next vaccinations should be given at 9, 12, and 16 weeks old. Just like human vaccines, puppies gain more immunity with each booster. For the next two weeks, so many changes take place in your puppy as they continue to explore their surroundings and socialize with their littermates. Roughhousing with littermates yields a well-rounded puppy and teaches them to share. It also helps them tolerate those tugs and accidental pinches that come with living in a house with children. Week 8 Around week 8, we begin sending these English Cream golden retriever puppies to their families and their forever homes. English Cream golden retriever breeders have already put their puppies up for sale and talked to families about the puppy they desire. This is the best period to start teaching the puppy house manners and societal norms. New pet owners will then have to act fast and start training them before any bad habits settle in! If this sounds overwhelming and it can be! It is essential that during this time your puppy begins to feel comfortable with activities. Do not force them into situations if they seem hesitant. This will cause them to lose the trust that is needed to start building a bond with them. A place away from people, children, and stimulation that they can call their own. Just like babies, puppies need their naps or they can get whiny and grouchy! If your puppy is more curious than others, they may also try to explore his surroundings. Much like infants and toddlers, puppies explore the world with their mouths. Make sure to puppy-proof your home! If they can get to it, you can bet they are going to chew on it, or at least carry it for a bit! This includes any small items and toys, but more specifically socks and undergarments. These can pose a potential risk to them if they ingest anything. Here your English cream golden retriever will start to become more and more independent and curious. They may need time and training before they can reach this milestone. Keep in mind that everything you teach your puppy from the time they come home will impact them for the rest of their life. At this point, you may also notice your puppy starting to lose their baby teeth and grow adult teeth. Your puppy will want to chew on things randomly, so you should take some preparatory measures. Hazards such as toxic plants and power cords should also be removed. Ice and frozen apple slices are always a good treat to help soothe sore gums from the teething process. English cream golden retrievers should have delayed sterilization. This is especially important since they are at a higher risk for cancer and hip dysplasia. It will take them about a year more before they grow into their full weight. Your English Cream golden retriever puppy will have matured into an adult dog. Watching your puppy grow from a tiny infant into adulthood can be a wonderful experience for owners. Having your puppy transition into a healthy adult is rewarding on its own! You may be wondering, where can I find an English cream golden retriever puppy near me? Check out Majestic Manor Goldens , one of the best English cream golden retriever breeders in the United States for a beautiful, lovely, and healthy puppy! We happily provide puppy training services , as well as puppy delivery across the country! Contact us for any questions and we look forward to hearing from you soon! We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

The Labrador Retriever is also 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. Labrador retrieverHaving a dog helps teach responsibility to children. Caring for the dog will teach children that their pet is dependent on them for food and exercise and love. Dogs require a lot of care; they need to be fed, walked, played with and trained. Children come to understand that dogs have to learn discipline in order to be pleasant around the family and others. Children come to appreciate discipline by observing how important it is in their dog. Having a dog teaches children patience, commitment and selflessness. Caring for a dog takes a great deal of responsibility. Children learn to be less focused on themselves and more patient with others. Responsibility is a key factor in leadership development in children, and one of the best ways of learning responsibility is in the home with the family dog. Being responsible for a dog teaches children valuable life lessons. The lessons that children learn from having a dog are priceless and may just help in being successful in life and in a career. 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 .In , Arthur St. To this day, Cincinnati, in particular, and Ohio, in general, are homes to a statistically significant number of descendants of Revolutionary War soldiers who were granted lands in the state as payment for their war service. Strength in Unity Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! ALL our dogs reside in foster homes in TX. Please fill out an adoption application at haydudeequine. My name fits me perfectly as I am quite the little lover!! I LOVE hoomans and hanging out together with my person is my favorite activity. I LOVE snuggling on the couch getting tummy scratches.At 2 years young and 58 pounds, I am a perfect Medium doggy for all of your adventures in life.I walk well on leash, know how to sit, lie down, wait, and fetch. I am completely housetrained, crate trained, and understand a lot of human speak. Now those are some nice bonuses for my new family! Whether it be a swim in the river, a kayak float on the lake or a run through the sprinklers, H2O is my favorite element. My Mama was a beautiful Aussie mix and it appears that my Papa was a Labrador retriever!! My black, shiny coat is sleek, extremely short and low maintenance and shedding!! I am great with other dogs.I am just a very companionable dog!! I do need to make a confession; I am terrified of going to the vet!! Foster Mum doesn't know what happened that could make me so afraid of those in the medical profession, but our current vet comes out to the house. No scary trips to the vet for me!!

From there we began showing dairy goats, angora goats, and pygmy goats in 4-H, FFA, and open shows from .When my son went off to college, we decided to sell off our dairy goat herd and focus on our Pug Breeding Program. Once we were able to focus on our Pug Breeding Program more we began to search for pugs of unique colors that we didn't already own. In I quit my job, and started breeding pugs full time. My new job title is a "Stay at Home Pug Mommy". Instead we retire them and they live out the remainder of their lives here at Tipping Point Farm, playing, eating, sleeping day after day, and spending time with our family. After all, Pugs are the ultimate companion and mans best friend. They will always be there for you no matter what, whether they are trying to cheer you up, steel your food, or give you kisses. With such a large demand for our pugs, I have now brought in my mom's dogs to be a part of my breeding program, so everyone is able to have their own Tipping Point Farm Pug. My Mom owns a farm thirty minutes away from me where she lives and raises her own pugs with help from me. On February 11th, , my first pug, "Cheese", the one who started it all passed away suddenly. The whole family was devastated after learning of her passing and spending so many years with such a great dog. I was heart broken, I lost my best friend. This one dog was the reason behind my whole pug breeding program. I loved this dog so much that I wanted to breed pugs so everyone could have "their own Cheese". After all, Pug love is like no other, you are their world and they become a family member. Even though Cheese is no longer here with us, I know that I am lucky enough to have got to spend so many years with her and have her daughters, grand daughters, and great grand daughters. When it comes to our pugs, Health is our 1 priority and then of course color! From day one, we are directly involved with our puppies, we help them come into the world and love them everyday till they go to there new family. Please feel free to call or email me anytime you have a question or are interested in a pug. Thank you for taking the time to read the Story behind our farm. We are looking forward to hearing from you and your family and to adding a new member to your family. I apologize for this and will be back to keeping up with my website for .As soon as we learned of the diagnosis, we made arrangements to meet with the surgeon. Unfortunately after the scans were taken, a spot was found on his liver which gave him a terminal diagnosis 2 months without chemo, 6 months with chemo. In March of he opted to start a chemo regiment every 3 weeks to hopefully extend his life expectancy. During the next few months him and I created a bucket list of things he wanted to do, which we were able to complete in between his visits to the hospital and chemo treatments. In August his cancer was reassessed to see if the chemo treatments had been working. The results were heartbreaking, the chemo hadn't worked and his body was full of cancer. Within a month of this heart breaking news my fathers health deteriorated, he was back and forth between hospice and the emergency room until he lost his battle to cancer on September 22, .My fathers loss has been extremely difficult, but I am now able to start focusing on my breeding program once again. As of right now we have big plans for .For more information about our plans, please contact me with any inquiries regarding current and future puppies or keep checking back for updates. We appreciate your patience and look forward to adding the newest fur-member to your family. The color and the controversy The white Pug is in fact yes a Pug. Contrary to what some negative breeders are saying, YES, they can be registered with the AKC, but because of the Pug parent Club, they are not permitted in the show ring. This is only reserved for the standard Fawn and Black colors at this time. So what is the big deal some might ask, or how did this color come into existence.Well good questions. Lets start with what is the big deal. To those of us serious about the Pug breed it is important to us, to enter in fresh and new bloodlines. For so many generations only the Fawn Pug was considered right and proper, and any other color or variation was put down right away. And we are finding out, that many of these colors and variations have genes attached which are now again being realized, because frankly, responsible breeders are not killing puppies, if they are too dark or too light anymore. The big deal is we are now seeing colors that represent the Pug breed in every way as far as structure and personality, but they have a different color, and in our opinion it is amazing and awesome. The white color is brilliant and unique. It also gives people with a great love of Pugs to have a colorful collection, while still enjoying the calm loving nature of the Pug breed. Now for the question of how this color came in to existence.Nobody truly knows. There is photographic evidence of white Pugs that belonged to royalty. BUT, we do not have proof in lineage that these dogs were bred, or used in any kind of kennel registry. Most white Pugs today can credit their heritage to a small breeder in Pennsylvania, that somehow had a White Pug born and then he duplicated it. His name was John Lapp, and some of his dogs made their way to the west coast where breeders there worked hard to duplicate the color, by using only Pugs in their programs and then breeding these whites into existing Pug lineages. The result is today's white Pug. Brilliant in every way, and has the same personality as any other colored Pug. In our opinion, it is SO much better to see responsible and reputable AKC breeders of the Pug breed working at new and radiant colors and variations, than those who think taking the Pug dog and matching it up to other breeds, in the thought that they would duplicate somehow the personality of the Pug. With many "new" breeds being created for no other purpose than to make a quick buck, and shows zero heritage or lineage, using dogs that for whatever reason were not good enough to be bred up with their own kind. Please also do not believe some ignorant "show" breeders who state quite openly that white Pugs can not be registered, or are not Pugs, but an abomination created mixing with another breed. They are NOT. They only issue chance in the DNA is the coloration, which is apparently present. It is almost like saying that a person born from one black parent and one white parent is not a person.They are the same as everybody else with a small difference in coloration. SO, with all this in mind. Some of us who are responsible breeders and with only AKC Pug dogs decided we needed to join together. Stand up for the White Pug, and all the other Pugs who do not fit into the color mold of fawn or black. We have been also reaching out all over the world for new and fresh bloodlines. The web address is www. Some of our friends in Europe are working at even more and unique colors, and yes they are mixing other breeds to accomplish this, but then once the color is accomplished they breed back to a Pug parent. But it does provide hope to all the many Pug lovers worldwide that we can still have the personality and structure of a Pug, but just in another color. She comes from a great lineage of White Pugs, and we were so proud to work with Hollands Happy Pugs to create our first white Pug litter. But we did not and will not stop there, as we now continue to work at and create a white lineage with the unique Celtic heritage of our Pugs. Always looking to the bright future of all Pugs! Conclusion Origin and Physical Appearance The white-colored pug is a result of selective breeding. The American Kennel Club mentions only two varieties that is black and fawn and does not certify white one, as it is crossbred. These are often confused with the albino pug due to their coat color. These have a pure white coat with a dark muzzle on their neck. Breeders tend to charge more for designer dogs and continue to crossbreed due to their demand because it is a distinct color not possessed by all. Rarity These are extremely rare, and I am sure you must have spotted one in pictures only if you have ever seen them. A Controversial Breed? Yes, you heard it right. This is a controversial breed due to its origin. Interesting Fact There is a famous white pug, named Marshmallow, you can find him all over the internet. It looks so adorable and angelic that I am sure you will be mesmerized just by one look. Conclusion Despite being a controversial variety, these are still in demand, so breeders continue breeding. Post navigation. Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article. If you are looking for a cute, healthy and purebred Pug puppy, then you are exactly where you want to be. We dedicated to breeding the finest and healthiest puppies. Our Pugs have amazing temperaments and the sweetest personalities. They are produced solely for families who are seeking a high quality Pug puppy. Our babies are our pride and joy. Our goal is to create relationships not just sell you a puppy and to bring happiness and joy into your home. We are raising a Pug family and know that these babies will become a very important part of your life. With extensive knowledge and understanding in the Pug breed, We always put our Pugs best intentions first. Here at our Whiteland Pug Home with experience and passion we strive for excellence, quality and health for every puppy we raise. Most importantly we are truly blessed and honored to bring happiness and joy into your loving arms with our furry babies! Why get a Pug? Pugs were originally bred as companion pets, and that is what they do best and will be happiest sitting comfortably in your lap. However, they are not to be mistaken for lazy and inactive, as they love to run around and play or show off their clownish personality. Although tiny, this is a sturdy breed that will not get injured easily by children, and they love being around them too. Although they love attention, they are not the type to play fetch or chase people around to play. If trained and socialized correctly as a puppy, Pugs will do well with other pets like rabbits, cats and others, and will enjoy having another canine companion as well. They are intelligent dogs that need humans that are strong-minded and can act as the pack leader, or they may take advantage of you. They rely on you for everything and their health and well-being is well and truly in your hands. In order for your Pug to live as long and as healthy and fit a life as possible, you need to first educate yourself on how to care for them properly and build this knowledge into actions and routines. A balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercise, grooming and regular veterinary health checks are all essential parts of maintaining good health and quality of life. All of these are under your control. Pug Breed Maintenance Pugs are small and relatively calm indoors and will make good pets for people who are older or who live in apartments. They are well behaved, but can have an abundance of energy if they do not get enough exercise. They love going on walks or having some playtime outdoors, but you should be careful and avoid exercise sessions if it is too hot and humid, as they are sensitive to warmer weather. These adorable dogs are also known to snore, which should be considered by people who are light sleepers. Despite their short coats, these dogs do shed a lot, even more so in the summertime. To help with the shedding and to keep the coat in tip-top shape, your dog should be brushed and bathed regularly. One bath every month is usually sufficient, although more frequently is fine too. This breed has unique facial wrinkles, and they will need special care. Whether it is using a baby wipe or a cotton ball, the creases of the wrinkles should be dried well after baths and cleaned every once in a while between, otherwise infection can occur from the dirt and dampness. These unique dogs have large, protruding eyes that can be vulnerable to irritation and injury, and will need some special care.

What Is A Goldendoodle? But what is the history of the Goldendoodle? Goldendoodles are first thought to have been bred in as breeders looked to create a versatile guide dog. Golden Retrievers and Labradors often serve a function as guide dogs but neither have a hypoallergenic coat. The Goldendoodle hybrid is thought to have been inspired by the success of the Labradoodles, which was one of the first cross breeds. Wikipedia explains that Goldendoodles can come in multiple generations and it depends on what generation is bred with what. Some generations will show different looks as some are curlier than others. For example, if a Goldendoodle is more poodle, it will have tighter curls. If the Goldendoodle is more retriever then it will have flatter and looser curls. Having said that, the Goldendoodle is recognised by a number of organizations around the world. However, the Goldendoodle Assocation of North America provides a breed standard that their breeders are trying to achieve when they breed these hybrid dogs. The breed was developed by crossing Poodles and the Golden Retriever, and therefore the physical appearance of this breed is a balanced mix of the traits common to those two founding breeds, which are the only two breeds that comprise the Goldendoodle. So the Goldendoodle will inherit traits from both their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents. Coming in three different sizes — standard, mini and petite mini, Goldendoodles can have a coat that is curly, wavy or straight. Red Goldendoodle Photo: Adobe Stock There are also some Goldendoodles with a brown coat that is typically the result of dominant genes of the Poodle. The Tan Goldendoodle is a pretty common coat color, resulting from the breeding of Apricot and Cream Goldendoodles. There is the Black and White Goldendoodle that usually have splashes of white on their face, chest and paws. These unique markings often lead to the coat pattern being described as a Tuxedo Goldendoodle. The Sable Goldendoodle have a coat that usually started off as a concrete, solid color but has faded as the Goldendoodle has aged. Sable Goldendoodle Photo: Adobe Stock The Phantom coat pattern is common in some other breeds and you can find some Goldendoodles with this colorful coat. Of course, these colors could vary. Next up is the Grey Goldendoodle who usually started with a dark coat color that has turned grey over time. The Merle Goldendoodle is extremely rare and often a controversial variety of Goldendoodle. While Goldendoodle puppies may be born with a specific coat color, it could change over time. You can also find Goldendoodles with some eye-catching patterns such as Tuxedo and Phantom Goldendoodles. If you have a picture of a missing colour or want to discuss anything on this page feel free to email me at akent kentfamilyfarms. Abstracts are usually a result of only having one parti gene. It is possible to have very minimal white markings and not carry the parti gene, as well as possible to carry the parti gene and not have white markings. Brindle is also a recessive gene, so both parents have to carry for it to have Brindle puppies. Brindles can have a variety of intensities in the markings ranging from bold striped patterns to barely visible. Sable is a gene that gives the coat a two toned look to it. Sables will change colour with age as well. The black tips to their coat will not be visible as an adult, other than possibly the tips of the ears and some on the legs. This is a picture of a puppy that still has the dark tips of her coat. I will hopefully eventually get an adult picture up here to show you the difference when they grow. Silver is a gene that fades the coat to silver over time. These puppies usually start to show signs of being a silver at weeks old. There are many varying degrees of Silver from Black will minimal Silver markings to a dog that goes almost completely Silver with age. Both parents have to carry for this gene in order to see it in their offspring and therefore to see it you need two copies of the gene or the proper combination of the phantom gene and recessive black gene, which is very rare. It is shown by markings on the face, eyebrows, chest, interior of all four legs and under their tail. It is not seen if the dog is in the Apricot Spectrum of colours and is only seen on a solid Black or solid Chocolate dog but can have other genes with marking show, as seen below. It is normally seen as Apricot on Black and Cream on Chocolate, but can have a variety of shades and intensities. Some Phantom's will have bold Phantom markings and some will have very minimal Phantom markings. Parti is also a recessive gene. You need both parents to carry the parti gene in order to see it in the puppies, therefore two copies. Parti is a gene that makes white markings over the body and can act on any other colour. A dog can also be a cryptic Merle, where you do not see the merle markings visibly on the body, but the dog still carries the merle gene. The same gene also produces Reds. You need two copies of this gene for it to be seen on their coat, as it is a recessive gene. These dogs can have either Black or Chocolate pigmentation. All the puppies below have Black pigmentation. This gene can cover a variety of other colours that will not be visible until you cross the Apricot Spectrum colour to a non-apricot spectrum colour, such as Merle, Sable, Phantom and Brindle all seen below. All dogs have a base coat of Black or Chocolate, you can tell whether they are Black or Chocolate based on their pigment on their nose. If there are no other genes acting on the Black or Chocolate, you will see a solid Black or solid Chocolate dog. Black is dominant to Chocolate, so it requires only one copy of the Black gene to give you Black. Chocolate is recessive and require two copies of the gene and therefore both parents have to carry for Chocolate. It is very rare to find a Golden Retriever that carries for Chocolate, therefore in order to get Chocolate you need to have an F1b or higher generation. F1's should not be Chocolate. I have been told of rare occurrences of Chocolate carrying Golden Retrievers, but this is very rare and most breeders selling F1 Chocolates are not purebred lines. Coming Soon. Kennel club recognition is quite an arduous process and is often only available to purebreds. Poodle Standard colors: apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige, and white. As you probably noticed, Golden Retrievers only come in three colors. This section discusses all 13 Goldendoodle colors for proper identification, including some of their charming pictures. Chocolate Image credit: the. You probably come across one in your neighborhood as you take your morning walk. They got their rich brown color from their dominant Poodle genes, but some of them experience silvering as they mature. Chocolate or brown dogs may become silver beige depending on their genes. The chocolate color in Goldendoodles is recessive , so you need two Goldendoodles that are either pure chocolate or have the chocolate gene in their lines to produce a chocolate Goldendoodle. Among all the colors listed here, apricot is probably the most sought-after because they resemble teddy bears. This is a trait they got from their Poodle parent, who also comes in the same tone. Apricot is also the last registered Poodle color. They are considered the brightest type because their coat simply stands out. This may fade into a lighter shade when they mature. They are often thought to be white Goldendoodles because they are very light in color. Creams have the largest variation when it comes to coat tones and points, so it is possible to see one with dark eyes, nose, and toenails and another with lighter features. Some are even pinkish under their coat. Champagne Champagne Goldendoodles exist, albeit rare. They possess a recessive red gene, which is also diluted to create a pale yellow to a cream tone. The rarity of these dogs makes them quite pricey, but they are still one to consider if you want a teddy-looking dog. However, their eyes, nose, and paw pads remain pure black. There are instances where white is more dominant, but those who are primarily black also exist. Contrary to what most people believe, not all black and white Goldendoodles should be called tuxedo because it pertains to a specific coat pattern. This will be focused on once the tuxedo coat pattern is discussed. When they reach two years old, their gray coloration even lightens to rustic silver, and there will be no more signs that they were once almost black. These dogs are very rare and are only achieved through multiple generations of breeding Goldendoodles. They also have blue noses and paw pads. Their hairs resemble that of an aged man, so you can easily identify them among others. Most silver Goldendoodles show signs that they are indeed silver as they reach 6 to 10 weeks. The tone of their coat has varying degrees, from dark to light silver. Silver Beige Image credit: wheresguthrie. They are originally born chocolate, but because of certain genes, their color cleared, and they become silver beige. What creates the effect that they are sables is the combination of silver to gray hairs and the beige coloration. Some parts of their body appear cream-colored, and this is expected from this variety. Aside from their impressive set of colors, Goldendoodles are even more unique because of their coat patterns. Usually, novice pet owners confuse this with certain coat diseases, but this is typical for this hybrid. The base coat may be one of the 13 basic colors discussed earlier. Usually, these are found on their face, chest, and paws. Often, two colors make up their coat: one is the base, and the second is a lighter shade. There is an exact location for the lighter points — above the eyes, along the sides of the muzzle, across the chest, along the legs, and under the tail. Most Goldendoodles with this coat pattern are developed through multi-generational breeding. This is why parti pups will have distinct appearances from each other. This creates the impression that they are wearing a tuxedo. Classic merle pups usually have some blue or chocolate patchwork or tickings on their body. Meanwhile, watercolor merles which are harder to come across, also have some tickings on their coat. They are distinct from the former because their coat lightens as they age. Most of them have light-base hairs, which makes their stripes stand out. The most popular color for Goldendoodles is also the last color to be recognized for Poodles — apricot. The fame it gained as the latest color for the breed is also reflected in its cross between the Golden Retrievers and Poodles. This is followed by cream and red. Sables are also in demand even though they are not of the same level as the three shades mentioned above. Since these colors are desired by many, expect that they are a bit more expensive than their other cousins. Despite being common and easy to breed, these black pups are not highly sought after. What Is the Rarest Goldendoodle Color? The rarest Goldendoodle colors are those that can only be achieved through multi-generational breeding. This means that in order to produce these dogs, you have to breed together puppies beyond f2 or second generations. These are gray, blue, and silver. Apart from these colors, two patterns are found to be rare. They are the phantom and parti Goldendoodle. Similar to the gray, blue, and silver dogs, they can only be achieved through multi-generational breeding. The color of every dog is a product of its two main pigments, eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is black in default, but it also produces certain diluted colors due to the genes inherited by the dog. The second pigment, which is pheomelanin, is primarily red, but it can become apricot, cream, tan, and other similar shades when altered by dilution genes. For a breeder to produce a certain Goldendoodle color, the parents must undergo DNA testing to determine whether they can produce the desired color for the litter. Some others carry a recessive gene that makes them exhibit a very different color from their parents. There are some myths that aim to taint the reputation of some varieties but have no scientific basis. For instance, the assumption that black Goldendoodles are aggressive simply because they are black colored. Make sure to look for pertinent data first before becoming influenced by mere opinions on the color and the breed of dogs. In fact, a friend of mine who has two male Goldendoodles of different colors, a blue three-year-old, and an apricot 2-year-old, has observed that the two have very similar temperaments. Both are affectionate and love being with him all the time. But if we are to consider the study of the University of Sydney, which investigated the life expectancy of dogs according to their colors, chocolate Goldendoodles may be prone to ear infections and various skin diseases. Merles are also observed to be predisposed to deafness, blindness, skin sensitivity, and skin cancer, especially when the two parents used to breed the puppy both carry the merle gene. These are extreme issues, so you better consider this in buying your pet. As is with other crosses and purebreds, Goldendoodles also experience subtle color changes as they mature. This phenomenon is brought about by their Poodle lineage. Mostly, red and its varieties lighten when they reach two years of age. But other colors may also undergo lightening through a process called silvering or dilution. This is more prevalent in black and chocolate puppies who turn out blue, silver, or silver beige, depending on their genes. However, this may not be true for all Goldendoodle puppies. Some may not have any genes that will lighten their colors and will retain their rich color all the way to adulthood. Subscribe What is a Sable Goldendoodle? So, what is a sable Goldendoodle? A sable Goldendoodle has a coat that features black-tipped hairs with roots of any solid color. These black-tipped hairs can be in any location or pattern across the coat. Their puppy coat will typically be solid black or have markings similar to that of a phantom Goldendoodle. As they grow older, their coat will quickly change to a white, gray, or light cream color. However, if you appreciate their coat for the evolving work of art that it is, this Goldendoodle color could be perfect for you! Bailey is an F1 mini sable Goldendoodle. You can see her coat has lightened to a cream color with the prominent sable markings mostly around her ears and mouth. Photos courtesy of cool. Fenn is a 2 year old F1 Goldendoodle from Kansas. As a puppy she was mostly black but her coat has since evolved into a mesmerizing silver and black combination! Photos courtesy of jasperfergthedoodle on Instagram. Believe it or not, both of these photos are of the same dog! Photos courtesy of maethegoldendoodle on Instagram. Mae is a multigen standard Goldendoodle. As a puppy she was a dark chocolate color with lighter phantom markings. Photos courtesy of rizzothegoldendoodle on Instagram. Rizzo is a sable phantom F2B Goldendoodle. Photos courtesy of rudydoodledoo on Instagram. Rudy is an F1BB sable mini Goldendoodle. On an unrelated note, can we take a second to appreciate those eyelashes?! Through the entire transition, she keeps those darker, black-tipped ears. These dogs can vary significantly in stature and come in teacup, toy, mini, medium, and standard sizes. To learn about how big each of these sizes gets and which is best for your family, check our our article on Goldendoodle sizes! To grasp the full picture of generations and how they effect your future puppy, check out our easy-to-understand guide here! This is significantly above the average price of a Goldendoodle, thanks to how rare and highly sought after this coloring is. Finding a trustworthy, reputable breeder is your best bet in this situation. Depending on which Goldendoodle hair style you choose, your dog will need to visit the groomer for a haircut every months. Brush your dog as frequently as possible—usually every other day is a good schedule. This will help prevent matting and help your Goldendoodle avoid the dreaded shave-down. Just as important as your brushing frequency and technique are the tools you use. My recommendation is the Chris Christensen Big G slicker brush. This is a professional-quality brush that does an amazing job of tackling the challenging coat of a Goldendoodle. There are multiple possible combinations in the canine world. The coat color your pup ends up with depends on the mix of dominant and recessive genes that they receive from both parent dogs and how these genes interact. Golden Retriever Colors According to American Kennel Club standards, Golden Retrievers come in three distinct shades: dark golden, golden and light golden. Their coats are a single color all over with no apparent markings. Poodle Colors Poodles , on the other hand, can come in ten different solid colors: apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige, and white. Poodles also bring patterns into the mix. See Also: Click the image The Science Bit Without going into too much detail, the coat color of every single dog on the planet is a product of two main pigments: eumelanin responsible for shades of black and pheomelanin which covers shades of red and yellow. The genes that a dog gets determines how much of each of these are produced, as well as how they might be diluted or mixed with white the complete absence of pigment. For more details on how this all plays out, check out this handy description by VCA Hospitals. Each puppy inherits one set of color genes known as alleles from their mother dog and one set from their father dog — so they end up with two in total. This all depends on whether the alleles are dominant or recessive, and some are more or less dominant than others. Predicting Goldendoodle Colors So, to get back to Goldendoodles…. The Poodle colors are more likely to come through. To be golden, the puppy would need to inherit two recessive golden alleles — one from each parent. The puppy will most likely be a similar color to their Poodle parent. Yet this obviously only applies to first-generation Goldendoodles. With later-generation dogs, things get even more complicated as there are more Poodle genes to contend with. For instance, you may feel confident that with two black dogs you will get black puppies, right? After all, black is dominant. Well, as covered above, dogs inherit two alleles, and even though the dominant one is expressed, a recessive one could be passed along to their offspring. If both parents have recessive golden color alleles and both pass these along, then you could very well end up with a golden puppy from two black parents! What we can do is take an educated guess based on what we know and what we have observed about how the genes that determine coat color interact. Breeders may also opt to have their dogs tested to see which alleles they carry. This can make any coat-color guestimations that much more accurate. All in all, with those crazy, varied Poodle genes, Goldendoodles can come in pretty much every color that a Poodle comes in — and weirdly more besides. Unlike with Poodles, pedigree standards do not govern the breeding of Doodles. So, we are starting to see an array of mixes and patterns, many of which we have detailed below. Their coloring is typically the result of a mutation in the gene that would otherwise produce a black coat. These mutated genes are recessive, so the puppy would need to inherit one from each parent to end up this color. While chocolate Goldendoodles are often born quite dark — sometimes even black, they tend to fade a fair bit as they age. This process can begin as early as six weeks and will be most noticeable at this time on their muzzle and between their paw pads. Apricot Goldendoodles A variation on red, an apricot coat is one of the most sought-after for a Goldendoodle. It gives pups the appearance of a cute teddy bear even more so than their hair and adorable features already do. However, as this color is created by a recessive gene, the puppy must inherit it from both parents. Photo used with permission. Credit: Taurean DuHart Photo used with permission. Credit: doodlikekylo This coat color typically starts off a little darker and lightens over time. Depending on the interplay of genes, it can lighten quite considerably. For this reason, apricot Goldies may sometimes be confused with cream or tan ones. They will almost always have black eyes, eye rims, noses, and toenails, all inherited from the Poodle. Cream Goldendoodles Again, from the red line, cream Goldendoodles are frequently confused with white ones because of how light their coat can get — but they are very definitely not the same. These dogs are often used for breeding dogs with multi-colored coats, such as merle or parti Goldendoodles covered later. Credit: Murphywestslopedoodle Cream Goldies inherit their colors from both parents — a touch of gold to a little white. This is one of the reasons that they have the most extensive variation of coat tones and points with either dark or pinkish noses and paw pads, and light or dark eyes. Champagne Goldendoodles are so named for the yellowish tinge to their light, beautiful coats. These dogs have a recessive red gene that is diluted into this stunning pale yellow tone. Credit: Pattie Martin In some cases, it might be a little tricky to tell the difference between a cream Goldie and a champagne one. Champagnes tend to have a touch more color. Puppies may be born with a darker golden coat which lightens as they age. Secondly, the gene that creates a black coat is recessive, meaning that black coats are only likely in second and third-generation dogs. Finally, the Poodle fading gene can be quite active in these pups, silvering them down to grey, blue, or, naturally, silver once they are past their puppy years. Credit: sweetpupneo Black and White Goldendoodles While most black Goldendoodles are a single color, occasionally, you will also come across ones with white markings. In some cases, white may even be the more dominant color with just a touch of black. As with other parti and patterned coats, black and white Goldies are most often found in later generations. Black and white Doodles may also be referred to as tuxedo, parti, merle, phantom, and brindle. Gray Goldendoodles Not surprisingly, Gray is derived from the black line and inherited from the Poodle side of the Golden Retriever-Poodle combination. This is another rare shade in these types of dogs and only really occurs with multigenerational breeding. These Goldies are usually born very dark in color and start to show as gray after around six weeks. By the time these dogs hit two years of age, they will have faded into their adult hue. However, color holding can occur around the face and ears giving a cute two-tone effect. Blue Goldendoodles At first glance, blue Goldendoodles can look very similar to gray ones. However, they are generally a darker, more steely shade, and their coat can have both darker and lighter patches. This color is super rare, being recessive. It takes multiple generations of Goldendoodle breeding to achieve. Like gray Doods, blues are born dark and fade out across the first two years of their lives. Their coats may even continue to clear as they age, but a select few will remain truly blue. Again this color is tricky to predict. You never really know what you are going to get when you adopt a black Goldie. Silver Goldendoodles A lighter version of blue or gray Goldies, silvers are also born a much darker color and just keep on fading. You might see signs that a pup will be silver from somewhere around six to ten weeks, where you can start to spot lighter roots. You will likely also find white or silver hairs between their toes. The shift from black to silver is probably the most dramatic of any of the Doodle coat changes. Your pup will look like an entirely different dog when it is done. For this reason silvers are often mistaken for grays early on in life. Silver Beige Goldendoodles Unlike regular silvers, silver beige Goldendoodles are born dark brown. However, just like regular silvers, they lighten as they age. The lighter the final color, the earlier the puppy will start clearing — anywhere between six to twelve weeks. Silver beiges can sometimes be mistaken for sables as they start to fade. The combination of colors in their coat gives this effect. Tan Goldendoodles Tan Goldies get their coloring from their Retriever parent. Just as with apricot and cream dogs, tan occurs because of a dilution in the red pigment pheomelanin. This color sits somewhere between these other two more popular and more common ones. Often these dogs have shades of light apricot, cream, and white mixed in with their coat. Although from a distance, they do appear a single uniform shade. White Goldendoodles Although they look distinctly white from a distance compared with their warmer-toned cream counterparts , white Doods are often not white all over. They have various shades of cream mixed in throughout their coat. Unlike cream, white is not the result of fading, so white puppies will actually be born white and retain this color all through their lives. While these dogs look either brown or black at birth, even at this early time, the root of the hair is much lighter than the tip. Sable Goldendoodles tend to hold onto their dark color around the face and ears. The rest of their coat settles into more of a cream or tan shade, although always with darker tips and lighter roots. This makes for a really unique-looking dog! Abstract Goldendoodles Dogs with abstract coats are mostly one single color be it any of the ones outlined above with touches of another color. These are usually found on their face and around their chest and paws. Such dogs are also referred to as mismarked or chrome. Phantom Goldendoodles Super hard-to-find phantom Goldendoodles comprise two colors — a base shade solid chocolate or solid black and a lighter one. The lighter points are usually to be found around the eyes, muzzle, and legs. Most Phantom Goldendoodles are commonly black and tan, but this can vary, e. Parti Goldendoodles Dogs with parti coats are two distinct colors, with the second one usually being white. To be considered a parti rather than an abstract Doodle, the pup needs to have a color breakdown rather than simply a few highlights. You can find parti hounds in every color covered above, but no two look the same. As mentioned above, the parti gene is a recessive one, and so the Goldie would need two for them to be expressed. However, there are plenty of parti Poodles about. Tuxedo Goldendoodles Tuxedo Goldendoodles are another two-color mix. Any of the above colors are combined with white. However, the white is concentrated around the chest and front legs. This gives the pup the appearance of wearing a tuxedo hence the name. As you can imagine, these pooches are pretty popular because of their distinctive appearance — especially when in black and white. Their markings are apparent from birth. Although, naturally, the white splotches often begin small and get more prominent as the dog matures. Merle Goldendoodles Merle Goldendoodles are another extremely uncommon type. Watercolor merles, which are harder to find, also have tickings, but their coat lightens with age. Merle coats are tricky for breeders to work with as the gene that causes this pattern is also linked to health issues such as deafness and blindness. So careful breeding by someone very knowledgeable about canine genetics is needed. This unique pattern of dark and light coat is arranged in such a way as to make the dog look like it has tiger stripes. While the width and color of these stripes vary from dog to dog, in Goldendoodles, it usually takes the form of a black or brown base coat with lighter colored stripes. Tri-Colored Goldendoodles With the increasing amount of multigenerational Goldies, color options are becoming ever more varied. However, it is very usual in other types like Bernedoodles from the Bernese Mountain Dog. They usually have a little of another breed in them — one that does carry the tri-color gene. To date, no research has demonstrated a link between color and behavior. Rumors that say differently can actually be quite harmful. For instance, some people equate black dogs with higher aggression levels. This is simply not true. On the other hand, there are a few studies that link specific colors with certain health conditions. For instance, the merle gene as outlined above can lead to certain conditions such as deafness and blindness. These days, most breeders focus on breeding extremely healthy puppies over ones of a particular color or pattern type. The parent dogs are thoroughly tested for genetic conditions that they otherwise might pass down to their puppies. In all honesty, with no coat color being better than any other in terms of health and behavior, your choice of Goldendoodle should be based on health and temperament over looks. However, naturally, people have different preferences about these things. So, once you have ascertained that the puppies you are checking out are all good, you can choose the one that looks best to you. Usually, the intensity is reduced, and black dogs switch to gray or silver while red ones dull down to apricot or cream. The apricot Goldendoodle is the most popular color choice, with cream being second and red in third place. More popular colors usually translate into more expensive. Will my Goldendoodle change color? Most Goldendoodles are born with dark coat colors that change, fade, or silver to a lighter color with age, depending on their inherited genes. This is known as clearing and generally occurs within the first two years. The muzzles and ears of a Goldendoodle tend to hold more of the original colors as other parts change. What color Goldendoodle is best? There is no specific color of Goldendoodle that is best. The one that you opt for will be based on what you like. While red tones are pretty popular among the Doodle-fan crowd, some opt for dogs with rarer colors like black, blue, and silver. Others want different and distinct patterns that only come with multigenerational breeding. While color is one of the first things people notice about puppies, it should be one of the least important factors to base an adoption decision on. When purchasing a puppy, you want to ensure that they are healthy and have the right temperament — family-friendly, active, playful, etc. Only then should you start to consider color. No matter which Goldendoodle you decide is right for you, it will no doubt be love at first sight. Not just because of their adorable appearance, but because they make excellent, loving companions. You will never regret your choice to adopt one. What color of Goldendoodle is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!