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The effect is producing a sociable and friendly pet for everyone. Their dog breeding program started in , where the grandmother showed Scottish and Manchester Terriers. Right now, they are breeding fawn and black pugs that abide by the AKC standards. All their pups are raised indoors, so they are friendly to people. They are sociable and capable of joining dog shows. In fact, the majority of their pugs are still joining dog shows in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Northwest America. As a reputable pug dog club, they train all their dogs before adoption. They have different pug breed available for you to choose from. Some of these are black pugs and fawn. As a member of the American Kennel Club, all pugs evaluated are of the highest quality. They are sociable and friendly to people. All pets are vaccinated, spayed, and groomed. All pugs are litter box trained as well. Hoskins Pugs have been breeding quality AKC registered pugs for around fifteen years. Their pride pugs are one of the best in Washington and Oregon. Visit their website to get more information about them. C Pride Pugs prioritizes the quality of Chinese pugs they are selling in Washington. All their pups abide by the AKC standards, so you can expect they are vaccinated, spayed, and inserted with microchips for easy tracing. All their pug breeds stay in a family-like place, this is to make them sociable to children. You can have them as your best friend since they have good social skills. These pups are as sociable as poodles, so having them as part of the family is great. It helps them give early medical treatment for any diseases on their dogs. If you want to know more about them and their programs, visit their website. You can also call their office for inquiries. Our pugs are our family members and we breed them in the comfort of our home. They are loved and cared for by myself, Aneta, and my husband Chris along with our 2 boys. The puppies are loved and very well socialized this is so important! We welcome all future pug owners to call or text with any questions as well as schedule a visit with the puppies. We also have scheduled meetups so you can visit the puppies as often as possible, especially at fun milestones. If you have Facebook you are welcome to join our specially created groups for each litter so you can follow your baby's progress until they are ready to go home with you! We frequently post videos, photos and helpful advice for you and you puppy. Our puppies are litter trained as well! We are always so proud to see how smart these little babies are and how quickly they learn to potty in their litter box. This makes for a much easier transition to outdoor potty training once they go to their furever homes. All of our puppies also go home with a wonderful puppy package. We feed them Fromm Puppy Gold, a wonderful research-based dog food and you will get a full 5lb bag of it to take home. The puppy also goes home with a bowl set, toothbrush set, a blankey that has been with Mama and the littermates, and a Busy Buddy chew toy. On top of all this we like to send everyone off with some great literature from AKC and Trupanion. We provide you with 30 days free puppy insurance through Trupanion and are happy to discuss the details of and why we chose them. Amongst the literature we have some puppy training tips, milestones to look out for and advice on caring for your puppy in the upcoming season. You also get a free veterinarian visit certificate courtesy of VCA Animal hospitals! There is so much more to say so please message us however is most convenient and we would love to chat about everything with you! We absolutely love our pugs and hope we can share that love of this amazing breed with you! AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Amanda Bogart. Email: charliehoskins13 comcast. Hoskins Pugs is run by a retired military, Pug-loving, family from Olympia, Washington. They care about producing top of the line, quality Pugs from their own home. All Pugs are clean, well cared for, and an important part of the Hoskins family. Aura Pugs Email: aurapugs gmail. They strive to always put health first and do their best to better the breed. Aura Pugs tests for health concerns and have their Pugs evaluated and vetted at different stages. All dogs are raised in the home as members of the family, promoting good social skills and manners. Aura Pugs show their dogs regularly throughout the Northwest, and invite prospective owners to come and visit them. These breeders have a dedication and commitment to the Pug breed that drives them to provide a loving haven for their dogs. All Pups are well socialized and bred to AKC standards with parents on site. C Pride Pugs go to their forever homes equipped with AKC registration papers, vet checks, dewclaw removal, vaccinations, and deworming. All Pug parents are genetically tested and puppies are sold as pets with a limited AKC registration. Puppies are baby checked and microchipped before being rehomed and come with a health guarantee and lifelong advice. This Pug loving family from Washington wants to spread the joy that Pugs bring to others. All Grumble of Love Pugs are bred from the comfort of the family home. Each pup is loved and cared for by Aneta, her husband Chris, and their two boys. She is a longtime breeder of Pugs with a special interest in colored Pugs. Her dogs are all pets and live in the home with humans. Puppies have the opportunity to become well socialized with children, adults, and other dogs. Stephanie is available for advice for as long as you might need. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time.

It is an intelligent dog breed that is easily trainable, and possesses a gentle temperament but can also be quite energetic in nature. And that is what this article is for. In this article, we highlight a list of some of the best Bernedoodle breeders residing in Pennsylvania. These are highly reputable breeders that truly care for the well-being of the breed and are known for producing high-quality Bernedoodle puppies for numerous families in the state and the entire country. So do ensure you read on till the end for my personal pick. Their name pretty much sells them already. They produce Bernedoodles that are quite lovely, loyal, and beautiful. The puppies are of course healthy and contain a high intelligence level that makes them trainable. This means they could be bred to become service dogs or therapy dogs to help people living with PTSD. All their puppies are f1b generation puppies so they are born with hypoallergenic coats and still maintain their hybrid vigor, and they breed puppies of both medium and mini sizes. These dogs each come from highly respectable lineages that are AKC registered and are even championed dogs with impressive pedigrees to show for it. The sires and dams are carefully selected after much research would have been done. They are further tested for genetic defects and each has their OFA and CERF certifications to show they have well-functioning hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts. Every Bernedoodle puppy is raised in a family home in New Holland Pennsylvania, and they have been doing this for over 25 years, so they definitely do know what they are doing. The puppies are made to sleep in warm areas alongside members of the family. They are socialized as they are introduced to both human and non-human elements to help them get accustomed to new environments and situations. Each puppy is also potty and crate trained. All puppies from Bernedoodles of Love come with a written health guarantee free from genetic health issues, They are examined and vet checked by a licensed vet and each has their deworming and vaccination records updated. View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. Best Bernedoodle Breeder in Pennsylvania welcome to Integrity Bernedoodles You want a new puppy, but not just any puppy. And since this is a big and exciting step in your life, you don't want to settle for anything less than the best. Here at Integrity Bernedoodles, our goal is to bring to you the best of Bernedoodles! We strive to be open and honest and provide happy, healthy puppies that are well socialized. So don't hesitate to reach out to us; we would love to meet you and help you choose your new best friend! Our health guarantees and socialization are promises you can count on us to uphold. As a small, family-owned business, we operate solely out of our passion for the Bernedoodle breed and making families happy by introducing them to their new best friends. We work hard to take care of and socialize each and every one of our puppies from the day they are born - one of the most significant benefits of being a small-scale operation. This socialization and intentional care mean your puppy will be happy and fully ready to go home with you and your family when the time comes. If you are looking for a trustworthy and caring PA Bernedoodle Breeder, you have come to the right place! Contact Us Why We Chose to Become Bernedoodle Breeders After our first encounter with a Bernedoodle puppy , we almost instantly had a dream of creating the perfect family dog. We absolutely loved the affectionate, playful, and loyal disposition of a Bernedoodle, and couldn't get enough of the beautiful tri-color coat. A tri-color Bernedoodle puppy is one that has black, white, and brown coloring in the coat - similar to a standard Bernese Mountain Dog. Our goal as Bernedoodle breeders is to provide families with simultaneously beautiful and loving dogs, and we are sure you will love this breed as much as we do. More About the Bernedoodle Bernedoodle Puppies Our Bernedoodle puppies adore children and make for a fun, furry family member. All of our puppies are health tested and guaranteed, but more importantly, they are raised by the caring hands of our entire family from the day they are born. We have lots of beautiful Bernedoodle puppies for sale ready to be taken home, and look forward to introducing you to your new family member! We are 40 miles east of Harrisburg, 1 hour west of Allentown, and less than 2 hours northwest of Philadelphia. Although we are located in Pennsylvania and mainly serve local PA customers, we welcome all dog lovers from around the country and will assist with delivering puppies nationwide. You may be located on the other side of the country, but we can assure you that a puppy from a trustworthy Bernedoodle breeder is well worth any travel inconveniences! Integrity Bernedoodles. Life Span Did You Know? These large, fluffy dogs are known for their non-shedding coats and lovable personalities. Bernedoodles tend to be a great addition to any family! Although the Bernedoodle is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other dog registries. As long as they are properly socialized, they tend to be open and friendly dogs that get along well with just about anyone. These dogs tend to do well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they can be initially wary and watchful at first, they even tend to warm up quickly to strangers once introduced. Bernedoodles are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. Despite their size and energy, they can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise and attention. These dogs tend to handle the cold better than the heat; you may even have some trouble getting them to come back inside after some playtime in the snow. Because Bernedoodles bond so closely with their families and enjoy nothing more than being around them, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to skin issues like sensitive skin, allergies, and hot spots. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large dog breed, the Standard Bernedoodle is also at risk for bloat like both parent breeds. The Bernedoodle is a highly intelligent and easily trained dog breed. Some facts about Bernedoodles are that they are a good fit for owners of any experience level and tend to pick up commands easily. Although they tend to grow out of this initial stubbornness with age, puppy training classes will certainly help with training and socialization early on. Bernedoodles tend to have a longer coat that ranges from curly to wavy. Although they tend to be non-shedding, they still need a lot of maintenance to keep their coat looking great. Daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats along with grooming every weeks are recommended. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing daily along and cleanings at the vet as needed are an ideal start to a good dental care routine for your Bernedoodle. Standard Bernedoodles can range from moderate to high energy. They tend to sit in a more moderate activity range and have bursts of higher energy when they play. These dogs are known to play hard and energetically until they are tired, but are not usually considered high-energy dogs. Daily walks plus playtime and some time to run should be enough for a Bernedoodle. But, these dogs will likely be up for more activity if you are. They will love the opportunity to spend more time being active with you. A fully-grown Standard Bernedoodle usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Standard Bernedoodles generally live for years on average. A Bernedoodle is also sometimes called a Bernese Mountain Poo. Featured Bernedoodle Article.

We breed all colors of the Labrador Rainbow! All of our dogs are vet checked here to ensure their safety from contagious diseases. Puppies receive first set of shots worming schedule and will be Michrochipped and Health Checked prior to leaving us. We offer 30 free days of insurance with Trupanion on the day your puppy goes home also a bag of starter food along with sample vitamins, probiotics and AKC limited registration papers what does Limited mean? No Breeding Rights Deposits are good for 2 years and only refundable if i can not provide the puppy in that time frame. Am I the Breeder For You? Getting one of my puppies takes time and patience if you are in a rush i am not the breeder for you we are not a puppy mill we are a small kennel all of our girls are retired at the age of 5 so they can go on to live happy long lives. Which means we never breed dogs without health clearances. Puppies are born in our nursery inside our home , once they have transitioned onto food they go to the Kennels where they get lots of play time and exposure to objects We breed all colors of the Lab Rainbow! We never breed our Standard Labradors to our Dilute Labradors and we are careful as to who we breed to make sure we have tested for all genetics to ensure our puppies will have great coats. Fox Reds are DD non Dilute. Black Lab Chocolate Lab Black Lab One of the first colors in the Labrador world is the iconic Black Labrador some will have Bolo spots of white which goes back to Banchory Bolo many believe that the Bolo spots are the descendants of the first dual champion. We have seen Bolo spots in all colors. What Is a Charcoal Lab? A charcoal Lab is a purebred Labrador Retriever that carries a dilute gene. Charcoal Labs come in a light shade of black with hints of gray. They often get mixed up with silver Labs but they are different. Despite the controversy surrounding its genetics, this dog is considered purebred. Aside from coat color, the charcoal Lab is similar to the standard Labrador Retrievers in terms of other physical features and temperament. Generally, the Labrador breed has been known to be a good family pet dog as well as an excellent working dog. So you can expect these qualities from a charcoal Labrador Retriever too. Due to their controversial dilute genes, they are not considered standard by the American Kennel Club AKC and are disqualified in shows. However, you can still register it as a purebred Labrador Retriever. Are Charcoal Labs Rare? Charcoal Lab puppies are considered rare. Their breeding process is not as straightforward as the typical Labrador Retrievers and may require a lot of time for charcoal Labs to emerge in a litter. They usually come from carrier genes , like silver Labs. However, because Labrador Retriever charcoal dogs are still purebreds, there might be exclusive silver and charcoal kennels out there. Silver and charcoal Labs are often interchanged with one another. Their appearance is sometimes taken as the same as Weimaraner dogs. However, if you look closely, silver and charcoal Labs have slight differences. These two types of Labs may both have diluted genes, but a silver Labrador comes from the dilution of chocolate Labradors while a charcoal Lab puppy comes from the dilution of black Labradors. Silver Lab variants have higher tendencies to be blue-eyed, and they have a bluish tinge in their coats. On the other hand, charcoal pups have a grayish fur tone. Nothing specific is documented about the charcoal Labs when it comes to history. However, we know they are among the most popular pet dogs globally and in the working dog breed line. They are sometimes called Newfoundland dogs because of their origin. Like their yellow Lab peers, they are bred to be retrieving gun dogs and popularly labeled as hunting dogs extraordinaire. The unique charcoal coat color is a product of gene dilution, carrier genes, and selective breeding, which we will discuss later on. Aside from the distinctive, silvery charcoal coats, charcoal Lab puppies share the appearance of the rest of the Labrador Retrievers. They are large dogs with evenly distributed muscles and athletic stances. Charcoal Lab puppies have well-defined muzzles, powerful jaws, and floppy ears. They have broad skulls, and their eyes could be dark or light, depending on parent genes. They have thick and long tails known as the otter tail that helps them to maneuver and move easily in water. In terms of colors, one can look like a charcoal silver Lab puppy or a charcoal grey Lab. Their furs can vary in intensity. Some may be darker, while others are a little bit darker. But not as light as a silver Lab. Charcoal Labrador dogs have color similarities with male and female Weimaraners. In fact, both Weimaraner dogs and charcoal Labs carry and come from the same dilution gene for their fur color. Moreover, like other Labrador puppies, a charcoal Lab puppy grows fast into a large dog. They can stand between 21 and 25 inches and weigh around 55 to 80 pounds, making them more suitable in ample-sized homes. When it comes to genetics, a charcoal Lab is documented to come from a recessive dilute gene. This means that both parent dogs should have a copy of this dilute gene for charcoal Lab puppies to emerge. Specifically, this dilute gene is also known as the little d , and two copies from the parent dogs will be the dd genotype. When breeding charcoal Labrador puppies, DNA testing can help determine which ones have the little d. So charcoal Lab breeders can produce them through selective breeding. The same DNA testing process is done when breeders want to avoid a charcoal Labrador puppy in a litter. However, it may not be very apparent for a charcoal Labrador puppy. They may only lighten or darken in a very subtle manner. However, they will still maintain the same coat colors they have from childhood to mature dogs. In contrast, senior dogs may develop whitish hairs and a more grayish appearance due to aging, but the charcoal coat color will still be predominant in their bodies. Charcoal Labradors are really smart dogs. They are natural fast learners and love fun activities. They are also quite affectionate and protective, making them excellent family dogs. Aside from its tremendous work ethic, it is also a fantastic guard dog. Charcoal Labs will happily guard your property and alert you of any dangerous intruders just to keep you safe. A charcoal Labrador loves children and is pretty much gentle with them. No wonder this breed is considered a popular pet dog. However, like other dog breeds, socialization and training them as puppies are crucial factors to help them understand how to behave appropriately. Luckily, obedience training and learning commands will not be very challenging. They are people pleasers and would always love to show their best to everyone. Averagely, a charcoal Labrador Retriever dog has a 10 to 12 years lifespan, making them great as a companion. However, their lifespan and health will vary based on different factors. One of the most critical factors that affect their health is where you acquire them. A reputable and responsible breeder who prioritizes breeding healthy puppies is the one you should be looking for. However, like other breeds, a charcoal Labrador puppy may be prone to health issues despite being generally healthy. Most of these are genetically linked. Anti-inflammatory drugs, supplements, and daily exercise can help treat hip dysplasia. Seizures: Seizures are also known as epilepsy. This can be caused by abnormal and uncontrolled neurological activity, resulting in variations of movements, such as involuntary twitching and harsh tremors. Obesity: A charcoal Labrador Retriever can gain weight fast, and not giving them the proper diet and exercise may lead to obesity. Though this is reversible, excess body fat can often lead to cardiac problems and even death, so make sure your Lab receives nutritionally-balanced dog food daily. This condition is also highly preventable if we are responsible pet owners. All their life, they will rely on you, so you must prioritize their well-being at all times to prolong their life span. They will need essential items to transition smoothly into your home. A fun, lovable pup is the perfect addition to a happy home. Whether you're looking for a hunting dog or a jogging companion, our puppies are perfect for you. Here at Dogwood Silver Labs, we produce quality, healthy labrador pups that are loved and handled every day. Every puppy comes home with genetic testing , a written 2-year health guarantee, pedigree, microchip, dewclaws removed and much more. If you're ready to bring home a loving fur baby, you came to the right place. I've been breeding quality labs for over ten years. I have all parents on my site here at Dogwood Silver Labs, they are all my pets. Puppies are wormed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. Dewclaws are removed before the 5th day. At six weeks of age, your puppy will get a physical examination by a licensed veterinarian, shots with shot record and a fecal testing is performed. All pups come to their new forever home parasite free, happy, healthy and well socialized from a family environment. My goal is to improve the Labrador breed and make a positive impact on families. It's my pleasure to introduce you to your new family member. Please visit our available littler tab for pictures and details of all Charcoal, Silver and Champagne labrador puppies for sale throughout the United States. Tweet on Twitter This is your complete guide to the charcoal Labrador. And whether it affects charcoal Labrador personality, health, or grooming needs. The charcoal Labrador is still considered to be a purebred Labrador retriever dog in spite of the controversy over the dilute gene that causes the charcoal, or silver, coat color. These dogs—the most popular pet dogs in the history of pet dogs—hail from Newfoundland in what is now Canada. These are hunting dogs extraordinaire. This gene is a recessive gene, which means that both parent dogs must contribute a copy in order for a puppy to pop out with the charcoal coat color. Experienced breeders of show yellow, black, chocolate Labs that are well-versed in dog breed genetics can control against the dilute gene in future litters of puppies. Newer breeders that are learning the purebred breeding craft may inadvertently produce charcoal Lab puppies until they develop a more complete genetic map for their breeding stock. And some breeders deliberately create charcoal Lab puppies using that same genetic map. Working Versus Show Labrador Retriever Charcoal Dogs If you have ever attended a dog show you likely noticed that the Labrador retriever is also a frequent contestant in the show ring. However, only three coat colors of Labrador are currently eligible to be shown—yellow, black and chocolate brown. The champagne yellow dilute silver chocolate dilute or Labrador retriever charcoal coat black dilute colors are currently not eligible to enter dog shows. Among Labrador retrievers with show-eligible coat colors currently, these are yellow, black and chocolate Labs , there are two recognized breed lines: the working line and the show line. There are some notable differences between the working vs show Labs , including appearance, rate of maturity, personality, temperament and trainability. Since the charcoal coat color is a recessive dilute gene that may have been present all along in the Labrador retriever gene pool, it is entirely possible that a charcoal Lab could come from either a show dog or a working dog breed line. For this reason, it is worth asking your breeder about the breed line itself because this can give you valuable clues about what to expect as your charcoal Lab puppy grows up. However, as of the time of this writing, a charcoal Lab is still not eligible to be shown. If you have ever seen a Weimaraner dog, with their distinctive silvery-charcoal coats, you can already visualize what many charcoal Labrador dogs look like. And in fact, both Weimaraner dogs and charcoal Labs carry the same dilute gene, which is responsible for their shared unusual coat color. Also, as with all other dog breeds, the charcoal coat color can appear in a range of colors from lighter to darker. In other ways, the charcoal Lab will typically resemble his or her black, chocolate and yellow Lab peers. Often, this is a matter of personal opinion, since some people say they can see a difference while other people say the charcoal Lab looks like all other Labs. As research shows, Labradors are not just the most popular pet dog, but also the dog most likely to become obese. The responsible gene is now called pro-opiomelanocortin POMC , and Labs can have one or more than one copy of it. The more copies a Lab carries, the fatter that dog is likely to be. Labrador retrievers often show gender-based differences in height and weight at adulthood. The female Lab will generally weigh between 55 and 70 pounds and stand .The male Lab will typically weigh between 65 and 80 pounds and stand .Labs rarely meet a stranger, with their easygoing personalities and gentle natures. Labs are also really smart dogs and they are fast learners, which makes training beginning in puppyhood a must to help your dog learn to become a productive member of a multi-species family and community. Is the Charcoal Lab Good with Children? The charcoal Lab, like all Labrador retriever dogs, is a very good family pet dog. The top layer is waterproof and coarse while the bottom layer is softer and highly insulating. What this will mean for you is a dog that sheds a lot. You will want to invest in a slicker brush as well as a pin and bristle brush for frequent de-shedding and brushing sessions. This will help keep coat shedding cleanup duties manageable. Training a Charcoal Lab Dog The biggest determinant of how easy your charcoal Lab is to train is which line working or show your dog has been bred from. Dog breeding and training experts assert that the working dog breed line generally produces Labs that mature more rapidly and are easier to train overall. Here again, the breed line that your charcoal Lab hails from can have a great influence over how much exercise your Lab needs and craves. The working line of Labs tends to stay more active and vigorous throughout life, while the show line can become more sedentary in adulthood and later in life. On average, the Labrador retriever dog can live 10 to 12 years. The first and most important is to ensure you work with a reputable and responsible breeder to choose your charcoal silver Lab puppy—a breeder who prizes breeding healthy puppies above all else. This condition is not curable but it is manageable. In addition to follicular dysplasia, charcoal Labs can be susceptible to all other known health issues associated with the purebred Labrador retriever breed lines. The latter is to test for the coat color gene. Optional but recommended additional health tests include centronuclear myopathy, cardiac issues and progressive retinal atrophy. Picking Out Charcoal Labrador Puppies You can count on finding that charcoal Lab puppies are just as cute and irresistible as all Labrador puppies. Instead, start by carefully researching charcoal Lab breeders to find a health-focused breeder who ensures all parent dogs are prescreened and health tested according to current CHIC guidelines. This will rule out known genetic heritable health issues and help you select the healthiest charcoal Lab puppy. The charcoal Lab, like all Labrador retrievers, is generally considered to be an ideal family dog. There are two main issues to consider before making up your mind that a charcoal Lab is the best, future dog for your family. The second issue is that a Lab may be the soul of friendliness, but this dog can still be quite strong and powerful, especially during puppyhood. This can make for rough play that may be a bit overwhelming for very young children. There is no right or wrong answer about whether a charcoal Lab is the right pet for you in years to come. There is only the answer that best fits your lifestyle, interests and time availability to parent an active, young dog. For the right person or family, a charcoal Lab can make a wonderful family pet. Readers Also Liked. Life Span Did You Know? Charcoal Labrador Retrievers, or Charcoal Labs, are playful little helpers that just want to explore. Their loyalty and independence make them a perfect pet for beginners. Interestingly enough, many breeders believe the gray tint appeared from outside labrador lineage. However, genetics has been able to provide more than enough evidence to support that these are indeed Labradors, albeit rare ones. Their genes contain a diluting factor in coat color dominance traits that are responsible for the gray hue — something that is also present in Silver and Champagne Labs as well. Quizzical and adventurous, Charcoal Labs have a penchant for chasing woodland critters. As a Retriever, they make great companions or service dogs and are perfect for hunters. Besides their working dog nature, Charcoal Labradors also exhibit a playful and patient attitude. This makes them perfect for families, even those with small children that may be too exuberant for other breeds. Highly adaptable, Labs are happy in almost any environment. While they definitely love to get attention, they are not a high maintenance breed and are content to spend time guarding over their family. They do tend to have natural retriever urges though, such as digging and minor barking, but exercise and some training will usually take care of this issue. These dogs are happiest when they are with their family, are well-exercised, and have plenty of mental stimulation. They can adapt to apartment living, but they must get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation in order to do so. Their double coat makes them a good fit for almost any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Overall, Charcoal Labs tend to be a healthy and active dog breed. Regular visits to the vet will take care of most common issues, but owners should keep an eye out for overeating in their pup. Later on in life, Labs are likely to develop common age-related issues such as eye disorders and joint problems. Ideal for first-time owners, Labrador Retrievers are highly independent and adapt to almost any living situation. They are also highly trainable and are eager to please their owners. As companions, Labs can make the change from lap dog to guard dog and make a great fit for most owners. Grooming is fairly low maintenance for Charcoal Labs when compared to most breeds. Charcoal Labrador Retrievers will shed moderately year-round and will go through two heavier shedding cycles each year. A thorough brushing once per week, and the occasional bath will do just fine. If your pup likes to swim a lot or gets muddy on a hike or run, it may be necessary to bathe them more often. Bred to be working dogs, Labs are fairly active and need regular exercise as part of their routine. Daily walks and runs, trips to the park, or the occasional hike or swim will help them to stay active and healthy. They do tend to calm down a little once they get around 2 years old, but they will still be a high energy and active dog. Charcoal Labs grow up to be medium to large dogs. Typically, they get to be about 23 inches in height, weighing in at an average of 75 pounds. Males tend to range between 65 and 80 pounds while females range from 55 to 70 pounds. Labs enjoy a nice longevity, providing companionship for 10 to 14 years. Labrador Retrievers have a thick, tapering tail. Featured Charcoal Labrador Retriever Article. Our pointing charcoal lab puppies are highly praised for their attractive color — and are in fact one of our favorites! Lab pups begin to develop high performance pointing skills as well as social skills at an early age. This means that through early training and conditioning, your new pup can grow up to become a successful gun dog and an affectionate, loving companion. We are a passionate pointing charcoal lab puppy breeder and are one of only a few kennels that offer these charcoal-colored pups. Charcoal is considered to be a diluted black gene variation, but these pups are still part of the black lab line. With a genuine appreciation for the breed and a love of animals, we have raised each of our charcoal puppies for more than 15 years with a focus on delivering healthy, intelligent, skillful and loyal dogs. Pointing Charcoal Labs For Gun Dogs As a pointing charcoal lab puppy breeder, we carefully select dogs that will exhibit this interesting color, as well as good health, friendly personalities and trainable mentalities. Our puppies for sale are available as early as seven weeks of age. Adopting at this early age allows you to form a bond earlier, forming trust with your dog to help with training and practice. When you work with your puppy starting at seven weeks of age, they will quickly become attached to you and exceptionally loyal, and through your efforts, you will end up with a dog that is both a family-friendly companion and an extraordinary gun dog. We also offer trained adult dogs that have already learned how to be a successful pointer. Our dogs and puppies for sale vary in color and personality, but their athleticism, health, discipline and skill are all second to none.

I am a licensed veterinary technician, so all my pups are raised with the utmost care when it comes to their health. I began breeding when I discovered how difficult it was to find our own English Bulldog to bring home. Now, we have 1 to 2 litters per year, and every pup is raised in my home with 6 children and lots of snuggles. Coming from a veterinary background, we take many steps to make sure that healthy English bulldog puppies are brought into the world. All our dogs will have a full health check by a registered veterinary technician, and our puppies are bred with specific characteristics in mind. Then, each one of our puppies are raised in the house, with our 6 kids, making sure that they are brought up around other dogs and family-lifestyles. We Breed For Temperament When we breed English Bulldogs, we make sure to breed for a certain temperament that will be ideal for individuals, families, young children, and other pets in the home. We do not breed dogs who display signs of aggression, or dominance towards other animals or children. This pre-assessment is then re-enforced by the way the pups are raised when they are born. Health Healthy dogs and puppies are our first priority. We verify that our dogs have good hearts and good lungs before they are bred, and everyone gets basic blood work done to check for healthy kidney function. Finally, all our pups have regular vet checks. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. I have breeding papers and rights as well. He loves to play and is a total chunk. He will grow up to be a very muscular dog. These puppies are from a registered AKC litter. Ham has got his first set of shots. He's learning to explore outside and go potty. He's starting to wean off his mom and eat more dry dog food. He still is a ball of energy. She loves puppy food. She would make a great companion for anyone: She is from an AKC registered litter. He is from an AKC registered litter. All males. Text xxx xxx xxx4 if imterested. Mum is our family dog whom we have had since birth and pups dad is a family friend. Mum is a Parson Russell with standard long legs. I also have pups grandmother whom has shown at County level and greet English bulldog show. They are wormed and flead to date, and will leave microchipped. I have lots of videos and photos. We can ship. He is full of energy, great with kids but not cats. Unfortunately I just dont have the time he needs, he needs to be in a home that will show him a lot of attention and love. He is crate trained, microchiped but not neutered, up to date on shots. He currently weights 75 pounds, doesn't do well with long walks, comes with cage and all the supplies needed. Have to relocate and cannot bring pet. Amazing dog and companion with no health issues. Great with kids and other animals. View Detail English bulldog His name is bullet. He is 1 years old. He has a gray and white coat. He is very lovable, and he loves attention. He needs a family or someone that has the availability to care for him and give him the attention he needs. He is smart and playful. He enjoys new toys. He is not neutered and he belongs to the American kennel club. View Detail AKC reg. English Bulldog puppies AKC reg. English Bulldog puppies, male and female available. Male and female with excellent personalities. They have 3rd sets of shots and wormed they are ready now. Serious buyers should only. Text or Call me at xxx xxx-xxx9 for more info. Over the years we have chosen and raised quality dogs and continue to keep selling commendable puppies at a high level.

German Shepherds of all ages are typically heavy year-round shedders. The reason for their noticeable increase in shedding is that this is when they start to grow in a new adult coat. For this to happen, their baby fur has to go. Yet, unlike other breeds where they shed their hair all at once. It happens gradually over the course of a week or two. It then gets replaced with a new, coarser, denser coat. Keep reading to learn more about when these adorable puppies and their coats. Losing the Puppy Coat At Birth German Shepherd puppies are born with a dense, fluffy coat that keeps them warm and snug. It was also thick enough to keep him protected from bumps and falls. That soft, but highly dense, coat helps reduce their risk of injury. You probably know by now that German Shepherds are big shedders anyway. Although, during that time, there will be a distinct increase in shedding. GSDs have a medium-length coat that consists of two layers: an undercoat and an outer coat. The undercoat is the one closest to their skin. This fuzzy layer is thick with fluffy hairs that are relatively short, measuring less than two inches on average. It serves one primary purpose: to keep the dog comfy and cozy all winter long. Then, you have the outer top coat. It comes in three different lengths: short, medium, and long. Even though GSDs shed non-stop all year long, there are two times during the year when their shedding becomes excessive. They do this again in the fall to make room for a new, thicker coat to grow in preparation for winter. This ability to adapt is one of the reasons why GSDs are great at functioning in all kinds of various weather conditions. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. That said, they still do a lot of shedding, and their fur is just as susceptible to getting tangled and matted up. Thus, the best type of grooming brushes for this short-haired breed is pin brushes. It helps remove tangles and dirt. They also work to eliminate pests, such as fleas and ticks. Slicker brushes work best with dogs that have wiry hair. They have short, thin wires placed close together on a flat surface designed to effectively remove mats, dirt, and pests. Those with hair on the longish side will also benefit from an undercoat rake. Long-Haired To keep their coats slick, shiny, and tangle-free, long-haired GSDs do well with an undercoat rake. As the name suggests, this grooming tool has many tiny, curved, sharp blades placed close together. It also helps break up mats and remove loose hairs. Dogs with a long outer coat will also need a slicker brush to ensure their fur is clean, knot-free, and shinier than ever. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. This is especially important because GSDs are such people lovers. So, being the friendly, fun-loving dog that he is, grooming becomes a special way for the two of you to spend quality time together. Check out more emotional benefits grooming has on your German Shepherd: Increases the special bond you have with your furry four-legged friend It makes your pooch calmer and more relaxed The positive reinforcement dogs get during grooming makes them more confident Fosters positive behavior Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. How to Grow German Shepherd Hair? Their diet will also have a huge impact on their overall growth and coat growth and composition. Many topical oils can also improve hair growth in dogs such as vitamin E and evening primrose oil. Below, we will go over exactly how to care for, maintain, and grow out the coat of your German Shepherd. Follow these simple steps, and before you know it, your canine companion will have a lovely and lustrous fur coat to show off at the dog park. German Shepherds come with four different types of coats. Shedding leads to matting, and matting leads to stunted coat length. Brushing does more than just remove any excess hair that your pooch sheds. It helps keep their skin healthy in general. Brushing your dog distributes oils from their glands to the rest of their fur. It also helps their skin. Healthier skin leads to a healthier coat. You can either brush and bathe your dog yourself or find a quality groomer. We recommend brushing your dog daily and scheduling regular appointments with a grooming service. A monthly grooming appointment will go a long way toward managing any undercoat shedding that your German Shepherd exhibits. If you are trying to give your German Shepherd a clean and healthy coat, bathing them on the right schedule is key. How much you bathe your dog will depend on a few factors. How much outdoor time does your dog get? How long is their coat? Will you be showing your dog professionally or are they mainly your family pet? Bathing your German Shepherd too often can cause skin irritation, drying, and even hair loss. So, you can expect to give your pooch a dip in the tub no more than every 3 weeks. Not bathing your dog often enough can also cause issues. Going more than 12 weeks between baths can cause excess coat oil build-up. If your dog spends most of their time indoors, a bath every weeks will usually do the trick. Brushing before the bath can help ensure that their coat gets evenly washed and brushing after bathing prevents matting and reduces shedding. This will help any shampoo and conditioning treatments you use penetrate evenly. To keep your drain from clogging with dog hair, you might want to consider taking your pooch to a groomer or bathing them outside. This can inhibit fur growth over time. Wait until your dog is completely dry, and then thoroughly brush them out to distribute the oil from their skin glands through their fur. This will also help with any potential matting and shedding. If you blow-dry your dog, use the lowest possible heat setting. There are many dog foods available that claim to help with fur growth. In many cases, these claims are accurate. Since German Shepherds can be prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis, a high-quality diet is a good idea no matter what. Healthy fats play a very important role in preventing hair loss. Key nutrients can prevent dullness as well. Health Many dogs can suffer from skin or coat issues at some point in their lifetime. But, certain breeds seem to be more prone to them. German Shepherds, for example, are predisposed to food and environmental allergies, while Golden Retrievers are known to suffer from canine atopic dermatitis caused by allergies to food and environmental irritants as well as fleas. For dogs, skin health manifests in the coat, which could shed, present hotspots bald spots , or become dull. If your dog is suffering from skin and coat issues, or simply has lackluster hair, talk to your veterinarian about adding supplements to their diet. Skin and coat supplements provide vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that support skin health and encourage healthy coat growth in all dogs. If you make a purchase through one of the links I get a small commission at no additional cost to you :. What to Look for in a Supplement for Dog Coat Growth Certain vitamins and nutrients are proven effective in supporting coat growth. When choosing supplements for dog coat growth, make sure you look for the following: Omega Fatty Acids Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are commonly found in fish oil, although they can also be found in non-animal sources like flaxseeds and nuts. They help the body absorb crucial fat-soluble vitamins, strengthen the immune system, control hormones, and support cellular growth. Because of all this, they are vital to controlling inflammation within the body. In particular, Omega-3 fatty acids are scarce in the typical canine diet. So, taking it in supplement form is incredibly beneficial. In fact, skin and coat issues are often the first noticeable sign of canine vitamin A deficiency. Over time, a chronic lack of vitamin A can also lead to poor eye health and deteriorating vision. In fact, it is one of the most common causes of night blindness in dogs. Additionally, this vitamin plays a huge role in muscle and nerve health. So, it supports cell reproduction, minimizes the risk of cancer, and slows down the natural aging process. Although it offers a host of benefits to the body, it is most often given as a supplement to dogs that are prone to allergies or have itchy and dry skin. When the problem is localized, vitamin E oil can be applied topically, but oral supplements are better for widespread cases or for prevention. Biotin As early as , a study had scientifically proven that biotin is useful in improving a variety of fur and skin conditions in dogs. Zinc Zinc is essential to cellular regeneration and so affects organ health as well as that of the skin, nails, and coat. Additionally, it plays a vital role in sustaining a healthy immune system. Typically, a zinc deficiency starts with digestive distress along with shedding and coat dullness. It could also lead to crusty skin around the muzzle, eyes, and groin. Thankfully, dogs usually show significant improvement within weeks. It also contains vitamins C and E, biotin, and zinc, making it an excellent supplement for dog coat growth and shine. Neither is it formulated with any artificial flavorings or preservatives. Dogs tend to love this because they come as bite-sized, chicken-flavored chews that resemble high-value treats. Its Omega 3 content comes from fish oil, while the Omega 6 comes from sunflower oil. The Omega 9, although not an essential fatty acid, comes from primrose oil, which is especially beneficial for dogs with dull and dry coats. These chews are small in size, and dogs should generally be given three chewable tablets daily. They come in a bacon and liver flavor, which most dogs seem to love and enjoy as a treat. This supplement harnesses the power of known superfoods like flaxseeds and kelp to support optimum skin health and manage issues like itchiness, dryness, and shedding. Additionally, it is formulated with phytonutrients and dietary fiber to aid proper digestion. The Missing Link has always been known to provide wholly healthy products, and the Original Superfood Supplement is no exception. Its ingredients are cold-pressed to avoid the need for artificial preservatives. Taking these supplements will not only make their coats look more lush and beautiful; They will also be healthier and less prone to illness. For German Shepherds, in particular, the Omega fatty acids in these supplements will also minimize the risk of hip dysplasia and joint inflammation. Apart from supplementation, you might want to consider switching to grain-free dog food. High-quality kibble that uses alternative grains is excellent for dogs that have skin and coat issues, including allergies, shedding, itching, and dull fur. Let me know in the comments. Best of all? Maintain an optimal diet. Are you feeding your dog food specifically made for their skin health? Providing a healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce excessive shedding. Lower quality dog food is largely composed of ingredients that German Shepherds have a hard time digesting, like wheat,s soy, or corn. GSDs are also prone to dry skin and allergies, some of which are linked to a lack of a balanced diet. A balanced diet builds a strong immune system in your dog — and a healthy immune system is able to better fight diseases and maintain skin health. Look for dog food that lists meat as the main ingredient, as meats are easier to digest and absorb. Quality ingredients reduce shedding and help with dry skin as the nutrients are more readily available. For excessive hair fall and shedding, feed Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach dog food to help nourish their skin and coat while limiting irritations. Did you know that dehydration can lead to dry skin? And dry skin can cause shedding and contribute to other illnesses. Make sure your German Shepherd always has access to clean, fresh drinking water. One simple and often overlooked German Shepherd shedding solution is to ensure your dog is drinking enough water. Hydrated, supple skin resists excessive shedding. Inadequate water intake could lead to dry skin, which in turn could lead to skin irritation, constant itching, hair follicles weakening, and hair falling out unnecessarily. How much water is enough for a German Shepherd? So, if your dog is thirsty because she has been outside playing, let her drink. Some owners even supply their dogs filtered water, which is great. But as long as the water is clean and fresh, tap water is just as good. Adding in a portion of wet food to their regular kibble is a good way to help keep your dog hydrated source. If you take long walks or play intense games, be sure to have a travel water botter to give your dog the hydration they need when on the go. Brush thoroughly and frequently. Brushing more frequently can trap hairs on your brushing tool, instead of your couch. This means that fur winds up on your brush, which you can throw away, as opposed to your clothing, floors, and furniture which is harder to clean. Use a grooming tool that is designed specifically to remove shedding undercoats on a German Shepherd called a rake brush. The Conair Pro Undercoat Rake Brush removes dead hair from the undercoat and spreads healthy skin oils, resulting in a glossy coat. Brush frequently, but gently The more often you brush your German Shepherd, the more hair you will remove to avoid excessive hair loss. During the shedding seasons of fall and spring, brush your German Shepherd daily. At other times brush your dog at least twice a week—more if you have time. Make grooming a habit that your dog enjoys by keeping your shedding removal sessions short, 5 to 10 minutes, positive, and using gentle strokes with a light hand. Brush your dog outside or on walks. Want to learn a quick routine for brushing your German Shepherd? Bathe them with a de-shedding, moisturizing shampoo. Did you know there are shampoos and conditioners which can reduce hair fall in your GSD? This also prevents irritation and scratching from developing — which can lead to your German Shepherd losing hair. Bathing with de-shedding products loosens and removes the excess undercoat and dead hair. Overbathing can cause dry skin, which causes itching and shedding by stripping their natural skin oils. German Shepherd hair fall shampoo and conditioner Many GSDs need conditioner to prevent dry, itchy skin and further hair loss. The soap-free formula is safe to use with spot-on flea and tick products. It also contains no dyes or parabens for dogs with sensitive skin, while helping to maintain normal shedding and reducing doggie odor. After bathing your dog, towel-dry him to remove excess water. A damp coat is a breeding ground for bacteria on the skin — which can increase hair loss! Keep brushing and wiping them with the towel until they are no longer damp. Check and control fleas and ticks. Fleas can cause your dog to scratch continually, which causes fur to fall out. So, make sure your dog is free of fleas, ticks, or other parasites that cause skin issues. A flea-free dog prevents dandruff, irritated skin, hair loss, and decreases overall shedding. In many cases, a safe flea treatment that your vet recommends should be enough to prevent parasites. However, fleas can induce Flea Allergy Dermatitis FAD , which is one of the most common dermatologic diseases in household dogs throughout the United States source. This irritation, in turn, can lead to itching, excessive shedding, and even hair loss or bald patches of hair. If you notice redness, patchy balding areas, scabs, or have any concerns at all, contact a veterinarian. Keep a de-shedding spray on hand. This lightweight de-shedding spray helps prevent shedding. Always keep a lightweight de-shedding spray on hand to add back moisture and prevent the skin from drying out. The spray contains conditioners that coat the hair, preventing unnecessary hair loss. Moisturized hair is harder to come loose easily. Also, the moisture in the de-shedding spray keeps your dog from scratching at dry skin which helps inhibit hair fall. The combination of the spray and rake brush is an easy, powerful way to reduce German Shepherd hair loss. Look for sprays that contain healthy skin oils, such as jojoba, safflower, sunflower, or coconut to aid in skin health. Give them a stress-reducing massage. Stress causes hair loss — which directly adds to a shedding problem. You might laugh, but an anxious or stressed dog loses more hair than a calm, relaxed dog. As an added bonus, massage provides a daily dose of bonding! Massage for stress and shedding reduction Sit next to your dog on the floor in a quiet, comfortable room. Using very light hands, stroke your dog softly from head to tail for 15 minutes. Do this every week. Not only is this relaxing for your dog, but petting a dog is shown to decrease your blood pressure and increases bonding. Use these double-duty grooming gloves for extra hair removal. The innovative design features the perfect combination of rubber nodules on the fingers and palm, which feels like a massage, and helps to promote bonding. They work specifically as a heavy-duty de-shedder to capture hard to reach hair. While this seems like a simple shedding solution, proving a massage with the right type of grooming tool reduces stress in your German Shepherd and goes a long way to keep them healthy. Feed a shed control nutritional supplement. Shed-X claims to stop excessive shedding in only 3 to 6 weeks! Created by a certified veterinarian, the Shed-X Dermalex Shed Control Nutritional Supplement reduces and even eliminates excessive shedding. The specially formulated nutrients focus on an optimum coat and skin health for fast-acting results. In only 3 to 4 weeks A more manageable and healthier coat with less hair fall, while your German Shepherd enjoys the tasty flavor and essential fatty acids to reduce itchy, scaly skin. Combine fish oil into their daily diet. If your dog is lacking in fatty acids, then adding fish oil may help be a simple solution to reduce their shedding. Fish oil contains omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, which significantly decreases hair shedding. Given daily fish oils can help aid in excessive shedding. Look for a natural supplement that also contains other proven skin-healthy oils, like flaxseed oil. Zesty Paws contains both salmon and hemp seed oil and is great for a healthy coat. Moreover, a blend of wild Alaskan salmon and refined virgin hemp seed oils work together to pack a powerful punch of nutrients and omega fatty acids. These ingredients may improve coat health, joint mobility, heart health, stress levels, and immunity. A strong coat starts with supple skin that prevents excessive hair loss and protects your GSD from irritations. Keep in mind that positive effects take a few months to notice. So stay consistent with daily use for the best results. See more fish oils for German Shepherds. Reduces itching, scratching, and hair loss from food allergies. Always have clean, fresh water on hand. Even during cooler weather the skin can become dried out due to lack of water intake. Bathe with a de-shedding shampoo. Apply parasite prevention to avoid skin issues and hair loss from irritation caused by bug bites. Apply a de-shedding spray. De-shedding sprays reduce hair fall by keeping the skin moisturized and adding nutrients to the skin. Give a stress-reducing massage. A calm, relaxed dog is a pet that sheds less. And, using massaging and grooming gloves packs a double-punch of hair removal power! Feed a shed control supplement. Combine fish oil into their diet. Use this helpful table to find the best ways to de-shed a German Shepherd. German Shepherds are heavy shedders and their coat requires regular maintenance to show optimum health. Watch out for hair loss and skin disease that needs to be addressed and treated by your vet. Ger your dog evaluated by a veterinarian when you see any unusual hair or skin problems. Is there a permanent German Shepherd shedding solution? However, many of the shedding solutions listed give you the steps you need to understand how to stop German Shepherd hair fall in huge amounts. Include a few or all of these shedding tips into your routine and results will happen, but not overnight. And, when all else fails or you feel like giving up, just buy a shedding bodysuit for your German Shepherd like so many other dog owners have! The biggest factor in excessive hair loss is the overall health of your dog. But, an overall healthy skin and coat health routine decreases hair loss and makes cleaning your home more manageable. When all that fur flying has got you down, just remember… Why not get this funny magnet as a gentle reminder to yourself and your family? Shed Happens! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Providing your German Shepherd with a healthy diet is also essential to hair growth. There are several health problems, such as alopecia, to look out for if you notice hair loss in your dog. Long-Haired vs. Short-Haired German Shepherds German Shepherds can have different hair types , or in this case, coat types. Although the hair is different on each German Shepherd, caring for their fur is relatively the same. Their coat differs from the short-haired German shepherds because it grows up to two inches and is silky. Short hair: Short-haired German shepherds are the most commonly seen type. Short-haired German shepherds have a double coat which is close and dense with a thick undercoat. Short-haired differs from long-haired because their hair is short, thick, and rough. Depending on the amount of time your German shepherd spends outside will determine how often you should bathe it. Typically, German Shepherds only need to be washed times per year. Because their coats are so thick, they build up natural oils that are healthy for their skin. Therefore, too frequent bathing strips away those beneficial oils. If your German Shepherd is outside more often than usual and gets dirty quickly, then bathing every two months or so is acceptable for their skin. Too much oil, however, can cause skin problems and prevent hair growth. Bathing your dog will help clean out its fur and pores, which will allow the hair to grow once again. German Shepherds are big dogs, so getting them into a bathtub or a kiddie pool might end up in you getting wetter than your dog. However, if not, slowly introducing your German Shepherd and training as you do so is the best course of action. Eventually, your dog should get used to bathtime. This shampoo is great for German Shepherds because it helps with shedding and promotes a healthy coat and skin. Because of the oils that build up in hair, brushing distributes these oils all over. Shedding is a natural cycle among dog breeds. Deshedding is especially important for German Shepherds because of their naturally thick coats. So, regularly brushing your dog is essential. However, similar to bathing, if your German Shepherd is outdoors often, brushing more might be preferred, especially if you notice more shedding. Without a healthy diet and the proper nutrients, it will stunt hair growth. Therefore, you might be depriving your German Shepherd of essential nutrients that it needs for proper hair growth. Zinc deficiency, for instance, is common among dogs. Zinc is an essential element for the skin in everyone, not just dogs. Zinc deficiency causes hair loss, skin ulcers, and areas of skin thickening and cracking in dogs. This product is excellent for supporting healthy skin and coat in dogs because of the Omega 3 fatty acids, and it even comes in liquid form, which makes it easier to serve it to your dog mixed with food. Alopecia Alopecia, characterized as a varied or symmetrical hair loss, is usually seen as missing patches of fur, and the skin can become red and inflamed. One of the leading causes of alopecia is mange. There are different levels of severity to look out for when it comes to alopecia. If you notice hair loss in multiple areas with scaling on the patches, this is a more severe case and should be looked at by a vet. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism in dogs , is when the immune system decides the thyroid is abnormal or foreign and attacks it. While hair loss is a sign of hypothyroidism, other symptoms include excessive weight gain, pigmentation of the skin, and lethargy. If you notice any of these signs along with hair loss, take your German Shepherd to the vet to get checked out. Final Thoughts If your German Shepherd is having trouble with hair regrowth or hair loss problems, taking simple steps such as bathing, brushing, and paying attention to its diet can encourage hair production. While numerous health problems lead to hair loss in dogs, these problems will be noticeable and easily treated by a veterinarian.

Blindness Awareness Month occurs annually every October. What are the most common breeds for guide dogs? Guide Dogs play an important role in the lives of people they assist. According to Guide Dogs UK, there are three breeds that are most commonly used in their programme. Labradors Labradors are widely used as guide dogs, owing to their friendly nature and adaptability. Labs are food-oriented, so are easy to train and eager to please. Their size also makes them perfect for the role of a guide dog, being large enough to physically prevent their handler for getting into danger but not too large to become a hazard to walk around with. Golden Retrievers Golden Retrievers are intelligent dogs who love responsibility. These are diligent dogs who have a great temperament and work ethic. Golden Retrievers — like Labradors — are accepted by the general public and are calm under pressure. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are often bred in order to make the most of their incredible guide dog features! German Shepherds German Shepherds are often used by the emergency services and armed forces, but also as guide dogs for those with sight loss. The versatility of a German Shepherd comes from their high-intelligence and exceptional temperament. Originally used as herding dogs, they have fantastic sight and hearing which makes them perfect for the role of a guide dog. Poodles You might think that Poodles are more used to wearing rosettes than a harness, but Standard Poodles are also used as guide dogs. While there are only a few currently on the Guide Dogs programme currently, the Poodle is well-suited to the task. Far from their stuck-up image, the Standard Poodle is an intelligent breed who love to please people. How are guide dogs trained? From newborn to retirement, the life of a guide dog goes through several stages. Before they meet their future handler, all guide dog puppies undergo special training at one of four national training schools. Afterwards, the guide dog will usually complete two weeks of training away from their future home with their handler. Guide dog training will cover: What can guide dogs be used for? As well as assisting those with sight loss, guide dogs can also help with other conditions, including: Dog handling skills Cleaning up after the dog Understanding guide dog behaviour Feeding the dog a nutritious diet Hearing loss Specially-trained hearing dogs support children and adults across the UK in much the same way as a guide dog does. Hearing dogs will alert their handler to sounds they may otherwise miss in daily life — from an alarm clocks and smoke alarms to phone calls and the doorbell. Those with autism, epilepsy or anxiety can receive help and support from dogs. Support dogs can bring medication when needed and provide comfort to help during an anxiety attack. Therapy Therapy dogs can be quite a general term, but their job remains more or less the same. These dogs provide much needed therapeutic support, including hospital patients, school students and those in hospices. The great thing about therapy dogs is that they can be any breed, from a Spaniel to a Great Dane, just as long as they have the right attitude and a calm temperament. Find out more about this super popular and lovely breed and see if it sounds like the right fit for you. The Labrador is a member of the gun dog group, which was originally bred to find and retrieve shot game. This means Labradors are often highly motivated to hold objects. From a young age they will pick up and carry their toys very cute. This natural desire to retrieve is particularly useful as assistance dogs as our clients may need help to pick things up or to retrieve important items like a phone. They are usually yellow, black, chocolate brown or fox red in colour. Scientifically, there is no proven difference between yellow, black, chocolate, and fox-red Labradors. Practical experience shows us that chocolate Labradors have very big characters and a higher level of drive. Their fox-red cousins have even more drive, which is typically too much for the needs of our clients. So, with the odd exception, we tend to train mainly black and yellow Labradors. As a working dog, Labradors can be robust and independent. Most also love to be in or near water and will happily retrieve things from a pond or the sea. As a breed, they share traits, but they have individual personalities too. As with training any dog, getting to know these individual traits is important so you can set your dog up for success. They are therefore fairly easy to train either as a family dog or as a life-changing assistance dog. Labradors are water dogs, so keeping them happy is easy just by splashing in puddles and lakes! They look for human interaction, so training is the perfect way to do this. Learn more about how we train our assistance dogs , including Labradors. Known health issues in Labradors Joint problems such as hip or elbow dysplasia. Bloat — Labradors are prone to bloat due to their deep chests and likelihood to gulp food quickly. Ear problems — more common in floppy-eared breeds. Check regularly to monitor for infection and dry thoroughly after swimming and bathing. Help support our life-changing work.Imagine if everyday tasks were so challenging or physically demanding they affected your quality of life. For many people living with a disability of families with a child with autism, that is their reality. Please help us continue making life-changing differences for people with disabilities through the power of expertly trained dogs. Every contribution, whatever size, is important and helps us make a difference. Support us by. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Because you were wondering. While there are several dog breeds commonly trained for service, Labs are currently ranked as the most popular breed for guide work. This article will cover the history of guide dogs, guide dog training, and what makes Labs the best breed for the job. A German doctor, Dr. Gerhard Stalling, discovered while treating veterans that dogs could be trained to help the blind. When called away from a patient one day, Dr. Stalling left his dog with the patient and saw signs on his return that the dog was looking after the patient. In , Stalling founded the first guide dog training school in Oldenburg, Germany. The school trained both servicemen and civilians from across Germany, as well as Britain, France, Italy, and the U. Today guide dog schools worldwide work to improve the independence of the blind, breeding and training dogs to perform any number of tasks from finding a seat on the bus to guiding their handlers through a snowstorm. These large-breed dogs have the gait and size to walk comfortably alongside a human, maneuver around obstacles, and even occasionally put their bodies between their handlers and obstacles like speeding cars. While each breed has its advantages, Guide Dogs of America reports that the Lab is the most popular breed amongst guide dog schools across the world. Their natural curiosity can turn a trip to the grocery store or the daily commute to work into an adventure. Being a guide dog is a lifelong training process that begins in the early puppy stage. Dogs are specially bred at the facilities that train them, and at between seven and eight weeks old are placed with a puppy raiser. Raisers can be families, single adults, couples, or senior citizens who volunteer to take puppies into their homes for anywhere from twelve to eighteen months. Raisers nurture the puppies in a loving home, attend basic obedience classes, and travel with the dog in public places such as malls, grocery stores, and on public transit. At the end of the raising period, puppies return to the school and are assigned to a trainer after undergoing a health check. Over the next four months, instructors train the puppies in guide work. The puppies learn directional commands such as left, right, and forward as well as how to target objects, locating doors, seats on buses, or elevators. They learn to stop for changes in elevation curbs, broken sidewalks, or stairs , guide their handlers in a straight path, and stop for overhanging obstacles. Matches are made based on a variety of factors, including lifestyle and level of activity. During a class period that usually lasts about 26 days, new handlers work closely with their dogs and instructors, learning the various commands and working their dogs in areas ranging from malls to train stations. They learn how to travel safely across busy downtown streets and on winding country roads, and, most importantly, they learn to trust their dogs. Next thing you know, the dog is planting his paws on your feet, blocking your body with his and pushing you back from the curb as a car comes speeding out of nowhere. What Happens After Training? After training, handlers return home with their dogs and go through an additional period of aftercare training that can last up to two weeks. This is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of teamwork and training because dog and handler will always be learning new routes and exploring new territory together. How can I help? There are lots of ways you can support guide dog programs and various levels of commitment, all of which do their part. The National Federation of the Blind maintains a list of guide dog schools throughout the country, which you can find here. You can also join a waiting list to adopt a retired or released dog. Since guide dog schools offer their services free of charge, they rely on financial contributions from donors. You can also make a larger contribution to sponsor a puppy. For this generous contribution, sponsors have the opportunity to name the puppies. Most puppies get their names from sponsors or breeders. You can sponsor a puppy as an individual, but many businesses, clubs, and church organizations also sponsor puppies as a group. Most importantly, spread the word! If you have friends, family members, or coworkers who love dogs, this is a great opportunity to become involved in supporting the work of service animals and making a lifelong investment in the independence of a person with a disability. Are you still yearning for more information about Labrador Retrievers? One of our favorite books is Your Labrador Retriever Puppy. It has tons of information about our favorite breed. 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. Just an incredibly well-bred Labrador retriever with beautiful coloring. Black and tan coloring in Labrador Retrievers is due to a recessive gene that each parent must contribute. When both parents have contributed the gene, the pup has lighter tan colored fur above the eyes, around the muzzle, on the chest and legs. Another gene found in Labradors causes tan speckling on the legs and muzzle; this is called brindle. Black and tan and brindle Labradors can be registered with the American Kennel Club, but they cannot compete in the show ring as these colors are considered undesirable to the breed standard. The Guiding Eyes breeding colony has been derived in part from the Whygin Labs, a prominent kennel that was very successful with show and hunting dogs in the s. Some of the black and gene coloring stems from the Whygin line. Because we breed for exceptional guide dogs, our primary criteria are temperament and health, not color. These pups have the same temperament and health traits as their solid-colored littermates. Additional information on coat color inheritance: Black, chocolate and yellow Labrador coloring are the result of the interaction of two genes commonly referred to as the E yellow gene and the B brown gene. A dog with ee two recessive copies of the yellow gene is yellow. The B gene is turned off. This turning off or hiding the expression of another gene is called epistasis. For dogs with Ee or EE, the B gene is turned on. A black dog results from BB or Bb. A chocolate dog results from bb. Another gene present in all Labs is the K gene, which has several variations. KB is responsible for solid coloring, as we see in nearly all Labradors. The most recessive version of K is ky; two copies of ky will allow another gene, A agouti, to express itself in a number of patterns commonly seen in other breeds, such as tan points. A single copy of KB is epistatic to, or sufficient to hide, all the genetic information of the A gene. Nearly every Labrador retriever has two copies of KB. Any of these dogs that are not yellow ee will have tan points. Black AND Fluffy? Welcome, Neutrino! What makes this adorable pup so distinctive? We are so excited to share some details about just how unique he is for our dog population. Guide Dogs for the Blind makes breeding selections based on the highest potential that the resulting offspring will succeed as working guide dogs. At the same time, we try to provide our clients with the opportunity to satisfy personal preferences they may have regarding breed, color, or gender of the dog they are paired with. So what does this all have to do with a long-coated black puppy? To understand how this puppy came to be, we need to review some basic genetic principles. Genes are a set of instructions, contained within an animal's DNA, which determine what traits are inherited and the appearance of the animal, known as phenotype. Each gene has two copies which are inherited one from each parent. There are lots of genes which determine coat length and color in dogs, and many types of inheritance patterns that determine appearance. A gene copy is said to be dominant when it effectively overrules the other recessive gene copy. This means a long-coated breed like a Golden Retriever has two copies of the long coat gene while purebred Labradors have two copies of the short coat gene. Since puppies inherit one gene copy from each parent this means the first generation of a Lab and Golden pairing will result in all puppies inheriting one copy of the short-coated gene from the Lab and one copy of the long-coated gene from the Golden. Because the short-coated gene is dominant, all puppies will have a short coat but carry the gene for a long coat. If that dog is bred to a Golden, then all puppies in the resulting litter will inherit one copy of the long-coated gene from the Golden parent. But the short-coated genes will be randomly assigned: some puppies will inherit the copy of the short-coated gene, while others will inherit the copy of the long-coated gene. This means we can have both short-coated and long-coated puppies in the same litter! In the case of Neutrino, our long-coated black puppy, we have to add color into the mix as well. Goldens are all yellow while Labs can be black, yellow, or occasionally chocolate. By 4 weeks of age, it was clear that four puppies would have short coats and four would have long coats — including Neutrino, to our delight! It is important to note that the selection factors to become a GDB breeder dog are based solely on health and temperament traits rather than appearance, and the same is true when choosing pairings between males and females. We are always focused on breeding healthy dogs who will become working guides or K9 Buddies. In the meantime, welcome Neutrino! Watch Now Our dogs change lives, every day, all day. Our guide dogs, service dogs, and skilled companion dogs provide freedom, confidence, and hope for people who cannot see, for veterans who have seen too much, and for children facing significant challenges. Guide dogs offer independence and freedom to people with vision loss—including veterans and teens—restoring confidence and dignity. Service dogs help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and other disabilities emerge from seclusion, overcome anxiety, and get their lives back. Facility therapy dogs provide therapeutic comfort to veterans and families in military medical facilities and high-stress military bases around the nation. Emotional support dogs offer therapeutic companionship to veterans, helping improve physical, social, and emotional wellbeing while restoring a more active lifestyle. Gold Star Family dogs give the gift of comforting friendship and hope to children and families who have lost a loved one in service to the nation. Kids Companion dogs enhance independence and confidence for children with vision loss, preparing the way for a future guide dog. We innovate with a rare level of complementary veterinary medicine, and a robust canine fitness program for mental and physical conditioning. Based on their personality, health, temperament, trainability, and suitability for specific careers, most of our dogs enroll in one of the following programs. All are provided at no cost. Dogs for people with vision loss: Guide Dogs — help people with vision loss navigate independently; trained in over 40 skills. Kids Companion Dogs — skilled companion dogs enhance independence for children with vision loss, preparing the way for a future guide dog. Dogs for veterans: Guide Dogs — help veterans with vision loss navigate independently; trained in over 40 skills. Service Dogs — help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD and other disabilities; trained in 15 — 20 skills. Facility Therapy Dogs — provide comfort in military medical facilities nationwide. Emotional Support Dogs — benefit veterans and help restore a more active lifestyle. Gold Star Family Dogs — comfort military family members who have lost a loved one in active service to the nation. Dogs for children and teens: Guide Dogs — help teens with vision loss—ages 15 and up—navigate independently. Kids Therapy Dogs — matched with adults who assist children and families in adverse circumstances, providing therapeutic reassurance to children in need. What is your mission and vision, exactly? Our mission is to transform lives by creating and nurturing extraordinary partnerships between people and dogs. Our organization operates the most advanced training facilities of any service dog organization in the world. Our experts breed, raise, and train elite working dogs—including guide dogs, service dogs, and skilled companion dogs—and provide life-changing services for people with vision loss, veterans with disabilities, and children with significant challenges such as vision loss or the loss of a parent in the military. Southeastern Guide Dogs has successfully created thousands of guide dog and service dog teams throughout the United States since our inception in , and currently oversees the well-being of over 1, puppies and dogs. All of our services—which include state-of-the-art research on canine health and development; selective breeding; expert dog training; comprehensive on-campus student instruction; and the most robust alumni support program in North America—are provided at no cost to our clients. Donations sustain our mission and give freedom and hope to people who need it most. Southeastern Guide Dogs has the distinction of being dually accredited by the two premier global accreditation bodies: the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International. What states do you serve when providing dogs and services? Southeastern Guide Dogs has a national reach and provides all of our dogs and services at no cost to people in all 50 states. How much do you charge for your dogs, training, and alumni support? Get updates about our puppies and people.

Exercise, Growth, and Joints Exercise Labradors not only love exercise, they need exercise. We all look forward to taking our puppy for a walk, however it is important not to over-exercise your puppy. In natural play, puppies will romp until they are tired and then stop to lay down for rest. When walking a puppy on a leash, they cannot stop when they normally would for rest. Too much exercise or walking can severely damage their bone and joint structures irreversibly. This should be taken seriously. THE RULE is: No more than 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age So that means, at 2 months old 8 weeks , your puppy only needs to exercise or walk for 10 minutes per day. At 3 months of age 15 minutes of exercise and so on. If you walk your puppy too far too soon, your puppy may develop hip and elbow dysplasia as they get older. Labradors have been known to develop dysplasia younger than other breeds of dogs. In many of these cases, it is often due to environmental factors such as over-exercise, running on hard or strenuous surfaces such as concrete or sand , continual jumping or agility work. Things to avoid with your puppy: No jumping in or out of car, especially larger cars. Lift the dog or use a ramp. No throwing balls or frisbee great distances for your puppy to chase. The sudden stopping and over reaching with the front legs is dangerous. No agility, jumping or flyball before years old Do not let other dogs knock or push the puppy over continually, includes body-slamming Avoid much stair climbing which can increase the risk of dysplasia No fast turns or roll-overs Good exercise: Swimming is great, since there is no weight-bearing impact on their joints. Remember, labradors love water! Walking on leash, for no longer than the recommended length of time for their age Self-directed play is an overriding rule for any puppy under 18 months old. The majority of exercise should be free play, exploring, and noodling around Hide and seek games are fantastic, as the dog can move at its own pace looking for its toy or treat or you. Size is a factor as large dogs, especially ones that like to play with paw whacks, can inadvertently injury a young puppy. Supervised play is critical. You need to teach the puppy a release command. All these games are forms of exercise for puppies and are a great way to help your puppy learn useful lifelong skills and qualities. Growth plates and bones: Development and injury Growth Plates Growth plates are soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to grow longer until the end of puberty. Growth plates gradually thin as the hormonal changes approaching puberty signal the growth plates to close. In puppies, this closure normally completes between 18 to 24 months old in labradors. After sexual maturity, the growth plates calcify and the rapid cell division ends. The growth plates become a stable, inactive part of the bone, now known as an epiphyseal line. Dogs bones are held together with muscles, tendons and ligaments soft tissue. In an adult dog, if a joint experiences a stress such as bending the wrong way or rotating too much, the bones will hold firm and soft tissue will be pulled, resulting in a sprain or tear. Why this matters so much, is that unlike a sprain, injuries to the growth plate may not heal properly or not heal in time for the puppy to grow up straight and strong. Injury to a growth plate can result in a misshapen or shortened limb, which creates an incorrect angle to a joint resulting in yet more future injuries when he grows up, including dysplasia. These xray images show open and closed growth plates in a puppy and adult dog. Bone Strength In addition to having soft growth plates at the end of long bones, puppies bones in general are softer. Spiral fractures of the tibia lower leg bone are very common in puppies. A spiral fracture is where the bottom half of the bone twists in the opposite direction of the top half. Any exercise that puts torque twist on a bone puts the puppy at risk of a fracture. For an example, movements such as twisting and turning suddenly can cause these type of fractures. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is where we recommend you read our Health and Genetic Testing page, where we talk about hip and elbow dysplasia. It is critical that you, as a puppy owner, understand as much as you can about hip and elbow dysplasia, how you can help prevent it, and what your breeder should be testing for. On the other hand, an underfed or malnourished puppy or dog is also at higher risk of injury. Muscles mass directly influences strength, likewise inadequate calcium and nutrients affect bone density. A body condition score of about is healthy for a young puppy. Once an adult, the ideal body condition score would be about 5 for a healthy, fit labrador. Sterilisation Desexing In larger breeds, sterilising young puppies at a young age has shown to increase the risk of joint disorders and injury. We recommend sterilisation occurs between 24 months old for this reason. This recommendation is outlined in our Health Guarantee. We discuss this more under Desexing or Sterilisation. These tips will also help you to advance your dog so that, eventually, you can trust them to be off the leash in a safe area. Don't release your dog until they can demonstrate knowledge and obedience on the long leash and in many different settings. To begin with, walk them in the house and in the yard. Dogs learn 'contextually and by repetition'. These hints will help you to become the pack leader. Be certain that this is only reason that your dog will follow you. Make time to walk your dog Whether you walk your dog in the morning or evening will be influenced by your program. Whenever you exercise your dog, the walk should allow for 'focused time' and 'free time'. Two leashes will facilitate this. If they are under 12 months old, take some water with you. Also take a back-pack and a treat belt available on Ebay. I recommend no more than thirty minutes of walking in total for a dog under 14 months old as their growth plates are not set until this time. Be careful of overly vigorous activity, particularly if you have an older but playful dog. I don't recommend running for more than very short bursts for the same reason. Healthy hips and elbows are critical for a healthy, active and long life. Use two leashes - a long leash approx 7m and a short leash approx 1m Start your walk with the labrador pup on a short leash. The short leash will help you to direct and guide the dog. This allows you to maintain full control over your dog. Set up your walk for success. Start by getting the dog to sit or at the least be stationary and under your control. As you begin, keep your dog behind your body alignment. Be patient and encourage your dog. Do not show aggressive frustration. This will only cause confusion and fear or aggression. If your dog is not complying, stop and reset. You are the master Walking in front of your dog demonstrates that you are the master or the pack leader. You should be first out the door. The dogs should exit the compound only at your command. This is essential whether you are walking 1, 2 or more dogs. If your dog controls the pace and direction of the walk, they are the pack leader. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk. Dogs learn contextually The next two hints are important training essentials. Firstly, labradors learn contextually and their training in not immediately transferable to a new environment. Using the same disciplines and routines, train your dog the same way in different settings. This will entrench your expectations. Correct immediately Secondly, a labrador has about a five second retention of information. After five seconds the dog has lost any association between your assertiveness and their behaviour. If they disobey you, you must correct them within five seconds or not at all. If the dog is disobedient or simply does not understand, reset and start again. The long leash I'm a big fan of the long leash. A long leash will help you to correct bad behaviour at a distance. After a period of training with the short leash, remove it and connect the longer lead. Keep the leash in your hand, releasing it slowly and progressively. As they master this, you can back away while the dog is 'sitting and staying'. Reward your labrador pup with vigorous affection and a treat. After this, you should allow them to wander and sniff around. All this time you will keep your dog on the long leash and under your control. Be sure that the free time is less than their focus time. During the socialisation phase, 8 - 16 weeks, you will need both leashes as you expose your labrador pup to other dogs. As you walk your dog, you will come across small and large dogs that are aggressive. Walking on either leash will give your complete control. And it will ensure safety at all time. You new labrador pup has no innate road sense. Walk them, getting close to roads. Expose them to vehicles so that they do not panic. Reward your dog for good behaviour. Remember that dogs register tones and frequencies, not words. Use higher tones to affirm, reward and encourage. You approval is the greatest reward for a Labrador. Direct eye contact without high vocal affirmation will be interpreted as aggression. Use lower growling tones to reinforce disapproval. Try to avoid 'No' as a command. It is too general and therefore confusing to the dog. Always reward and reinforce obedience to specific commands. Use food treats to begin with, however you must gradually phase them out. Your vocal affirmation and affection should be your longer term goal. As your dog maintains the proper behaviour, reward them with treats. Reward your dog after the walk I recommend that you reward your labrador pup after the walk. Let them have a drink firstly then give them a portion of food that is less than a meal but more than a treat. It will not take long for your dog to anticipate the whole experience. When you appear with the leashes, they will become very enthusiastic. If you adhere to these eight hints and maintain the discipline of your training, you and your dog will value and enjoy the experience. Finally, remember to pick up after your dog. Don't go on a walk without your poop bags on hand! Find a vet you can have confidence in. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors are amongst the most popular family pets in the UK thanks to their loyalty, gentle nature, and intelligence. Like most dogs, they thrive with regular exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. How much exercise does an adult Labrador need? A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues including obesity , you should consult your vet first. What types of exercise are best for Labradors? When we say high quality, we mean just that. Try and incorporate off-lead time into their exercise routine and take a ball or toy to play fetch with — running will help to raise their heart rate and burn off more calories. How much exercise does a Labrador puppy need? For their first three months, your puppy will get enough exercise from tearing around the house, playing and causing chaos. How much exercise does an old Labrador need? At an advanced age, your dog will have less energy in general and be more likely to suffer from health issues that may limit their mobility. Be observant — being the loyal companions they are, Labradors will push through a lot of pain to keep up with you. Watch for excessive panting, changes in their movement, and exhaustion as signals that they have overstretched themselves and adjust their activity accordingly. Can you over-exercise a Labrador? Labradors have the capacity to build up incredible fitness that will see them on the go all day long, but for most, there is a limit on how much they can do. Gradually increase their activity levels, using a PitPat to check in on their progress. How far can a Labrador walk? A working Labrador could be expected to cover many miles every day through the undergrowth and even water. However, your pet Labrador will have slightly different stamina, depending on how much exercise they are used to. Getting out and about with your Labrador keeps them happy and healthy and can be a highly rewarding experience for you both. Download our app for free to see if PitPat is for you. You might also like Single page Single page Top 10 most active dog breeds Got energy to burn? Single page Single page 10 ways to exercise your dog indoors Whether you find yourself stuck indoors because of the weather or for any other reason, your dog still needs plenty of exercise. Here are our top tips for exercising your dog indoors. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. 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. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. Learn more » While Labrador Retrievers are a popular companion dog worldwide, they were initially bred as sporting dogs and have retained a lot of their working prowess even after the shift to companionship. AKC compliant breeder Ruffwood Labs emphasizes that exercise is not a value of time exercised but exertion. Puppies According to Ruffwood Labs, Labrador puppies need to be walked for around 5 minutes for every month of life. So, a minute walk would be appropriate for a four-month-old puppy. However, not all walks are equal. Take into account the terrain that you will be walking on eg. The most important part is not the length of the exercise but the quality of it. Puppies are being walked to help with socialization and lead skills rather than a need for exercise per se. Let them guide the activity- sniffing and investigating or running around madly for a few minutes. They will usually stop and sit or lie down if they need a rest, let them do this. Additionally, Ruffwood Labs warns against overexercising your puppies. Hip dysplasia is multifactorial and genetics, diet and exercise all play a part. Ruffwood Labs recommends that Labrador puppies not be vigorously exercised and kept away from stairs to avoid causing damage to their delicate, growing joints. Once they are mature, by 18 months, they will be able to engage in more vigorous exercise and start to go jogging with you if you wish. Your average labrador would enjoy around 1 to 2 hours of exercise a day but this can be divided into manageable time slots. Exercise also includes brain stimulation such as training and scent work. So your morning and evening walks can be supplemented with training sessions at home too. Labradors love to swim and this can be a great form of exercise for them. Get creative, play games, use puzzle feeders and have fun together building your bond. If you see any of the following signs while exercising your Labrador, stop the activity and let your dog rest. Damage to the Paw Pads Some dogs get so absorbed in their play that they accidentally put excessive strain on the paw pads. Even though paw pad injuries are typically painful, some dogs will ignore the very clear sign that they need to stop to continue playing. Soreness or stiffness will typically become visible once your dog has rested up following their play session. Image By: SeventyFour, Shutterstock Behavioral Changes If your dog is not quite themselves or behaving oddly, especially around the time you would typically exercise, this is a good sign that something is wrong. Your dog may be feeling under the weather, or maybe you went a little too hard the day before. If the problem persists, contact your veterinarian to rule out any medical diagnoses. Injury or Heat Intolerance If your dog is injured during play or starts showing signs of heat sickness , you should halt play immediately and bring them to a veterinarian. Prompt treatment is of the essence with these kinds of situations. Final Thoughts Exercising your dog is a critical component of being a dog owner. So, it makes sense to learn as much as you can about how to properly keep your dog healthy before you get one. So, keep that in mind before bringing your new dog home. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway.

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. Email: rockvalepuppies gmail. Rockvale Puppies are specialists in rare color, purebred Pugs. Puppies are cared for and played with every day by Todd, his wife Alicia, and their two young boys. The family is passionate about providing new owners with the greatest pet possible. Sandra has been breeding since .All puppies get a neo-parvo shot at 5 weeks old, their first booster vaccination at 7-weeks old, and are kept on a deworming schedule. Pugs R Us by T. Stahlstown, PA Phone: Website: www. Tabitha breeds AKC Pugs and has puppies available throughout the year. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time. Please visit our website - www. I was rescued from a puppy mill. I am shy because I have not been around a lot of people or lived in a home as a pet. I have spent my life in a barn, a shed or a cage. The best home for me has people who have dog experience who can help with my training and acclimating to the outside world. The people in my new home should be able to teach me the skills I need to be a great pet: walking on a lead, house training, and socializing. They are checking me out and making sure I am healthy. Hopefully, I will find my new family that will help me to understand that I am a cherished family pet, not just an animal to be used to make money. For more information about this dog, email our Adoption Coordinator. Our adoption process starts with an application. If you are interested in adopting this pup, please click the Adopt menu at the top of the screen, read about our process, and click the application link. The medical and custodial care of the many Cockers in our care is tremendous. More and more dogs are abandoned with urgent and serious medical issues. We are committed to providing the best possible care for these forgotten friends. Unfortunately, the mounting high costs are beginning to limit the number of dogs we are able to take into our program. Even if you cannot adopt or foster one of our current adoptable dogs, please consider making a donation. The Cocker Spaniel Adoption Center is a c 3 non-profit charitable organization, and your donations are entirely tax deductible. Click the Donate menu at the top of the screen. For more information, visit www. September 13, , pm Small right facing arrow These pups are in Lancaster, Pennsylvania too! Below are our newest added Pugs available for adoption in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. To see more adoptable Pugs in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria!

History Where are German Shepherd Dogs from? Perhaps never in the history of any breed has such concerted effort been put into improving a dog, mostly due to the formation in of the Verein fur Deutsche Scharferhunde SV, an organization in Germany devoted to overseeing the breeding of the German Shepherd. Breeders sought to develop not only a herding dog but also one that could excel at jobs requiring courage, athleticism, and intelligence. During World War I, they were the obvious choice for a war sentry. The Wolfdog was later dropped as it caused many people to fear the dogs. How big do German Shepherd Dogs get? The double-coat, with a thick undercoat that sheds twice annually, loses hair continuously but can be maintained with regular brushing one or two times weekly. What are the German Shepherd Dog colors? Black, tan, solid black and solid sable. How long do German Shepherd Dogs live? Lifespan: 10—12 years What are some German Shepherd Dogs facts and information? The German Shepherd held the number one spot in American popularity for many years. Although presently it has dropped from the top spot, the German Shepherd remains as one of the most versatile dogs ever created, serving as a police dog, war dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, narcotics- or explosives-detecting dog, show dog, pet—and even shepherd. Related Content. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page!