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What do you call a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix? The easiest way to refer to this cross is Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix. However, these dogs can also be referred to as a Malinois X. Other names include German Malinois and Shepinois. The breed is thought to have been developed in the late s along with the Tervuren, the Groenendael and the Laekonois. They were developed by trainers and working competitors which perhaps explains why Belgian Malinois make great service and working dogs within our society. An ex-German military capital Max von Stephanitz set about attempting to create his perfect working dog. He encountered a dog named Hektor Linksrhein at a dog show in which left such an impression that he bought the dog immediately. He renamed Hektor to Horand von Grafrath, becoming the founder member of the dog breed. German Shepherds are often used by the military, police, drug detection and much more due to their high IQ, impressive obedience and ability to learn. German Shepherds have an identical height range of 22 to 26 inches but they usually weigh a little more between 49 and 88 pounds. So we can deduce that a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix can grow to between 22 and 26 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 90 pounds. Their coat color is reflect of both breeds, with incorporating shades of black, brown, fawn, blue and white. A Malinois X should have a muzzle that is relatively long with a black nose. Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix will have a double coat which sheds. The German Malinois are athletic, good-natured loyal and protective, which are all personality traits that both Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds have. Belgian Malinois have an innate desire to protect their family members, which can make this hybrid a good family pet. However, Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix will require socialization and training from a young age. This gives you the best chance to have a happy, level-headed and well-balanced dog. Although there is no such thing as a per cent hypoallergenic dog, the American Kennel Club outlines that there are some breeds that shed less. Malinois X owners will be required to brush their dogs at least twice a week to remove debris and dead hair. This will help to maintain the health and quality of their coat. Most members of the cross breed will blow out their coats twice a year at the changing of the seasons. Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix exercise requirements German Malinois are high energy dogs, so owners will need to ensure their pet is getting sufficient exercise in order to prevent destructive or unwanted behaviour due to frustration. Dog walking service provider Wag recommend up to minutes a day for a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix. That equates to around 10 miles per week. German Shepherds, on the other hand, can live to between nine and 13 years. The average price of this mix can vary. Other Potential costs include dog food, pet insurance, grooming, vet trips and much more. You can inquire about the availability of this cross. Alternatively, you could contact Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd dedicated rescue organisations for further help. Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd Mix to follow on Instagram If you want to learn more about the cross breed, you can always head to social media to find out more. Dog owners will usually be quite forthcoming with advice and information to followers interested in learning more about the breed. Lifespan Sociability Like any dog, the cost for these pups can vary depending on the breeder and the pedigree of the puppy. Although this is not one of the most common hybrid dogs, there is always a chance that you will be able to provide a wonderful home for a dog in need. This is especially so in the case of any German Shepherd hybrid since they have been bred to be some of the most trainable, obedient dogs known today. The German Malinois can be trained much earlier in life than most other dog breeds. The German Malinois is a cross of two incredible obedient, level-headed dogs. It is because of these traits that their astounding intelligence manifests much earlier. Training can start with these pups much earlier than is typical. They have often completed house training as young as three months old. Many new owners appreciate this aspect of the breed when it comes to purchasing a new puppy. Both the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois are experienced police dogs. German Shepherds were first developed in the s by the Germans. They were bred with several different breeds to try and obtain the most trainable dog at that time. The result was successful, and the German Shepherd still stands out today as one of the most trainable dog breeds. Their temperament was another significant facet of their breeding. The goal was to have a level-headed dog that was obedient and protective. Since the beginning, their breeding may have changed their bone structure and stature slightly, but they still act similarly to the way that they were initially bred. They have become the second most popular dog breed in the U. The Belgian Malinois was bred at approximately the same time as the German Shepherd. The Belgian Malinois has a slightly more confusing timeline because their breed was first recognized as the Belgian Shepherd. Then, the breed was steadily split into three separate dog breeds, with the Belgian Malinois having a short coat and fawn coloring. Both dogs, especially since being imported to America, have been actively and consistently used in the police force. They have the perfect temperament for reliability, a balance of aggressiveness and obedience, and medium to large stature. The German Malinois has a high prey drive. Since both of the dogs involved in the parenting of the German Malinois were bred to be herding dogs, the German Malinois has the drive in their DNA. Watch out for their urge to herd beings smaller than themselves. It is a behavior that you can train out if they are primarily a family dog. If you have any cats, small mammals, or other smaller dogs, make sure the German Malinois is trained, so they know how to behave around these other animals. Unlike small puppies, most would not describe them as energetic dogs because they are also quite serious and controlled. To be content in their living situation, they must have plenty of space to run around in. Beyond their activity levels, they are highly intelligent dogs. Both the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd are incredibly smart, with the latter being ranked for intelligence right after the Poodle and the Border Collie. These pups have a strong desire to please their master or trainer, which is a large part of their acknowledged obedience. Occasionally, they exhibit more difficult tendencies in training, such as stubbornness or overexcitement. However, this is relatively rare and may signify a change in training style is needed. The German Malinois can be aloof toward new animals and humans. Their protective instinct is sometimes too strong for them to have the capacity to accept anything into their trust readily. This feature makes them an excellent guard dog and watchdog. Watch out for any unwanted aggressive behavior, particularly between two male dogs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The reason for this is their heightened prey drive from years of being a herding dog. The German Shepherd side of them is generally good with kids, whereas the Belgian Malinois often is not as friendly, especially if they are pushed or pulled around. Keep a close eye on them around little kids. Due to their overall attitude concerning new animals and humans, it is best to get them accustomed to strangers by having them visit your home or go to the dog park. This will teach them how to act around others appropriately. Although these dogs are quite reserved, they are also social creatures. For the best behavior, it is good to adopt two at once, or at least another pup with these dogs. They need 3—4 cups of food each day. They should have a balanced diet to make sure that they are receiving plenty of nutrients and calories to sustain them. Instead, feed them two or three meals a day. Stick to feeding them during your mealtimes. They can snack a bit in the middle of the day. Make sure that they receive plenty of calcium each day to offset these issues for as long as possible. They need at least 45 minutes of highly engaging activity each day but prefer to receive a mixed amount of exercise for minutes every day. Keeping this in mind, German Malinois are not good dogs to keep in an apartment unless they can go out with you for most of the day. Paired with their high level of intelligence, they pick things up quickly and happily, with few repetitions. They have a high desire to please their trainer, especially if the trainer has positively established dominance. Training is an excellent time to do two things at once, such as working a training session into an agility course. They are quick, with fast reactions and a quicker mind. Either way, they do shed frequently and even more so during changes in the seasons, particularly into spring and autumn. They need to be brushed daily to reduce the amount of hair getting everywhere. Avoid bathing these dogs too often, as the water strips them from natural essential oils produced by their skin. To avoid dental issues, brush their teeth every day. Since the German Shepherd is known to have many spinal and joint issues, it is best to verify. Minor Conditions. It is a cross between the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She has the intelligence and loyalty of a Belgian Malinois. She already knows how to sit and lie down, and can walk off the leash. Piper is one of the greatest dogs we have owned. She gets a long with our cats and my young nieces. This is definitely a breed that needs to be brought up with children in order for them to have a good temperament with them. She is loyal and very protective, yet sociable once warmed up to people. She will remain petite, which she got from her dad, the Malinois. She is currently 35lbs and will mature no more than 10 more pounds. She has a double coat and medium-long hair, no shedding though. Still has her puppy hair, especially behind her ears. She loves the water and the snow, and has a very willing temperament. This is a great mix to own as they are a low maintenance and easy keeper. The only problem with her right now is she had a breakout of mange on her muzzle which the vet said is normal and is treatable. It is common to appear on pups around 6 months in age. This is a picture of her under my desk at work. His dad is a German Shepherd and his mom is a Belgian Malinois. We've never had a Mal before but we have had a GSD. He loves everyone. He's wary of new people. He loves our .Our GSD was my momma's boy. Rhemy can't pick a favorite! It's really sweet that he loves my husband as much as me! Tracked himself home on a walk at 3 months old! In the first picture I sent he was about 4 months old, in this picture he is now 4 years old!! Super smart and a real lover boy. Look at that beautiful face!! He came from a breeder in Cream Ridge, NJ. She said he was a "breeder mistake," but we think he is just perfect!! He is a real clown and loves to lounge on this blanket. He is 4 months old in this picture and is a real face washer!! She has exceptional intelligence. She understands sit, lie down, shake, speak and high-five by both verbal command and hand signals. We're still working on several other commands, of which 'stay' seems to be the hardest. At .She must constantly have something to chew on , otherwise she will shred anything within reach in record time, so rawhide chewbones are a necessity. She also replaced my broken paper shredder. Her herding instincts are very strong and will chase anything that moves, including a leaf blowing across the yard, butterflies, birds, etc. She has a variety of toys, but prefers the stuffed animal ones that squeak or make noise. She loves to play tug-of-war with her toys, be chased and chase you. Her love of water and mud puddles is exceptional and if you have a walk-in shower, don't leave the door open with the water running! She amuses herself by playing with her toys when left alone, but if someone is around, she has to be with them. When she needs to go out, she will find someone and lick their hand kisses until they take her out, otherwise she will lick and nip at your toes and heels to get you moving. She's very alert and will bark and growl at anything unfamiliar as long as she is standing behind your legs. Her worst fault is that if she is out in the open, she does not want to come when you call her. She wants you to come after her and just as you get within reach, she bolts off like a jackrabbit, and there's no catching her. We've learned the best way to get her attention is to ignore her and walk off like we're leaving her. The other fault is her constant attempts to get your attention to play with her, especially if you're trying to get ready for work. She waits until you get one leg into your jeans and then grabs the other, making you hop around on one leg trying to get the other pants leg back. As you pull on a sock, she either grabs the end and pulls it off, or she takes off with the other one so you'll have to chase her down. After you've gone through this same scenario with the shoes, she then follows you around pulling the laces to untie them or pulls back the Velcro straps. Her antics are limitless as is her energy level. Belgian Malinois are intelligent, protective, playful, and energetic. They tend to make great family pets. Should a Belgian Malinois Mix take after this parent, you should be able to expect something similar. A Belgian Malinois is known for their intelligence and prized for their hardworking nature and protective instinct. Their high energy and playful personality means they tend to retain a puppy-like demeanor until they are about three years old. They get along well with children as well as other dogs and pets in the household as long as they are socialized with them. Because of their protective instinct, socialization and training early and often are particularly important. The other parent breed could introduce some potential traits that could affect temperament. So, you do want to ask the other breeder about them. You can also meet the mother dog in person to see what sort of temperament she is modeling for her pups. Belgian Malinois are moderately adaptable dogs. Their high energy tends to make them a better fit for homes with securely fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as sufficient time is dedicated to giving them the exercise and training they need. As long as the other parent breed has similar adaptability traits, you should be able to expect the same in a Belgian Malinois Mix. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? A mixed-breed dog can sometimes win the genetic lottery and inherit none of the potential health conditions common to either parent breed. At the same time, they could inherit potential conditions common to one parent or both parent breeds. From the Belgian Malinois side, potential health concerns include hip dysplasia, thyroid disease , and progressive retinal atrophy. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing issues on to puppies. Although the Belgian Malinois is highly intelligent and picks up on things easily, they are also high-energy dogs with an independent nature and a strong will. This means they are generally not a good fit for first-time dog owners. Puppy training classes are recommended, even for an experienced owner, as these classes often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. A Belgian Malinois Mix can inherit a coat similar to one parent breed or a coat that is a blend of both, so grooming requirements will be different depending on coat type. Should they inherit a Belgian Malinois coat, they will shed moderately year-round and heavier when seasons change. A weekly brushing and the occasional bath are usually sufficient for this coat. And, you will want to brush them more often during seasonal changes. When checking ears, you are making sure they are clean, dry, and free of debris or pests. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. But, many dog owners skip or overlook this, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. The Belgian Malinois is a high-energy, athletic dog breed. They need daily walks, playtime, and extra activity every day to stay happy and healthy. They also need a job to do and are good candidates for dog sports like flyball, agility, and more. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog breed, then you can expect a Belgian Malinois Mix to be a high-energy dog as well. But, you will still need to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog. A Belgian Malinois tends to be inches tall and pounds once fully-grown. The other parent breed could affect this, so you want to make sure you ask the breeder about it. You also want to pay attention to which breed is the mother as this will also affect the size of the puppies, especially in a mixed-breed dog. Belgian Malinois tend to live for years. The other parent breed may affect this slightly, but you can likely expect a similar life span in a Belgian Malinois Mix. Featured Belgian Malinois Mix Article. They share aspects of their temperament, working style, and physical characteristics. You can think of them as one dog for all intents and purposes. Belgian Shepherd vs. They both possess similar drives and instincts on an instinctual level, but how they express them can vary greatly. For example, the German Shepherd is more prone to being territorial and protective of their family and property. Appearance: The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a beautiful dog that has a lot of characteristics of both the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd. They can weigh anywhere from 40 to 80 pounds and have a height of 22 to 26 inches. They have a long, silky coat that can be black, tan, or red and black. They are also known as Belgian Shepherds. Life Span: Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes can live for anywhere from 10 to 15 years on average, depending on their genetics and any health problems that they may develop. Training And Exercise Requirements: As with any dog, training and exercise are key to a happy, well-adjusted Belgian malinois german shepherd mix. Because of their high energy levels and intelligence, these dogs need a lot of both. Daily walks or runs, plenty of interactive playtimes, and structured obedience training are essential. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, they may become destructive or hyperactive. They will need moderate exercise, between 30 and 60 minutes per day. This could include walks, runs, or playing in the yard. Without enough exercise, they may become destructive or hyperactive. Working dogs, these energetic breeds need jobs to do. Owners of Belgian malinois german shepherd mix often use their dogs for competitive obedience or herding. If a family is spending a lot of time in the yard or at home doing chores. At the same time, the dog is left alone in the backyard, looking into other good breeds with kids but not quite so high energy! The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a beautiful dog that makes an excellent family pet when given the proper training and exercise. These dogs can be a wonderful addition to any family with the right home. Grooming Requirements: For a dog with a dense double coat, the Belgian malinois german shepherd mix sheds fairly little. Weekly brushing is usually enough to keep their coat in good condition. They need occasional bathing and ear cleaning, as well as nail trimmings every few weeks or so. The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix has a dense double layer coat that requires some grooming attention! Daily brushing is required at a minimum. The nails must be trimmed about every weeks for proper foot care, and a professional groomer should give the dog a bath every few months. Ear cleaning is also necessary every weeks to keep those long ears healthy! Health Problems: As with most purebred dogs, common health concerns for the Belgian malinois german shepherd mix include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye disease such as distichiasis where eyelashes grow inwards towards the cornea or entropion where eyelids roll inwards. They are also prone to diseases that affect similar breeds like epilepsy and urinary stones. However, because these dogs are so intelligent and learn commands quickly, they can often be easy to train and manage when it comes to basic health care. As mentioned above, Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes are often used as working dogs. As such, they may be more prone to health problems that develop due to their frequent activity and high-energy lifestyle e. As well as this, make sure your dog gets plenty of regular check-ups and exercise throughout his life to help prevent these conditions from developing in the first place! Living Conditions: The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a hearty breed that can adapt to most living conditions. However, they prefer moderately active families who will take them on plenty of walks and runs. They are not suited for apartment living and should have a large yard to run. These dogs are fairly active and do best in homes where someone is around most of the time. If left alone for extended periods, they may become destructive or hyperactive. However, some generalizations can be made about the temperament of this crossbreed. Belgian Malinois mixes are often high-energy dogs who love to play and need plenty of exercise. They are also very intelligent and eager to please their owners, making them relatively easy to train. On the other hand, they can also be quite independent and strong-willed, so it is important to start training early and be consistent to ensure good behavior. In general, Belgian Malinois mixes are good-natured and affectionate with their family. Still, they may not hesitate to defend themselves in case of a threat. They can also be somewhat protective around strangers or other animals, so socialization is important when they are still young. Since both breeds are highly energetic and very intelligent, Belgian Malinois Shepherd mixes need physical exercise every day. It is also important for them not to get bored; it is recommended that you give them plenty of mental stimulation and their physical activities. This can be done through obedience training, puzzle toys, and plenty of interactive playtimes. However, shelter dogs are also often available for adoption; they may be even cheaper if you can find one in your area! Also, bear in mind that some breeders or shelters may not allow you to adopt or purchase a dog under certain age limits e. Nutrition Requirements: Belgian Malinois and German shepherd mixes are active dogs that require a balanced diet that is rich in protein. Dogs of this breed mix should have a diet of at least 25 percent protein. This can be found in both plant and animal-based proteins. Some good sources of plant-based proteins include beans, lentils, peas, and quinoa. Good sources of animal-based proteins include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. In addition to protein, Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix also need plenty of carbohydrates. Complex carbs such as whole grains are best for these dogs. Vitamins And Minerals: Vitamins and minerals form an important part of a healthy diet for these dog breeds. Vitamin-rich foods include meats, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth, while potassium helps with heart function. Magnesium aids in blood circulation and energy production, while iron supports red blood cell health. Zinc assists with growth and wound healing, while copper supports the proper production of red blood cells. Other Dietary Requirements: In addition to a balanced diet containing plenty of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, the Belgian Malinois and German shepherd mix also needs clean water as well as quality exercise to remain fit and healthy. An inadequate diet can lead to health problems such as allergies, brittle bones, digestive issues including diarrhea or constipation, dental problems like plaque buildup or gum disease, eye problems that include cataracts or glaucoma, obesity-related diseases such as diabetes mellitus or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI , heart conditions including dyspnea shallow breathing or cardiomyopathy weakening of the heart muscles , neurological problems such as epilepsy or seizures, respiratory issues including pneumonia or kennel cough, skin conditions like mange or yeast infections, urinary issues including cystitis inflammation of the bladder and stones in the urethra to name a few. Socialization: Belgian Malinois German shepherd mix is a great breed for those who want to have a working dog. They are very active and need a lot of exercises. They also require good socialization. Proper socialization will help your dog be well-adjusted and friendly with other people and animals. It is important to begin socializing your Belgian Malinois German shepherd mix puppy as soon as possible. Start by introducing him to many different people, dogs, and places. Expose him to a variety of sights, sounds, and smells. Be sure to keep interactions positive and rewarding. Puppy class is a great place to start socializing with your pup. If you have an older Belgian Malinois German shepherd mix, it is never too late to socialize him. Just be sure to take it slowly and always keep things positive. You may want to consider enrolling him in a training class or taking him for walks in different areas. Potential of Belgian malinois german shepherd mix as a family pet: Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a potential family pet because of its friendly nature and intelligence. They can learn commands quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement. These dogs also have high energy levels and like to be active, so they need plenty of exercises. Suppose you are looking for a companion that will keep you active. In that case, a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix may be the perfect pet for you. When considering whether or not to adopt a Belgian Malinois german shepherd mix, it is important to remember that they can be quite destructive if left alone for long periods. They may chew on furniture or other belongings if they become bored. Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes also require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and free of mats. However, as a general rule, these dogs are very active and high-energy. They require a lot of exercise and plenty of stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved. Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes are also very intelligent and trainable dogs. They are often used as working dogs in various fields, such as law enforcement, search and rescue, and military operations. With the right training and plenty of exercises, Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes can make great family pets. As with all mixes, this is not set in stone and can be somewhat different depending on which traits are more dominant in each individual dog. The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a very smart and highly trainable dog. They are built for high-energy performance activities, thus their temperament is also driven to achieve much. This makes them a strong candidate as working dogs because of their strength at such a young age, but it can also be their biggest downfall. Working with your dog from an early age will teach ideal behaviors that you desire from them, whether they are obedient or perform work-related tasks. Families with small children or elderly members should carefully consider whether a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is the right pet for them. Pros of having Belgian malinois german shepherd mix: 1. They are highly intelligent and can be easily trained. They are very loyal and protective of their family and home. They are active and need plenty of exercises, making them great companions for outdoor activities. They have a high energy level and are always ready for a good game or a walk. They are good with children and make great family pets. Cons of having Belgian malinois german shepherd mix: 1. They require a lot of attention and training, so they may not be the best choice for those who work long hours or cannot spend enough time with their pet. They can be quite territorial and bark or growl at strangers or other animals. They need a lot of exercise and can be quite destructive if not given enough activity. They are not always suitable for households with small children due to their large size and active nature. They can be quite expensive to purchase and maintain. So, whether you are thinking about getting a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix as a pet or are just curious about what they are like, these are some of the things you should know. They make wonderful companions and are sure to provide many hours of enjoyment for their families. Still, they do require a lot of care and commitment. If you think you can meet these needs and provide a loving home for a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix, then they may be the perfect pet for you. The most common colors for this mix are yellow, black, tan, and red. This is a relatively new breed of dog; it was developed in the late s by crossing German Shepherds with Belgian sheepdogs. These dogs were originally bred to herd cattle and pull carts filled with milk, which they could do very efficiently due to their superior instincts towards herding and working with humans. Belgian malinois german shepherd mix dogs have a high rate of intelligence. They are quite easy to train, making them prized by many dog owners. Belgian malinois german shepherd mix dogs often become very attached to their families and protective of them, which can cause problems if someone is attempting to harm the family in any way. These breeds require a great deal of attention from their human companions. However, they can still be left alone for short periods every day so long as they receive enough training and exercise to keep them happy during their time by themselves. Although this breed does enjoy playing with other animals, it is recommended that even well-mannered Belgian malinois german shepherd mix dogs not be allowed to mix with other animals. At the same time, they are still puppies, as this can lead to fighting and injury. Despite their working heritage, these dogs are comfortable in almost any kind of environment; they do very well in hot or cold climates both indoors and out and enjoy spending time alone or hanging around with the rest of the family. Belgian malinois german shepherd mix-breed dogs have a high prey drive and should not be left unsupervised around smaller pets that might look like prey, such as rabbits, hamsters, mice, guinea pigs, etc. While training is important for every dog breed, it is especially important for Belgian malinois german shepherd mix puppies so that you can ensure they develop good habits and understand their place in the family hierarchy. This is a great breed but does require a lot of attention and training. With the right preparation, you and your Belgian malinois german shepherd mix can live happily together for many years to come! Final Thoughts: Overall, Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes are great pets. They are intelligent, active, and loyal, and they make wonderful companions for people of all ages. However, they do require a lot of attention and training, so be sure you are prepared to commit to taking care of one before bringing one home. They can be quite expensive to purchase and maintain, but the benefits of having one definitely outweigh the costs. If you think a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is right for you, then go ahead and adopt one today! FAQs: Is a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix the right pet for you? However, remember that these dogs can be quite large and powerful, so make sure you have enough space for them and that everyone in your household is prepared to handle training and exercise them properly. Are German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois a good mix? The Malinois X hybrid canine, being the result of breeding a Belgian Malinois with German Shepherd Dogs, has made this loyal dog one that will fit into any lifestyle. Post navigation. We chose the Shepinois name for it's simplicity. But they are truly the best of both breeds. They typically have the physical characteristics of the Malinois, they tend to be flat coated with a fawn or mahogany coloring with a a dark overlay. The weight for a female is typically pounds and a male is pds. They have the extreme good health and orthopedics of the malinois as well. They have the athleticism of the Malinois, but not the extreme drive. They are good natured and have the general disposition of a German shepherd. They tend to be a little more level headed like the German shepherd. They are not as overly active as the malinois and they are much easier to live with as a house pet. They make for an excellent family dog and companion, but also a great protection dog or competition dog. They are a loyal and devoted companion. They are good with children; they do well with other animals. They are very affectionate and love to be the center of attention. They thrive in a family environment and are very protective of their home and family. They love to travel and be a part of any activity that involves their family. They are very quick to pick up anything and tend to train at the level of a malinois. They are more like the malinois in their training ability and pick up any type of training very quickly. They also have the tenacity of the malinois and can work for long periods of time without becoming winded. They need daily exercise not only to stay healthy, but to burn off energy. The Shepinois needs exercise daily, not just once a week. The Shepinois is quick to alert you of any strangers or visitors making them excellent, loyal Protection dog. We feel that the overall genetics behind both breeds in very important to making sure this cross turns out the best of both breeds, although the malinois breed does not tend to have hip and elbow problems, we still do the hip and elbow certification on all of our dogs and by doing so we hope to continue to produce the best quality of both breeds as well as this new cross. At Camelot Shepherds we believe in orthopedic soundness, solid nerve and overall temperament. We want your family companion to live a long and healthy life and to bring you many years of love and dedication. Here are some pictures of the previous Shepinois puppies: About.

Categories Dog Breeds , Dog Fun Rare and mysterious, the gaze of a blue-eyed dog tends to make an impression. However, few breeds will possess this unique trait. The reasons for a dog having blue eyes are all up to their genes. Different breeds will have various genes that code for blue eyes. Some inherit them as a recessive trait , and others as a mutation of other genes. And not all will have blue in both eyes. In any case, blue eyes are much less common than darker shades, with brown being the most common color among dog breeds. However, blue eyes have been seen in these dog breeds — some more common than others. Do you own a dog with blue eyes? Let us know in the comments section below! Though they can also have brown eyes, the bright ice-blue eyes are unforgettable. And then there are some that have one brown and one blue eye. According to researchers, a gene mutation is the culprit for these iconic blue colored eyes in Huskies. In fact, a gene known as the ALX4 on chromosome 18 is linked with the development of these stunning blue eyes in Huskies. Bred in the frozen lands of northern Russia by the Chukchi people, it is as though you can see their past reflected in their eyes, full of snow and winter winds. If there were an ambassador for blue-eyed dogs , it would be the Siberian Husky. Australian Shepherd Highlights: Smart, Cheerful, Diligent This breed receives its blue eyes as a package deal with the same gene that results in a merle that is, splotchy coat. This combination gives them an air of being free-spirited and a little on the wild side in a good way, of course. However, Aussie Shepherds are incredibly clever and are much more likely to impose order rather than chaos. Their history as herding dogs gives them a penchant for keeping their friends and owners in line, especially with little children. But they still make great companions with a readiness to learn that is nearly unrivaled among most dog breeds. Their smaller size hides a dog with bounds of energy and liveliness that loves to spend fun time with their owners. Like Aussies, their blue eyes will be tied to their merle patterning. This breed has a history that goes back to the British Isles , where they served as top herding dogs. Over the years, successful breeding has led them to become one of the most intelligent dog breeds in all of the canine kingdom. Some say they are actually the smartest dogs we have , though the Poodle would have much to say about that. They need plenty of physical and mental exercise to keep them healthy and happy. This short yet elongated dog was originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers and other burrowing game. However, nowadays they are less likely to hunt rabbits and more likely to sit on your lap like the lap dogs they are. Dachshunds are much more content next to a warm human rather than down a dark hole on their way to drag out a critter. But you may be surprised at how agile and athletic they can be. Their shorter stature came in handy for weaving around and between cattle back in the day. Like most blue-eyed dogs, their eye coloring is tied to merle coloring, specifically blue merle. While some may retain a blue-gray appearance throughout their life, others will slowly meld into warmer colors such as amber or gold. The vast majority will have brown eyes, which will be the dominant gene. But yes, the gene for blue-eyes is recessive and rarely makes an appearance in this breed. However, when it does you are in for a treat. The blue coloring along with their regal and stern features is a memorable combination. Love them as they come! Shetland Sheepdog Highlights: Playful, Active, Bright Given the breeds on this list, it seems that herding dogs have a tendency toward blue eyes. After all, the Sheltie is the fifth herding breed on this list. And like the other breeds, blue-eyes occur in Shelties along with the merle gene. So if they are dappled, they are more likely to have lighter-eyes. Being a herding dog, they are known for their intelligence and readiness to please. They are very people-oriented and feel best when raised in homes where there are plenty of people around. If you often have an empty home, the Shetland Sheepdog might end up getting stressed out or anxious all day. As such, these sociable dogs are best suited for large and active families. Plus, they do great with other dogs and pets. While, yes, a blue-eyed Dalmatian looks spectacular, it is important to know that this can be a warning sign for deafness. However, this also appears to be connected to the same auto-recessive gene that affects the coloring of the iris. And although rare, blue eyed Pit Bulls have been popping up all over the country. Some of the more common eye colors include shades of brown, yellow and even green in the most rare cases. That said, any blue-eyed Pit Bull will inevitably be disqualified from dog shows or AKC competitions. But who cares with such a stunning dog? Though just like their Husky cousins, a Malamute can also come with light blue eyes. In fact, some owners have even seen dogs with one blue and one brown eye. The argument is still plausible, though. Because the Malamute Husky mixes are so popular, Malamutes with blue eyes may have likely inherited it from a Siberian Husky parent somewhere along their bloodline. In some cases, they look nearly identical to their cousins. Everything from the fluffiness, to their erect ears, coat colors and blue eyes are the same. And although most Klee Kai eyes are indeed blue, they can also develop brown eyes or two-colored eyes brown and blue. Depending on the Great Dane coat color, some are more prone to developing blue eyes than others. For example, the Harlequin Great Danes tend to develop blue eyes. Only on rare occasions do the blue eyes stay into adulthood. Still, blue-eyed Great Danes are truly a beautiful sight to see. But keep in mind: many of them may experience certain health problems that are typical with the eyes such as partial blindness. According to our research, the most common Boxer to have blue eyes are white Boxers, which is already rare as it is. To be clear, white Boxers are not albino Boxers. In fact, most white Boxers actually do have small amounts of color, whether markings or patches, on the coat. You just need to look harder! Plus, white Boxers have pigment in their eyes, as seen with those with blue eyes. However, the large majority of all Boxers develop brown eyes as they age. Rottweiler Highlights: Loyal, Brave, Confident Rottweilers have an iconic look with their black and tan coat and brown eyes. However, did you know that blue eyed Rottweilers exist? Like many other dogs with blue eyes, the blue-eyed Rottie is not recognized by the AKC standard for the breed. They may have had some mixes, possibly with a Husky, way back in their lineage. Still, Rottweilers with blue eyes are stunning. However, there are things to know if you have one or are planning to purchase one. While a dog that has merle or dappled, splotchy patterning should be fine on its own, it should not be bred together with another merle dog. This double-merle is associated with an increased risk in health problems for their offspring. Blindness and deafness are but a few of the possible effects of a double-merle breeding. However, with any desirable trait, there is an increased chance for irresponsible breeding if the breeder has money on the mind. Rarity can increase the cost of a pup and breeders know this. So, it is important to make sure that your blue-eyed pup is not the result of breeding two merle dogs. Otherwise, as we mentioned, they will be at risk for health issues. Nearly all dogs can potentially have blue eyes Blue-eyes can appear in almost any breed. It is simply the way genes work. All it takes is one mutation or change in their genes to produce unique results. They will love you unconditionally despite the colors of their eyes. Did we miss a dog breed that has blue eyes? Posts you may like:. Yes, I do believe they like one another. It only took a few days for Allie to accept Bruno into her pack. How do I know she has accepted him? Because Allie started pushing her food around , elling Bruno not to eat—a sure sign that she accepts the little puppy into her pack. He is deaf so we have to watch him if we let him out of the fence, because it wouldn't do any good to holler for him, since he cannot hear us. He also has blue eyes , which I think is very rare, because most Boxers that I see only have one blue eye , and he has 2 blue eyes. He likes to sleep, play, eat , he likes to be in the house because his hair is thin and short. He also likes to play with my Australian Shepherd Dixie. He always has to sleep in the bed with me. He has to either be leaning on you, sitting on your foot , or lying on you when you are in the bed. He absolutely HATES getting a bath , but he likes it when he gets out and you put the towel over his whole body and start rubbing him all over.His bad habits are: chewing up my little sisters toys , barking when he can't see or find you. He gets a lot of exercise during the day, because we have an acre fenced in where they can run as much as they like. He's the biggest clown I know and snores like you wouldn't believe, but we love him dearly. Shaggy the Boxer in his crate with a cone on his head after being neutered. My name is Bear, by the way. Now go on.Notice the ears are not cropped and the tail is not docked. It is illegal to do so in a lot of European countries. My boxer has just had puppies and one of the brown puppies has blue eyes. Does that automatically mean that she will be blind or will that eventually go away? The puppies are 3 to 4 weeks old. Photo Credit: Katie! Here's what I would do: hold a treat in front of the dog's face. Then move it up and down. If the dogs head goes up and down or it looks like it's looking at the treat, then the dog might not be blind. All puppies are born with blue eyes. Answer by Doc's wife It is too early to tell, it might be just fine. The only genetic problem I know of in this breed is white boxers have hearing issues. Answer by anwen55 All puppies have blue eyes when they are born. Eye color is not an indication of blindness, the only way you can tell is to take it to the vet. Answer by K9 Crazy It's really hard to tell at such a young age. Puppies that young can't see very well even though they have their eyes open. It's best to wait until the pup is a few weeks older to test it out. A good test is to drop a treat on the floor and see if the puppy looks at it and is able to find it with no problem. Or you can wave your hand in front of the puppy's face and see if it follows your hand. Answer by pat We had a fawn and white male with blue eyes who recently died and we are looking for a boxer puppy with blue eyes. Know better? Give your own answer! See other posts in blind , boxer , Q and A Reader Interactions. Boxer dogs are usually found in brown or black coat, but there is a certain percentage of white and faun boxers with a major chance of having blue eyes. Blue eyed dogs are commonly found with white fur coats, and this is a genetic reason. Predominately seen with white patches; these boxer dogs have a high chance of being deaf. This genetic disorder that has traveled over the years. Blue eyed boxer puppies can be found having brown eye patches which is a desirable trait and makes the boxer dog appear to be friendlier. One fact about faun boxer with blue eyes and white boxer with blue eyes is that, these dogs can inherit blue eyes even if their parents have black or dark brown eyes. This recessive gene is known to be found in every boxer puppy and has different reasons to show up. As a puppy grows up, it is born with a differing blue eye color. Over the few weeks they tend to mature and the color is gradually changed. Boxer dogs which have larger white and lighter patches on the body are known to have blue eyes. One of the types is the Brindle boxer with blue eyes. This breed has a shiny short hair fur coat, with patches around the eye. The personality trait of these is super happy, and fun loving pets. These boxer dogs have five types of marking son their bodies which are lighter shades of brindle, fawn, and white. They have a large number of marking placements all over. Faun Boxer Dogs with Blue Eyes This breed is found to have different shades of hues, with varying white markings in a flashy way. These are found in a standard way on the muzzle, near the tummy and back. This faun shade varies from light to gold and dark. The blue eyes are a natural gene, whereas the white shades are found on the paws, ankles, chest, and muzzle. The white patch is called a check pattern. With a wide variety of boxer breed types, you get to explore the different shades of this breed. The white boxer is a healthy and that of a brindle or faun boxer. It is a complete myth to think that the white boxer dogs are an Albino production. They are as normal as any boxer breed and usually are born with blue colored eyes. Watch the full video of blue eyed boxer below.

For the complete list please see our Listings of Breeders page. The price of a Boxer puppy varies depending on the breeder and where you are located. Boxer puppies usually go fast because this is such a popular breed of dog, so make sure you act quickly once you find one that interests you. The price of Boxer puppies in Virginia might vary because of where you live and the reputation of the breeder. There are certain things you should consider when looking for a breeder like their location, reputation, and costs. The best way to research your breeder is by asking around for recommendations from other pet owners in the area. Word of mouth is often the most effective way to find a good breeder. Make sure you ask about costs and any guarantees or warranties that they offer. Visit Your Virginia Boxer Breeder in Person Whether you physically searched for a Boxer puppy in Virginia or found a breeder online, once you find one that interests you, the most important thing to do is visit them in person. It will also let you see their facilities first hand which can give you a better idea of what your puppy will be like. If possible, ask if they can let your future pup run around with other young boxers while you wait. This dog-to-dog interaction will help socialize him and make sure he grows up healthy and happy. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Virginia If you feel comfortable with your boxer breeder in Virginia, ask to see references from other people who have purchased their puppies. If they are reluctant to give you any names or contact details of other customers, this might be a sign that there is something fishy going on. If previous customers had any issues with the company or their puppies, you should probably find another breeder. These people could also give you lots of helpful advice about your specific dog and what kind of personality he might have based on his parents and genetics. Meeting past customers will also give you the chance to ask them questions about their experience with your breeder. If they had any problems, this is your chance to find out all about it. Remember, even one bad review should be enough for you to walk away from a breeder. Even if your Virginia Boxer Breeder has nothing to hide, they should still have a good veterinarian that they use regularly. The best way for you to find out is to ask them what type of veterinary care their dogs receive and who your puppy will be seeing. The general rule of thumb is that the longer the warranty period, the better the policy will be for you and your pet. The minimum amount of time usually given by breeders is 1 year but reputable breeders like those listed here at PuppySpot offer 2 to 3 years. Some lifetime warranties against certain genetic diseases. First of all, if the prices seem too good to be true…they probably are. Often times they just want your cash without caring about whether or not their breeding practices result in healthy, happy pets which could lead to expensive health problems down the road. Unethical breeders will also try to make you feel like they are doing you a favor by selling you their puppies, but this is just another tactic used to put pressure on the consumer. Finally, if the breeder says that only cash is accepted as payment…move on. Any refusal of credit cards should be an immediate red flag. Most reputable breeders will be honest with you and tell you if there are any issues or history of disease in either the parents or other relatives. The truth is that no one is perfect and every dog has some sort of health concern or another. Reputable breeders will know about these issues before they sell their puppies to you which means they will provide documentation for proof. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy Before you actually bring your new boxer home, the first thing that you should do is make sure to set up a safe and comfortable area for them. First of all, you will need to find a way to confine your boxer while you are away at work or school. The good news is that there are many different options available for everyone whether they live in an apartment or have acres of land. You also want to make sure that the bathroom has been properly puppy-proofed before your boxer comes home. This will typically involve covering up anything sharp, electrical or poisonous items that could pose a problem for your new pet. Finally, if you have any valuable items on hand such as a TV or laptop, make sure to put them out of reach. In addition, whenever you bring them back inside from playing around in the backyard make sure to immediately put them on a leash so that you can quickly grab them if they need to go to the bathroom. Once again, this will be a lot easier if you have a fenced-in area for outdoor playtime but it can still be accomplished using an electronic fence if necessary. Boxers are incredibly intelligent dogs which means that most of them pick up on things very quickly. In fact, many boxer puppies learn how to properly eliminate outside all on their own within just a few days of being home with you. If they have any accidents inside, never scold them because this will only lead to confusion and mistrust. Instead, always use positive reinforcement by either praising them when they do something good or by giving them a treat whenever they go potty out in the yard. Continue doing this until they understand that going outside is the only acceptable place to have a bowel movement. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Boxer puppies for sale Fredericksburg, Virginia Boxer puppies for sale Fredericksburg, Virginia Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Fredericksburg Virginia? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. Boxer puppies for sale in Fredericksburg VA The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Fredericksburg for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. As of the census, the population was 27, Wiki Fredericksburg Drop us a line! We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery. Contact Boxer The well-conditioned middleweight athlete of dogdom, the Boxer is a powerful dog with an intelligent and alert expression. While they are instinctive guardians, the Boxer loves to be with his people. This personality has allowed them to succeed as couriers during wartime and as seeing-eye dogs for the blind. Appearing in both fawn and brindle colors, the Boxer currently ranks as one of the most popular dogs in the United States according to AKC Registration Statistics. History Developed in Germany in the 19th century, Boxers were originally used for dog fighting and to run down and hold large game such as wild boar and bison until the hunter could arrive. The breed is known for standing up on its hind legs and batting at its opponent, appearing to box with its front paws. Imported to America after World War I, they began to grow in popularity in the late s. Temperament One of the breed's most notable characteristics is its desire for human affection, especially from children. The Boxer requires little grooming, but needs daily exercise. The Boxer gets along great with children, often protecting them from outside threats. They are also very intelligent, therefore easy to train and housebreak. Working Group; AKC recognized in .Ranging in size from 21 inches to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. Large game hunter, guard and companion dog.

Articles Sit. Heal German Shepherd Hip Dysplasia Signs and Treatments Muscular, intelligent, and loyal, German shepherds are steadfast guardians and all-purpose workers. Highly trainable and obedient, German shepherds provide a range of services—excelling as show dogs and household companions, as well as military and search and rescue animals. Exuding confidence, this breed is royalty of the dog family. They are susceptible, however, to challenging hip and joint issues like hip dysplasia any time from puppyhood all the way through maturation. As with many large breed dogs, German shepherds are prone to canine hip dysplasia CHD , a dog skeletal condition that can be inherited or caused by a traumatic fracture or other environmental factors. CHD occurs from malformation of the ball and joint socket of one or both hips the hip joint is called the coxofemoral joint. If so, it maybe be because of breeding. The exaggerated hind leg angulation is often bred into the dog because of standards that dictate rear legs upper and lower thighs should come as close to a degree angle as possible. Along these same lines, a sloping back causes hindquarters to become more angulate and, thus, prone to lower back pain. These bent legs could point toward one of many health problems, one of which is hip dysplasia. Although irreversible, canine hip dysplasia can be monitored and treated to reduce chronic pain. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals , .The progression of it and the treatment options available depend on a number of factors, including the degree of misalignment and age of the dog. CHD has a range of signs, depending on the severity of the disease and degree of looseness in the joint. The severity also ranges from mild to extreme pain—some German shepherds even have to use a wheelchair. CHD Treatment Options Dog hip dysplasia surgery for severe cases in medium to large dogs can be expensive. If invasive surgery is not the best choice for your dog, look into non-surgical, conservative management options, such as dog leg braces, physical therapy, weight control, acupuncture, anti-inflammatories, and massage therapy. Ortho Dog specializes in flexible, adjustable, and affordable dog leg braces. Additionally, leg braces for hip dysplasia may slow the progression of this chronic issue. Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup? Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Below are four common disorders of the hip and joint commonly seen in this breed: Degenerative Myelopathy As a German shepherd owner, you have likely heard of the fatal, chronic, and progressive disease called degenerative myelopathy that is most prevalent in this breed. Typically apparent between the ages of , degenerative myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord and muscle coordination, ultimately leading to paralysis of the back legs within months. CHD shares several symptoms with early stages of degenerative myelopathy, including difficulty rising and jumping, and progressive weakness of hind limbs. As with any signs that something may be off with your dog, contact your veterinarian for a full exam. Canine Myasthenia Gravis A rare neuromuscular disease, canine myasthenia gravis is a disorder of the signal transmission between nerves and muscles, resulting in progressive muscle weakness, and fatigue with mild exercise. This disease is not typically confused with CHD because the signs tend to show up on the face more than the hindquarters. This incorrect movement can put a strain on their hips, which causes them to walk with an irregular gait. Our Hock Holder brace offers stabilization and support to the hock to help relieve stress. Osteoarthritis Most often seen in senior dogs, osteoarthritis is the inflammation of the hip joints due to cartilage deterioration. You may notice your dog moving a bit more slowly and having trouble with stairs. With less cartilage, bones can grind against each other and cause inflammation. Much like a human wearing a wrist or hand brace for arthritis, the Ortho Dog Hip Hound brace limits the movement of the joint, which helps with the pain. Reviewed by Petal Smart Petal Smart is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and has been an editor in the veterinary and medical sciences since .She has edited more than assignments, including research studies published in various academic journals, continuing medical education materials, and articles on pet health. Canine hip dysplasia is most often seen in large breeds like German Shepherd dogs , Saint Bernards , and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs , but a dog of any size and both male and female dogs may be affected. The cause of canine hip dysplasia isn't known. The condition is thought to have a genetic link, and dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Puppies from parents that have hip dysplasia will be more likely to develop the condition than puppies born to parents with normal hips. However, even dogs with normal parents can develop hip dysplasia. What Is Canine Hip Dysplasia? The pelvis cradles the head of the femur thigh bone in a cup-like socket of bone that forms the hip. Puppies typically are born normal, but as the puppy matures, the hip joint alignment becomes progressively worse. This places abnormal stress and wear on the bones when they rub together, and causes further joint degeneration and pain. Bones respond to stress by growing thicker, which makes the fit even worse. As the dog matures, this damage predisposes to arthritic changes and painful joints. Signs and Symptoms Severe hip dysplasia may become noticeable as early as four months of age, but is more typically seen in pups aged 9 months to 1 year. The painful condition causes limping , favoring of limbs, and difficulty rising, running, or jumping. Dysplastic pups may exhibit an odd wobbly gait when walking and "bunny hop" when running or climbing stairs, which may help to ease joint stress. Stairs can prove a particular challenge for these dogs, and sore hips and pain may prompt aggression , causing the pup to snap or flinch when touched. However, there are degrees of severity. Some pups may show few to no signs at all, and mild cases may go undiagnosed until the dog reaches middle age or older. How quickly, or to what extent degeneration occurs is in part determined by the pup's activity level. While healthy, normal hips probably won't be adversely affected by hard work or exuberant play, the dog with mild to moderate hip dysplasia develops more noticeable signs more quickly when excessive stress is placed on these joints. Fortunately, only a relatively small percentage of pets suffer the severest, most crippling form of the condition. The condition may also be influenced by lifestyle, nutrition, body weight, and activity level. The puppy is placed on its back and the veterinarian looks for the typical arthritic changes and subluxation laxity of the joint. Some changes may not become evident until the pup reaches 2 years old, and experts say there may be considerable changes from 6 to 9 months up to 1 year. The OFA provides a consulting service for purebred dog owners and breeders, through which it reviews hip X-rays provided by an owner to evaluate the dog's conformation and, when normal, certifies that fact. The PennHip testing method, developed by Dr. Reputable breeders have dog parents tested prior to breeding to make sure they do not have hip dysplasia and reduce the chance of the condition in puppies. Dogs can be certified free of hip dysplasia by sending appropriate X-rays to either the OFA registry or the PennHip registry. This is evaluated by three radiologists who score the hips fair, good, or excellent. PennHip evaluation uses computer analysis to compare the X-rays to all the other dogs of that breed in the registry. Management of Hip Dysplasia There is no cure for hip dysplasia. Treatment is aimed at relieving pain and improving joint function. How well treatment works depends on the severity of the problem. Often, mild to moderate cases of hip dysplasia can be managed with gentle exercise, a healthy diet, and oral pain relievers like buffered aspirin or Rimadyl as prescribed by the veterinarian. Moderate exercise helps maintain and improve the puppy's muscle tone, which alleviates painful wear and tear on the joint. Encourage your dysplastic puppy to take short walks with you. Swimming is an ideal exercise, but jumping and prolonged running should be discouraged. Keep your puppy lean; obesity increases joint strain and can make the condition worse. Massage can also help the dog feel better. Severe cases of hip dysplasia may benefit from surgery that rebuilds or removes bone or alters the muscles and tendons to reduce pain. More from The Spruce Pets. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Hip dysplasia HD is a disease of the hip coxofemoral joints. Dysplasia means abnormal development. Both hips are usually affected Brass .It is a complex disease that results from a combination of genes that predispose a dog to developing hip dysplasia interacting with environmental factors that lead to its full development and expression Riser .It is characterized by hip joint instability which, if compounded by environmental factors, then results in secondary osteoarthritis and the clinical signs of hip dysplasia which include pain, lameness and disability Zhang et al .To fully understand hip dysplasia, it is necessary to understand the structure of the hip joint. The hip joint is the joint at the top of the hind leg, where it articulates forms a joint with the pelvis. It is described as a ball and socket joint, as in normal hips the ball-shaped head of the femur the thigh bone fits perfectly into a cup-shaped socket in the pelvis, the acetabulum. The head of the femur femoral head and the acetabulum are normally covered with cartilage which produces a smooth, low friction surface. Within the joint there is also a fine layer of synovial fluid that acts as a lubricant between these cartilaginous surfaces. This thin layer of synovial fluid, along with the round ligament a ligament that runs round the edge of the acetabulum — between the acetabulum and the femur , keeps the two cartilaginous surfaces together by creating a suction-like effect. The ligaments and the joint capsule also help to hold the ball and socket closely together. In newborn puppies, because the bones are soft and not fully ossified turned into bone as they need to grow and develop, they are still deformable if abnormal movements or stresses and strains occur in them. Riser suggests that, in a normal six month old individual, ossification of the bones and soft tissue strength the strength of the surrounding ligaments, joint capsule and muscles have developed enough to prevent hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is described as a biomechanical disease. The hips appear normal at birth. However, in affected individuals, the hips develop abnormally due, at first, to joint instability sometimes called joint laxity Riser .This means that the developing femoral head and acetabulum are not held constantly, closely together, and can move into abnormal positions relative to one another. This puts abnormal stresses and strains on the joint. Riser states this is due to the soft tissues, such as ligaments and muscle, not being strong enough to maintain congruity between the articular surfaces of the femoral head and the acetabulum ie the constant contact between the surfaces of the bones is not maintained. The pathological changes seen due to the joint instability are progressive inflammation and degeneration of the tissues that together form the joint. Brass details the following changes in the joint: The joint capsule can become thickened and the round ligament can become stretched or ruptured leading to additional, excessive movements. The synovial fluid increases in volume and changes in nature, due to inflammation, this pushes the joint surfaces apart. The cartilage on the bone surfaces gets worn away exposing subchondral bone the layer of bone beneath the surface cartilage. Unlike cartilage, bone contains nerve endings and such exposure will commonly cause pain. The rim of the acetabulum becomes damaged and flattened and later new bone starts to grow here as the body tries to stabilize the joint. The femoral head becomes deformed and flattened and also grows abnormal bone called exotoses or osteophytes. This changing of the shape of the joint with new bone growing in abnormal positions, and being lost in others, is called joint remodelling. The signs that are seen with hip dysplasia can vary hugely in their severity, the age at which they first appear and their progression. In mild cases dogs can be free from clinical signs for years; however, for more severely affected individuals, signs of pain can develop whilst they are still immature less than a year old Signs include acute pain, particularly after strenuous exercise or movement. This may show as lameness or reluctance to jump, to go for walks, climb steps or move at all if really severe. The pain may be worse in cold, wet conditions Brass .These signs may start intermittently, but over time can become constant. Muscle wastage is often seen in the hindlegs Brass .There appears to be little correlation between the severity of pain shown by the dog and physical abnormalities felt on examination by a vet or revealed on an x-ray Brass ie some dogs can be in severe pain but have few changes on x-rays and vice versa. This is typical of any joint disease. Controlling food intake during growth has been shown to decrease hip dysplasia in Labradors ie by reducing excessive energy intake and therefore excessive weight gain during growth Kealy et al .High calcium intake during growth has been shown to delay maturation of the skeleton and increase the risk of hip dysplasia in Great Danes Hazewinkel .It is thought that controlling the amount and form of exercise during development may also help Corr .Bennett and May suggest excessive exercise during development can lead to hip dysplasia. Treatment for hip dysplasia is complex; many surgical interventions have been developed to prevent signs appearing in young animals with high joint laxity and to treat dogs with severe osteoarthritis. All need specialist surgeons. Various medications to aid pain relief are also available, along with recommendations to reduce the effect of environmental factors. Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact Though some dogs may be mildly affected, for many German Shepherd dogs with hip dysplasia, the impact of the condition is major and life changing. These animals suffer pain that is severe and debilitating, leading them to be in pain even with small everyday movements such as standing up. Their quality of life is severely affected so that they are unable to enjoy normal canine behaviours such as walking and running. It is not uncommon for dogs to be euthanased due to the pain and disability of arthritis associated with hip dysplasia. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact Hip dysplasia is a progressive disease with signs seen from any age. For some dogs pain starts before a year of age. Signs may be intermittent to start with but often progress to be constant. Medical treatment and advice can help control pain and possibly slow progression, though a cure can only be obtained with major surgical intervention in dogs that are considered suitable candidates for such surgery. Return to top 4. Number of animals affected Hip dysplasia is the most common joint problem of large dogs Smith et al .UK VetCompass data for dogs overall, showed that 7. In this sample, diagnosis of conditions affecting the pelvis eg hip dysplasia did not significantly differ between purebred and crossbred dogs. Figures vary greatly for how frequently German Shepherds are affected by hip dysplasia, depending on the method by which they have been screened and the database reviewed. The frequency is likely to vary for geographically different populations of the same breed Brass .However, Paster et al suggested that the OFA population was biased, as it is not compulsory for radiographed dogs to have their x-rays submitted to the OFA scheme so some owners may have had dogs pre-screened and only submitted apparently non-dysplastic ones for consideration and scoring. In this study, German Shepherd dogs had a higher odds ratio of hip dysplasia occurrence than Dobermanns, Labradors and Rottweilers, indicating that the breed is at a significantly higher risk of hip dysplasia development. Return to top 5. Diagnosis For a young dog suspected of hip dysplasia, a diagnosis can be made on the clinical signs shown at home and on examination of the dog, including assessment of joint laxity and joint pain plus evaluation of radiographs x-ray pictures of the hip joints Corr .Assessment of the joint laxity and radiographs may need to be performed by a specialist vet who is used to checking for this condition. For a formal diagnosis, the radiographs are usually submitted to a panel for evaluation. There are three methods of assessing joint laxity. Radiographs and assessment of joint laxity need to be performed under heavy sedation or anaesthesia Corr .Return to top 6. Genetics Hip dysplasia in dogs is a polygenic disease; many genes are thought to play a role in its development. Most of these genes probably have small additive effects quantitative, polygenes and some probably have larger effects Zhang et al .Heritability estimates are used to demonstrate how much variation in a phenotypic trait is due to genetic variation among individuals in a population. Using hip scores published by the British Veterinary Association, heritability for hip scores of German Shepherd dogs was 0. Genes are not solely responsible for whether a dog with the genetic potential for hip dysplasia develops the condition. Environmental factors play an important part. They are discussed in the clinical and pathogenic effects section above. However, there are significant breed predispositions to this condition and the German Shepherd dog is one of the breeds affected. Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? There are a number of breeding schemes around the world developed to decrease the incidence of hip dysplasia in dog breeds. These schemes assess potential breeding animals in somewhat different ways. All aim to give breeders and owners a strong indication of which dogs are likely to produce healthy offspring and which should not be bred. However, this is by no means straightforward for hip dysplasia as it is a polygenic condition in which the genetics are poorly understood and which is also affected by environmental factors in a major way. This lack of clarity has produced much debate over the best way to assess potential breeding dogs. A brief summary of the various schemes follows including some current evidence for their benefits. All dogs must be at least 12 months of age. There are nine radiographic features which are scored, including the Norberg angle NA - a measurement for hip laxity taken from the EHR and each dog is given a score out of 53 for each hip total of up to for both. A low score indicates healthy hip joints eg Greyhounds would score 0, as is not seen in this breed and a higher score indicates worse hip dysplasia. Breeders are recommended to only breed from animals with a score lower than the breed medianscore e. It is also based on an extended hip radiograph EHR , which is then graded by three independent experts to give an overall grade. All dogs must be over 2 years of age to be assessed. There are seven possible grades for the radiograph: excellent, good, fair, borderline, mild, moderate or severe hip dysplasia. Dogs must be between 1 and 2 years of age and the radiograph is graded by someone appointed by each breed club — they do not have to be an expert. Grades include: A- no signs of hip dysplasia, B — near normal hip joints, C — mild hip dysplasia, D — moderate hip dysplasia, E — severe hip dysplasia. Older dogs can be assessed but the likelihood of more secondary osteoarthritic changes is taken into account. Dogs from 4 months of age can be assessed. It involves the assessment of three different radiographic views of the hip joints called the distraction view, the compression view and the EHR. The radiograph must be taken by a vet who is registered with the scheme and the radiographs are assessed by vets at the PennHIP Analysis Center. Dogs with a DI lower than 0. Dogs with increasing DI values over 0. Advocates of the PennHIP method like it because it accurately identifies individuals who have hip laxity - the primary phenotypical abnormality that predisposes dogs to hip dysplasia. The other schemes only look at the EHR and though the NA can be measured from this, the NA has been shown to be an inaccurate method to assess hip laxity Culp et al .Much of what is assessed on the EHRs are secondary arthritic changes, these are not specific to hip dysplasia and are affected by many environmental factors. Recently, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have confirmed that the Distraction Index DI is a significant risk factor for the development of hip dysplasia. In other words, DI scores give a very good indication of the likelihood of osteoarthritic changes, due to hip dysplasia, developing in the future Smith and others , , , Smith , Runge et al .These and other researchers argue that the other schemes are not as good at detecting animals that have hip dysplasia as the PennHIP method and, despite older schemes existing for over 40 years, little improvement has been seen in hip dysplasia in the general pet population Corley , Kaneene et al , Leppanen et al , Paster et al .In fact, one recent study looking at a database of over 1,, dogs found an increase in the prevalence of hip dysplasia Witsberger et al .However EHR scores were found to have a much higher heritability 0. Heritability studies are difficult to compare between different populations with different environmental influences. To improve the gene pool, phenotypic traits that can be easily detected with strong links to the genotype genetic make-up of animals have to be found. Ideally, any potential pet would have had its hip joints assessed by one of the above schemes prior to purchase, although this is often unhelpful, as most pets are purchased as young puppies. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee all their offspring will be free from hip dysplasia. Certainly any potential breeding animal should be assessed prior to breeding using an appropriate scheme. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem Hip dysplasia is a complex trait which involves multiple unknown genes and environmental factors. Eradication schemes have been running in some countries for decades and still it is commonplace. Thus prospects for its quick elimination are low. In a recent study, Zhang et al suggested that using scores from four hip traits combined to create a breeding value for each animal would help speed up elimination of the condition. They felt that information on the single joint trait EHR eg the OFA scheme gave insufficient information to provide the basis for breeding decisions. The DLS is a measurement made from an x-ray taken in a weight-bearing position to measure the subluxation of the femoral head Farese et al .In this study on two populations of dogs where environmental factors were strictly controlled, heritabilities for all these traits were found to be relatively high eg heritabilities were 0. The researchers suggested these heritabilites were higher than expected due to the controlled environmental conditions. Zhang et al suggested an improved way for selectively breeding out hip dysplasia would be if breeders could be given breeding values derived from the four traits for each potential breeding animal, plus a measurement of the inbreeding of any potential mating eg the inbreeding coefficient. This way, they suggest, inbreeding can be avoided and only animals with phenotypes strongly indicative of healthy hip joint genes would be bred from. This scheme is a more organised form of others that have suggested using a combination of breeding values determined from pedigree information and phenotype score Ginja et al , Hou et al .As described by Bell , when breeders are prioritising raising dogs that have good hip dysplasia genotypes for future breeding the phenotype has to be used as a marker for the genotype. Although the diagnostic signs can be affected also by environmental factors such as feeding and exercise regimes. It is important that the puppies are raised in a standard and not excessively protective way. Otherwise, dogs that would normally have developed radiographic signs of hip dysplasia will have this masked and their genes will be perpetuated. Future development of genetic tests to help identify some of the hip dysplasia genes, along with more use of pedigree data that includes the health of ancestors and progeny for clinical signs of hip dysplasia and also for other inherited defects of German Shepherd dogs , may well help to improve methods used to eliminate this condition. Currently we have to continue to rely on choosing phenotypical traits which apparently indicate the presence of healthy genes. Return to top 9.

One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Bakersfield Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Bakersfield? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Bakersfield? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Puppies are 5 days old today and will be ready to go home on September .I have 3 boys and 3 girls left. For daily videos and updates please follow our puppy Instagram xxxx. Thank you Buy Now Golden Retriever Beautiful and healthy golden retrievers, ready with vaccines in 4 weeks, save yours. We have boys and girls. There are male and female available at this time. They are 10 weeks old, vet checked, dewormed and have all vet records up to date. Our puppies are well trained and very socialized. Puppies come with registration papers and a health xxxxxxxxx. She has a rehoming fee and she comes with her Ckc registration. Not fixed View Detail Beautiful Loving Golden Retiever 9 week old female, playful, energetic, fun loving great dog for a family. Come see them today!!! Feel free to text me for more pictures xxxxxxxxxx. Thank you! Contact Number. .Mum and two aunties can be seen with puppies. They will come with kc paperwork, microchipped and 5 weeks free insurance, they have been wormed regularly by our vet and are ready to leave. These dogs like water. Will be extra large lbs full grown. Lots of hair and shedding. Independent, active, self entertaining, less barking and more trainable than pure Pyr. Good guardians for small acreage or family with large yard. Started as an oops for us, now our preffered working dogs. Friendly, laid back, would be good pet for active people or family. Are well socialized with other dogs and people. First and second shot and wormed. Working parents on site. Are in excess of our guardian needs. Rehoming fee negotiable, good appropriate home a must. Available now. View Detail Golden Retriever Pups 4 females, 1 male. Full blooded, parents on site. Born on August 14th and ready to go. They are 11 weeks old now and they have been vet check and all vaccines done and for more information please contact View Detail Golden retrievers ready for a new home Beautiful golden retrievers ready to go home to a nice homes View Detail Golden retriever puppies Male and female puppies available for new home very soon Text me for any information xxxxxxxxxx View Detail Lovely Golden retreiver puppies ready now I have four gorgeous AKC registered Golden Retriever puppies available. I own both Sire and Dam. Puppies are raised in my home. I have three males and one female available. Up to date on shots, crate and puppy pad trained. Very healthy, personable and playful. View Detail Golden retriever 5 available girls. AKC registration, potty training going great. They love kids and are gentle with chickens. View Detail Golden retriever Pure bred golden retriever puppies available now. All vet exams and shots up to date. Akc registration dna tested. Potty pad trained. Sweet loving temperament ready to learn and fetch.

It's vital to kick-start the right training on time, and this simple guide on how to train a Golden Retriever puppy will help you with that. One of the most important things is to start the right training on time. This simple guide on training golden retriever puppies will help you with that. Read on for helpful tips. In many cases, breeders start training golden retriever puppies before they find their owner. This training can be crate training, potty training, and other behavioral training. Of course, this is not always guaranteed, especially if you are not getting your puppy from a breeder. The best time to start training is from 8 weeks of age. According to research, golden retriever puppies should not be separated from their mothers before then. If you are serious about training golden retriever puppies, you may need some supplies in addition to the time spent. These are listed below: Crate: If you want to crate training with your puppy, you will obviously need a crate. It is very important that this training equipment is at your house from day one. Leashes: There are indoor and outdoor leashes. You can choose them according to your goals. High-quality food: Consult your breeder or veterinarian about the appropriate food. If for some reason you need a change in the food field, pay attention to the gradation. Toys: Golden Retriever puppies have a lot of energy. You might want to buy them some chew toys. Bedding: If you buy a crate for your puppy, you need to have some bedding in it for convenience. Anyway, there are crates that come with something like this. Treats: These will be very useful during the training. Use them wisely and not excessively. Collar: If you get used to your Golden Retriever with a collar from day one, it will be beneficial later on. Brushes: This is one of the most important grooming tools. However, go gradually, in steps. The puppy needs to know the crate, and get used to it. Sessions should be longer and longer. This process will probably take a few months. However, it is worth dealing with. It is important that you devote as much time as possible to your Golden Retriever in the first few weeks. This will help with potty training. Here are some useful tips: Consider the tiny bladder of the puppies: Puppies are unable to hold their urine for long due to their small bladder. Therefore, until the end of the training golden retriever puppies, you need to pay close attention to their bathroom needs. However, it is not a bad idea to take your puppy out every hour to do his thing. With this, you can also avoid accidents and your goldy will learn to get rid of urine outside. Punishment: Excessive punishment will not result in successful training. However, a firm voice and talking can go a long way. Take out the poop: If your dog poops into the house, take it out to the yard. Animals perceive their own smells and associate this with the fact that they have to do their thing there. Do not reward with treats: Rewarding with a treat is a good idea for most training. But you should not reward your golden retriever puppy when they poop. While pooping is a good thing, there is a risk that your puppy will link the reward to pooping and will also poop in your house, hoping to get a treat. It is best not only with other dogs but also with humans. The good news is that it can be taught. Training a Golden Retriever puppy also includes training them not to jump on people. While it might seem adorable when they're little, it can become problematic as they grow into full-sized dogs. Begin this training by discouraging jumping from day one. Whenever your puppy jumps on you, turn your back and ignore them until all four paws are on the ground. Once they're calm and seated, reward them with attention and petting. This way, they'll learn that jumping gets them ignored while sitting gets them praised. Experts say there is a so-called social period for dogs. It lasts from 0 to 3 months. During this period, it is very important for the puppy to encounter as many stimuli, people and dogs as possible. Of course, slowly and gradually introduce your Golden Retriever puppy to other pets and people. This is when he will receive all the necessary vaccinations. Without these vaccines, dogs are exposed to very dangerous bacteria. Instead, during this time, let your puppy get acquainted with the various noises e. While learning about stimuli and experiences is very important, let your Goldy do everything at his own pace. You should not rush anything. Instead, you need to learn to pay more attention next time. In addition to the previously mentioned training, there's another aspect of training a Golden Retriever puppy that should not be overlooked - obedience training. Obedience training starts from the day you bring your Golden Retriever puppy home. Basic commands such as "sit," "stay," "come," and "down" are foundational for any dog's education. It is crucial to maintain a consistent and positive approach during this training. Training sessions should be kept short and fun to retain the puppy's interest. Treats, praises, or toys can be used as rewards for obedience. However, always keep in mind to reward immediately after the desired behavior, so your Golden Retriever puppy associates the reward with the correct action. A natural trait of dogs is that they like to chew everything. One of the best ways to do this is to buy as many chew toys as possible. Another useful thing is to teach your Goldy to bite gently. When he bites you, you should scream as if you were hurt. Another important thing about the Golden Puppy is teaching his name. You can achieve this with a lot of repetitions and treats. After all, walking should be a good experience. As with any other supplies, the leash should not be rushed. Introduce it to your dog gradually. Let her sniff and chew it. If your puppy gets used to it, you can try attaching it to the collar. Remember that the puppies are very excited about their first walk. Below I will share some useful tips about leash training: Do not use treats. The walk should be a reward itself. Start using marker words as soon as possible, eg steady, slow, stop, etc. Do not pull or yank the leash hard. This increases the risk of injury. Instead, pull back gently on your Goldy and pause the walk for a while. Only continue when your puppy has calmed down. Repeat these steps. Short minute walks, times a day, are best. Later, you can try longer minute walks. Lastly, recall is a critical part of training a Golden Retriever. A strong recall command can ensure your dog's safety in potentially dangerous situations. Start by training recall within a controlled, fenced-in area. As your puppy gets better at this command, gradually increase the distractions. Always remember to make recall a positive experience for your dog - use high-value rewards like their favorite treat or toy. The recall command should always result in something good, so your dog is more inclined to come when called. Training golden retriever puppies can sometimes be a challenge, but it is a unique experience. However, with diligence and perseverance, using the above tips correctly, you can achieve excellent results. This way, your new pup can become the best possible family member. An hour later, the puppy has been running around the house, chugged a bunch of water, pees in the house again, and it starts all over… So how do we stop this cycle from happening? Step 1: Take Them Outside Often Some people recommend taking your puppy outside every 20 minutes, while others recommend every hour. The point is, take your puppy outside often before they need to go. Puppies can hold their bladder for about an hour per their age in months, so a two-month-old puppy can hold it for about two hours, a three-month-old puppy can hold it for about three hours, and so on. But now that playtime is over they suddenly remember they have to pee and this nice carpet looks like the perfect spot! You can use this to your advantage by taking them to the same spot every time. To stop this, you need to clean up accidents with an enzymatic cleaner , not regular soap and water. One issue that many people make we made it, too is praising them too loud and too soon, and interrupting them. Then grab them and bring them outside to their spot and if they finish going, praise them like normal for going outside. So if you do all of the steps above, how long should it take for your puppy to be potty trained? All puppies are different, but it can take two weeks to a few months for your golden retriever puppy to be potty trained. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. Are Golden Retrievers Easy to Train? Posted on February 8, by Galen Kauffman Share: Looking for a new furever family member and wondering if goldens are easy to train? The answer is usually yes, but there are some factors at play. Whether you are training your Golden Retriever or any other dog for that matter, the main ingredients with dog training are kindness, patience, firmness, and consistency. Compared to other dog breeds, these evenly tempered, popular dogs are smart, and training your family pet guarantees to be easy peasy. Come pick up your new best friend from Ohio, or we can bring them to your door anywhere in the continental US for one low, flat fee! Golden Retrievers have a reputation for being intelligent and eager to please. Nonetheless, owners of this dog breed say it will take time and patience. Read more about if Golden Retrievers are good dogs here hint they are. When you look at how long it takes for a Golden Retriever to reach maturity, then it will take as long as 18 months to fully train your young Golden. You can enroll your dog in a dog obedience training school. You can work with a qualified dog trainer. You can try training your Golden yourself. What about toilet training? Are golden retrievers easy to potty train? There are videos available to show you potty training techniques for your canine friend that will ensure your training is peaceful and even humorous. Male puppies have to transition from squatting to lifting their legs. If they grow up with several female dogs, they may take longer to learn this technique. Dog potty training videos can be a helpful solution for quick and easy training. Be patient with your Golden as accidents are bound to happen. Puppies love routine so if you feed your puppy consistently at the same time, he can get used to you taking him outdoors soon after to do his business. Always reward your puppy when he uses the toilet outdoors so that he knows exactly what is expected of him. In fact, they are looked upon as one of the most intelligent dogs in the world. When you check out ranking statistics on which dog breeds are the most intelligent, the Golden Retriever is way up at the top. In fact, they come in at number 4 out of breeds. Canine psychologists tell us that they are as smart as a 2 and a half-year-old human child. The reason Golden Retrievers can learn so much is that they are eager to please their owners. Because of their affable nature, they derive great pleasure in being petted and patted. They love to hear that they are a good boy or a good girl. Treats for your Golden Retriever should be tasty and healthy. Dog food manufacturers have provided us with lots of dog treat varieties, some of which are — Dog biscuits in a variety of flavors and shapes. Always choose brands that are known for producing high-quality dog foods. Pieces of real meat. Beef or other meat jerky treats. These are available to your pet as shin strips of dehydrated meat. It can be chicken or fish too cut into strips and then dried. Check the ingredients carefully and make sure they contain no added salt or spices. There will be some Golden Retrievers that are difficult to train. Just like people, no two goldens are exactly the same, and they all have their own unique personality. There are many dog training styles and programs and not all of them work for all dogs. Also, no two dogs are exactly the same either, even among the same breeds. Sometimes one feels as though the human owner lacked socialization as a child. The reason that they come across as mischievous is that they are a particular breed of dog that takes a long time to mature. People who have owned these magnificent dogs say that they only really start to settle down and to mature after 2 years of age. Some Golden Retriever owners say that these dogs never grow up — that they remain gorgeously mischievous puppies all their life. Dogs are social animals, and the socialized Golden Retriever is an amicable dog. They are always at ease around people and pets. Your Golden interacts with other dogs through different body postures, facial expressions, vocalizations, and tail and ear positions. Who else is going to welcome you so warmly at the door, lavish you with kisses, and provide you with so much love, loyalty, and laughter? A dog is a long-term investment of 10 to 20 years. It is important to do some serious research before you settle on a good, reputable Golden Retriever breeder. Also, make sure you get the right type of golden retriever for you. When you buy a Golden Retriever puppy, you want to see the breed registration papers. Get a Golden From A Trusted Breeder When you want to bring a Golden into your home, it is imperative to find a quality puppy from a reputable breeder. Their breeding dogs are known for their excellent temperaments and their good health. When you check the track record of exceptional Golden Retriever breeders like ours, you find a consistent record of excellent pups. Puppies bred from great parents will inherit the trainability needed to be the best, more so if you want to enter your dog into competitions. Start Training Early Normally you get your puppy when he is 8 weeks old. Did you know that your Golden Retriever puppy can be attending puppy pre-school at 8 weeks of age already? These preschool classes will usually continue for about 6 to 8 weeks. The Golden Retriever is such a good dog generally, but without training, he will jump up at people, want to fight with other dogs, urinate wherever he pleases, and possibly nip kids and adults along the way. The established club offers classes for Golden Retrievers from basic obedience to more advanced obedience skills with positive reinforcement methods. Through training your dog he can become a much loved, valuable, calm, well-behaved family member. Socialize Them Early Socializing a puppy is all about getting him used to life out there. The key life skills that your puppy learns will ensure he is a calm, confident dog — a pleasure to be around. The beauty about socializing your Golden Retriever early is that you can be sure that he will know how to respond to new, unknown situations without becoming aggressive or fearful. Dog experts tell us that you only have a short window of opportunity to have your puppy socialized. Start as early as 8 weeks of age. The older a puppy gets, the harder the training becomes. Your Golden Retriever can be potty trained in 2 months, but many dog experts say that dog training is an ongoing process right up to age 2. A lot depends on the individual dog, your training methods, and your consistency. Golden Retriever owners say that their female Goldens mature quicker than the males, and because the females are also calmer, they are easier to train. What Commands Should I Teach? When you start with obedience training, stick to a few basic but important commands such as come, sit, stay, and down. One of the biggest obstacles in dog training is not being consistent. It can be most confusing, even for an intelligent dog like the Golden Retriever, to receive mixed messages. Any dog will lose interest. Rather have several short impactful training sessions than one long boring one that turns out to be an obstacle in training. Are Golden Retrievers easy to train? You get a yes and no for this question. Your Golden is such a smart dog that training should be easy. Make the training rewarding for him and praise him with tasty dog treats. Always ensure that the training is in keeping with his age. If you have a few members in your family, ensure that they use the same training strategies and words. Your Golden Retriever needs all the advantages you can give him which is why training for him is such a smart move. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. The ease of training dogs varies across different breeds and the age at which they are adopted. Retrievers are typically released two months after birth and ready for training. Golden Retriever puppies are easy to train because of their high social intelligence, loyalty, and desire to please; they can understand commands and positive consequences in the first few weeks. However, if you do not teach them early on, you may need to work harder to get them to unlearn bad habits. We must remember that Golden Retrievers are acclimatized to working with people and are definitely people pleasers. They were bred as hunting dogs to retrieve shot-down waterfowl and are still used today as gundogs by sportspersons to retrieve game birds. They are also used as service, therapy, and search and rescue dogs. While training a Golden Retriever is easy, you have to start early. If the dog misses the early portion of the training, the later stages draw out perpetually. By now, you know the dangers of being too late in training your dog. But what if you are too early for the party? Not if you go by the standard release time. The average breeder releases a Golden Retriever at 8 weeks old. You should train your Golden Retriever at two months old because, by that stage, he has grown enough to take cues and is sufficiently self-reliant not to need his mother to survive. He will have already learned canine behaviors by interacting with his mother and littermates, but now he can continue to learn by association. Initial training should be kept light. As mentioned in the table, it is simply a period where you establish your authority as the source of commands and rewards. You can even go 2 weeks without giving any proper training to your freshly-released pup without impacting his progression. However, the 8 to week period from release to assimilation is important. A traumatic experience can have a negative and counter-productive effect during this period. Read further if you: Have a Golden Retriever older than seven weeks or plan to get a puppy Want an approximate schedule for training your pup Wish to train a dog using positive reinforcement and ethical training methods Want to commit to 1. At this point, you have to train your puppy to see you as an authority figure. Moreover, the puppy can only form the most obvious associations between command, response, and consequence, so it is crucial to adapt your training strategy accordingly. For example, you can start clapping if your pup runs toward you. Once he realizes that clapping and running toward you are linked, you can clap, and he will run toward you. For now, notice the following and set distinct anchors for each. Each anchor has to be hard to confuse with every other anchor. Clapping, for instance, is an anchor that can be confused with snapping your fingers. But it is hard to confuse clapping with whistling. This melts a lot of the resistance as you train your pup to understand and respond to more complex commands. Therefore, the first step should be encouraging your Golden Retriever to follow you. As you may know, dogs evolved from wolves, and wolves follow the pack leader usually a parent. Delaying gratification is easier for grown dogs. Young puppies get tired too quickly and spend most of their time sleeping. So if your puppy follows you, reward him with affection, hugs, and appreciation. You need to build a positive reinforcement loop and let your dog establish a connection between following you and receiving a pleasant experience. When your puppy knows that following you results in rewards, you can make the act of following you slightly more challenging. Things you can do may include sharp turns and sudden changes of pace. Lower Socializing Barriers Golden Retrievers are the definition of social beings. Still, their appearance and the love they receive can keep them from becoming completely asocial. But why make socialization difficult when you can facilitate it early in their lives? Visiting friends and family is one way to go about it. You can also spot a dog park and carry him there. Remember that your pup is still learning to follow directions and walk with you. You cannot expect him to cover long distances. Golden Retrievers are bundles of energy, and it would take living in a castle for one to become agoraphobic. Seeing the outdoors as soon as they are ready to take block-long walks is healthier for their social development. Start Potty Training You might wonder how long you have to wait before your Golden Retriever puppy is ready for potty training. Quite simply, your Retriever is ready for potty training the day you bring him home. Cordoning it off and adding a small fence can help him identify it more easily. Next, you need a potty training schedule, such as first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, and hourly for young pups. Moreover, many owners use dog crates to help with house training and I highly recommend you do this too. The earlier you discipline your Golden Retriever , the less harsh you need to be with him as he grows up. Biting is one of the behaviors that incur severe penalties for dogs. Golden Retrievers, fortunately, develop a soft mouth and are less likely to administer harsh bites. Still, nibbling must be discouraged so that kids, other pets, and your friends can be safe around your puppy. If you have ever given silent treatment to your spouse, you know it takes intelligence to know that you are in a timeout. So a timeout for a 2-month-old Retriever might not be the right punishment because he might not understand why he is in one. Often, an untrained Retriever puppy might snatch at a treat. After that, you can withhold the second treat and close off your body language. Follow up using positive reinforcement by rewarding the correct behavior with a treat. Your Golden Retriever will quickly learn that displaying good behavior reaps nice things. Puppies need to learn their bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the excellent work their mother and siblings taught them. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Teach Patience You must use your best judgment when training your dog to be patient. Generally speaking, your Golden Retriever will be mature enough to learn self-control by the tenth week. How to Train a 3-Month-Old Golden Retriever Puppy Once you have established your authority and set initial anchors, it is time to progress the training of your Golden Retriever puppy to the next stage. Four weeks of light training is sufficient for setting anchors and establishing associations. That makes the 3-month mark ideal for slightly more complex commands. You can use a clicker or a whistle to teach your puppy to assume the natural heel position. He will regress to walk behind you. He already knows how to sit and stand, and you have to use the same method you used for the heel position and command to teach your Retriever how to sit or stand on command. The method is simple. The same applies to other position commands. Since your Retriever can tell words apart, he can go into different positions based on the words you say. The anchoring process involves saying something or making a specific sound while your dog is busy holding a certain position or acting a certain way. Now is the time to start saying the words you have associated with his actions in order to inspire said actions. Where you previously whistled when your Retriever ran towards you, now you must whistle so he begins his run. This is the start of his Golden Retriever recall training. It is possible that your Retriever does not respond to the commands. There will be back and forth where you will keep saying words while the dog organically acts. After a few attempts at reinforcing the commands, you can test the triggers again. So avoid forcing your dog to be perfect on the first few attempts. This helps him be social and get close to them. He must learn to be safe and social around strangers too. After all, he has to go on walks without picking fights with people, no matter how friendly Golden Retrievers are known to be. Slowly exposing him to crowds can improve his social tolerance. The less quick he is to bark at strangers, the kinder they will be to him. This triggers a positive feedback loop where he is adored for being social, which encourages him to be more social. Updated: March 2nd, This article contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here. So which is best? What is the right age to start training a Golden Retriever puppy? This advice traditionally came from the trainers of working dogs who quite rightly felt it best to leave a puppy to be a puppy, let it grow some and become stronger before starting formal training. It was very physical with the use of corrections and physical punishments and aversives very common. The accepted idea was that it was cruel to be so physical with a very young puppy and so training was delayed until 6 months old or so. But there are so many gentle, positive reward based training methods today that physical corrections and aversives are almost completely unnecessary. So waiting for 6 months to start training is no longer essential. From the moment you get your puppy, they will be watching and learning from you. And much, much more besides. A puppy at 8 weeks knows nothing of life and learns everything from you at an amazing pace, all day every day. So you are training your 8 week old puppy whether you think you are or not. Why not start a little basic obedience or trick training as well? For a variety of reasons, the best age to start training your Golden puppy is as soon as you get them at 8 weeks of age. Puppies soak up knowledge and skills like sponges in their first few months, why not take advantage to teach essential life skills as soon as possible? If you wish to take your puppy everywhere you go, friends and shop owners will want you to have a modicum of control over your puppy while in their premises. Behaviors are being developed all the time in your puppy so you should try to influence good ones and prevent bad ones. Training is quality time you and your pup spend together, forming a bond and strengthening your relationship which is good for everyone involved. Modern training techniques like clicker training and shaping are very positive and fun ways to train that will cause no stress to your puppy and can achieve great results. But if they live indoors with you and your family, are taken through town and into other peoples buildings, then you will definitely want to be able to keep them under control. So starting training early is pretty much essential and will be a massive help to you. Keep training sessions very short, just 2 or 3 minutes long a few times per day. Their attention spans will be incredibly short and you do not want them getting bored and starting to dislike training. Only train simple commands and try to set them up to win and do things correctly. Frequent failure will cause your puppy to start dreading training instead of enjoying it. So keep it simple. In real time, you get to see what you should be teaching your puppy as they grow through all the ages and stages from an 8-week old pup to a well-behaved, good-mannered, obedience trained and confident adult dog. The course is an opportunity to see a professional dog trainer raising a puppy on video, with every single step, every milestone and problem encountered — and solved — along the way, filmed for you to follow along with. Check it out! You should start crate training, house-breaking, bite-inhibition and socialization from the moment you get them home. But Golden Retrievers are such intelligent dogs that they can learn a whole variety of simple commands and tricks while still very young. You can teach your puppy: Sit.

The Chabrador is no exception, even though all of them have friendly eyes, a dark blue tongue, and furry ears. One is a loyal, but proud and independent spirit frequently called the cat dog , while the other is friendly with everyone and loves to play and hang around her owners all the time. The results from mixing these unique temperaments vary from one puppy to another. In all situations, though, your dog will be your loyal companion, affectionate towards her family and with excellent watchdog abilities. Professional training might be needed Labradors are generally easy to train, but they can become stubborn as they grow up. Potty training is not hard, but you need to teach your Chow Lab Mix more than just how to ask herself out. If this is your first dog, or you have limited experience with training, I would recommend that you get professional help. Training an adult is much harder — but not impossible. Just take a look at the progress this two-year-old Chow Lab Mix has made in just a few weeks: A Chow Lab Mix will keep you busy This dog can be very demanding when it comes to exercise and grooming, so be ready to dedicate at least two hours a day to her. A Chabrador, just like a Labrador, likes to play. Start with short walks several times a day, and gradually introduce running and more intense activities. Luckily, these dogs love swimming, which is a lower-impact alternative to traditional exercise. As an adult, your dog needs daily walks, at least one short play session, and mental stimulation. Conclusion A Chow Lab Mix has the potential of being a great dog, for both singles and families. From my point of view, any responsible owner can control these traits through consistent training. What do you think? Do you like this mix between the Chow Chow and Labrador Retriever? Would you get one or do you have one already? Tell us your opinion of this beautiful dog in the comments below. About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. She was a rescue who came to live us at age 5 and was the most delightful and loyal companion imaginable. She was playful and enthusiastic almost to the end. She got along perfectly with other dogs, cats, horses and guinea pigs. She liked humans, too. People loved her sweet spirit and playful nature. I would have another of that parentage any time. Godspeed, DeeDee. See you on the Other Side. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Chabrador Highlights The Chabrador is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Chow Chow or Labrador Retriever parents. The coats are usually solid, although spotting is sometimes present. Chabradors posses dense, double-layered, waterproof coats that are short to medium in length. This breed is a shedder. The Chabrador can be a snappy canine when undertaking guard dog duties. They are also often wary when strangers approach them for the first time. A well-trained Chabrador can be a great addition to a family and will form strong and loyal bonds with your kids. Their guardianship instincts will also kick in if strangers are around. In general, Chabradors need moderate amounts of exercise. As long as you can commit to regular walking sessions, these dogs can usually adapt to living in smaller home situations. These dogs were often employed to guard sacred temples, and their scenting abilities were used in hunts. Over on the Labrador Retriever side, this breed originated in Canada and was originally known as the St. Skilled hunting and working dogs, the Labrador Retriever is often cited as the most popular dog in the USA today. The Chabrador has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. Chabrador Size The Chabrador is usually described as a medium-sized dog. Although, as is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 45 to 80 pounds and range in height from 18 to 24 inches. Female Chabradors are usually marginally smaller than their male counterparts. Due to their parental breeds historically being used in hunting and guarding activities, the Chabrador can be a snappy canine when undertaking guard dog duties. The Chabrador is a smart breed that learns very quickly. Adding interactive toys to regular play sessions can really benefit the development of this breed. As long as you can commit to regular walking sessions, these dogs can usually adapt to living in smaller home situations that might not have unfettered outdoor access. Chabrador Health Chabradors are generally considered to be healthy dogs—although the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Chow Chow and Labrador Retriever face. Some of the more common health problems Chabradors suffer from include: Cerebellar Abiotrophy. Lab-Chow Puppy Video Temperament and Behavior Because both the parents of this breed have completely different kinds of behavioral characteristics, it is tough to predict how the temperament of the lab chow will be. It mostly depends upon which of its parents your puppy will take after. On a general note, this new breed is affectionate and loving, that makes a good companion. They are calm and sweet-tempered, and are loyal to their owners and family. They are good with the kids and other pets of the household. However, if they mostly go by the genes of their chow chow parents, they are often wary about strangers and might not be too tolerant of other animals. In that case, they also have a highly territorial instinct. Some lab-chows might display independent behavior, and might lead a life very aloof. They are large size dogs and need space to live in. Especially, if they are apartment dogs, they need frequent outings. But they love to play, and often expect that their owners would accompany them in their games. They also have a tendency to show some guarding behavior, when it comes to guarding their territory, or their family. Thus, lab-chows usually make a good guard dog as well. Because of their size, they need to burn down their daily calories, for which, they need to be taken out. Let them accompany you for a long walk or a strenuous jogging session, without which they might end up being destructive and display independent behavior. It is also good for them if you would allow them to play openly in an open space, or if you have a yard. Open their leash and see them run around in joy. Participate in different games like retrieving and fetching. Their potent instinct inherited from their lab retriever parent would surprise you. Grooming Grooming them is also dependent upon their coat, as to which of its parents side your puppy has taken. If your dog is much up to the lab side, it needs comparatively lesser grooming than if it has taken the side of its chow parent. If it has taken mostly the side of chow, its thick hair needs regular brushing to prevent its thick hair from getting matted. Like both its parents, they are mostly seasonal shedders. However, they have some regular shedding as well, and weekly grooming would brush off the dead hairs. You can bathe them once every one or two months, depending upon how dirty your dog has been. Health Problems This breed is a cross, and has no known health problems that is specific to this breed, or is life-threatening. Training Training this dog is very important. Considering its genetics, you should take the training issue very seriously. As it is, those lab-chows that have taken after their chow parent might end being disruptive and independent-natured, and lack of proper training might enhance this behavior further more. Begin socialization, obedience and housebreaking trainings when your dog is still a puppy, soon after you adopt it from the breeders, because once your dog gets older, it will become very difficult to break its old habits. This would ease your job. However, you can as well seek help from professional trainers. They must be taught how to behave properly, and how to show proper mannerisms to other pets and dogs. The quantity should also be the same, and this depends upon the amount of energy your big doggie possesses. Pick up foods that are recommended for dogs of such a size and levels of energy. Interesting Facts These dogs are also said to be available in a rare silver-gray color referred to by the AKC as a shade of chocolate. Lab-chows love swimming. Things to Know When Owning a Chabrador Here are a few more specific things that you should know about owning a Chabrador. You can expect yours to eat anywhere from 2 to 3 cups of food each day, depending on their activity level. Puzzle toys and short games of hide-and-seek should keep this crossbreed happy while spending time indoors. But at the end of the day, you may notice that your Chabrador has spent most of their time just lounging around in the yard or on the couch. Still, they have the capacity to learn any obedience command and trick that you want to teach them. Once they get basic obedience training down, they can embark on guard or agility training to keep their minds sharp. They tend to shed as the summer season plays out, so expect extra brushing and house cleaning at this time. Regular bathing is appreciated because this breed loves baths and their hair tends to pick up dirt easily as they walk and play outside. Their nails may need trimming once a month if they spend more time inside than outdoors. Their ears should be checked and cleaned as necessary to prevent wax buildup as they age. But there are a few health conditions that they could develop due to genetics. Minor Conditions. Unsociable Angry If you can impress them at an early age with your ability to be the pack leader, they will have no trouble following you. The Chabrador may wait until the perfect time to strike and become the alpha, which is why it is essential for you to constantly train them. They should not get their food, treats, or play with their toys until they work for the right to eat, play, or go outside. Your training of the Chabrador will take place throughout puppyhood, and if your dog is a stubborn dog breed then you might need to train throughout their lifetime. The intelligent Chabrador has a very strong mind and will need a steady drip of activity to feed an active brain. Labradors are famous for their ability to become obese quickly so control those treats. Labrador Chow Mix. Notice the bluish-purple tongue! A properly trained Chow Chow Lab Mix fits in perfectly with the family lifestyle. That includes little children, however, I would supervise the first months of interactions with the baby and dog. Socialization Needs of the Chabrador I often say that socialization, training, and exercise are the key to having a well-behaved dog. They are like the foundation for a well-built house. Socialization is vital for any dog, whether they are a chihuahua or a giant dog breed , socialization is the key to having a well-behaved and well adjusted dog. This is so that the puppy can start to become adjusted to sights, sounds, smells, humans, and other animals. Avoid Dog Parks With Puppies There is only one no-go place to take a puppy, and that is the dog park. There are several different reasons why not to allow your puppy into the dog park. The dog park can become rough, and some dogs can be mean, which means that your puppy could be scarred for a long time. Your dog has not had his or her shots and is susceptible to diseases and carrying them. Exercise of the Chabrador mix Exercising your dog cannot be a quick up and down to get the mail or a stroll down the sidewalk. Better to include a brisk strenuous walk or even a jog for a minimum hour of exercise for the most well-balanced dog. Both parents of this breed are active dog breeds bred to hunt and or retrieve throughout the day. Animals are happier and healthier when fit and lean, but they will keep eating if you keep feeding! Eye Problems — Cataracts are very common once they reach a certain age Glaucoma — Glaucoma is an elevation of the intraocular pressure IOP with associated optic nerve and retinal damage. Glaucoma in dogs is always due to a decreased drainage of aqueous humor AH —increased production does not occur. Cold tail — Cold tail normally happens to sport dogs. It is where the tail gives out due to overuse this can be very painful to a dog. Patellar Luxation — This is when the knee cap moves about and is very painful to the dog. My grandmother had a King Charles Cavalier, as a baby, he had a loose knee cap and he had to have surgery to fix it. The health list on this dog breed is very long, and quite a few of them are serious health concerns. Some of it can be smoothed over by buying from a reputable breeder who has ALL the paperwork and health info on both parents. The better health of the parents, the better chances of not getting a dog with all the health problems. Conclusion on the Chow Chow Lab Mixed Breed The Chabrador must have an experienced dog owner who knows what they are doing in training and socialization. The health record is very long compared to some other mixed dog breeds, other than those facts if you are an experienced dog owner who is looking for another dog breed then the Labrador Chow mix may be for you! We have several articles that may fit what you are looking for:. It is possible that these rescue animal shelters have a Labrador Chow Chow mix who is looking for a lovely home. Here are some reliable rescue groups to contact. Try www. Its hair needs higher maintenance than most crossbreed dogs. However, it is nothing a normal person could not handle. The Chow Chow Labrador Mix hair could either be smooth or have a hard coating, depending on the favored parent. Needless to say, both hair types have a lavish double coat that will require steady and frequent grooming. It is recommended that there be consistent brushing at least twice a week to pull the hair to stiffness. The regular brushing must be consistent to help maintain the coat and keep the shedding of hair and loose ones from sticking to the carpet, floor, sofas, and other house furniture. A monthly bath is also highly encouraged. After each bath, it is recommended that he be brushed gently and blown dry with a neat blow dryer on a low-setting cool heat. The ears of a Labrador require constant cleaning, and the same goes for the Chow Chow mixed with Labrador. This is to keep wax and moisture under control. The nails also need constant trimming to avoid those nasty splits and cracks. Note, however, that grinding their nails need extra care and precision so as not to cause bleeding and prevent infection. Labrador crossed with Chow chow Health Problems It must be noted that all crossbreeds can be prone to an array of issues from either of its purebred parents. As such, before addressing the issues own the Chow Chow crossed with Labrador, we must first focus on those which its parent purebreds face, to give an overview before the specifics. In those 13 years, the common problems it has are hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, stomach cancer, gastric torsion, cataracts, and autoimmune thyroiditis. They are known to suffer from elbow or hip dysplasia. Similarly, they also develop eye problems such as cataracts or PRA blindness. With that information in mind, the life expectancy of your Chow Chow Mixed with Labrador could be anywhere from years, depending on its favored parent. The Labrador crossed with Chow Chow have usually been shown to be vulnerable to ailments that affect their parent: Hip Dysplasia: A lot of Chow Chow Labrador mix suffers from this. This is why it is vital to lessen the exercise of the dog at a young age. Over-exercising could lead to Hip Dysplasia in the long run. Eye Problems: Cataracts and other problems are also common for this crossbreed. Making sure to provide them with the best and healthiest food is key to their general good health. The amount of dog food needed is different for each breed, much more for crossbreeds. For a Chow Chow crossed with a Labrador, close monitoring is necessary. In the whole day, they can easily consume up to 3. However, since its parent Labrador tends to overheat, this daily intake must be monitored carefully. Administering of treats and scheduled feedings must be intermixed with free-feeding of at least once to twice per week. This is to ensure that your dog does not become obese. The focus on a healthy feeding pattern is to help avoid hip dysplasia. It is recommended that the dry food be included with one that is high in Omega-3 fatty acids to help ease the diet and avoid the susceptibility to this disease. The proper mix of vitamins and minerals for your dog must be consulted with the veterinarian. The doctor will be able to assess the nutritional needs of your dog relative to their age, weight, and size. Should you notice that the Labrador crossed with Chow Chow is feeling overheated or getting a tad bit too stocky, ask the veterinarian for exercise and diet tips. Monitor the weight of your dog following what is normal for their size and age. What must be the focus of the proper diet is a blend that would be good for joint and bone health. Such is done with the consultation with the veterinarian. Owners should be able to focus on purchasing dog foods that have glucosamine or chronodotin, or both. These nutrients help in lowering the risk for hip dysplasia. Ask your local pet store or dog food provider for products with these specific characteristics. Here are some examples of high-quality dog food available in the market: BlueLife Food: This company has a specialty in making all-organic and all-natural dog food. DHA is incorporated into their ingredients for more significant help in mobility and brain growth. In addition, this dog food is made with free-range chicken without added growth hormones and steroid to provide your dog with the necessary amino acids which help define muscle tone and fiber. It has fiber from real fruits and vegetables, which support digestion and intestinal health. The multiple protein sources from this dry dog food provide a healthy balance of amino acids, supporting muscle development and maintenance. Plus, it would be a flavorful change of palette for your dog with the natural flavors it possesses. Lastly, it has high levels of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for diet control along with a hint of Vitamin E to help maintain a shiny and healthy skin and coat. It is crafted as an ideal choice for average to large dogs for stocking them up with muscle fibers. This complements the joint health because without strong muscles the bone would remain to be susceptible to problems. Its main ingredients, among other things, are salmon meat high in glucosamine , real beef, and chicken, perfect for a Labrador and Chow chow mix to enjoy. SmartBlend One: One of the essential benefits from this Purina One product is its ability to provide a rich and delicious diet for your pup. Wellness Complete Health Senior Debone Chicken and Barley Recipe Dry dog food: What this fresh-tasting meal consists of is primarily deboned chicken, blueberries, apples, carrots, and spinach. This is ideal for your Chow chow Labrador mix because of its versatility in terms of what nutrients it can thusly provide for your dog. Not only does this provide an answer for those joints, but it also packs the fibers from berries and vegetable for their natural bowel movement. If you have a little munchkin at home, check out our list of the best puppy food brands. If the opposite is true, and you have an elderly furry companion, make sure to give them only the best senior dry dog food to keep those brittle bones intact! For every gorgeous mixed doggo out there, we recommend trying the best dry dog food for small dogs or the best large breed dry dog food and seeing which one sticks! It is required to be taken to a quick walk daily. This will require for the owner, a focused attention and mental stimulation. In these daily outings, one could expect not just a simple walk but sometimes also a playful jog and run. The Labrador Chow Chow Mix. Mix those two together, and you have the training attitude of a Chow Chow mixed with Labrador. That is if you teach it at the earliest instance that you can. Its obedience training must start at an early age. Before a Chow Chow mixed with Labrador turns to around months old, it must be at least expected to know how to sit and stay on your command. In addition, they must be, by that age able to sit closely with you. This is since it is especially difficult to train an adult Chow Chow mixed with Labrador. After such, they would be adaptive and straightforward to training, provided that you exercise patient and positive training methods. If your Chow Chow Labrador Mix takes more from its Labrador parent, it would be able to pick up commands efficiently and effectively than if it takes after the Chow Chow parent. It would tend to be territorial and aggressive against those people it is not familiar with. This is especially difficult for families with kids, because one moment they would be playing with the dog, the next second it would get territorial and aggravated. Because of this, it is a dog not ideal for families with a bunch of little kids. It must be explained to the children how the dog might get a bit too tempered at times. The only remedy to this is training your Chow Chow crossed with Labrador to be trained to be social and active. Labra-Chow Description The Chabrador is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Chow Chow and the Labrador Retriever. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Another reason for keeping her trimmed is she also competes in agility competition. It was an activity that helped burn off some of her excess energy in her younger years and she continues to love the competition. I've had dogs throughout my whole life and at the age of 54 I must say that Gracie is that once in a lifetime dog for me. She gives me love, companionship and a whole new exciting purpose to my life. As a puppy Gracie's eyes were a startling blue. Time is going way too fast, for my baby Gorilla puppy is already 7 years old. He is such a baby and loves toys. He is 7 months old in this picture. Her owner calls her a miniature Newfi ;- because she looks just like one. She is quite intelligent and very easily trained. Here she is posing for the camera from her new bed. This is Thunder Dogg. He likes to "Sik Balls" hee hee. See more examples of the Chabrador. Labrador origins The Labrador Retriever breed was originally developed in Britain over the course of the 19th century, using dogs imported from Canada. Their original purpose was to retrieve fallen game, including ducks shot over water, and return it to their handler. Later on, their genial temperament combined with winning intelligence made them successful service dogs too. And as owning a pet dog became accessible to more and more people, they quickly soared in popularity as companions as well. So much so, that they have been the most popular dog breed in America for nearly three decades now. In fact, they are one of the 14 basal breeds from which most modern breeds today were originally refined. Over the course of their history they have served as companions to Chinese aristocracy, and also been employed as guard dogs. They were introduced to America in the late 19th century, and first recognized by the AKC in .Crossing Labs and Chows Producing litters of black Labrador x Chow Chow puppies is part of a wider trend for breeding designer dogs — puppies with parents from two different pedigrees. Interest in mixed breed dogs moved into the mainstream in the s and 90s following the enormous success of the Labradoodle. First generation hybrids of black Labs and Chows are affectionately known as Chabradors. What to expect from a Black Lab Chow Mix Chabradors are popular with people who like both Labs and Chows separately, and who hope that a mix of the two will capture the best qualities of each breed. And since Labs and Chows are so different to begin with, that means there are lots of ways a Chabrador can fail to meet expectations. Chow Chows are a fraction shorter and lighter, weighing in at 45 to 70 pounds. So a black Labrador Chow Chow mix can grow to anywhere between 45 and 80 pounds. But in general females will be smaller than males, and puppies from small parents will also grow up to be at the lower end of the scale. Black Labs and black Chows both owe their coat color to a dominant gene for black pigment. Lots of genes also control coat length and texture. So a Labrador Chow mix dog could have a very bouffant coat like a Chow, with a distinct mane around their shoulders and chest. Or they could have a sleek coat, more resemblant of a Lab. Or, something in between. The classic Labrador and Chow Chow personalities are very different, and mixed breed dogs can inherit aspects from both. Friendliness Labradors are famously, indiscriminately friendly. They tend to greet everyone as a long lost pal, and love to be approached and petted by new people. Chow Chows on the other hand are notoriously reserved. They tend to form a close emotional attachment to just one or two people, and remain aloof from everyone else. They may even attempt to guard their favorite person, by barking at other people who come close to them. Intelligence Labradors are widely regarded as being one of the easiest breeds to train. Their history as working dogs means they have a strong natural inclination to engage and cooperate with humans. They are easily motivated to take part in training games, and pick up new cues quickly. Chow Chows on the other hand are often described as being difficult to train. But this completely misunderstands how and why dogs are motivated to learn. Energy Labradors have bags of physical energy, and lively minds to match. Chow Chows on the other hand tend to be more placid, and from a younger age. Despite their size, many owners say they make good city dogs, because they are quite tranquil souls, who need relatively little stimulation before they take their next nap. Aggression Although their breed standard specifically says that Chow Chows should not be aggressive, they have a reputation for aggression. This may be the result of individuals being inadequately socialized as puppies. Since they are substantial and powerful dogs, a dog who reacts with fearful aggression to an unwanted social interaction can do a lot of harm. Even Labradors, who are very open to forming positive opinions of things, need lots of socialisation opportunities to foster that while they are under 12 weeks old. But socialization is even more important for breeds like the Chow Chow, which is more naturally inclined to be wary of unfamiliar experiences. Early exposure to other people, places and animals is vital to give them the confidence to handle the same things again in adulthood. So the black Lab Chow mix will usually fall somewhere in between Labradors usually need around two hours of exercise per day, including some time off leash playing running games like fetch. In addition, they need engaging in further training and play time at home, to meet their need for mental stimulation. How much training and exercise they need depends partly upon whether they come from working or show lines. Working Labs need more activity than show Labs. Chow Chows meanwhile can be satisfied with an hour of exercise at a walking pace, and some games at home. Before you commit to a black Lab Chow mix puppy, ask the breeder whether the Labrador parent comes from working or show lines, ask yourself if you can still meet the needs of a dog who needs several hours of exercising and engagement every single day. Training Training a black Chabrador puppy starts from the moment you bring them home. Our complete potty training guide can help too. This training guide can help you here. Crate training is also useful for dogs of all types. As they get older, teaching a Chabrador good manners such as recall , how to walk on a leash without pulling, and when to go to bed on cue will make them especially pleasant to live with. All breeds of dogs can be taught these skills using positive reinforcement training. Puppies with a very Lab-like temperament might learn them a little quicker, but the same principles will work for Chow-like dogs, with a little patience and commitment. Chabrador dogs with a very Lab-like personality might also enjoy advanced training activities when they get older, such as agility and fieldwork. Black Lab Chow Mix Health And Care One advantage of mixed breed dogs is that they may be less likely to inherit genetic diseases specific to either of their parent breeds. But, breeding from healthy parents is the most important step towards achieving healthy puppies. Potential health problems of black Labrador Chow Chow mix dogs are: Problems with their hip, elbow, knee, and shoulder joints The neurological condition degenerative myelopathy Exercise induced collapse. Finding a healthy Chabrador puppy. They also benefit from living in homes where someone is around for most of the day, and where plenty of training, socialization and exercise are provided. Origin of the Chow Chow Lab Mix Since the Labrador Chow mix is considered a first-generation crossbreed, there is very little known about his origin. But the results of this cross has made this mix more popular over time. By digging into the histories of the Chow Chow and the Labrador Retriever, we can learn a little more about their offspring, the Chabrador Mix. Chow Chow The Chow Chow has been around for quite some time. In fact, it is believed that this is actually one of the oldest dog breeds in the world! The Chow Chow is believed to have held a variety of trades during his long history, from being a loyal companion dog to the nobility in China, to hunting, guarding, and hauling. But mostly, this is a dog with a royal record. In fact, an emperor during the Tang Dynasty owned over 5, Chow Chows in his lifetime! Today the Lab is the most popular, number one dog in the US! These days, the Labrador Retriever is primarily known as a loving pet. They are renowned for their sweet disposition while at the same time being recognized as a phenomenal service dog and emotional support dog. This means features like coat color, weight, and height are left up to chance depending on which parent the Chabrador takes after most. An adult Chow Chow is a compact dog, around 17—20 inches tall. A male Chow Chow weighs around 55—70 pounds while a female will weigh around 45—60 pounds. Labrador Retrievers are muscular and range from 21 to 24 inches in height. They can weigh between 55 and 80 pounds. So a Chow Chow and Lab mix will likely fall somewhere within those numbers. He can come in both rough and smooth coats of different color markings, including: Red Ranging from gold to reddish brown Cinnamon Ranging from light tan to brown Black Blue The Labrador Retriever comes in three main colors — black, yellow or chocolate. As mentioned above, both the Chow Chow and the Labrador will have very thick coats, so a potential Chow Chow and Lab mix owner can prepare for a crossbreed that is similar. For instance, a black Lab Chow mix, especially if the Chow parent has black fur, will likely be black. And of course a yellow Lab Chow mix with a cream colored Chow parent will likely be lighter in color. Grooming and Shedding Labradors are known for their thick coats and seasonal shedding. And Chow Chows have a similar reputation! Since both the Chow Chow and the Labrador are shedders, a prospective Chabrador owner can certainly prepare for a bit of maintenance when it comes to grooming. And this is true whether you have a yellow Lab Chow mix, a black Lab Chow mix, or any other coat color! Chow Chow mixes will likely need a monthly bath as well, and it is recommended that after bathing he is brushed carefully and then blown dry with a blow dryer on cool heat. The Lab is less maintenance, with a shorter coat that sheds only seasonally. Still, a Lab mix should be brushed regularly to maintain a healthy coat and to help keep all that loose hair off your furniture and clothes! Nevertheless, both the Chow Chow and the Labrador share a few similarities, including energy level, loyalty, and friendliness. But what unique temperamental traits could the Chabrador inherit from each of his purebred parents? Chow Chow Temperament The Chow Chow is a serious dog with a dignified nature who can be standoffish with strangers, but very loving and affectionate with his family members. In fact, a properly trained Chow Chow makes a fantastic family dog and does very well with children. The Chow Chow is easily trained, considering his intelligent nature. He can be very adaptable to apartment living as long as he is exercised properly and given an adequate amount of attention. The nature of the Chow makes them protective over their family, with some guarding or watchdog instincts. So socialization is extremely important for this mix. Labrador Temperament We all know the Labrador Retriever for his intelligence. He is also one of the top choices when it comes to families with kids, due to his affable nature. The breed tends to be very friendly. In fact, they are sometimes almost too keen to spend time with their family and even random strangers they meet at the dog park. Labs are typically thought of as happy-go-lucky, but they are easily trained and make excellent service dogs. As always, we recommend early socialization and proper training to ensure the health and happiness of your Chow Chow and Lab mix. Introduce him, little by little, to new sights, smells, sounds, people, children, animals, and environments. This is important for any breed, even a notoriously overly-friendly breed like Labs. Proper socialization promotes a well-balanced, well-behaved, happy dog who acts appropriately in different situations without becoming overly nervous. And especially considering that Chows may be rather reserved and suspicious of strangers, your Chabrador mix definitely needs good socialization. This can be true of the Chabrador as well. Still, with patience and positive training methods, training your Chabrador should be simple. Remember, training can also serve as a wonderful bonding experience between you and your Chabrador. If the Chabrador takes after his Labrador parent, you can expect him to pick up commands easily and efficiently. However, and as we previously mentioned, the Lab is a very high energy dog, especially as a puppy. Keep in mind the Chabrador could inherit this trait. For more tips on how to train a puppy, check out some of the guides towards the end of this article. This means their Chabrador offspring will need to be walked daily, and he will need attention and mental stimulation. The Lab especially enjoys running outdoors, so a prospective Chabrador owner should expect lots of play and daily outings. Chow Chow and Lab Health The purebred Lab is known to suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia, where the joints are not properly formed. They can also have eye problems including PRA blindness or cataracts. They should be health tested for these three issues, at a minimum. You will also need to be aware of the potential for conditions such as cranial cruciate ligament disease. Labs are also more prone than average to suffer from the gastrointestinal syndrome, bloat. They can also suffer from acquired issues as they grow older, such as obesity, skin allergies, and ear issues. Chows are relatively healthy dogs. However, they do have some inheritable health issues to be aware of, including hip and elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, eye problems, and even cancer. Chow Chows have a slightly longer lifespan, averaging years. Keeping the above in mind, your Lab Chow mix life expectancy could be anywhere from 10—13 years. As crossbreeds like the Chow Lab mix grow in popularity, there are more breeders looking to capitalize on that popularity. As always, we recommend doing plenty of research before you decide where you get your Chabrador. If you are still unsure about where to go to find your Chabrador puppy, you can always attend local dog shows. Networking at events like dog shows can help point you in the right direction. Labrador Chow Mix Breeders One of the benefits of going to a breeder is the ability to ask questions and dig into the history of your potential Lab Chow puppies. So make sure to take advantage of this and use your voice. You should ask about previous litters and any concerns that have arisen in the past. Also, be sure to ask about health screening. A reputable breeder will answer questions, provide health test results, and be open to visits to meet the parent dogs. What About Shelter Dogs? Patience and care is required when bringing an adult dog home.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Labradoodle Highlights Friendly and intelligent: Labradoodles are known for being friendly and intelligent dogs. They are good with children and other animals, and they are easy to train. Hypoallergenic: Labradoodles are often considered to be hypoallergenic, which means that they do not shed as much as other dogs. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Active and playful: Labradoodles are active dogs that need regular exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and swimming. Loyal and devoted: Labradoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and they love to cuddle. Versatile: Labradoodles are versatile dogs that can be trained for a variety of tasks, including therapy work, obedience, and agility. They can be expensive to purchase and maintain. They require regular grooming, especially if they have a curly coat. They are prone to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Overall, Labradoodles are wonderful dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. If you are looking for a friendly, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, a Labradoodle may be a good choice for you. Labradoodle History Wally Conron, who was in charge of the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, purposefully crossbred a Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever in to develop the Labradoodle as a hypoallergenic guide dog. The first cross produced Sultan, a dog with a hypoallergenic coat, aptitude, intelligence, and personality suitable for being an effective guide dog. Sultan worked successfully with a woman in Hawaii. Other breeders saw the merit of crossing these two breeds, and the Labradoodle quickly rose in popularity like its Labrador Retriever parent. These dogs are often produced by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, but multigenerational breeding has begun in an attempt to produce a viable and recognizable breed. The Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association are taking steps to move this designer breed into registered breed status in the next few years. These groups have made great efforts to bring breeders together so that they are working to achieve the same standards through multigenerational breeding. Labradoodle Size The Labradoodle comes in three size variations, depending on the size of the Poodle used for the first-generation breeding. The three sizes are Standard, Medium, and Miniature. The Standard Labradoodle should be 22 to 24 inches in height for a male and 21 to 23 inches in height for a female, while both can range in weight from 50 to 65 pounds. The Medium Labradoodle should be 18 to 20 inches high for a male and 17 to 19 inches high for a female, with both weighing from 30 to 45 pounds. The average size for a Miniature Labradoodle is between 14 to 16 inches and 15 to 25 pounds. All of that said, there is a lot of variation in Labradoodle sizes. Some can be smaller or larger than expected. Labradoodle Personality The Labradoodle is an intelligent dog who can make the ideal family pet if properly trained. They are friendly and accept and treat everyone like their best friend. They can be gentle, but they can also be joyful, showing their happiness through exuberant jumping and playing. They also tend to be easygoing, since the Labradoodle was bred not to be aggressive. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings, parents, or other relatives of the dog is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when they grow up. Socialization helps ensure that your Labradoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. Here are a few conditions to watch out for: Ear Infections: These can plague Labradoodles because of their floppy ears. The ears trap moisture and should be regularly checked. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : Similar to hip dysplasia, this is also a degenerative disease. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simply develop arthritis, or they could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior—such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding—or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Labradoodle is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Diabetes Mellitus: This is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. The dog will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Symptoms of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and the administration of insulin. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Hypothyroidism : This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It is treated with medication and diet. They require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day and would do better with a fenced yard in which to expel some energy. Some Labradoodles, especially in the first generation, can require even more exercise. The Labradoodle makes an excellent jogging companion but also needs some time off-leash to burn off steam. The Labradoodle is an intelligent and eager-to-please dog. Training should be easy as long as consistency and positive reinforcement are the methods. Socialize them from puppyhood, since they tend to hurl themselves headlong into canine situations without regard to the feelings of other dogs. This can lead to some problems if the unknown dog is aggressive. Despite their activity levels, a Labradoodle can adjust to living in suburban or city environments and can do well in rural settings. A crate is also a place where they can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your Labradoodle accept confinement if they ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. Never stick your Labradoodle in a crate all day long, however. Labradoodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 2. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Labradoodle in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at them. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Labradoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Labradoodle Coat Color And Grooming Although a Labradoodle can have one of a range of coat types, the desired length is four to six inches. They have a single coat with hair ranging from straight to loose curls. There are three types of texture: The Hair coat, which is similar to fur in shedding breeds, is the least popular. Hair coats shed and usually have a normal doggy odor. This coat is seen in first generations, although breeders try to avoid it. The Fleece coat has a silky texture often described as an Angora goat texture. This coat ranges from straight to wavy. Labradoodles are considered to be non- to low shedders, especially those with a Fleece or Wool coat. Hair coats tend to shed just as they do in other breeds, ranging from very low to average shedding. The Labradoodle comes in a wide variety of colors. They can also have parti-colored coats, which consist of brindles, phantom, patched, or sable colors. Grooming requirements vary depending on the length and type of coat the dog has. Generally speaking, you can expect to brush a Labradoodle about once or twice per week. Some can be clipped or trimmed every six to eight weeks to keep the coat easy to maintain. Like Labs, Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, so take a little extra time caring for their ears. Dry and clean them after a swim, and check them once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. Then wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding—and your dog may not cooperate the next time they see the nail clippers come out. Handle their paws frequently—dogs are touchy about their feet—and look inside their mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Labradoodle Children And Other Pets The Labradoodle does well with children and can be an affectionate and gentle companion for any child. They can also be exuberant and might knock down smaller children, but they will love them with all their heart. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Labradoodles usually get along well with other dogs and pets. Like most dogs, they need training and socialization for optimum success at living with and visiting other animals. Labradoodle Rescue Groups Labradoodles are often brought home without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. Many end up in the care of shelters or rescues because of this. It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labradoodles because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. Lifespan Sociability As puppies, Labradoodles look like tiny, fuzzy teddy bears. In reality, this cross-breed can be a great deal to handle for first-time dog owners or those looking for a more hands-off canine companion. What does this mean? The Lab Poodle mix awkwardly straddles the worlds of purebred and mutt. On the one hand, Labradoodles are purposely bred and sold for tons of cash. On the other, the cross-breed is not recognized or regulated by any major dog organization at least in the United States. Many breeders also turn to in-breeding to achieve desirable puppies. Yes, Labradoodles can make incredible pets, and there are countless well-intentioned breeders out there. Unfortunately, this also means many Labradoodles end up causing discomfort for misinformed households. The Labradoodle might boast a Poodle-like coat, but hair type has nothing to do with canine allergens. Instead, your allergies are probably triggered by the dander a. If you or a family member requires a hypoallergenic dog, then the Labradoodle might not be the best option! While the regular Labradoodle is just a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Australian Labradoodle includes genetics from the Cocker Spaniel and other unknown breeds. Labradoodles come in a variety of colors and patterns, from stark white to tri-colored. In this regard, the Labradoodle definitely takes after the Poodle. Despite what many lovers of the cross-breed believe, Labradoodles can also have more than one type of fur. While the most popular coat texture is wavy, you can also find puppies with extremely curly and straight fur! With consistent socialization and training, though, these traits can be easily managed. A well-adjusted Labradoodle is friendly, mellow, and ready for anything the world has to offer. Labradoodles who have not been taught to manage their excitement, especially around strangers and other dogs, can quickly cause issues. Before bringing home a Labradoodle puppy, take note that poor genetics often lead to behavioral and temperamental issues. While this is true for any dog — purebred, hybrid, or full-on mutt — it is a well-documented problem within the Labradoodle community. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Most Labradoodles are fairly large, reaching up to 65 pounds, so these eager playmates will easily mow down small children. Labradoodles are bred to be friendly and relaxed around strangers, making them terrible guard dogs. Because of its generally low prey drive, the Labradoodle is a great option for households with cats or small dogs. Please reference the feeding guidelines of your chosen food — every formula has slightly different serving recommendations. You should also aim to go on two long walks per day. While puzzles are a great way to meet these needs, adventure walks meandering walks or hikes where your dog can sniff and explore a new environment are also an excellent choice. A lack of room to run around and burn excess energy can rapidly breed destructive habits. The combination of high intelligence and overall friendliness makes the Labradoodle great for experienced and first-time dog owners who are willing to invest in lifelong training. Even naturally friendly dogs can suffer if not properly socialized from an early age. Like Poodles, Labradoodle coats can be cut in a variety of functional and fashionable ways. However, the lack of standardized breeding and immense popularity means many Labradoodles carry poor genetics. Labradoodles are most affected by conditions common among Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. Regular vet visits can help keep your pup healthy and catch early signs of disease. Here are the most common health conditions known to affect Labradoodles: Minor Conditions. Origin and history of the Labradoodle To fully understand the history of the Labradoodle, it's best to have a look at both parent breeds. History of the Labrador Labradors originated in Newfoundland, a large island off the east coast of Canada. The island is actually part of the Newfoundland and Labrador province — which is where these pups get their name from. They're closely related to St John's Water Dogs, a breed that no longer exists and eventually divided into two breeds — the larger Newfoundland dogs and the original Labrador. These pups were incredibly talented at helping fishermen retrieve nets, long lines, and fish that had managed to escape. In the s, European settlers saw how impressive these dogs were and decided to take them back home with them. They were then bred with local hunting dogs to create what we know as the adorable Labrador Retriever today. History of the Poodle Poodles are an ancient breed. In fact, poodle-like images have been found on Egyptian and Roman artifacts and tombs. This naturally makes it more challenging to know precisely when these pups originated and where they come from. Most experts agree that Poodles originated in Germany but were further developed in France. Some think that they are the result of crossbreeding various different European Waterdogs and others believe they arrived in Portugal in the 8th century and originated in Asia. What is sure is that they're a very old breed and that Miniature Poodles and Toy Poodles were further bred in France. Standard Poodles were used for hunting ducks, Miniature Poodles to hunt truffles , and Toy Poodles as cute little companion dogs for the French elite. History of the Labradoodle Often, with mixed breeds, little is known about the exact origin because it's difficult to pinpoint whether a pup was first bred naturally or not. That's not, however, the case with the Labradoodle. They were first bred in the s in Australia by a guide dog trainer named Wally Conron. He specialized in breeding hardworking Labradors and Golden Retrievers but wanted to breed a hypoallergenic one that could help blind allergy sufferers too. Poodles are well known for being great non-shedders, so Wally decided to breed these intelligent canines with his working Labradors. The result was a great success! Many people, however, didn't want a mixed breed assistance dog, and it took him many years to prove how great these dogs are. Both the Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association are trying to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so that these pups can officially be recognized as purebred. Temperament and personality of the Labradoodle Labradoodle puppies and adult dogs are adoring and devoted. They're very sweet-natured and love to be around their whole family. Playing is a huge part of any Labradoodle's day, and they'll love to spend time running after a ball or working out a particularly difficult puzzle toy. These fluffy dogs are very sociable and confident around strangers. They get on well with children, dogs, and other pets and love to make new friends. In all likelihood, they'll be the first to run up to other dogs in the dog park and introduce themselves. These hybrids are very energetic and need a good amount of space to explore and run around in. They're also just as happy to snuggle up with you on the couch and enjoy a good film. Training a Labradoodle Just like the purebred Poodle and Labrador, Labradoodles are very intelligent. They excel in all sorts of dog sports and training classes and really benefit from new and exciting things to do. These intelligent dogs love to please their owners, make them laugh, and are keen to do as they're told. For example, if taught from a young age not to bark unless they need to Labradoodle puppies are pretty quiet dogs. Lots of socialization is important for Labradoodles — they'll love playing with other dogs in a puppy kindergarten class and will benefit from learning for older pups. In fact, Labradoodles generally enjoy everything they do — including training! Because they're so affectionate, they can be a little sensitive. They also respond best to exciting training and positive reinforcement and don't like being told off or raised voices. If you want your Labradoodle to learn, it's essential to encourage them rather than scold them. They also respond well to the odd treat! Appearance of the Labradoodle As well as their loving and affectionate personalities, the unique appearance of a Labradoodle is something else that makes them very popular. These dogs look like little teddy bears! They have large, wide eyes and a happy and curious expression. Because there isn't a standard for this dog breed yet, they come in all different shapes and sizes, and their coat color and texture can vary quite a lot. How big do Labradoodles get? We really have to consider the purebred dogs behind this amazing hybrid to know this. Labradors are always medium to large canines , stand at roughly 23 inches tall, and weigh between 55 and 70 pounds. Poodles, however, come in 3 different sizes standard, miniature, and toy. Because a Labrador Retriever is mixed with a Poodle, the Labradoodle also comes in 3 sizes standard, medium, and miniature. Just like the Miniature Poodle, the miniature Labradoodle is especially cute. These little dogs can be between 14 and 16 inches tall, the medium 17 and 20, and the Standard Labradoodle can grow to be inches. Depending on which Labradoodle you adopt, they can weigh between 15 and 65 pounds. Generally speaking, male Labradoodles will be a bit bigger than female Labradoodles. Labradoodle color The American Kennel Club recognizes 3 Labrador colors — black, yellow, and chocolate. But these pups can also come in red, silver, and white. On the other hand, Poodles come in many different colors everything from black to apricot. So, as you can imagine, Labradoodle puppies can be many different colors and combinations too. Some are caramel, chocolate, black, red, chalk, gold, and sable. Labradoodle coat Whether you get a chocolate Labradoodle or a particolored one, their coat texture can vary a lot. There are three main types of coat: Hairy: this coat is usually shorter and wirier think Terrier. It's likely to shed a little more and will smell when your pup inevitably goes for a swim. This coat type is found in first-generation Labradoodles puppies with Poodle and Labrador Retriever parents. Wooly: this coat is dense and very soft, kind of like a sheep's or Poodle's. Fleecy: a Labradoodle with a fleece coat will have long, wavy hair. In many people's opinion, this is the most attractive coat. Are Labradoodles hypoallergenic? No dogs are fully hypoallergenic; they all shed at least a little bit. But many Doodle breeds Poodle mixed breeds were originally bred specifically because Poodles are low-shedders. Labradoodle breeders wanted the fun personality of a Labrador but with the low-shedding coat of a Poodle. If you suffer from allergies and don't want dog hair all over your furniture, the Labradoodle could be a really good choice. Grooming a Labradoodle Labrador Retrievers have a double coat and therefore shed quite a lot — especially before the seasons change, and they need to grow a warmer or cooler one. Luckily, Labradoodles inherit the single coat of their purebred Poodle parent and therefore shed less. Even though they don't shed as much as other dog breeds, it's still worth giving your pup a weekly brush to remove any loose hairs and dirt. This helps their coat stay sleek and smelling good. Depending on whether your Labradoodle inherits a fleecy coat or not, you may need to trim the hair around their eyes and in between their toes, so it doesn't irritate them. You might also want to consider taking them to a professional groomer every so often. Health of a Labradoodle A mixed-breed adult dog is usually healthier than a purebred pup as the gene pool is a little bigger. To ensure you get a healthy Labradoodle puppy, make sure you do your research and get them from a responsible and ethical breeder. Even if they're cheaper, avoid puppy mills at all costs. Unethical breeders don't care about the health or welfare of your Labradoodle, and you can't be sure they've been properly tested. Taking your standard, medium, and miniature Labradoodles to the vet regularly can help catch any conditions early on. That being said, depending on the parent dogs and your Labradoodle size, some pups can suffer from the following conditions: Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia common in both Labrador Retrievers and Standard Poodles Ear infections. It is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Note: there are two totally different types of Labradoodles, the Australian Labradoodle and the American Labradoodle. The Australian Labradoodle is a purebred dog, while the American Labradoodle is a hybrid dog. There are a few different ways breeders are producing American Labradoodles. This is not the best cross for people with severe allergies. Health Problems Prone to hip dysplasia and genetic eye problems. She's happy to get it thinned, but it doesn't last long it grows back fast. We caught them in the flower pots and started to shoo them away, but had to take a picture first.Labradoodles make amazing pets. We have been socializing them and exercising them faithfully every day and can see their excellent temperaments developing. His coat is less curly, more shaggy and scruffy looking. He is cool, laid back and more mellow than most other Labradoodles. It could be his age. The Labradoodle is a hybrid product of a cross between a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. Just like the Labrador and Poodle breeds, these crossbreeds are highly active, friendly and intelligent. Labrador Poodle Mix dogs feature a curly and shaggy coat that needs regular maintenance. With moderate to high activity levels depending on the size of your Labradoodle, you will have to invest some time to play with your dog every day. Labradoodle is a suitable dog for someone who enjoys long daily walks. Labradoodles are smart and respond well to training. For crossbreeds such as the Labradoodle there is no specific size chart because there are several different Labradoodle sizes that depend on what type of Poodle was bred into the mix. Since there are three different Poodle varieties, a Labradoodle dog may be on the smaller or on the larger side with each dog having a very unique appearance. Labradoodles are moderately active, with larger ones being more active than the smaller crossbreeds. Labradoodles can also excel as therapy dogs. The parent breeds that form these crossbreeds tend to be quick learners and smart. As such, a Labradoodle will definitely reward you by being super companion especially if the Labradoodle pup gets exposed to early training and socialization while using positive reinforcement techniques. Labradoodle lifespan What is the life expectancy of a Labradoodle? Research has proved that smaller dogs normally live longer than big dogs. Being moderately small or big, the Labradoodle falls somewhere in between. It boasts of a lifespan of twelve to fifteen years. To live to a maximum of 15 years, a Labradoodle must be fed a proper diet, exercise regularly, be of good quality genes and less prone to accidents and injuries. Labradoodle size How big do Labradoodles get? Labradoodle comes in three different sizes that are dependent on the size of the first-generation Poodle used. Poodle breed comes in three sizes that include the largest Standard, Miniature and Toy, which is the smallest. Labradoodle sizes can vary dramatically and generally fall into the following categories The Standard Labradoodle weighs between fifty to sixty five pounds for both male and female, with a height of 22 to 24 inches for males and 21 to 23 inches for a female. The Standard Labradoodle is the largest in size of all Labradoodle size variants. The medium Labradoodle male measures 18 to 20 inches tall and 17 to 19 inches tall for females, with weights of 30 to 45 pounds for both, males and females. The size of a miniature Labradoodle ranges between 14 to 16 inches tall and 15 to 25 pounds in weight for both male and female dogs. Keep in mind that some Labradoodle dogs appear to be bigger or smaller than anticipated and it is difficult to predict the exact weight of Labradoodle puppies when they are full grown. He wanted to come up with a dog that had few allergies with pretty good health, and he succeeded by crossbreeding a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle. He named this first Labrador dog Sultan, which came with great attributes such as intelligence, guide dog personality, and great attitude. Sultan was later on taken by a Hawaiian blind woman called Pat Blum as a seen dog with zero allergies. He accompanied her to work daily and when people saw this, they began embracing the Labradoodle and many of this dog came to popularly rise with a very high demand globally. Enthusiastic dog breeders are attempting to conduct multigenerational breeding among the Labradoodles in order to come up with a more feasible and noticeable breed. There is the hope of creating a registered breed from a designer breed. However, this is likely to several generations before getting purebred Labradoodles that are predictable in appearance and temperament. Labradoodle Breed Variety This hybrid cross encompasses a variety of breeds. Labradoodles are available in 6 different sizes with an array of coat texture from Wool to Fleece. They come in a vast range of colors and patterns such as brindle, sable, and so on. As new colors for the breed continue to be identified, Labradoodles appear in cream, white, red, buff, chocolate, gold, black, and lavender among others. Generally, Labradoodles come in a countless number of choices you can select from. Labradoodle puppies Labradoodle pups need a lot of training and interaction when they are still small. They should be left open to socializing with distinct people, taken through different experiences, sights and even locations. Socialization ensures that your puppy grows up ably as an all-rounded and disciplined dog. You can enroll the puppy in dog classes to expose him to other dogs as well as allow your Lab Poodle mix puppy to play with them. Often, take your puppies for walks in the parks and permit people to greet it or invite people regularly to your home to converse with the puppy. This will aid in proper growth of your puppy's social life and wellbeing. Feeding the Labradoodle Whenever you get a Labradoodle puppy, endeavor to follow a regular feeding schedule as advised by the breeder, dog food manufacturer, or your vet. Dry dog food such as high-quality kibble is recommended for these pups. The amount and frequency of feeding changes from puppyhood to adulthood, as well as the activity levels of your Labradoodle. Although older Labradoodles aren't fussy feeders, they also have to be fed with high-quality dog food. To sufficiently satisfy the nutritional requirements of the Labradoodles, meals should be given twice a week. To prevent your dog from gaining excess weight, exercise your Labradoodle doodle in order to burn off any calories that accumulate gradually in the body. If this isn't done, your Labradoodle is likely to become obese or suffer other health issues. This will ultimately reduce a Labradoodle's lifespan. Labradoodle Exercise Needs How much exercise does a Labradoodle require? Labradoodle is made with a playful character. They love playing and exercising regularly. As an owner, you should brace yourself with ample running room and long walks. If you are an active person, then this is the perfect dog for you as you can take it to all your outdoor endeavors and not get bored or distracted. More you can take for swimming once in a while to stretch its muscles and burn those extra calories. Don't worry if you have a small house with a small compound, the dog will still be comfortable as long as you take it out to exercise. Give Labradoodle enough attention just like a small kid because if you ignore him, your pet will be very sad, anxious and cheeky. The same applies when the Lab Poodle mix dog is not being exercised enough causing destruction to everything he comes across. Labradoodles dogs love children and tend to be very tender towards them. However, they can also be aggressive and devastate small children though they mean no harm. If you have a lot of time to socialize, exercise, train and groom a Labradoodle every day, this dog can be right for your family. If you want your kids to appreciate the presence of this dog, teach them how to handle them via talking and patting them. Often keep an eye on their interactions to prevent dog-child fights such as pulling of tails, scratching and biting. Make rules for your children such as never share plates with the dog and not to pat or hold the dog while eating. Lastly, make sure your small kids are not anywhere near the dog when you or any other adult are not around. Just like how human-beings like interacting and socializing with their fellas, dogs too like this. Take your Labradoodle dog to other friendly dogs for socialization. Engage Labradoodles in dog shows and even visit together with other dog friends in the neighborhood. How to groom a Labradoodle These breeds can have varying coat types, with some resembling shaggy retrievers, and others have Poodles' loose curls, with the majority falling in between. To maintain the health of their coats, invest a good amount of grooming time. They will need to be brushed several within a week, and their coats will need trimming a few times a year. If your puppies coat happens to closely resemble that of a poodle, then you will consistently need to keep combing and trimming, as it can easily get tangled and matted. The exact time you need for grooming purposes varies depending on the type of coat. Ensure to keep Labradoodles' ears clean and dry, as they are susceptible to infections especially after swimming or having a bath. Everything else required is normal care. Also, remember to brush the teeth daily or frequently using vet-approved toothpaste for pets to maintain fresh breath and good health. Grooming of your Labradoodle should begin at its puppy stage. Even with its touchy feet, hold them regularly and also examine their mouth until they get used to it. This will ease your grooming moments and make them fun to you and your dog as it grows to adulthood. Labradoodle owners should always care for and groom their dogs regularly with regards to the dogs' texture. There are three main types of Labradoodle coat textures which include Labradoodle hair type coat: This is the least popular texture that resembles fur found in shedding breeds. They normally have a natural dog odor usually found in 1st generations. Wool type coat: This is a deep coat that looks like a lamb's wool. It does not shed and neither has a dog odor but hangs in loose curls. Fleece coat: The one with a fine silky touch Angora goat texture and it can be full of waves or straight. Labradoodle coat colors The Labradoodles coat comes in different colors that range from gold, caramel, cream, apricot, chalk-white, chocolate, red, silver, parchment, blue, and black. Some Labrador Poodle mix dogs have spotted coats consisting of pith, phantom, brindles and patched colors. Even with all these color ranges, this breed is a non-coat shedder or low-shedder. You will notice this especially if own one with a wool or fleece coat. How frequently you should groom your Labradoodle greatly depends on the dog's type of coat and the length of it. Labradoodle grooming Labradoodles need to be groomed one or two times a week. You can also trim or clip a Labradoodle after one or two months for easy maintenance of the coat. Furthermore, since Labradoodles fur is odorless, it should be washed once in a long time or when the need calls for a bath. For good care of Labradoodle's delicate ears, you should always clean and dry them after swimming and weekly clean than to remove dirt, bad odor, and redness that can cause ear infection. Use a cotton ball moistened with antiseptic or an ear cleaner that is PH balanced. Just like human beings brush their teeth for proper maintenance and fresh breath, Labradoodles' teeth should be brushed at least 2 or 3 ties in a week. This helps in getting rid of mouth bacteria and tartar. However, you're not restricted to daily brushing for healthy dog gums and cool breath. Always trim your Labradoodle's nails when they are lengthy about once a month. You will know when to cut Labradoodle's nails as soon as the dog's nails start making clicking sound when the dog walks on a hardwood floor. You should also take caution when cutting the dog's nails not to trim them too far as their nails have blood vessels located close to the tip of the nail. The trimming can be done by you, a professional dog groomer or even by a veterinarian in a vet clinic. Always if your Lab Poodle mix dog has inflammations on the eyes, ears, nose, mouth and feet when grooming. Take caution and visit a vet clinic if you find any abnormalities such as rashes, infection signs like tenderness or redness. When you are grooming your Labradoodle dog, be sure to pay attention to any signs of skin issues and that can help you curb health issues arising and also save you expensive treatment money when the skin infections become too serious. Labradoodle temperament The temperament of Labradoodle depends on the amount of socialization, parent's temperaments, as well as inherited personality. Labradoodles are friendly dogs with high levels of devotion to their families. A Labradoodle under good care never gets aggressive or becomes shy towards other animals and people. The Labrador Retriever's love for working with people and Poodles intelligence makes these crossbreeds highly trainable and very smart. When trained through plays, rewards, and treats, Labradoodles are very likely to learn happily and quickly. As soon as you get your Lab Poodle mix puppy home, start positive reinforcement training. This prevents Lab Poodle mix dog from becoming headstrong and harder to train. Begin by getting your Lab Poodle mix puppy to the kindergarten class of puppies for socialization purposes. The majority of these puppy classes need your puppy to have completed the recommended vaccines before any exposure to the public. Before these vaccines are complete, just start training and socializing the puppies at home with friends and family. Remember to get uncannily and accurate advice from the breeder prior to purchasing your Labradoodle. After knowing your personality and lifestyle, they will absolutely give the best recommendation since they see the puppies daily. Endeavor to also look for Labradoodles socialized since early puppyhood, and puppies from parents with excellent personalities. Labradoodle potty training It is very important to housetrain your puppy. It may seem like a daunting task, but ultimately, it pays off. On your part, toilet training a puppy requires a lot of consistency and you need to be patient with the Labradoodle puppy. The time it takes for your Lab Poodle mix puppy to housebreak could be a few weeks to several months. It just depends on the level of attention and time you take to focus on this kind of training, and the time the puppy takes to realize that 'pottying' needs to be done outside. How to potty train a Labradoodle? Housetraining starts by identifying a specific spot where you will always take your Lab Poodle mix puppy for potty. Whenever your Labradoodle relieves himself on the spot, ensure to praise and reward him using treats such as pieces of meat, although in a controlled manner. When the dog identifies pottying at that particular spot with a positive experience, he will eventually learn to do so by himself. Always avoid scolding or punishing your Labradoodle puppy for accidents or any mistakes. Most mistakes are bound to happen when getting the Lab Poodle puppy out upon waking up, after meals, or even when they suddenly stop playing around as they are not able to hold their bladders and bowels when young. But you don't have to worry since pups are able to 'hold it' for longer as they grow up. Ensure not to rush anything, let the Poodle and Labrador mix puppy take his time as you continue to train. Remember that complete housebreaking for puppies could take as long as 6 months. If you rush the training process, problems could start occurring. When you are housetraining a Labradoodle puppy, be sure to clean every mess with an Enzyme Cleaner to completely get rid of the dog's urine scent that may be left on the accident spot. Leaving even a faint scent of dog urine there may encourage your puppy to use that area as his toilet area again. To preven that from happening, using an Enzyme Cleaner is an easy way to remove any trace of the dog's urine scent from your floors thus discouraging the dog from using that area as his toilet. Labradoodle training Being an intelligent, sweet, and intuitive dog breed, the Labradoodle enjoys playtime, training and is obedient, which makes him, a pleasing companion. All you need is to take your time to establish a loving authority when it's still early. Always train your puppy using positive reinforcement techniques of rewarding with treats and praises, and show him he's a welcome addition to the family. A well taken care of Labradoodle is a happy dog. Therefore, it is very important to take good care of your pet for it to live fully as per the following tips. As a Labradoodle owner or if you plan to buy one, you should note that these dogs adapt to all settings though they are not made to be kept in apartments. This is because they are very active dogs that need approximately 30 to 60 minutes of physical activities per day. This means Labradoodle owners may need to take the dog to the park or to a fenced yard release some vigor. If you happen to be a jogger, the Labradoodle makes a perfect partner with a little time off the leash to blow off steam. You also need to be exciting, smart and more energetic than them or else they will destruct your entire jog. The Labradoodle is a smart, easy to please and fast learner dog. It is the easiest dog to train with consistent lessons and positive measures. They are awesome companions for first-time owners that are non-cuddly since the dog doesn't need excessively holding. Teach them from puppyhood to be considerate of other dogs' feelings not fight them when they meet. Although very active, Lab Poodles can easily adapt to life in the city with sufficient daily exercise or suburbs but most favored in rural areas. Lab Poodle cross dogs are usually very excited when living comfortably at home, soundly sleeping on your arms and feet. Labradoodle dogs are great companions when visiting places familiar to them. Always crate train your Labradoodle dog from puppyhood to prevent it from landing into accidents in and outside the house and hanging around restricted things. They can also sleep and relax in the crate when tired. Crate training will assist your dog to get used to being confined in boarding and hospital situations. However, note that the dog should not be crate confined for many hours since this will encourage laziness and boring character in the dog. Shelter dogs vs puppies Origin Of The Labradoodle There are now first crosses being deliberately bred from a wide variety of pedigree dog mixes. But it was the Labradoodle that kicked off this entire trend. And the mix started in Australia in the s. It began as part of an attempt to create a low shedding guide dog for those people who were both visually impaired and sensitive to the allergens in dog hair. And he set up a breeding program to try to create a line of hypoallergenic or low shedding guide dogs. According to Stanley Coren, who later interviewed Conron, all 33 puppies failed the guide dog training program. Moving onwards Today, the Royal Guide Dogs Association no longer incorporates doodles into its breeding program, though some other Guide Dog Associations do. This is due, not to the dogs themselves, but the fear that a sharp increase in popularity could lead to a greater number of abandoned dogs. Labradors vary less in height than Standard Poodles, with a recommended height of about 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder. A standard Labradoodle full grown may reach anything from 15 to 24 inches tall, but is more likely to come in at the top end of that spectrum. When it comes to weight, an adult male Labradoodle may reach anywhere from 60 to 80 pounds. Females tend to weigh in at around ten pounds less than males. Colors Standard Labradoodles are commonly solid-colored, such as a typical brown or a beautiful apricot. However, Standard Poodles are sometimes particolored white patches on a dark background , and a Labradoodle may inherit that. A bicolored Labradoodle may be referred to as a Parti Labradoodle. Expressed Labrador genes may result in a chocolate, black or yellow Labradoodle. Apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, red, white or even silver Labradoodle dogs are possible too. However, not every Labradoodle will exhibit the fleece. In fact, whether or not a Doodle is a first generation or later cross can greatly impact its fur coat. The first-generation cross F1 results from the initial breeding of a Labrador Retriever to a Poodle. According to the breeders at Deer Creek Labradoodles, the first generation is the least likely to have a fleece coat and most likely will still shed like a Lab. According to the breeders at Apple Creek Doodles, the first generation is most likely to have a somewhat shaggy coat that requires grooming, although minimal, due to the coarseness of the fur. The second-generation cross F1b results from breeding a first-generation Lab Poodle mix with a Poodle. This combination seems to consistently produce litters with the fleecy, low-shedding coat, thanks to the influx of Poodle genes. Crossing an F1b Labradoodle with a Poodle produces the F1b. This combination seems to produce pups with the most Poodle-like coats and Labrador-type personalities, making them highly sought after by the general public. Do Labradoodles Shed? The allergen to which some people are sensitive can be found in every home where there is a dog. This is true regardless of breed. Every dog, regardless of how low-shedding its coat may be, still produces some dander. Most of the time, a good brush once or twice a week should keep their coats in great shape. We recommend taking any dog with a Poodle-type coat to the groomer once per month for a clip. Sometimes, the Labradoodle coat can be a problem for owners that lack the time or inclination for thorough grooming. Just as with Poodles, lack of grooming can occasionally become a health issue, with matted fur getting out of hand and covering the dogs eyes and bottom. This can escalate as the owner becomes embarrassed to seek help. Typical Temperament Traits Labradoodles are known for their highly energetic but easy-going natures. However, each Labradoodle is a unique individual with his or her own quirks and mannerisms, some of which may be passed from their parents. Therefore, knowing whether or not a Labradoodle puppy will show more of a Lab or Poodle personality is kind of a toss-up. First-generation Doodle temperaments are especially hard to predict, but it seems that later generations act more like Labradors. However, breeding later Doodle generations back with Poodles to maintain the Poodle coat can result in more Poodle-like temperament. Poodles and Labs have quite different personalities, though both have the potential to display strong, loyal attachment to their family. Some people associate them with being snappy. In addition, socializing your Doodle or any dog, for that matter from a young age will help to prevent fearfulness and unpleasant behavior toward people and pets later in life. Poodles are active dogs who enjoy lots of physical and mentally stimulating activity. They like having a job and interacting with their owners, which is part of the reason why they are such contenders in the show ring! Labrador Side of the Family On the other side of the coin, Labrador Retriever temperament is generally happy-go-lucky. They are dogs who are content with anyone as long as they are being lathered with attention. These playful pups are also pretty tolerant of other dogs in the household. They are also dogs that need company. Get help with chewing or destructive behavior here. Like Poodles, these are energetic dogs who love to go for walks, runs, bike rides, and swims. They will thrive in an active household or in a job that lets them use their energy and their powerful nose! Labradoodle Socialization Socialization is important for any breed, even outgoing and friendly dogs like Labradors. Regular training and socialization is what helps a puppy to grow up to be a happy, healthy dog who is comfortable in different situations and around new people and animals. A lack of socialization could lead to a dog who is unsure of himself in a new situation, and therefore anxious or fearful. This may lead to acting out. Additionally, because the Poodle parent may potentially be a little more aloof, a Labradoodle will need socialization to counteract that tendency. Puppies should begin to be socialized from the time that they are brought home. Regularly introduce them to new people and other animals, and take them out into new environments. Training And Exercise Plan for at least an hour of exercise each day for an adult Labradoodle, and try to add in additional playtime in an enclosed yard, and tasks such as retrieving. Plenty of physical activity will keep their joints moving and flexible, plus the mental stimulation will keep a Doodle both physically and mentally fit. Just like ensuring that your child goes to school, training is a vital part of raising a well-adjusted dog of any breed. The training needs of a dog vary throughout the different ages of life. Labradoodles should also be trained to walk without straining at their leash, and to come back when given a recall signal. Check out our in-depth guide to training a Labrador or Labrador cross here. However, with mixes, dog owners need to take into account the risks for both parent breeds, as any and all could potentially be handed down to the mix puppy. Most of our purebred dog breeds are predisposed to certain health conditions. These are diseases that can only harm the individual dog if he or she carries inherits two faulty genes — one from each parent. With recessive diseases, if either parent passes a healthy gene to the puppy, the faulty gene is switched off and remains harmless. Which is why mongrels are often genetically more healthy than purebred dogs. A first cross like a Labradoodle may, genetically speaking, be an improvement on either of the parent breeds. Labrador Health Labradors are generally healthy dogs. But there are some inheritable issues that they do face. And they absolutely should be, before the Lab is allowed to breed. Whether the Lab is the mother or father of Labradoodle puppies, they should be health tested and cleared first. Labs also have a tendency to become overweight, especially as they get a little older. Lab owners should always keep an eye on the amount and quality of the food they give their dogs. Labs can also suffer from some more minor issues, such as ear problems and skin allergies. To learn more about the diseases and health conditions that commonly affect Labrador Retrievers, refer to our health article on Labrador Retrievers. Poodle Health Unfortunately, Poodles, while also being generally healthy, suffer from some of the same problems as Labradors. When both parent breeds have diseases in common, those diseases have a greater risk of being passed down to the Labradoodle puppy. Common major health problems include: Hip dysplasia. Black, cream, white, apricot, gold, caramel, chocolate, red, tan, sable Suitable for: Active families, families with children, those looking for a playful and active dog Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent, friendly, energetic, playful, easy-going While Labradoodles are known for being sweet, their consistency in other characteristics is lacking. The demand for these dogs contributes to irresponsible and hasty breeding, and the results are litters of puppies with varying personalities. Not all Labradoodles are exactly alike but they do share similar characteristics. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Labradoodle Puppies Image Credit: Danii Brown Photography, Shutterstock Labradoodle puppies are highly intelligent and social, and tend to be good with children and other pets. They are also known for being easily trained and make great family pets. Labradoodles come in a variety of sizes, coat types, and colors, which can range from straight to curly and from black to cream. Labradoodles, like all hybrid breeds, can exhibit a range of physical and behavioral traits from both parent breeds, so it is important to research the background of the individual dog to get a sense of what to expect. These are smart and loveable dogs that enjoy following commands and completing tasks. This is another reason that Labradoodles are used as service and therapy dogs. Their gentle dispositions combined with their intelligence and love for people make them ideal for anyone, from first-time dog owners to those with a house full of pets. They are low-maintenance dogs that are happy to spend time with their families. They can suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long. This can manifest through barking, howling, pacing, urinating in the house, and being destructive. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They get along well with kids, but their large size and playful natures could overwhelm small children. If this breed is properly trained and socialized, they make loyal companions that are devoted to their families. Labradoodles love people and other animals alike and get along well with other pets in the home. Their gentle and accepting personalities make them ideal for a home with other animals. The best way to ensure that your Labradoodle will be friends with the other animals in the household is to raise the animals together. Puppies will grow to love and accept other housemates as family. Adding a Labradoodle puppy to a house with other pets is easier than adding an adult Labradoodle to the mix. That said, while it may take longer for the adult dog to become familiar with everyone, they will be happy to do so. Training and socialization when the Labradoodle is a puppy, though, are crucial to their success living with other animals. However, there are several requirements to be aware of when welcoming this dog into your home. Here are a few things to consider about owning Labradoodles. When you bring your puppy home, they should be kept on the same diet that they were eating previously. This will help you avoid any digestive distress from a sudden change in food. A high-quality, protein-packed kibble will work well for puppies and adult Labradoodles. There is no one universal dog food that will offer the same nutrients to every dog. Just like people, different dogs need specialized diets suited to their needs. Treats are always welcome by Labradoodles and are motivators during training. A handful of dry kibble offered piece by piece will also work, depending on how food-motivated your dog is and how much they enjoy their food. They can go from sleeping on the sofa to up and waiting at the door to go outside in seconds. They require exercise to be healthy and happy but also to avoid them becoming bored. A bored Labradoodle will make up their own activities, and these may not always be the things that you want them to be doing. A minute play session per day in a fenced-in area where the dog can run or chase a ball will provide the mental and physical stimulation that they need. However you choose to do it, your Labradoodle will enjoy the exercise and the time with you. They like learning new things and following commands. Their trainability makes them reliable and competent service dogs. If you welcome this dog to your home as a pet, there are a few things that you can do to help them be the best they can be. Socializing your new puppy is the most important step to take from the time that you bring them home. This encourages your dog to not fear new experiences, people, or places and instead, to be intrigued by new things. A puppy socialization class is a good place to start. Playdates with your friends and their dogs will help your dog learn to make friends. Obedience classes will teach your dog basic manners and how to follow simple instructions. From there, you can move on to agility classes, to help your dog get the exercise that they need while focusing on an activity. Patience and repetition are required from you so your dog associates learning with a positive experience. If you get this done professionally, it will include a haircut, nail trim, and bath. Regular nail trims are important for paw health. Overgrown nails can be painful and make walking difficult for your dog. In addition, the popularity of Labradoodles has increased, leading to overbreeding and irresponsible breeding. If you have a Labradoodle, these are potential issues that could arise down the road. Regular veterinary exams are important for the prevention and detection of these conditions. Minor Conditions. Life Span Did You Know? A Labradoodle is a popular designer dog breed. It is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. This designer dog breed originated in Australia around .The main goal of the Labradoodle was to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for people living with disabilities who were also allergic to dog fur and dander. Now, they are still a popular choice for service, guide, and therapy dogs and are also a popular companion dog. Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are both friendly, gentle, intelligent, and affectionate dog breeds. The Labradoodle tends to be similar. They are open and friendly and crave human attention and affection. They are happiest when they are with people. Labradoodles also tend to have an energetic and playful personality. They get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and strangers. They are alert enough to bark or let you know when someone is at the door, but they are not generally good watchdogs or guard dogs as they are more interested in making friends. A Labradoodle is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do very well in homes with space to run and they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They also do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Because they enjoy being around people, they do not generally like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also become bored if not given enough attention, exercise, or mental stimulation, which can result in destructive behavior. This dog breed is generally healthy, but they do have the chance of inheriting common health conditions from both of the parent breeds. Some health conditions to be aware of include elbow and hip dysplasia, ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy. Good breeding practices can reduce the likelihood of passing on many of these health issues. Be sure to talk with the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and ask to see any health clearances; this can help allay potential health concerns. A Labradoodle tends to be eager to please and highly intelligent, which makes them highly trainable. They are a good fit for dog owners of any experience level. As with most dog breeds, Labradoodles respond best to training that is consistent and uses positive reinforcement. There are some grooming tasks that are common to every dog breed. When it comes to coat care, it can vary with a Labradoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that is also high maintenance in terms of brushing, trimming, and professional grooming. Labs tend to have a higher shedding coat that needs minimal brushing and grooming. For the most part, a Labradoodle will have a low or non-shedding coat that will need to be brushed a few times a week. But, they can have a higher shedding coat should they take after their Labrador parent. You may also need a few professional grooming sessions throughout the year. Nail trimming once a month is usually enough to keep movement comfortable and prevent longer nails from snagging on things. Proper dental care for your dog will help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Drop-down ears are more prone to infection because floppy ears are more likely to trap moisture, dirt, and debris. This will make grooming throughout their life a much more enjoyable process for both you and your dog. It can even become a bonding time for you both as well. Labradoodles tend to be high-energy dogs. They require a few daily walks plus some time to run and play in order to stay happy and healthy. They certainly love to play and you may tire out before they do sometimes. They may calm down a little as they get to be a couple of years old, but they tend to be quite energetic as puppies. Going swimming with your dog , taking a hike with them, going on a trip to the dog park, playing a game of fetch, and more are all great supplemental activities to ensure your Labradoodle gets plenty of exercise. You can even train them to compete in dog sports like dock diving, flyball, agility, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Labradoodle will usually stand between 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Labradoodles generally live 12 — 14 years. However, it did not become popular until when the mix was specifically bred to create hypoallergenic guide dogs. Featured Labradoodle Article.

So Many Options! Where To Get a Labrador? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Except, you remember hearing you should only buy from professional breeders?! But that puppy in the pet store was so achingly cute! This article discusses the things you should consider before making that life changing decision. From dedicated experts who breed pedigree dogs to work or for show, to those who breed too many puppies, litter after litter purely for sale without love nor care for the health of the mother or quality of the litter. For how to recognize who the good breeders are, read our article: Labrador breeders — How to find the good ones! Buying from a good, responsible breeder is without doubt the best source for a quality, healthy Labrador puppy. They care about the overall welfare of the breed, as well as the health of the mother, quality of the litter and giving the puppies the best start in life. Responsible breeders: Guarantee a purebred and pedigree Labrador. Screen the parents for health problems before breeding , so puppies will be as free as possible from inherited diseases. Selectively breed aiming for conformance to the breed standard, so your lab has the most chance of looking like the perfect lab. Carefully socialize puppies from birth so they are well-adjusted and confident before sending them to a new home. Help buyers to select the right puppy from the litter to suit their personality, hopes and expectations. Helping you to get the puppy of your dreams. Provide expert help and advice on caring for the dog from puppyhood right through to adulthood. When you go to a good breeder you should expect lots of questions. They will also help to match you to the perfect puppy that suits your personality, preventing you from getting the wrong dog on impulse. You know the cute but feisty one that got your attention by barging through his litter mates to run up to you and be the first to say hello? Well, he may very likely become a dominant and strong-willed dog! You May Need Patience You should note that many breeders will have a long waiting list for their Labrador puppies. Then this may not be the right way for you. But this is a good thing! And nobody should buy a puppy on impulse, it must be a well thought out and reasoned decision. Maybe you would like to give a lucky Labrador a second chance at life and happiness? Adopting an Older Labrador From a Rescue Kennel Can Have Many Benefits: They will have been house trained already — No getting up in the middle of the night to relieve your puppy…or cleaning your floor after the inevitable mishaps. An adult Labrador will already show signs of any underlying problems so you can avoid this. Many will have received a decent amount of training already — Saving you lots of time and work. Having said all that… There are Some Obvious Risks! Or perhaps due to health problems that developed. Some may have faced abuse and neglect leaving them with psychological scars. Behavioral problems are sometimes well hidden, and aggression may only surface in very particular situations only. But if you are patient, understanding and can inject some routine and love into one of these dogs lives, they can become absolutely wonderful pets. There are also different types of rescue center and animal shelters. You will be able to get a feel for the level of the center when you visit and how professional they are and the staff to dog ratios. The Process When rescuing a lab, a good, well staffed shelter will ask you to visit and spend time with your potential pet. They will have assessed the dog and will tell you all they know about the dogs history and temperament. They will ask you lots of questions to find out whether you and your lifestyle are a good fit for a Labrador. They will want to meet you and your whole family. They will want to see how the people the Labrador is to live with interact with it and how the lab interacts with them. And that your choice of dog is well suited to you and interacts well with you on visits will they eventually allow you to adopt. Rescuing a Labrador can be a very good choice as long as due care is taken to pick the right one. And you will earn many karma points for doing a very good deed. It is a massive risk to take a puppy from a litter like this. These dogs have more than the average number of inherited diseases and behavioral problems. So although you will be saving a bit of money compared to paying out to a professional Labrador breeder. Or you might even be saving a dog from being given to a rescue center and possibly eventually being put down. You just might be letting yourself in for some expensive surprises in the way of vets bills or behavioral specialists later. But having said that, of course many of these puppies do become very good pets indeed. In fact a few places in the world have now banned the sale of puppies from pet stores. In these places, dogs are often bred in poor conditions, sometimes kept in small wire cages and given very little chance to socialize and little if any personal contact with humans. Have you had any good or bad experiences of getting a Labrador from any of the places listed above? Is there anything you would like to add about the pros and cons of the various places you can get yourself a Lab? Please let us know in the comments section below and you just might help people reading this article to make the right decision! Related Article:. Both parents come from a 5-generation pedigree. Mother is IKC registered. Grandparents and great grandparents are field trial champions. Father is a strong, chunky Labrador with an excellent breeding background, he was never registered but both grandparents were IKC reg. Both mother and father are cherished family pets, live together and can be seen. Parents are gentle natured, excellent with kids and have great personalities. Owners are vets themselves. This is our first and last litter as we are not breeders. We wanted to keep a line from both parents which was the motivation to have a litter. Our beautiful puppies are happy, healthy, and very confident. They have a fantastic temperament. Pups have been raised in our family home ensuring they have been well socialised with kids and other animals such as cats. These confident puppies are extremely intelligent and will be easy to train! They are already semi-toilet trained and have great re-call. Puppies are very affectionate and loved by all the family hence we are only looking for suitable home as a family pet or loyal companion. All pups are - Vet health checked - Vaccinated - Microchipped - Wormed at 2,4,6 and 8 weeks - Treated for fleas and mites. Pups will be ready to go to their forever homes from September 17th. For more information or to arrange to view the puppies please call or email me on or megandoherty00 gmail. If I do not answer please leave a message and I will get back to you. Thank you! They are also very high energy. Labs are intelligent and well-tempered for becoming service dogs. You may have seen a Lab working as a guide dog or alongside a police officer. Labradors come in three distinct colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. There is no real difference between these sub-breeds aside from color. However, chocolate Labs and yellow Labs do tend to be favored as show dogs, while a black Lab is more likely to be raised as a hunting dog than a chocolate or yellow one. Labrador Retrievers are famous for being friendly and companionable to both humans and other dogs. This makes the Labrador an ideal breed to keep as a family dog. There are factors, however, which need to be considered before choosing a Labrador puppy. Bringing home a beautiful black Lab puppy? Check out hundreds of great black dog names here! The amount of maternal care a pup receives prior to adoption influences the adult temperament of your Labrador. A responsible breeder will not remove your puppy from its mother before it is ready. In the study, Labs belonging to extroverted owners had better social skills than those belonging to introverted owners. You may also look through your local classifieds for unregistered litters, although we do not recommend it. Even though Labradors are a generally healthy breed, it is important that both parents get screened for any health issues prior to breeding. Adopting from unregistered litters will also significantly increase your chances of encountering a puppy mill. No matter where you adopt from, it is essential that you meet both parents and access a history of good health for each parent before adopting a puppy from the facility. In other parts of the world, use the puppy search tool on the website of your regional kennel club or equivalent authority. You may also ask a local veterinarian for a reference to a quality breeder. Another option is to keep an eye out for someone with a purebred Labrador and request information on where they adopted from. Registered breeders use only top-of-the-line animals as parents. Puppies from responsible and registered breeders are given the appropriate amount of maternal care and not released to a new home until they are physically and mentally mature enough to do so. This lays the foundation for an affectionate and even temperament in adulthood. The cons of adopting from a breeder are higher costs and often longer wait times. Responsible breeders require a pre-adoption home check to ensure that their puppies are appropriately homed. You may also need to travel some distance to find the right breeder. Registered breeders usually breed a maximum of only twice per year. This maintains parental health and allows sufficient time for the puppies to progress. These breeders often have waitlists for upcoming litters before they are born, sometimes before the parents are even bred. While these practices maintain value, they also mean the puppies will cost a little more and take longer to bring home. Private Ads Private ads for puppies can be found in online classifieds or in your local newspaper. You may also spot them on the bulletin boards of various local businesses. The benefits of sourcing a puppy from a private ad is that the breeder is likely be located nearby, and the puppies will be available relatively quickly, if not immediately. The cons of taking this route is that you do not have pedigree parents to your puppy, and the risk of health complications down the road is much higher. Puppy farms will often advertise through private ads. For these reasons, we do not recommend sourcing a puppy through a private ad. Pet Shops We do not endorse purchasing puppies from pet shops, because the credentials of both parents and breeder cannot be provided. Parents of pet shop puppies may have been overbred, mistreated, or in less than optimal health. It is impossible to know without verified records. The puppies themselves could have experienced conditions and trauma that will negatively impact their behavior in adulthood, such as being separated from their mothers too soon or physical abuse. Avoiding Puppy Farms Puppy farms are unregistered breeding establishments that mass produce puppies in order to generate the highest amount of revenue. These farms, or mills, severely mistreat their animals and often produce puppies with little socialization skills and significantly increased health risks. To steer clear of these facilities, avoid pet stores, which often source stock from puppy farms because of the low cost. Also avoid any online advertisements for puppies at a low cost. If you do source a puppy from an online ad, call the breeder in advance and ask questions about the puppies, parents, and establishment to screen for any inconsistencies with industry standards. When you visit the breeder, if it comes to that, ask to have a look around and meet both parents in person. Is the space open? Do the parents look healthy? How many other dogs and puppies are there on the premises? Health Tests While Labs are generally healthy overall, it is important to confirm the parental health prior to breeding. If the breeder cannot show you certificates of health for both parents, adopting a puppy from those parents poses a risk for complications later on. The American Kennel Club recommends Labrador Retrievers get screened for: any hip and elbow defects that could indicate dysplasia heart disorders out of ordinary muscle weakness degenerative eye conditions. Make sure that the breeder can demonstrate certified health in each of these areas for each parent. The initial cost of requiring this level of screening for your puppy may be higher, but it will save you on veterinary bills down the road. Choosing Your Puppy Labrador Retrievers are friendly by nature and tend to get along well with other dogs. This breed very rarely shows aggression and must be provoked to do so. When it comes to children and other pets, a Labrador puppy would be a valuable family addition. Labs are companionable and socialize well. The Labrador Retriever is a high-energy breed and will need enough time and space each day to receive sufficient exercise. These exercise needs will continue to grow as your puppy matures. A Labrador is not designed to be an inside-only dog. This breed needs lots of activity to stay mentally and physically fit. Consider that your fully grown Lab will be between .We recommend that you take your Lab out for daily outdoor activities such as swimming and fetch. A Labrador that does not receive enough exercise time may rebel by engaging in destructive behaviors within the household. However, remember that the best-quality Labradors come from responsible breeders that produce only one or two litters per year. These breeders often have waiting lists due to high quality puppies and infrequent production. If you want the best which you should! Labradors are wonderful family dogs with lots of love for humans and other dogs. They are one of the lowest risk for health complications when properly screened, making them ideal as a long-term energy-filled companion. Considerations before jumping into the adoption of a Labrador puppy are how big your puppy will be when it reaches adulthood and the daily rigorous outdoor exercise it will require to keep it in peak physical and mental condition. Read more about Labradors here in our guide to Labrador lifespan! References and Resources Bray, E. University of Pennsylvania .Graham, L. Temperament and Personality in Working Dogs. CRC Press .Kuroshima, H. Kyoto University