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Chicken is the 1st ingredient Added DHA for brain health Contains calcium and phosphorus for bone health Comes in two bag sizes — 15lb and .What to Look For in Puppy Food? When you are searching for the right puppy food, we recommend the food should consist of the ingredients found below. Fish oil supports heart health, reduces itchy and flaky skin, promotes a silky coat, and relieves allergies and joint pain. It can also strengthen their immune system and help fight cancer. Calcium and Phosphorus both aid in joint health and can help prevent joint problems later in life. Chondroitin and glucosamine also aid in joint health. These nutrients are commonly found in protein sources like chicken. So, the best puppy foods for Golden Retrievers will also have good sources of calcium, phosphorous, chondroitin, and glucosamine — whether that be added to the food or derived from protein sources like chicken. Protein and fat help puppies develop their muscles and gain energy. Therefore, the best kinds of puppy food for Golden Retrievers will not only have high protein levels, but also high protein levels from good sources. Important Note Good protein sources are chicken, lamb, salmon, beef, and turkey. It is normal for a lot of dog foods to feature some type of by-product of these protein sources chicken meal, for example. However, the main protein source in the best puppy foods for Golden Retrievers should be the actual meat, not a by-product. It is important for a puppy to start off with good sources of nutrition. Therefore, be sure to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the food you choose. As owners, we want to make sure that our new puppy gets just the right amount food to grow at their pace. We do not want to overfeed or underfeed. Our wish is to make life for them as comfortable as possible. For more detail on this topic check out our article Golden Retriever Feeding Chart. If you use our recommended Purina Pro Plan, see below for the feeding chart. Feeding Your Golden Feeding Your Golden With the wide array of foods available today, it can be hard to make a good choice of what to feed your golden. Goldens are particularly sensitive to dietary concerns, and feeding them a high quality diet can help boost their health and immune system. Feeding a high quality food is not necessarily more expensive. Price is misleading: cheaper foods require more volume to be fed, up to several cups at each meal. With the wide array of better foods available today, you can make a smart choice of what to feed your golden. A golden will normally eat about two cups of premium food per day. It can be adjusted a little more or less based on activity level and metabolism. Goldens are prone to skin problems, and a poor quality diet will cause skin problems which translates into costly veterinarian bills. You will need to go to the pet store to purchase your food. Grocery store brands do not offer the nutrition goldens need for good health. Do not be persuaded by fancy advertising. Many commonly hyped foods are not high quality and maybe lacking the necessary nutritional value for your dog. For example, Grain Free foods may play a major part in taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers and other large breed dogs. This deficiency can cause serious heart problems for your dog see Taurine and Grain Free information on this web page. Here are some guidelines: Look for food free of chemical preservatives. Some of these additives are suspected of causing cancer. Look for food preserved with Tocopherols Vitamins C and E as well as rosemary and other herbs. Make sure you have several months before this date. Frequent stores where there is a good turnover of food so you get a fresh bag. Always store dog food in a tight airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you only have one dog, consider buying pound bags instead of pounds bags so the food is fresher. Look for a food that has some form of meat as the first ingredient — such as lamb, chicken, or turkey. Avoid foods that have grain as the first ingredient. Also look for multiple meat proteins in the first seven ingredients. Protein from multiple sources is generally viewed as being beneficial such as lamb, chicken and fish , unless your dog is allergic to certain proteins. Dog food companies sometimes list several types of grains in the first seven ingredients. Beware of this — your dog needs animal protein in his diet! These are the intestines of the animal including what is in the intestines!! Most by-products are not desirable. By-products normally contain beaks, feet, feathers, heads and other slaughterhouse wastes — not the most nutritious part of the animal. Avoid foods that have sugars or artificial colors or flavors or a lot of added salt. Semi-moist dog foods are the worst — they usually are loaded with artificial colors and sugars. Added vitamins and minerals are beneficial only when applied after the baking process, because heat destroys vitamins. The best foods are made up of ingredients that would be suitable for human consumption. Most dog foods contain meat products that are not fit for human consumption. They can include meat from diseased livestock, condemned material from slaughterhouses such as tumors cut away from meat , and as horrible as it sounds, some pet foods include euthanized pets sold to rendering plants and even road kill. Is it any wonder why so many dogs die from cancer when they are being fed meat from these sources? Grains — many dog foods will contain some grains, for example, brown rice, barley, corn, wheat, etc. We have found that some goldens in our rescue program generally do poorly on a food that contains corn or soy. Many goldens are allergic to corn or wheat. So if your golden starts getting a lot of hot spots or skin problems — check his food. There is a big difference in quality of grain products. Look for whole rice or brown rice in the ingredients; white rice and ground brewers rice are much lower in nutrients than whole or brown rice. Often pet food companies take the sweepings off the mill floor and put it in pet food. Look for whole grains instead such as oatmeal, brown rice, barley, or whole oats. Grain Free foods. Grain Free foods have become increasingly available as food companies try to offer foods that are easier to digest with lower levels of complex carbohydrates and grains. One misconception is that grain free dog food is also low-carb, however, vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, green peas and tapioca often replace the grains in grain-free dog foods, especially in kibble foods, making them as high or higher in carbohydrates than grain-based dog foods. Studies have shown peas, beans, pea starch, legumes, potatoes and sweet potatoes that have replaced the grains in dog foods block the function of taurine. Taurine, a sulfuric acid, is essential for healthy cardiovascular function in Golden Retrievers. If left untreated, taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers can cause dilated cardiomyopathy DCM , congestive heart failure and possibly death. Read all the ingredients in the food which should include taurine and check with your veterinarian before selecting or feeding any grain free food to your dog. Detailed information on dog food ingredients and taurine can be found on this web page under Taurine and Grain Free information and at: Diet Associated Heart Disease Treats — beware of many dog treats out there. They are filled with sugars, preservatives and artificial colors. Try buying biscuits at your local dog bakery or making some yourself. The dog food companies listed below have high quality treats available for your dog. Is your dog overweight? Beware of some diet dog foods, they can be loaded with fillers that provide no added nutrition. At least green beans are healthy. You can also use canned pumpkin. Typically goldens love it! DO NOT free feed your golden; instead feed a measured amount of food twice a day. Most adult goldens will eat 1 cup of premium dog food twice a day. Is your dog too fat? You should be able to feel its ribs and your dog should have a waist. We have found that we have a different view of what constitutes a fat dog than many veterinarians. They will typically allow dogs to carry more weight than is optimal. This perhaps is because they do not want to insult their clients and risk losing business. Letting your golden get too fat is like chopping years off of its life. We also see lots of hip problems with goldens, and keeping weight in check will give your dog better mobility. Fat goldens are an epidemic from our experience. We routinely get goldens into our rescue program that have to lose 30 — 40 pounds!!! Therefore we have a lot of experience at taking the weight off! It is very discouraging and upsetting when an adoptive home will let some weight creep back on. You may think you are loving your dog by giving it too much to eat, but if you really love it you will keep it at a normal weight. Remember — Ribs and Waists! Can you feel and see them on your dog? If not, break open the cans of green beans! The bottom line is read the ingredients, consult your veterinarian and research reliable resources. Making sure your dog has the best nutritional food will help to insure he has a long and healthy life. Here, from Whole Dog Journal, are some additional links for selecting best dry dog food and the best canned dog reviews. Goldens Rescued Since .They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like.

Photo from: bobbi. Each dog has its own unique markings, which can also come in patches. Every single white and black American Bulldog is unique from the others in that the black markings are not in any certain location or size. A black and white American Bulldog is incredibly attractive to look at because black and white are contrasting hues and they just go so well together. The American Bulldog Breed The Old English Bulldog, which was introduced to North America by immigrants from the working class who wanted to maintain their working dogs to help on the farms, is the ancestor of the American Bulldog. These dogs quickly established themselves as imposing herding dogs and working dogs, similar to what Rottweilers were in Europe at that time. However, the history of the American Bulldog also has a sad chapter. Initially, they were used in the heinous sport of bull baiting. The American Bulldog was all but extinct by the end of World War II, but the effort of a few breeders saved the breed. Thankfully, the American Bulldog is no longer in danger of going extinct and is now primarily considered a companion. They usually come in two different types, the Scott and the Johnson American Bulldog. The Scott type, also known as the standard type, is an athletic dog with a muscular build similar to that of an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Staffordshire Terrier, typically solid white in color. The Johnson type, on the other hand, is stockier, has dark patches across its coat, and resembles an American Bully. Although they are often white with patches of brindle, red, or black, the breed also comes in a wide range of other hues. They could have coats that are fawn, red, brindle, brown, or even solid black. The nose and eye rims of American Bulldogs are typically black, however, they occasionally have pinkish undertones. Their eyes are typically brown in color. Despite the fact that these are breed criteria, some American Bulldogs have been reported to be merle or to have coats with blue undertones. The black and white coat color combination is listed in the AKC breed standard, but it is registered as a non-standard variation. So that indicates that the black and white American Bulldog is a part of the AKC, but it almost has an asterisk next to it. This is probably due to the rarity of this particular pattern and the rarity of the black patches in general when it comes to the American Bulldog breed. Wondering where to get an American Bulldog? Here is a list of some great breeders! The white and black American Bulldog has a white base coat that is predominately covered in black patterns. Every dog has distinctive markings that can be found in various patches across its body. On average, the height of this breed is noticeably greater than that of English Bulldogs or French Bulldogs. American Bulldog puppies will mature into adults that range in weight from 60 to pounds and 20 to 28 inches in height. Although these measurements are thought to be typical for the breed, American Bulldogs can vary greatly in size. Black And White American Bulldog Personality Photo from: hailstonekennels Black and white American Bulldogs are affectionate, kind, and intelligent, yet their nature frequently causes them to become territorial and unduly wary of strangers. They make wonderful family pets and watchdogs, even for households with young children, but they will require socialization training , especially as puppies, to get along with strange people or other dogs who drop by for a visit. Fortunately, they are extremely adaptive and trainable due to their intelligence. The American Bulldog, in general, is a playful breed with high exercise requirements. They thrive in households that can keep active through frequent walks and lots of playtime. Black And White American Bulldog Nutrition A diet for a black and white American Bulldog should be designed for a large to giant breed, taking into account their high level of energy. From puppyhood through adulthood, their demands will change. Growing puppies can prefer three or four smaller servings throughout the day instead of two larger meals. As your dog gets older, you can cut this down to two meals each day. The suggested serving amount will vary depending on your dog. You must consider its age, metabolism, and amount of activity. Make sure your black and white American Bulldog consumes a healthy, balanced diet and receives plenty of exercise to prevent weight gain. You should talk with them about creating a suitable diet for your black and white American Bulldog. The American Bulldog enjoys living indoors with its owner but, because of its working history, it is accustomed to being outdoors. It should therefore regularly engage in physical activities, such as walking , to burn off energy and stave off boredom in order to prevent harmful conduct. It can be kept under control with weekly brushing and occasional baths. Additionally, you should make a habit of keeping up with regular vet appointments, weekly ear checks, monthly nail trimmings, and standard dental care. One problem you can have is the likelihood of drooling , which is typical with bully breeds. Some of them are prone to specific illnesses, such as hypothyroidism, mange, cherry eye, or cataracts. Early-life obesity also increases the risk of developing elbow or hip dysplasia, which are conditions that can impact the dog throughout its entire lifespan. The breed has short snouts and is rather brachycephalic. Because of this, they could have a harder time handling the heat , especially when exercising. Make sure that they drink enough water, keep an eye on them, and make sure they are not having trouble breathing. Instead of harsh punishment or reprimand, they respond better to encouragement, praise, and plenty of rewards. American Bulldogs will begin to approach new experiences with caution when they are around 12 weeks old, as is the case with all breeds. Introduce your Bulldog to other dogs, people, and pets as well as car travel and strange noises while they are still so young and receptive. You can do the dog training yourself or seek out a professional. For comparison, that is more expensive than a Labrador or a Great Dane puppy, but about the same as a Pug puppy. But for that price, you typically receive a dog that has been checked for temperament and health problems. You can also check with your local animal shelter to see if they perhaps have a black and white American Bulldog puppy, as they will usually sell it for a much lower price. However, there are more expenses associated with dog ownership than just buying a puppy. Consider the following expenses when estimating the lifetime cost of owning a black and white American Bulldog: dog food, veterinary services, grooming, toys, etc. Conclusion One of the most stunning variants of the American Bulldog breed is the black-and-white American Bulldog. Apart from their striking looks, they also have great personalities, which makes them great family pets, whether you want to use them as companions, watchdogs, or even working dogs. Post navigation. His name is Riley. His job—shop dog. We are a scooter shop, and he greets dozens of folks every day. Riley has friends that bring him treats, or just drop in to say hi. He is really famous around Milwaukee. You would not believe how many people remember his name months later when they visit again—usually to see him. He is all white with 2 black spots over his eyes and a few on his nose and the tips of his ears. He is full of life, very intelligent and spoiled and will soon be starting K9 Bodyguard training. He weighs between and lbs. I grew up raising Rottweilers , Pomeranians , Australian Blue Heelers , Jack Russell Terriers and a range of mix breeds that my mother took in when owners would drop them off on their gravel road. He has been the kind of pet that you see in the movies when you are growing up, the one that is loyal, playful, loving and will not leave your side. Even as we speak and it is 2 a. His worst habits are trying to take up the entire couch and it doesn't matter if there are two people already on the couch before he gets on it. No matter what he always awaits permission and grunts when he wishes to climb on. He also has a habit of stretching out on the king sized bed in the middle of the night and pushing you out of his way with his feet. I am a lb. On the flip side, you will sometimes find him curled into a huge ball pressed up as close as possible to you in the morning. Tanner is prone to allergic reactions from his environment and because of this hives have been a common occurrence. We combat this with everything being washed and dried in hypoallergenic soaps and fabric softeners. Their food contains no soy, corn, wheat, and is gluten free which keeps him from having allergic reactions. She is an American Bulldog that weighs in at about 87 pounds. She loves to cuddle, children, play fetch, and her favorite thing is to sleep. She is the nicest and most loving dog I have ever had. She is really good with other dogs and always wants to play. Though I don't think she is that big of a dog others say she is of a pretty good size. She is also very strong, to find out how strong she was I start hooking her up to a harness and having her pull different stuff from around the house and yard. At one point I decided to hook her up to the car and put it in neutral and to my surprise she pulled it halfway down our driveway, which is about sixty feet. But once again she is by far the best dog for a family or just anyone. Though it did take me a little longer to train her than any other dogs, which is strange because she is very smart and has a great memory. She is the funniest dog that I have ever been around. She just does some of the stupidest stuff, like chasing the lawnmower around getting a mouth full of grass every time she tries to bite it, and the funniest is when I'm cleaning my car, she tries to attack the water coming out of the hose. She cracks me up. Leia the American Bulldog playing with the kids. Shadow the American Bulldog as a puppy at 10 weeks old Shadow the American Bulldog as a puppy at 6 months old sitting on the couch Shadow the American Bulldog at 10 months old looking over the back of the couch Jynx the XL American Bulldog at 5 years old—"My big boy. He's a gentle giant. Jynx shown here at 5 years old and pounds 56 kg " Tut the American Bulldog puppy at 8 weeks old—"This is Tut. I got him at 5 weeks of age. I never wanted a male dog, but now I won't trade him for anything! At 10 weeks old he weighed 22 pounds. She wasn't sure what to think about the noise the camera was making! She's a very smart girl, but awfully stubborn! We have started obedience training with her and although commands take a while to imprint, once she has it, she's golden! She now sits in her "spot" in the kitchen and waits quietly and patiently while we fill her food and water bowl. When her bowls are full she continues to wait patiently, all eyes on us, until we tell her "Good girl, you can have it! He has been a tremendous addition to our family!! We are a family of five and never before had a dog. He loves to fetch, play tug and when it is time to mellow out, he does!!! He simply picks a spot in the room and relaxes while we go about with our business!! We couldn't be happier with Cooper and can't wait for everything that is to come!!! Maggie is a three-year-old American Bulldog. Her mom is a Johnson type and her dad is a Scott type. We did not know anything about this breed before we got her but we quickly realized that we had to learn fast. She is very strong-willed and also just plain strong! This breed needs hours of exercise a day and a strong pack leader. By fulfilling her needs, we have been able to see her develop to her full potential. American Bulldogs are not for everyone so please choose this breed only after very careful thought. She is loving, fearless and protective. She is also exceptionally smart. She knows her toys by name and could play hide-and-seek for hours. When we tell her to go to her bed she does and does not get up until given permission so we can eat dinner without her begging for bits. She truly listens to her people and is eager to please. She does not like looking at herself in the mirror and she growls at animals on TV and in movies. We will never own a different breed. She has our hearts forever. We've had CeeCee about 5 months now and she has become a very much loved member of our family. Talk about personality! If it weren't for his instruction, CeeCee would be unmanageable. We didn't train her to do or not do anything; she just did her thing and usually agreed with us and followed us around. I started walking for my sanity's sake and she enjoyed tagging along.She was a little over a year old when she was given to us by friends who had to move across the country and couldn't take her along. So before she came to our house, we started reading everything we could find on American Bulldogs. I saw the info on the dogbreedinfo site about Cesar and devoured his book. We found the show and soon after I started ordering the DVD sets so I could watch the episodes over and over. As soon as she got here, we took her for a long walk together. She thinks any package left by the delivery man is her new chew toy, and still gets too excited occasionally, but she is learning to sit still and control her impulses. Our neighbors have wolf-dogs that occasionally get loose and it doesn't scare CeeCee a bit wish I could say the same for me. She holds her own and is gradually winning them over. CeeCee came to us during a time when I was grieving a very traumatic event. She was the catalyst for letting go of things I couldn't fix or change. At first, we were tempted to rename her Bessie. She had just had a litter of pups and the resemblance to your average Holstein was remarkable. Now, all trimmed up and dressed in her fancy black lipstick, she makes us all smile. He is my first dog and has been the best dog anyone could ever have asked for. After originally being chosen by another owner, Casey spent the first 2 months on his own crated nearly 23 hours a day, by himself without a toy in his crate. Since that time he has been the most loveable, affectionate dog anyone could ask for. He loves to play with other dogs, especially his new 3-month-old sister. He even tries to play with our 3-year-old cat. A true Johnson bully, he loves to be out doors running and training. His favorite things to do are play with his football, play tug, dig holes and eat freshly fallen snow. My husband has watched the Dog Whisperer gaining a lot of tips on how to get Carson to "calm" down. She loves people and thinks that everyone must love her. After using some of the techniques on the show, she has really changed into a calmer dog. Rose was a rather destructive puppy, but only when left alone. I had to crate her during periods when my wife and I would both be away to keep her from destroying our home or ingesting foreign objects. I thought we had taken on more than we could handle, but she learned commands and tricks faster than any dog I'd ever had. We began educate ourselves, and the first step was to walk her 2 miles a day, play fetch and Frisbee for marathon sessions, built her a "spring pole" of sorts, and even take long bike rides with her on leash. Her excitability at newcomers decreased right away, and her furniture-chewing habit ceased. Currently at almost 4 years old, she's the best dog I could ever hope for. I shudder to think that we considered giving her up for adoption, and now people ask us how we have such a well-trained dog! And Rose required being handled a bit more sternly than the Labs, Rottie, and mostly mixed breeds I'd owned previously. Only one harsh correction was usually needed; two thousand light vocal reprimands meant nothing. Today if we are playing fetch and the ball goes over the fence, she looks at me almost trembling and I can either tell her "get it" allowing her to hop the fence, retrieve, and hop back or give her a stay command. At 18 months of age, I never believed this dog could restrain herself from any impulse. I only have one dog of this breed to draw on, but I'd venture to say that the American Bulldog needs stimulation, love, play, but most of all exercise and an occasional heavy hand early on, so we could establish her place in our pack. She has made my wife and me far more physically active than we had been, and even that is life enhancing. They are incredibly powerful; playing tug with her has to be experienced to be believed. At only 78 pounds, Rose can jump, pull and bite like nothing else. She once jumped up and bit a tree limb and just hung and shook after I took her rope toy down from the limb. Their enthusiasm is a big part of their charm, but I would not recommend this breed to a busy person who can't devote the time. She is great around kids, cats, other dogs, and even just barks or whimpers when she encounters a snake or turtle while we're camping. But Rose was on the fast track to being given up, when we realized she simply needed more exercise and for us to be more firm with her. He requires a lot of exercise or he can get himself into trouble he is very strong. The most important thing in raising him was being firm and consistent on everything. He is very smart and learns things quickly, even bad habits. He is somewhat protective of females and children around strangers, but if introduced loves everyone. Benelli is excellent with our 2 young children, ages 2 and 3. She's so calm and gentle that my 3-year-old can hold the leash while we go for walks. She absolutely loves our cats and she gets along very well with our other dog. This is our first American Bulldog and we couldn't ask for a better dog!! Her name is Wanda. I have learned so much about her from your website; it is very interesting and useful. I taught her how to sit and how to walk beside me , not in front of me by your instructions. We live in El Salvador in Central America. He's my first AB and I am impressed with the breed. His father is a Johnson type doggy and his mom a Scott type. Porky the American Bulldog puppy at 10 weeks, weighing 21 pounds Belle the American Bulldog at 3 years old—"We rescued Bella a year ago from a pen in a neighbor's garden. She weighed 34 pounds 17 kilos and had ten pups inside her. She was a very scared and seemed to be an aggressive dog. I broke through the fence when no one had been to her cage for 4 days. After a lot of shouting and abuse from my neighbor she eventually let me have her. She had 10 pups in my summerhouse and slowly each day she came to trust me a little more. She still growled and was scared of everyone else. We brought her into our house and had a cage for her. Cesar Millan was and is my hero. He gave me the belief in myself that I could cope with such a big scared dog. We have now had her for a year. She is like a different dog. She sleeps with the cats that she once so wanted to attack. She no longer needs the hated cage and loves visitors that used to scare her. I have never had a dog before and to be honest never really wanted one, but my Bella has filled a gap I never knew was there. So for anyone out there thinking about owning a rescued American Bulldog all you need is lots of patience, a strong will and a touch of Cesar Millan.

Only 3 items in stock! Voyagers K9 Apparel has your English Bulldog covered with a breed-specific rain coat that actually stays on as your English Bulldog ventures outdoors. As you pull the rain jacket hood up and over your dog's ears, watch your English Bulldog relax. You'll absolutely love how dry and comfortable your English Bulldog feels. Reasons dogs love this rain coat: Greater comfort in wet weather Full coverage from head to tail with integrated hood Reflective piping for increased visibility and safety No more wet fur! Why breed specific dog coats? There really is no such thing as "one size fits all" when it comes to dog coats. That's why these breed-specific dog coats are tailored to fit the unique body shape and proportions of an English Bulldog. English Bulldog Measuring Guide Measurements are needed for all coat orders. After measuring your English Bulldog, use your dog's measurements to select the best coat size from our standard English Bulldog sizes. Our English Bulldog coats are tailored to the unique body of an English Bulldog, and are not intended to fit another breed. Our breed-specific coats are not customized to your dog's measurements, so if your English Bulldog has unusual proportions, order a made-to-measure dog coat to fit your dog. Be sure your dog's chest girth falls within the parameters of the size you choose. If your English Bulldog is a puppy and still growing, read How do I choose a dog coat for my puppy? Voyagers K9 Apparel designed this rain coat to fit the unique size and shape of your dog for optimal coverage. Plus, we've added and edging of reflective piping to draw attention to your dog in dark, dreary conditions. Our choice of quality waterproof materials, durable construction, and a thoughtful design gives your dog a coat this is easy to put on and keep on so you both enjoy rainy days more! On chilly days, layer the Tummy Warmer under the Rain Coat. Your dog will thank you! Only 3 items in stock! Voyagers K9 Apparel has your English Bulldog covered with a breed-specific rain coat that actually stays on as your English Bulldog ventures outdoors. As you pull the rain jacket hood up and over your dog's ears, watch your English Bulldog relax. You'll absolutely love how dry and comfortable your English Bulldog feels. Reasons dogs love this rain coat: Greater comfort in wet weather Full coverage from head to tail with integrated hood Reflective piping for increased visibility and safety No more wet fur! Why breed specific dog coats? There really is no such thing as "one size fits all" when it comes to dog coats. That's why these breed-specific dog coats are tailored to fit the unique body shape and proportions of an English Bulldog. English Bulldog Measuring Guide Measurements are needed for all coat orders. After measuring your English Bulldog, use your dog's measurements to select the best coat size from our standard English Bulldog sizes. Our English Bulldog coats are tailored to the unique body of an English Bulldog, and are not intended to fit another breed. Our breed-specific coats are not customized to your dog's measurements, so if your English Bulldog has unusual proportions, order a made-to-measure dog coat to fit your dog. Be sure your dog's chest girth falls within the parameters of the size you choose. If your English Bulldog is a puppy and still growing, read How do I choose a dog coat for my puppy? Voyagers K9 Apparel designed this rain coat to fit the unique size and shape of your dog for optimal coverage. Plus, we've added and edging of reflective piping to draw attention to your dog in dark, dreary conditions. Our choice of quality waterproof materials, durable construction, and a thoughtful design gives your dog a coat this is easy to put on and keep on so you both enjoy rainy days more! On chilly days, layer the Tummy Warmer under the Rain Coat. Your dog will thank you! With that being said, their daily activities — such as long walks and playtime — should not be compromised due to a dreary, rainy day. As a responsible dog owner, you should prepare your dog for outdoor activities in the rain. The rainy season is also a peak time for fleas and ticks. Be sure that you are treating your pooch during this time of year. These dog care tips will help avoid pesky bugs, skin infections, itchiness, and uncomfortable dampness on your dog. This makes them vulnerable to mud, water, grass, and insects that can cause infection. Keep them comfortable and pain-free with dry bedding. If they like to relax outside, make sure their area is covered and dry. Dog breeds with closed ears, such as labs and basset hounds, are more at risk than dogs with short, open ears. This is because earwax and moisture accumulate more quickly in dogs with closed ears. This gives you the opportunity to get creative and find ways to entertain your dog inside the house. You can play fetch, have a training session, or play with some mentally enriching puzzles in the house or garage. Be on the lookout for infection Rainy weather brings on extra moisture, which can lead to the growth of bacteria and fungi. Keep a close eye on your dog and watch out for symptoms of infection such as excessive licking, itching, scratching, and smelly ears. Consult your vet if any symptoms of infection emerge. Calm your pooch during Storms Many dogs have anxiety during storms, especially if there is thunder and lightning. Have a safe place for your dog to go where they feel comfortable, such as a kennel or on your lap when you are home. Keep an eye on the forecast to make sure you know if your dog may need the TV or radio left on to help drown out the storm. You can also look into purchasing a thunder shirt if your dog needs an extra calming solution. Take care of your loyal companion during the rainy season with these dog care tips. Make sure to keep them dry and comfortable in order to avoid infection. With our dog care tips, you can keep your pup happy and healthy regardless of the weather! And keep in mind that whenever you need some extra help, regardless of the weather, Fon Jon Pet Care is here to help. With more than 70 years of experience providing top-quality dog boarding , dog grooming , dog daycare , and dog training in San Diego County, we have what it takes to help you keep your pup healthy and happy! We want to help make taking care of your dog easier than ever! You can also schedule an appointment to meet with us and get answers to any questions you may have about our services. The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, it should not be considered as a substitute for professional veterinary guidance. The good news is there are some easy ways to keep your dog physically active indoors. Find The Treats A fun nose work game, such as find the treats, is a great way to keep your dog active indoors. The purpose of the game is to have your dog sniff out treats you hide around the house. Have your dog sit in a stay position and place some treats around the room where they can see them. Have your dog sit in a stay position and start hiding treats in areas that are out of sight. The best part about find the treats is how simple it is. And although it seems pretty basic it will give your dog a nice mental workout and keep them active. In that regard playing tug with your dog is a great way to teach them some basic impulse control and manners. And contrary to what some people say tug will not make your dog aggressive, nor will letting them win make them more dominant. Letting your dog win just makes the game more fun for your dog, and it will encourage them to play more. Studies have shown that dogs who play tug with their owners tend to be more obedient and exhibit higher confidence. Kong Stuffing When it comes to entertaining my dog on rainy days stuffed Kongs are a life saver. I usually use some peanut butter or low sodium broth mixed with veggies and let it freeze overnight. Chasing Bubbles Chasing bubbles is a fun way to keep your dog busy on rainy days. You can buy bubbles made for dogs , or you can buy any of the bottles at the store since the bubbles the ones made for children are nontoxic. And seriously, a few minute sessions of chasing bubbles can work wonders for your dog. Indoor Agility A fun way to exercise your dog on rainy days is to practice some indoor agility. Use your imagination and come up with a set of obstacles for your dog to follow. Once your dog has learned how to jump over the broom stick you can them move onto going to their towel. Free Shaping Another fun way to exercise your dog on a rainy day is to do some free shaping. Shaping is the act of building up a particular behavior by using a series of small steps to achieve it. The basic principle of shaping games is encouraging your dog to make their own decisions and try something new. Still confused? It took me awhile to catch on until I saw this excellent video by Dr. Sophia Yin that explains how to do some basic free shaping exercises with your dog. My dog and I love playing soccer in the basement with her Jolly ball. Trick Training Another fun way to exercise your dog on a rainy day is to do some good old fashioned trick training. You can also work on teaching your dog some around the house type jobs such as fetching you your slippers. If you want to impress all of your friends teach your dog to fetch you something from the fridge. Puzzle Toys Another simple way to keep your dog busy on rainy days is by using puzzle toys. Are you looking for more ways to keep your dog active and entertained indoors? How do you give your dog exercise on a rainy day? What indoor activities does your dog enjoy? Will your dog tolerate an all day cuddle session on the couch? This post contains affiliate links. For more information please see our disclosure page. Photo: gammaman You know the drill. As soon as the first drop of rain falls, your dog needs to pee. Inevitably, though, revealing pouring rain through an open back door only sends them running back in. Continue with your regular house-training and simply add the element of rain. You can get dog raincoats of all sizes online or in your local pet store. Heap some praise on your dog after they do their business in the rain. Use Treats and Love As with any new behavior or trick, train your dog with lots of praise, treats and love. Start small by giving them praise for simply walking outside in the rain and build up from there. The first time your dog pees in the rain, let them know how proud you are. Continue those efforts until your dog is excited to go out in the rain or at least not resistant to it. Go Outside With Them Yep, you and your dog are in this together. What better way to show them good behavior than by partaking in it with them? To help your dog learn to go potty in the rain, grab your umbrella and walk out with them. Keep a cool and calm demeanor, giving them loving praise throughout. Create a Rain Shelter A common method for initially house-training dogs is to take them to the same spot outside every time they need to go. You can continue those efforts by covering that spot or any spot in your yard with a large umbrella or shelter. If you keep taking him to the same place to go to the bathroom, he will eventually understand the connection. Photo: christels 6. Then, continue your efforts when the rain starts to pour. The next time it lightly rains outside, take your dog for a walk. The more walks you take in the rain, the less being wet will bother your dog. Watch how these dogs deal with the rain: 8. Not only will they love it, but quickly running inside will also teach them that the faster they go to the bathroom, the sooner they get to go back in. Not a bad deal, is it? Would you want to do it? The more calm you are throughout the process, the faster your dog will catch on.

We have answers. We are absolutely committed to full transparency at Uptown. Only the very best Las Vegas French Bulldog breeders and businesses get into our network, and they provide full health and behavioral histories for each pup. So you know exactly what you are getting when you connect with French Bulldog breeders in Las Vegas in our network. What will my French Bulldog puppy be like? French Bulldogs are little dogs with big heads that give them an incredibly cute appearance. French Bulldog puppies for sale Las Vegas are friendly, fun, and adorable. They get on well with everyone, and they are companion dogs too, which means they love nothing more than spending lots of time with their owners. Is there a reason why French Bulldogs are expensive? When you look for French Bulldog puppies for sale in Las Vegas, they can cost more than other breeds. This is because their narrow hips mean they need to be artificially inseminated, and C-sections are needed to deliver pups. This extra skill and work involved leads to the additional expense when you buy a Las Vegas French Bulldog for sale. How can I find a puppy in the Uptown Network? Just search for a French Bulldog Las Vegas, find the available litters, and connect with the breeder. Once you have connected, you can start to make arrangements with them and you could soon be meeting your gorgeous new puppy. Can I go and pick up my new puppy in person? If you find a French Bulldog for sale Las Vegas nearby and find your perfect puppy, simply make arrangements with the breeder and you may be able to pick up your pup in person. But even if your new puppy is over the other side of the country, the breeder can make travel arrangements, so you can meet them at your nearest major US airport. Is this a place where I can find the cheapest puppies? The French Bulldog breeders Las Vegas in our network are the best of the best. They provide a boutique service and they all have incredibly high breeding standards. You can certainly choose a shelter dog, and we are not anti-shelter at all. The most important thing is that you get a dog from a humane and responsible source. But if you want a purebred French Bulldog for sale in Las Vegas or a dog with particular character traits, you may find it easier to use Uptown. How do I know that my new pup is going to be healthy? Because all the breeders in our network provide complete health checks for their French Bulldog puppies in Las Vegas. They will check your puppy's fur, eyes, mouth, skin, ears, and everything else for their French Bulldogs for sale in Las Vegas. What exercise requirements to French Bulldogs have? Compared to other breeds, their exercise needs are low. A short walk each day is recommended, so keep that in mind when you look for Las Vegas French Bulldogs for sale. And they will probably have some more energy to play at home. But other than that, they are happy to relax with their owners. Will my Frenchie pup be quick to learn commands? Many people look for French Bulldogs for sale Las Vegas because these are dogs that love to please their owners. They will love the attention you give them during training, but they can be slightly stubborn. Just be patient, and you will find that your Frenchie puppy will pick up new commands without any problems. Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water.

Categories Dog Training German shepherds make incredible pets! However, the German shepherd is a large and muscular dog that can potentially do a lot of harm to smaller animals. So if you have other pets, such as a cat, you may wonder if they can coexist. German shepherds can absolutely get along with cats. However, this depends on how you raise the dog and the effort you put into socializing them. Whether you have a German shepherd or plan to get one soon, there are things to consider if you also own a cat. Read on to learn how to ensure the two animals will get along. To say a German shepherd naturally dislikes any animal would be a mistake. Though they may look a little scary, GSDs can be as friendly as any dog breed. Also called a prey drive, this refers to how dogs may naturally want to chase or hunt smaller animals. Now, it might be seen as an inconvenience for anyone who wants a dog besides hunters! This natural drive can encourage your German shepherd to see smaller animals as things to chase. This could be bad news for your cats. However, this only serves to highlight the importance of socializing your German shepherd. Depending on how well you socialize your dog, it very well could be the reason your dog sees your cats as friends rather than potential food and prey. Both animals are obviously different species and will have different habits, tendencies, and approach to others. We need to remember this natural inclination when helping our German shepherds get along with cats. German shepherds are smart: Wicked smart. They are consistently ranked as one of the smartest dog breeds. This means proper training is all they need to get along fine with cats or other animals. German shepherds are loyal: When you treat a German shepherd well, it will want to please you. It will respond quickly and happily to any training, which is best for everyone involved. This breed is particular protective, especially when it comes to the people or animals that they love. In other words, they look after their pack. The Personality of Cats It takes two to tango, or to get along. A lot of cats tend to be quite aloof, while others can be surprisingly affectionate. However, if you have an impatient cat or one that does not like affection, it might not get along with a dog. After all, dogs tend to be quite physical with their affection. So a cat might end up losing patience over being licked or bothered. In a study, researchers found the five main personality traits of cats, dubbed the Feline Five. The five include neuroticism, extraversion, dominance, impulsiveness, and agreeableness. Why Cats and German Shepherds Are Similar And according to the five feline traits, German shepherd and cats are more similar than you may think. In fact, I would argue that these dogs have all five traits too. Plenty of owners believe that German shepherds are neurotic and sensitive dogs. As a result, they can grow neurotic over small sounds, digging, or scratching. German shepherds can also be very extraverted dogs, depending on your dog. And if properly trained or socialized, they have a better shot at being extraverts. Dogs are all innately friendly animals and the GSD is no exception. Given the sheer size and power of these dogs, is it really a surprise that German shepherds possess a dominant personality too? And because German shepherds are some of the smartest dogs , they tend to do well with obedience and training. This makes them very agreeable dogs if properly trained. Their loyalty goes deep and the dog will take every opportunity to please their owners. Unless your dog has been socialized with cats, they make act aggressively. However, German shepherds that are raised in a home with cats tend to get along just fine with them due to their unwavering loyalty and devotion to the pack. In fact, Rover calls them one of the top five most loyal dog breeds! German shepherds also have a natural protective instinct , which makes them much more likely to keep the cat safe than to do harm to it. But of course, the dog must be very familiar with the cat and see the animal as a pack member. Because of these two signature traits that define the German shepherd, it can be easy to make the two get along. Or at the very least, cohabit in a civil manner. Of course, there are plenty of variables, including the personality of your cat. And a lot of it depends on how well and often you socialize your dog with the cat. However, often it is up to their owners to shape their temperament and behavior. But any breed can learn to get along with cats, and German shepherds are no exception. However, there are a few steps to take to get your German shepherd to like cats. Start Socialization Early One of the best ways to ensure your German shepherd gets along with cats is to socialize them from when they are puppies. A German shepherd that is around cats from a young age will see them differently from an adult that has never been socialized. According to the American Kennel Club, socialization should start as young as 3 weeks of age. That early window of development is going to be crucial to seeing good results. Socialized dogs enjoy a much calmer and happier life than those that miss out on it. In fact, with how intelligent German shepherds are, they can quickly learn how to get along with cats. Below are a few tips to help you along your way. And, the results may not always be what you might ideally want. However, remaining patient and understanding with your German shepherd through it all will only make things better. Keep the Rewards Flowing: German shepherds are brilliant, and rewarding them only serves to speed up any learning. By rewarding positive behavior , you can see better results far sooner than without an abundance of rewards. And by rewards, we of course mean treats! Focus on the positive and keep up the treats. Your attitude toward the process will have an effect on how your German shepherd responds. They can reads moods quite easily. Does Age Matter? Generally, introducing a puppy German shepherd to a cat will go more smoothly than doing so with an adult GSD. During this period, both animals are more adventurous and willing to explore. But again, this mostly depends on socialization. An adult or adolescent German shepherd that has been socialized early on can pull from prior experience. It likely already feels comfortable and safe around others, so will be less likely to show aggression. Still, we should cover a few tips that will be important regardless of what age you introduce your German shepherd to cats. Introducing Your German Shepherd to Cats We have put together some key tips and suggestions for ensuring your German shepherd and cat have a safe and productive introduction. While there are plenty of ways to do this, these suggestions come from real owners with success. We believe these are important, regardless of whether your German shepherd is a puppy or adult, or has been socialized or not. Supervision Is a Must You will want to have as much control over the situation as possible. Though the chance for aggression may be low, it is always better to play it safe. So we recommend being present from start to finish. We even would suggest continuing to be present for all future interactions, until you are absolutely sure your German shepherd and cat get along. In a lot of cases, you may scare the two animals from wanting to play with each other. This will just give you the opposite of what you wanted. Instead, start with short meetings. Maybe even just a minute at first. Our goal is to get your GSD and your cat acquainted with one another, not to become fast friends from day one though that would be perfect! Remember — patience is key! With that said, below is a quick outline for a natural progression of getting your German shepherd and cat acquainted with one another. After all, both animals rely heavily on their sense of smell. We recommend that both your German shepherd and cat have recently been bathed. Multiple scents can make for a confused sensory experience for both pets. While they are swapping scents, watch for any changes in behavior. Is either party showing signs of aggression? Then call it a day and separate them. Separated Awareness: A good next step is to let your German shepherd and cat be aware of each other, but have a barrier between them. This can be a baby gate or whatever you see fit. Just make sure the two can see each other through the barrier. This can let them grow used to each other without the risk of one chasing down the other. Always be sure to reward any calmer behavior or even signs of gentle curiosity. Make sure to bring out the good treats during this process! Try doing this for about minutes for a week or so, and decide if you can move on to the next step. If there has been no aggression, your pets might be ready. Together At Last: But not forever. For the first face-to-face meetings, we still want you to have complete control over the situation. Even if the two are finally familiar with one another, anything can happen at any moment. To be safe, we recommend still having a leash on your German shepherd. That way, if anything escalates, you can maintain control quickly and easily. Again, try this for about a week for only a few minutes at a time. Friendship Unleashed: Only once you are sure that there is no aggression or chasing from your German shepherd can you let them spend time together without a leash. Still, we strongly advise supervising from start to finish. Only once your pets have spent several peaceful months together can you possibly leave them alone together. Have you had luck getting your GSD and cats to be friends? If so, what steps did you take to foster their friendship? Share your experience in the comments below. Things can get crowded quickly, especially if you own a cat too! Read more here. However, there are different things to consider, along with training, when bringing the two together. Are German Shepherds Dangerous? Not only for your kids, but other pets such as cats. Post navigation. Some dog breeds are better suited to be kept around cats, which is why it is so important to do your research into the characteristics of each dog breed before making the big decision. No two dog breeds share the same personality, so it is vital not to make any pre-judgments about a particular breed of dog before reading the facts. In this article, you will see the background and characteristics of a German Shepherd while also answering the big question of whether they are good with cats. German Shepherds are renowned for being one of the highest-energy dogs out there, which comes with a lot of work for the owner. You must have a pretty big garden for them to exercise in, and daily walks are a necessity. The personality of a German Shepherd is usually aloof but not aggressive. A well-socialized German Shepherd is a guaranteed best friend and will leave you as a happy dog-owner. German Shepherds and cats A tale as old as time itself that possibly outweighs all hatred felt in the past: cats vs. If there were to be one dog that could rise above this battle, it would be the German Shepherd. Sure they may be big, but German Shepherds are intelligent enough to know the difference between playtime and protecting their owners. But does this gentle behavior mean German Shepherds can rise above this war that has appeared to be unstoppable for so many millennia? The answer to this question depends on how you raise your German Shepherd and whether they are correctly socialized. The term socialization is thrown around a lot in the world of dogs. It essentially just means exposing your pup to different people and animals from a young age. However, check out the next paragraph to figure out in more detail how to properly socialize your German Shepherd and some other relevant factors that contribute towards their social awareness and ability to deal with cats. How to get your German Shepherd to resist the instincts While some dogs seem to prefer meeting new humans and animals more than others, all of them can be trained to respond to these situations appropriately. Everyone gets scared or worried when doing new things or meeting new people, including your German Shepherd. The longer you spend completing an activity and getting used to it, is how you begin to relax when partaking in it. This is exactly what socializing is when introducing your German Shepherd to new animals, people, and settings, preferably from a young age. To do this, you must expose your German Shepherd at a young age to the other previously mentioned things that they are not used to being around. You can begin to socialize your German Shepherd and cat by putting the bowls close to one another. You could also put your puppy on one side of the door and your cat on the other. The first interactions Before you even introduce your puppy to your kitten, it is vital that your German Shepherd can follow the sit, stay, and leave it commands. These three commands are needed so that you will still control the situation when the face-to-face interaction finally happens. The first interaction between your German Shepherd and cat should hopefully be short and maybe even peaceful. Put your pup in a kennel, and once they are on a leash, place the cat in front of him for no more than 10 minutes. If the aggression is still going, then it is recommended you pick up your cat and walk away. Your puppy really enjoys your presence, so they will associate this loss of your company with them not being kind to the cat, which will hopefully alter future encounters. Follow these steps for a couple of weeks daily, and gradually increase the interaction time between them, so it slowly becomes more and more familiar. When each pet can comfortably spend at least a half-hour with one-another, then it is time to repeat the process without a leash on your dog. You must keep a very close eye on your dog in this stage to avoid any injures to your cat. Sign Up We only send quality info with absolutely NO Spam Other helpful tips to strengthen their relationship German Shepherds are one of the most energetic dog breeds and love to run around and just generally go crazy. If your pup gets plenty of exercises, then there is less of a chance of them irritating or possibly harming your cat. If you are adopting, make sure to ask the shelter if your German Shepherd was raised around cats. It is vital to either spray or neuter your German Shepherd before hitting puberty at around six months. German Shepherds respond well to positive reinforcement through things like pats and dog treats due to their intelligence. They need to know when they are doing good. Frequently Asked Questions If you have any remaining questions about German Shepherds and cats in general, feel free to consult below. Can a German Shepherd harm my cat? If you do not follow the steps mentioned above, then yes, a grown German Shepherd could undoubtedly harm your cat as they might see them as a threat. If your pup is well socialized, they will have formed a healthy relationship with your cat, and you will have nothing to worry about. My German Shepherd is now old, and I am thinking of purchasing a cat? Although it is tough to socialize an adult or senior dog, it is still possible. To undergo this, it is recommended that you take your dogs to a school instead of attempting to teach them this at home as it is too risky to put a kitten in the environment of an un-socialized German Shepherd. If the trainer deems your German Shepherd as a lost cause regarding socialization, then it is advised that you do not purchase a cat for the sake of its safety. What to do if my cat is causing the issues and not my German Shepherd? However, if this is the case, you can simply follow the previous steps but replacing your dog with your cat. Your cat might not show it, but they do love your presence! Use these same tactics to get your cat to understand that they must become best friends with your new puppy. I have tried all your steps, and nothing is working. What should I do? It is better to do this sooner rather than later so that your pets are socialized from a young age when it is easiest to learn new skills. The only set-back of this is the price, as this challenging job can often set you back a fair amount of money. Are German Shepherds good with cats? Animals can also sense your energy, so if you stay positive and forward-thinking, so too will your German Shepherd and cat in their first few meetings. Relaxed humans usually mean relaxed animals. You can imagine if you introduce a cat to your large German Shepherd that has never even seen another animal before, it will not be a fun meeting. But if your German Shepherd is well-equipped and has dealt with cats and other animals before then, they are bound to become best friends. It just depends on you and how you follow the previous steps when socializing them. Similarly, if your cat has never seen a dog before, they are bound to be cautious and afraid, which is why you must expose them to all these things from a young age. Finally, for the safety of your cat and dog alike, if your pup has grown too old and can no longer be socialized, it is a wise decision not to purchase a cat. No matter how much you want an adorable furball crawling around your house, it is likely that an unsocialized German Shepherd will react terribly to this and will put your cat in danger. Aug 4, Share Although the rivalry between dogs and cats is a tale as old as time, it is normal for dogs and cats to get along with early socialization. The trick is finding a dog breed that will either ignore the cat or love it naturally. If you like German Shepherds, you might be wondering if this big breed gets along with cats. Instead, be proactive in socialization and temperament selection to find the right German Shepherd and cat. Read on to learn more about how German Shepherds react to cats and learn tips about early socialization. In comparison to more aggressive breeds, German Shepherds are naturally good with cats. That being said, individual German Shepherds may act uneasy around cats or act out right aggressively. In other words, it can be hard to predict if a German Shepherd will get along well with cats since individual personality is the biggest determiner. Because they are less aggressive than some breeds, you have better luck socializing German Shepherds. Naturally, German Shepherds are really loving, but they were originally bred as herding dogs. Their herding background means they have a natural instinct to chase, herd, and protect. Even if German Shepherds are not meaning to be aggressive, cats may often interpret their behavior as such. Luckily, German Shepherds, especially when they are puppies, respond to training well. With early socialization, German Shepherds have a great chance of getting along with cats. Only through socialization efforts can you trust that a German Shepherd will get along with your furry feline friend. Background As their name suggests, German Shepherds were originally used as herding dogs. It was their job to help keep herds together and defend them from predators. Today, German Shepherds still retain this herding drive. When around cats, they can chase and even nip at their tail or heels. If your cat takes off, the German Shepherd is especially likely to behave in this way. Image Credit: lancegfx, Pixabay Personality German Shepherds are known for having one of the most lovable personalities. Today, this dog is considered one of the most popular breeds because it is intelligent, courageous, and responds very well to training. Additionally, German Shepherds are known for being sensitive and lovable, which is why they make perfect guard dogs for families. They get along great with children, but they will protect if necessary. With the right owner, German Shepherds easily become one of the most socialized and lovable dogs. Trainability In terms of trainability, German Shepherds are considered one of the best. They have a high desire to please their owners, and they are very intelligent, which makes it easier for them to pick up on commands. Especially in the first 3 months of their lives, German Shepherds have a great capacity for being trained. Because German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to please, training these dogs is not as difficult as it could be with other breeds. The earlier you socialize your German Shepherd, the better. The best time to socialize your German Shepherd is during the first 3 months of its life. If the German Shepherd is socialized sooner rather than later, it is much more likely to be kind and gentle around cats. Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock Factors That Affect Socialization To get the best result out of socialization training, there are some factors you need to consider. Age and temperament are the two most important. Age The most important factor to think about when you are socializing your German Shepherd is its age. The younger your German Shepherd is, the easier socialization will be. If you already have a cat in your home, it is best to get a German Shepherd puppy as opposed to an adult German Shepherd. Start training your German Shepherd how to properly behave around cats as soon as possible. Temperament Think about the temperament of both the dog and cat in question. If you know that your German Shepherd is aggressive around other animals, bringing it into the home will not be a good option for the cat. Step 1. If the German Shepherd is not yet trained, the meeting can go bad, even if the German Shepherd is not trying to act aggressively. Image Credit: marcin jucha, Shutterstock Step 2. Have two clean cloths and rub one along the back of each animal. Then, bring the cat cloth to the dog and the dog cloth to the cat. Allow them to discover the cloth on their own. Pay attention to how the animals behave. Does either animal seem anxious or overly excited? This will give you a good clue about how the animals will respond to one another. Continue this process until both the cat and dog are calm around the cloth. Step 3. Allow Them to See Each Other Once the animals are comfortable around the scented cloths, allow the animals to see one another but not be in the same room. You can do this by putting one animal on a side of a glass door and the other animal on the other. Do this a couple of days for 5 minutes at a time. Separate Them With a Pet Gate After the animals get accustomed to seeing one another, you can bring them both inside, but still keep them separated with something like a pet gate. This ensures that both pets are safe, but they also have the opportunity to see and smell one another. Step 5. Leash Meeting Once you are ready, you can let the German Shepherd smell the cat while on a leash. As both you and your cat get more comfortable around the German Shepherd, you can select a longer leash and eventually take the dog off the leash completely. Take your time with this process and give both pets treats for good behavior. Final Thoughts If you want to have both a dog and a cat, German Shepherds can be a good choice, but you need to take the time to slowly introduce the two animals to one another after extensive training. With early socialization, most German Shepherds get along great with cats. Upbringing, timing, training, and socialization will all be a part of the equation. But this will more so impact how long it takes until they tolerate each other and how well they get along, rather than if they can get along at all. But rest assured that there are easy processes that can be followed to ensure these two animals become the best of friends that are even fiercely protective of one another. Dogs like to chase things. Many dogs run after squirrels, rabbits, and other forms of domestic wildlife. Dogs also like to fetch tennis balls and chase lures to exercise this natural instinct. All dogs have a prey drive. German shepherds are herding dogs. German Shepherd Rescue Elite notes that the breed was formally created in the late s. German Shepherds are all descended from a particularly noble sheepherding dog named Hektor. Herding dogs have been bred to give chase as a response to their prey drive. This behavior is useful for rounding up sheep, chickens, and any other farm animal that might need to be wrangled. When a German Shepherd meets a cat, his initial reaction will be that of any dog: curiosity, excitement, or confusion. We recommend that you consider the temperament of your existing pet before you bring another dog or cat into your home. You know your pets better than anyone; only you can decide whether a new animal is a good idea. Some pets have open, friendly demeanors. If your cat is normally relaxed around humans and dogs, they are more likely to give a German Shepherd puppy a chance. On the other hand, a cat who is usually skittish and aloof will probably not do well with a new family friend. Consider whether your current pet shows territorial instincts, an aggressive prey drive, or dominant behaviors. Pets who like to be in charge of their environment have a tough time adjusting to new family members. Even if your pet shows these behaviors, you still might be able to adopt another cat or dog. According to Michele Welton , dog trainer and behavioral consultant, there are two main types of German Shepherds: show dogs and working dogs. German Shepherds bred for the show can be skittish, but they have a more gentle temperament overall. German Shepherds bred to be working dogs have energetic but obedient temperaments. If you already have a cat, look for a German Shepherd with a mellow personality. Avoid dogs bred for high-stress situations, and instead find a breeder who specializes in dogs with family temperaments. The lessons that a creature learns during the early months of their life will always feel more natural to them; this is true for both dogs and cats. You will have an easier time training your German Shepherd if you have a volunteer cat that is already comfortable with dogs. Your puppy will be learning to control his or her excitement; this is more difficult if the other animal is stressed out. Start by placing your cat in a pet carrier. Bring your dog into the room, and let them sniff the carrier. After a moment, call your dog away for treats and direct its attention. Continue to play with your dog while the cat is safely crated in the room. If your dog tries to investigate the carrier, block their access, or distract them again. Whenever your dog ignores the cat and pays attention to you, reinforce this behavior with treats and praise. After a few successful ignore sessions, put a leash on your dog and let the cat out of the carrier. Eventually, you should be able to let your dog off-leash and maintain their full attention while a cat is in the room. Teach Your Dog to Respect Cats Once your dog knows the ignore skill, you can also teach them to wait patiently and let a cat approach them. Put your dog on a leash, and bring a cat in a carrier into the room. Ask your dog to lie down and stay. They should already be comfortable with this command before you bring a cat into the situation. If your dog lunges at the cat, say no. Correct their behavior until they remain still. Once your dog has shown that he can stay quiet around the kitty, let the cat out of the carrier. Do not let yourself become tense; your dog will react to your emotions. Keep your dog lying down while the cat explores the room. If you stay patient and relaxed, your dog will follow suit. Eventually, the cat may feel like approaching your dog; keep your dog calm for the entire experience. Once the cat is put away, let the energy rise again with treats and playtime. Try asking your dog to lie down every time they see a cat. You want your German Shepherd to automatically relax and assume a non-threatening position whenever they encounter a feline. German shepherds usually only chase cats who run. If you can help your cat relax around the dog, you can prevent most chasing situations. Your cat will probably never get along with all German Shepherds, but you can train them to be comfortable around one specific animal. It can take weeks or months for a dog and a cat to get used to each other. Start by Introducing Scents Keep your two pets separate from each other for the first day or two. Keep the German shepherd on a leash while you let your cat explore the room. Eventually, your cat may choose to approach the dog. Hissing, barking, and lunging are all signs that you should break the session and try again another day. The goal is to let your cat become comfortable around the new family member. Actual results will vary based on your cat; give them plenty of room to move around, and let them introduce themselves to the dog at their own pace. Even if you trust the two of them, you should still take steps to keep the environment peaceful and safe. Make sure that your pets have avenues to get away from each other. Dogs need backyards, crates, and other areas that are distinctly theirs. Use plenty of treats to help both animals relax. Good food creates positive associations. If necessary, feed your pets on opposite sides of the same room. Some cats do not relax inside carriers. Try using a baby gate to separate the two animals. Remember to keep the German Shepherd on a leash until they both calm down. Supervise all interactions between the dog and the cat for the first few months. Monitor stress levels, and casually end playtime if it gets too rough. Always assume that your dog is afraid instead of aggressive; if he acts jumpy or upset, take steps to calm him down. Once the dog relaxes, he is carefully supervised as he introduces himself to the kitten. These pet owners use treats to reward appropriate reactions, and the dog is continually praised for his good behavior. This leads to positive feelings and a sense of confidence around the new kitten. Eventually, the dog and the cat start playing with each other. At some point, they even engage in play chasing; this behavior is not dangerous, but it should still be supervised. Trust your instincts — you will know if a situation is tense instead of playful. Remember to show respect to the animal who currently lives in your home. Above all, be patient with your furry friends. Be willing to wait months for tensions to truly dissipate. If you maintain a positive attitude and handle the introductions well, your pets will learn to tolerate each other. They might even become best friends. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Here Kitty, Kitty! Here are things you can do the make the transition go more smoothly. If your German Shepherd does not have a solid understanding of basic obedience, sign up for a class or refresher course BEFORE bringing a new kitty into your home. By teaching your dog to control its impulses, you are setting it up for success with cats—and other animals. German Shepherds are herding dogs which means most will have some degree of prey drive. This drive is an innate behavior that most dogs can learn to control, but the root behavior itself is always present. Prey drive, or the desire to chase down and catch fast-moving, small animals can lead to unsafe or even life threatening situation for cats. Due to size and weight differences alone, your German Shepherd can cause injury to a cat—even by accident. Plan the first meeting carefully. Just like with people, dogs and cats have just one chance to make a good impression. If a first meeting is not initiated correctly—and the cat hisses and scratches your German Shepherd—it might forever be distrusting or fearful of cats. The same would apply if a dog barks its head off and pounces on your cat. It might forever feel threatened by dogs. By setting the stage for a successful first impression, you can build a foundation of acceptance and trust for both parties. Provide a safe zone. When bringing a new kitty into your home, place it in a room or area of your house that is dog free—for at least the first day or so. This will give both the kitty and your German Shepherd time to acclimate to all the new sites, sounds and smells. If introducing a new German Shepherd to your cat, provide adequate restraint for the dog by using a crate or secure baby gate that allows the dog and cat to investigate and interact—safety. Your German Shepherd should not be allowed to give chase under any circumstance as this can initiate prey drive that can lead to injury or worse for the cat. Teaching your German Shepherd to control its impulses can set the stage for life-long success with cats. Common Introduction Mistakes Below are a few common mistakes pet owners make when introducing German Shepherds to cats. This is a guaranteed recipe for disaster. This type of forced introduction will most likely tempt the cat to hiss and scratch your dog—and your dog could respond in an equally distasteful manner. Not only is this not a positive first encounter, but it could encourage your German Shepherd to not like or detest all cats—forever. Because many cats can be aloof and easily startled, always let the kitty decide when or if it is ready to approach your dog. Surprising your pet. Many dogs and cats, like people, do not like change. Especially if the change is sudden. Begin by randomly opening and closing doors around your house. Purchase a baby gate and move it to different locations around the house. If you have a cat, move its litter box to other locations—and for both dogs and cats—change the location of their food dishes. These small changes will give your current pet time to adjust to change before its new buddy arrives. Once the new pet settles in, you can re-establish your household routines. Making false assumptions. No matter how well you think you might know your dog or cat, their reactions to a particular animal can be unpredictable. Especially when the temperament and life experiences of no two dogs or cats are the same. So never assume the outcome of an initial greeting—no matter how well you think you know your current pet. This same precaution applies especially to shelter or rescue animals whose backgrounds and life experiences are not known. Do not assume a rescue dog is good with cats even if the shelter staff tells you they are. Not until the dog has been correctly and safety introduced to your cat can you be assured of a successful interaction. When dogs and cats are raised in loving, caring environments, they can become best friends—or at the very least, learn to tolerate and respect each other. A tired dog is a happy dog. Many dogs, especially German Shepherds, need lots of mental stimulation and physical activity throughout the day. If your German Shepherd is tired, it will be more likely to leave kitty alone. Physical activity and mental stimulation gives your dog the opportunity to release its herding instincts and prey drive—safely and more appropriately. If your lifestyle does not allow for daily physical activities and play with your German Shepherd, consider hiring a dog walker or signing up for doggy daycare to keep your dog active, engaged and tired at the end of the day. Utilize vertical space. Cats need to feel protected with safe zones that are off-limits to dogs. And since cats are natural climbers, take advantage of the vertical space in your home by erecting cat towers, perches or sleep areas on furniture or shelves. Elevated spaces give cats the ability to observe your German Shepherd from a safe, secure distance. Another important consideration is litter box location. Some cats can be reluctant to use boxes that are not easily accessible. If the location has too many distractions or does not feel safe, the decision to go elsewhere in your home might result. And many dogs find kitty poop irresistible and if consumed—can lead to digestive upsets, intestinal parasites and higher vet bills for you. So when considering litter box placement, ensure that there is clear, safe passage to and from the box where kitty can move freely—without harassment from your German Shepherd. Keep food and toys separate. One of the most common pain points within multiple pet households—be it all dogs, all cats or a mixed bag—are issues around meal time. Never assume any pet is not food or resource protective. To avoid disastrous mealtime encounters, follow a strict routine—with no free feeding—and keep all food and water bowls in separate areas of the house. Additionally, always be mindful of competition over toys—which is the second must common cause of fighting among pets. Have a backup plan. When thinking about bringing a new pet into your home, it is important to take the personalities and energy levels of your current pets into consideration. In contrast, an aging dog might hate sharing his space with a rambunctious, relentless kitten. And should your new pet end up not being a good fit for your existing pet, have a backup plan in place. Consider setting up a household arrangement that allows for separation—long term. Socializing dogs and cats at a young age can be easier than introducing them as adults. Most German Shepherd puppies are easily trained and are very open to new experiences and situations. Plus, German Shepherd puppies are less confident and smaller at this stage in life, making them less intimidating to their feline companions. Age Does Make a Difference. Youth has its virtues when it comes to pets because German Shepherd puppies are much less dangerous to adult cats and kittens are often confident around adult dogs because they have no reason to fear or dislike them. Older dogs and cats, like people, can have less patience for younger housemates. When introducing companions with wide age variances, be mindful of their relationships and ensure that one does not overpower or abuse the other. When to Get Help. Should you come home from work and find your kitty cowering in fear or one pet being aggressive toward the other—seek help. Seek the advise of a veterinary behaviorist or professional trainer in your area. They can provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to find ways to help your dog and cat to get along. Leave a Reply.

Pug Shih tzu These breeds will snore more than those with longer snouts like Labradors or golden retrievers. However, this does not mean that dogs with longer snouts that snore are fine and do not have underlying conditions. It also does not mean you need to rush your brachycephalic dog to the vet to get surgery to open their airway. There are differing degrees to which the soft palate blocks the airway, and most dogs are perfectly fine without medical intervention. If you notice your brachycephalic dog snoring, seemingly stop breathing, then start snoring again then taking them to the vet is a good idea as their soft palate may be too big for their snout. What Factors Make Snoring Worse? Obesity If your puppy is overweight, they will have excess flesh around their internal organs and their airways, as well as cute little pudge belly rolls. This means the excess fat will press on the airway and make it more difficult for air to travel unimpeded, which will cause snoring. Obesity can also lead to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a very rare diagnosis in dogs; however it is not unheard of. Sleep apnea happens where your dog will suddenly stop breathing while they are asleep and then start breathing again a couple of seconds later. A sign of sleep apnea is interrupted snoring. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is a common ailment in dogs. This happens when the thyroid gland which sits around part of the windpipe does not produce a specific hormone that regulates metabolism. If this hormone is not regulated, labored breathing while sleeping may happen, causing your puppy to snore. If the cause of the snoring was hypothyroidism, then it should go away as soon as your puppy starts treatment. This will lead to snoring. If your puppy suddenly starts snoring out of the blue and they do not usually snore or snore as badly , then check their mouths for signs of redness, plaque buildup, or a bad odor. If you suspect a rotten tooth or gum disease, get your puppy to the vet. Secondhand Smoke If there is a smoker in the home, your dog is breathing in secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke irritates the lining of the nasal passages and lungs, inflames them, and dries them out. This can all contribute to your puppy snoring. Do not smoke around your pup, ask guests to not pat your dog while they are smoking, and treat your dog as you would a small child around smoke. When you are preparing your home to bring your new puppy into it, carefully examine what cleaning products you use, what plants they may have access to, and whether there is a lot of sand or dust where they will be playing and sleeping. The dust or allergens such as pollen, chemicals, grass, and pet hair will irritate the lining of the airway and cause it to become inflamed and dry. This in turn will interrupt the flow of air and cause them to snore. If you notice nearly everyone in your household, including your pets, snoring, then you may have a dry atmosphere. Reflux If your puppy suffers from acid reflux heartburn , the stomach acid could be pushing up against their lungs and causing them to snore. Obesity and a very acidic diet both add to acid reflux and make it worse. Watch your puppy when they relax and have a nap after eating: Is their snoring better or worse than when they have not eaten in a while? If their snoring is worse when they nap after eating, they may have an issue with acid reflux and will need to see the vet. Sleeping Position The most common cause for snoring is a funny head position. Puppies will often fall asleep mid-play time in the most unusual positiuons, which may put pressure on their airway and cause them to snore. If you think their position is the cause of their snoring, gently turn them so they lay on their side, where there is minimal pressure on their throat and snout. Rather be safe than sorry. However, there are certain things you can rule out before an expensive vet visit. If they are overweight, this is the most likely cause for their snoring. Put a humidifier in the home and see if it makes a difference in the way in which your dog snores. If it does, then their airway is quite dry. If you notice your dog snoring, stop breathing, and then carry on snoring and even making choking noises, then take them to the vet as there is something blocking their airway. Why does my puppy sleep with a toy in its mouth? Your puppy may have figured out that they have something blocking their airway all on their own and will intentionally go to sleep with a toy in their mouth to prop their jaws open. If you notice that your puppy goes to sleep with a toy in its mouth, take them to the vet to check that their airway is unobstructed. However, snoring may be a sign of an underlying condition so it should never be ignored. If you want to figure out why your puppy snores, go through our list and try to rule out as many potential causes as you can at home before taking them to the vet, so your vet will have a better idea of what could be wrong. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Why Does My Puppy Snore? If you click on a link and choose to make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. During his naps or while sleeping at night, I occasionally notice my Golden Retriever snores. Sometimes the snoring can be thunderous; however, most often, it does not last for long. However, these loud bouts of snoring got me wondering if Golden Retrievers can snore, and is snoring normal in Golden Retrievers? Occasional snoring is not unusual for Golden Retrievers, provided there are no health issues as the cause. For example, a frequent position that causes snoring is sleeping on the back, causing the tongue to restrict some air movement. However, there are instances where snoring may be due to other causes or even underlying health issues. This article will explore the world of snoring and Golden Retrievers. What Is Snoring? Snoring is the restriction of air movement into the nasal passageways or throat. When your Golden Retriever falls asleep, the muscles in the soft palate, throat, and tongue relax and may partially block the airways, which in turn causes vibrations. For example, the soft tissues in the throat can relax and partially block the airway causing vibrations. Or, the air restriction is due to the tongue blocking some air movement. The greater the blockage of the airways, the more forceful the airflow becomes, causing increased vibrations and louder snoring. So, your Golden Retrieves snores. But, how do you know if that snoring is typical or when it is a cause for concern? Snoring may be a cause for concern if it comes on suddenly and is very loud or the snoring is excessive. Snoring can also be characteristic of sleep apnea, where your dog stops breathing for a period. Additionally, If you find your dog is lethargic the next day, disinterested in exercising or playing, or agitated and restless, snoring may be impacting its sleep. And lack of sleep can negatively affect a dog both physically and mentally. Often signs of lack of sleep in dogs will manifest as stress, anxiety, or even agitation or aggressiveness. Sleep is also essential for the normal functioning of hormones and the healthy repair and regeneration of muscles, skin, and organs. The causes of snoring are discussed next. Causes of Snoring in Golden Retrievers Typically snoring falls into two categories. The first is typical snoring. Snoring in this category has no underlying health causes and no cause for concern. However, the second category of snoring often arises from some underlying health issue or occurs as a secondary issue to the primary health issue. For example, some medications to treat a health concern may cause snoring, not the health issue itself. Non-Health Related Causes of Snoring Non-health-related snoring arises from one of two things: anatomy and sleeping position. This type of snoring does not have an underlying medical cause but rather is due to how a dog is built and how they sleep. Anatomy Most dogs with snoring due to anatomical issues are pugs and bulldogs. Breeds with these characteristic flat faces and shorter noses are brachycephalic. Unlike Pugs, Golden Retrievers are not brachycephalic and less prone to snoring Brachycephalic means short-headed, and these dogs snore much more due to the anatomy of their heads and nasal passages. Healthy Golden Retrievers do not possess flat faces and short noses. As a result, they do not snore due to anatomical causes arising from brachycephaly. So, for Golden Retrievers, regular snoring is typically caused by sleeping positions. Sleep Position A healthy Golden Retriever with no underlying health issues will often snore due to body position when sleeping. Often when a dog sleeps on its back, the tongue relaxes and causes a partial blockage of its airway, resulting in snoring. However, the neck and head position can also cause snoring, even if the dog is sleeping on its side. Suppose your Golden Retriever is sleeping with its head in a tilted position. In that case, it may cause the soft tissue in the mouth to relax and position itself to hinder the airways somewhat. The result is snoring. For example, my Golden Retriever will often sleep with its head on an object, with the head tilted up, or with its head off hanging off the side of the bed. Although he is sleeping on his side, he will snore due to the neck and head position. Adjusting the sleep position, whether the dog is sleeping on its back or with its head tilted, will usually stop the snoring. Usually, the snoring itself is not a concern but rather a sign of the underlying medical problem causing it. Potential health issues include obesity, dental problems, airway obstructions, medications, and allergies or colds. Obesity Obesity in dogs is prevalent and can affect them in many ways. A Golden Retriever that is overweight or obese may snore more due to extra fat accumulating on the upper airway tissues. This excess fat compresses the airway, restricting airflow and causing snoring. If you are unsure if your Golden Retriever is overweight, or you need some tips you can implement if it is, then check out this post: A Fat Golden Retriever? How To Know and What to Do. Dental Issues If your Golden Retriever has dental issues, it can cause snoring. How so? Consider that anything that causes restricted airflow in the nasal passageways or throat can potentially result in snoring. An infection from an abscessed tooth can affect the throat and nasal passageways. Specifically, the infected soft tissue can cause swelling and put pressure on the throat or nasal cavity, which restricts airflow and causes snoring. Dental issues such as abscesses can cause snoring Obstructions Obstructions can block the airway and restrict airflow. Obstructions can be foreign objects lodged in the nasal cavity or throat, such as seeds, twigs, or dirt. Obstructions can also be from masses such as tumors, abscesses, or polyps, which may result from cancers or infections. If your dog has never been a snorer and suddenly starts, this could signal a problem. You should check in with your vet. If obstructions are the cause, a veterinarian will need to remove them. Allergies and Infections Yes, our Golden Retrievers can suffer from allergies just like we do, and the same allergy culprits that cause issues with people can affect our dogs too. Irritants such as dust, pollen, smoke e. Once irritated, the body produces mucus. That combination of mucus and an irritated airway may lead to snoring. If your dog suffers from allergies, you can look for many common signs that people experience. For example, your Golden Retriever may sneeze a lot, have a running nose, or its eyes may water. Often snoring can increase in the winter when the furnace is running. Any dust and irritant particles are distributed through the house via the furnace vents. For example, my Golden Retriever Bailey constantly has running eyes. Colds are more frequent in the winter months, and your dog may snore if it is suffering from a cold infection. However, once the cold subsides, so should the snoring. Allergy, infections, and colds can cause snoring in Golden Retrievers Medications Certain medications can cause snoring, especially if they relax the dog and cause the throat muscles to relax. However, the snoring often stops once the dog is off the drug. However, if your dog is on medication for life or the snoring does not stop once off the medication, let your veterinarian know to ensure there are no other underlying causes of concern. Beware that many drugs, such as Ibuprofen Advil , which are safe for people, can be dangerous to Golden Retrievers. Secondhand Smoke While smoke as an irritant was discussed in allergies, smoke from cigarettes deserves its discussion due to health concerns. Secondhand smoke has the potential to irritate the airways and cause snoring. It can also cause other health issues such as lung and heart disease. Like people, secondhand smoke can be dangerous to our pets. However, if you must smoke and have a Golden Retriever, try to do so outside. Smoke can be incredibly irritating to dogs, considering they have a sense of smell vastly superior to human beings. Other Medical Issues Snoring can be a sign of medical issues in dogs. For example, medical conditions such as sleep apnea, lung issues, or hypothyroidism can cause snoring in dogs. If your Golden Retriever snores and seems to be suffering from some health-related problems e. Likewise, if your Golden Retriever appears healthy but still snores excessively, then consulting a veterinarian is also beneficial as a precaution. Your vet can rule out any health issues, check for dental problems, and determine if your Golden might need to lose some weight. Especially if the snoring is caused by things in the environment that we can eliminate, adjust, or lessen. Frequently, the very steps that help reduce snoring in people work with our Golden Retrievers too. Adjust the Sleeping Position If your dog sleeps on its back, then adjusting its sleeping position often does the trick. You can gently roll your Golden Retriever on its side in these instances. However, most Golden Retrievers do not sleep on their back for long periods, so they should roll to their side after a short time. For back sleepers, adjusting the sleeping position often helps with snoring Reduce Allergens Keep your house clean to cut down on dust, pollen, and other irritants to reduce allergens. You can also use a home air purifier to clean the air and help cut down on allergens. If there is smoke in the summer from forest fires, try to keep the windows closed, clean regularly, and utilize an air purifier. Make sure your furnace filter is clean and replace it regularly in the winter. Add Moisture to the Air Adding moisture to the air can help if your area of the world suffers from dry air. Often dry air is common if you live in an area with cold winters like here in Canada. Humidifiers can be attached as part of the furnace. However, adding a humidifier to the room where your dog sleeps can also be helpful. Oftentimes the dry air is responsible for snoring in the same way allergens do. The dry air causes excess mucus production and throat irritation leading to snoring. Humidifiers can help keep allergens like dust stuck to the ground or other surfaces by adding moisture to the air. Dust is more buoyant in air that is dry and lacking moisture. Diet and Exercise Diet and exercise are essential for keeping your Golden Retriever at a healthy weight. Unfortunately, many dogs that suffer from obesity can be prone to snoring. Plus, exercise has the added benefit of being good for the heart and lungs of your Golden Retriever. Keeping your Golden Retrievers at an ideal weight is mostly in your control. Make sure your Golden Retriever gets one to two hours of exercise daily, and you may need to put it on a calorie-restricted diet if it has a few pounds to drop. The best advice is to consult with your vet on the most helpful approach to ensuring your Golden Retriever loses weight in the healthiest way possible. Keeping your Golden Retriever at a healthy weight can prevent obesity-related snoring Treat Underlying Medical Conditions Finally, if your Golden Retriever has any underlying medical conditions, the best course of action is to treat the illness. For example, suppose snoring is associated with an illness or the medication used to treat it. In that case, the snoring will cease or resume to more normal levels once the issue has been resolved. Of course, if it is a condition that must be treated for a lifetime, snoring might be a side effect you will need to live with and manage. In those cases, you can implement some of the tips discussed earlier, such as reducing dust and pollen and using humidifiers and air purifiers. Doing so might not eliminate snoring, but hopefully, it can reduce its severity and make sleeping more comfortable for you and your Golden. Finally, whether the medical condition is temporary or longer-term, talk to your vet about ways you can help your Golden Retriever snore less. Use Earplugs If it turns out that your healthy Golden Retriever is a snorer, and it happens to sleep with you or in your room, then there may be only one solution left. Short of having your Golden Retriever sleep in another room, earplugs might be an inexpensive and easy fix. However, beware that earplugs can take some getting used to, and it may take some experimenting to find ones that fit your ear properly. Summing It Up Most often, Golden Retriever snoring is perfectly normal and is nothing to be concerned about. However, when snoring becomes excessive, it may be due to a health issue, and a trip to the vet may be warranted to address any underlying causes. But, hopefully, implementing some of the suggestions discussed will make sleeping more comfortable for your Golden Retriever. And, for you! Like all dogs, they can run into health issues at any stage of their life. One of these issues is snoring, which can be either harmless, or a symptom of an underlying health issues. Which begs the question: Is it normal for Golden Retrievers to snore? Like most animals, it is completely normal for a Golden Retriever to snore. However, you will want to take your dog to the vet if you suspect their snoring is caused by abnormal factors such as obesity, illness, infection, physical obstructions, allergies, medications, nasal tumors, or sleep apnea. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! Why Do Golden Retrievers Snore? As a breed, Golden Retrievers, due to the shape of their snout, are not genetically inclined to snore as some other breeds are like a Pug or a Bulldog. Therefore, snoring in these dogs can usually be explained by environmental or health factors. The swelling of throat and mouth tissue usually comes from illness or infection, allergies, or physical obstructions. Obesity Obesity is one of the main contributors to snoring in Golden Retrievers. Excess weight causes snoring because the fat is often stored around the throat, which obstructs proper breathing. This makes them more susceptible to snoring than many other dog breeds. The risk becomes a lot higher, the more obese the dog becomes. If you suspect that your Golden Retriever might be overweight or even obese, you can test by doing a visual check and feeling for their ribs. You should be able to see a defined waist and straight sides. Without applying much pressure, you should be able to feel the outline of their ribs. Look at your dog side on. There should be a visible tuck at their abdomen, and it should sit higher than their chest. Watch this severely overweight Golden Retriever lose lbs! Illness or Infection Just as with humans, respiratory infections like kennel cough or the flu can cause snoring in dogs. Kennel cough is a common respiratory tract infection from bacteria. It is highly contagious and spreads between dogs when they breathe in the infected particles. Kennel cough has the following symptoms: Strong, persistent cough Clear discharge from the nose Eye discharge Kennel cough, as well as other respiratory infections, can cause laryngitis. This is an inflammation of the larynx, which sits at the top of the throat. Once the larynx tissues are infected, their mucous membranes swell and fill with fluid to fight infection. This swelling makes it difficult for air to pass, causing snoring while the dog sleeps. Physical Obstructions If your Golden loves to explore with their nose, then the culprit for their snoring could be a simple physical obstruction. Dogs can easily get grass or seeds stuck inside their nostrils, which then swell and prevent proper breathing. If there appears to be swelling or discharge, then there could be something stuck inside. Allergies Allergic reactions in Golden Retrievers can cause snoring by creating an immune response that swells the tissue in their respiratory tract. Other symptoms of an allergic reaction in dogs include: Itchy skin and scratching Redness and infection in the ears Vomiting and diarrhea Sneezing Nasal discharge A study in the Clinical and Translational Allergy journal found that Golden Retrievers are in the top 19 of dog breeds that are most likely to be affected by pollen allergies. Pollen can be found in grasses, trees, and weeds, and is usually seasonal. Pollen allergies in Golden Retrievers often affect their skin, with inflamed and itchy patches, but it can also cause rhinitis. This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose, which can restrict breathing and cause snoring. Golden Retrievers can also be allergic to: Dust and dust mites Smoke Mold If you notice that your Golden Retriever is snoring and has other symptoms of an allergic reaction, you may need to seek treatment for their allergies. Medications Some medications can cause snoring by relaxing the muscles of the throat. These include painkillers and muscle relaxants. Nasal Tumors In severe cases, snoring could be a symptom of nasal cancer. The tumors cause a physical block that makes it more difficult for your dog to breathe while asleep and awake. Sometimes dogs like to sleep lying on their back, which naturally obstructs their airflow. Their tongue drops towards the roof of their mouth and prevents the usual amount of air from moving in and out of the throat. What Is Normal Snoring? If your dog has never snored before but has suddenly started, it could be a sign that there is an underlying issue that needs attention. Furthermore, if they have any of the inflammation or infection symptoms, you should seek treatment for their snoring. Additionally, if your Golden Retriever has any of the sleep apnea symptoms, you should consult a vet for treatment as soon as possible. The symptoms of sleep apnea in dogs are: Loud, continual snoring. However, it seems that even those angel-looking dogs can make very non-angelic sounds while sleeping. So, Do Golden Retrievers Snore? Yes, Golden Retrievers Snore. The volume and sound of their snoring differ according to what is causing the snoring. Their snoring also tends to get louder and stronger as they grow older. Living with a Retriever: Recommendations and Sources Want the best diet for your dog? Check out the best and healthiest foods for golden retrievers at every age here — Dry, Wet, Homemade Recipes, and Treats! Taking a walk? These are the best leashes, collars, and harnesses for the buck that you can find. Find my list of recommendations here. Why Do Golden Retrievers Snore? A Golden retriever will snore if something is obstructing their airways or if something is irritating them like tobacco smoke or a certain allergen. You can often fix the snoring issue by giving your dog a regular exercise routine and moving their sleeping place to somewhere away from any smoke or allergens. If the snoring is loud and happened all of a sudden, it may be a sign of a more serious health issue that needs a visit to the vet. If your golden is your first dog, I have news for you; golden retrievers snore, but almost all other dog breeds do or can snore. The dog breeds that are more likely to snore are the ones that have a flattened windpipe as the result of breeding over time, these breeds include pugs, Pekingese, and Boston Terriers. And just like what happens with you, the cold will also give your dog a runny nose and cause his nostrils to become irritated and obstructed, leading to snoring. This is probably the easiest cause, as the snoring will simply go away on its own as the cold does. All you need to do for now is care for your dog and the snoring will go away once your dog is all well again. Excess Tissue in their throat due to overweight or obesity Before we get fat on the outside, we get fat on the inside. Other than snoring, this is actually a serious problem and if left untreated, can cause really serious problems. If your dog becomes obese, there can be so much tissue that the trachea collapses, which is fatal. Dogs can have allergies to dust, pollen, and danger. These can make it harder for your dog to breath normally even in their sleep. If they do, the solution could be to simply give them the medications needed to ease these problems. Something else that might be irritating your dog; tobacco smoke. Second hand smoking is as bad for dogs as it is for humans, and just like some humans, some dogs can also be sensitive to tobacco smoke. The tobacco smoke can irritate their lungs and airways so much that it causes them to snore. If this is the case, you need to check where and how is your buddy inhaling that smoke. Some investigative work might be needed. Bring out the Sherlock in you. Aspergillosis — a Fungal disease This is something else that affects dogs and humans alike. It occurs when we inhale mold spores which can exist in hay, grass, and compost piles. If your golden retriever is playing in grass a lot, this is a likely reason behind their snoring as they can cause irritation. Physical Obstructions Do you know how your dog explores the world with its nose and mouth? Change their sleeping place Fight pollens and smoke with air filters and regular vacuuming Give them medications for their allergies. Visit the doctor Give them a pillow For some reason, giving them a pillow sometimes works or lowers the volume of the snoring. An elevated head seems to be helping with the snoring by clearing the airways somehow. A Regular Exercise Routine at low-traffic times Regular exercise can help with maintaining their weight and with the snoring, but you should give some thought into when and where is this exercise taking place. If you can, choose places as far away from traffic as possible or choose times with the lowest car traffic as possible. This is, of course, to minimize the amount of smoke your dog inhales. Change their sleeping place Something could be wrong with their sleeping spot. Try alternating their bedding as well in an attempt to change their sleeping positions and see if this works. Give them medications for their allergies If your dog has a seasonal allergy, and OTC over the counter medication can help with that. Ask your vet for a recommendation and give it to your dog. Visit the doctor for a check-up If things get worse, you should get your dog to the vet for a check up. When to go to the vet? You need to see the vet if the snoring is too loud or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Your dog may start snoring as they get older and they become much less active. As your dog gets older, their sleep also gets heavier, which will is associated with snoring as well. It can go away on its own, or you will just need to live with it. Or maybe they will start sleeping downstairs. Related Questions It is normal for golden retrievers to snore? It is perfectly normal for a golden retriever to snore. Should I let my Golden Retriever Sleep with me? If you want to, you can let your golden retriever sleep with you on the same bed. Research has shown that letting your dog sleep with you in the same bed has more pros than cons.

By Chris If your Labradoodle is a biter, this behavior can be troublesome, especially if you do not correct it as a puppy. Many different methods can help to keep your pet from biting you or others in your home. How to stop a Labradoodle from biting Biting behaviors in a Labradoodle are not limited to just puppies, unfortunately. Some dogs will develop this negative behavior later on in life. There could be numerous causes as to why your pet is suddenly biting you or others. As a responsible pet owner, it is your job to ensure that your Labradoodle behaves appropriately and has proper manners without biting. Why Is My Labradoodle Biting? A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. One of the best ways to stop a Labradoodle from biting is to determine the underlying reason why they are biting you. Once you know the cause, you can use an appropriate solution to the problem. Puppies and dogs of all ages will bite for a few reasons, including: Puppies who are teething Your dog is scared or caught off-guard It is in pain Your dog is bored or has excess energy Resource-guarding It is stressed or over-stimulated Your dog wants your attention Puppies Who Are Teething Puppies lose their first set of teeth starting around the age of three months and up to eight months old. During this time, they can be uncomfortable and want to chew and bite anything near them. Alternatively, chewing and biting can help relieve the pressure that the new teeth have on the gums. How To Stop the Biting Provide your Labradoodle puppy with ample chew toys , and durable food chews whenever they try to bite you. You can also purchase specialty dog teething gels to relieve any discomfort they may be feeling from emerging teeth. Did you accidentally scare your sleeping dog to wake up? Sometimes dogs will bite when they are scared or caught off-guard when they do not expect you. This issue frequently happens with older dogs who begin to lose their hearing or sight and do not know someone is close to them. Sometimes this can be by walking around the front of your dog so they can see you before you pet them. If your pet has hearing or sight issues, be mindful of their space and make them visually or auditorily aware of you being close before you touch them. This pre-warning will ensure that you do not catch them off-guard. It Is In Pain Dogs cannot verbally tell us when they are in pain, so they act out in other ways, like biting. So one way to know if your Labradoodle is in pain is if you used to handle them normally, but now they bite you when you touch them. If your dog tries to bite your hand when you reach a specific area, such as a leg or a part of their back, they may be in pain. Can Labradoodles smile? Even health issues like urinary tract infections or stomach problems can make a Labradoodle cranky enough to bite. Your vet can help you rule out any injuries or health problems that could be causing pain for your pet. If this breed does not get enough exercise or mental stimulation, they can act out by biting you or others in the home. Your pet may also run around more with the zoomies while biting at you or objects during this time. It may look cute and be harmless, playful biting when they are young, but it can develop into a more aggressive bite later as they mature. In addition, it can be challenging for your dog to determine a soft, playful bite from a hard one if you allow them to continue this behavior. How To Stop the Biting You can quickly minimize this harmful behavior by ensuring that your Labradoodle receives more physical or mental activity during the day. If you notice your dog beginning to run around and biting, take action immediately. For example, play fetch with your pet, take an extra walk, or provide your Labradoodle with mentally stimulating toys to curb the negative behavior. Two Labradoodles sniff eachother out at a dog park. Resource Guarding Does your Labradoodle bite you when you try to reach for his food dish or toys? Maybe your dog tries to bite you every time you want to sit near your partner on the couch. This biting is most likely due to resource guarding. Resource guarding can happen at any age, unfortunately, and is not only a puppy problem. This negative behavior should not be allowed to continue, as it can worsen over time. While it may start with toys, it can extend to food and even people if you do not address it. How To Stop the Biting Resource guarding can be a serious issue for many pet owners. You should not ignore these actions or try to handle them on your own. Instead, you will want to consult with a professional dog behaviorist for proper methods to correct this behavior as soon as possible. Or maybe you were cranky because you were having a busy day at the office and did not want to talk to anyone. Your dog can have similar days where they become stressed or over-stimulated. The difference is that your Labradoodle may actually bite to tell someone to back out of their space and leave them alone. Kids who bother your dog by poking his face , pulling his ears, or trying to sit on him may bring on a stress response that shows up as biting. Labradoodle playing in a water fountain. What a way to cool off on a warm day! How To Stop the Biting Dogs will often show visible signs of stress before biting. For example, your pet may growl, show teeth, its heckles may stand up, or have stiff body posture. If your Labradoodle indicates these or other signs that it is stressed or over-stimulated, try to alter the environment or put your animal in a safe place, like his crate. Your Dog Wants Your Attention Sometimes when a dog bites at your hands or feet, it is because they want your attention. For example, some Labradoodles will nip your hand then run away, enticing you to chase them and start an entertaining game. This behavior often happens with younger puppies since they will nip and bite at you to look at them and pet or play with them. Puppies are lower to the ground and may bite since that is the only way they can grab your attention. How To Stop the Biting If your Labradoodle is exhibiting playful biting behavior, you want to discourage it sooner than later. Any time they try to bite at your hands or feet, offer them a toy and get down to his level and spend some time with him playing on the floor. Often, sitting on the floor with your pet and having a game of tug for a few minutes will give them the attention they want while providing exercise at the same time. You Can Stop Your Labradoodle From Biting It is possible to successfully stop your Labradoodle from biting once you know the underlying reason for this behavior. Biting in any form should not be tolerated. If you allow it to continue, the problem can worsen since your pet will understand that it is okay to do it since there are no adverse outcomes from biting. There may be a straightforward solution to discourage future biting incidents, or you might have to seek help from a professional animal behaviorist. However, your Labradoodle can be a very social and happy pet without biting with consistency and proper methods. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. The best way to do this would be to buy different types of chew toys, balls and so on. You can find it here. Besides buy different things for the Labradoodle, also make sure that you are activating your dog, and just as important, teach it to active itself! My Labradoodle Chews on the Walls Some grown dogs and puppies also have a tendency to bite on the walls or the wallpapers of your house. Besides the previous advice, I would also recommend trying out the Grannicks Spray Repellant. The spray should be used on those areas of the walls that your dog has a tendency to bite on. This is most commonly because the dog is very excited or perhaps frustrated, and they end up directing those emotions towards you as the leader and leash-holder. Sometimes the reason for this could also be that your Labradoodle is getting bored if you are training exercises where it is supposed to be on a leash. It could also be because of the mood of the dog handler that the dog will try and bite the leash. For example, if the handler is in any way insecure, tensed up, or just generally not feeling confident around the dog, the dog can usually sense this and will also start feeling insecure. If this is the issue and you are not able to find a solution yourself, try consulting a dog behavior expert and hear their advice in your specific case. The 5 Main Reasons a Labradoodle Bites 1. Territory and Property Protecting their property is a very common reason for why a Labradoodle will bite. Usually, this is mostly seen with guard dogs like Rottweilers and German shepherds who will bite to try and protect their property. But this behavior is also seen among every other breed of dog, including Labradoodles. This can be avoided by teaching your Labradoodle to wait until the food bowl is placed on the floor. While getting nearer to placing the bowl on the floor, try giving your Labradoodle a treat so that it will learn that there is nothing wrong with humans being near its food bowl. The dog should be allowed to have some time for itself once in a while. This could be the mailman, paperboy or perhaps the vet. Dogs can also bite out of fear if they are surprised, if for example, your child sneaks up on it to try and give it a scare, or if they are disturbed while they are sleeping. To avoid these fear-related bites, you should socialize your puppy as early as possible. This will allow it to get used to as many different situations as possible that includes new strange people, other animals, and new places. Hereby the risk of an anxiety disorder or other behavior issues is lowered a lot, and this can in turn also means that your dog is much less likely to attempt to bite. If your dog has any general form of anxiety, you should try and find a behavior expert, or perhaps try some Calming Treats. Pain Pain can cause even the kindest of dogs to bite. If your Labradoodle has hip dysplasia , inflammation of the middle ear , or any other painful health issues, this is also often the cause of a Labradoodle biting problem. Also, remember to tell your kids not to touch your dog in the areas that are the cause of the pain. If it feels like your Labradoodle is becoming more and more sensitive, and just generally seems more short-tempered, I would strongly advise you to contact your vet and have it examined. Hunting Instinct A Labradoodle is by nature a hunting dog, so there are still a lot of instincts in the dog regarding hunting. Be very observant of the dog and its movements while always avoiding eye contact. If the dog, on the other hand, knocks you over, you should curl yourself into a ball and protect your face, your hands, and your neck, as these are all areas a dog would usually aim for. And then just stay calm. This is also something you should teach your kids. Maternal Instinct Even the most well-behaved bitch might bite when they have puppies. You should be careful and respect the maternal instinct in a Labradoodle who has just become a mom. And to be especially calm and cautious if they are handling her puppies. Make sure that the mom and her puppies have a safe spot in your house where they can get their required peace and quiet. Warning Signs By knowing the most common reasons that cause biting problems, it is also much easier to avoid the biting from happening. Usually, before biting, a labradoodle will display one or several warning signs. These are also signs that the dog is ready to bite. Playing and exercising also has the benefits that they burn some of that energy that most Labradoodles have. A good idea is though to avoid aggressive games like wrestling or other games where dominance is a deciding factor. Make sure your dog is vaccinated. Allowing your dog to get too close to strangers, not even while under your supervision, if it has a tendency to bite. Overwhelm your Labradoodle while socializing it. And also a good old Dog Muzzle , which is generally great when training a dog. Hopefully, this has helped with your Labradoodle biting problem. If not, let me know, as perhaps I or somebody I know have had your exact problem, and we will try and help you with it. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. So, why is my Labradoodle puppy growling? Growling is a normal response for a dog, even a puppy. Dogs that are discouraged from growling may go directly to biting if provoked. What Does Growling Mean for the Dog? We could probably have the exact answer to this question if only dogs could talk. Seldom will you see a dog, especially a dog as friendly as a Labradoodle, growling for no reason. This type of growling is natural in the canine world. Puppies often growl at their siblings when they play, and this type of growling is also very normal. However, certain types of growling are not normal and should not be ignored. Fear growl — This is most common with puppies. When something frightens them, they often move backward, stiffen their body language and begin to growl. Possessive growl — The possessive dog will growl if someone tries to take away its toy, bone or some other possession that the dog does not want to share. Painful growl — Growling is often the only thing the dog can do when he is in pain and needs help. Dogs are usually friendly animals by nature, and this is especially true with Labradoodles. Labradoodles are known for their gentleness, loyalty, and friendly personality. Is The Growling Playful? When we hear of a dog growling, the first thing that comes to mind is aggression or a dog being ready to bite. This is not always the case because there is such a thing as playful growling, especially with puppies. You should be able to tell if a puppy is playful growling just by looking at his body. The puppy will move around quickly, arch his body and almost pounce at the other puppy while also wagging its tail. The same can be said for older dogs. If a dog is growling in a playful manner, the dog will usually wag its tail and stop growling as soon as you call him by name. What made him start growling? What was he doing prior to the growling? Is he responding to your voice? Does he appear to be backing up in fear? Is he holding his ground and growling deeply from the throat with his hair on end? This does not mean that the dog is justified in growling. Socializing your Labradoodle around as many people and things as possible as a pup will make a big difference in who he responds to different things as an adult. Growling should be addressed as early as possible. The more secure the dog feels, the less likely he will be to growl. When the dog is relaxed, praise him and give him treats. You may also want to enroll the dog in a basic dog obedience class. Socialization is a big part of dog obedience training. In some cases, this may be the case. Seldom will a dog bite someone without first giving out some sort of warning, and the warning is usually aggressive barking or growling. Related Questions Do Labradoodles bark a lot? Labradoodles bark just like any other dog but are generally not excessive barkers. Are Labradoodles good guard dogs? Labradoodles are intelligent, loyal and friendly dogs that make good family watchdogs, However, their even-tempered, gentle personalities do not make them good guard dogs. Every year more dogs than we can count are labeled as aggressive because of growling. Related Posts:. Breed-Specific Behaviors Some dog breeds have been specifically bred to work at certain jobs. In the case of the Labradoodle, this breed was created to serve as a guide dog to the blind. But the parent dog breeds, the Labrador Retriever, standard Poodle and Cocker Spaniel for the Australian Labradoodle breed line only are true working gun dogs. The Labrador Retriever is a retriever gundog — a dog trained to grasp and hold downed small game prey in their mouths. The Poodle and Cocker Spaniel are also small bird gundogs. So Labradoodles get their instinctual desire to mouth, grasp, hold and bite things honestly. At some level, you will never completely train your Labradoodle out of this instinct. Learned Biting There is one more category of Labradoodle puppy biting many dog owners overlook and that is learned biting behaviors. While your Labradoodle puppy will have learned a little about tempering their biting from their mother and littermates, your dog will learn far more about that behavior from you. Sometimes dog owners inadvertently reinforce the very behaviors they want to get rid of. Your puppy loves attention from you more than anything and may bite again and again to keep you focused on them. Learning about and applying positive reinforcement puppy training methods is going to be your salvation here. We will explain in more detail in a moment. Find one method that works and use it consistently. Reward your puppy for any calm behavior. This can include calm play, or simply them sitting or laying next to you without biting. And, make sure to ignore biting. If your puppy starts to bite you during play, you can try to redirect their mouth to a toy. If the biting continues, make sure to ignore the behavior completely, and put your puppy in their pen to calm down. Under no circumstances should you ever reward biting! This includes with attention! Doing so can make your puppy more likely to bite during play — it will become a learned behavior, as we spoke about earlier. Should I Punish Puppy Biting? Studies have proven that punishment can have adverse effects on training and management of problematic behaviors. Punishing biting can stop your puppy from biting, but it can also create a level of fear, mistrust, and anxiety. And, as we know, dogs that are scared or nervous are more likely to bite. So, this method of training can also increase the risk of serious biting. Punishing your dog for growling or snarling which often happens during puppy play can also stop your puppy from growling as a warning when they are feeling threatened or scared. Not every dog owner will have the same degree of tolerance for Labradoodle puppy biting, even when it arises from teething pain or another normal cause. Dog trainers use a six-level bite scale to assess how urgent the biting situation may be. Level one is aggression with no biting. Level six is biting to fatality. Clearly there is a wide range of behaviors in between. What Causes Puppy Aggression? But, another common cause is guarding behaviors. Common resource guarding targets include toys , food, food bowls, people, and more. They will be able to help you work with your puppy to deal with the aggression. Your veterinarian will be able to put you in touch with a good behaviorist. Is Your Labradoodle Puppy Biting? Are you at your wits end with Labradoodle puppy biting? Related Articles. Why Do Puppies Do This? All puppies go through a teething phase where they will chew, nip, gnaw and bite anything that comes within reach. It can also be a common issue when puppies interact with small children or other household pets. The best way to tell if your puppy is playing fairly is to watch his body language. Puppies that jump , pounce, leap and have an otherwise loose body are playing. A playful puppy will be wagging their tail loosely from side to side and will take turns being the dominant or the subservient of the game. This is healthy play. Children and Puppies Children often fall victim to rougher play and puppy biting because children tend to play more animatedly with puppies. They use their arms and legs, flail, shriek and run, and all of these behaviors can amp a puppy up and make them play rougher or bite harder. Again, this is normal puppy behavior that will ease over time with proper training and socialization. But, until then you can reduce it by teaching your children how to play with your Labradoodle in a calm way. Make sure that you have a safe and secure puppy zone where you can take the puppy to calm down if play gets too rough or excitable. This time away from younger children will be beneficial for your puppy, especially when it is getting a little too worked up. Wear tight clothing, and nothing that seems like it would be fun to bite at or tear. Try to ignore your puppy completely when they bite you. Reacting with a squeal or shout can encourage biting, and responding with aggression can lead to fearfulness in your Labradoodle. Using a puppy safe zone is a great way to remove yourself when things get too excitable. But, it is a phase that will pass. Real Aggression in Puppies All puppies have the potential to grow up to be aggressive. Labradoodle dogs are no exception. Chewing, teething, nipping and even biting can all be normal behaviors in young puppies. But, there are a few red flags of aggression that owners should watch out for, even at an early age. A Labradoodle that grows up without proper training and socialization is more likely to be an aggressive older dog, or an older dog that bites. Resource Guarding Resource guarding is when your puppy actively guards anything of value. The most common things puppies feel the need to guard include: Their food Bedding Their favorite family member A puppy who is resource guarding will often tense up when someone or something comes too close to what the puppy views as his. He will often growl and show his teeth and may even bark, lunge or snap in an effort to ward off the intruding person, object or animal. But, some Labradoodles may show an unusually high prey drive that will need to be monitored and carefully controlled. If your Labradoodle chases anything that moves and aggressively bites it once he catches it, your pup may have this problem. Labradoodle puppies going into home with other pets must be socialized well and introduced to the other animals slowly to ensure no fights. Stranger Danger Pay attention to how your puppy reacts when strangers enter your home or when he passes people he does not know on the street. Puppies may also exhibit stranger danger like behaviors towards members of the household. This could include certain genders or builds that make your puppy uncomfortable. Dog-Directed Aggression Dog-directed aggression is one of the more common forms of puppy aggression and should not be taken lightly. Watch your puppy for signs of dog-directed aggression. Do they tense up, launch, growl or bark at passing dogs on the street? Loose bodied puppies who are wagging their tails and jumping happily when passing other dogs are simply trying to say hello. Unwillingness to be Pet or Touched Most puppies want your attention and affection. It is not normal for puppies to have this reaction every time you interact with them. Especially if it is paired with a tense body, cowering, trying to hide from you, or other signs of fearful aggression. Obvious Signs of Fear Puppies who are very fearful or standoffish are more likely to grow up and develop anxiety and fear-based aggressive tendencies. Fear often comes from a negative experience with a child or person and can lead to lifelong issues for a dog. You can help combat these problematic behaviors by properly socializing your Labradoodle puppy during his youth to ensure he grows up happy, healthy and well-rounded. A well trained and properly socialized Labradoodle puppy is much more likely to grow up well-mannered. Work to get your whole family on board when it comes to training and socialization. Ensure your puppy is introduced to as many new sights, sounds, people, places and experiences as possible to help him become more adaptable. Some great places to socialize your puppy include: Schoolyards during busy pick up or drop off times Different types of transport, including buses and trains The beach Shopping centers or supermarkets only those that allow dogs Car parks Pubs or bars Sports matches Socialization should happen ideally before 12 weeks of age. When to Call a Behaviorist Signs of true puppy aggression cannot and should not be ignored. If you feel your puppy is exhibiting worrying behaviors, you should work on managing these behaviors right away. The younger you begin working with your puppy on combating aggression, the more likely you are to reduce and diminish these problems. Of course, some problematic or aggressive behaviors cannot be dealt with on your own. There could also be underlying issues with your puppy that require professional help. You also have the option of contacting a canine behaviorist who can further assist you in managing Labradoodle aggression during puppyhood. And remember, the quicker you work with your puppy to manage problematic behaviors and aggression, the better off you and your puppy will be. A behaviorist will be able to help you manage and prevent problems like resource guarding and other types of aggression. My Labradoodle Puppy is Aggressive! Have you had problems with an aggressive Labradoodle puppy before? Or are you just trying to get through that painful teething phase? Let us know your experiences with your own Labradoodle puppy in the comments below. References and Resources Dunbar, I. Growling is an important part of every dogs behavior. If you teach your puppy to stop growling, your Australian Labradoodle puppy will have no other way to communicate. This leads to dogs who bite without any warning. Puppies are trying to communicate with you, look at what is going on. Australian Labradoodle puppies are not being aggressive when they are growling. Some reasons why are they are trying to get you to play with them or they are saying I am having so much fun! It is similar to a child play screaming when they are running around playing with other kids. Please, play with me! If you have young children and they are picking them up, they need to learn the puppy does not like that. He is telling your child he does not want to be picked up. If you approach your puppy suddenly while he is sleeping and move him off the couch, he may growl at you because he is surprised and alarmed. This does not mean it is acceptable behavior, a puppy needs you to teach them what is acceptable. You train your puppy what is acceptable in your home. If your 3 year old takes a toy away from your puppy, he will probably growl. This is a learning opportunity for both you, your puppy, and your child. Also, never play tug-of-war with a puppy, this will teach bad behaviors. There are various things you can do to train your puppy. You can change what your puppy was doing and take him out for a walk or you can give him a high value treat hot dogs always work in exchange for the toy. We recommend working with your Australian Labradoodle from the time they go into your home. This is important as they are very smart. Train your puppy from the start At Ashford Manor Labradoodles we start training your puppies for you. We start socialization, no nip, sit to be petted, and much more. It is your responsibility to carry on with this training. Puppies growl and it is okay! Cheryl Sabens. Are Labradoodles aggressive? February 20, The Labradoodle is one of the most popular dogs in the United States. Any breed of dog can become aggressive following mistreatment if they are not approached or handled with care, and most will protect themselves, their loved ones, and their home when necessary. However, Labradoodles are not aggressive dogs by nature. Table of Contents What is dog aggression? Dog aggression is considered any harmful behavior or threat of harmful behavior by a dog towards another dog or human. This commonly includes growling, snarling, barking, lunging, snapping, and biting. There are two types of dog aggression; provoked and unprovoked. Aggressive behavior following provocation would be classed as defensive. How to prevent aggression in dogs? The best way to prevent aggression in dogs is to treat them with compassion and socialize them from an early age. Socialization allows dogs to observe the behavior of others and learn social cues. Are Labradoodle puppies aggressive? No puppy should ever be aggressive unless they are frightened or have been mistreated in some way. However, teething and overexcited behaviors may appear to mimic aggression in puppies. All puppies bite when they are teething, and Labradoodles are no exception. It is a natural process that all infant mammals experience, in which their baby or milk teeth fall out and their adult teeth grow in. In puppies, this starts at around 3 weeks old and ends at months of age. It can make their gums can feel very sore and achy, and biting is the only way to relieve the pain. Puppies may also nip you when they are excited. It is not malicious or aggressive but may hurt and upset owners, especially children. You can train your pup to stop biting you by yelping like a dog and end your interaction as soon as they bite. This will help them to understand that biting is undesirable and causes all the fun to stop. You should start doing it as early on in their life as possible, and if you remain consistent, they will get the message soon enough! You can also help your Doodle through their teething process by using teething gel, which numbs and soothes their aching gums and reduces the need to bite. Labradoodles are known for being sweet-natured, family-friendly dogs. This is a large part of what makes them so popular. How to approach an aggressive Labradoodle If you come across a Labradoodle that is behaving aggressively, you should calmly back away and leave them alone. Reach out to an in-person trainer for help. Say hello in a calm, friendly voice and reach out your hand to invite an interaction. Offer them a treat if you have one, and if they come to you, pet them gently and keep your hand where they can see it until they are comfortable with you. However: If you are unsure how a dog will respond to you, it is always best to not push any interaction. Can boredom make Labradoodles aggressive? Extreme boredom can make dogs turn to aggression out of frustration. It can also cause them to engage in destructive behaviors including self-mutilation, destroying their possessions and household furniture, excessive barking, and going to the toilet indoors. In extreme cases, it can also cause aggression, which can be directed at humans or other dogs. Labradoodles have the social nature of the Labrador and the intelligence of the Poodle, so they need a lot of love and affection, as well as physical and mental stimulation. They are a breed that requires a medium to high level of maintenance , exercise and training. Some first-time dog owners can be overwhelmed by the amount of care their Labradoodle needs! To prevent and treat extreme boredom, you should try to include your dog in your family life as much as possible and walk them twice a day, for around an hour each time. Try to vary the location and do different activities, such as running, hiking, swimming, and playing fetch. Play some fun games like hide and seek and treasure hunt at home, and invest in some challenging toys like puzzles and treat dispensers. Teaching your Doodle new tricks, like the names of their toys, is also a great way to engage their brains. Can anxiety make Labradoodles aggressive? Severe anxiety can make dogs appear aggressive. It can cause our four-legged friends to feel on edge, causing them to growl or snap, but it is more so out of panic, rather than actual aggression. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual , dog anxiety is most commonly caused by fears, separation, and old age. Common fears amongst dogs include loud noises and water, and they are usually born out of bad past experiences or trauma. An anxious dog may engage in repetitive behaviors such as lip-licking, and long-term anxiety can cause stomach upsets and weight loss. Fear triggers can usually be treated with positive association training and or managed with anti-anxiety aids like supplements and thunder vests. It can cause distress, excessive whining, howling, and barking, as well as destructive behaviors towards themselves and the home. In extreme cases, it can also cause aggression. To combat and prevent separation anxiety, you should do a combination of separation training and positive association training with your Doodle. You can do this by leaving them alone for a small amount of time, and gradually building up the length of time that you spend apart. Never make a big deal when you say goodbye, but always make a fuss of them when you return. For example, do something you would normally do before leaving the house, such as grabbing your keys, and then, instead of leaving, remain in the house. Old age can also make dogs aggressive and confused , as they feel vulnerable and insecure, so they may growl or snap more easily at other dogs to warn them off. The easiest way to remedy this is to keep your dog on a lead around other dogs to keep them close to you and make them feel safe or take them to less busy locations for their daily walks. Let approaching owners know that your dog would rather not interact with unfamiliar dogs if they seem boisterous, and reassure your dog by rewarding them whenever they have a nice interaction. The tendency to be anxious or nervous can be hereditary to some extend. Because Labradoodles are not AKC-registered , breeders can produce puppies without any requirements of health or temperament testing. In some cases, this sadly results in the breeding of dogs that are naturally anxious — and they can pass this on to their offspring. Can illness make Labradoodles aggressive? These conditions include sight or hearing loss, canine cognitive dysfunction, brain tumors, hypothyroidism, psychomotor epilepsy, hyperkinesis, and neoplasia. Painful injuries and arthritis can also cause dogs to snap should somebody touch or go near the painful area, but this is done out of defensiveness. Feeling uncomfortable can also lead to heightened irritability. As all Doodles, Labradoodles require a high level of grooming. Matted hair and resulting skin infections can make them more likely to snap. Always make sure to brush your Labradoodle regularly and keep his coat clean and neat. What happens if my Labradoodle is aggressive? In most states in the US, owners are not liable for resulting injuries when a dog bites after provocation. However, when somebody, human or canine , is injured by a dog following unprovoked aggression, legal consequences are possible, including enforced euthanasia in extreme cases. So, if your Doodle displays unprovoked aggression, whether it is towards a person or another dog, you should look into anti-aggression training and consult a behaviorist if necessary. If your Doodle has hurt another dog, you should offer to pay for their vet bills and keep your dog on the lead on their walks in the future. How to treat aggression in Labradoodles As mentioned in the above sections, most of the time, canine aggression has specific triggers and causes. However, seemingly unprovoked aggression is still possible. Both of which are especially common in rescue dogs with histories of abuse, neglect, and homelessness. Because aggression is a serious behavioral issue, you should always seek the advice of an experienced in-person trainer. The bottom line Thankfully, Labradoodles are not aggressive or dangerous dogs by nature. In fact, they are generally sweet-natured, friendly pets that get along well with children and other dogs. That said, every dog should be fully trained and socialized to ensure good behavior, and you should seek help from a professional if your Doodle displays unprovoked aggression. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

So, finding high-quality dog food containing only necessary and healthy fats is best. Likewise, treats should be given not in excess but only when deserved. Pugs are more than happy to spend most of the day on the couch, and while Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are similarly relaxed, they are a bit more energetic and willing to participate in activities. Regardless, your dog will need moderate daily exercise. Early socialization and obedience training will be essential to train your Pugalier properly. Pugs are sensitive creatures and do not respond well to harsh training methods. Without positive reinforcement and rewards, your dog can get hurt feelings and lose the desire to train. When training your Pugalier, you should never use punishments or other negative reinforcement. Instead, focus on the positives by providing rewards, praise, and treats for desired behavior. If the coat is more like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, they will require multiple brushings per week as well as a bath every month or so. However, you can minimize the chances of your pet suffering a chronic disease by maintaining regular veterinary appointments. Minor Conditions Pugs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are susceptible to eye conditions such as corneal ulcers and cataracts, so watch out for any signs of eye discomfort, irritation, or pain. Your Pugalier will also be prone to patellar luxation , which is essentially a displaced kneecap. The severity of this condition varies, and it can predispose your pet to other conditions later in life. Hip dysplasia is another condition to be aware of, which often appears as weakness or pain in the hind limbs. You may notice your dog limping, struggling to stand, or having difficulty climbing furniture or stairs. Serious Conditions A serious condition that your Pugalier is at high risk for is obesity. Mitral valve disease is another concerning condition that your dog may be prone to. The mitral valve is a structure that prevents blood from flowing backward through the heart. When Pugaliers develop mitral valve disease, the valve degenerates and becomes less effective. The cause of this condition is unknown, but genetics is suspected to play a significant role. However, spaying can be more expensive than neutering due to the invasive nature of the surgery, and a female Pugalier may cost a bit extra upfront. It is said that Charles II was so enamored by his dogs that he brought them everywhere he went. An assassination attempt on Prince William was thwarted due to his Pug barking at the sight of the intruders. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, on the other hand, were bred to aid in hunting efforts and still retain these keen instincts. However, they are also more than happy to snuggle up on the couch. They can thrive in nearly any family situation or housing and only require moderate exercise. They get along with other pets, making them an ideal companion for a multi-pet household. Bringing a Pugalier home will require a lot of work, especially if you acquire one from a breeder. You must dedicate a significant amount of time to researching any breeders you approach, as the Pugalier is considered a designer breed and may be irresponsibly bred as a result. If you think the Pugalier is the right fit for you, we recommend beginning your search at your local animal shelter. Wherever you find your Pugalier, they will undoubtedly become a cherished friend for life. See also:. She has been vaccinated, vet check cleared, is up-to-date with worm and flea treatments, and is eating and playing well. We've got a lovely pair of pugalier puppies available to the right homes. These are first generation crossbreds, born from a purebred fawn pug mother and a purebred Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel father. Both parents are our family dogs and of excellent conformation and with friendly sociable personalities. Puppies' D. They will receive their first vet check and vaccination, worm and flea treatment before going to new homes. So far the puppies are very chubby and growing well since the litter is small and their mother has plenty of milk. We have a boy and a girl. The boy has white patches on his back, snout and paws and the girl is an even reddish fawn colour. This is typical as Blenheim is a recessive gene. Being first generation crossbreds, the puppies are likely to grow up to have an even balance of characteristics of both breeds, but it's possible they may end up looking more like one than the other. Either way they will make great family pets, very people-oriented and docile. Perfect for children and anyone who loves a chilled out lap dog. We're located in the North Shore of Auckland and are happy to host visits if you want to meet these cute little bubs. Any questions feel free to ask. We filter many scam listings out, but scammers are very clever and in a few cases appear to be fully legitimate listings. We recommend meeting prior to money changing hands. Ask about the pets health, history, and terms of trade. Most money should only change hands on trade. If you notice anything odd or unusual, exercise caution in dealing with this person. If you think you're being scammed contact the police and contact us to remove the listing. Pets4sale does not represent or endorse the person making this listing. Contact Information. Because a mixed-breed dog can inherit any combination of traits from one or both of their parents, you want to make sure you ask the breeder about the other parent breed. Should a Cavalier King Charles Mix take after their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent, they will be a small, sweet companion dog that loves their family and has a friendly, playful personality. They tend to make a great family pet and love spending time with their favorite humans. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel tends to have a sweet disposition and a gentle nature. They bond closely with their families, are affectionate, and are also playful, friendly, and outgoing. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. If the other parent breed is similar, then you should be able to expect the same from a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mix. The other parent breed may still introduce some other traits, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. You can also meet the mother dog in-person. The breeder should be starting to train and socialize puppies. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is highly adaptable and does well in apartments as well as larger homes. Because they bond closely with their families, they do not like to be left alone. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do have an urge to chase and will chase just about anything. Unless the other parent breed introduces other traits or quirks that could affect adaptability, you should be able to expect a similar adaptability level from a Cavalier King Charles Mix. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? Mixed-breed dogs can inherit none of the health conditions common to their parents or they can inherit any combination from one or both of them. From the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel side, potential health conditions to be aware of include Mitral Valve Disease, hip dysplasia, luxating patella , and Syringomyelia. Make sure you ask the breeder about the other parent breed so you know what other potential health conditions they could inherit. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing issues on to puppies. So, you should be asking about the genetic and health history of both of the parents anyway. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a good fit for owners of any experience level as they are intelligent, eager to please, and naturally obedient. If the other parent breed is also highly trainable, then you can expect something similar in a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mix. If the other parent breed is more difficult to train, then you will want to be prepared to enroll in puppy training classes. A Cavalier King Charles Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of the parent breeds or a coat that is a mix of both. Should they inherit a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel coat, it will shed moderately year-round and heavier as seasons change. It will need to be brushed a few times a week or weekly and bathed occasionally. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a low-energy dog breed. Daily walks and some playtime or other activity are usually enough for this dog. But, they will be happy to do more if it means spending more time with you. If the other parent breed has a similar activity level, then you can expect a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mix to be a lower-energy dog as well. But, if the other parent breed has a higher energy level, you will need to be prepared for a dog that requires more daily activity. A fully-grown Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is usually inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can affect this, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. This can give you a better idea of a potential size to expect in a fully-grown Cavalier King Charles Mix. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mix. Gucci, her Blenheim puppy, and Prada Prada Tucker. Our first Cavalier male. He is now retired, father or grandfather to several of our dogs. He was in a home on a breeding contract where he gets all the attention he is use to having living in an only a 2 dog home. He is now retired. He is a very mellow boy and perfectly housebroken, weighs about .Tri is so much easier to write we will refer to the color as tri. Tucker is the father of several of our Cavalier moms and the grandfather of our second and third generation! He is a daddy, grandpa and great grandpa! If you may also be interested in an adult cavalier as a pet on "loan" from us until they are retired from breeding after which time you would keep them as a pet please contact us. Must live fairly close to us. Gretel and Tucker. She is a lovely little lady! She is now retired, we have a couple of her daughters. I wish the photos I had taken had turned out better she has the most lovely full coat! Nala is a sweetheart. She gets along with everyone, although will stand up to a Westie if needed. She loves to chase butterflies and play with a rope toy. Giving kisses and sitting in your lap is her very favorite thing to do. She also really loves her puppies. She cleans them so much she makes yellow saliva stains on the white parts of their coats! She never digs and even if the others dig out under the fence she doesn't go with them. Nala has OFA hips, patellas, eyes and cardiac. I need to call them. Mother to Rufus, and Aryne's girl Sophie, both who have Optimal selection DNA test have them negative for the genetic test's the panel checks for, including DM negative. Have to find the photo of Nala's very unique nesting! She didn't want to be in her box, chose the floor instead. She managed to dig around and wrap herself up in the sheet I have draped over Roxy's box to keep Nala from staring at Roxy's puppies, and upsetting Roxy. She knows that Nala intends to steal her babies. Roxy though is amazingly fine with her wrapping herself all up and getting under the visual barrier. Maybe she knows she's in labor. I am also right here so they couldn't crawl through the bannister. I wish she would go back in her box, but whatever makes them happy! She is just beautiful. One of our smaller girls only about 11 pounds. She has OFA heart and eyes. Covid seriously impared our ability to get more OFS exams done. She is on the list. Test Current mom's. We breed for beautiful healthy AKC Cavaliers. When we breed them to our AKC poodle instead we have top quality Cavapoo puppies. I tried to have several pictures of each. Some are as puppies, or in their funny teenage time, or with all their coat and furnishings trimmed short. I cant figure out how to put the name right on the photo with the website. We do not breed any who have been tested and do not pass their OFA check. Cavaliers worst problem in degenerative heart disease. There is no test to know who, or when it will happen. The goal is to test yearly and any who start to have a murmur are removed from the breeding pool. Over time the dogs who go the longest without a problem will parent the most puppies. Since we retire our moms at 6 years old, you do not wait until 6 to breed them its impossible to not breed those who may develop a problem. For the boys its terrific that the oldest males can still sire puppies if they are still passing their heart exams. If none were bred, there would be no cavaliers left the heart problem is so common. Fortunately they now often live a long life without needing medication, or only at the end of life. Before, and still happening in lines that no testing is done, they often only live until 6 to 8 years due to severe heart problems. Without testing you can assume they have bad hearts. Its up to the public to be sure the parent dogs are tested annually, or at least bi-annually and ideally have passed a heart exam within the last fiscal year. Then the older the mom the better, same for sires. Since we have been breeding them for so long and have many retired parents who are grandparents, or great grand parents I think a slide show of certifications will load better instead of years worth of testing posted individually by their photo.

Lab Terrier mixes 2. Introducing The Gene For Dwarfism Dogs with dwarfism have disproportionately short bones in their legs. Many types of dwarfism are caused by a single gene mutation, which can occur spontaneously, or be introduced by out-crossing with another breed. However dwarfism is linked to an increased risk of skeletal disorders including arthritis and spinal disease. Selectively Breeding From Runts Finally, all Labrador litters have some variation in size between siblings. Puppies much smaller than the rest of their litter are known as runts, and they might remain smaller in adulthood too. Breeding runts from different litters together over several generations can produce a breeding line of unusually small dogs. Recreating these problems over several generations can produce small dogs who are prone to illness and fail to thrive. Not at all. Just like people, Labradors come in a range of healthy sizes. The AKC breed standard allows for male Labs to be 22 to 25 inches tall at the withers, and 65 to 80 pounds. Females can be 21 to 24 inches tall, and 55 to 70 pounds. And of course, these parameters only apply to show dogs. Even greater variation occurs healthily and naturally in the pet population. So if you want a naturally micro Labrador, how can you go about finding one? But one of the most reliable predictors is the size of their parents. When two healthy dogs at the low end of the normal weight range for Labs mate, their puppies are likely to be small for Labs as well. You can ask breeders about their size of their sire and dam when you call to ask about a litter, or research which waiting list to join. But be prepared to discover that your puppy may exceed all expectations anyway! Labradors can come in a surprising range of healthy weights. Their legs appear to be bent because they are malformed. This bone malformation causes them to have problems with their knee and hip joints, which can be painful and crippling. Any type of dwarfism can cause additional health problems to the animal. Although you associate dwarf Labradors with short legs, they can also have abnormally formed skulls. This can result in breathing problems. They can also have problems whelping, and require c-sections instead of being able to give birth naturally. Disproportionate leg and body lengths, such as seen to an extreme scale in the Dachshund, can also result in spinal problems and painful movements. Although some dwarf Labradors will live full and happy lives, they are at a greater risk than their unaffected cousins. It is therefore very important that Labrador breeders ensure that they do not breed from Labradors who carry the gene for dwarfism. Dwarf Labrador Health Tests Before you buy a Labrador, their breeder should have carried out a variety of health tests on both of the parents. One of the things you should make sure that they have tested for is dwarfism in Labradors. There is a test available for SD2, which will tell the breeder whether the parent carries the gene. No Lab with the gene should be bred to another with it, as they could result in the puppies having dwarfism. Miniature Labrador Breeders A Labrador Retriever small breed is something that has been coined by a few dog breeders to try and cash in on a market of dog lovers who want a small Labrador Retriever to fit into their lives. Every month hundreds of people scour the internet looking for a miniature black Lab or miniature chocolate Lab to join their family. And unscrupulous people will take advantage of these people who are innocently putting their faith in them to provide a happy, healthy new friend. They will provide you with clear, breed specific information. Those claiming to be miniature Labrador breeders may be producing puppies that carry the Labrador dwarfism gene. They may have cross bred their lines with a smaller breed of dog. Or they may be producing regular sized Labs and simply giving their customers the misleading impression that they will remain the same size. Words Of Warning From Lab Breeders If you are researching Labrador breeders, here are some negative buzzwords to keep your eyes peeled for: Micro Labrador Mini Labrador Miniature Labs These words demonstrate that the breeder is either lacking knowledge about Labradors or is trying to mislead puppy buyers. Either way, they are not the breeder that you want to approach. Well, yes, you can. Some Labradors are smaller than others! Within the bounds of usual Labrador size, they are a bit shorter, lighter and just plain littler than other Labs. You will also find that some English Labradors are chunky in build but short in height. Short legs are more fashionable in the show ring at the moment. So this can be removed as the reason for them being shorter legged. Small Labradors who are simply at the lower end of the normal spectrum can be found from reputable breeders, and they are a good option if you want a Labrador temperament in a slightly smaller package. The other option is to buy a Labrador mix, who is crossed with a smaller breed of dog. Just make sure that you check out the health tests that are relevant to this breed as well before you commit to the puppy. But no healthy Labrador will stay small to the miniature extent. Lab puppies that stay really small do so because they are undernourished, ill or have a disease. Even dwarf Labradors are only around 2. If you want a small Labrador Retriever, then think about why. Is it to do with a lack of space, or simply a personal taste issue? Small dog breeds are popular at the moment, but fashions change and the most important part of any pet is their personality and temperament. I hope that you will decide that a full sized Labrador is worth the loss of space on the couch, in exchange for the love and devotion they will give you for the next ten years. Find Out More About Labradors!