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If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. However, the downside of Doodles being increasingly available is that there are a lot of people out there looking to take advantage of those not familiar with how it all works. This article will detail some things to be on the lookout for when checking out Goldendoodle breeders in Washington. We have also included some recommendations, based on research and reviews, for the best breeding facilities in the state. Hopefully, this information will help you with picking out the newest member of your family. Not only are there a whole host of tricksters out there waiting to take your money, but there are also multitudes of extremely low-quality breeding centers and puppy mills about. Here profit is prioritized over the health and wellbeing of the animals. Puppies are churned out as quickly as possible, meaning dogs are frequently overbred. They are rarely tested for the genetic conditions that could be passed along to their offspring. Moreover, these places cut costs at every corner, so the dogs and their puppies are fed the lowest quality food and generally just not given a very happy life. The result… sickly, poorly socialized, and miserable puppies. Luckily, organizations are popping up across the country committed to best practices for breeding these cuddly canines. If a breeder is certified with these guys, then you know they are good. Ensure Appropriate Health Checks Haphazard breeding can cause many problems for dogs — mainly because there are a lot of hereditary conditions that can be passed on from parent to pup. These days many breeding facilities provide their health check information right up front. Breeders who are reluctant to share details with you are unlikely to be on the up and up. After all, not all canine conditions are apparent from birth. For more on issues that can plague Goldendoodles take a look at our article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Look For a Health Guarantee A health guarantee should be given as a standard as part of the purchase contract. Most facilities now offer a month health guarantee. These ones are clearly very confident about their pups. Just make sure you read the fine print to see what is included. If in doubt, speak with a veterinarian. They will be able to help you cut through any jargon. While some websites may not be the most reliable, there are plenty of great ones out there such as this one offering up some really helpful stuff. So, make good use of them. Expert sites, review articles, and social media can all be great for helping you track down the best breeder in your area. Just make sure the information comes from a reputable source. For instance, if you get a tip from a Doodle forum, check out the reviews too. This brings us to our final point: Read Online Reviews These days reviews really do make the world go round. People check reviews before many key purchases. They often even place a high value on ones they find on the internet. You can find some really great information out there as long as you know what to look out for. You can start here at Doodle Doods to look for reviews. After all, these can be pretty easy to fabricate. The more comments you can find about a breeder, the better — it would take a lot of effort to make up masses of fake ones. For more in-depth coverage of what to look for when selecting a breeder, check out our dedicated article, How To Choose A Responsible Breeder. Their breeding dogs, who are valued members of the family, are thoroughly health tested. This includes genetic health testing, diversity testing, OFA hips, eyes, and heart testing. What Makes This Breeder Unique? The small, family-run operation is thoroughly invested in the health and wellbeing of their dogs and the puppies they breed. They are committed to raising awareness of the importance of using health-tested, well-adjusted dogs and continuously striving to improve their breeding operations. Location: Ferndale, Washington Choosing the Best Goldendoodle Breeder How do you find the best Goldendoodle breeders in Washington when the market is full of puppy mills? You assess the criteria they use to breed their puppies. Any humane and ethical animal breeding process starts with thorough genetic testing to protect puppies from inheriting known genetic conditions from their parents. They keep track of their breeders and offspring to prevent in-breeding and the problems that come with it. In addition, ethical breeders take care of their breeders and puppies. They keep them clean and safe and provide veterinary care and immunization as required. Ethical breeders also retire their breeders after they reach a certain age, usually around 7. At this point, the breeder is spayed or neutered to prevent further reproduction and keep them healthy. One key differentiating factor between ethical breeders and puppy mills is their focus on quality instead of quantity. Ethical breeders care about their dogs, therefore, treat them as members of their own families. 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. Yes, email me when puppies become available. Message sent. You are shopping for a puppy. It's our greatest pleasure to assist you through your puppy journey. Our Goldendoodle puppies are bred for health, temperament, non-shedding, allergy-friendly coats, and cute blocky builds. We are ethical, transparent and professional. We take pride in the quality of our puppy raising process, and whole health care for our adult dogs. Why buy from Idaho We sell a lot of our goldendoodle puppies to the Seattle area. Usually our prices are lower than Washington's. This is due totally to location and local demand. Idaho is still very small. The puppy featured in this photo lives in Seattle with a couple of his siblings! You can occasionally see their updates on our Facebook page. We are excited about Seattle because it is only a short plane trip for our puppies. Most of our Seattle prospect families are great situations for our puppies. As reputable goldendoodle breeders, we really care where our puppies go and how they will be treated. It takes thought and preparation to be ready for a new puppy and the commitment of their lifetime. We have enjoyed the relationships we've had with our Seattle goldendoodle puppy families, and we look forward to more. Please send us an application if you'd like more info on our cute puppies. We breed for health, temperament and blocky builds. Our goldendoodle puppies for sale usually have a long wait list, so please fill out our contact form so you get updates quickly when puppies are available. Welcome to a Professional Family Breeder When you are looking for quality, reach out to us! We live in beautiful Boise, Idaho. Did you know that your new puppy is less than an hour flight away from Seattle Washington? Choose us for our top quality, consistent litters, stunning looks, best health quality, high socialization and off to the best start possible. We are a real business with full-time commitment. We have a puppy nanny that can deliver, or my brother lives in Gig Harbor and I love to come see him for the day. The flight with puppy is in-cabin and only 1 hour long. The puppy goes to sleep in my arms as soon as the plane engine starts, and wakes up an hour later ready to come into your arms! It has worked so well that my daughter and I have flown 3 puppies together to Seattle with us in the cabin. It's one of the highlights of my job. Please reload. Not only are goldendoodles good with kids and easy to train, they thrive in both city and country environments. At Seattle Goldendoodles, we raise top quality goldendoodles for families who want to add a four legged member to their family. We are a small family who loves dogs. Each goldendoodle gets the love and attention they need to become well adjusted, happy pets. When you select your 8 week old goldendoodle, it will be crate trained, potty trained, and adjusted to in-home family living. We also guarantee your goldendoodle against hip dysplasia for 1 year. We are dog lovers, just like you. Read below to find out more about our beloved goldendoodles, and be sure to check out our numerous testimonials from happy, satisfied families. Keep in mind that we are not a puppy mill or a kennel — all of our goldendoodles are bred from F3 multi-generational dams and sires, so puppies are the ultimate F4 mini multigeneration goldendoodles. Seattle Goldendoodles We are not a kennel, but we are Doodle lover who specialize in raising red and apricot colored multi-generational goldendoodle puppies. We focus on quality and temperament, not quantity. Our puppies get daily exercise on our 1. Your Seattle goldendoodle will be affectionate, gentle, and easy to train. As a mix between a golden retriever and poodle, the goldendoodle is loving, highly intelligent, and makes an exceptional family dog. Selecting a goldendoodle breeder in Seattle can be difficult, so we offer the following information to help you make your decision. If you have any questions, please give us a call and we will be happy to answer them. When you select your puppy at 8 weeks, they will be appropriate age potty and crate trained for easier transition into their new home. This one-on-one care is something that big kennels are simply unable to offer, and it makes a tremendous difference when you introduce your new goldendoodle into your family environment. What is daily life like for Seattle goldendoodle puppies? Top Quality Care — Every goldendoodle puppy is a part of our family, and they are treated as such. They live with us in our home environment where they can become fully socialized with other dogs, children, and adults. They are involved in our daily activities and are fed top-quality foods and supplements to help them grow healthy and strong. Started for potty and crate Training — As we raise our goldendoodle puppies they get started a crate and potty training, bolstered by positive reinforcement. By the time you pick your new puppy up at 8 weeks, they will already be capable of a seamless transition into your home. Life in a Clean Environment — All of our goldendoodle puppies are raised in a clean, in-home environment. Why does this matter? Our Seattle goldendoodle puppies are happy and well-adjusted because they understand the home environment and its sacred nature. Our puppies are constantly surrounded with normal, everyday household sounds and smells, making their transition far easier on both puppy and owner. Play and Exercise — Our home sits on more than an acre of land where our Seattle goldendoodle puppies get the exercise they need to be healthy and strong. This daily play time also helps them become comfortable around other dogs and humans, so that you can take them on walks and interact with other dog owners wherever your travels take you. When you pick up your new goldendoodle puppy, we provide you with all of the information and guidelines you need to ensure your new family member gets the care it needs to reward you with many years of unquestioned love. Sires and Dams — Your puppies health and temperament owe much to the health and agility of its parents. All of our Seattle goldendoodle puppies come from an F3 multi-generational line, which makes them F4 pups. Our dedication to raise of genetically different parents creates healthier, more vigorous goldendoodles. We guarantee all of our goldendoodle puppies against hip dysplasia for one year with puppy has to be spay and neutered within months of age. We raise our Seattle goldendoodle puppies on a diet of high-quality Canidae Life Stages kibble, which is a lamb and rice formula containing no corn or wheat. Both can cause health problems in dogs and puppies of all ages, but puppies are especially susceptible. Corn and wheat are used as nothing more than fillers in dog foods, and could cause your goldendoodle to have allergies, swelling, bloating, and other major health issues. We highly recommend that you continue to feed your goldendoodle top quality foods when you bring him or her into your home. Vet Care — Every goldendoodle puppy needs its shots to ensure its ongoing health and prevent worms from causing unnecessary health problems. All of our Seattle goldendoodle puppies go home with 4x de-worming and proper shot. Vet Certification fee and shipping fee, Is Responsibility of new owner. We do not ship puppies. Families are able to pick up their puppies. Your Goldendoodles health is our top priority We love animals, especially goldendoodles, and we want you to have the best dog possible Goldendoodles are amazing dogs with wonderful personalities. They get along with children and adults alike, and can be trained to take on a working role as a service or guide dog. Goldendoodles naturally get along with everyone and are highly social dogs. Seattle Goldendoodles Owner, Stephanie is a nurse who routinely brings her goldendoodles into Seattle hospitals to visit with patients. Stephanie and her husband absolutely adore Goldendoodles, which is why they started raising them in the first place. Our puppies are proven healthy, happy, and they are raised with endless amounts of love and affection. Contact us today for more information about our goldendoodle puppies Are you ready to bring one of these four legged bundles of joy into your Seattle home? Give us a call today and select the perfect goldendoodle puppy for your Seattle family. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Mount Vernon Washington and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! She is such a doll and I can see that you raised her well during those first few weeks. She has kept her beautiful red color and is the hit in the neighborhood. Everyone loves her. Thank you! Susan Moxley The Sweetest Boy! Hi Norma! I just wanted to send you some pictures of Scout Stallone. We love him so much. He is the sweetest boy! Bryant M. Very Smart Little Guy Dutton is settling in. He is a very smart little guy. He is starting puppy training today. We Love Her So Much! First haircut! Hazel is such a sweetheart. So smart, kind and a bit of a clown. We love her so much!???? Just wanted to give you a pup-date on Dash, now known as Toby! We just love him so much. He has such a fun personality. He loves all his squeaker toys, and balls of all sizes. My family adores him. Norma was so helpful throughout the process and our new puppy is absolutely delightful. I was looking for a very specific dog and she was more than accommodating and helpful! My puppy is the greatest addition and he was well taken care of. I cannot thank Norma enough for everything or say enough about how much of an amazing breeder she is! Jade Parker Super Impressed I have purchased quite a few puppies in my 76 years but I have to say I am super impressed with the breeders of Mountain Meadow puppies. The entire facility was immaculate and you could tell the dogs are well loved and taken care of. I had lost my 14 year old Goldendoodle to cancer the week before contacting this facility and was worried. But our little Violette is brimming with personality, smart as a whip, healthy and she gets along great with our mastiff and 75 pound Goldendoodle as well as our 2 cats. I highly recommend Norma and her amazing operation. Norma was amazing and helped us find Murphy. .We will always recommend Mountain Meadow Puppies to all. Your kindness and professionalism made it all possible. We made the epic trip up from Southern California all in one weekend. Our family made memories that we will never forget. She is so gentle and intelligent. She slept through the night from the first night. She loves toys that are a challenge and to play fetch. She struggles a bit with housetraining. We still have a foot of snow in our yard and she would rather play than do what needs to be done, but we are getting there. Patience, consistency, and kindness really pay off with these guys. Love this girl! He checks off all my desires in a new pup. Carol C. She was really a joy to work with! Helped me find my fur baby Nala Rose! A picture with my 1-year-old pup with long and short hair???? I hope you and your family are well! Kona is now 10 months old and we love her! I highly recommend Norma and her puppies. Very special! He loves to play, go on walks and cuddle???? We love our puppy! Very nice people, easy to get ahold of! Great experience all around! They are the best! We had a wonderful experience adopting our sweet mini Goldendoodle from Mountain Meadow Puppies! Norma was absolutely amazing! She was prompt in messaging me back and answering any questions that I had. We are beyond smitten over our sweet Benny???? Tara Ball Mason has been home for 1 week today. He is perfect! They made sure as first time puppy owner I was ready, keeping me updated on her health, as I waited for pickup date. I would recommend them to anyone interested in a goldendoodle, or bernedoodle. Emily Haaland A Beautiful, Caring Establishment Mountain Meadow Puppies we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this special girl that we were blessed to get from you. I have to say I have never seen such a clean, beautiful, and caring establishment. Norma I pray the Lord blesses you and your family, thank you for taking care of your puppies the way you do and your customers, making sure my questions were answered. Just to watch you with your puppies and how you love them and care where they are going is amazing. I would recommend everyone I know who wants a healthy gorgeous puppy to come to Mountain Meadow Puppies. The process was so easy and enjoyable. We would recommend Mountain Meadow Puppies to everyone! Norma made the entire process seamless! Meeting her and her husband and seeing the hard work and love they put into these dogs was amazing. So thankful for all they do for these puppies and our new family member Mango! This is Mango smiling after a bath. Hogan and Gracie are now 2 yrs and 1 yr and thriving! Thank you again, Norma. Kelley Stamey Tsika Phenomenal in every way!!! Mountain Meadows is absolutely phenomenal in every way!!! We fell in love with Murphy on their website, spoke with Norma multiple times over the phone, and made the drive to Libby to pick him up. Norma is incredibly knowledgeable and kind, you can tell the puppies love her!!! Their home is beautiful and their facility is beautiful and very well kept. Amazing amazing amazing. She just got her bath and is still wet. She has settled down a lot these past few weeks, and is a joy in our lives. She loves to play and cuddle. We love to watch her play outside in the snow. She is very entertaining. Thanks again for everything. Donna M. Happy 1st. Birthday, Maya! You are such a blessing to our family! Yacelin P. An Exceptional Dog Bijou is an exceptional dog but maybe all owners think this. I LOVE her very much! Now that she is a year old, I can begin getting her ready to be a therapy dog. Requires a lot of discipline on my part! She always wants to be touching me — she is my girlie-girl!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You probably already know that learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy can be a stressful time. But… once you know these easy steps, great things happen! Knowing how to potty train your German Shepherd is vital to having a happy, comfortable life with them. Use this training consistently to have the most effect. A proactive approach works best. Which means you should… focus on preventing accidents, instead of waiting on them to happen! Follow a strict feeding and bathroom schedule to see the best results. Basically, you teach your German Shepherd puppy the right potty skills… until it becomes a habit humanesociety. The key to quick success is taking your pup out every 2 to 3 hours and never giving the opportunity for them to have an accident inside. This means at least 8 to 10 trips outside every single day! In their welcoming and safe crate either resting, eating their meals, or enjoying a play toy. In an exercise pen or playpen with a strict potty area. Under your direct, undivided attention. This means you are always watching your pup. All it takes is for you to check your phone for a few seconds for your pup to have a toileting accident! You can either use a crate to speed up their potty training or provide them an area indoors to eliminate. I prefer the crate method. Housebreaking with the use of a crate speeds up your success rate incredibly! But you want to use the crate positively so they learn to love their little den. Make their crate an enjoyable and inviting place to go. How to show your pup how to love their crate: Never force your pup into their crate! Take your time with crate introduction and allow them to explore under their own will. Serve your pup at least one meal a day inside their crate. Use a Kong with their meal stuffed inside and mixed with a small spoonful of unsweetened Greek yogurt or peanut butter to entice them to stay and work on the Kong inside the crate. Offer treats when they willingly go inside to rest or explore their crate. Use a verbal cue when you want your pup to go into the crate. You can learn all the benefits of teaching your dog to use their crate in this easy post on crate training your German Shepherd successfully. Check it out to get the complete facts, tips, and step-by-step instructions to perfect crate training today. Use Puppy Pads You can use puppy pads if you need to… or skip to step 4 to learn potty training without pads. Not going to use puppy pads? You can skip to step 4. But… if you prefer to use puppy pads, then you need an area where you always take your dog when they need to go to the bathroom. Preferably place their pads near the door that you eventually want them to use to go outside. Place more pads down than you think you need at first. This is because puppies have poor aim and also may find a spot they prefer other than the one you pick. After a couple of weeks, you may remove the extra pads until there are only two puppy pads on the floor in the primary area they prefer to go. Keep the food and water area away from the puppy pads in another place. Using Puppy Pads Successfully Change your puppy pads as they become soiled. But a lightly soiled pad is attractive to your pup in the beginning stages of training and helps them learn the right area to potty indoors at first. Once they are reliably using the correct spot, you need not continue to use this trick and can throw away the pads as they become too soiled. Training Them to Go Outside After Using Pads Indoors If you set up your pads near the door you use to take them outside to their elimination area, then you can transition them to go outside more easily. So, place or move your puppy pads closer to the door from their original spot to begin the transition to the outdoors. When your pads are close to the door, watch them for their elimination signs and get them to the outside as swiftly as you can. While I generally use a crate to house train my German Shepherd puppy I also totally understand that you might prefer to learn how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy using a puppy pad for any number of reasons. Teach Them a Potty Routine Every day, follow the same routine and schedule to keep your puppy from having accidents inside your house. Teaching your dog to eliminate outside means that you must have a strict schedule. Watch for signs that your pup needs to go potty so you can avoid indoor accidents. Morning Potty Routine First thing in the morning when you let your pup out of their crate or from their sleeping area take them to their potty spot. If in doubt, carry them outside yourself. If you will not leash your pup when you take them out in the morning, then run ahead of them to lead them outside quickly. If you have stairs, carry your pup since rushing downstairs on a full bladder is never a good idea. Outside Potty Routine Stay with your pup until they do their business. You can place your pup in a small confined area to go potty or keep them leashed to you. Stand quietly until they potty. Then, praise them and offer a tasty treat. This can bore you at first, but potty training a German Shepherd puppy becomes easier every day. After 10 to 15 minutes, take them out of their crate and repeat the above process. Learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy takes repetition and patience. How do you know when to take your GSD puppy outside to potty? Take them out after a nap. They need to relieve themselves after sleeping or napping in their crates. Take them out after a play session. Take them out after they drink a large amount of water. Take them out first thing in the morning and the last thing before you place them in their crate or go to bed. Take your dog out when their body language says they are searching for a potty spot! You should take out your German Shepherd puppy every 2 hours for an 8-week-old pup. Add an hour for each month your pup is old. So, a week-old dog needs to go out every 3 hours. And a week-old German Shepherd needs to go outside to relieve herself every 4 hours. Puppy Age How often do you take them outside to potty? Most dogs do not have full bladder control until they are six months old. This means that even if your puppy does learn to hold it, accidents may still happen if it is left inside too long. Not potty training early can extend the process and make things harder. As the puppy grows, the mess and smells will increase. It is also harder to break an existing habit than prevent one from starting in the first place. How long on average does it take to potty train a puppy? If everything goes according to plan, your German Shepherd can be potty trained within five days. However, that does not mean your pup will be able to be locked indoors for eight hours while you go to work and not make a mess. Therefore, a two-month-old puppy needs to go out every two hours. A three-month-old can hold for three, and so on. German Shepherds also often have a high play drive and might completely forget that they need to potty when they want to play instead. There are few things more frustrating than playing outside with your puppy for an hour, only to have them calm down enough to relieve themselves the moment they come indoors. Have a complimentary diet An upset stomach is one of the most common setbacks in housetraining. In particular, puppies are vulnerable to garbage gut because they tend to eat anything smelly or exciting. This is another reason to make use of a crate. Excellent digestive health is not only good for your puppy, but it makes it much easier to stick to your routine. Use a specific door By now, you might be noticing a theme of consistency and routine emerging. Taking your puppy out through the same door helps condition and imprint the housetraining process on your dog and will also serve you later when your dog learns to always ask to go outside at the same door. Leash and lead The leash or lead is a further way of conditioning your puppy. The lead ensures that you can keep them close and make sure they always go to the specific spotty to potty. Do some research on the best collar for German Shephards , as there are some breed specific requirements. Then give a treat or some playtime to reward the correct behavior. Guide your dog back inside A potty run needs to be conditioned as a potty run. While praise, playtime, and treats should be used to make it a positive experience, your pup must learn to stay focused on the task at hand. Creating a negative experience for your dog is more likely to cause sneaky behavior such as peeing and pooping secretly out of fear that you will reprimand them if caught. Make sure you check on your puppy at least twice throughout the night Set an alarm clock and check if your puppy is awake and restless at least twice a night. This is your cue to take the pup outside. If the crate is near your bed and you are a light sleeper, you will likely wake when you hear rustling or whimpering. Stick to a routine A rigid routine is the quickest and smoothest route to a house-trained puppy. Be sure to take the puppy outside as soon as it wakes up in the morning, as well as after a nap, after playtime, and after meals. Until they are at least twelve weeks old, they should be taken out a minimum every two hours during the day. Positive Reinforcement As with all dog training, positive reinforcement works best. Make sure to praise and reward within three seconds of your puppy going potty to make a positive association. While your German Shepherd is learning that the entire house is out of bounds for elimination, the crate is a useful tool to avoid accidents. Once this has been achieved, you can gradually allow your puppy more free rein indoors. Pee Pads are not helpful. Puppies Puppy accidents are inevitable and can also be the most frustrating part of welcoming a new dog into your household. However, with a little bit of patience and the commitment to establishing a routine, you should get your GSD puppy potty trained in no time. This article will dive into how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy as well as give you step-by-step instructions and tips for success. German Shepherds become aware of their ability to control their bodily functions at around 3 weeks old. However, it is best to start potty training as soon as you bring your puppy home, usually, this is around 8 weeks of age. So, a 2-month old can hold their pee for about 2 hours. To avoid accidents, take them for potty breaks once every hour. No, not all adult German Shepherds are potty trained. Nevertheless, the general process of training an adult is pretty much the same as potty training a puppy. The key is in setting your rules and establishing a routine from the beginning. Ideally, choose a relatively quiet place. German Shepherds, like many other dog breeds, are creatures of habit. Having a designated potty area and using it consistently is key to making this process work smoothly. When dogs eliminate, their urine and feces leave behind a unique scent. Smelling it will signal to their brains that it is, indeed, time to go potty. Step 2: Establish a schedule Just like having a consistent potty area, sticking to a regular schedule is essential. Take very young puppies to their designated potty area every hour. As they age and as they become familiar with the routine, you can lengthen the time between their potty breaks. Start by choosing a command and sticking with it. When your pup gets to their potty spot, say your chosen command. Then say your command again and praise your pup as soon as your pup has successfully eliminated. You can usually tell this by their body language. Keep doing that until you can just give the command and your pup knows to squat and poop. Step 4: Reinforce positive potty behavior Whenever your GSD pup potties successfully, give them a good time! Reward them especially when they potty on command. Make sure you give them lots of praises and maybe a good head scratch. Depending on what motivates them, reward them with food or play. Step 5: Give it time and patience Following these steps will give you the best chance of success, but expect it to take some time. Top Tips for Potty Training Success German Shepherds are easy to train , so by following the proper potty training steps, you should get your GSD pup housebroken in no time. Nevertheless, here are some tips that will set you up for success and allow you to get over this tedious phase much more quickly: Tip 1: Make crate training a priority Crate training offers plenty of critical benefits, especially to puppies. Apart from providing a private space where they can feel safe, the right crate can be an excellent housebreaking tool. Tip 2: Establish a routine German Shepherds tend to thrive on a daily routine, so try your best to make every day the same for them. It will also help you more accurately predict when they need to go potty. Try to limit feeding times to three times a day for puppies younger than 6 months. German Shepherds that are at least 6 months old can eat once in the morning and then again in the evening. Tip 4: Withhold water at night Dogs should always have access to clean drinking water, but free access to a water bowl will make potty training more difficult. Once housebroken, your dog can have free access to water. When you take your dog out to potty, try to keep yourself relaxed and only talk when giving the potty command. This will also make your post-potty reward extra special. Disciplining your puppy for a potty accident is likely to do more harm. It will lead to negative potty behavior like being afraid to eliminate in your presence as well as feeling anxiety over having to pee or poop. Just clean it up and hope you can both do better next time. If your dog is having accidents too regularly, you likely need to take your dog out more frequently to prevent it. This is also the best way to maintain proper hygiene and good health. Tip 8: Listen and observe Dogs have their own way of communicating and will be especially communicative when they need to go potty. Some dogs might whine while others paw at the door. You just need to establish a routine and give them time to develop full control over their bladder and bowels. As long as you are committed to following your protocol, you should be able to enjoy a fully housebroken dog soon enough.
They are vet checked and micro chipped prior to going to their forever homes. We may consider full registration on very specific puppies and families. All of our puppies and dogs are raised in our home, where they are loved first and foremost. If we do not keep back from a certain breeding those on the list will automatically be moved up in picks. We always have inquiries regarding our puppies, and another family may be ready to reserve that same puppy. We encourage you to place a deposit as soon as you are ready! The puppy will be offered to the next family if we do not receive proof that the funds have been sent. Dorothy is a busy spit fire. She plays with other dogs and loves her toys. Loves all dog as long as they can handle her outgoing fast paced personality. On Jan. My vet found that she has grade 1 luxating petellas in both knees. She shows no clinical signs of issues, lameness or of being in pain. So her vet check really surprised me with this out come. I have attached my vets notes in pictures above. This 18 week old boy is available. He is a sweet goofy little man who is really wanting his fur ever family. Through no fault of his own he is available again. This little man deserves to find his new family. Females: pounds. Height Males: inches. Females: inches. However, the French Bulldog breed's distinguished breed heritage and intriguing history as a European companion dog place him on a level far above that of any swine. Modern French Bulldogs are descendants of large, ancient dogs that were kept by a Greek tribe known as the Molossians. The breed, known as the Molossus, is believed to have spread to other countries on the ships of seafaring peoples. Over time, the Molossus found its way to Britain, where British breeders created a new dog from his lineage: the Mastiff. Although the Mastiff's enormous physique has little in common with the petite French Bulldog, the breeds share a genetic link. Bullenbeissers were a subdivision of the mastiff lineage bred specifically for bullbaiting. Bullbaiting was a popular English blood sport during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in which bulls were tied to a pole with 30 feet of leash. A bullbaiting dog was bred to crawl on his stomach toward the bull, avoid being gored by the horns, and bite the enraged bull on the snout. Many bullbaiting dogs were maimed or killed fighting bulls, and the British Parliament banned the practice in by passing the Cruelty to Animals Act. When the British Parliament outlawed bullbaiting, breeders focused on more humane roles for the dogs to fulfill in society. Many owners appreciated the tenacity and strength of bullbaiting dogs and attempted to make smaller versions that would carry those traits into companionship roles. The bullbaiting dogs were mixed with smaller breeds, such as terriers and pugs, hoping to create a more compact version of the beloved Bulldog. Toy Bulldogs emerged in England during the first half of the nineteenth century. Far lighter than the original Bulldog, some weighed as little as 12 pounds. Toy-sized Bulldogs fit better with city life than their larger counterparts. Since toy Bulldogs were smaller and lighter, they were easier to carry, and many male and female workers of the British Industrial Revolution chose toy Bulldogs as their pets. Workers who left Britain to find jobs as lace workers in France popularized the breed in their host country. The breed's now iconic, bat-like ears became a desired trait that distinguished the French Bulldog from the toy Bulldog. French socialites, especially women, grew particularly fond of the peculiar-looking dog, and many chose the French Bulldog specifically for his exceeding patience during gossip sessions. The French Bulldog became an accessory to fashionable women since the dog's appearance with his art nouveau ears drew the attention of onlookers and passersby during walks. Miniature Bulldogs became so popular in France that, by the year , French demand had nearly outstripped the supply of pups being exported by British breeders. News of the French Bulldog spread further west in the latter half of the nineteenth century. As in France, America's most elite families fawned over the breed, including the Rockefellers and the Morgans. In the twenty-first century, the French Bulldog was recognized as one of the top twenty most popular breeds in the United States. Breed Characteristics Head: Somewhat brachycephalic skull-type, moderate in size, shaped rather square, and in proportion to the rest of the body. From the front, the topskull is flat, or nearly flat, between the ears. In profile, the topskull appears long and slightly rounded and should not appear short or flat. It should be free from excess skin and wrinkles. The muscles, including those of the cheeks and the temporal muscles, are well-developed. The superciliary arches and a furrow at the stop are prominent. The occiput is not prominent. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles. Eyes: The eyes are moderate in size, open-oval to round in shape, set rather far apart from one another and from the ears, and as dark in color as possible or self-colored according to the coat in lighter dogs. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Eye rims are darkly pigmented and tight-fitting. There should be no looseness, and the whites of the eyes should not be visible when looking forward. The ears are never long, overly large, or broken. Muzzle: The muzzle is broad, deep, full, well-developed, and may be somewhat laid back. It should never be so short as to appear flat in profile. Upper and lower jaws are wide, have good bone substance, and are strong and well-developed, never appearing snipy or weak. The lower jaw and chin are just slightly upturned, well-developed, and visible from the front or in profile; however, they should never protrude beyond the break of the lips when the mouth is shut. A very slight roll of skin is permissible on the top of the muzzle; however, a roll-free muzzle is preferred for hygienic reasons. Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black, or self-colored, according to the coat in non-standard color varieties. The nostrils are well-opened. Neck: Moderate length allows for a proud head carriage, strongly muscled, with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap. Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows or just below. Body: Compact, solid, somewhat cobby, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters. Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. Toes may be oriented slightly outward. Tail: Set somewhat low on the croup, thick at the base, and tapering toward the tip. The tail should be left natural and never docked short. Natural tails are of a short to medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints, or less, when held down. The tail may be straight or gently curved. Inverted tails, corkscrew tails, and kinked tails are extremely undesirable and potentially unhealthy. Movement: The movement is powerful, free, energetic, and efficient. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring. Temperament: The French Bulldog breed is well-known for their calm and well-mannered temperament. They are intelligent, capable of learning many different types of tricks and disciplines, and take any task they are given very seriously. They are devoted, playful, and alert. They are lively, gregarious, and get along well with people, other dogs, and other animals that they have been socialized to, making them an ideal family companion. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed. The ideal body height-to-length ratio is between and .The build is compact, solid, and sturdy without appearing cloddy. Males should appear masculine, being more substantial in size and mass, while females should appear more feminine and slightly less substantial. Neither should lack overall type. The weight of males or females is always in proportion to height. Lightweight: Up to 22 pounds Heavyweight: pounds Head General Appearance: Somewhat brachycephalic skull-type, moderate in size, shaped rather square, and in proportion to the rest of the body. Expression: Intelligent, inquisitive, friendly, and jaunty, although capable of appearing to be quite professional. Stop: The stop is definite, preferably forming at least a degree angle between the topskull and muzzle. Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is between to , with the topskull being longer than the muzzle. The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is convergent. Lips or Flews: Lips are broad and thick but clean and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws. Cheeks: The cheeks are well-padded, broad, and well-developed, adding to the square appearance of the face. They should never appear chiseled or flat. Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, reverse-scissor, or undershot. The tongue and teeth should remain concealed when the mouth is closed. Body and Tail General Description: Compact, solid, somewhat cobby, and of good substance. Topline: Straight and level from withers to croup. A gentle arch at the loin area is tolerated. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut and may be flat, level, or slightly arched yet supportive. The back is never swayed or roached, and the croup should never rise higher than the withers. Croup: Gently sloped. Underline: A slight tuck-up is present or the underline may run parallel to the topline. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight. Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided. Forequarters and Hindquarters Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm. Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The distance from the withers to the brisket may be equal to or greater than the distance from the elbows to the ground. Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, solid bone, and parallel to one another. Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns. Pasterns: Never weak or broken. Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, of solid bone, and well-muscled. Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another. Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another. Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns. Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters. Coat Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog. Coat Type: The coat is short, smooth, soft, glossy, and close to the body throughout. No fringe or feather is permissible. Standard coat color variety: Cream, tan, fawn tan with black mask , brindle, all with or without white markings, solid white. Non-standard coat color variety: Any colors that occur in the French Bulldog that are not accepted as standard colors, which include: Black, mouse, gray, blue, liver, Isabella, all with or without tan or brindle points, all as fawn mask , all as brindle, all with or without brindle white. Movement The movement is powerful, free, energetic, and efficient. Temperament The French Bulldog breed is well-known for their calm and well-mannered temperament. Faults All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles. Find a Puppy. Sabrina A. Luna Lou when she was itty bitty Bath time can be a stressful time for our pets but also for us! Here are a few tips that have helped us make bath time a little more enjoyable for everyone. Dallas will tiptoe around a puddle if she can. Therefore, I do what I can to make it as pleasant as possible. Lucky for them, I used to be a hairstylist and give a mean scrub and massage. But before we get to the rubby-dubby stuff I start with a warm bath and some sweet talking. I run the tub with warm water and double check the temp before letting them in. I call them over with positive energy and promises of treats. One really important thing to have is an anti-slip mat for your tub. It really helps them stand and feel more confident in the bath. Make sure you have your shampoo, towels, cup, and something to put under your knees. Our dogs, being bulldogs, can have skin irritations so I use a shampoo that is formulated for sensitive skin and has little to no scent. Just like humans, dogs all have different needs and that should be taken into consideration when choosing their shampoo. As I mentioned, I stay away from strong smelling shampoos. As tempting as it is to buy the luxurious smelling dog shampoo and how nice it would be for us to snuggle our noses into their perfumed fur, you have to remember how sensitive dogs noses are and also those strong perfumes can be drying on their skin. Washing Off the Stink Once they are in the tub, I take a cup and scoop the warm water and get them all wet. I am very careful not to get water in their face and ears. I just use my one hand to hold her ears out of the way while I carefully pour water behind her ears. I avoid washing their face and just use a wash cloth. Next, I add soap to my hands and start scrubbing. I rinse her all off and then do a second shampoo. This time I let it sit on while I give her one of my super massages and good butt scratches. I now do a final rinse and continue until all soap is gone. You really want to make sure you get it all off or it can cause irritation. I follow that with a rub with my hands to try and get some water off before taking them out of the tub. I like to have a couple towels on the floor layered open on top of each other. It is what it is! Good thing they are cute, right?! After they have shaken all the water off themselves and all over your bathroom sorry, no tip for that one…if you have one, please share! If you have a bulldog or any other wrinkly faced pooch, make sure to dry their wrinkles well. Same goes for that tail pocket. I like to use my blow dryer on low with a few shots of cool to dry the tail pocket. Just like people, washing too often will strip them of their natural oils. Usually the nose knows. If they are smelling a little wild, we bathe. That is usually every couple months. During allergy season we bathe more often. Never, ever, ever buy a dog registered with the CKC Continental Kennel Club if your intention is to breed, show, or stud the animal. The Continental Kennel Club is a giant scam. Mike Roy, the owner of the CKC, does not care about the quality of breeds or the animals he allows to be registered with his illegitimate company. This is especially true for rare and uncommon breeds such as the French Bulldog. The AKC hosts countless conformation, agility, and Best in Show events all over the country and world at large. There are endless titles and ranks professionally administered and presided over by the AKC. The AKC has in its posession over years of documented dog breed pedigrees. Their requirements for registering litters are stringent. Both parents must be AKC registered in order to register a litter. Pedigrees can be tracked right from the AKC website. Now Stop. Realize that the CKC offers none of this. The Continental Kennel Club does not offer reliable pedigrees for their registered dogs. From the very beginning, the AKC has approached breed management through stringent biology and documentation. Official AKC-accepted breeds are qualified by documented histories of registered litters between dams and sires dating back nearly years. The Continental Kennel Club cannot offer this reliability to you. The Continental Kennel Club Has No Registration Standard The CKC will allow anyone with any dog, regardless of pedigree, to register their litters and receive paperwork for free that looks like legitimate dog registration applications similar to what one would receive from an AKC-registered breeder. This is a continuation of the scam. The CKC requires only a handful of photos to register a dog as purebred. This means the degradation of the breed. The CKC exists purely as a scam to fool unsuspecting people into buying questionably bred dogs from breeders who do not want to adhere to the humane and stringent quality standards set forth by the AKC. Note Well: If you are absolutely in love with a puppy registered with the Continental Kennel Club, try to set your emotions aside and consider the ramifications of paying the breeder for the dog. We have personally dug up several puppy mills operating as legitimate breeders by simply looking up who registers their animals with the Continental Kennel Club. Nine times out of ten, the conditions were unfit for the animals and the owners were slapped with some nice legal charges for their hubris. When searching for a people, we encourage you to report anyone attempting to sell animals registered with the CKC, as it is an immediate red flag of sub-par breeding and it follows that cutting corners means poor conditions for the puppies and their parents.
Sometimes the owners reduce the price if you have a talk with them. You need to deposit a certain amount to reserve your puppy. Why are Pure French Bulldog puppies expensive in Alabama? The French Bulldogs are quite popular and they are one of the most expensive dog breeds. For this breed, naturally giving birth is complicated. That is why they usually undergo C-sections which are moderately expensive. The breeders also have to pay a hefty stud fee. Since the mothers do not have delivery, they become quite weak after giving birth and cannot take care of their offspring. So, the breeders have to take care of them which is like a full-time job. The puppies are given necessary vaccinations too in due time. Because of these costs, the breeders charge comparatively more for bulldog pups. Before adopting a French Bulldog pup from any breeder, you should do some investigation on the breeder. You should ask about their breeding and raising process, check if they are American Kennel Club or AKC registered or not. Ask them questions about the medical history of the puppies and if they got any genetic disorders. You should also check the pedigrees. You can check the list of breeders mentioned above who reside in Alabama. The breeders are also AKC registered. How do I choose a French Bulldog puppy in Alabama? When you are planning to adopt a Frenchies pup, you should do some background medical checks on them such as Dwarfism, malformed hips and back problems, eyes if they have cataracts. You should also check the pedigree. After that, you should choose a pup that you can love unconditionally and can give a new loving home. Do not feel shy to ask any questions related to the French Bulldogs to the breeders. The frog dogs are so popular because of their ability to adapt to any home, even in a small apartment. Their low energy is also another reason for their popularity. People like their temperament and size as well. They are very calm. They have a friendly outgoing personalities. What is the rarest color of French Bulldog In Alabama? Why Are They Rare in Alabama? Though blue, lilac, black, tan are not AKC standard colors for French Bulldogs, they are quite rare and popular. Among these colors, the rarest color for Bulldogs is Blue Merle. These colors are achieved through very particular interbreeding. Because of this, they are quite expensive as well. In the first year, the cost is more as you need to give the puppies the necessary supplies, visits to the vet, and medical shots. How much is a French Bulldog puppy in Alabama without papers? But the puppies without papers might not even be purebred so be careful of puppies without papers. What is the most popular French Bulldog color in Alabama? The AKC standard colors for French Bulldogs are white, tan, fawn brindle, and a combination of brindle and white. Among these colors, the most popular color is the Brindle French Bulldog. Where can I take my French Bulldog in Alabama? In Alabama, there are some leash-free dog parks where you can take your French Bulldog pups for a walk or run. You need to be careful of the puppy mills and backyard breeders. Adopting puppies from them is discouraged because you can never get to know about the bloodlines or any genetic disorders of the puppies. The puppies might not ever be tested too. So, to avoid them, you need to have enough knowledge about the breeders in your area. Try to adopt from AKC registered breeders. Why Not? It is up to you if you want to adopt a pup from rescue centers but the thing about rescue center pets is that you do not get to know about their bloodlines or if they have any genetic disorders or if they are infected with any disease. Try to adopt puppies from breed specific centers and support law by adopting pups that are registered and have papers. The Frenchies are very easy to maintain. The ears of the Bulldogs are like bat ears. The coat of the Frenchies is shiny and smooth. So, these dogs are very easy to groom as well. The dogs might look tough on the outside but they are very sweet on the inside. The Frenchies thrive for human contact. The clown dogs cannot get taller than 13 inches at the shoulder. This quality makes them a great option for the people who reside in the cities and have less space. Do you know any breeder about whom I have not featured in the article? If yes, please let me know in the comment section below. Among the breeders mentioned above, which breeder did you like the most? Please let us know in the comment section which size, age and color of golden pups you prefer the most. Michelle Brown. Website: Stargate French Bulldogs 2. It is a family-oriented breeding program that produces some of the healthiest, happiest, and most beautiful French bulldog puppies possible. The family has over 25 years of experience breeding Frenchies. You will significantly benefit from their wealth of experience and knowledge when you buy a puppy from them, If this is your first time owning a French Bulldog puppy, Blue Grit Kennel is one of the best breeders from whom to buy this breed. They care about their puppies and always follow up to ensure they are healthy and happy. The family provides all their clients a lifetime of support and guidance, so rest assured you will not embark on this journey alone. Another amazing thing about Blue Grit Kennel is its pricing model. Their puppies are affordable despite investing a lot of time, effort, and money in raising them. All their puppies are bred from AKC-registered parents with exceptional bloodlines. The puppies also have AKC registration. After birth, the puppies are thoroughly examined by a licensed vet. Their puppies go home with a health certificate and are fully vaccinated. The family also deworms at the appropriate time. They can deliver your puppy to you regardless of where you are in Alabama. Shipping is also available via trusted puppy nannies to major cities in the US. Besides health, this family focuses on other things like socialization and temperament. The French Bulldog requires early training and socialization, which this family understands. The puppies are socialized with kids and other animals daily. Potty and crate training are also part of their program, ensuring your new family member comes home well-socialized and semi-trained. Questions about French Bulldog puppies for sale in Alabama? We have answers. How does French Bulldog puppies for sale in Alabama work? French Bulldog puppies for sale Alabama are available at a variety of prices due to many factors. Color affects price, and they come in white, cream, fawn and many more. The gender of French Bulldogs always matter, and females are often the more expensive of the two. What kind of a dog is a cute French Bulldog? French Bulldog puppies Alabama are amazing little guys descended from toy British Bulldogs, originally from England and brought to France. The French Bulldog for sale in Alabama is extremely popular, and they make lovely loyal and protective pets. Why are French Bulldogs so costly? The French Bulldog for sale Alabama tends to be quite expensive due to breeding methods. Due to this, breeding can only happen through a vet applying artificial insemination, and this can be costly. Also, puppies have to be delivered through a C-section which raises the price. Those are the specific reasons that these pups can cost more than the average dog! Which celebrities own French Bulldogs? Which movies and TV shows star French Bulldogs? Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places with French Bulldogs? Uptown puppies is an amazing place to find French Bulldog puppies in Alabama. We excel at helping families end up with the French Bulldog Alabama puppies of their dreams! What is a Alabama puppy mill like? There are many dishonest Alabama French Bulldog breeders and businesses selling French Bulldog puppies for sale in Alabama that come from horrible puppy mills, where dogs are treated simply like money making machines. Can I get a French Bulldog puppy right now? Is it easy to train French Bulldogs? French Bulldogs for sale Alabama are quite stubborn dogs, so training has to start at a very young age. Training has to be consistent and there must be a lot of positive praise, both verbally and physically. How much exercise must a French Bulldog get? Alabama French Bulldogs for sale may be small, but they do love to run around and play. In fact, French Bulldogs for sale in Alabama need at least one hour of exercise daily. Because they have trouble breathing, this hour of exercise should be divided throughout the day, and not done in excessive heat, as they can overheat and their breathing can really be affected. They can melt your heart with those big loving eyes. They learn quickly and are always eager to please you, their best friend. Frenchies are an attractive and eye catching breed. Their bodies are small but muscular and heavy boned, giving them their characteristic appearance that is so desirable. They average 18 to 24 pounds, so are small enough to fit into most living situations. They love car rides, leash walks, and just spending time with you. We have adorable frenchies for sale in Alabama. We selectively breed for health and temperament, cuteness and specialize in standard, rare and exotic color French bulldog puppies. We DNA health and color test all our dogs. All of our puppies are AKC registered so our customers know they are getting healthy and purebred puppies. We follow a strict vaccination and deworming schedule and all our puppies come with a 1 year health guarantee. All of our puppies are microchipped and they come with a microchip enrollment form. Our goal is to have all of our puppies go to loving pet homes or to qualified breeders. Our puppies are raised around adults, kids and other French bulldogs. This helps socialize the puppies so they can quickly adjust to their new home. When you bring home your new best friend from WW Best French Bulldogs, you know that they are healthy, happy, and well-loved. We are dedicated to raising happy, healthy, and well socialized family companions.
If you have gotten a puppy from us before, she is the person you interacted with. She has been the photographer, website editer, email and phone person and the general PR manager. In March of Ronda was diagnosed with an agressive form of cancer with a bad prognosis. Her family was hopefull for recovery though. Ted has always been a part of Red Retriever but more behind the scenes. We appriciate your understanding going forward as Ted learns the ropes of the website, photos and correspondence. Intelligent and beautiful as the Irish Setter and loving and loyal as the Golden Retriever. Hybrid vigor, in a beautiful loving companion. Interestingly the cross is quite similar to early golden retrievers as seen in this painting. The Golden Retriever has been bred for lighter colors in recent years because this is favored by the AKC. Our Golden Irish puppies tend to be darker in color. How'd we start? Growing up my wife's family raised Pekingese. She loved their dogs and the litters of puppies that came and went. We wanted our children to have a family dog and to share the puppy experience with them and so we chose to raise Golden Retrievers. My family had a Golden Retriever growing up. My wife always dreamed of having a Golden Retriever or Irish Setter. We got our first Golden in and named her Mandy. We had 4 wonderful children ages 7 to 17 and our lovely dog Mandy. Mandy went everywhere with us. We lived on acres along the Calapooia River where the children would explore with Mandy at their side. Our 2 boys were passionate about the outdoors and loved to hunt and wanted a specific dog to train. It wasnt hard to convince their mom, but took a little longer to convince me. But convince me they did. They chose a male and of course named him 'Big Red'. The boys did an amazing job training the 3 dogs. We had the 4 dogs and plenty time and attention to offer them with the energy and passion from the 4 children. Cody and Mandy had their first litter of puppies in .The puppies were all healthy and delightful. The experience was just as my wife remebered as a child and she was happy that our children were able to enjoy the same experience. It was rewarding to place the puppies in wonderful homes. The pleasure and excitment the families portrayed as they picked up their puppy was addicting. The friendships we gained were rich. Ginger, trained by Josiah, was the cleverest dog we ever had. We were planning to breed Ginger with Cody. In the summer of Ginger came into heat so we would put Ginger and Cody in seperate kennels, on a cement slab, when we went to town. We were waiting for her to be in midcycle to breed her. I came home at dusk, one night, and let her out and she immediatly disappeard. We ran for a flashlight and found her in Big Red's Kennel. Big Red was our Irish Setter. We were devastated and felt like we had failed as breeders. However, we found that the puppies were extremely smart and farther advanced as they aged compared to our Pure Goldens as puppies. They were much calmer than most Irish Setters, and were more athletic than most Golden Retrievers. We knew these dogs would be a hit, and they have been. The first families to contact us were families specifically looking for the mix. They shared their stories of growing up with Golden Irish Mixes. Over and Over we heard how they were the best family dog they ever had. Why we Continue The Golden Irish was not merely something stumbled on by accident. The original accident was precipitated by a years long love of both the Golden Retriever and the Irish Setter. I was fascinated with the grace and freedom that contrasted the Irish Setter from more conventional setters in the story. He, rather, romanticized the hunt as a thing natural to the dog and foreign to the dogs human companion. Big Red knew what he was doing when he hunted. Big Red was the master hunter and Danny was his mere apprentice. Irish Setters can be strong willed. They are intensely loving and loyal but they do not have the level of automatic obedience seen in some breeds. They are majestic animals who do require some work during training to reach their potential. Unfortunately, because as the world has urbanized, the required space for an Irish Setter to shine has become rare, and this magnificent breed has seen declining popularity. Irish Setters are creatures of the open fields and the ubiquity of automobiles has ensured open fields are rare. We are fortunate to live in an area of the country still rural enough to allow the Irish Setter to run. But even we have to find time and space to give our dogs this opportunity. After almost 20 years experience with both Goldens and Irishes I have concluded that the main character trait differentiating the Golden Retriever and Irish Setter is patience. The Golden Retriever was bred to patiently wait for the hunt. The Irish Setter was bred to go out and make the hunt happen. Both love to chase things. Both can have seemingly boundless energy. Both are loyal companions. The Golden Retriever will wait for the ball to be thrown and the Irish Setter will grab the ball and expect to be chased. The Irish Setter is proactively invoking the hunt, whereas the Golden Retriever is awaiting its arrival. We were no experts at first and have learned a lot in 20 years. It turns out the patience of the Golden Retriever tends to be inherited by the Hybrid making them more suitable for Urban environments. It also turns out that the grown dogs can be stunningly beautiful. We have improved our breeding over the years and no longer hesitantly advertise. Through our hard won experience we are able to consistently breed Golden Irishes to our own very high standards. I recommend looking at the images page to see some of the stunning photos we have collected over the years. We have been raising Golden Retriever Irish Setter Hybrids for more than 15 years and have insight that only comes through experience. Packer Pictured above as an adult and a puppy Packer is one of our favorite puppies from our first litter. He went to a family in Alaska who were kind enough keep in contact and send us pictures. Packer and his family came to visit us in on our new property. We have been on the Blue Mountains above Weston, Oregon going on 7 years. Retired Golden's Kevin's parents got him his first goldens when he was 12 years old. He immediately found great pleasure in both Ginger and Beau. He raised his first litter when he was 12 yrs old. Kevin grew up raising retrievers, with outstanding lines and together we have created a great breeding program over the years. Everyone loves our goldens, with their excellent temperment, gorgous looks, sweet, outgoing, willing to please dispositons. We are very picky in choosing appropriate dogs to breed, to ensure that our breeding program continues to be outstanding in health, looks, and temperments. If you would like to learn more about the Golden Retrievers, there is a link below with some great information. If you would like to see more of our offspring, previous litters, or our dogs over the years, click on the links below. Some are current photos, and some are of our lines over the last 40 years. We have great references, and many more photos. We like to show off our dogs, so there is lots to see. Please be patient as it may take a minute to upload. If you are interested in getting a golden puppy, feel free to contact us and we will get back to you. Thanks for looking, enjoy the photos! If you are wanting to get on our waiting list for either furture puppies or adult dogs when available, Please text or email us your information and we will do our best to match you up with the appropriate puppy and or adult dog that best suits your needs. We had too many photos on the puppy page and added a new set of pages for the current puppies available. There is a link for them on the puppy page. Just click the puppy page and then click the link for available puppies. You will find the names of mom's who currently have puppies. Just click the mom whos litter you would like to see and it will take you to their page with tons of photos for you to enjoy. Sorry for the confusion, we hope this helps with the time it takes to upload each page for you as well. See below for more details or Email or Call for more information. Our puppies receive first shots and deworming as well as any further shots needed while in our care, health guarantee, and we also offer micro chipping. Our puppies are very submissive and extremely easy to train. We provide you with a great getting started hand out, to help out in the preparation of bringing home your new pup. This handout was written from our most frequently asked questions, it covers things like getting a good puppy book and recommends one. And what puppy food, toys, beds, crates we would recommend. When and how to's with bathing, fleas, collars, when its okay to go for walks, in public places as well as when to attend puppy class. What shots will be needed and when. We also provide you with a puppy packet to take home with you. We are always eager to answer questions and help in raising our offspring. You can expect a life time of support when you get a puppy from our farm. AKC Reg. Showing 1 - 39 of 39 resultsPage 1 - 39 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. Location in Maple Ridge. They were born on June 24th and ready to go now. They are.One male and one female Non registered. These will be a dark red to mahogany colour. Golden Retrievers are a great family.There are 5 male and 6 female puppies available. Puppies will be ready to be re-homed the weekend of September 23, .Just Dark Blue male and Red male! We have 7 adorable purebred Golden Retriever Puppies! Our parents are DNA verified! Both parents live at home with our family and have.What a beautiful litter! Visit us on our website.Rosie has had her ultrasound and there are alot of puppies in her belly! This litter will due the second.Our beautiful blonde girl Saje and her partner Maximus, are proud to announce the arrival of their .Catharines This adorable litter of well socialized puppies is ready to be picked for their forever homes. Will be dewormed, vet checked and have their first set of shots at 6 weeks and will.Thank you for your understanding! Ready to go! Each parent has a registration paperwork that confirms they are purebred golden retrievers. Both parent DNA tested and.Lucy the mom, is our family dog and she is a red retriever. Bear the father, is a.Mom and Dad are both purebred dark red goldens and are CKC registered. These puppies will come vet-checked, dewormed, and with first.Born July 19th and ready for their new homes September 13th. All puppies have received a clean bill of health, first vaccination and deworming. Mom is a Red retriever and.Two females still available. Our beautiful golden retriever Sugar, has blessed us with her second litter. She has twelve beautiful puppies. They will be.All are healthy and thriving! Toronto Ready to go! I hope you're having a great day. Please take a moment to read through the information provided before asking.Ready to go with 1st shots and vet check Oct. Mother is red retriever, father is blonde retriever. I have 10 golden retriever pups available. All color shades from white,cream,orange and red. Pups will be vet health checked,wormed.There are 2 girls and 5 boys! We are accepting reservations for these stunning.Mom is a red golden retriever and Dad is lighter in color. Great temperament and first set of needles provided. These pups have been socialized around children and other animals. Delivery to Vancouver. And Pg. Prince George Don't miss out on these amazing companions. They will be ready to go the first week of.Due to our age and recent injury we are looking for a livelier family or couple to give Georgie a more.The dad is a red standard Golden doodle, The mom is English Golden retriever. Ready for their new home September 25th. These 2 little guys need a forever home. These are field Golden Retrievers. We have a long history with the local.Have 1st,2nd and 3rd vacancies, crate trained and family raised. Both parents have been retired this will.They are registered with CKC as are their parents. For more photos of parents and previous pups, please head over to our website.Camrose Look at these precious little bundles of fur! We have beautiful gold and red coloured puppies. They are an F1 cross, mom is a golden retriever and dad is a poodle. Female puppies should grow to be.Our dogs are our family dogs raised on our farm around small children, Puppies are well loved and raised in our home and will be used to being around children and our cat. They will come vet checked and.She adores kids and loves.Mom is purebred golden retriever and dad is ckc registered standard red poodle. Puppies will grow to be around lbs as adults. We have one very sweet male.Super friendly breed and good with our kids. Mom is pure lab, Dad is red lab x golden.Parents are family pets on site for viewing. They are ready to go home - vet checked.Browse other categories in Pets in Canada.
Sebaceous Adenitis Of course, this is just a list to give you a general direction. You can read up more about the several health concerns on the club sites and further resources on the Golden Retriever and the Poodle club. Disclaimer: This is not medical advice and you should ask your vet if you have any questions pertaining to a specific case. Since many dog breeds are the product of poor breeding, it can be debated whether or not your average Goldendoodle really has the best of both worlds. While these two breeds are not a contrast in terms of temperament, they are different in various aspects. Of course, Poodles are no guard dogs but they can definitely be more suspicious of strangers or at the very least, be quite reserved with them. With the family, both dogs should ideally be calm according to their respective breed standards. However, the Retriever side needs to be physically exercised and mentally stimulated. Make no mistake to assume the Poodle is a couch potato, they can be quite active too. Is it better to get a male or female Goldendoodle? As with any dog breed, whether you should get a male or female dog depends on a lot of factors. You also have to make sure your potential new dog gets along with the existing dog which is often a real challenge, especially with rescues. Part of that is owed to fact that females are generally smaller than males. However, there are very calm males out there while females can have lots of behavioral issues, depending on their previous environment and training or lack thereof. Which is better: Goldendoodle or Labradoodle? Both breeds are created with the Poodle as foundation and the Golden Retriever on one side and the Labrador on the other side. The Goldie and the Lab are two of the most popular dogs in the United States and various other countries around the world. Do Goldendoodles Shed? Yes, Goldendoodles shed. Goldendoodles are not hypoallergenic dog breeds. Photo by Lopolo on Shutterstock If you have canine allergies, you can definitely react allergic to this crossbreed and you should not believe any breeder or rescue that tells you otherwise. It may very well be that you react to other dogs while not reacting to the Golden Retriever Poodle mix but that is sheer coincidence. How Much Do Goldendoodles Cost? That does not scare breeders away from charging absurd amounts for their mixes. Yes, breeding can be expensive. Selecting the perfect stud, going to the vet for check-ups, health testing, puppy food, socialisation and club certificates or the lack thereof are all costs associated with breeding. Do not shy away from going the extra mile and paying more for your dog of choice. Do you have a Goldendoodle? Share with us your experiences in the comments below! The resulting dog is a genetic gamble in terms of health and temperament and offers no advantage to a health-tested, properly selected purebred puppy. Check out my article discussing the most relevant scientific study on this topic. Pin This: Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Lifespan Sociability Most Goldendoodle puppies come from first-generation breeding and are rarely bred together. This makes a rare and somewhat difficult puppy to find. Goldendoodles can have big variations in size depending on the parents. Keep this in mind when going to see one, as you might not be unable to resist! Hypoallergenic While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, the Goldendoodle comes close. Most Goldendoodles hardly shed their coats, making them a great choice for owners with allergies. That said, they can still have dandruff, and their saliva and urine can also set off allergies. Extremely friendly Goldendoodles are extremely friendly, almost to a fault. They are known for hardly ever barking, even when there is a loud knocking at the door. Water loving Goldendoodles have an almost universal, innate love for water. They are known for leaping into any body of water they see, whether it be a pool, river, or the sea. Also, you may want to stand back when they get out, as their thick coat can shake off impossible amounts of water! They are a highly playful breed who loves to socialize and be around their owners as much as possible. They are especially great if you have children around, as they are full of energy and love to play. Related Read: Labradoodle vs. Their friendly and curious nature will ensure that even the grumpiest of dogs or cats will likely love them. Image Credit by: W. Dry dog pellets high in myriad nutrients are ideal, but larger Goldendoodles will benefit greatly from additional protein. Pellets are also great for general dental hygiene and helpful in removing tartar buildup. Dry food should be supplemented with good quality canned wet food, which is a good way to add moisture to their diet. Goldendoodles can be fairly susceptible to food allergies. Common food allergies come from foods like corn, soy, and dairy and should be avoided wherever possible. Like all dogs, your Goldendoodle needs constant access to fresh, clean water. Dogs need around calories per pound per day to maintain a healthy weight, and the average Goldendoodle weighs in at an average of pounds. Of course, Goldendoodles can vary greatly in size , and their caloric requirements need to be adjusted accordingly. Growing puppies will especially need loads of exercise and play to burn off excess energy. A common rule of thumb is 5 minutes for every month of age, twice a day until adult. This would mean a 5-month-old Goldendoodle puppy should get around 25 minutes of exercise twice a day. Adult and growing Goldendoodles love to swim, which can provide them with valuable exercise. Their playful nature and high agility are great for catching balls and sticks. Because Goldendoodles can have such variations in size, their exercise needs will vary too. For example, a miniature Goldendoodle will require far less yard space and exercise than a larger one. They are obedient and athletic and love learning and responding to commands. While Goldendoodles can begin responding to basic commands as early as 4 months of age, formal training should only begin at months. The best training method for any dog is using positive reinforcement , which is the concept that rewarding good behavior will lead to more of that behavior in the future. They will benefit greatly from agility training too, as they are amazingly agile and eager to please. Their fur type can vary widely due to their mix of genetics. They can have straight, silky hair like their Golden Retriever ancestors or the wiry, curly hair that comes with Poodle genes. Mostly, their coats are a happy medium between the two. Depending on your particular Goldendoodle, their coat may also need regular trimming. One of the best-known traits of Goldendoodles is the fact that they hardly, if ever, shed. If your Goldendoodle has curly or wavy hair like its Poodle parents, regular, daily brushing is essential. If their coat is more similar to a Golden Retriever, regular brushing is not as essential. Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia, so this can be a concern in Goldendoodles. Other common issues among these breeds are eye problems and ear infections. Regular eye checks with a vet are recommended, and making sure your Goldendoodles ear canal remains dry will help mitigate any ear issues, especially if they have big, droopy ears. If you notice your dog scratching and itching incessantly, a trip to the vet is in order. It is widely recommended to neuter males and spay females unless you intend on breeding. This has many associated health benefits. For males, it can prevent testicular cancer, lessen aggression, and prevent them from wandering off looking for females, which can get them lost or injured. Spaying a female will assist in preventing uterine infections and cancer. It is recommended to spay a female before her first heat, as this will help prevent these complications. If you intend to breed a female Goldendoodle, you should wait until she has experienced at least one or two heat cycles , as it is far better for her health. Minor Conditions. Can you breed a Goldendoodle with a Golden Retriever? The answer is yes, you can breed a Goldendoodle with a Golden Retriever. What is Backcrossing? Backcrossing is the process of breeding a hybrid dog back to one of its parent breeds. Why is Backcrossing Rarely Done? This is an uncommon breeding process, mostly because prospective dog owners are looking for dogs that have the genetic characteristics of a Poodle i. Back breeding a Goldendoodle to a Golden Retriever would result in a dog that has more characteristics of the Golden Retriever. It would also be less hypoallergenic than a dog that has more Poodle genetics. One of the advantages of a Goldendoodle Golden Retriever mix is that it would likely be a low-shedding dog although not as low-shedding as a Poodle. Another advantage of this mix is that it would likely be a good family dog. This is because both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle are known for being good with children and other pets. One of the disadvantages of a Golden Retriever Goldendoodle mix is that it would likely be a high-maintenance dog. This is because both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle require a lot of grooming. The Golden Retriever needs to be brushed several times a week, and the Poodle needs to be brushed daily. Another disadvantage of this mix is that it would likely be a high-energy dog. This is because the Golden Retriever is a high-energy breed, and the Poodle is a medium-energy breed. Overall, the Golden Retriever Goldendoodle mix is not a very popular option for dog owners. Appearance of a Goldendoodle with Golden Retriever The appearance of a Goldendoodle with Golden Retriever is going to depend on the percentage of each breed that the dog is. The coat of a Goldendoodle with Golden Retriever is also going to depend on the percentage of each breed that the dog is. Is it Ethical to Back Cross a Goldendoodle? There is no definitive answer to this question as it is a matter of opinion. Some people believe that back-crossing a Goldendoodle is ethical because it can result in a dog with the desired traits of both breeds, while others believe that it is unethical because it may result in a dog that is less hypoallergenic than a purebred Poodle. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to back cross a Goldendoodle is up to the breeder and the prospective dog owner. Talk to friends, family, and other dog owners to see if they know of any good breeders in your area. Finally, contact the breeders and ask them any questions you have about their dogs and their business. First, find out how long the breeder has been in business. This will give you an idea of their experience and expertise. Next, ask the breeder about the health of their dogs. Find out if they require any special medical care or if they have any known health conditions. Finally, ask the breeder about their return policy. Advantages of Getting a Dog From a Reputable Breeder There are several advantages to getting a dog from a reputable breeder. First, you can be sure that the dog has been well-cared for and is healthy. Avoid any breeder who seems more interested in making a sale than in finding a good home for their dog. Temperament of a Golden Doodle and Golden Retriever Mix The temperament of a Golden Doodle and Golden Retriever mix can vary depending on which traits they inherit from each parent breed. However, in general, these dogs are known for being friendly, loyal, and loving. They typically get along well with children and other pets, making them a great choice for families. Common Health Problems in Golden Doodles and Golden Retrievers Some of the most common health problems in Golden Doodles and Golden Retrievers include hip dysplasia , elbow dysplasia , allergies, and skin problems. Hip dysplasia is a condition that causes the hip joint to develop abnormally, which can lead to pain and lameness. Elbow dysplasia is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Allergies are common in both breeds and can cause symptoms like itching, excessive licking, and hair loss. Skin problems are also common in these breeds and can be caused by allergies, infections, or parasites. By doing your research and working with a reputable breeder, you can help ensure that your Golden Doodle or Golden Retriever mix is healthy and happy. Training Tips for a Golden Retriever Mixed with Goldendoodle Golden Retrievers are known for being highly intelligent and easy to train. However, all dogs require patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement when learning new commands. Here are a few training tips to help you get started: 1. Start with basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Make sure you use positive reinforcement such as treats or praise to reward your dog when they follow a command. Be consistent with your commands and always use the same word or phrase to mean the same thing. Avoid using negative reinforcement such as scolding or punishment, as this can make your dog fearful or resistant to training. Be patient and keep training sessions short and fun. With time and patience, your dog will be a well-trained companion. Yes, it is easy to train a Goldendoodle mixed with Golden Retriever. These dogs are highly intelligent and respond well to training. When it comes to training your Golden Retriever mix with Goldendoodle, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, these dogs are highly intelligent, so they learn quickly. However, they can also be stubborn, so patience is key. Second,Golden Retrievers are known for their strong work ethic, so. Hybrid breeds are actually not new in the canine world, although having an official name for them is quite new. In fact, every single purebred dog breed we know today began as some form of mixed dog breed. Pedigree dogs like the Golden Retriever have a past full of Spaniels and other breeds. Some people believe that hybrid dog breeds dilute the purebred dog lines. However, many purebred dogs can suffer from health issues caused by a less-diverse genetic pool. Mixed breed dogs have hybrid vigor , where diversifying the gene pool decreases the chance of these nasty diseases being passed along. The Goldendoodle appeared in the United States in the s. Produced from mixing a Golden Retriever with a standard Poodle , people hoped that they would pass on the kind and clever qualities of both breeds, and be less problematic for allergy sufferers. Because they have been around for a few generations now, you can be more confident in what you are getting from a Goldendoodle than other mixed breeds. Especially if you have an F1b Goldendoodle that has one Goldendoodle parent and one Poodle parent. They have loose wavy fur, a fairly broad long face and floppy ears with silky fur. Your average adult weighs around 65lbs, and stands about 22 inches at the shoulder as a rough guide. Grooming and Coat Care Curly dogs shed less because the fur they lose gets tangled in their existing coat. Make sure you get them used to being brushed from the week you bring your puppy home. Use a soft comb to begin with, and make sure to provide lots of tasty treats every time you run it through their hair. Are They Hypoallergenic? One of the key reasons why this dog has become so popular is because of its reputation for being hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a totally hypoallergenic dog breed. This is because all dogs produce the protein fel D 1. It is not simply a case of being around pet hair. Allergies can be less of a problem for some pet allergy sufferers because these dogs have a tendency to shed less thanks to their Poodle parentage. However, not all Goldendoodles will take after their Poodle parent. Goldendoodle Temperament Many different factors can influence the temperament of a puppy. Such factors include birth order, gender, parent dog temperament, early training and socialization, the weaning process and more. Goldendoodles are a reliably bright, sociable, friendly and affectionate pet dog. But although this breed has a reputation for sweet personalities and temperaments, the best way to know for sure is to meet and spend time with each parent dog. This mix is frequently recommended as a service and therapy dog. However, even the most naturally friendly of puppies will benefit from good socialization. This breed truly has a golden personality, so much so that these dogs will make poor watchdogs at best. They are just too friendly and sociable, although they are still likely to alert you with an enthusiastic woof or ten! Goldendoodles can make a great family pet for the right family. If you have young children in the home, they can be a great addition because they are social and full of energy. They are also relatively safe to have around young kids. A study of dog bites in children showed that Retriever cross-breeds are five times less likely to bite than breeds such as German Shepherds or Dobermans. Consider how much time you and your family will have to dedicate to your dog. For example, Goldendoodles need plenty of exercise and grooming. On the other hand, they are a low-shed breed. Training and Exercise Goldendoodles are smart just like their parents and can get into mischief without early training, socialization, sufficient daily enrichment and activity. Also, because they are so friendly and energetic, socialization with people and other dogs is vital to help your pup understand how to behave when out and about. However, I frequently find them more likely to dance around their families feet than run off into the bushes. We recommend limiting exercise to short walks and play time during puppyhood. Poodles originated as water retrieving dogs, so they make great swimmers. Thus, coupled with the fact that Golden Retrievers are typically very easy to train, you should have no problems getting your Goldendoodle used to the water for some exercise. Take a look at some of our training guides to get up to speed on training. Health and Care Both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle have certain known health issues that occur more frequently within each dog breed. Any good breeder will take care to test all parent dogs to rule out passing on any known genetic health issues to puppies. Goldendoodles are prone to hip dysplasia and PRA blindness. They also have a high risk of developing bloat, which causes the stomach to twist. This is a serious problem and can be fatal. Because Golden Retrievers have a higher-than-average incidence of cancer , look for a litter with an older Golden Retriever parent to cut down your odds. The average lifespan for a Golden Retriever is .The average lifespan for a Poodle is 12 years. Other important factors can influence lifespan. These include diet, enrichment activities, exercise, vet care and lifestyle. Breeders and Puppies Good breeders health test potential parents and socialize their puppies. They spend money on vet checks, quality food and toys for the whole litter. When you visit your puppy, their parents will have a strong and obvious bond with the breeder. And a purpose beyond producing babies, such as an agility dog or a valued family pet. How much your puppy will cost is a question that can have different answers based on the generation of the puppies too. By generation we mean f1 versus f1b: F1 Goldendoodle puppies have one Poodle parent dog and one Golden Retriever parent dog. F1b Goldendoodle puppies have at least one Goldendoodle parent dog. It is easier to control important issues such as coat shedding, personality, temperament, health concerns and adult size when breeding f1b Goldendoodle puppies. Most breeders will choose to specialize in either f1 or f1b Goldendoodles, although some breeders will breed both dogs. Future litters of f1b Goldendoodles two Goldendoodle parent dogs will be f2b, f3b, f4b and so forth. One of these puppies can change quite a bit in the course of a year or two. Plus, it is important to remember that they are lively, active, and energetic dogs in general. This does not always work out well once the owner discovers how much time and energy their new puppy requires. This can result in a Goldendoodle puppy being returned to the breeder or surrendered to a shelter or rescue center while it waits for a new home. Under the right circumstances, that new home could be yours. Families, couples, first-time dog owners Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, affectionate, playful, energetic, social They are such social, loyal, and dependable dogs, they have been popular as family companions and have been widely used in search and rescue, therapy, and as guide dogs for the blind too. In this guide, we go in-depth on the personality and care requirements of these adorable dogs, so you can decide whether the Goldendoodle is the right fit for you. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Goldendoodle Puppies Image Credit: DiZiga, Shutterstock The Goldendoodle can be high energy at times, especially in the first couple years of their life. They have inherited this calm, friendly, and docile nature from their Golden Retriever heritage, and they are rarely aggressive or territorial. They are not known for barking much, even if there is a stranger at the door, making them ideal pets if you prefer peace and quiet. They are devoted family pets that love to be included in every activity and thus will suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are social, friendly, and loyal as they come and are the picture-perfect family dog. Of course, early socialization is still essential because they can become rather attached to their owners, which may be problematic occasionally. They also do not have much of a prey drive, so even other small pets in your home are usually safe with a Goldendoodle. The food that you give your Goldendoodle should be of the best quality that you can afford, free from filler ingredients like soy and corn, with an animal-based protein as the first listed ingredient or at least among the top three. We recommend giving your pup lean meats occasionally as a healthy treat and for variety, and as with all dogs, they need to be provided with clean, fresh water at all times. They will love their daily walk followed by a play session in the backyard, and like both Poodles and Golden Retrievers, Goldendoodles love to swim, a fun activity that can also give them beneficial exercise. They are playful dogs that will adore games of frisbee or fetch in the backyard, and this will also provide them with mental stimulation, an important aspect for such intelligent animals. Puzzle toys are other valuable accessories for these dogs, and these will go a long way in helping prevent boredom. Of course, Goldendoodles are social animals, so they will enjoy walks with other dogs or social play sessions in the dog park too. They are not massive dogs but still are not suited for apartment living because they need a large backyard to play in. In fact, these dogs are often used as therapy or service dogs due to their ease of training and friendly nature. This makes them ideal for novice dog owners because they are generally ready and willing for their daily training sessions! We highly recommended positive reinforcement training methods, as these sensitive dogs will not respond well to harsh training methods. This will ensure a happier dog overall and forge a close bond of trust between you and your Goldendoodle. An often overlooked aspect of training is early socialization. Making sure your puppy is exposed to other dogs regularly early will help training exponentially in the future. Also, keep training and socialization sessions short and consistent, as this routine will also help during training. No matter the coat type, these dogs are fairly low-shedding, so keeping them well-groomed is simple. Both Golden Retrievers and Poodles are known to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia occasionally, as well as eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy. Minor Conditions. What Does Goldendoodle F1b Mean? When a Goldendoodle is backcrossed, it is usually to the purebred Poodle and not the Golden Retriever. They call this backcrossing. These dogs end up having more characteristics of one purebred parent, the Poodle. When you breed a Goldendoodle with a Retriever, they end up having more characteristics of the Golden Retriever and less of the Poodle through the Goldendoodle. This breeding combination is possible, but it is less common and requires more work on the breeders part. It is also less popular since more people seek out other Goldendoodles with more Poodle traits. How to Breed for an F1 Goldendoodle and Golden Retriever Mix Using a reputable breeder who handles this type of back cross is necessary to gain the healthiest dog possible. Breeding a Goldendoodle with a Retriever is not commonplace, and many people wonder why it is even done, so finding qualified breeders may be limited. Most Goldendoodles are backcrossed with the purebred Poodle to gain more Poodle characteristics like hypoallergenic and low shedding. In reverse, the necessity is unclear. Still, some potential pet parents seek out these cross-bred dogs and others because they like a particular breed of dog and are interested in a cross between them and the adorable cute and teddy bear-like Goldendoodle. Breeding this way, requires that breeders know what to look for in each dog parent. Breeding a Golden Doodle and a Golden Retriever can result in a beautiful hybrid dog that possesses the best qualities of both breeds. Also known as the Golden Retriever and Golden Doodle mix, this hybrid dog is gaining popularity among pet owners due to its friendly nature, intelligence, and adorable appearance. The Poodle breed is often added to the mix to enhance the non-shedding and hypoallergenic qualities that are commonly found in Goldendoodles. When breeding a Golden Retriever with a Golden Doodle, the resulting offspring can inherit a wide variety of traits from each parent. The puppies may vary in size, coat texture, and color, depending on the traits that they inherit from each parent. Overall, breeding a Golden Retriever with a Golden Doodle can result in a fantastic hybrid dog that is perfect for families looking for a friendly, intelligent, and affectionate pet. The Goldendoodle is a hybrid dog with Poodle and Golden Retriever parents. Beyond this first generation, there are numerous other generations and possibilities by breeding Goldendoodles together or back to the Poodle line. It is also possible that you can breed a Goldendoodle with a Retriever. Goldendoodles were created as a designer dog breed that became popular due to their teddy bear appearance and low shedding and hypoallergenic coat of hair. If a Goldendoodle is bred with a Retriever, they will gain more of the Golden Retriever and less of the Poodle, which could mean more shedding of non-hypoallergenic hair. It is possible to breed a Goldendoodle with a Retriever but not a common occurrence because the popularity is not there. Many people chose a Goldendoodle because they want a dog that looks and acts more like a Retriever. Another reason breeding a Goldendoodle with a Retriever is less common because more is required of the breeder, and they are harder to locate. Finding a reputable breeder that is skilled and knowledgeable is very important whatever type of back cross is desired with a Goldendoodle. What traits will a litter of puppies have when you breed a Goldendoodle with a Retriever? There will still be some Poodle in the mix with this breeding, but it will be less than in the original Goldendoodle. The physical, emotional, and mental characteristics will lean more towards the Golden Retriever since more Golden Retriever in these puppies. They may be bigger physically, have a shaggier coat of hair, and may not be hypoallergenic or low shedding. Facial features can be more streamlined and appear to be more like the Golden Retriever line, with, of course, the possibility for variances from one dog to another in the same litter. Emotionally Golden Retrievers can be very mellow and easy-going, which can benefit this type of breeding, but Poodles are also relatively easy going as well. Regardless breeding a Goldendoodle with a Retriever can make an exciting mix that potential pet parents might find as an exciting change of pace and variance for this cross-bred dog. These dogs will still have a gentle, loving, and friendly personality with intelligence and trainability like most of the other Goldendoodles of other generations. If you can breed a Goldendoodle with a Retriever, will they become popular? If you breed a Goldendoodle with a Retriever, they could become popular as the original Goldendoodles, but the chance for this happening is lowered. The Goldendoodle cross-bred dog was created as a designer dog to cater to people that wanted a dog with specific characteristics. High intelligence, a teddy bear coat of hair, and a gentle, loving personality as just a few parts of this equation. One of the reasons people love the original Goldendoodles so much is because they are also low shedding and often hypoallergenic. By breeding a Goldendoodle with a Retriever, the hypoallergenic and low shedding coat could be lost , reducing the appeal for those pet parents looking for those traits in a dog. This is because there is so little Poodle left in the mix. While they could still become popular with those pet parents that love and adore Golden Retrievers, it is still unlikely that they would become as popular as the Goldendoodles that boast more of their Poodle parents traits. What is the price for a puppy when you breed a Goldendoodle with a Retriever? The price for a puppy from this litter would be comparable to other Goldendoodle pricing. Each breeder is unique in pricing depending on location, gender, age, size, and how high the current demand is at the time. Since these Goldendoodles are less popular than the original Goldendoodle generation and the varieties that lean towards more Poodle, there may be a slight price difference because what you get from one dog to another can be unpredictable. Breeders who cross-bred these two dogs are harder to find, which could also cause the price to be higher. Breeding these dogs requires medical workups to limit the risk of genetic health issues being passed to the next generation. The amount of research, skill, knowledge, energy, time, and care increases causes the expense of a potential pet parent. What makes a good breeder that would breed a Goldendoodle with a Retriever? What makes a good breeder breed a Goldendoodle with a Retriever, or any dog for that matter, is knowledge, skill, planning, and research. While every dog has redeeming qualities that make them outstanding in one way or another, a good breeder will be able to separate their love of dogs from facts about an individual dog. A good breeder always seeks to improve on what is already existing. They spend greats of time becoming experts on the breeds or cross-breeds they handle. They learn about genetics, health, appearance, and temperament. When breeding any dogs, a good quality breeder will improve with the new litter. They will know or learn the flaws of one dog parent and pair it with another dog parent to reduce or eliminate those negative qualities or flaws. This is for the health and future of this cross bred dog. When breeding a Goldendoodle with a Retriever, these skills are essential because the Goldendoodle is a cross-bred dog. Being a cross-bred dog means there is no breed standard to compare. Pure bred dogs have a set breed standard that proves quality breeding practice and integrity of the ancestoral line, cross bred dogs have not set standard. This is true when selecting a Goldendoodle, whether it is mostly Retriever, mostly Poodle, or a fifty-fifty mix. Golden Retriever and Poodle mixes can be susceptible to a variety of diseases and health issues. Some of the most common health concerns in Goldendoodles are related to their joints and eyes. Patellar luxation, which occurs when the kneecap moves out of place, is another condition that is seen in both breeds. Allergies are another common issue that Goldendoodles may experience, particularly skin allergies. Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joints and can cause pain and lameness. Early socialization is crucial for Goldendoodles to prevent separation anxiety, which can cause destructive behavior and distress when left alone. Epilepsy is another condition that Goldendoodles may inherit from their parent breeds. Despite these health concerns, Goldendoodles may benefit from hybrid vigor, which is the increased health and vitality that can result from breeding two different breeds together. Purebred dogs can also pass conditions from both females and males from either breed onto the offspring. Therefore, the resulting goldendoodle puppies may actually be less healthy than their parents. Get your family pet from a great breeder to avoid these problems. A superb golden retriever poodle mix can be found being bred to be guide dogs. These dogs may not make the cut to be guide or therapy dogs, but they can still be healthy, happy pets. While you can breed a Goldendoodle with a Retriever, the reasoning is unclear with this designer dog breed. At the end of the day, as long as a dog is healthy and the pet parents are happy, one must wonder if they are bred matters anyway! Goldendoodles are a cross-bred dog with a Poodle and a Golden Retriever as parents, and they are popular due to their teddy bear appearance and low shedding and hypoallergenic coat of hair. The popularity of breeding a Goldendoodle with a Retriever is not there, and many people choose a Goldendoodle because they want a dog that looks and acts more like a Retriever. Is the Goldendoodle-Golden Retriever mix a good service dog? This is where a Goldendoodle is bred back to a Poodle rather than a Golden Retriever. Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are consistently one of the most popular dogs in the U. The history and true origins of the Golden Retriever date back to as early as the s. However, the story of the Golden Retriever began even earlier than this, according to the Golden Retriever Club of America [1] grca. Based on information found on the American Kennel Club website, the Golden Retriever was originally a product of the wealthy Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, son of a wealthy banking investor who inherited a generous amount of money [2] ukcdogs. Because of his love for dogs and bird-hunting, he would go on to acquire several properties with a substantial amount of land. One, in particular, was a retreat in the Scottish Highlands named Giusachan, which he kept reserved for training hunting dogs to assist in his fowl-hunting ventures. During his youth, he had developed an affinity for dog breeding, a hobby reserved then for the well-to-do. As the story goes, the young aristocrat was strolling home one evening and encountered a wavy-coated sporting dog owned by a local merchant who needed to settle a debt — and the rest is history. The dog would come to be named Nous and would eventually be bred with a liver-colored Tweed Water Spaniel, a now-extinct breed. Nous was rumored to be of Russian origin — a story that held for some time until the GRCA conducted further research. The result was the longer, wavy, golden hair of Nous, the dog with a mysterious Russian background, with the intelligence and tact of the Tweed Water Spaniel. Ultimately, it was discovered that Nous was bred from a variation of a Red Setter. Golden Retriever puppies are too cute to handle. This, combined with the liver-colored coat of the Spaniel, and the golden color of Nous, gives the Golden Retriever chances of having anything from brilliant gold to even a darker copper color. He was tall and lanky but had that characteristic square head. People always thought he was a red setter, but he came from a breeder and had a documented ancestry. An unusual example of the breed for sure, especially since he lived to 16 certainly not due to his diet because I was always sharing my food with him lol. Such wonderful dogs, especially with kids. Overall, the Golden Retriever is one of the most loving dogs in existence and makes a great companion or family dog. Goldendoodle Goldendoodles come in different sizes such as toy, mini, medium, and standard. The Goldendoodle is a playful breed that displays a perfect mix of the personality traits of its parents, the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. These dogs became popular in the early 90s but have existed since as early as the 60s. Most Goldendoodles have an excellent disposition — a combination of the intelligence of the Poodle and the Golden Retriever form an extremely smart dog with an affinity for quick learning. They have the loving side of the Golden Retriever, with an equal number of people-pleasing traits from the Poodle, giving them a knack for showing off. They love being around their people and will work hard alongside you, especially with lots of positive reinforcement. Poodle The Poodle is perhaps one of the most misrepresented breeds in existence. Many people assume a Poodle to be spoiled, even somewhat snobby, and, if nothing else, extremely high maintenance. Poodles originated in Germany, not France. However, Poodles are an incredibly versatile breed with a long history of being excellent service animals. The standard Poodle was initially bred to hunt waterfowl — which makes a great combination with the excellent retrieving skills of the genetics from the other side of the gene pool. They have very little aggression towards other dogs and owners, which makes learning in a dog school or having them train with other members of your canine family very stress-free. Be prepared for laughter — the Poodle can also be an extremely goofy breed. If there were a breed you could compare to a comedian or actor — it would certainly be the Poodle [3] youtube. Mini Poodles were bred down from the Standard Poodle. The Poodle has its roots as a swimmer, as noted by their webbed paws, and generally loves the water. I recommend having multiple, as they are very social animals. You can get larger or smaller, depending on the breeder, as well as different colors, including multicolor parti. Best advice I got was to make sure you go to a reputable breeder. Poodles were insanely popular in the mid-twentieth century, and were overbred. So, you need to make sure all the proper precautions were taken to minimize health issues. Amazing, amazing dogs. Appearance The appearance of the Golden Retriever and Goldendoodle mix is less versatile than the Goldendoodle itself or other Doodle breeds, but it still has various physical traits. Coat Type The coat of the Goldendoodle and Retriever mix varies depending on the genetics and coat type of the parents. However, their coats are generally medium in length with extremely light curls. When they get wet, their curls are more prevalent. Some of them end up with more of a wavy coat instead of a curl — but both are possible. Coat Colors The Goldendoodle Retriever generally has anywhere from a darker copper to an extremely light blonde, almost white color. Their parents ultimately dictate their shade — listed below are the potential colors of the parents: Red. They may have small white patches over their body like on their chest or paws however these as technically Black and White Goldendoodles. Goldendoodles can only be this color if they inherit it from the Poodle as purebred Golden Retrievers are never black. Red Goldendoodle Red Goldendoodles come in a variety of shades from light red to dark red. Their coats can be anywhere from a reddish cream to a rusty brown color. Goldendoodles with lighter red coats are usually called Apricot Goldendoodles. Apricot Goldendoodle Apricot Goldendoodles have very light red coats with a peachy tone. They are somewhere between a light red and a cream. Only the Poodle carries the genes for an apricot coat so Apricot Goldendoodles are usually created by breeding an Apricot or Red Poodle with a light Golden Retriever. They are one of the most sought after Goldendoodle coat colors. Merle Goldendoodle A Merle Goldendoodle carries the merle gene which dilutes certain sections of their coat into mottled patches. This gene also affects eye color and skin pigmentation on the nose and paws so Merle Goldendoodles often have very light eye colors such as blue and often have pink patches on their nose and paws. Most of the time the secondary color is apricot, red or cream. Chocolate Goldendoodle Chocolate Goldendoodles have a solid brown coat that can range from a very light shade to a dark brown. They inherit this coat color from the Poodle side. Brown coats were originally a result of a mutation of the gene that produces a black coat. It is a recessive gene so both parents need to carry it to get a Chocolate Goldendoodle. That is why Chocolate Goldendoodles are more commonly found in back-cross generations such as an F1b, F1bb or F2b Goldendoodle. Some English Cream Goldendoodles have black noses while others have light brown or beige noses. English Cream Goldendoodles are often mistake for Labradoodles because they are so light in color. Black and White Goldendoodle Black and White Goldendoodles feature a mainly white coat with black patches. The black patches are usually located on their chest, legs, muzzle, paws or above their eyes. Black and White Goldendoodles are a type of Parti Goldendoodle. Silver Goldendoodle Silver Goldendoodles have a salt and pepper colored coat. They are usually born a darker color and start to fade to silver around 10 weeks of age. At this age, the roots of their hair will start to lighten to grey. In fact, Silver Goldendoodles go through the most dramatic coat color change out of all the Goldendoodle colors. Goldendoodle via huntleydoodle Golden Retriever Poodle Mix Temperament The temperament of a Golden Retriever Poodle Mix can vary depending on many factors such as the percentage mix of Poodle to Golden Retriever, their level of socialization, their environment as well as what training they have undergone. Overall, Golden Retriever Poodle Mixes are highly excitable dogs by nature. They love spending time around people and other animals alike and are so affectionate and gentle. Goldendoodles are keen to please which makes them pretty easy to train. They are also relatively easy to care for. The only real complaint of owners is the constant grooming requirements of Goldendoodles. Are Goldendoodles Smart? Goldendoodle are very intelligent as both the Poodle and Golden Retriever are known to be very smart. Poodles are ranked 2nd for working and obedience training out of breeds while Golden Retrievers are ranked 4th. Goldendoodles are eager to please and quick learners as they are so smart which makes them relatively easy to train. Are Goldendoodles Hyper? While Goldendoodles are an energetic and playful breed, most people would not describe them as hyper. Nevertheless, like any other dog breed, Goldendoodles can have varying temperaments and energy levels so some may be more laid-back and calm while others may be more active. Goldendoodles can be hyper if they are not given enough exercise each day. They may exhibit behaviors such as chewing, pacing or being vocal if their daily exercise needs are not met. That is why it is so important to give them lots of exercise each day. Do Goldendoodles Like To Cuddle? Most Goldendoodles love to cuddle. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature and are also very people-oriented so cuddling comes naturally to them. They thrive on human companionship and as much as they love running around and being active, they equally love snuggling with their loved ones. Do Goldendoodles Have Separation Anxiety? Goldendoodle can be prone to separation anxiety as they are people-oriented dogs and love spending time with their families. They may become anxious or distressed if they are separated from their owners for long periods of time. Luckily, you can manage separation anxiety by gradually getting them used to being alone for longer periods of time. You can do this by starting with short periods of being alone and slowly increasing the time or you can create a comfortable and safe space for them to be left when you leave the house. This may be a den-like environment like a crate with blankets and their favorite toys. Do Goldendoodles Bark A Lot? How much a Goldendoodle barks highly depends on the individual dog. Overall, Goldendoodles do not bark as much as other smaller dogs. Look for boredom-busting dogs toys such as ones you can hide treats inside. Other options include using ultra-sonic sound devices. There are many factors that affect the lifespan of a Goldendoodle including size, gender, generation and whether they are desexed or intact. These variables mean they can have shorter or longer lifespans than the average. You can give your Goldendoodle the best chance of living a long life by exercising them daily, feeding them a healthy diet and keeping on top of vet appointments.
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Are you a fan of giant dogs? The Mastador, or Mastiff Lab mix, might be exactly the dog that you are looking for. These are intelligent dogs that are extremely friendly and will love to be a member of your family. But they are big! You can expect them to be between 28 and 36 inches tall and weigh 86 to pounds! Still, with proper socialization and positive reinforcement training rather than punishment, these gentle giants can be loving family pets that can also act as protectors of the home and family without getting aggressive. Read on for my complete guide on what to expect from a Mastiff Lab mix. Vital Statistics Breed: Labrador retriever and Mastiff mix Height: 28 to 36 inches tall Weight: 85 to pounds Lifespan: 10 to 12 years Coat: Short, thick, medium shedding Color: Black, brown, yellow, or brindle, solid or mixed Intelligence: Highly intelligent but becomes bored easily, very sensitive Temperament: Friendly and affectionate Exercise Needs: Moderate to high History Of The Breed Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world both as family pets and as working dogs, especially in disability care. They were originally bred in England from stock imported from Canada. They were bred to retrieve shot game from both the land and the water. But when most people talk about Mastiffs, they mean English Mastiffs. These are very large dogs that were used for guarding and hunting. In more recent times, they have become popular in blood sports due to their size, and even pitted against large wild animals. However, they do not have a naturally aggressive nature. Mastadors are one of the many designer dog breeds that emerged in the United States in the s with the aim of minimizing some of the health problems associated with pure breeds. Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular purebred dogs for cross breeding. Appearance The most noticeable thing about a Mastador is they are very big dogs. Labradors are already medium to large in size, but Mastiffs are very big dogs that produce big offspring. You can expect the mother to be a Mastiff and the father to be the smaller Lab for safety while breeding. Labrador retrievers measure between 21 and 23 inches in height and weigh 55 to 80 pounds. English Mastiffs are much taller and heavier. The females start from .You can expect their mixed-breed offspring to measure between 28 and 36 inches in height and weigh between 85 and pounds! Mastadors also have stocky bodies and broad heads, as these characteristics are common to both breeds. They could have the flat nose of a Mastiff or the longer nose of a Lab, but they will definitely have ears that flop down on either side of their face. Labradors are known for their short double coats that protect them in the water but also shed a lot. For many people, this is the only complaint they have about Labradors: how much they shed. It can be a bit of a gamble which of these coats your Mastador will inherit, but a shorter, denser coat is more common. They need to be brushed twice a week to remove loose hair and minimize the issues and irritations associated with shedding. The variety of colors that exist among the two parent breeds mean Mastadors can look quite different. They can be black, brown, yellow, or brindle, and they may present with a solid color or a mixed coat. It is fair to say that the size and heads of these dogs make them look pretty imposing and dangerous, but this is not reflected in their personalities. This is why many breeders and pet owners regard them as gentle giants. They are also known for being affectionate and friendly, even with smaller animals. Mastiffs are also intelligent, but they can be a bit lazy and get bored easily. This means they can be difficult to train using traditional methods. They are also highly sensitive. They are extremely skilled at reading facial expressions and body language and figuring out what is expected of them. But this sensitivity means they are also more prone to adverse effects when treated badly, for example, trained using punishment. Mastiffs, like Labradors, are affectionate and love being around people. They get along with other dogs, but they were bred for hunting, so smaller animals around the house can be at risk. They love kids, but their large size can present potential for accidents. Mastiffs can be aloof and wary around strangers, which is part of the reason why they make good guard dogs. It is not possible to predict the personalities of mixed breed dogs with great accuracy, unlike the case with purebred dogs, but experience can still indicate what to expect. In general, you can expect a Mastador to be friendly and to love their families. They will want to be part of the family, which means in the house and part of the action, rather than relegated to an outdoor space. They can easily develop separation anxiety issues. Mastadors are highly intelligent, but they can easily become bored with long traditional training sessions. After the fifth go, they might just flop down in the ground and give up. They do best with short training sessions several times a day. They should never be trained using punishment. This is not a good approach for most dogs, as it tends to lead to confusion rather than teach what is wanted. But it can be particularly harmful with Mastadors because they are very sensitive. They can become shy, fearful, or aggressive if they are mishandled. Still, a Mastador will typically be very good at learning from positive reinforcement. So, as long as you spend lots of time with them in different situations and socialize them extensively with other people and animals, they will figure out what is wanted from them. They will have a natural desire to protect their people, but this will rarely go beyond posturing. Exercise Needs Labrador retrievers are high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise. As adult dogs, they need at least an hour of formal exercise a day, as well as enough space to roam around when at home. And this is a minimum! They are generally happy with a two-mile walk per day. They need a lot of space at home, but this is mainly due to their bulk. They need big spaces that they can just flop down in. Your Mastador pup will be somewhere between the two, but exactly where depends on your individual dog. Monitor them from puppyhood to see what their energy levels are. Breaking their daily exercise into two shorter sessions is usually the best approach. Remember that because Mastadors are large dogs, it is easy to over-exercise them as puppies. Pet parents assume that they need to stretch their long legs a lot. But too much exercise while they are developing can lead to deformities. While they are puppies, take the approach of five minutes of exercise per day maximum per month of age. A four-month-old puppy needs about 20 minutes, while at six months they will need 30 minutes a day. Mastadors are still considered puppies until the age of two. Dietary Needs Because of their large size, Mastadors need a diet that is specially formulated for larger dogs. This means something that is high in animal-based proteins and fats. Mastadors can also be prone to skeletal disorders,which means they need the right calcium to phosphorus ratio to develop and maintain their bones. Look for a ratio of approximately 1. But it is also important to watch how much your dog eats and control their calories, as a Mastador lacks the gene to let them know that they are full. This means that it is easy for them to overeat. There is no precise science to know exactly how much to feed your dog, and you should always be observing your dog to determine if they are getting what they need to maintain their weight and energy levels. But, as a general rule, you can determine how much an adult dog should be eating based on their weight. Puppies need to eat quite a bit more to fuel their growth, so read our full guide to how much to feed a puppy. As they enter their senior years and their metabolism drops, they will need less. Health Concerns One of the reasons for creating designer mixed breed dogs is to minimize the hereditary health conditions that are common among purebred dogs due to their limited gene pool. There are also a few health conditions that are common to both parent breeds and therefore represent a relatively high risk for your dog. With a Mastador, the main things you should be looking for are skeletal issues, common to many larger breeds. Elbow and hip dysplasia are both common. Eye issues, including retinal dysplasia and cataracts, are also a common problem. As well as weight gain, Mastadors can develop gastric dilation volvulus, commonly called bloat. Dogs are creatures of habit, and you will notice they usually go at around the same time each day with the same frequency and the same quantity. If this changes, this is often a sign that there is something wrong. Adopting A Mastador Puppy Mastadors are actually one of the rarer dogs among the designer breeds that emerged in the s. This means you can expect it to be relatively difficult to track down a reputable breeder with available puppies. If they are much cheaper than that, you may be dealing with an irresponsible breeder. Also, it is worth looking around for Mastadors in shelters. Consequently, many end up in rescues and shelters. Mastiff Lab mix dogs are great because they strike a good balance between friendly and loving and protective without being aggressive. Since Mastiffs are such big dogs, you can expect their offspring to be large as well. When mixed with a Labrador retriever, expect them to be 28 to 36 inches tall and weigh 85 to pounds. Are Mastadors Smart? Mastadors are extremely intelligent dogs. But unlike their Lab parents who are eager to learn and please and enjoy work, Mastiffs get bored quickly with traditional training, so it might take a bit longer to teach their Mastador offspring the essential commands. But Mastadors and their offspring are very sensitive and good at reading body language, facial expressions, and situations. This gives them a good level of independent problem solving skills. Are Mastiffs Good Inside Dogs? Despite their large size, Mastiffs are good inside dogs because they are quite lazy and will prefer to spend most of the day hanging about and keeping an eye on what you are up to. However, it might be more challenging for you to adapt to having such a large presence around if you have a small home. Ask yourself the following questions to help make your final decision. Am I Experienced With Dogs? Not only do they get bored with traditional training easily, but they are sensitive, and therefore can easily become traumatized. If you get upset with them because they are not cooperating, they will sense this, and this can undermine their development. Mastadors can also be very sensitive to your body language and facial expressions, so it is best that you know how to behave around dogs to control a Mastador and raise them well. While Mastadors love children, they are big dogs, so they can be overwhelming for small children. Also, their large size means even an accidental whip of the tail could hurt your child. While Mastadors get on well with other dogs, one of their parents was bred to hunt, so other small household animals, such as cats, can be at risk when a Mastador is around. If you are looking for a more cat-friendly dog, consider a purebred Labrador retriever. Even though Mastadors do like to spend quite a bit of time sitting around doing nothing, their big size means that they can quickly make a small apartment feel claustrophobic. Also, more energetic Mastadors will want to wander around the house monitoring what you are up to. Mastadors will need quite a bit of exercise, maybe as much as an hour a day. This is something you will need to commit to. Is this compatible with your energy levels and lifestyle? Mastadors are companion dogs that like to be around their people most of the time. They can develop separation anxiety. They do best in homes where there is usually someone around, or if they can accompany someone to work. Take Home Your Matador If you decide to adopt a Mastador into your family, you are going to have a loving and loyal member of the family for the next 10 to 12 years. Make the most of your relationship by spending time with your dog. They are sensitive and will learn a lot from just being around you; plus, there is no place they would rather be. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Labradors require more exercise than Mastiffs. The Mastador hybrid typically requires about one hour of rigorous exercise per day. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. Handle their paws frequently—dogs are touchy about their feet—and look inside their mouth. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Occasionally, Mastadors have impacted anal glands. This happens when the dog is unable to naturally empty the glands by defecating. You can also learn to do this yourself. Mastador Feeding An ideal Mastador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The main colors of Mastadors are brown, black, yellow and brindle. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. Their coats are pretty easy to groom and good brushing once a week should do. This is not an ideal dog for allergy sufferers. As far as extreme weather goes, they tolerate cold, better than warmer weather but not for long periods of time. They are an indoor dog. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early and prepare them for handling during veterinary check ups. That said, they are large, active dogs and can accidentally knock a toddler down with a swipe of the tail. Bear in mind as well that Mastadors are not ponies, and children cannot ride them. Your Mastador can be injured if children try to do so. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. To learn more about the Mastador, read about their parent breeds, the Mastiff and Labrador Retriever. Mastador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Mastadors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Mastiff breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Contact Us Meet the Mastador The Mastador is the hybrid or cross-breed of the English Mastiff and the Labrador Retriever, bred specifically for its family-friendly nature. The Evolution of the Mastador The Labrador Labrador Retrievers have an enduring reputation for gentle temperment, ease of handling and training, high intelligence and loyalty. They are truly the perfect family pet. The English Mastiff English Mastiffs are a wonderful, stately breed that combines large size and strength with strong loyalty, gentleness and affection, all wrapped up in a beautiful, calm demeanor. They love close physical companionship, and want to be touching you, always staying close. The History of the Mastador Mastador breeders only use the English Mastiff as the foundation for the Mastador, as opposed to other Mastiff breeds such as Cane Corso, Neopolitan, Bullmastiff, Bordeaux, Boerboels, or any other variation. This is because the English Mastiff has the proven temperament of a Mastiff that is less aggressive and more companion-oriented than other Mastiff breeds. The Mastador as a hybrid has been around for many decades, though it has only been in the last decade that professional, responsible breeding programs have emerged to reproduce them. The star of the Disney movie "Old Yeller" was said to be a Mastador. He was rescued from a shelter in Los Angeles by a Hollywood dog trainer and appeared in several other movies as well. The goal of professional Mastador breeders is to stabilize the breed in terms of temperament, size, and other traits. The Mastador is only in its third generation of responsible breeding. There are first, second, and third-generation Mastadors to be found out there, and several variations based on "back-crossing". This is done to bring out certain traits, such as color or size. Unique Characteristics Size First generation F1 Mastadors tend to be the largest, with males often in the lb. Females can be as small as 75 lbs, or as large as lbs. In any litter of Mastadors, you can find pups that favor one side of their genetics over another. This is because most color genes are recessive, and require the color to exist in both parents in order to show up in offspring. The result is that most F1 Mastadors revert to Lab-dominant black color. There are exceptions, however, which cannot be readily explained by color genetics. Chocolate and yellow Mastadors will appear when the chocolate or the yellow both recessive genes show up on both Lab sides of both parents. But if one parent carries Lab yellow, and one parent carries Lab chocolate, they will cancel each other out and produce black. However, most F2 2nd generation Mastadors will produce the common Mastiff colors of fawn light yellow or off-white and apricot various shades of red. When breeding in the 2nd and third generations, you may find a wide variety of colors, some which are Lab colors, and some which are Mastiff colors. Most Mastadors of color have black masks, but not all. Many that favor the Lab colors do not have the black mask. There is a look and a color for everybody in Mastadors! Tempermant English Mastiffs are a guardian breed, and therefore Mastadors are as well. It is very important especially during the first 18 months life that they are well-socialized with people and animals outside of your own household. Failure to do that could result in overly-protective behaviors starting to show up between months of age essentially puberty. This is more common in males than females, but can show up in both. This is correctable with professional training, but as the old saying goes, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". As both breeds are known to be diggers and chewers, there is a strong likelihood that you will need to train that behavior out of your puppy in the early going. Some pups are worse than others. Sometimes it is just cute. Sometimes, it can be expensive and destructive if not trained away early in life. Aggression: If you see first signs of aggressive behavior, do not wait, hoping that it will disappear! It likely will not, until you deal with it. There are three methods of behavioral modification that we have found to be generally effective at the early signs of aggression. Get a spray bottle with an adjustable nozzle and fill it with water. When your dog starts to show a sign they will act out, spray the water directly in their face with a medium spray not a stream , along with your stern verbal correction. After a short time, he will likely stop right away when he hears your verbal command, and sees you reach for the bottle. This method will work for most other unwanted behaviors as well. If the above does not deter your dog, use a ratio of water to distilled white vinegar. It will be an astringent to the eyes, but it is totally harmless. It will sting, and it will get his attention. If the spray bottle techniques don't work, you may need to try an electronic collar. These have a wide range of training modes, from various levels of sound, to various level of electronic "buzz". There are several brands, and all of them offer training videos online. In fact, there are many training videos for e-collar training, that are not associated with any product, but were produced by professional trainers. If you continue to need assistance with this problem, we will offer referrals to trainers experienced with aggression issues. Just like in the case of people, quality of diet and healthcare are major factors. Obviously, things show up, just like they do in us, that cannot be predicted, but as a general rule this should be true. This lifespan is dependant on two major factors. The first is diet. You must feed your dog a diet that is free of corn, wheat and soy, as the three biggest culprits. Raw feeding is by far the best alternative, but can be expensive and time-consuming to prepare. Raw food can be obtained on-line and shipped to your door. The second important factor is that you should never get your dog spayed or neutered before they reach full maturity. For Mastadors, this is on average 24 months. The sex hormones are responsible for bone density and sound joint development, and robbing your pup of that before his or her growth plates close dramatically increases the risk of early hip dysplasia, joint failures, and three different types of cancer. Generations Explained F1: First Generation. English Mastiff bred to Labrador Retriever. F2: Second Generation. F2B: Second Generation. F3: Third Generation. Meet the McCullough Mastadors. Mastodor or the Mastador Labmaraner mix dog. The appearance of this crossbreed dog depends on how much it inherits from each parent breed. The Mastador will normally have a solid and muscular body like the Mastiff, a broad head like the Labrador Retriever, and a short-length, shiny double coat. The Mastador dog is energetic and muscular therefore early behavioral and socialization training is strongly recommended, for this Mastiff mix, to enable it to show its protective nature, in a positive way. A Mastador puppy is a stunning example of a crossbreed dog. A brief history of this mixed-breed dog A Mastiff Lab mix is a cross between a purebred mastiff dog and a purebred Labrador Retriever dog. There are at least 18 different types of mastiff dogs. Did you know that the Great Dane dog is actually a German mastiff? While in England he was so impressed with the strength and protective ability of the English Mastiff that he took some back to Rome and began breeding them as guard dogs and fighting dogs for blood sports. They were even used to fight Gladiators. After several generations, the Bullmastiff was officially recognized as a purebred in the s, in the UK, as a dog breed in its own right, and then in , by the American Kennel Club AKC in the United States. It is gaining in popularity as a purebred and currently is ranked the 51st most popular dog in the United States by the AKC. These two different Mastiffs are similar but with a few noticeable differences: The Bullmastiff is slightly smaller than the English Mastiff, although both are still huge dogs. The Bullmastiff is more independent, not as needy as and more stubborn than the English Mastiff. This Mastiff purebred dog is a massive, heavy-boned dog with a symmetrical build and a short, double coat. It is patient and loyal and will make a great companion or family dog, but it will be wary of strangers. With its big sad-looking eyes and wrinkled face you will just want to give it a big hug, and probably get a big lick in return! Mastiffs typically have a coat color of apricot, fawn, or brindle with a black mask, and big feet! It has a solid double coat in one of 3 colors; pure black, chocolate brown, or yellow. The Lab is a loveable dog breed for any experience of dog owners. The Labrador Retriever dog breed is from Newfoundland, Canada, and was used by fishermen to retrieve their fish from nets and catch any that escaped back into the sea. They are good swimmers and have a gentle mouth grip that will not further destroy any prey they are ordered to retrieve. This dog breed came to Great Britain around , to be used as gun dogs for retrieving waterfowl from land and water, in Scotland and England. The lab is a gentle, fun-loving, and loyal family dog with an easy-going temperament. A Labrador Retriever Puppy is just adorable, and when trained and socialized it can be trusted around anyone. Meet the offspring: The Mastiff Lab mix The designer dog offspring of these two purebred dogs is a Mastiff Labrador mix — the Mastador puppy. Designer breeds gained popularity in the United States during the s and this increased demand and popularity for cross-breed dogs such as the Mastiff Lab mix. The Mastador puppy is a hybrid, and as a mixed-breed dog it is not recognized as a breed in its own right, by the American Kennel Club; nor can it be awarded pedigree papers. The Mastiff Lab mix — Colors and pattern As the Mastadoris a cross-breed dog, its appearance will be more difficult to predict than a purebred dog. However, considering the parent breeds there are only a few likely coat colors including Brown, Black, Yellow from the Labrador and Fawn, Red, or Brindle from the Mastiff mix. Occasionally, but rare the coat color can be Silver or Charcoal Gray. The coat of the Mastador breed is likely to have one solid coat color, but if light-colored or brindle it may have the classic black mask and it can have a white chest and white paws. The Mastador dog is not hypoallergenic and will shed moderately. What are the main characteristics of a Mastador? Any crossbreed dog, like the Mastiff Lab mix, could inherit the characteristics and the health problems and health concerns of either parent breed; or perhaps the best of both and be stronger and inherit fewer health problems than their parent breeds. With any mixed-breed dog, you just have to wait and see how it turns out, however you know that this pooch will be a big one! Mastador puppies are likely to inherit the kind Labrador face and the solid body of the Mastiff, and big floppy ears. This large dog is courageous, confident, and smart, and also loving and affectionate. It will show great loyalty to their dog owner and family member. It will be a physically active dog and just want to play or hang out with you. Reputation: Any Mastiff mix dog has an image of a fierce guard dog, but proper behavior training and socialization will control its protective nature. The Mastador will act as a family watchdog. Trainability: Mastiff mix puppies need to be trained and socialized early. Mastiff Lab mix puppies will be strong and protective so they must learn control and discipline. The Mastador Breed is smart and tolerant so training should be fairly easy, providing you keep it interesting. They can be stubborn so training needs to be varied and fun. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training are recommended for this large dog breed as is very confident, and strong-willed. Mastiff breed mix puppies should be trained slowly and never negatively punished, challenged directly, hit, or locked up for misbehavior. Always reinforce change gradually and praise good behavior and learning. The Mastador is an active dog, so the puppy will need one hour of daily exercise and playtime, building up hours a day in adulthood. Remember, this is likely to grow into a very large dog, so they should not be over-exercised as a puppy while their bones are still growing, as this can damage their developing bones and joints. Power and intelligence: Labrador Retriever mixes are intelligent, curious, and energetic. The Mastador will be a fast learner but could be stubborn and aloof, so they will need to be trained and handled properly to be able to socialize and behave to command in public places. Mastadors love activity and challenging playtime with their family; Fetch the ball or Frisbee, puzzles, or interactive chewable toys. This pooch will grow into a powerful and heavy dog so its exercise needs and strength should not be underestimated by any potential dog owner. Socialization: Early socialization dog training and discipline are strongly recommended for Mastiff mix dogs. The Mastador has two high energy parents and one is a powerful guard dog. Labradors have a soft delicate bite but the Mastiff has a powerful jaw and less delicate, so the Mastador will need to learn to control its protective nature and muscular strength. Gently discipline and obedience training should start early to help this huge puppy to become well—behaved and gentle with other dogs and children. Purpose: Mastadors are sensitive and can be quite shy. Behavior: A Mastiff Lab mix generally inherits the best of both. Young children should be careful when playing with this big dog, and not allowed to treat it roughly. It could turn aggressive if mishandled so play must be supervised and respect shown to the dog. A Mastador is quite docile and not a barker but it will be wary of strangers and therefore makes a good guard-dog. Physical Characteristics of the Mastador The Mastador has a deep chest, strong legs big brown expressive eyes, a medium muzzle, with a long tail. A Mastador will live on average, between years, and a litter size is usually between puppies. Coat: A short, dense but silky, double coat, moderate shedder; not hypoallergenic. Temperament: Mastadors learn easily and try to please. They are generally friendly with a gentle nature but bore easily and may refuse to cooperate. They are born protectors and will guard their territory, so they must be trained and socialized early. How should you train a Mastiff Labrador Retriever mix? This breed should be trained gently, slowly, and with consistency. The boundaries need to be set early for this powerful mixed-breed dog. Fun and positive reinforcement and reward-based training, especially small food treats work best. Never hit or raise your voice to this breed during training as it may challenge or rebel and refuse to cooperate further. Types of training required: obedience, discipline, agility, and socialization. So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer: 1 Develop basic command words: Stop, Sit, Down, etc. This huge dog will try to dominate and this must be controlled early in training. This will eventually become its nest and it will sleep there. Eventually, the puppy with your help will learn where and where not to go. They will eventually become creatures of habit and regulate their need and place to use. Health problems and health issues What health problems can a Mastiff Lab mix suffer from? Hip Dysplasia and elbow dysplasia — common in many large breeds. Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint, where the ball at the top of the leg does not fit properly into the socket and the ligaments attaching it are weak. This allows excess movement of the fitting which can eventually lead to stiffness and pain for the dog. Bloat — any large dog that eats quickly or drinks a lot before exercising can suffer from bloat. This dangerous excessive gas build-up can cause the stomach to twist and damage other organs. Cataract eye disease — is a clouding over of the vision. Brachycephalic syndrome — breathing difficulties, due to the shape of its nose and restricted airways; Pugs and Boxer dogs have similar problems. Other health issues include ear infections, bone cancer, and heart problems How do you care for a Mastador dog? Exercise needs A Mastador is outgoing, but not overly energetic so its exercise needs are low. They will enjoy walks and freedom to play. One hour a day of exercise is enough for an adult. Feeding Feed as a large-sized dog, around 3 cups of Kibble dry formulated food per day, fed twice a day and slowly to prevent bloat. Grooming needs The Mastador has a short but dense double coat and only sheds moderately, so you can be the groomer and brush every days. Bathing This large dog does not need regular bathing, only when required. Certain dog formulated shampoos have a double effect of cleaning the coat and protecting it against fleas and insect bites. Cleaning teeth, nails, and ears As with all dogs, their teeth need to be cleaned regularly to prevent a build-up of plaque. Chewing breaks down plaque, so use doggie chew-toys, bare-bones and soft toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Nails grow quickly and need trimming regularly, say monthly, and their floppy ears need to be checked for debris that could cause infection. Lifestyle This breed is affectionate and loves company. It is a great family dog and will be happy living in an apartment or house with a big yard as long as it is with you They can be stubborn and aggressive until trained. They will chew things if bored or left alone for long periods of time, so keep stimulated and busy. Chew toys can help with boredom. This breed is a natural watchdog that will act on instinct to be very protective of its family. Positives and Negatives of ownership Positives. The Lab crossed with Mastiff has a natural smooth coat that is low maintenance and will only need moderate brushing. Brushing helps spread natural oil to their coat and removes loose hairs to promote new hair growth. However, they are not hypoallergenic which is why vacuuming your home once in a while is a must. Bathing them can also be challenging due to their large size. Imagine, having to wash a to a pound dog! The shower should be done in your backyard using a water hose. If possible, you may take them to a professional groomer instead that has a designated facility for bathing larger breeds. Their oily skin coat makes it easier for them to remove dirt and water. You may take your dog out for a swim instead or splash in the water. Ideally, a monthly bath is good enough for this hybrid. Make sure to clean their ears regularly to avoid infections. They love playing in the water, and their long droopy ears make them more vulnerable to wax build-up and infections in the auditory canal. Their ears must be checked and cleaned through at regular times to avoid major issues. Brush their teeth at least twice per week to improve oral hygiene. Due to their active personality, their paws should also be cleaned regularly. Their nails must be trimmed if needed. Generally, this hybrid is vulnerable to ear infections due to their ear structure. Gum infections may also kick in and can also impact their oral health. Both of these can be prevented by regular cleaning. Remember that all breeds are prone to developing more severe and specific health problems. Thus, results in the rubbing of the joint and prevents it from sliding naturally. Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This is an eye disease that happens when the retina malfunctions and fails to reflect, absorb, and perceive light which can, later on, cause blindness. Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus Bloating : This is a life-threatening condition that affects large dogs. The stomach then puts pressure on other organs may cause dangerous problems such as a tear in the wall of his stomach, difficulty in breathing or reduced blood flow in the heart. It is essential to split their total food intake into multiple smaller meals throughout the day rather than letting them eat it at once. Other common diseases are: Osteoporosis Heart Disease It is advisable to have your mixed breed undergo regular check-ups to rule out any condition the soonest time possible. Offer them either the best puppy food brands or the best dry dog food for small dogs to meet their calorie requirements. Once full-grown, you may need to provide them up to 3. Try to avoid feeding them with the worst dry dog food at all cost, as it can trigger allergies or severe digestive issues, including poisoning! Be sure to control the servings to prevent overfeeding. This hybrid also has an appetite for raw food. You can provide them fresh food rich with calcium and phosphates to strengthen their bones. Avoid feeding them food with high calorie or fat as this can make them sloppy and unhealthy. Make sure to provide this mixed breed only the best dry dog food that can help them reach their daily protein needs. Its fat and protein content has been well-calculated to maintain mass and lean muscle. Flaxseed, barley and brown rice are used as a carbohydrate source. It contains MOs and L-carnitine that helps in the building of antibodies. It is made from deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meat. It is also rich in antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and probiotics. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food: This dog food gets all its protein content from fish, making it rich in omega acids that help skin and fur healthy. Your dog will surely enjoy its distinct flavors from salmon, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Mastiff crossed with Lab Exercise Requirements This hybrid is large and robust. Regular exercise is needed to use up their excess energy and for keeping them in the right health. The lack of exercise would not make them aggressive and make them go back to their docile status. Their big body structure must be adequately maintained to keep it healthy. However, strenuous activities, like jumping or leaping, should be moderated to avoid issues like bone stress or worst, fractures. This mixed breed is also not demanding when it comes to finding the right place for playing. Your Mastiff crossed with Lab will enjoy different activities both indoors and outdoors. Should you decide to go outside when weather is favorable, might as well challenge this hybrid by using equipment or toys. Here a list of durable toys that will surely make your dog have a fun time playing: Jolly Romp and Roll Ball: This very durable dog toy is ideal if you want to play fetch. It is easy to grip and throw, and easy to retrieve or carry for your hybrid. This ball will not deflate and is firm to withstand strong bite pressure from bigger breeds like the Lab Mastiff mix. KONG Extreme Dog Toy: Coming from one of the most trusted brands when it comes to dogs toys, your dog will surely love this sturdy rubber contraption. You can use this to play fetch or fill it with a treat and make your dog busy munching it down for hours. It is made of natural black rubber and intended for use only by the strongest of power chewers. Perfect for your Lab Mastiff mixed breed. Labrador Mastiff Mix Training This mixed breed is generally smart and training them should a piece of cake if you know how to execute it properly. At an early age, the training should be easy and fun for both of you. This is the time where you should focus on socializing your dog with your kids, environment, other dogs, pets or animals you want your dog to be familiarized with. This mixed breed always wants to please their owners, and their smartness allows them to learn tricks faster. They respond significantly with obedience training and can absorb all house rules in no time. However, be reminded that this mixed breed possesses great physical and mental strength coming from its Mastiff lineage. You should be cautious and be firm. Through proper training and socialization, you develop this mixed breed into an affectionate, friendly and well-behaved dog. Mastiff Labrador Mix and Families If you have the energy, time and space, then, you should consider having a Mastiff Lab Mix in your family. They may be large, but through proper training and socialization, they tend to go well with kids, pets or other animals. They can also be a great family pet for you. Health and lifespan The Mastador dog hopes to bring together aspects of the brave, affectionate and loyal Bullmastiff, and the active, friendly and outgoing Labrador. And it must be said, those large, doleful eyes and floppy jowls are hard to resist. These dogs helped the local fishermen, pulling in nets and carts laden with fish. They soon gained popularity in England for their hunting ability. The Bullmastiff was originally developed in England, around the year .The breed is the result of a cross between the Bulldog and the old English Mastiff. The purpose of this cross was to produce a breed that would act as a guard dog for gamekeepers against poachers. The impressive size and courage displayed by this cross breed made them perfect for their role as guard dogs. The Mastador mix will often use a Bullmastiff parent. Typical Appearances A Bull Mastiff will typically weigh anywhere between 90 and pounds, depending on gender. They can be anywhere between 24 and 27 inches at the shoulder in height. They are also a heavy set dog. A Labrador is a somewhat smaller dog than the bullmastiff and will typically be around 22 inches at the withers. They usually weigh somewhere between 55 and 90 pounds. Whichever side of the family your Lab Mastiff pup takes after, the fact remains that both parents are large dogs. A Bull Mastiff Labrador mix is going to be a big dog. Bullmastiffs also have a distinctive droopy face and floppy jowls. Some Mastadors will inherit this trait. Colors and Coat Type Bullmastiffs have six colors, including fawn, brindle, red and combinations of the three. They all have a dark face mask. The Labrador comes in three recognized colors; yellow , black and chocolate. They are also known for their kind, friendly eyes. Some Mastadors look decidedly like a Bullmastiff, and others like a Labrador with slightly looser jowls. Often, a Lab Mastiff cross results in a rather distinguished and stately looking pooch. Grooming and Shedding The Bullmastiff has a short coat and does not require heavy grooming. Labradors have a double coat, so they will shed. They need regular grooming and baths to keep them looking their best. But, as such a large breed, even a small amount of shedding can result in a lot of loose fur around your home. Neither of these parent breeds have a very long coat. But, the Mastador mix is a very large dog, so grooming can be quite time consuming. And, if your puppy takes after the Labrador parent, you may need to spend a little time keeping their coat groomed. Particularly in the case of black Lab Mastiff, the short, shiny mastiff coat teamed with the jet black color of the Labrador makes for an impressive shiny black coat. Keep an eye on the nails of your dog and trim them when necessary. Labrador nails grow quickly, so they could become excessively long if not kept in check. Teeth should be brushed regularly. Mastiff Lab Mix Temperament Bullmastiffs are not overly active dogs, so spending time lazing around inside is not a big issue for them. But, like all dogs, they still need regular exercise. They are also known to be loyal dogs, protective of their family. The Labrador is known for its friendly, outgoing personality and laid back personality. They are very active dogs and will thrive if they get lots of opportunities to play. A Bullmastiff Lab mix could take after either side of the family or fall somewhere in between. Whichever parent your lab mastiff cross takes after, they are likely to have a relaxed and friendly temperament. As long as they are socialized well. Are Mastadors Aggressive? Mastiff breeds and Labs are known for their friendly and relaxed natures. But, the Bullmastiff is a natural guard dog and is an independent thinker. As such, they need thorough socialization from a young age. You must meet the Mastiff parent and feel confident that their guarding nature is not to the detriment of their friendliness around strangers. Socialization Make sure your Mastador feels comfortable around other dogs, small animals like cats, young and older children, elderly people, and strangers. Even when bringing home a Mastiff Lab mix, socialization is still essential. Make sure you have visitors to the home every day from 8 to 14 weeks old, then regularly from that point. Take them somewhere new and busy every day, where they will meet lots of friendly faces of various ages. These are very big dogs, so they can easily hurt someone without meaning to. Especially elderly people or very young children. You must be prepared to properly socialize and train a Mastador dog to avoid this. Training Your Dog Training, leadership and regular time spent playing with your Mastiff cross Labrador puppy will mean it grows up to be a happy and well-adjusted companion. Keep in mind that despite their size, Bullmastiffs are quite sensitive deep down. Positive reinforcement training is essential with potentially aggressive breeds, and those prone to stubbornness. It makes training motivating, rewarding, and an enjoyable experience for you both. On the other hand, Labradors are sociable, outgoing dogs that are eager to please. They have high energy levels and love to be kept busy. Whether your lab mastiff puppy takes after the bullmastiff or the Labrador, training and strong leadership is going to be highly beneficial for your puppy. Particularly given the size this dog will grow to be. Exercise Needs While Bullmastiffs are known to be happy spending time indoors relaxing, Labradors crave a little more action. After you bring your lab mastiff puppy home, it will take some time before you know which side of the family he or she will take after. It is important that you have somewhere outside you can take your Lab Mastiff cross for some playtime. But, be wary of overexercising this breed, or exercising them strenuously whilst they are young. This can lead to joint damage. Both parent breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, so watch out for signs of this whilst exercising your Mastiff Lab mix. Mastiff and Labrador Health Just because Mastiff Lab mix pups are a cross breed, this does not mean they are immune to the health issues that the parent dogs may experience. It is still vitally important to check that the parents of your Labrador x Mastiff puppy enjoyed good health. Labrador Health. So, to really understand his background, we need to look at their two separate histories. It is likely that Mastiffs were originally bred to fight lions and other large animals in the gladiatorial arenas. But, they were later used as both war dogs and hunting dogs. The modern mastiff was not systematically bred until the 19th century when J. Thompson began producing them. He purchased some Mastiff-type dogs from various sources and eventually created the breed we know today. The Lab got its start quite differently. This breed originated on an island in Newfoundland, which is now part of Canada. Labrador Retriever ancestors worked alongside fishermen to retrieve in the water. But, today, these dogs have a more general working ability, and are most popular as a family pet and companion. But, if the Mastiff parent is smaller, they will likely be smaller as well. The range spans from 50 pounds, to as big as pounds. Coat and Colors Mastadors all have double coats, but the colors can vary a lot. To get a better idea of how your puppy will look, examine the specific parents. Or, you can try to find an older Mastiff Lab mix. However, Labradors come in three colors — black , yellow, and chocolate. Including diluted versions of these shades. Mastiffs come in apricot, fawn, or brindle , with black face markings. So, there is a risk that your black Lab Mastiff mix could inherit any combination of the parents markings, including patches of brindle or lighter coloring. They are known for their friendly, unassuming nature. Neither canine has a particularly strong prey drive. The Labrador does like to chase things, but their soft bite prevents this from becoming a massive problem in most cases. Because the Mastiff Lab mix is a mixed breed, they can inherit their demeanor from either of their parents. Your mixed breed puppy will likely be affectionate and loyal. They are usually great with other pets and small children. But, despite this gentle nature, their large size can be problematic with small children and pets. Obedience Training It is imperative that you begin training your Mastiff Lab mix as soon as you get them home. Even though they might not mean to, it is very easy for them to injure someone by pulling on the lease suddenly or jumping up in greeting. Luckily, both parent breeds are eager to please and often easy to train. We recommend keeping training sessions short and sweet, especially if your dog appears to take after the Mastiff. Due to their large size, they can tire from excessive training easily. We also do not recommend encouraging your Mastiff Lab mix to run excessively, go on long walks, or jump until they are about three or so. Socialization Socialization is vital to get the best personality from your Mastador mix. And, making sure all of their experiences are happy ones. Mastiffs are prone to bone cancer and are also likely to damage their growth plates. Labradors also potentially inherit the eye disease PRA, along with hip and elbow dysplasia. They are also more the averagely likely to be overweight and suffer from bloat. However despite these problems, both of these dog breeds are generally healthy. Especially if you go to a breeder that health screens their potential puppy parents for conditions common to their breed. Mastiff Lab Mix Puppies Mixed breeds have picked up in popularity over the years. But it can still be somewhat challenging to find a breeder that specializes in a particular mixed breed puppy. While it might be tempting to purchase your puppy from a pet store or breeder, these dogs are almost never ethically bred and are prone to health problems. We recommend taking the extra time to search for a breeder instead. Choose one that socializes their puppies, and only uses parents which are PRA clear, and have good hip and elbow scores.
Following the Labrador feeding chart by age will give you a rough idea of how much to feed your puppy. Labradors are known for their playfulness, and sweet disposition, and are good at fetch which is why you should provide them with the best nutrition to support their growth. Ensure that the food contains the right amounts of protein, carbs, fat, and vitamins. You should avoid feeding your Labrador puppy too much food as they are prone to joint issues, but also avoid feeding them less food as they will be malnourished and not reach their growth milestones. Continue reading to understand how much to feed a Labrador puppy. The amount of food that your Labrador puppy should eat depends on a combination of certain factors such as activity level, weight, type, and brand of food. Heavier and bigger puppies need to eat more food than smaller puppies, and dogs that have active lives will need more calories than those living sedentary life. Fortunately, all dog food contains a feeding guideline on the packaging to get you started. It is important that you create and maintain a feeding schedule for your puppy so that they can maintain a healthy weight and develop good habits. Consult your pet nutritionist or vet, to learn more about how much food you should give your specific Labrador. Labrador Feeding Chart By Age A Labrador can be fed between one and six cups of food depending on their level of activity, age, and type of food. The amount will differ from one puppy to the other as every puppy has there own requirements. Therefore, you should follow a feeding guideline that is indicated in the dog food brands or the one designed by your vet. As a Labrador owner, it is important to understand that the nutritional requirements of your puppy are different at each stage as they grow. Therefore, adult and puppy dogs should be trained to eat the correct amount at the right schedule. Ensure that you keep a Labrador puppy feeding chart with you. Calculating the Resting Energy Requirement RER of your puppy and doubling it can help you get the right number of calories to feed them. Feed your puppy a little amount, in the beginning, to ensure that they are ready to eat. If they are not ready, do not force the food on them. Be patient with your puppy and they will be on puppy food soon. The puppy will be relying less on the milk. When your puppy starts eating all the food you offer them, you can reduce the amount of water and increase the food amount. The puppy will start becoming active and start exploring away from the mother as they no longer rely on the mother. By the end of the week into week seven, the puppy will be able to eat just puppy food. Ensure that you feed them dry food that is full of healthy protein. They should be eating three to four times per day and need about 2 cups of food. Avoid free feeding the puppy as it may be hard to know exactly how much they are eating. Create a feeding schedule as early as possible and this will help them develop good habits in the future. Put the food out for only 10 to 15 minutes and take the bowl away if they do not finish. This can be tricky if you are working but it is important that you maintain their feeding schedule as this is a developmental stage. Three meals per day will help your growing puppy develop their digestive system and ensure that they are getting their nutrition. This is also the beginning of the teething stage and they will be biting a lot of things including hard dog food and chew toys. They should eat about two cups of food distributed over three meals. But you should still maintain feeding them two cups of food but can reduce the mealtimes to twice per day. Watch out for the amount of food your puppy eats to avoid them gaining weight. Also, ensure that they are getting enough exercise to burn off the food. So, you should transition them to adult food. Ensure that the switching process is done slowly to avoid causing vomiting and diarrhea to your puppy. Your Labrador can be fed once per day now and the amount reduced to about two cups of food. Understanding Labrador Puppy Nutritional Needs If you stick to feeding your Labrador high-quality food, be assured that they are getting all the necessary nutrients. However, it is useful to know the types of nutrients that they need and the ingredients to watch out for. Carbohydrates — healthy carbs are necessary for providing energy for your puppy. Sources like barley, rice, and oatmeal are great. Healthy carbs can also be found in veggies such as sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils. Fiber — it helps regulate the digestive system of your puppy and helps the stool become healthier and firm. Sources include spinach, chicory root, and beet pulp. Sources include fish oils, fish, canola oils, and fish. Vitamins and Minerals — are needed for improving the immune system which helps in protecting your puppy from diseases. Veggies and real fruits like cranberries and blueberries are great sources. The frequency of feeding your Labrador depends mostly on their age. Puppies need to eat three to four times per day while senior and adult Labradors can eat one to two times per day. Labrador is a breed that is motivated by food, meaning that the chance of them turning down food is low. Given their nature, it can be difficult to figure out whether they are really hungry or just food obsessed. Since they cannot regulate their eating habits, it is important that you develop a feeding schedule to prevent them from gaining weight. Both types of food provide your dog with the best nutrition they need to grow and develop. Also, check the label on the packaging and make sure that it contains the perfect balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Kibble is cheaper than wet foods and stores easily as it does not require refrigeration. It also helps clean the teeth by removing tartar and buildup when your puppy chews it. Wet food also provides balanced and complete nutrition for your Labrador. It provides more hydration to your puppy as it contains high moisture content. However, wet food needs to be put in the fridge once opened otherwise it will go bad. Some dog owners mix wet food and kibble to give their dogs the best of both worlds. Therefore, most premium dog food brands have different specially formulated puppy food. Puppies can be fed with puppy food until they are about 12 to 15 months old then transition to adult dog food. When transitioning your dog from puppy food to adult dog food remember to introduce the feed gradually for about seven to ten days by mixing small amounts of the adult dog food with the puppy food. Decrease the puppy food gradually every day with a simultaneous increase in adult dog food. This will helps the pup o adjust to the new meal easily. Experienced Labrador Retriever owners will tell you that not all puppies eat a lot. Studies also have indicated that puppies eat more when fed with other puppies or in a group. When the puppy gets to a new home, they might go off the food for the first few days. They might eat a few kibbles and then leave it. Your puppy may also prefer to eat from your hand and not the bowl. However, call your vet if your puppy refuses to eat for more than four hours. Call immediately if your puppy looks unwell. There are a few reasons you need to keep an eye on because they indicate serious problems: Your pup neither drink nor eat Diarrhea. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Naturally, Labrador puppies would require more feeding times. Hence, you should only set a few hours interval between meals. As for adult Labs, optimal feeding times would be one in the morning, afternoon, and night. Almost identical to human eating hours. Along with implementing a time frame for mealtime, owners must be open to modifying combinations of puppy food throughout the first two years of the pup. Abrupt growth spurts may bring changes in their eating habits. Once your dog reaches one year old, its dog food is enough to sustain its energy for longer. Always ensure to follow the correct feeding schedule when feeding kibble or other types of dog food to ensure nutritional requirements are met. Regardless if you have chocolate , red fox , or Dudley Labrador , make it a priority to visit a pet nutritionist to obtain an accurate feeding time and quantity specifically designed for your pooch. They help in hunting, farming, and even therapy. As such, they require an energy-loaded diet and dog foods that are rich in protein and carbohydrates to keep up with their activities. Since they belong to the large breed classification, they are also prone to common health risks such as arthritis and other joint diseases. To prevent this, scour the local pet store with dog food that contains omega fatty acids, B vitamins, beta-carotene , and amino acids. These nutrients are essential to obtain, whether from a raw food diet, home-prepared meals, or commercial dog food. Here are some of the best dog foods we recommend for your Labrador Retriever: Wet Food: Like kibble, commercially available wet dog food is common and already a complete and balanced diet for your Labrador puppy or adult dog. Its smooth texture is well-loved by purebreds and mixed breeds alike. Eating wet food that contains Docosahexaenoic acid DHA , glucosamine, and Eicosapentaenoic acid EPA helps support the condition of their joints and heart. Dry Food: When on the hunt for the most suitable dry dog food, always look for grain-free and made from whole food sources so it can easily be digested. Also, check the food labels and ensure that it has a perfect balance of carbohydrates and fats. Highly fortified and breed-specific kibble is also recommended. Homemade Food: Considering how much your adult dog or Lab puppy eats, a healthy diet made from scratch can be a great alternative to avoid obesity. Just mix everything together with a little water to incorporate them better. Furthermore, this diet opts for low sodium content. Owners should include fish and flaxseed oil, carrots, eggs, liver, and beans into the raw puppy food diet. Since Labrador Retrievers are energetic and active dogs, it is best to give them a moderate to high-fat diet. As long as they are able to exercise daily, they can easily work it off and avoid being overweight. However, if they are more on the lax side, adjust their food intake from low to moderate calories. If they cannot burn off the calories, enroll them in a low-fat or low-protein diet instead. Excessive carbs can increase their blood sugar and may put your dogs at risk for diabetes. It may take extra time and effort, but the investment will definitely pay off. Once you learn the appropriate feeding pattern, then having a healthy dog with strong joints and a better digestive and immune system is easily attainable. That includes sharing our belongings, space, and most especially, our food. However, the American Kennel Club reminds owners to be aware of what human food is safe for dogs. In this section, you will learn which foods are okay for consumption and which food can harm our Labrador Retrievers. Physically, it can block their esophagus if not chewed properly. Moreover, some may also contain salt that can be fatal to their heart. Chocolate: Chocolate in any other form should not be given to dogs. Chocolate has toxic substances called methylxanthines that put a stop to their metabolic process. It can still be toxic even in the smallest amount as it may cause diarrhea or vomiting. Garlic and Allium Plants: Alliums such as garlic, chives, leeks, and onions are not good for dog consumption. Although regularly seen across social media, feeding your pooch ice cream is not recommended. It contains loads of sugar, and some dogs may be lactose intolerant as well. As an alternative, owners can always freeze berries and apples as a regular icy treat. On the contrary, here are some of the most friendly human foods for all dogs, including Labrador Retrievers: Milk: Milk is a great supplement of other nutrients for dogs. Just be mindful that your dog is not lactose intolerant. It should only be given in small quantities as a treat. Popcorn: On a movie night, dogs can also munch on popcorn. However, ensure that it is unsalted, unflavored, and air-popped. In moderation, it is a good source of thiamine and riboflavin for eyesight. Remove any unpopped kernels to avoid choking. Seafood: In addition, seafood such as salmon and shrimp contain good fats and are high in antioxidants. Seafood boosts their immune system and brain health. Be sure to thoroughly cook salmon, fish, and shrimp all the way through to avoid parasites. Eggs: Eggs are also safe for dogs so long as they are also cooked well. Cheese: Cheese can also be given to dogs in moderate quantities. Go for low-fat cheese as a treat. Mozzarella and cottage cheese are some that can be fully enjoyed by dogs without the fat guilt. A small amount of prohibited food is not worth an emergency trip to a vet. Throughout their life stages, a dog will not just undergo one food switch. Age, health, and other factors can fuel a change in their diet. As stated earlier, an abrupt change in their food will only cause an upset stomach and indigestion. There are a couple of reasons to switch food. Add the new food into each meal gradually and reduce the portion of their current food. This method can also be followed when changing from dry kibble to raw feeding and vice versa. Some reasons for change can be prompted by age. Different life stages will require different nutritional requirements for your dog. Other reasons may be caused by allergies, brand availability, and weight management. It is still best to consult your trusted vet about changing their overall food regimen. They just enjoy feeding their pooch with tons of food and love seeing them get fat. However, that is not considered proper care for them. Experienced dog breeders know precisely what an overweight dog looks like and how to feed them properly. Labradors are known for their love of food. They are incapable of switching off their hunger signals even after eating. As a result, Labs have a higher number of overweight dogs in the United States. Like with other dogs, overfeeding a dog can lead to obesity. Thankfully, there are ways to address this and protect the health of our pooch in the long run. An eye-opening first step is to have a handy Labrador food guide. Having this will help you gauge the correct amount of food your dog needs depending on its age and other factors as well. Log what they eat and how much they eat during each meal. Calculating their calorie intake is also helpful for medical purposes and when switching food. Furthermore, avoid feeding overweight dogs table scraps. Many owners are guilty of this habit. Much like table scraps, it is also best to limit dog treats. Entice dogs with treats only on special occasions and during training. These are just some of the simple things you can do to control an overweight pooch. When it comes to other methods, it is always advisable to speak with your vet. Dogs lose their appetite due to some reasons. Do Labrador Retrievers Eat a lot? Yes, Labrador Retrievers are a food-motivated breed. This is why owners need to control their food intake. Can Labrador Retrievers Eat Bones? Bones are a good source of minerals, so they can be good for Labrador Retrievers. However, it may come with serious physical trade-offs. Give only large, raw bones and supervise them from time to time. Dispose of the bone after 3 to 4 days. Can Labrador Retrievers Be Vegetarians? Yes, Labrador Retrievers can thrive with a proper vegetable diet in place. In fact, soy and other whole grains are perfect substitutes for meat for protein. However, a vegetarian diet is something that needs professional input from vets. Final Thoughts Labs are the most popular dog breed in the United States. Thus, there are a lot of available materials on how to take care of and feed this easy-going pooch properly. For starters, it is highly recommended to have a Labrador feeding schedule to guide you with the amount and frequency of feeding. Although Labrador food is accessible for purchase anywhere, you can also introduce them in a raw diet or homemade meals. Regardless of what type of food you choose to give, you need to ensure to feed your dog a complete diet that supports their growth and overall health. As an owner, it is a big responsibility to provide them with only the best, so these high-spirited companions can have a happy and longer life. Will you follow this Labrador food guide? What are your feeding methods with your pooch? Share and comment your thoughts below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.
The German Shepherd? Photo by Karen Sanders Studio on Shutterstock German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes can be very intelligent dogs and even though they might be easy to train for experienced dog owners, beginners might find themselves struggling. These dogs are not as sensitive to the handler and have a high drive while being an all-rounder. Of course, all of the above depend on your exact breeding line. As many of you probably know, the Rottweiler and German Shepherd are both prone to diseases like hip dysplasia. You can control this by choosing the right breeder. A reputable breeder that tests all dogs for health will make sure that everything checks out, from the hips to the heart and eyes. Do not fall into the trap of mixing the biggest Rottie with the German Shepherd that wins the prize in every sloped back competition. Sloping backs are a real issue with the German Shepherd while the Rottie mainly has to fight with too much weight gain, especially during puppyhood. While many sources only mention up to 8 years of age for the Rottie, I actually believe that due to proper breeding, a healthy diet and environment as well as exercise, your Rottie can live well beyond that age. The exact lifespan depends heavily on various factors, of course. What most people are asking with this question is how even-tempered the Rottweiler German Shepherd mix can be. That may look surprising but the Rottweiler is actually very good with kids. Countless hours of research, watching videos, interacting with them live — all these things will help with determining if the German Shepherd Rottweiler mixed breed dog is the right choice for you. Be prepared to take on the leadership and treat your furry buddy with respect and sensitivity and they can be the most loving companion. The Rottweiler is known for not being one that forgives any serious mistakes, so make sure you have the experience and knowledge that is required. No matter what the exact fur will look like, get ready for serious shedding twice a year. Apart from shedding season, regular brushing should suffice. Both dog breeds have an undercoat which makes them suitable pets for colder climates. How big do Shepweilers actually get? Male German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Height: 24 — 27 inches 60—69 cm Male German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Weight: 85 — lbs kg As you probably suspected, females are smaller and lighter, even very tall females are roughly the same height as a small male Rottweiler , for example. Weight and height prognosis are hard enough as is, giving these numbers for mixed breeds is a lot more unpredictable. How Much Are Shepweilers? Papers may not be your focus, but the fact that purebred dogs can be health tested a lot easier since the pool of genetic diseases is smaller, makes searching a proper breeder easier. Check our lifetime cost article for more hint: the cost of my Rottie runs in the tens of thousands of dollars. Both breeds can have great obedience skills and excellent drive, just make sure you get a healthy dog that fits to your lifestyle. Do you have a GSD Rottweiler mix? Share with us your experiences in the comments down below! The resulting dog is a genetic gamble in terms of health and temperament and offers no advantage to a health-tested, properly selected purebred puppy. Check out my article discussing the most relevant scientific study on this topic. Pin This: Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Photos You need to have previous experience with dogs To understand better the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix, we should take a closer look at her parents. Rottweilers are in the Top 3, according to the same list. They have powerful shoulders and leg muscles, being used in the past to pull small wagons and to guard ranches. By mixing these two great dogs, breeders have obtained a strong, very intelligent crossbreed, with great watchdog abilities. Usually, these dogs are loyal, affectionate, and develop a strong bond with their families. However, when they lack training, they can have little or no respect for rules and their excellent watchdog abilities will make them overprotective and even aggressive. Be patient, but firm, and use positive reinforcement only. These dogs are fast learners, as both their parents are obedient, highly intelligent, and like to please their owners. A German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix needs exercise to stay in good health. Being very intelligent, this dog also needs serious mental stimulation. Keep her busy with training sessions and interesting games every day. Your puppy should be exercised according to her age and physical abilities. As an adult, your dog needs to be active for about two hours a day. Split this time between one or two minute walks, a trip to the dog park, and some short play sessions. They usually like playing catch or Frisbee, and can also use some time spent on their own in the yard. Make sure your dog is ready for such activities before putting her through such intense exercising. If bored, your dog will mess up your house, and your life Large breed dogs are rarely suitable for small houses, with no yard in which to move freely. Destructive chewing is often seen in both German Shepherds and Rottweilers, so you can expect a similar response from your dog if you leave her all by herself every day. Choose a dog cage for large breeds and furnish it with resistant chew toys. These dogs can also develop excessive barking when they get bored, which is stressful and annoying, especially for your neighbours. If you work too much, hire a pet walker or take your dog to a daycare, where she can get involved in some interesting activities in your absence. Your dog can develop serious health issues Despite their impressive looks and strength, almost all large breeds run the risk developing a series of medical problems. A German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is no exception, even more so as both the Rottweiler and the German Shepherd are famous for their specific health issues. Some health conditions your dog can inherit from her parents are: cancer;. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Highlights German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes are mixed breed dogs, meaning they are not purebreds like their German Shepherd Dog or Rottweiler parents. The main colors of Rottie Shepherds are black, gray, sable, white, red, tan, and cream. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of two or three colors. Both parent breeds are prone to shedding, which might not these mixed breed dogs a poor choice for allergy sufferers. These dogs have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes can make fun playmates for kids of all ages, but this big dog could accidentally hurt smaller children with what was meant to be a playful romp. Train your dog not to jump up early on. German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes are pretty amicable with other dogs, as long as they are introduced slowly and properly. When it comes to cats, your Shepherd Rottie may have the instinct to chase. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds, both of German descent , to combine their loyalty, strength, and intelligence. They continued to create German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes as demand for the pups climbed. Even though the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix breed got its start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix rescues, or check with breed specific Rottweiler or German Shepherd rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. That said, as a cross between German Shepherd Dog and Rottweiler parents, you can expect Rotties to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 75 to pounds and range in height from 22 to 28 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger than average. Both the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler were bred to be working dogs, and this mixed breed likes to stay active both physically and mentally. They love to snuggle with their humans, and they tend to stick closest to whoever their main caretaker is. They can sometimes become a little too protective of their humans if they feel threatened. As big dogs, this mixed breed thrives in family homes, preferably with a yard or other area to run around. Still, a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix can do just fine living in an urban setting, as long as their human is active and dedicated to exercising them frequently. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues , which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Autoimmune Diseases Eye Disease Most of these problems, however, can be prevented or treated as long as you are willing to monitor your dog and keep a close eye on them. You can ask your veterinarian to schedule your dog for a DNA test that will help in the determination of possible inherited diseases. There are also balanced diets that are dependent on what your dog needs. You can ask your veterinarian for a diet recommendation that is specific for your dog. Rottweiler German Shepherd Cross Food Requirements It is vital that your Rottweiler German Shepherd cross is fed the right diet to maintain its glorious health and physique. You must also keep in mind that this breed is prone to obesity, so exercise and proper diet is important to avoid health complications. Producers have different recipes for big dogs, so make sure you check the label when buying the best large breed dry dog food. On the other hand, its parent breeds, German Shepherd and Rottweiler, have similar dietary needs to there is not much complication as to what to feed your puppy. Older dogs will be better off with the best senior dry dog food brands. As similar with other dogs, there better the source or main ingredient is in dog food, the healthier your pet becomes. Check out our guide to best dry dog food and learn more about the nutritional requirements of canines. The main concern with dog food recipes, however, is the presence of grains. Many owners opt for a grain-free option, which is what to go for to avoid allergies in your dogs. To help you pick out the best dog food for your German Shepherd Rottweiler mix, here are some of the best high-protein dog foods: 1. Dog For Dog Food — Not only affordable, but this dog food is also grain-free which is described as what dogs would eat in the wild. It is known to have a better flavor and provides digestible energy and natural antioxidants for a healthier immune system. Wellness Core Dog Food — This dog food has recipes for all sizes and ages. It has an above-average protein and fat content, as well as below-average carbohydrates when compared to other brands. Nutra Thrive dog food supplement and similar products may be considered if you believe the dog is not getting enough micronutrients. Always consult with the vet before giving such products to your pup. They will determine whether the pooch needs their food boosted. Rottweiler German Shepherd Hybrid Exercise Requirements The German Shepherd Rottweiler hybrid is not recommended for owners who have small homes or apartments not only because of their size but also because of their exercise requirements which will include outdoor activities that are best conducted in a spacious backyard. They can spend plenty of time enjoying the outdoors in fine weathers. They also tend to become destructive and chew a lot of things if cooped up for too long. If you are going to leave for a dog for longer than a few hours, it is better to leave them at a dog daycare so they can enjoy and socialize with other dogs. The dog is also fine with any kind of weather since they harbor a decent tolerance of heat and cold. Your dogs will need to have a good exercise regimen especially outdoors. They need to have high physical exercise if you want them to stay fit, healthy, and mentally stimulated. You can start by walking them at least twice a day for at least an hour. You can also opt to jog with your Shottie because experts also recommended that they are involved in high impact and fast-paced exercises. Like most dogs, they also enjoy playing games like balls and fetch at public parks. This can help their mind active and their muscles lean. Always remember that your pet is prone to obesity so satisfying their exercise regimen is important. Rottweiler Crossbred with German Shepherd Training Since its parent breeds are famous for their protective instincts, the chances are that the puppy will also inherit them. For this reason, you should socialize your puppy at a young age so prevent their aggressive tendencies and have them get used to the presence of other animals and people. The training your Shottie will receive highly depends on your intention for adopting the dog. First, you must ask yourself if you want them to become a guard dog or a companion dog. Positive reinforcement such as rewards and praises are highly recommended in training your pet. Here are some of the effective methods in which you can teach your dog: The Mark Good Behavior Method — Pick out a unique sound for your dog and chime it whenever your dog does something right. You can use it so that your puppy will learn that music means a reward is coming. Eventually, you can use it along with command words. The Mirror Me Method — If your dog is glued to you all the time, you can use this chance to teach them how to behave through mimicry. The Tied To You Method — If you intent your dog to become a companion dog, keep him tied to you most of the time and try to build communication and trust with them. German Shepherd Crossbreed with Rottweiler and Families One of the many ways that you can adopt a Rottman Shepherd is through rescue shelters but be careful in picking one. You must be well aware of its upbringing and temperament because there is a chance that these dogs were abandoned because of behavioral issues as a result mainly of lack of training, poor obedience, lack of socialization, or sometimes, even aggression. With small kids, it can be hard to control them because they are quite large. They might become overwhelming for the children. On the other hand, they are also in need of a company most of the time because they tend to become destructive if bored. With proper training at a young age, they can become beautiful guard dogs that are active. They can also provide families with good companionship as they love creatures. These two breeds are in fact very similar, both with German heritage, and therefore the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is a fantastic crossbreed. These dogs are intelligent, friendly and good natured, making them excellent family members. You may need some experience with large breeds before you think about purchasing a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix, but read on below to see whether this pup is the right addition for your home. They are very strong and intelligent and the purpose of breeding them was to eliminate health issues and negative traits that their parent breeds held. The German Shepherd had a controversial past. These dogs were used in World War One and were seen as German dogs which is why they were shunned. However, these dogs regained popularity with the public in the s and have been a favorite with the police and military for decades, due to their hardworking and loyal nature. The Rottweiler also originated from Germany and were strong drover dogs. As technology advanced they were not need to herd cattle anymore, but they were known for their great work ethic. These working dogs continued to be useful members of society and, since the s, have been guide dogs, guard dogs, therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs. Your dog may look more like their German Shepherd parent or their Rottweiler parent. However, we can make assumptions based on past litters. These puppies are normally born in litter sizes of around eight. It does not matter which parent breed is the sire or the dam because they are both similar sizes. Always make sure that you buy from a reputable breeder. Appearance This mix dog is a medium to large breed and is normally fully matured between 18 months and 2 years of age. Normally, these designer dogs stand between 22 to 27 inches in height and weigh between 75 to lbs in weight. These dogs normally have floppy ears, but if they take after their German Shepherd GSD parent more, they may become pointy as they mature. Coat This mix breed normally has a medium, dense coat, although they can have longer coats. Unfortunately, these dogs shed a lot! They are not hypoallergenic and are not the pet for those with allergies. The amount they shed can be helped with regular grooming, but we will go into more detail about that later on. Color The German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix almost always has a black and tan coloring, just like both their parent breeds. Temperament The German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix has a strong personality and is certainly suited to those who have experience with large dog breeds. That being said, these pups are loyal and loving, bonding to their owners and making an excellent family dog. With the right upbringing, these dogs are extremely tolerable of everyone — adults, children and other dogs and animals. They can sometimes be aloof with strangers and other pets when they are younger, but with the right socialization this can be fixed. With both parent breeds historic working breeds, it is no surprise that the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is an active and energetic dog. This is one of the reasons they are not recommended for first time dog owners. These pups love to be outside and love to play games. The perfect companion, they love to be near you and like to please. Known Health Issues One of the main reasons for breeding the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix was to eliminate health problems that their parent breeds face. While this certainly happened, these dogs are still prone to some health concerns. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. Elbow Dysplasia — this is a common condition in large breed dogs. It can be caused by different growth rates and can cause lameness. It can be fixed with surgery. Bloat — this affects both parent breeds and is potentially fatal. You need to know the symptoms of it. Feeding your dog smaller more frequent meals instead of one big meal can help to reduce the risk. Degenerative Myelopathy — this is a progressive disease of the spinal cord that can result in hind leg paralysis. There is no cure but there is treatment. It can be helped with intensive physical rehabilitation. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable. Remember — buy from a reputable breeder and the chances your dog will suffer any health conditions will be greatly reduced. Trusted breeders will do health checks on both parent breeds and will not crossbreed if there is a chance of passing on any severe issues to offspring. Daily Life Now we know all about the traits and characteristics of the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix, it is time to take a look at what life with one of these pups is really like. We will cover their food and diet, their exercise requirements and their grooming needs. Food And Diet It is no surprise that this large breed of dog needs a lot of food. You should be feeding the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix roughly calories a day, which equates to around 5 cups of kibble. Of course, you should always double check the back of the food packet to see the exact amount of a certain food you should be feeding your dog based on their weight. Always check that the food you feed your German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix meets their nutritional requirements. Due to their high energy levels, they need high-quality protein in their diet. This can be reduced to two meals a day once they are fully grown. One thing to remember with the Shepweiler, as with other large breeds such as the Bernedoodle, is that because they are a large breed, they are more prone to bloat which can be dangerous. Smaller, more frequent meals will reduce the risk of bloat. The German shepherd and the rottweiler are popular breeds, each hailing from Germany individually, and both are known for their higher intelligence and effectiveness as working dogs. Police forces and the military often use the German shepherd rottweiler mix due to their intelligent, easily trainable nature; this nature also makes them a good choice for service dog duties. Today, many individuals and families recognize the benefits of adding this protective, watchful breed to their family, and this mix is steadily gaining popularity as a companionship dog. Because this dog is a designer breed and there are no breed standards for the mixed breed, the appearance of the German shepherd rottweiler mix can vary greatly. That being said, they tend to have longer snouts, strong hindquarters due to the athletic nature of both the German shepherd and the rottweiler, and either floppy or straight ears depending on their individual genetics. They are a larger breed and weigh approximately pounds on average. The coat color of the German shepherd rottweiler mix is often black or brown, but there may be traces of tan, brown, or grey. They are likely to be bi-colored and may have rottweiler or German shepherd patterning depending on which genetics win out in the breeding process. The coat of the German shepherd rottweiler mix is thicker and smooth, and it may have a short to medium length. The German shepherd rottweiler mix is a large-sized dog. They stand between 22 and 27 inches tall and weigh between 75 and pounds. There is not much difference in size and weight between males and females of this breed. Their coat is thicker and smooth and typically short, though medium-length hair sometimes occurs. If your German shepherd rottweiler mix has longer hair, they will likely require brushing more often. The temperament of the German shepherd rottweiler mix can only be described as loyal, protective, and dedicated. This is a breed that will be devoted to its family, and they will form strong bonds with their primary caretaker. While many individuals may perceive them as aloof or aggressive based on their appearance, they can actually be quite cuddly. Oftentimes, this breed will assume they are a lap dog, following you everywhere around your home so they can spend time with you and keep an eye on you. Therefore, they may be prone to aggressiveness or destructive behavior if they are not properly socialized, trained, and cared for. Contrary to their appearance, the German shepherd rottweiler mix can be quite affectionate. They are protective and dedicated to their families, and they will love to spend all their time around you, whether cuddling, playing, or simply napping at your side while you go about your daily life. The German shepherd rottweiler mix may be good with children in certain circumstances. Additionally, your German shepherd rottweiler mix will need to be properly socialized and trained to understand how to interact with children correctly. Homes with older children are likely ok for this dog, but you should always supervise playtime between your dog and children. The German shepherd rottweiler mix can be good with other animals as long as they are introduced slowly and your dog has been properly trained and socialized. In most cases, however, they get along with other animals easily. Many individuals may believe this dog is aggressive due to their appearance and the fact that they are a mix of two of the more popular guard breeds. As long as you properly socialize your dog this can be done with a dog of any age if needed , commit to a consistent training schedule, and make sure that your German shepherd rottweiler mix gets plenty of exercise throughout the day, they are unlikely to be aggressive. They may still bark at perceived threats and be generally untrusting of strangers, but this is due to their protective, loyal nature more than it is aggressiveness. Your German shepherd rottweiler mix is unlikely to be very vocal and bark without reason. Mostly, you will hear this dog bark only when they perceive a threat, are trying to alert you to something, or feel the need to protect you. You can train proper barking habits into your dog, and part of what makes them a good watchdog is their ability to bark and alert their owners only in certain situations. The German shepherd rottweiler mix is a combination of two of the more intelligent dog breeds around today, making them fairly smart. They require a higher amount of mental stimulation than other dog breeds, and they do best when presented with a consistent training routine. German shepherd rottweiler mixes are eager to please and love learning new things. In most cases, the German shepherd rottweiler mix will be easy to train thanks to their hard-working nature and their intelligence. Never use negative reinforcement such as yelling or hitting to train this dog or any dog , as they will likely learn to hate training sessions and distrust you, leading to destructive and aggressive behaviors. German shepherd rottweiler mixes are a high-energy breed and require a lot of exercise and other physical stimulation to stay happy. You will need to give them at least an hour or two of exercise per day and make sure that they receive a minimum of two long walks each day. Additionally, they will need plenty of space to run around in safely and have outdoor time to spend with their families and toys. This breed is a great choice if you already have an active lifestyle full of hiking, long walks, and time outside and want to add an energetic companion to it. The German shepherd rottweiler mix is not the best choice for an apartment dog. They are a large dog breed and need plenty of space to exercise, sleep, and play in around your home. Apartments with small living quarters, breed restrictions, and minimal access to the outdoors or dog park play areas are not the best living conditions for this breed. Your dog may develop destructive or aggressive behaviors due to the lack of space and exercise areas. A larger home with plenty of outdoor access or a fenced-in backyard makes the best living choice for this dog breed. German shepherd rottweiler mixes are a great choice for a watchdog. This breed is known for being loyal, protective, and watchful, and they are naturally wary around strangers due to their dedication to their family. They are also a relatively quiet breed, so when your German shepherd rottweiler mix starts barking, you know that they are doing it for a purpose. Your dog can be trained for watchdog and guard dog duties in addition to their natural propensity for watchfulness, and their appearance alone may be enough to scare off potential threats. The German shepherd rottweiler mix can be a good choice for a service dog. This breed is intelligent, skilled at learning new commands, and large enough to be an effective mobility or medical service dog. They are also quite loyal and watchful, which are great characteristics for a psychiatric service dog. Additionally, as a combination of two working breeds, they thrive when able to perform commands for their owners, which makes them especially suited for daily service dog tasks. How to Care for a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Your German shepherd rottweiler mix will need proper care to ensure their health and happiness. First, make sure that your dog is getting an hour or two of exercise each day, including at least two walks per day, and that they have plenty of toys and outdoor playtime. This will help them meet their physical stimulation needs and ensure they stay happy; this also decreases destructive behaviors. You should be feeding your dog high-quality wet or dry food based on their dietary needs and size, and you can supplement their diet with nutritional treats. Make sure to maintain a consistent training routine with your German shepherd, as this will help meet their mental stimulation needs. Brush your German shepherd rottweiler mix a few times a week or more if they have a longer coat, and take them for professional grooming occasionally to ensure their nails, ears, and coat are all kept in top condition. The German shepherd rottweiler mix is not the most high-maintenance dog, but they will likely need occasional baths and professional grooming visits. Grooming can be especially helpful around shedding season when the fur coming off of this dog generally increases. German shepherd rottweiler mixes have an average shedding amount, but their thicker coat ensures that a lot of hair will come off during shedding season. You should brush your dog regularly to help with proper shedding and preventing tangles, and you may want to bathe them more regularly or take them for a professional groom during shedding season. Your German shepherd rottweiler mix will need approximately 40 to 50 calories per pound of body weight as a starting point. For most dry dog foods, this equates to about a cup to a cup and a half of food per day split into two or three meals. Consult a veterinarian if you need assistance calculating how much to feed your dog. Many dogs are prone to genetic health conditions or other specific health issues based on their breed, and the German shepherd rottweiler is no different. This breed may be prone to conditions such as: Joint degeneration. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to everything you need to know about the strong and impressive, yet so cuddly teddy bear, that is the mix of a German Shepherd and a Rottweiler. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. The price will largely depend on the pedigree of the parents and the type of breeder. However, you may have a hard time finding a specialist breeder for this hybrid. These dogs are energetic so if your family is on the active side, this may be the pup for you. And as a bonus, they get on really well with kids and other animals. He also likes to be congratulated on each of his achievements. He has all the qualities of a sporty, enduring, strong, and flexible dog; it will therefore be the ideal companion if you are looking for a dog who can follow you in all your physical activities. However, being very close and dependent on his owners, he can show signs of jealousy if you pay more attention to someone other than him. This is why it will be essential to work on his sociability and get to know your dog well to recognize when he is uncomfortable in certain situations. This hybrid will also make a fantastic guardian, thanks to its fearful and robust parents. Are These Dogs Good for Families? However, be aware that this large dog could accidentally injure smaller children by playing too rough. Firmly train your dog not to jump on toddlers and educate your children on how to behave with the dog to avoid any potential problems. German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes are quite friendly with other dogs, provided they are introduced slowly and correctly. However, when it comes to cats or other small animals, your Shepweiler may have an instinct to hunt, especially if he has not been used to being around them from a young age. In the end, it really depends on how much training and socialization you give your dog.
german shepherd puppy needs - By Chris Lab puppies are the definition of cuteness. But they are not always the angels they seem! What can you do when your Labrador puppy develops a biting habit? How to stop a Lab puppy from biting? These adorable little guys possess some not-so-good behaviors, especially during the first few months of their lives, a major one being biting. At first, it may seem cute, but it can be irksome, especially when your pup starts destroying things around your house or even begins biting you. Read on to learn some valuable tips on how to train your Labrador puppy to stop biting. What Causes Puppy Biting? Teething in puppies often starts when they are approximately three weeks old. By the time they are six weeks old, these little guys will have all 28 deciduous teeth. When your pup is around 12 weeks old, it will start shedding these teeth, paving the way for the permanent teeth to grow. You may notice these teeth around your home, but most likely, your furry little friend will swallow these teeth while eating. Your puppy tends to chew on everything because the teething process is quite uncomfortable and painful. That is why it will bite and nip on anything to try and relieve that pain. You may also notice your pet drooling excessively and not eating much during this phase. Even strong swimmers like Labs need a break every now and then Your Puppy Is Exploring Its Surrounding During the socialization stage which is from 4 to 12 weeks of age , puppies tend to bite and nip as a way of exploring their environment. At this stage, your pup will chew anything out of curiosity and to test its social boundaries. Separation Anxiety Puppies and older dogs who suffer from separation anxiety mostly exhibit destructive behaviors such as excessive biting. Separation anxiety is basically when your puppy becomes agitated, anxious, or depressed when you prepare to leave, or you have already left. Typically, puppies require between 16 to 18 hours of sleep every day. When they do not get enough sleep, they may begin exhibiting destructive behaviors such as excessive biting. Puppies who have the zoomies tend to show behaviors such as barking and biting excessively, running and spinning around, and so on. A lack of exercise is the leading cause of dog zoomies. These destructive behaviors are a way for your puppy to release that pent-up energy it has held in for quite some time. Here are a few ways on how to train your puppy to stop biting. Labradors are huge fans of babies as they age. Active families love a Lab! Try Bite Inhibition Bite inhibition is one of the most common methods puppy owners use to train their pups to stop biting. This is simply training it on how to control the force of its bites. Of course, you cannot entirely train a puppy to stop biting because it is part of how they socialize. Usually, puppies nip at each other while playing with their littermates or mothers. When your pup bites another puppy too hard, it will yelp, scaring your puppy enough to let go. You can take advantage of this behavior and teach your dog how much biting is acceptable. When it releases you, try ignoring it for approximately 10 to 20 minutes, then continue petting and playing with it. Another way to train your puppy to stop biting is by using positive punishment. Apart from yelping when it bites, you can also use a calm but firm voice to make it stop that behavior. Unlike humans, yelling at your puppy makes it more hyperactive and excited, making the habit even worse. When your puppy is biting excessively, you can gently place it in its cage for a couple of minutes until it calms down. However, it is essential to use this method sparingly to prevent your dog from developing negative responses. This may lead to your pup acting up when it sees someone walking towards it, which can be dangerous. It is also essential to reward your puppy when it calms down and stops biting, as it will help reinforce that positive behavior. If your pup tries biting your finger or hand, you can pull it away quickly before it does and provide a chewy toy for it to nip on instead. Do Labs like water? However, there are many things to consider when shopping for the ideal chew toy for your puppy. If you notice that your puppy shreds or destroys something it bites on within minutes, you should get a chew toy made of rubber or hard plastic. When choosing a chew toy for your furry little pal, make sure it is a good size for your puppy. Go for a toy that is not too big for your pup to carry and not too small that it can swallow and get lodged in its throat. It is also recommendable to get a treat-toy for your puppy. These toys allow you to stash some treats in them to elicit more interest. Such toys will help keep your puppy engaged enough to stop chewing on things around your home. Allow Your Puppy to Socialize With Other Puppies Arranging a playdate with other puppies is also a great way to train your puppy to stop biting. Like we mentioned earlier, puppies bite and nip at each other when playing. When one pup bites the other one too hard, it yelps, making the puppy stop nipping. This response helps your dog learn how much force of a bite is unacceptable. Is your dog a Prince or Princess? A Hero or a Pauper? Jasmine or Aladdin type? Would you give your puppy a Disney dog name? Conclusion While puppy biting is normal, it can become dangerous and uncomfortable as they grow older. 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. Teach an alternative behavior like "lick" or "kisses" Alright, let's dive into each tip below. Exercising a puppy is one of the best ways to help alleviate problem behaviors like biting. Again, how much exercise your puppy needs will be largely dependent on their breed and age. A general rule of thumb is that a puppy can have 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. So a 4-month-old puppy can exercise for 20 minutes twice a day. The more energy your pup uses, the better! Exercise can also take the form of , just be careful not to overrun your pup. Excessive exercise can cause joint problems in the long run. There are a host of options to help you overcome this issue so you can still effectively get rid of their energy. Consider getting a flirt pole. Flirt poles are a fantastic option because they allow you to play very energetic and fun games of chase, without worrying about getting your hands nipped at. You can get one here. Another option is to teach your pup a structured game of fetch. Fetch is great because it exercises dogs both physically and mentally. Zak George lays out how to teach your dog to fetch in our free online training class, 30 Day Perfect Pup. You can sign up here. Remember, many dogs can have been bred for hundreds of years to have high levels of energy. Be sure to give your pup an outlet with exercise to help stop that puppy biting! Don't miss out! That is the perfect time to engage them mentally with a quick training session! Not only does it deter them from biting, but it gives you an opportunity to reward them for positive behavior. In its simplest form, the leave it behavior is all about restraint. A dog that can restrain from lunging and grabbing a treat on the ground, is much more likely to be able to leave your hand alone when you ask. Step 2: Show your pup a treat and then close your hand so your pup cannot access it. Your pup will likely try to get to the treat by licking, biting hopefully not , or pawing at your hand where the treat is. Step 3: Practice that behavior multiple times until your pup starts to generalize the concept. The next step after that would be to try putting a treat on the ground and telling your pup to leave it. Step 5: Practice, practice, and then keep practicing. If your pup starts biting into your skin, give the leave it command, and reward when they stop. Practice makes perfect! For example, as you teach your pup the sit behavior you can help them understand yes and no. Over time trust me, it takes time , your pup will better start to understand the difference between yes and no. My wife and I raised two Yellow Labs that are about 7 months apart. And they were the first puppies we had raised as adults. So please, trust me when I tell you that getting frustrated will only make things worse. When you are frustrated, your pup likely is as well. And when puppies are frustrated, they won't learn! So, if you find a certain puppy behavior like biting or situation starting to overwhelm you… take a timeout. Let your pup cool down in their crate or sleep area and give yourself a few minutes to regroup. Guess what. So, do what you need to do for a personal break, and then recommit and get back at it! They have a keen sense of noticing our emotions. When frustration creeps in, learning stops for both human and dog. Redirecting to a game of tug of war can help teach your pup what is okay and not okay to chew on. As we mentioned before, puppies explore the world with their mouth, that is totally normal! Many pup parents have found it best to approach your pup with the toy in hand so you can be ready if the hand chomping starts happening. Teaching your dog tug can be a great way to stop puppy biting. Just remember, these behaviors can take significant practice and time to overcome. The question is, are you rewarding those positive behaviors and moments as you should be? If you are going through the process of overcoming puppy biting, you need to remember to praise the successful moments. When your pup comes up to you and lets you pet them without getting nippy, praise and reward them! Maybe you will see your puppy chewing a toy instead of your slippers or hand, reward them! If your puppy licks your hand instead of biting it, reward them! A huge part, and often underlooked, of training a puppy is to praise their successes. Treat each victory as a party and break out the fun, , and praise. Your job as a pup parent is to teach your dog what you want them to do. PS- If you're looking for a high-value reward treat for your pup, we've got your back! Check out our. Of course, you praise the positive moments but at times, you have to take away what your pup is desiring. In the instance of biting, pups are looking for playtime and engagement with us humans. Leave the room, put them in another room, or put them into a playpen for minutes. Implementing this method consistently will help your pup come to understand that when biting starts, playtime stops. A note on this, in most cases it is best to not use the crate as a negative reinforcer like a timeout. For example, when your pup starts nibbling, do your best to not jerk your hand away quickly. Most dogs love things that are moving! So if you jerk your hand or foot away, your pup may think you are trying to be playful. If your pup starts biting, let your hand go limp. Another way to make your skin a little less enticing is to keep them covered when possible. Being a successful pup parent oftentimes comes down to how well you can set your pup up for success. So if you know your pup is going through an extreme biting phase, consider keeping that skin covered when at home. It can be wearing socks, long sleeves and pants, and other things like that! When the puppy biting phase is at its worst, every little bit of help is important! Dogs are obviously very skilled at helping each other learn what is okay for play, and what is too aggressive. One quick note on socializing your puppy is that you should always be there to monitor them! Be active and aware and be ready to intervene if the play gets out of hand or aggressive. Some dogs have lower levels of patience with puppy biting, so be aware of how the other dogs are responding. Many pup parents find that the more they can correctly socialize their puppy, the milder the puppy biting will become. If you can effectively teach them a behavior that they can only do without biting then you'll be much closer to no biting! While there are plenty of alternative biting behaviors you can teach, here are some favorites:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You turn your attention back to your computer screen and suddenly feel little teeth grabbing at your sock! You look down. Your once-angelic puppy is now having a full on game of tug-of-war with your pant leg! This cute baby is now more like a furry little monster. You get up and try to walk away, but the fur alligator is still attached, munching away at your trousers and having the best time! If this sounds like your life, read on to learn how to stop a puppy from biting. Why Do Puppies Bite? Believe it or not, this scenario is actually very common! Biting is one of the most natural things in the world to a young pup; and they do it for many reasons. You would be left with your feet and mouth to interact, taste and feel your environment. Now, what if you had puppy paws — incapable of grasping anything? That leaves you with one final way to interact — your mouth. For good measure, add in the incredible curiosity of a child. How many times do you see a baby grab things with their hands and pop them into the mouth? Puppies have that same mindset. Your mouth strength and play bite helped you communicate and determine your rank in society. Your mouthy mojo gave you respect in canine culture. Puppies interact with their surroundings largely through their mouths. Labradors, like most sporting breeds, have the drive to chase after prey, put it in their mouths, and bring it back to you. This translates into a strong need to chew. They will try this same tactic with their human pack members. If ignored, one bite on the toe is often enough to get the focus back on them. Remember, to a puppy even negative attention is still attention. Terrible Teething When you add teething into the mix, you have the recipe for a furry gator. Most pups will have an increased need to chew while teething , which can begin at 6 weeks and last to 8 months of age. Unlike teething, there is no magical age that puppies grow out of a learned mouthing behavior. Thankfully, with positive training, most dogs eventually lose interest in chewing on their owners. Types of Biting: Aggression or Play? Puppies use their teeth in many ways. However, this is actually just very intense play. Play biting can be accompanied with growling and snarling. This is just part of the fun to a young pup. Instead, we will look into how we can prevent playful mouthing. However, it is important to recognize the signs of aggression. Pay attention to the timing of the biting as well. If so, the motive behind the bite may be more aggressive. Could it be Resource Guarding? Some dogs also aggressively bite when they are guarding a toy or food item, commonly called resource guarding. With resource guarding, you will see the same behavior as aggressive biting, but they will also stand over an object and defend it from any perceived threat. If you think your puppy is behaving aggressively, seek professional help to learn how to actively manage this issue. In contrast to this, playing puppies will be relaxed and have a wiggly body. They will be bouncy, easily roll onto their backs and often be panting with open mouths. Even if they are growling, a relaxed face and body mean a happy puppy. What Can Trigger Biting? Do you really want your pound Labrador to target your hands as a toy later? Children Little kids tend to excite puppies more than adults. Children move erratically, run around, make strange sounds and have a lot more energy. Puppies can easily associate them with toys. Ankle Biters Puppies target fast moving objects that excite their prey drive. Your feet moving by at their eye level can be irresistible. After all, what self-respecting puppy would snub shoes with those floppy laces that are perfect for playing tug? How do we do this? Redirection with Hands When training your puppy, always have a toy to offer. Remember, puppies are like babies. Your job is to redirect them to fun toys instead of human skin. You must do everything possible to make toys extremely attractive so the puppy chooses them over your clothing, hands or feet. Redirection with Kids You can also use redirection around children. First, teach your puppy to use interactive toys and then show your child how to play with the puppy correctly. In the event that your dog forgets, teach your kids to be a tree when their puppy begins to bite them or their clothes. This position makes them less interactive to the puppy. They look boring and the puppy will lose interest. Most bites occur because the child is running or moving erratically. Remember, dogs have the same prey triggers as wolves. If something is running away, it looks like prey. Your job, therefore, is to have an even more amazing toy than your feet. You can take a toy, tie it to a rope, and then tie the rope to your belt so that you are dragging the toy whenever your pup is out. If your puppy is coming for your feet, stop moving them and wave the toy around excitedly instead. Once the pup is attached to the toy, you can start walking again. This way, they will pounce on the toy instead of you! Bite inhibition simply means that the puppy learns not to apply too much force behind their teeth. They apply gentle, but firm, pressure to their greeting. Puppies also learn to limit this pressure with their mouths by feedback from pack members. When puppies are little, they learn bite inhibition through play with their siblings. If two pups are tussling, and one bites down too hard, the other puppy yelps loudly. This startling sound usually causes the offending party to let go. The play stops for a few minutes, as the first pup nurses his wounded ego. Play then resumes, but with less brutality. Instead, let the puppy release your hand and then simply get up and and move away from your pup while ignoring them. Your job is to teach them when they bite down on you, the fun stops. Ignore them for about a minute, then return and resume the play and praise them when they focus on the toy. If they bite you too hard again, repeat this process. You can either step over a puppy barrier or go into another room and shut the door. Just make sure they are in a puppy-proof area, as they may take out their frustration on inappropriate household items. You can also keep the puppy on a leash while playing with them. If they bite you, you can calmly tether them to something and then walk out of their reach. Your goal is to correct the puppy only by taking away your fun presence. You should not be threatening or angry. Give them the appropriate time out from the fun interaction to settle down, and then come back with a toy to redirect their energy. Once they understand they have to be gentle, you can then start to ask more of them by ending the game with lighter and lighter pressure on your skin. Finally, you can take the game to the highest standard — no teeth on human skin at all. If you slowly progress to this over weeks, you teach your pup to have a soft mouth. If they do feel the need to put their teeth on a human, they know not to put much pressure into their bite. You need to teach your puppy that human skin is fragile and requires a softer touch than a canine interaction. Your goal for this exercise should be to help your puppy understand that the play and fun things continue as long as they keep their teeth on their toy and not on you! More Ways to Stop Your Puppy Biting While the yelp and time-out method works for most pups, there are additional ways to reinforce good behavior. When your puppy bites your hand, they get a terrible taste. You can use anti-chewing sprays like Bitter Apple to make your hands less appealing. When your puppy bites you, be still and wait for them to react to the bitter taste. When they let go, praise them and redirect them onto a treat or toy. You want the crate to always be associated with only good things. Crates also should be in the middle of the household, with the rest of the pack — not isolated. This is the same way other canine pack members would isolate them. A laundry room or puppy pen works well for this exercise. Make sure the room is comfortable and safe for your puppy. When the puppy is too stimulated, calmly put him in the room with some teething toys and leave. Teaching them interactive games like fetch or bringing you a toy to tug helps show them that they can have even more fun when they play by your rules. Positive play helps develop a bond with your dog. You never want to avoid it, you just want to show them how to play without biting you. Teaching puppies to retrieve objects helps to tire them out, gives them something positive to chase, and focuses their bite on an appropriate item. Plus, most Labradors are pretty good at retrieving! Remember, anytime we ask a puppy to stop a behavior, it should be because they are rewarded in an even more exciting and positive way for doing something else and things our way. The following video shows how. Video: How to Stop a Puppy from Biting This video shows how to use clicker training to stimulate a puppy in situations where they normally would bite; and then reward them when they choose a closed mouth and calm interaction. Dominant Puppies Dogs are individuals. However, as puppies mature, there may be the rare pup that uses biting as a way to take charge. Dominant puppies may bite to show you that they want to be the boss as they mature. This happens naturally among littermates, as all packs have a pecking order. This reinforces to them that you are backing down and that they are the leader in the relationship. Always remain calm and assertive with your puppy, but end the game as soon as they begin vying for leadership instead of playing. Remember, the alternative to not training your dog is a large animal putting his mouth on people. Be patient with your puppy. Remember, mouthing and biting are normal parts of canine culture. If you stay patiently positive, train consistently, and redirect and reward good behavior, you will soon see a puppy that learns to bring you a tug toy instead of shredding your trousers. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative to seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Lab puppies are incredibly cute, but their teeth really hurt when they are puncturing your skin every time you try to play. No one likes to be bitten, so how can you get a lab puppy to stop biting? The best way to stop a Lab puppy from biting is through a combination of proper exercise, training, redirection, and the use of positive affirmation. Most owners attempt at least one of these methods, but it is the combination and use of all of them that will effectively curb unwanted biting. Keep in mind that before you can stop it effectively, you should know why Labrador puppies bite so much. Additionally, know when they tend to naturally stop biting. Only then can you effectively begin to work on preventing them from biting. Lab puppies use their mouths to explore their environment and gather important information. When puppies are growing their adult teeth, they will often chew to soothe the ache along their gums. Labs may also bite to play or out of fear and aggression. Biting for Sensory Information When a puppy bites something, they learn how hard they can bite it, what it tastes like, how it feels, and if they can bite it again. All of this information is stored in a mental catalog your dog looks back on when encountering a similar object. This learning process is very important for puppies to become well-socialized dogs. When a puppy bites another puppy too hard they will lose their playmate. Biting too hard can have negative repercussions! Biting for sensory information is a totally normal behavior for puppies and even adult dogs. Since they don't have hands to explore with, their mouths are the only option. However, if you don't want your dog's mouth on you or your belongings, there are ways to stop this biting but we'll get to that later! Biting for Teething As your Lab matures, their mouths will start to change. Once their adult teeth begin to push up through their gums, the teeth they were born with begin to fall out one by one. It is the same process humans go through when their baby teeth come in and are later replaced with adult teeth. Just like with humans, this process is somewhat painful and incredibly uncomfortable. To help quicken the process, puppies will chew on things to wear down the gum between the new tooth and their mouth. This practice is also very soothing for puppies, especially if they chew on something cold. Biting for Play vs Biting for Aggression In the wild, dogs and wolves play by wrestling around and biting one another. Since your dog sees you as a member of its pack, they will try to play with you in a similar way. Of course, this biting still isn't ideal, but it's important to know the difference between play and real aggression. When a dog bites out of aggression, it is because they are scared, or you are asking them to do something they really don't want to do. Biting out of aggression is important to watch and fix at a young age so you don't end up with an aggressive dog. The most significant indicator of aggressive biting is body language. When a puppy is being playful, their body and facial muscles are relaxed. When a puppy is biting out of aggression, their body will be stiff or frozen, their face will have a lot of tension in it, and their lips may be pulled back in a snarl or growl. If you are seeing a lot of aggression in your puppy, you should contact your Veterinarian to make sure they are not in pain. When a dog suddenly becomes aggressive, they may have an unseen condition that is causing them to lash out. If you get a clear bill of health, you should seek the help of a professional trainer to help you. As we said earlier, as your Labrador matures, they will start to develop adult teeth. This change usually occurs around 12 to 16 weeks of age; the process will reach its end at about 7 months. Therefore, if your Lab is biting to soothe its gums, then the biting should end around the same time their teeth have fully grown in. If your puppy is biting for sensory information and play, it will lessen as your Lab matures and begins to slow down. While there is no magic number that says when your Lab will calm down , it usually happens between the ages of 2 and 4. First, don't hit your puppy as punishment. They aren't doing anything wrong in their mind because biting is natural. You also can't decide when it is and isn't okay to bite. Doing so can cause great confusion. When trying to prevent your Lab from biting, a few tips can help you. Exercise, training, redirecting, and positive affirmations are your secret weapons against those adorable, tiny, sharp teeth. Exercise Exercising your Lab daily will cause them to be too exhausted to do anything but sleep, let alone bite you. You can exercise your Lab by playing fetch, going on walks, or using enrichment toys. Training First, I recommend formal fundamental training before attempting anything specialized. Training your Lab not to bite sounds complicated, but it can be as easy as slapping some butter and seasoning on. If your Lab is biting YOU, put some butter on your arms and clothes wear they like to bite you. Show the butter to your Lab, and when they lick at it, say "yes, kisses, yes. This associates the word "kisses" with the act of licking and the yummy taste your dog gets. The next time your Lab tries to bite you, say "kisses," they should start to lick you instead as they try for the yummy taste. If your Lab is biting furniture or shoes, there is another approach. Grab a spicy seasoning, like paprika or taco seasoning, and sprinkle it on the places your Lab chews. Then, the next time they go to chew it, they will get a nasty taste in their mouth and leave the thing alone! Redirecting Redirecting your dog to things they are allowed to chew on when playing is another way to avoid being bitten. Have some good chew toys handy whenever you are playing with your Lab. When your Lab starts to bite you, show them a chew toy and try directing the bite towards it. After a while, your puppy should go after its toys instead of you. This type of training takes time , but is proven to be very effective. Positive Affirmation When your dog does what you want, whether it's licking or going for a proper toy, make sure you give them lots of praise. Tell them how good they are and even provide them with a treat or two! Final Thoughts Biting is a natural part of a Lab's life, but it is crucial to decipher playful nips and aggressive ones. Playful body language is loose and relaxed Aggressive body language is stiff and snarling If you are seeing a lot of aggressive body language in your Lab, make sure they are healthy and contact a trainer A Lab will probably stop biting after they stop teething If your Lab doesn't stop biting after teething, they should stop upon reaching maturity between 2 and 4 years of age Exercise, training, redirecting, and positive affirmation are the best ways to stop biting NEVER hit your dog to stop biting. Calm puppy behavior. Conflicting advice on how to stop your pup biting Many articles will tell you to ignore a puppy when he bites and to offer him a toy instead. Some people will tell you to punish your biting puppy. Others will tell you that you must not stop your puppy biting too suddenly, or punish him for biting, for fear of drastic consequences later. So who is right, and who is wrong? Does ignoring stop your puppy biting? Many new puppy owners try to ignore the biting puppy initially. This failure tends to be for one or more of the following reasons. Does noise stop puppy biting? There is no doubt that a sufficiently loud squeal, followed by immediate withdrawal of attention, will cause many Labrador puppies to break off from biting. Sometimes long enough for a skilled owner to then redirect the puppy into a more appropriate activity. There is also no doubt that for some puppies, this has the reverse effect, and causes them to bite harder and more fiercely. A puppy that has spent sufficient time with his Mum, may be more likely to take heed of this verbal warning, as he will expect it to be followed by a sharp click of her teeth and a fiercer rebuke if he ignores her. But there are no guarantees here. And the fact is, squealing simply does not work as an effective anti-biting strategy, for some puppies. Punishing the puppy to stop biting I have heard, even quite experienced, breeders tell new puppy owners to punish their puppy if he bites. Either by intimidating the puppy with an angry growling voice, or even with physical punishment such as a scruff shake or slap. But there are problems with this approach. This process is called bite inhibition. And the use of punishment may curtail all biting rather than just the hardest, most painful, bites. Nowadays many people like to train dogs without punishment. And there are strong reasons for joining them — check out this article — the downside of punishing dogs. Teaching puppy to stop biting Why would we want to teach dogs to bite humans gently? Why is it not best to teach them not to bite at all, right from the start? The idea of reducing biting gradually was popularised by Ian Dunbar. The theory is that a dog which learns to inhibit his bite i. You can read more about bite inhibition here: Labrador Puppies Biting. The concept is a sound one, and most canine behaviorists agree that teaching gradual bite inhibition is a good thing. The problem for many new puppy owners, is stopping those painful bites in the first place! The first step is not a technique at all, but an adjustment in the expectations that we have of a small puppy How much do Lab puppies bite? New puppy owners tend to have false expectations of puppies. They also anticipate that stopping a puppy from biting will be a fairly quick and simple matter. None of these expectations is true. Most puppies bite hard, frequently and growl fiercely whilst they are doing it. This noise is not a sign of aggression see Help my puppy is aggressive. Stopping a puppy from biting is a process, a journey. And it can be temporarily an uncomfortable one! It is important to accept that there is no guaranteed way of stopping biting immediately. Indeed, as we have seen, bite prevention rather than inhibition may be a bad thing in any case. Supervise your puppy around children Once you have got your head around the fact that this process will take some time, that it will be a gradual thing, you need to think about how you are going to protect any children that might come into contact with the puppy. This is important because small children can, both hurt and, be hurt by small biting puppies. Calm your puppy to stop him biting The next priority is to keep your puppy calm. Overexcited puppies bite harder and more frequently than less excited puppies. This will merely start the biting up all over again. There are lots of ways to interact with puppies without physically playing with them. Check out our article on playing safely with your dog. What to do when a puppy bites When your puppy bites you really hard, take immediate action. Stand up, move away from him and completely withdraw your attention. You can try the squeal thing if you want to. This works well with some puppies. Be ready for it, and repeat your actions. If the puppy chases after you, biting at your legs and feet, step over a baby gate, or pop him in his crate for a few minutes. You can read up on this process in more detail in this article: How to cope with biting. Remember, puppies enjoy chewing , and teething puppies need to chew on something. Whilst you and your clothing are not suitable chew toys, you need to provide your puppy with alternatives, like Kong toys. How to stop your puppy biting Biting is normal Biting should be inhibited in stages Training takes time The key points to take away from this are that biting is normal, and that training a puppy not to bite takes time. Stop the painful bites first, then work on putting a stop to mouthing. If what you are doing is not working, you probably just need to be more patient and persistent. If your children are suffering, you need to separate and supervise. Work hard on keeping your puppy calm — it makes the biggest difference. But as your kids approach the puppy, he starts biting and nipping them, causing a few surprised cries. The AKC says Labradors are an affectionate breed, treating adults, children, and other animals like family without causing any trouble. Labradors are easy to train and receptive to learning new commands since their main goal is to please their families. Do All Labrador Puppies Bite? As your new puppy settles into their new home, they are many stimulants, and he needs time to get to know your family, its new surroundings, and that not all slippers are a toy. Just as when people move to a new house, city, or country, your new Labrador puppy is exploring the world. This process will take a few weeks, so be patient. But what happens when he suddenly starts biting you and your kids? Every family that gets lab puppies faces this challenge. Although your puppy is only a few pounds, Labrador puppy biting is still painful. Many owners worry that the behavior will continue into adulthood, especially when biting becomes an ongoing issue. The good news is that there is usually a short time frame that you have to experience this. So in reality, Labrador puppy biting is primarily instinctual. Reason 1: Teething Puppies Sometimes, a Lab puppy biting is simply due to teething. Teething is uncomfortable, so your pup likely just wants to relieve that discomfort in any way possible. If that means biting a chew toy or your fingers, then so be it. Once your Lab puppy has its teeth, it might stop biting and nipping. You can help ease his comfort by offering him teething toys for puppies, like frozen chew toys. Reason 2: Excitement Biting Behavior Your new Lab puppy could get excited by just about anything: Your kids squealing, shouting, or crying, and adults shouting or being angry can set off your Lab puppy biting with its sharp teeth. The solution: Deter your puppy from biting you by redirecting him to what he can bite, like a toy. Reason 3: Biting for Attention Most Labrador puppies are receptive to conditioning and positive reinforcement. Dog lovers know that dogs crave attention from their families, but Lab puppies are extreme attention seekers. They love any form of contact with their families, whether playing, petting, or even just eye contact. So if your pup gets these responses from you while biting, he will interpret them as attention. The solution: Stop giving your puppy the attention he wants when he bites so he learns not to associate the two. When puppies are with their mom and siblings, the mom teaches them how hard they can bite each other without it being too painful through play fighting. Your Lab puppy learns how to calibrate strength based on his own family experience. Do Labrador Puppies Bite Children? One major adjustment is the play-biting: A small Lab puppy has a powerful bite and can cause pain, especially to such sensitive skin. The downside is that Lab puppies are more likely to bite children and teenagers than adults. It all comes down to learning how to interact with the puppy. Children and teenagers are inherently more confusing for a Lab puppy. The great news is that you can stop your Lab puppy from biting your kids through consistent training, but the training should be on both sides. Your kids also need to learn how to play and interact with the puppy, understanding its boundaries and playing just enough to keep them from overexciting. You plan to throw a chew toy into the yard for him to chase — but before you can throw it, he suddenly starts nipping and tugging at your hands while making odd puppy sounds that sound dangerously close to snarling. You might also be worried that you have a puppy displaying aggressive biting behavior. Most of the time, they mean no harm and just need a little training to control it! Without the proper guidance and education, many of these methods might be wrong: Instead of discouraging your puppy from biting, you could unintentionally reinforce it. Puppy Biting Tip 1: Discourage Play Biting Whatever stage of puppy development your adorable pup is in, he will always crave attention. If you encourage and reward play biting, he will associate it with attention, praise, and treats, causing him to do it more. So if your puppy has entered its biting phase and is displaying rough or aggressive behavior, stop yourself from giving any reaction. Simply follow rigid training steps, and it will eventually stop. Although that might be very hard to do because a Lab puppy is so adorable, you will thank yourself in the future for doing this. In fact, it might even make things worse. When you punish your Labrador, he might learn to fear you. This can worsen the biting and lead to your puppy developing more aggressive behavior as an adult. Some people also do a light swat on their puppies when they misbehave. When your pup starts biting, remain calm and follow positive training methods rather than negative ones. This is especially true when it comes to a nipping Labrador puppy. While a biting puppy is normal puppy behavior, without proper training and techniques, your Labrador might bite well into adulthood. Step 1: Teach Small Children Boundaries The first step in your training routine should be teaching your kids how to interact with the puppy. But if they start barking and biting out of excitement, you must stop playing with them immediately. Instead, pick up the toy and step away. Bite inhibition is when you teach your puppy how much is too much. After that time-out, you can return to the room and resume whatever activity you were doing. As your puppy learns to bite with less intensity, you can start training it not to put your hand in its mouth. This training takes time, so be patient, and you will see a positive result. Step 4: Reinforce with Additional Training You can also use other training techniques to reinforce positive behavior. Move your hand closer to the puppy and follow the same technique. If the puppy bites you, walk away from it. As you train the puppy to tolerate your hand getting closer to it without biting, you can finally keep your puppy calm and play safely without causing overstimulated biting. Puppies and dogs might go back to their bad habits if you change how you interact with them, so being consistent is crucial. Remember that children tend to take more time to learn training steps, so always reinforce the boundaries and supervise them during playtime in the early training days. Be patient and give your puppy time to learn. Seek help from professional trainers. Professional dog trainers are experienced in redirection, toy-play, and bite inhibition training to give you helpful tips and tricks. Take your puppy to puppy school. There are hundreds of puppy schools and programs that teach puppies good manners. Remember to never punish your puppy for biting. Invest in some good toys, such as different chew toys or Kong toys, so you always have something to redirect him towards. Conclusion Whether teething, scared or just excited, most Labrador Retriever puppies bite for various reasons. Unfortunately, those sharp little puppy teeth can hurt — so if you notice some unwanted biting from your Lab puppy, you should immediately start training him into different behavior. Learn more about what we do and check out our available Labrador puppies today! Share on. Print How to stop your puppy from biting your hands and feet — fast! Have you ever watched a litter of retriever puppies play with each other? They are all mouths and feet as they growl, bite and paw at each other. Over time, if left to it, each pup will naturally figure out their place in the pack. However, when you bring your Lab puppy home there are no longer littermates with whom to tussle. And the result is often that your Lab puppy will start biting and growling at you! The problem is that puppy teeth are sharp. Very sharp! And when your puppy bites you, even if they are playing, it hurts. So, what can you do to stop this behavior before it gets out of hand and you find yourself or someone in your family injured by your puppy? Before I go any further, I want to be clear about what we are talking about. You should seek professional help and evaluation. Why puppies bite and growl Puppy play is a kind of training for a dog as they grow and mature. It is also a way that dogs determine rank within a group. Remember, dogs are pack animals. In a pack there is only one Alpha lead dog. Every other dog is under the authority and control of that dog. No two dogs share the same rank. So, while biting and growling starts as play, it does not stay that way. All dogs, whether in a group of dogs or a human family, want to understand their place in the family. They need to know their place. It helps they be more mentally balanced and will help solve a multitude of behavioral problems. Once a puppy or dog understands where they rank in the pack, they often assume that place, at least for a while. Remember, they are dogs. They are not robots so occasionally they may challenge their position, but if the boundary remains clear, the challenge is short lived. Biting, nipping and playful growling at a human can become a challenge of dominance. If your puppy is young, you can quickly and easily end this behavior by establishing boundaries and consistently enforcing these boundaries each and every time your puppy shows this type of behavior. If you have let this behavior go on for a while, you may be in for quite a fight to take back your authority. Biting is not the same as chewing A puppy biting your hand or feet is not the same as a puppy chewing on a shoe, toy or other item. All puppies have a need to chew. As their puppy teeth grow and their adult teeth come in, it is common for dogs to chew on things to relieve the pain and help the new teeth to come in. This should not be discouraged, but rather encouraged on an appropriate item like a chew toy, nylabone or rawhide. And if this works, this is an appropriate solution. Instead, it is likely an issue of dominance. How to stop puppy from biting you Biting is just one puppy dominance behavior. There are many others such as jumping on you, putting a paw on your feet, and lifting and placing paws on your arms or legs. The behaviors I have listed are often gateway behaviors that escalate into more aggressive or troublesome behaviors like stealing food off your plate or the counter, pushing you out of the way when going through doors and pulling you around on a lead. Start by establishing firm boundaries The first step to stopping your puppy from biting or mouthing you is to set up firm boundaries for your puppy. You can set these up for not only biting but for all dominance behaviors. So, what is a boundary? Well, here are some examples. Some people we have worked with are okay with their puppy mouthing their hand as long as there is no tooth pressure. If you feel the same way, then make that a boundary. But if there is any tooth pressure, a swift and consistent correction will follow. This boundary is stronger and does not give the dog any room for confusion. In fact, they often will understand what your boundaries are but will test that standard against everyone else in the family. Each person needs to set and enforce boundaries. React with firm consistent corrections After you establish the boundary, you now need to react every time your puppy or dog crosses that boundary. Each and every time! There can be no room for confusion. Your corrections must be swift and consistent. Not all dogs react to the same level of pressure. For some dogs, this squeeze and strong words will be all it takes to stop the behavior. Especially if you are consistent in your correction. But some dogs have a stronger or more challenging personality. This will give your puppy a taste of his own medicine since his puppy teeth are sharp and will pinch into his lips or flews. You must be consistent. How long will it take to stop my puppy from biting me? If you are firm and consistent, the behavior should stop for the most part in a day or two. Some dogs require more pressure, some less. Your puppy should feel some discomfort. That is okay. The point is to show your puppy that biting hurts and that it is not an acceptable behavior. When nothing seems to work If you puppy is a bit older and has been getting away with biting and mouthing you for a while, you may struggle to end this behavior. Often the problem is a strong dominance issue that needs to be addressed. If your puppy continues to snap or bite at you even after a correction, you likely need to exert some dominance over your puppy. This is similar to what a mommy dog does to a puppy that is not behaving. Humans can do the same thing to show dominance over a rebellious puppy. I know, it sound a bit ridiculous but it really does work. Instead, remain calm and patient. Stay in control. Reacting with emotion can lead to strong reactions or punishment that you will later regret. The point is to show your dog that you are the Alpha in the relationship, and you can and will determine what behavior is acceptable. Biting is not love As a professional dog trainer, I am always surprised at what some of clients consider appropriate behavior. Some owners feel that setting boundaries and enforcing those boundaries means that you do not love your dog. That you need to accept all dog behaviors otherwise you do not love your dog. This is a false and faulty mindset. We have seen clients who have been injured by their dog multiple times and they still refuse to take steps to end the behavior. That is not love. What if the next person that dog bites is a child? Would you be able to live with that? A dog that is allowed to continue harming humans is only one bite away from having to be put down. It may sound harsh, but it is the sad truth. Some people may argue that the dog is unable to understand what they are doing is wrong. This is not based on reality. Dogs are very smart. They can learn to do amazing things and become incredible hunting partners and family companions. But they rarely achieve this potential without an owner who cares enough to set boundaries and enforce them. Final thoughts on how to stop my puppy biting me all the time You can stop your puppy from biting you and others if you are willing to take the steps necessary to make your dog understand that biting is not an acceptable behavior. A firm consistent correction each and every time your puppy bites will quickly teach your puppy to stop biting. These corrections will not harm your relationship with your puppy, but will, in fact, enhance it. Your puppy will quickly learn where the boundaries are and how to operate within those boundaries. We see it time and again, once a puppy is taught that there are boundaries, they quickly adjust and become wonderful loving and obedient family members. Help, my Lab puppy keeps biting me!
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german shepherd puppy needs - Life Span Did You Know? The Bullmastiff originated in England in the mid- to late 19th century and was known as both a world-class guardian and a valued family companion. They were bred by crossing Bulldogs and Mastiffs to create an excellent guardian that would protect the vast lands of English aristocracy from poachers. They were prized as noble gamekeepers. As competitions between the aristocracy rose to determine who had the best Bullmastiffs, the breed made the jump from being solely a working dog to being both a working dog and a show dog. By , the breed joined the Kennel Club in England. Although they can still be found as a working dog, the modern Bullmastiff is most commonly found as a family pet and companion. Although their size may make them intimidating, the Bullmastiff is known for being a docile, warm, loyal, and loving family dog. They are focused and determined while working and relaxed and affectionate while at home. They tend to get along well with children and other dogs in the family. Although they get along with children, their large size means they can easily knock over small children in their excitement. So, any playtime with children should be closely supervised. Because of their protective instincts, they are wary of strangers and strange dogs at first. Proper socialization and training early and often can help make a Bullmastiff more comfortable with strangers. A well-socialized, well-trained Bullmastiff may be initially suspicious of strangers, but they will warm up quickly. The Bullmastiff is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are best suited to larger homes with securely fenced yards. They do tend to be mellow dogs, so they can adapt to apartment living as long as they are given the exercise, mental stimulation, and attention they need. They do well in most climates, but are very sensitive to heat and sensitive to extreme cold. Although they can handle some alone time, they are devoted to their families and should not be left alone for long periods of time. Also, due to their territorial instincts, they should only be let off-leash in securely fenced areas. Although the Bullmastiff is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health concerns to be aware of. These issues include heart problems, eye issues, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and hypothyroidism. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing on issues like this to puppies. You can also ask to see any relevant health clearances or test results. As with many large dog breeds, the Bullmastiff is at a higher risk for bloat. Although a Bullmastiff tends to excel at consistent training, they tend to be strong-willed, which makes them a better fit for more experienced dog owners. Their stubborn streak paired with their guardian background, territorial instincts, and large size make good training and socialization essential. Puppy training classes are recommended for both early training as well as opportunities to socialize a puppy. This will help to establish rules and routines early on and help keep things consistent as your puppy grows into a dog. As a working dog, you can also train your Bullmastiff for dog sports to help give them a job to do. They tend to excel at rally, tracking, scent work, obedience, and even agility. The Bullmastiff has a short coat that will shed a little year-round and a little more during seasonal changes. Because they have a wrinkly face, you will also need to regularly check and wipe down wrinkles to make sure they are clean and dry. Bullmastiffs will also drool, so you may want to keep a drool cloth on hand to wipe their mouth periodically. Practicing good dental care for dogs is essential for preventing painful dental diseases later in life. This will make ongoing maintenance and care much easier as your puppy grows. The Bullmastiff has moderate exercise requirements. They may be couch potatoes at times, but they also still need some activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime or other activity are usually enough for this big dog. Although puppies finish growing at different rates, most large dog breeds that weigh more than 70 pounds as an adult continue growing until they are 2 years old. Your vet can help you determine when your Bullmastiff is done growing, so you know when you can allow them to do more rigorous activities without potentially causing damage to developing joints and bones. A fully-grown Bullmastiff usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Bullmastiff generally lives years. Featured Bullmastiff Article. An empty outlined icon indicating the option to save an item Save Article play icon The triangle icon that indicates to play Any dog lover can agree that when it comes to deciding on which cuddly cutie you want to take home as your own , the options can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many different types of bulldogs — American, French, Victorian, the list goes on! You could choose to invest your time and love into one of the larger breeds see: Bullmastiff , which is likely to serve as the ultimate guard dog. Regardless of the type of bulldog you pick, know that overall, they are sociable, friendly and gentle pups that make great family pets. Get to know the different bulldogs a little more: 1 American bulldog KJG Photography, Kim Guisti These loyal and self-confident cuties have traditionally been known as work dogs. After coming to America in the s, they aided farmers and ranchers as guard dogs and catch dogs. Today you can expect these athletic and agile mid-sized dogs to get along well with children and other dogs. They are also easily trainable. Most American bulldogs weigh pounds and have a year life expectancy, according to the American Kennel Club. They are super affectionate towards children, and can grow between 77 and 83 pounds. It keeps the same loyalty as the English breed, but can be a bit taller and suffer from less breathing issues. When properly socialized and trained, they can also learn to channel their energy into work. But beware, the lovable cuties do tend to slobber. The Victorian bulldog has many of the same calm, friendly and playful characteristics as the English bulldog, but can live years longer. It also is known to get along well with children. Experts say that proper training and multiple walks a day are essential to committing to the care of a Catahoula bulldog. Though their size may be intimidating, they are actually gentle giants that are great with children and highly trainable, according to the AKC. Bullmastiffs typically weigh between and pounds. It's known to be a loyal dog that gets along great with other pups as well as children. They can weigh up to pounds, and grow to about 26 inches in height. Their ability to sense danger and weariness of strangers makes them adaptable guard dogs when they have the right training. They are great for apartment living and are super affectionate. They typically weigh between 45 and 66 pound s. Because of its gentle and loving nature, it is usually touted as a wonderful family pet, according to UKC. These adorable pups are extremely loyal and love their families. They are also the perfect small breed, weighing just about 20 to 45 pounds and standing between 12 and 16 inches tall. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic American Bulldog Overview American Bulldogs are generally happy, family-loving dogs that do well in homes where they have plenty of space to roam. A big, fenced-in backyard is practically a must-have for one of these energetic dogs, though exercise needs may vary by specific type and breeding. They may be just fine with urban life, so long as they get plenty of walks, and they can even make good jogging or running buddies. They do not, however, take very well to being left alone for long periods of time, and they can feel cooped up in an apartment. American Bulldogs need experienced owners who can be patient with training and start socialization early. Whether they are used for hunting and farm work or just cuddling up with their humans, the American Bulldog makes for an excellent, loyal companion and a competent watchdog. American Bulldog Highlights Temperament: They are known for their loyalty, protectiveness, and affection toward their families. American Bulldogs are often described as gentle giants, making them good family pets. Intelligence: These dogs are intelligent and trainable, but they can also be strong-willed. Early socialization and consistent, positive reinforcement training are crucial to ensure they grow into well-behaved adults. Exercise Needs: American Bulldogs are an active breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy activities like daily walks, playtime, and even agility training. Lifespan: The average lifespan of an American Bulldog is around 10 to 15 years, depending on genetics, diet, and overall care. Family Compatibility: American Bulldogs can make excellent family pets when raised in a loving and consistent environment. They are known for their patience with children and are protective of their human family members. Guardian Instinct: Due to their protective nature, American Bulldogs can be good guard dogs. They are naturally watchful and alert, which makes them capable of providing security. These two lines may have slight differences in appearance and temperament. Always check local laws and regulations before acquiring one of these dogs. American Bulldog History The ancestor of the American Bulldog is the Old English Bulldog, which was brought to North America by working class immigrants who wanted to keep their working dogs to help on the farms. Rather than being concerned with maintaining breed purity or certain genetic traits, early farmers bred the dogs with the best working qualities for all-around farm work. Wild pigs were an invasive species not native to the American south that had no natural predators, and the strong jaws and muscular build of the American Bulldog was perfect for hunting them down. They were originally used in the barbaric sport of bull baiting. By the end of World War II, the American Bulldog was almost extinct until a few breeders scoured the south for specimens to revive the breed. Today, the American Bulldog is in no danger of extinction and is mostly a family-friendly companion. Adorable American Bulldog puppies will grow to 20 to 28 inches in height and 60 to pounds by the time they reach adulthood. Although these sizes are considered to be standard for the breed, American Bulldogs can be quite a bit larger or smaller. American Bulldog Personality American Bulldogs are friendly, intelligent, and affectionate , though that affectionate nature often leads them to be territorial and overly suspicious of strangers. This makes them lovely family dogs and watchdogs, even for families with children, but they will need socialization training, especially as puppies to get along with unfamiliar humans or other dogs that stop by for a visit. Luckily, their intelligence makes them highly adaptable and trainable. The American Bulldog is a playful breed that has some high exercise needs, and they do well in families that are able to stay active with lots of walks and play time. They can develop in American Bulldogs and may require surgical removal for treatment. It can lead to itching, hair loss, and skin irritation. Treatment typically involves medicated baths and sometimes oral medications. This can lead to weight gain, lethargy, skin issues, and other health problems. It is usually managed with lifelong medication. It can lead to lameness and discomfort, and severe cases may require surgical intervention. Elbow Dysplasia : Elbow dysplasia is another developmental disorder affecting the elbows. It can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis in the affected limb. Treatment may involve medication, weight management, and in some cases, surgery to correct the condition. American Bulldog Care Most of the care that is necessary for the health of an American Bulldog is meeting their needs for exercise and mental stimulation. Failing to do so can result in anxiety, boredom, and destructive behavior. So long as those needs are met, the rest is fairly standard. Maintain normal vet visits, check their ears weekly, keep up with monthly nail clipping and normal dental care. One of the issues you may face is the potential for drooling that is common among bully breeds. You should take care to wipe your dog as needed unless you want a generous amount of slobber all over your home. American Bulldog Feeding An American Bulldog diet should be formulated for a large to giant breed, and their high energy level should be taken into consideration. Their needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood. You should discuss with them how to form an appropriate diet for your dog. Traditionally they are white with patches of brindle, red, or black, but there are quite a few more color variations to the breed in modern times. They may have patterns that include shades of black, red, brindle, brown, or fawn. American Bulldogs usually have black on the nose and the rims of the eyes, but they may also have shades of pink. Their eye color is usually brown. Although these are breed standards, some American Bulldogs have been known to be merle or have coats that contain shades of blue. Weekly brushing should keep it under control with baths as needed. So long as they are trained properly, American Bulldogs are great with children and are very loyal to all members of the family. It is also important to train children on how to properly handle and treat animals to avoid incident. American Bulldogs are large animals, and overly energetic play can cause injuries. The same can be said for interactions with other pets. So long as American Bulldogs are socialized and trained, they usually get along with other dogs just fine. Play should be supervised, especially with smaller dogs that can easily get hurt when playing with a large, muscular American Bulldog. You can also check local shelters near you, or you can use our adoption page that lets you search by breed and zip code for adoptable dogs. American Bulldog Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues. More Info For You. This breed is descended from the ancient Mastiff and was used in England for bull baiting and bear hunting. Today's British Bulldogs are a popular family pet and show dog. They are gentle, loving animals that make great companions. They're also adorable! In their dedicated GB blog, we will discuss the history and characteristics of the British Bulldog breed. They have a short, thick coat that is typically brindle, fawn, or white in color. They have a wide head and short snout. Their tail is thick and short, and their legs are muscular. British Bulldogs typically weigh between 40 and 50 pounds. Their short coat is easy to care for, and they do not require a lot of exercise. Diet British Bulldogs are a hearty breed, and their diet should reflect that. They should be fed a high-quality, meat-based diet. A British Bulldog's diet should also include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times. Your British Bulldog's diet can also be supplemented with vitamins and minerals, as well as joint supplements to keep their joints healthy. A moderate amount of exercise is all that is needed to keep them healthy and fit. A short walk or play session each day will suffice. British Bulldogs are a generally healthy breed. However, there are some health conditions to be aware of. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cherry eye, and respiratory problems. The best way to keep your British Bulldog healthy is to feed them a nutritious diet and exercise them regularly. You should also take them to the vet for regular check-ups. If you're not particularly fond of check-ups and veterinarian trips but you still want a British Bulldog yourself, then Gage Beasley's British Bulldog Puppy Soft Stuffed Plush Toy can and will do just the trick. They're just as cute, fluffy, and.Just like the real one! The majority of British Bulldog puppies are born via cesarean section. Due to the size of their heads and the shortness of their snouts, British Bulldog puppies often have difficulty passing through the birth canal. This can lead to serious health complications for both the dam and the puppies. For this reason, it is important to find a reputable breeder who can provide you with healthy, well-bred British Bulldog puppies. When choosing a breeder, be sure to ask about health testing and c-section rates. They are also becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world. If you are interested in owning a British Bulldog, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. Conservation Photo: monkeybusinessimages via Getty Images The British Bulldog is not currently considered an endangered breed. However, their popularity means that they are often bred without regard for health and welfare. This can lead to health problems in the breed as a whole. For this reason, it is important to be an informed consumer when choosing a British Bulldog breeder. Only purchase puppies from breeders who health test their dogs and practice responsible breeding. This will help to ensure the health and welfare of the British Bulldog breed as a whole. The British Bulldog is the national symbol of England. British Bulldogs are excellent swimmers. British Bulldogs can be trained to do tricks. Winston Churchill was a fan of the British Bulldog breed. British Bulldogs make great therapy dogs. Final Thoughts The British Bulldog is a unique breed with a long and interesting history. Today, they are a popular family pet and show dog. Their gentle nature and loving disposition make them excellent companions. British Bulldogs are also relatively easy to care for, and do not require a lot of exercises. If you are looking for a loyal and loving furry friend, the British Bulldog may be the perfect breed for you! Do you have a British Bulldog? Tell us about your experience in the comments below! And don't forget to share this post with your friends who love dogs! Thanks for reading! However, these dogs are so adorable as puppies that many people often adopt them without giving it the proper amount of thought. The food costs are exorbitant, though, and you should expect a whopper of a vet bill every now and then. They can also be prone to behavioral issues if not properly trained and socialized. Just keep in mind that your home will get smaller after you bring one into it. You better know how to swim, because these dogs drool. When you combine two breeds that are already known for having overactive salivary glands, you get a mix that can flood your entire house. It may sound adorable and it often is. They have no idea how big they are. However, they generally weigh well over pounds. Also, they have no idea where their feet are at any time, and they will definitely step on you. They love being the center of attention. They constantly crave affection — and at their size, they have no problems getting it. They make up for it by being incredibly sweet, though. Masti-Bulls are fun-loving and affectionate, but they can quickly get serious if they perceive a threat. They will not hesitate to protect their families, making them great guard dogs and equally good babysitters. Despite their agreeable nature, they have sad-looking faces, especially their solemn eyes. Are These Dogs Good for Families? However, that protectiveness can sometimes be an issue, especially if your kids have friends over who like to roughhouse. Also, these dogs have no idea how big they are. If they get rambunctious, they can easily step on or bowl over a small child. You need to teach them to be aware of their surroundings; you also need to teach your kid how to act around the dog. They have formidable barks that broadcast just how big they are; there are few criminals brave enough to risk entering a house with one of these monsters inside. However, both parent breeds were originally bred as fighting animals, and there may be residual violence left in their DNA. Also, be careful about resource guarding with these dogs. They may get along great with other animals — until somebody gets too close to the food bowl, a favorite toy, or even you. Avoid anything with animal by-products. Portion control is important with larger breeds, as many of them will eat until they run out of food. A brisk walk, lasting minutes, is often all they need. They love to play, and they can spend hours pulling you around the house with a rope toy. Be careful not to overdo any exercise regimen you put them on. That means avoiding activities like agility training or anything that involves running and jumping especially on hard surfaces. Swimming is great for them, though. Introduce them to new people and places, and build up their confidence. You need to pay special attention to their ears too. Other than that, their grooming needs are fairly basic. Brush their teeth every day , bathe them every few months, and trim their nails as needed. Unfortunately, the breed is prone to a variety of health issues, both large and small. Minor Conditions. Is a Bulldog a Mastiff? What Are Their Differences? Some dog breeds have significant similarities, leading people to wonder if they can be considered variations of the same breed. To this end, people might wonder whether a Bulldog is a Mastiff.Yes and no. A Bulldog is classified as a molosser, so many people consider a Bulldog a Mastiff. But they are two separate breeds. If you are wondering why all the confusion, even the dog world is not in agreement. Technically, a Bulldog and a Mastiff are not one and the same. They are somewhat closely related, both being molossers. Molossers are a category of large and solidly built dog breeds that all come from the same ancestor. Molossers also have specific characteristics that set them apart in terms of appearance. Generally, they have dense bones, short muzzles, pendant ears, and relatively short and well-muscled necks. They can also be categorized in two groups—flock guardians, which are the light-colored breeds, and home guardians, or the darker-colored dogs. When people refer to the Mastiff, they are generally talking about the English Mastiff. This is a large molosser dog that is very well known for its size and strength. In everyday conversation, terms such as "the Mastiff" and "the Mastiff group" have become synonymous with the term "molosser. As a matter of fact, almost too many to count. If you want to see a complete list, check out this website. Because Bulldogs are molossers, they can also be considered Mastiffs in the colloquial sense. However, using the term "Mastiff" properly, Bulldogs are not Mastiffs. The only dog breeds that can truly be considered Mastiffs are the ones that have the word "Mastiff" in their name. Click here to see photos of different Mastiff breeds. How Are Bulldogs Related to Molossers? The term "molosser" comes from Molossia, which is an area of Epirus, which was an ancient Greek state. There, the large shepherd dog was commonly known as a Molossus. The Bulldog, on the other hand, is actually a descendant of the Asiatic Mastiff. Bulldogs and Mastiffs were both used in bull-baiting in England. These dogs share certain personality traits that made them good fighting dogs and guard dogs. When the New World was colonized, Bulldogs came along with the colonial people. Even though Bulldogs are quite a bit smaller than most molosser breeds, they are still considered to be molossers. How Are Bulldogs and Mastiffs Similar? These dogs have many similarities in terms of personality. They were used to fight and guard because of their strong guarding instincts. If you have a Bulldog or Mastiff, you will probably notice his strong guarding instincts as he protects your home. Bulldogs and Mastiffs both tend to be great with children as well, and both are excellent family dogs when you have trained them well. In addition, they have notable physical similarities. Both the Bulldog and the Mastiff have wrinkled faces. They have loose facial skin that fall in folds around their eyes. How Are Bulldogs and Mastiffs Different? Bulldogs and Mastiffs may be somewhat closely related. They also may have some appearance traits in common. However, they are also very significantly different. Size Differences Probably the most notable difference between Bulldogs and Mastiffs is their size. Mastiffs are much larger than Bulldogs. The Mastiff is one of the largest breeds that is recognized by the American Kennel Club. A male Mastiff is usually at least 30 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are typically at least .Males typically weigh around pounds but can grow to be more than , while female Mastiffs usually weigh about pounds. Bulldogs also have sturdy builds, just like Mastiffs; however, they are much smaller. Typically, they are about half as tall as Mastiffs while standing on their hind legs, going up to only 12 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. Male Bulldogs usually weigh between 53 and 55 pounds, while female Bulldogs weigh between 49 and 51 pounds. Bulldogs typically have short legs that keep them low to the ground as well. As many dog owners know, the size of the dog is often inversely correlated with his lifespan. The Mastiff, which is a giant dog, will often only live to be 6 to 10 years old. The Bulldog has a somewhat longer lifespan at 8 to 12 years. Facial Appearance Mastiffs have large, square heads with muzzles that are about half as long as their skulls. They usually have hazel or dark brown eyes surrounded by black masks. They also have an underbite or scissors bite, but their teeth typically don't show when their mouths are closed. Bulldogs have broad heads with flat, pug faces. Typically, Bulldogs also have pronounced underbites, with their lower teeth showing a lot of the time even when their mouths are closed. Physical Strength Bulldogs are pretty strong, but Mastiffs are even stronger. If you want to know why, remember the relative sizes of these two dog breeds. It makes sense that Mastiffs would be stronger, given how much bigger they are. Mastiffs have significantly more energy, and they require more exercise as well. Color Differences Typically, Bulldogs have more variety in their coloring than Mastiffs do. They can be shades of white, brindle, solid red, fawn, yellow, piebald, fallow, or any combination of these colors. In contrast, Mastiffs generally have short and flat coats in solid colors. These could be golden fawn, apricot, or light van. They can also have brindle coats, according to the Mastiff breed standard. Both of these breeds have short coats that are relatively low-maintenance. However, the Bulldog is easier to groom than the Mastiff. Final Thoughts… As you can see, Bulldogs and Mastiffs have quite a bit in common. However, they are by no means the same dog. They are very different in terms of both how they look and everything you need to do to take care of them. They are two separate breeds. If you're considering getting one of these dogs, you should learn as much as possible about both breeds. This way, you'll be able to make an informed choice when you decide to get either a Bulldog or a Mastiff. Dogs of both of these breeds can make great pets, but it's a matter of learning what's a good fit for you and your home. Vocality level 1 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. He is willing to please, although he retains a stubborn streak. He is very good with children. Most are moderately friendly toward strangers. Although some can be aggressive with strange dogs, the breed is quite good with other pets. Upkeep The Bulldog appreciates a daily outing but cannot tolerate hot humid weather, which can be deadly. He should not be expected to jog or walk great distances, or to jump from any heights. Most Bulldogs cannot swim. Most Bulldogs wheeze and snore, and some drool. Coat care is minimal, but facial wrinkles and any folds around the tail should be cleaned daily. Special precautions must be taken when anesthetizing a Bulldog. Caesarean deliveries are commonly needed. Hip radiographs show most Bulldogs to be dysplastic but few show overt symptoms. History With the most distinctive mug in dogdom, the Bulldog has an equally distinctive history. Some Bulldogs were also set against bears for bear baiting, purely for entertainment. In , bull baiting was outlawed, and a new phase began for the Bulldog. By all rights, the breed should have become extinct, except that it had gained so many ardent admirers that they set out to rescue the Bulldog by selecting against ferocity while still maintaining—and often accentuating—its distinctive physical characteristics. Its tough steadfast persona led it to be identified as a national symbol of England. Its amiable clownish personality belies its appearance, and the Bulldog is a popular pet. Related Content.