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Bulldogs for Sale in Champaign, IL. Contact English Bulldog Breeders near me. English Bulldog Puppies for Sale. Our current litter of Olde English Bulldogge puppies will be available to go to their new homes when they turn 8 weeks old. We love what we do and are committed to producing well-bred, healthy puppies for loving homes. As English Bulldog Breeders specializing in producing healthy English Bulldogs, we have many interested customers. Find Bulldog puppies for sale Near Illinois For a dog with such an unmistakable face — those chops, that brow! Bulldogs are a people-oriented, loyal and devoted watchdogs that love to nap by your side. English Bulldogs are calm, non-sporting dogs with a sourmug face that love to chew and play tug-of-war. Please see our Puppy page, Facebook page, or email us for pictures and videos. Call Us! Visit Webiste Send a or call for further. We are a family absolutely in love with the Bulldog breed and are dedicated to breeding genetically healthy English Bulldog puppies. First 5 Serious buyers will have Free Shipping. All puppies are well socialized with other dogs and children Contact us about puppies delivered to Illinois Call us at , email or use the form below. He is pure bred, male, 6 months old. Interested in finding out more about the English Bulldog? Check out our breed information page! Facebook: English Bulldogs in Illinois. These English Bulldogs are available for adoption close to Madison, Illinois. They're slightly stubborn, and like to do their own thing, but will always come up to you and curl up. British Bulldogs rarely bark but. If you are unable to find your English. English bulldog I have a olde English bulldog for sale. We provide quality English Bulldog puppies for sale in Illinois. Health first, standard breed characteristics and the loving temperment. This is a hands-on facility where all English Bulldog puppies in Illinois are reared with as much adoring attention that can possibly be given. Bruiser Bulldogs. Text me only at xxx xxx-xxx7. Puppies raised with the best veterniary care available 5 generation pedigree from IOEBA Nutrition programs designed and managed by animal nutritionists All puppies are well socialized with other dogs and children Contact us about puppies delivered to Illinois Call us at , email or use the form below. Once dog fighting was outlawed in the. In McNabb, Illinois, you will. Find Bulldogs and puppies from Illinois breeders. Size: inches tall, lbs. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want. Available Puppies Page Please feel free to email us at sales beanbulldogs. Which celebrities own Bulldogs? Search for an English Bulldog puppy or dog. We are a family run English Bulldog breeder. They can be lazy, although some are famous for riding skateboards this is true! British Bulldogs rarely bark but snore, snort, wheeze, grunt, and snuffle instead. Fill out the form on this page, though, to keep informed of new litters or email us. All our puppies are raised indoors and very intelligent. History: English Bulldogs have a long history in the United Kingdom, as they were, unfortunately, bred and used for dog fighting since the 13th century. Also, be sure to check the English Bulldog. Male and female puppies ready for sale at affordable price for each puppy. Standard colored Bulldog puppies, which are fawn, red, piebald, and brindle. Dogs and Puppies, English Bulldog. English Bulldogs In Illinois. As English Bulldog Breeders specializing in producing healthy English Bulldogs, we have many interested customers near Chicago, Illinois. Tags: English bulldog puppies Bulldog puppies english bulldog lilac chocolate tan points english bulldog bulldog puppy chocolate tri lilac tri English bulldog puppy. Dogs are like Potato Chips, you can't have. 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Harrison Bulldog Male, adult St. We have males and females English Bulldog puppies for adoption that will be given to a good loving forever home They are growing in our home with lots of care and love Very healthy sweet and full of little kisses Photos a… more. All Sugarplum Bulldogs puppies are from multi-champion AKC registered English Bulldog stock only and our pups are the real thing: adorable, short, wrinkly little butterballs of English bulldog cuddliness except they mature at lbs. We are now a nonprofit c 3 tax exempt organization which means that Your donations are Tax Deductible!! It's super easy, Just click any donate button. American Bulldog. Coat: Short, smooth, and straight. English Bulldog Puppies in Washington. Illinois English Bulldog Classifieds Hoobly. Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Illinois. Health guarantee Champion bloodlines Show potential Shipping included: No. Call Morgan .We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we. We have already started their potty and. Blackhawk Bulldogs Illinois. Priceless English Bulldog Puppies. At Bruiser Bulldogs we specialize in breeding bulldogs that are functional in its ability to run, walk, and play with its new family. We have already started their potty and leash training. Find English Bulldog puppies for sale and dogs for adoption. Male, 7 weeks Springfield, Illinois. The Bulldog for sale Chicago is a well-loved dog by most dog-lovers in the world. Kankakee, Illinois. If you are interested in one of our puppies please give us a call. Breed: English Bulldog. We breed high-quality Bulldogs. English Bulldog Puppies For Adoption .Bulldogs for Sale in Bloomington, IL. We raise rare colors, blue, black, tri and merle. As responsible AKC English Bulldog breeders, our extensive experience and unique take on the need for a healthier English Bulldog has positioned our breeding program as a visionary leader for adopters in search of a higher quality Bulldog. Biggie is a beautiful AKC English bulldog with perfect markings and just the right amount of wrinkles and chunkiness. Petland Bolingbrook, IL .For info or to speak to us directly feel free to call or Email — CST castlewoodbulldogs gmail. My name is Dozer and I am 7 years old and a big boy at 75lbs. I am a very affectionate dog and I love hugs, children, and every person that I meet. I get along well with my 2 foster siblings, bunnies, and chickens. When postal workers or delivery drivers come to the porch, I bark to let my foster parents know that they have a delivery. I love curling up on the couch and on the laps of humans. I do not like lightning and thunder and may pace or try to be next to humans in order to feel better. I do not mind regular rain showers and will sleep through them just fine. I do not like my kennel and will try to get out of it but I do very well in a room with a door shut or a pet gate in the doorway. Normally, I lay on the couch with my 2 foster siblings and have free reign of the house when my foster parents are not home because I am a very good boy. I love the outdoors, walks, car rides, and helping my foster parents around the house with their chores. When I got to my foster home, I had a lot of bald spots and some dry skin. Everyone who has met me just loves me and my foster parents tell me that whoever adopts me will be so lucky. If you are interested in Dozer, please visit our website: www. If you do, please fill out an application to adopt. View Our Available Puppies! They are also known as F1b pups-meaning a 2nd generation Beabull puppy. We usually have a few Unique Colored Beabull Puppies! In each litter of beabull pups, we are usually blessed with a few unique Lilac or Lilac Merle colored puppies in each litter. These puppies are unique and highly sought after. Our adult beabulls typically weigh between pounds once they are adults. They usually reach an average height of inches at the shoulders. The life expectancy of a beabull is normally years of age. Our second-generation beabulls are usually smaller in size than a purebred English Bulldog and have a lot of added benefits and genetic advantages over registered English bulldogs. They usually have a longer muzzle that allows them to breathe better than the snub nose of the bulldog. Giving your beabull regular baths will help keep their coats clean and shiny. So if you live near Urbana Illinois and are looking for a healthy and beautiful beabull puppy then check out are available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some beabull pups that have been adopted.

Those who are familiar with them will know them to be intelligent, powerful dogs, similar in appearance to the Dutch Shepherd and German Shepherd , although they are not related. These were originally seen as one breed until late in the 19th century when interbreeding between them was banned and the four separate breeds were established. The Malinois takes its name from the Maline region of Belgium, where shepherds preferred their coat type. They are medium-sized to large dogs, weighing between 40 and 80 pounds, with males being heavier than females. In height, they measure between 22 and 26 inches, again with females being smaller. As they are rarely used as herding dogs these days, their skills are often put to good use as guard dogs, K-9 unit police dogs, security service dogs, sniffer dogs for explosives, drugs, or gas detection , therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and a whole range of other amazing roles. The Mal lives to please its owner. You are the center of his world. The worst punishment you could inflict upon him is to exclude him from your daily life and put him in a yard or kennel. This is a dog that needs to be kept busy. He also needs a firm hand. Any aggression will vary with each dog, but most will naturally be protective and territorial of their home and family. Obedience training is your ticket out of this scenario, and it is especially important if you have young children at home. The Belgian Malinois has a short, straight coat , with a thick undercoat that sheds twice a year. Finally, they have a lifespan of between 10 and 14 years, which is about right for their size. As always, the answer to this is, yes, for the right family! These dogs love to be active, so they would suit a sporty family who loves the outdoor life. They are very intelligent and obedient dogs, so training is your best friend here. This dog really wants to please you, which goes in your favor. You should rarely, if ever, leave them home alone for more than four hours as they quickly become bored and will suffer from separation anxiety. Some people may say so. Is the Belgian Malinois any more or less aggressive than other breeds? Actually, no. First, many of these lists are published on clickbait-funded websites without a shred of credibility or scientific knowledge. Second, there are problems with the statistics used in some of these lists. For example, would you believe that the Labrador appears on this list, too? Do we know whether the dog was in pain, threatened, sick, or anxious? Many of these incidents involve children. Were they being supervised? Had they upset or hurt the dog in some way, even if accidentally? Would you say that the Labrador is a naturally aggressive dog? There are just too many variables at play to arbitrarily label many dogs as aggressive or dangerous. The Mal is protective, just like many other dog breeds. It can display aggressive behavior depending on the circumstances. It is known to be mouthy, an instinct left over from its herding days. But, with proper socialization and training, this can be mostly resolved. The Labrador Retriever Now, we come to the other parent breed, the trusty Lab. They were originally bred as working dogs, retrieving ducks and fish from the water for hunters and fishermen. These early examples were taken to the United Kingdom where they were developed as gundogs for shooting estates. This could be due to their playfulness as much as anything else. Labs weigh somewhere between 55 and 80 pounds, with females at the lower end of the scale. They measure between .When you take a peek at the American Kennel Club AKC listing for the Labrador Retriever , you can see why dog lovers have taken this particular pooch to heart. They are classed as lovey-dovey in terms of affection towards family. They have the highest rating when it comes to being good with kids and other dogs. They are enthusiastically playful, and they consider everyone their best friend. And, to finish off, they are highly trainable and very adaptable. Who could want more from their furry friend? They have infectious energy and will happily run, swim, or play for hours. This is as important for their mental wellbeing as it is for their physical fitness, so be sure to take them for long walks in interesting places. Visit the dog park to let them make new friends. The Labrador Retriever has a short, double coat that requires regular brushing unless you want your house covered in loose hair. The coat comes in three colors: black, yellow, and chocolate, with or without white markings. Obesity can be a serious issue with Labs, especially in old age, as the dog is less inclined to exercise and becomes less active. Officially, the Labrador has a lifespan of between 10 and 12 years, but with the right care, many beat this by several years. So, what does all this mean for the main focus of our study, the Belgian Malinois Lab mix? The Belgian Malinois Lab Mix Most new designer dogs have several quirky names, usually a combination of the two breeds that created it. This has resulted in such wonders as the Goldendoodle , the Belusky, the Pomsky , the Frug, the Corgle — you get the picture! Perhaps you could think of one? Something along the lines of Labinois, or Belgidor? Anyway… on to more important things! What is the Belgian Malinois Lab mix like? What we can say is that purebred dogs are or were often produced for a specific reason, such as hunting or herding. When you cross two breeds, these instincts are usually reduced. This is helpful in many cases, especially in highly driven working dogs, such as the Border Collie or the Mal. A good, reliable breeder can produce beautiful-looking, healthy mixed-breed puppies that have the best qualities of the parents without being too much of a challenge for dog owners. The Belgian Malinois Lab mix is likely to fall into this category — if you can find a reputable breeder who is selling them! Each breed has something to contribute in terms of size, shape, color, and personality. In general, the Belgian Malinois Lab mix will be a happy, playful dog, displaying puppy-like behavior well into her 5th year. Obedience training using positive reinforcement is essential, and must begin as early as possible. She will also enjoy agility classes and anything to keep her active. Without question, she will be loyal and devoted to you, and will be a protective watchdog and a wonderful family pet. Male dogs will be at the larger end of the scale. Not only will your dog be big, but it will also be strong. There are two implications here: the bigger the dog, the more it needs to eat. And, the stronger it is, the harder it will be for you to handle. This means that you will be spending more on dog food than if you owned, say, a Spaniel or a Shih Tzu. Your Belgian Malinois Lab mix will need all that food to stay healthy and feed those energy levels. Do some research and find the most nutritious dog food at a reasonable price. The other issue is controlling your dog. This is yet another reason why obedience training is so vital to the success of your relationship. A firm command should be enough to snap their attention back to you and stop unwanted behavior. Their pups will most likely be sickly and weak. In addition, these untrustworthy sources may not use purebred dogs in the first place. Your pup could inherit undesirable traits that make them unpredictable and even dangerous. A Belgian Malinois Lab mix puppy from a good breeder will be adorable, clean, healthy, and bright-eyed. By the time it reaches your home, it will be between 8 and 12 weeks old. It will be a little furry bundle of fun, joy, and playful mischief. And, you need to be prepared for it. There are many potential hazards in the home: cleaning materials containing toxic chemicals, electrical cables, choking hazards, staircases, pools, and ponds — all of these and more need to be assessed and made safe. Your pup will need a lot of care and attention in the first few months , especially as they go through teething. They will probably need to be close by you all the time. You might find that they cry at night , so you may need to move their bed into your bedroom. Be warned; there is a chance that you might have to pay a lot more as some breeders will use the fact that they are pretty rare as a reason to inflate their price. Of course, you could adopt from a shelter or a rescue facility, but you will have to wait until one of these dogs turns up. Some will ensure that the pup has its shots and is dewormed, while others will even have them spayed or neutered. The main thing to remember is that the price of your dog is just the beginning. Budget wisely, and keep in mind that you now have the responsibility to care for your furry pal for the next decade or so. Just like all other dogs, this mixed breed will have a few health problems that might surface at times. To see which ones are more likely, we need to look at the parent breeds. The Labrador Retriever mirrors this, but it also includes a potentially life-threatening condition called bloat as well as something known as exercise-induced collapse. The ones that should cause alarm bells to ring are hip dysplasia and eye problems because they are inherited. If both parents have these, then it is likely that their pups will suffer from them, too. This is why it is essential to buy your pup from a reputable breeder who will run health screening tests for these conditions. And, while there may be question marks about the subject of designer dogs, it has to be said that, on balance, they can be healthier than many purebred dogs. There is really just one rule when it comes to buying a designer dog: use a reputable breeder. If we want dogs to become healthier, then we need to stop encouraging unethical breeders by keeping them in business. So, have you decided that the Belgian Malinois Lab mix is the dog for you? The Mal is definitely a challenging dog that is not recommended for inexperienced dog owners. It has a reputation for biting and for being extremely driven. Not many people can handle its independent streak coupled with its intensity. This is a dog that lives to work and to please its owner. The Labrador, on the other hand, is a big softy that loves everyone and everything well, nearly everything. It also has a lot of energy and thinks that life is all fun and adventure. It wants to please you just as much as the Mal does, and it is happy to work as long as it can settle down for a snuggle later. The mix of these two is a winning combination as the intensity of the Mal is tempered by the laid-back nature of the Lab. It will be an active and intelligent dog; friendly, but watchful. It will protect you when necessary, but it will be happy to accept strangers and other animals. If you follow the advice here, you can be sure that your journey together will be a long, happy, and rewarding one. Read Next:. Pros and cons of getting a Belgian Malinois mixed with Lab A Labrador Malinois mix dog weighs 40 — 80lbs, and is likely to be capable of remarkable physical and mental endurance. They need a lot of physical and mental activity before they are ready to settle down at the end of the day. Potential owners need to think carefully about whether this dog is a good fit for them. Purpose: Companionship, some competitive and working roles. Weight: Females 40 — 70lbs, males 60 — 80lbs. Temperament: Smart, tough, hardworking. What to expect from a Labrador Malinois mix Labs and Belgian Malinois are both dogs with impeccable working credentials, but in very different roles. Labradors are, of course, retrievers. In the past they helped duck hunters by collecting the birds which had been shot. The Belgian Malinois meanwhile started out as a shepherding breed. More recently, the same intelligence, stamina, and guarding instincts which made them good at shepherding have also made them popular with police and military dog trainers. A Labrador Belgian Malinois mix is sometimes known as a Belgiador. This mix is not as popular or widely available as some of the Labrador crosses more suitable to being a family pet. Such as the world-famous Labradoodle. This is partly because the different historical purpose of Labs vs Malinois mean they have very different temperaments. Labrador Malinois mix appearance Physically, it is easy to tell a Lab and a Malinois apart. But, they also have enough in common that a Malinois Lab mix is fairly unsurprising to look at compared to, say, a Shih Tzu Lab mix! Both breeds are medium to large. So a female Malinois Lab mix is likely to weigh 40 to 70lbs, and a male is likely to weigh 60 to 80lbs. Their exact size, build and proportions can vary from one individual to the next, depending on: The exact size of their parents. Whether their Labrador parent came from working or show lines. And whether they take after their Lab parent or their Malinois parent more. Both breeds have short smooth coats, which protect them from the cold whilst working in winter. But the Malinois can be registered in four times as many colors as the Lab. Including dilute colors, brindle, and sable patterns. Malinois and black Lab mix puppies could surprise you with a range of coat colors, including sables. Dilute and brindle coats will only be expressed in first generation Malinois Lab mix puppies if the Labrador parent was also carrying the gene for one of these traits. But the temperament they will grow up to have is a different matter! Malinois are a herding breed. They have a strong guarding instinct, which is what makes them well suited to protecting a flock of sheep. Part of the guarding instinct is an innate wariness of new and unfamiliar people. Another part is unhesitating bravery in defending the thing they guard. They are also very clever, and they can pick up complex commands quickly. Labradors meanwhile have a strong urge to fetch things and carry items around in their mouths — the retrieving instinct. They are also very clever, and capable of mastering complex tasks. But, they have little guarding instinct. They often bond happily with lots of people, including people they met for the first time 5 seconds ago. Belgian Malinois Labrador mix puppies are likely to be easy to train, and pick up new commands quickly. They will crave having a job to do, alongside a human handler. This may manifest as unwanted behaviors including digging, chewing, scratching or barking. This mix will not be suited to spending most of the day alone at home. Surprises in Malinois Lab mix personality However, not all aspects of their personality are so predictable. Belgian Malinois tend to be disinterested in interacting with people beyond their immediate human family. When faced with persistent unwanted attention, they might bark or snap to send a clear signal to back off. This is very different to most Labradors, who tend to befriend just about anyone, and are tolerant of being petted by strangers. How sociable and people-friendly a litter of Belgian Malinois Labrador mix puppies will grow up to be can vary a lot, even between siblings. So, if being sociable and comfortable receiving attention from people beyond your immediate family is important to you, this mix is not a reliably good choice. Training and exercising your Labrador Malinois mix Next, back to something you can be sure of — your Labrador Belgian Malinois mix will need training and physical activity in spades. Ongoing training is vital to meet their need for mental stimulation. Besides basic obedience training as a puppy, you can challenge their brains by taking part in Advanced obedience training. They enjoy socializing with other humans and dogs and bonding with their entire family. Their high levels of energy and need for exercise also make them highly energetic. Good-natured and hard-working, labs have a reputation for being loyal and honest. In addition to being hunters, assistance dogs, show dogs, search and rescue dogs, and other types of dog work, they are often used as assistance dogs. Although they love to work and are highly trainable, these dogs also enjoy some fun! Exercising must be intense. Playing fetch, jogging, and other activities can be included in this. Aside from competing in dog sports, they also perform well in agility competitions. Their mental fitness is also maintained through training sessions. A Lab is a sweet-natured dog, making it a perfect companion dog or therapy dog. It is possible to train them to assist people with disabilities since they are intelligent and can be trained. The labrador retriever is a very protective breed, especially when it comes to his family and home. Intense exercise is also needed. Jogging, fetching, and other exercises can be included. Several other dog sports, such as agility, they do well in as well. A lab can be a great companion or therapy dog because of its sweet nature. It is possible to train them to assist disabled people because they are intelligent. Besides being great watchdogs, they also make great companions. There is a strong sense of loyalty and protection in labs when it comes to their family and their homes. Appearance Labradors and Malinois can be distinguished physically from one another. But, they both sit somewhere between medium and large, so a mix of Malinois and Labs would appear more unsurprising than, say, a mix with a smaller breed. A female lab weighs around 55 and 70 pounds, while a male lab weighs between 65 and 80 pounds. An average Malinois Lab mix female weighs 40 to 70 pounds, while an average male weighs 60 to 80 pounds. The coats of both breeds are short and smooth, which keeps them warm during winter. Although the Malinois has four times more colors to choose from than the Labrador. The patterns include dilute colors, brindles, and sables. There is a wide color variety available in black Lab mix and Malinois puppies, including sables. It is only when the parent dog was a Labrador that diluted and brindled coats were expressed in the pups of the first generation of a Labrador Malinois-Labrador mix. Due to the rarity of that situation, they usually emerge only in crosses that are of 2nd and higher generations. Temperament The temperament of a mixed-breed dog cannot be predicted in advance since it can inherit personality traits from either parent. There are a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and personalities in every breed. Generally speaking, a Boxer and Labrador Retriever mix will display puppy-like behaviors well into her 5th year of life. They are likely to be very energetic and prefer being active over sitting on the couch! Herding is the primary function of Malinois dogs. Additionally, guarding sheep is something they do well because of their strong guarding instinct. The inherent wariness of unfamiliar people is part of the guarding instinct. Additionally, they must not hesitate to defend what they protect without flinching. Their intelligence makes them very capable of learning complicated commands very quickly. The retrieving instinct is extremely strong in Lab Retrievers while retrieving is common in other breeds. Their intelligence and ability to master complex tasks make them very desirable. They do not have much of a guarding instinct, however. There is often a happy bond between the two of them, even if they met each other only just a few seconds ago. Puppies born from mixed Belgian Malinois and Labrador parents usually learn commands quickly, and improve their training over time. With someone by their side, they are more likely to enjoy working. In addition, if you do not give them anything to do, they are likely to lose interest very quickly. There are numerous undesirable behaviors that can manifest during this time, for instance, pawing, biting, scratching, barking, etc. If the dog has to spend all of its time at home by itself, you may want to consider a different breed or hybrid. The personality of these individuals is not predictable in all aspects. The Belgian Malinois is generally uninterested in socializing with other people outside of their immediate family. Their snapping or barking signals clearly that they want to be left alone when they are being bothered by a constant stream of unwanted attention. Unlike Labradors in general, which accept strangers petting them, these dogs tend to befriend everyone. It is possible to find vast differences in social skills and people-friendliness between siblings of Belgian Malinois Labrador mixes. At 8 weeks of age, their behavior is not a good indicator of their future temperament. Consequently, if your social skills and comfort with receiving attention are crucial, then this combination is not for you. The hip dysplasia of both breeds of dogs is a common health problem. The socket of the hip becomes malformed in this painful condition. A number of problems can be caused by it, including gait problems and arthritis. Both breeds may suffer from this genetic problem. Due to the strong hereditary component of dysplasia of the hips and elbows, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals suggests that dogs who do not test positive be kept as breeding stock. A breeding dog should also undergo testing for eye problems, as well as exercise-induced collapse. Performing hip and elbow dysplasia tests, as well as checking for eye problems, should be required before breeding Malinois dogs. When the stomach turns inside out and is sealed, it is considered a medical emergency. The symptoms of this disease can be found here, and affected dogs can only be saved by surgery When buying a Malinois and Labrador mix dog, make sure the breeder uses healthy parents in their breeding so that you avoid a lifetime of heartache and costly veterinary bills. It will make a difference who they take after when it comes to their health risks. You should be aware of symptoms of ear infections if your dog has floppy ears like a Lab. In addition, you will need to keep them from getting bloated if they have a deep chest like a Malinois. A survey conducted among dog owners found that Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retrievers live, on average, 12 to 13 years, and some even live well into their teens. As a comparison, this is a good size for a dog of this size. Fall and spring are also times when both shed a lot. It is definitely a good idea to brush your mixed fur baby at least once a week, but more frequently during seasons of high shedding. The frequency of his dirty and stinky behavior will determine how often your Malinois Lab requires bathing. The frequency of baths may vary from dog to dog, with some dogs requiring a bath once a week to once a month. As Labradors and Malinois have weather-resistant coats, routine bathing should not be necessary for the Labrador Malinois Mix. When you have a Labrador Malinois Mix puppy, keep in mind that the Malinois has a thicker coat and sheds more than the Labrador. Therefore, you will need to brush and groom your puppy more frequently. Training You should expect your Lab Malinois mix to be extremely energetic since you have crossed two highly energetic breeds. Please remember that each of these breeds was designed to work outdoors all day long. It is possible that some Labrador Belgian Malinois mix dogs are more prone to lazing around than others. It is important that the Labrador parent of the puppies should come from breeding lines, especially if the Labrador was a show dog. Generally, these mixes are suitable only for individuals with at least a few hours per day that they can devote to working with their dogs and making sure it has proper training and the right amount of exercise. To keep your mixed Lab Malinois happy and healthy, they will definitely need training and socialization. Keep in mind that you should always supervise your mixed breed dog around young children and other animals. The Malinois, as well as some Labs, have strong prey instincts. The training and socialization of this mix should be done positively. Your Lab Malinois and you will have a great time doing this! You will be able to tire your dog out every day by doing complex training exercises. However, you will still need to exercise your dog regularly. Outdoor activity is likely to be needed by this mix at least twice a day. In the past three decades, the retriever has become the most popular dog breed in America. Due to their adaptability to different situations and friendly and patient nature, they are well suited to families with adults, children, and dogs who are unfamiliar with them. Unlike Labrador Retrievers, a Belgian Malinois is a breed that specializes in working dogs. They are unmatched in terms of their performance, endurance, and fearlessness when serving in the police and military. Most pet owners cannot provide the engagement, training, and exercise that a companion dog needs most people. Barking or nipping may also be issued to children if they lose patience with them. Those who are new to owning a dog, those with many other responsibilities, and families with children may not be appropriate for this mix. It is recommended that they be owned by very active people, with plenty of time to dedicate to their care, and with experience with similar breeds. A Belgian Malinois Lab mix is an incredibly beautiful and fascinating dog, regardless of how you feel about mixed breeds and whether you consider them mutts or ethical. It must be said that, on balance, designer dogs can be healthier than many purebred dogs, even though there may be some question marks about the topic. It is recommended that prospective owners prepare for adequate socialization and training before getting a Labrador Malinois Mix as a family pet. His best home would be in a family with older children, and he would benefit from the patience and training of an owner. Be prepared to spend a lot of time with your dog making sure it fits into the family well and adjusts properly. The more time you spend with it and the more training and socialization you provide your mix, the more likely it will become a great family pet. In order to reduce the chances of obesity-related health problems, he will need plenty of space and access to the outdoors. Prior to bringing a pet into your home and making it part of your family, you should research that breed and determine its needs and challenges. This will ensure your dog is happy, stays healthy, and fits into your family well. You will also like:. Belgian Malinois are intelligent, protective, playful, and energetic. They tend to make great family pets. Should a Belgian Malinois Mix take after this parent, you should be able to expect something similar. A Belgian Malinois is known for their intelligence and prized for their hardworking nature and protective instinct. Their high energy and playful personality means they tend to retain a puppy-like demeanor until they are about three years old. They get along well with children as well as other dogs and pets in the household as long as they are socialized with them. Because of their protective instinct, socialization and training early and often are particularly important. The other parent breed could introduce some potential traits that could affect temperament. So, you do want to ask the other breeder about them. You can also meet the mother dog in person to see what sort of temperament she is modeling for her pups. Belgian Malinois are moderately adaptable dogs. Their high energy tends to make them a better fit for homes with securely fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as sufficient time is dedicated to giving them the exercise and training they need. As long as the other parent breed has similar adaptability traits, you should be able to expect the same in a Belgian Malinois Mix. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? A mixed-breed dog can sometimes win the genetic lottery and inherit none of the potential health conditions common to either parent breed. At the same time, they could inherit potential conditions common to one parent or both parent breeds. From the Belgian Malinois side, potential health concerns include hip dysplasia, thyroid disease , and progressive retinal atrophy. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing issues on to puppies. Although the Belgian Malinois is highly intelligent and picks up on things easily, they are also high-energy dogs with an independent nature and a strong will. This means they are generally not a good fit for first-time dog owners. Puppy training classes are recommended, even for an experienced owner, as these classes often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. A Belgian Malinois Mix can inherit a coat similar to one parent breed or a coat that is a blend of both, so grooming requirements will be different depending on coat type. Should they inherit a Belgian Malinois coat, they will shed moderately year-round and heavier when seasons change. A weekly brushing and the occasional bath are usually sufficient for this coat. And, you will want to brush them more often during seasonal changes. When checking ears, you are making sure they are clean, dry, and free of debris or pests. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. But, many dog owners skip or overlook this, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. The Belgian Malinois is a high-energy, athletic dog breed. They need daily walks, playtime, and extra activity every day to stay happy and healthy. They also need a job to do and are good candidates for dog sports like flyball, agility, and more. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog breed, then you can expect a Belgian Malinois Mix to be a high-energy dog as well. But, you will still need to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog. A Belgian Malinois tends to be inches tall and pounds once fully-grown. The other parent breed could affect this, so you want to make sure you ask the breeder about it. You also want to pay attention to which breed is the mother as this will also affect the size of the puppies, especially in a mixed-breed dog. Belgian Malinois tend to live for years. The other parent breed may affect this slightly, but you can likely expect a similar life span in a Belgian Malinois Mix. Featured Belgian Malinois Mix Article. Introducing the Labrador Malinois Mix! The Labrador Malinois mix is the offspring of the purebred Labrador and the purebred Malinois. By all accounts, this crossbreed is a fusion of beauty, brawn, and intelligence! But what exactly is a crossbreed, and why is there controversy surrounding it? While there are many who support crossbreeding and argue that there are many pros to the practice, others disagree. Some experts consider designer dogs and mutts to be the same thing. Others argue that while mutts have a lineage of many different breeds, designer dogs are the offspring of only two purebred parent breeds. Health There are also those who state that crossbreeding can be a way to solve the genetic health issues that have plagued purebred dogs for generations as a result of over-breeding. Others claim that these genetic issues can be equally prevalent in crossbred dogs. Origin of the Labrador Malinois Mix Since crossbreeding is still a rather new practice, the exact origin of the Labrador Malinois Mix is unknown. Still, it is worth looking into the histories of the purebred parents. Both the Labrador and the Malinois have fascinating backstories that should help to give us some insight into their offspring, the Labrador Malinois mix. Today, the Labrador is known to make an excellent service dog for his human counterpart, guiding the blind or offering emotional and physical support to those in need. Officially recognized by the AKC in , the Malinois also excels on search and rescue missions and works with the armed forces. In fact, this breed is even used by the Secret Service to guard the White House! Temperament and Behavior of the Labrador Malinois Mix Because the Labrador Malinois Mix is a crossbreed, determining what temperament he could inherit from his purebred parents is going to be left up to chance. However, by researching the behavioral traits of the purebred Labrador and the purebred Malinois, we can gather an idea of what kind of temperament the Labrador Malinois mix could have. His intelligence and eagerness to please have made him easy to train and therefore pleasant and well-behaved. However, keep in mind that Labs can be inclined to chewing. They need lots of patience and attention, especially in their youth, to keep them from getting bored or anxious. Various toys should be utilized to reduce boredom and subsequent household damages during times when Labradors are left alone. They need consistent exercise to keep them mentally and physically happy and will enjoy fun family activities! Malinois Temperament The Malinois is a true working dog who requires jobs and consistent stimulation to avoid boredom. He is extremely intelligent and enjoys a challenge, but much like his Labrador counterpart, if he is left to his own devices and becomes bored then furniture, shoes, and flooring beware! This means the very thing that makes him an excellent police K9 or military dog could make him a difficult family pet. Although there are countless accounts of the Malinois making a wonderful family companion and doing very well with young children, it is best to supervise this breed around youngsters and other household pets. The Malinois is also known to mature slower than many other breeds and can have puppy-like tendencies all the way up until the age of about five. Potential owners of this breed or a crossbreed with a Malinois parent should prepare to exercise patience, as these dogs require consistent training and attention. Training and Socialization Of course, and as with all dog breeds, we recommend proper training and early socialization and to ensure the health and happiness of both dog and human. Always keep training positive and fun, and keep in mind that training and socializing is an excellent bonding opportunity for you and your Labrador Malinois mix! Defining Characteristics of the Labrador Malinois Mix As with temperament, the outcome in regard to physical characteristics in a crossbreed can be unpredictable. This means their coat, size, and weight will be left up to chance depending on which purebred parent he favors most. Still, by looking at the characteristics of the Labrador and the Malinois we may be able to get an idea of what your Labrador Malinois Cross puppy could look like. Labrador Characteristics The Lab is a medium-sized dog who has three standard coat colors: Black. The combination is a crossbreed, which combines certain aspects of both breeds in one puppy. Talk about adorable—a Lab Malinois mix is just that—all cuteness! However, there are some things you need to know about these really cute cross-bred puppies. In fact, they believe there are many good reasons to do so. However, other people disagree. But there are others who say no, mutts are usually the result of many dog breeds coming together, while the designer dog comes two purebred parents. In addition, some believe that crossing two breeds is a great way to solve genetic health issues; however, there is a problem with this theory. The issue arises if both dog breeds have a tendency to the same genetic issues. Most people think of Labs and how they sweet they are. So, does this sweetness help balance out the Malinois all-work temperament? When it comes to their size, expect the Labrador Malinois mixed-breed dog to be on the larger side. Each dog is unique. Some of these dogs may tend to be more on the sweet side, while others are more sensitive, or outgoing. What is a Belgian Malinois? These are highly intelligent working dogs that first originated in Belgium during the s, but then found their way to the U. The breed was developed to be a working dog, specifically a shepherd of cattle, sheep, etc. In addition, the Malinois requires regular strenuous exercise every day, because they are bred to work. They enjoy jogging, hiking, playing fetch and more, and are best for families that are highly active. They do well with dog sports and agility competitions, and enjoy regular obedience training classes. In fact, Malinois are highly trainable. The dogs need be mentally and physically stimulated in order to be happy. These dogs have a strong prey instinct, making them not usually recommended for families with young children or other animals especially cats. Because of their strong prey instinct, they have a tendency to nip or bite; they do bite very hard. These awesome dogs are recommended for experienced pet parents who understand exactly what this dog needs. Otherwise, a Malinois can become bored or depressed, which an lead to destructive or even aggressive behavior. What is a Labrador Retriever? The Labrador Retriever is one of the most common family dogs around! These very friendly dogs bond th their entire family, and they enjoy socializing with other humans and dogs. Labs are known for being hard-working and good-natured. These dogs are highly trainable and love to work, but they also enjoy having some fun! Just like the Malinois, Labs needs a lot of exercise to get rid of their excess energy. And the exercise needs to be intense. This can include jogging, playing fetch, and more. They also do well in dog competitions, including agility and other dog sports. They also enjoy training sessions to help them stay mentally fit. Labs are sweet natured, which makes them great companions or therapy dogs. Did we mention they also make great watchdogs? Labs are very protective of their family and their home. One health issue both dog breeds share is hip dysplasia. This is a painful condition of the hip, where the socket becomes malformed. It can cause gait problems, arthritis and more. Each dog is a beautiful, unique individual. However, both the Lab and the Malinois are work dogs, who need to have a job in order to happy. Having said that, it could also be the crossbreed puppy could have an extreme of either the Malinois or the Lab temperaments. Or the puppy could develop a balanced personality with characteristics of both mellowed out. We do know that if you need a dog for a specific job, then a mixed breed puppy is probably not the best option. Both breeds need training and socialization, so your mixed Lab Malinois will definitely need this to make sure they stay happy and healthy. And remember that your mixed dog will need to always be supervised around young children and other pets. This is due to the strong prey instinct in the Malinois, and some Labs. Also keep it fun! This is a great way to bond with your Lab Malinois dog! Labs generally come in three colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. However, sometimes they may even appear white or silver. Malinois come in four colors that can include black-tipped fawn, black-masked fawn, mahogany or tan. As a result, you could end up with a Belgian Malinois black lab mix, or some other color combination. This will depend on the parents and how the genetics play out in the puppies. Grooming When it comes to grooming a Malinois Lab, both the purebred dogs have coats that help them deal with all types of weather. Both also tend to shed, especially in the fall and spring. Your mixed fur baby will definitely need to be brushed at least once a week, but more often during the high shedding seasons. As bathing, your Malinois Lab will require occasional bathing, depending on how often he gets dirty and stinky. Some dogs may benefit from a weekly bath, while others may only need to be bathed once a month or so. A Malinois Lab mix will also need his toenails regularly trimmed, about once every three months, or when they become too long. It is possible to breed the Belgian Malinois with other dogs, such as a Golden Retriever, which would result in a Belgian Malinois Golden Retriever mix. Here, again, the characteristics of the dog will depend on the purebred parents. The Malinois Lab mix can result in a wonderful dog. Just remember that these dogs are highly energetic and need positive reinforcement training.

You should see a vet ASAP if you notice this. The earlier you catch the cherry eye, the better the prognosis. When these fibers are weakened due to a genetics, it can lead to the gland popping out of place. Breed is a factor There are some breeds that have a higher genetic predisposition to this tissue fiber weakness. Unfortunately, Frenchies are one of many breeds that are much more susceptible to developing cherry eye than your average dog. The most common age for a Frenchie to develop cherry eye is between 3 months and 2 years old. Complications of Untreated Cherry Eye Left untreated, cherry eye may cause damage to the eye or third eyelid gland which may result in chronic dry eye and irritation. By seeking treatment quickly, and not waiting for the cherry eye to go away on its own, you can very much minimize damage to the eye if any. Why you may ask? Treatment Options When it comes to treating cherry eye, there are typically two types of treatments: surgical and non-surgical. Non-Surgical Believe it or not, sometimes cherry eye can simply go away on its own. If the cherry eye is caught early enough, these might be enough to do the trick. Anti-Inflammatory Eye Drops These eye drops reduce swelling and inflammation, which will help to relieve any pain or discomfort your Frenchie could be experiencing. They also protect against secondary infections. Massage In mild cases, it may be possible to slowly massage the gland back into its proper position. Tucking Method The tucking method is the most common surgical procedure used to treat cherry eye. This technique involves permanently placing a stitch that pulls the gland back into its original position Imbrication Method The imbrication method is one of the newer techniques surgeons use to treat cherry eye. With this technique, a wedge of tissue would be removed from over the gland. Complete removal of the affected gland Completely removing the nictitating gland is the oldest techniques used to treat cherry eye. When should I see my vet? Catching the cherry eye early makes treatment much easier as well, whereas if you waited long, surgery might be necessary. Prognosis As mentioned before, cherry eye is not too serious of a condition. With prompt medical attention and the right treatment, the chances of any serious complications are slim to none. If your veterinarian determines surgery, you can expect healing to be done in about 2 weeks. Posted on. Mastiffs Terriers In general, breeds with shorter muzzles many of whom have brachycephalic syndrome as well as toy breeds and teacup dogs tend to be more likely to experience cherry eye than their longer-nosed, full-sized counterparts. And young dogs—puppies under a year old—are most susceptible as well. Early cherry eye in dogs is fairly easy to spot, Vygantas says. This bulge is typically in the corner nearest the nose and similar in shape and color to a cherry pit, hence the nickname. The condition can occur in one or both eyes. The good news is early-stage cherry eye in dogs isn't painful. In fact, your pup probably won't even know something is wrong. But over time, it can make your dog prone to dry eye and infections , so it shouldn't be ignored. The tear gland in that third eyelid is responsible for about 33 to 66 percent of your dog's overall tear production. When prolapse occurs, the tear duct doesn't function normally. For healthy eyes and overall comfort, it's critical that this gland is preserved and reattached to its proper place. If you suspect your dog has cherry eye, it's important to see your vet as soon as possible. While not a medical emergency, the condition can cause health concerns over time. Left untreated, cherry eye can result in damage to the tear duct and cause chronic dry eye. The gland may also become more swollen over time and restrict blood flow. As swelling makes your dog more uncomfortable, he'll be tempted to scratch or paw at the eye, increasing the likelihood of damage and infection. At your initial vet visit, your veterinarian might prescribe dog-safe eye drops for cherry eye to reduce inflammation. These drops can also provide much-needed moisture for comfort and eye health. But eye drops are not a cure for cherry eye. Usually, the vet-recommended treatment for cherry eye in dogs is surgery to preserve the eyelid. Your vet should be able to preserve and correctly reposition the tear gland with a simple procedure. While it might be tempting to try and avoid surgery, when it comes to cherry eye, ointment and topical treatments won't address the root problem and your pup will likely need surgery later anyway. According to Vygantas, once the gland is out of position, it's unlikely to resolve itself without surgery. Still, even minor surgery can be stress-inducing as a pet owner. But rest assured: cherry eye surgery recovery is typically short and sweet. In fact, most pups are back to normal within a couple of weeks. In the meantime, your pup will have a follow-up appointment or two with her vet to check the surgical site. She'll also need to wear an e-collar aka the cone of shame during recovery to keep her eye safe from scratching, pawing, and infection. Cherry eye is not life-threatening, and the vast majority of dogs go on to live full lives with healthy eyes. If you're wondering if you should get a dog who has cherry eye—either from a rescue or a breeder—there are a few considerations to keep in mind. First, it's important to remember cherry eye is not contagious, so it poses no risk to you or other pets. However, surgical treatment of cherry eye can be expensive. Costs range from several hundred to thousands of dollars depending on the breed, your location, and your veterinarian's rates for surgical procedures. And, since as many as 45 percent of dogs that experience cherry eye in one eye will eventually have it in the other, you could very well end up doubling your expenses. The good news is, the simple cherry eye surgery should solve the problem for good. The most common complication of this surgery is the breakdown of the suture line and subsequent re-prolapse of the gland," Vygantas explains. If the suture does fail, another surgery is likely necessary. Still, Vygantas stresses that the condition is not an indicator of poor health or of other underlying conditions. If your pup has cherry eye, there's no reason she can't enjoy a long, happy, healthy life post-treatment. Is it Possible to Prevent Cherry Eye? Unfortunately, there's no way to keep your dog from developing cherry eye. But there are ways to give your pup the best chance at good health. Feed her a good diet and provide lots of exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Schedule an appointment with your vet to make sure she stays up-to-date on all preventative care and vaccinations , and reach out to your vet if you have any concerns about your pup's eye health. Was this page helpful? Cane Corso Boxer Cherry eye is also more common in dogs under two years of age, but dogs of all ages are still at risk of developing cherry eye. Additionally, while you might be most concerned about your French Bulldog, in rare cases, cherry eye can show up in cats as well. Can I prevent cherry eye? The good news, though, is that cherry eye is not transmittable to other people or animals in your home. What home remedies can be used to treat cherry eye? Since cherry eye is a super common condition, there are plenty of home remedies out there. That being said, you should consult your vet before attempting any home remedies. Some people claim the best at-home remedy for cherry eye is leaving it alone since it does not cause extreme pain to the dog, but this can do more harm than good. Leaving cherry eye untreated can lead to pain, damaged tear ducts, or even loss of vision. Warm Washcloth The most common home remedy for cherry eye is a warm washcloth. Before attempting this remedy, make sure you and your French Bulldog are in a calm and relaxed state. While these eye drops can reduce swelling, it is likely only a temporary fix for cherry eyes. Home remedies are good for treating the symptoms of cherry eye and temporarily reducing the swelling; the only way to fully cure cherry eye is surgery. When should I seek professional care? Cherry eye is not considered a medical emergency, but you should still consult your vet as soon as you notice it. Cherry eye that is left untreated can cause chronic dry eye, increased risk of infection, or permanent vision damage. As we mentioned above, your vet may start by prescribing anti-inflammatory eye drops. Eventually, the cherry eye will be back. The most effective treatment for cherry eye is a minimally invasive surgery to reposition the eye gland. Note that this surgery will not remove the eye gland, only reposition it back where it should be. If the surgery goes well, your dog will need to be reseen in weeks. In most cases, surgery is enough to prevent cherry eye from coming back. In rarer cases, your dog may develop cherry eye again and require further surgery. Call your vet when you first notice a cherry eye, and be sure to prevent your dog from scratching too much at their eye until you can seek medical care. She has two rescue dogs. It will have the appearance of a cherry and be sticking out of the corner. This is known as cherry eye. What causes this is not well-known but it is usually able to be treated by a veterinarian. Cherry eye in your French Bulldog occurs when they experience a prolapse of the third gland in their eyelid. Most French Bulldogs have a third eyelid which is located inside their lower eyelid. However, it is possible for this third gland to pop out or prolapse. When this happens, the condition is known as cherry eye. What are the Symptoms of Cherry Eye? The symptoms of cherry eye in your French Bulldog will be obvious. Your dog will be pawing and scratching their eye. It will be red, dry as well as irritated. They will be squinting, have excessive tear production, abnormally dry eyes and more. It could also be small and only periodically be visible. Do you need to worry? French Bulldog cherry eye is not fatal. However, it will cause your dog to experience significant amounts of discomfort. They may claw at their eye resulting in corneal ulcers. Your French Bulldog will have dry itchy eyes causing them to experience inflammation and discomfort. This could also cause them to experience increasing levels of pain. Many believe French Bulldog cherry eye is a congenital disorder. It may be passed from one generation to another, but not everyone agrees with this theory. It is common for it to occur with dogs two years old or younger. There is no agreement among dog experts on exactly what causes cherry eye in French Bulldogs, but it is one of the breeds that statistically have a higher chance of developing this condition. It could involve surgical or non-surgical methods as well as a combination of both. There are effective massage techniques that are able to eliminate the protrusion. When this is successful, the gland of the nictitating membrane will go back into place. However, this massage technique requires constant monitoring by a veterinarian. Buy on Amazon Here One surgical solution involves an attachment procedure. In cases where the cherry eye is chronic, a veterinarian may have no option but to remove the gland. This will only be done if the function of the gland has been significantly diminished or it is no longer working. Some Frenchie owners have found the topical application of Antimicrobial Ophthalmic Gel can help relieve the symptoms associated with cherry eye, so if you are concerned about taking the surgical route, this may be a good starting point. However, up to twenty percent of French Bulldogs will have a relapse of their third eyelid gland. This could require them to have additional surgery. When your Frenchie has a prolapse in one eye, they will often have a prolapse in their other eye. Wrap French Bulldogs are born with three eyelids. In most situations, this condition will happen when your French Bulldog is still young. Pin 0 Shares Cherry eye is a relatively common condition that afflicts many French Bulldogs. The medical name for it is a prolapsed nictitans gland. It is very unpleasant to look at and will be uncomfortable for your Frenchie. It can be treated with both surgical and non-surgical options. But what exactly is it and how do French Bulldogs get cherry eye? And more importantly, what can you do about it and is there an easy fix aside from surgery? It will include the symptoms, potential issues and the treatments that can be done to correct it. What is cherry eye? While we humans only have two eyelids an upper and lower lid , dogs actually have three eyelids: an upper, lower, but also a third eyelid that comes up from underneath their lower eyelid when closed. This third eyelid designed to give their eyes an extra layer of protection, as well as producing tears to wash the eye out and keep it clear of sties and irritants. Humans used to have a third eyelid, known as the nictitating membrane, but this has since become obsolete, noticeable only in the small pink lump seen in the corner of your eye near your nose. In dogs, however, this eyelid is still useable, acting like a windscreen wiper and closing along with the other lids. It is not only nasty to look at, but it also prevents the third eyelid from working properly, potentially leading to further eye problems. How do French bulldogs get cherry eye problems? However, most vets and experts believe that French Bulldogs get cherry eye due to hereditary and congenital reasons. Congenital disorders are passed down through bloodlines, meaning that the puppies of a dog with cherry eye is more likely to get it in the future. Other reasons why Frenchies could get cherry eye can be due to them having weakness in the eye area or possibly environmental conditions that lead to allergic swelling and reactions. According to research conducted by the Royal Veterinary College visit website , a prolapsed nictitans gland cherry eye occurs in 2. The research also uncovered that cherry eye was slightly more common in male Frenchies, with 2. What does cherry eye look like in French bulldogs? Cherry eye is simple enough to spot and diagnose. This is a classic example of what cherry eye looks like in a French Bulldog. Cherry eye gets its name rather aptly from the protrusion itself. The exposed part of the third eyelid becomes lumpy, red and shiny due to exposure and irritation, resembling a cherry. Some cases of French Bulldog cherry eye are bigger than others, although this can vary on a case-by-case basis and also depends on the size of the dog and the size of their eyes. French Bulldog cherry eye symptoms The symptoms of cherry eye are mostly very obvious; the red cherry eye itself being the biggest indicator. It will start to appear as a reddish lump protruding from the edge of the eye that is often inflamed, giving it its name. Depending on the size of the prolapsed nictitans gland, it could easily cover a large area of the eye or be relatively small. Regardless of its size, it can cause major discomfort and distress for your French Bulldog. You may also notice your Frenchie dog pawing at and scratching their face, as well as shaking their head in an attempt to dislodge the thing they can feel in their eye. Here are those symptoms and signs to look out for: Pawing and scratching at the affected eye area. Red and dry looking eye. Excessive squinting and blinking. How do you fix a French Bulldog cherry eye? How you treat Frenchie cherry eye will depend on the size of the condition. Fixing a cherry eye can require surgery in the most serious cases, with ointment and massage working for less severe conditions. Treatments for cherry eye There are a few different ways of treating cherry eye, depending on its size. Some treatments are more invasive than others, although which one is best for your Frenchie will be up to you and the recommendation of your vet. However, the only way of actually getting rid of the cherry eye completely is through surgery. The surgery usually results in the vet returning the gland back to its normal place inside the eyelid. This is done by either stitching the gland back into place, creating a new pocket in the eyelid to contain the gland or removing it altogether. If the tear gland has to be removed, your dog will have to be treated long-term with artificial tears to prevent further eye conditions. The longer you leave cherry eye, the harder it will be to correct; so, the sooner you bring your dog in to receive treatment the better. How do you massage a cherry eye? A non-surgical treatment often touted as a home remedy for cherry eye is massaging it back into place. This is seen as an easier, cheaper and less stressful alternative to surgery. This usually only works for cases caught very early on as the membrane is still strong enough to contain the gland once it is returned to place. Over time the connecting tissue will grow weaker and be unable to hold the gland in place. Because of this, it is highly recommended that you go and get your dog checked out by a vet as soon as possible in order to get the best recovery outcome. The technique for massaging cherry eye uses a combination of things, including massages, compresses and eye drops, that help you to encourage the prolapsed gland to return to its normal place. This is done by applying warm compresses and light pressure to the lower eyelid, pushing towards the nose, to pop the gland back into place. The gland may pop out again later on, although some owners have found it returns to place permanently after one or two tries. If you have noticed that your Frenchie is suffering from cherry eye, take them to see your vet immediately and ask them about treatment options, as well as advice about massaging if you are worried about causing damage. Disclaimer: Please only ever attempt massage after asking your vet how to do it properly. What happens if cherry eye goes left untreated? As previously mentioned, leaving a cherry eye go untreated for a long period of time can result not only in it being harder to treat through both home remedy and surgical options. The connecting tissue between the gland and the eyelid will gradually grow weaker, resulting in the eyelid no longer being strong enough to contain the gland without it prolapsing again later on. You should not leave cherry eye go untreated altogether either, as this can result in further complications that cause your dog discomfort. Can cherry eye in dogs cause blindness? This can lead to reduced vision and even total blindness in the affected eye. This condition is usually a life-long one, but you can help prevent it from occurring in your dog by treating cherry eye as soon as you spot it. Additionally, this surgery may have to be performed again if the prolapse occurs again. While it is a last-case resort, the removal of the prolapse is sometimes required if the gland is unable to be held in place by the eyelid. However, these prices are only guidelines and can vary depending on your vet. For a more personalised estimate on the cost of surgery and other treatment options, please speak to your vet. Conclusion French Bulldogs are one of the breeds most prone to the cherry eye condition, along with other bulldog breeds, Cavaliere King Charles Spaniels, Pugs and Terries. Our Frenchie has never had this condition, and the guidance on this page has been researched having spoken to our vet and other Frenchie owners — you should always consult with your own trusted vet for advice.

Contact Nursery Our puppy nursery is our number one focus. Our family loves interacting with the puppies once they become big enough to leave mom's contained nursing area. Keeping the nursery as clean as possible prior to the pups being large enough and able to leave the nest area is very important. Routine socialization, cuddles, checkups, play time and one-on-one time occurs daily to keep the dogs healthy, happy, active and fit. All dogs are regularly visited by our Vet, and up to date on all immunizations and dewormings. Proper Equipment The equipment used for producing our puppies is complicated and took quite a bit of training to be able to properly produce puppies via Artificial Insemination. Many of our females are bred in this manner in order to produce the desired size results. They have been very attentive. They accompanied us all the time and continue to check in weeks after picking up our puppy. Our Pomeranian is a love. 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Our family enjoys breeding, but dealing with the day-to-day demand of customers takes us away from spending time with our dogs and family time. Nurture KMS partners allows us the freedom to not have to be constantly on phone calls, coordinating travel logistics, etc. Streamlined Marketing Nurture KMS partners offers streamlined marketing for our puppies as well as other breeders in their network. Nurture KMS partners pays for all the advertisement on our behalf allowing for the overall cost of advertising to be reduced, due to the specific breeds they offer. Feedback is also collected from Nurture KMS partners clients. We analyze this information on a regular basis, and it helps us keep adjusting and improving our program. Gary Rybka. He has also created specific protocol for our family to follow making sure that the pups remain in perfect health throughout their time with us. We always have access to veterinary advice from a vet, who has practiced with puppies specifically over the last 45 years. He has developed preventative care programs that have enabled my puppies to be delivered in fantastic health. In an environment, where fraud exists it is great to have Premier Pups screening customers and ensuring that every transaction is done properly, so that we are compensated for our hard work and dedication. Our family does not have the existing technology or resources to do so. Security and theft is always a concern if we were to allow individuals to come to our home. By having Nurture KMS partners n the middle, it provides our family with a damper and helps us feel secure. We also trust that Premier pups is placing our puppies in fantastic homes. Long-Term Commitment Developing long-term, personal relationships with our communities is and always has been an integral part of who we are. Our commitment to our pet families means that we work closely with the people, who raise the puppies we provide. We visit our breeders often to ensure our puppies and the practices used to raise them are always improving. Our puppies are our pride and we work hard to maintain their well being and to get them settled into their fur-ever homes. Our Puppy Breeds. My dogs are Champions. They are working on or have achieved a working title. They have their health clearances for hips, elbows, thyroid, and heart. All of my dogs are good with children and have sound temperments. All puppies are micro chipped before leaving. All puppies are at least 8 weeks old before leaving. All puppies have been temperment tested at 7 weeks. None of these puppies will leave until they have passed a temperment test. All Foxrun puppies are sold with: Health guarantee. Hip guarantee. Vet checked at 8 weeks. Micro chipped with an Avid microchip. He passed away quitly in his sleep on January 23, .He turned 11 years old in Nov. He was a one of a kind type of dog. He was my second Champion. My first Rally dog and produced my first home bred Champion. I miss Cash so very much each and every day. I do not think I will ever have a dog like Cash in my life. Good bye my best friend. Bullmastiffs are a working dog. The males are about 25" to 27" at the shoulder and weigh between to lbs. The females are between 24" to 26" at the shoulder and weigh between 90 to lbs. All of these colors should have a black mask. The Bullmastiff bite should be level to slightly undershot with a wide underjaw. A small amount of white is acceptable on a Bullmastiff. If this is too expensive then please check into a Rescue dog from the American Bullmastiff Association Rescue site. There are some wonderful dogs that would love to have a happy home. You can e-mail us at:.

Having these dogs around the elderly and youngsters is risk-free because they speak their affection freely for every person in the household. Before searching for golden retriever puppies for sale Manchester, here are a few things you must know. Golden retrievers are lovely pets and bring happiness to every family who adopts one of them. Smart, kind, and compassionate, this exceptionally unique breed of dog is also incredibly faithful to its owner. Furthermore, these dogs are affectionate, cheerful, and extremely playful. If you give them the proper training, they may be readily housebroken; maintaining them all around the house is very straightforward. There is no doubt that whatever of the three varieties of Golden Retrievers you pick, you will get an exquisite puppy growing up to be a beautifully beautiful dog. Golden Retrievers are very biddable, which means that they strive to please their owners, and they are reasonably easy to teach. Labs respond well with clear instructions and are fast to pick up new skills. They do best when given a little structure, and they can be difficult if left to take an active role. It is when they are with you that they are at their happiest. When it comes to quiet time, most Labs suffer from lap-dog syndrome and are entirely ignorant of their size. It is pretty OK for them to throng the bed if you allow it, and they will attempt to sit as near you as possible on the sofa, though not directly on top of you. Roundthorn is a tiny dachshund breeder that breeds retriever puppies in a cage-free setting and family atmosphere. Roundthorn provides a day guarantee on their puppies and all vaccinations, deworming, and health records. Roundthorn is one of the best breeder if you are looking for golden retriever puppies for sale Manchester. Shirelands Shirelands have been in the Golden Retriever business for ages, and Shirelands have owned, lived with, and breathed Golden Retriever for over a decade. Shirelands are widely regarded as one of the most qualified person breeders in the United Kingdom, with a solid and well-deserved reputation. Numerous puppy owners have benefited from my humour and positive, no-nonsense attitude, and they look forward to working for the next ten years. Shirelands is one of the best breeder if you are looking for golden retriever puppies for sale Manchester. Largymore Largymore provides your canines with the same level of love and attention they receive at home. Besides that, Largymore is also the best breeder available in Manchester, where you can get the best quality golden retrievers for sale Manchester. Kezdek Golden Retrievers Kezdek Golden Retrievers have extensive knowledge in all elements of export and shipping, allowing Kezdek Golden Retrievers to provide the best possible care and welfare for their dogs when they are transported throughout the world. All Kezdek Golden Retrievers dogs are subjected to a thorough health examination, including hip, elbow, and eye examinations. It is their aim that the Kezdek Golden Retrievers website would provide you with a glimpse into the spirit of Kezdek Golden Retrievers Labradors as well as our enthusiasm for this great breed. Kezdek Golden Retrievers have built up a reputation for creating quality, hard-working Labradors both in the United Kingdom and internationally for providing the best golden retriever puppies for sale Manchester. Cost of golden retriever puppies for sale Manchester A Golden Retriever comes with many expenditures that prospective owners will want to factor into their budget. This includes veterinary expenditures, training charges, food-related expenses, supplies, grooming, and other fees. Buying Tips: Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale Manchester Breeders typically need to have particular papers confirming that they are authorized to breed animals, depending on where they are located worldwide. This ensures that subsequent generations of dogs are adequately cared for and protected. If you purchase from someone who is intentionally breeding dogs but is not caring for the animals, you will be contributing to the perpetuation of this terrible cycle. Inquire about their licensing and accreditation for providing golden retriever puppies for sale Manchester. Before meeting the pups, you should request to talk with the breeder on the phone when you initially contact the company. Having them remove the pups allows you to ask them concerns about their breeding techniques without having your judgment biased by those oh so adorable puppies. Additionally, a reputable breeder will want to ask you a few questions regarding your house and lifestyle to verify that you would be a suitable parent for one of their puppies. Conclusion Golden Retrievers make excellent watchdogs and guard dogs, so looking for golden retriever puppies for sale Manchester is a good decision. They are huge, protective, and intelligent enough to guard your house and family with only the bare minimum of occasional training. This is partly because they are obedient and loyal. Post navigation. Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Greater New Hampshire location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands. Smart Golden Retriever puppies do great with early training. Complete Golden Retriever puppy training typically takes a few months. Working with a Golden Retriever puppy and the owner directly in the home prevents puppies from being distracted and allows dog trainers to create personalized training plans for individual puppies, as well as address any unique needs or issues. Once a puppy has completed in-home training, Dog Training Elite Greater New Hampshire offers puppy group classes for further training. Beginning Golden Retriever training in the home also helps owners bond with their pup so when the dog trainer leaves, no progress is lost. Training can be great mental stimulation, so a great exercise for Golden Retrievers as they get older is progressing their training. Once your puppy has mastered sitting, for example, train them to maintain the position until released. Once your puppy is a bit older, explore other sports and activities. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter. Empowering Owners We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. Personalized We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. Environment Specific We train wherever issues tend to arise i. Supportive We support owners in the off-hours when training is "not in session". Involved We work with all members of the household. Satisfaction Ratings Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors. True to their name, Golden Retrievers love retrieving things! Golden Retriever Specific Tips Weight Management Golden Retrievers can easily become overweight so owners will need to help manage their food intake. Golden Retriever Specific Tips Make it a Family Affair If you have adopted a Golden Retriever puppy to become part of a family, make sure all kids and adults are on the same page with training and all practice basic tricks with the family dog. Dog Training Elite Greater New Hampshire has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on positive reinforcement. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible. Golden Retriever training can help you establish routines and learn how to be consistent about enforcing them. All Sizes. All Ages. Dog Training Elite Greater New Hampshire never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out. The Dog Training Elite Greater New Hampshire training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Ready to turn your Golden Retriever puppy into a loyal and loving companion? Find a trainer near you today! We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call! The group classes are fun and informative and one is always willing to step aside and help you one on one if needed and Cass still gets excited to see Hayley!! I am so grateful to all the staff for helping me to have such a well behaved dog. Thank you all of!!! All the trainers were so good with her, especially Haley! I think her Dad and I agree, worth both the investment of our time and money!

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. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. In the beginning, the food needs for my Labrador Molly changed dramatically. I worried that I was feeding her too little. As she grew older, I became concerned that I was feeding her too much. So, how often should you feed a Labrador? You should feed an adult Labrador two meals per day. You should feed Labrador puppies three meals per day, unless otherwise stated on the food packaging. It is essential to adhere to food schedules that are consistent for the long-term health of your Lab. You should also be aware of how to handle situations when your dog doesn't want to eat on schedule or doesn't finish its meal. In this article Labrador Feeding Schedules Labrador adults, like most dogs, work well when fed on a schedule. Twice per day is the standard as it allows the dog to eat and digest properly. Puppies will require more frequent feedings, though, as they expend far more energy and smaller stomachs to hold their needed food. If you have a Labrador that gets a lot of exercise, you may want to consider feeding them less food more often, as they will likely feel hungry sooner. Age, size, and the food's nutritional content should determine the amount of food given. Whatever the frequency, it's crucial for your puppy or dog to have a regular feeding schedule. Disrupting this can cause digestive problems that are unpleasant for the dog and the owner. According to Veterinary Centers of America, dogs are creatures of habit that need the security and predictability of their feeding routine. In addition, keeping the feeding schedule consistent helps your pet cope with other changes that may occur within the household. Lastly, never free-feed a Labrador. While Labradors may not technically eat themselves to death , they can certainly make themselves sick if you let them decide how much and how often to eat. This is especially true while you're trying to establish a set routine for when your Lab will eat its meals. Feed Your Lab Less Food More Frequently If you find that your Labrador isn't interested in eating the entire meal in a single sitting, you can add more mealtime if it works for your schedule. To do this, you should take the whole day's meal portion and divide it evenly into the desired number of meals. If you add an extra mealtime, you should serve 1 cup at each of the three meals. In other words, adding another mealtime doesn't mean that you add more food intake to the day's total. Use Interactive Food Dispensers Another option is to use an interactive toy to dispense the food, which may help to keep your dog's attention for the entire mealtime. It is an excellent option to hide food or treats. This particular item is perfect for a Labrador because it will allow your pet to use its intelligence to solve a puzzle and problem-solve while being rewarded with the kibble hidden inside. Although it isn't a good option for every Lab's mealtime, it is an idea for a pup that loses interest in their food before finishing. How Much to Feed a Labrador Your Lab's portions at each meal should depend on a few different factors. First of all, you need to know if your pup is currently at a healthy weight. So the best thing to do in this case is to ask your veterinarian if your Lab is at a healthy weight. If your Lab is not at an ideal weight , you'll need to talk to your vet and amend the feeding plan. You may also consider a specialized food designed to help your dog reach the appropriate weight. Your Labrador's activity level will also impact how much he needs to eat each day. It's always a good idea to consult the feeding guide on your dog food and your veterinarian's advice to make an informed decision. Labrador Feeding Schedule Examples To give you an idea of a standard feeding schedule and meal plan, here is a chart based on the feeding recommendation from Royal Canin's Labrador Retriever dry puppy food : Adult Target Weight:. 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. You are planning to adopt a Labrador puppy, or already are a proud pet parent of one, you must be anxious about how best to assure optimum growth and health to your pup. This piece of writing is an attempt to give you some useful information about the kind of food which you can feed and also about how best you can feed it. In earlier times, the breed was mostly utilized and appreciated for being a versatile hunter. It can hunt on land as well as water; besides, this intelligent dog is a possessor of a gentle temperament, which makes it easily fit into the role of a friendly family dog. Types of Dog food Broadly speaking, the food for your pet is available in three forms — Wet, Dry and Raw. Wet food is the commercially manufactured food which offers chunks of meat, with or without gravy, with added vitamins, minerals and other important elements to make it nutritionally complete and balanced. Dry food consists of pellets called kibbles of food, which are easy to store and convenient to serve. The ready-made food bits meant for puppies consist of nutrients in the right proportions to support a healthy growth. Raw diet consists of raw meat, bones, fruits and vegetables. There are benefits and risks involved in administering a raw diet, which one should be aware of before adopting a fully raw diet. You may go for dry, wet or raw diet, or a combination of them. You may also consult your vet to guide in case you are confused about your choices. Labradors are always hungry and that is because of their huge appetites. As a pet owner you need to monitor the amount of food they eat, as their greed for food can easily drive them towards obesity, and consequently towards various diseases. Commercially made food Many companies categorize their foods on the basis of life stage puppy, adult, senior , breed large, medium or small , or may offer pet food specifically targeting a particular breed like Royal Canin Labrador Junior , which seeks to take care of a Labrador dog up to 15 months of age. The formulation of diets like this are based on the assumption that all pure breed dogs have their unique needs, which if addressed would bring the dog to an optimum level of health. Information from the breeders If you have brought the puppy from a breeder, then he would supply you a diet routine which needs to be followed, some food or may be some information regarding feeding. Follow it religiously for some days to give some sort of familiar touch to the puppy that is undergoing the stress of being separated from its mother and siblings. In absence of any information from the breeder, best thing would be to consult a vet. Milk for the puppy? Beware of confusing food labels Learn how to read a food label. The food label is given in decreasing order, making the first ingredient the biggest element in the food. That is why it is very important to know what the first two or three ingredients of the food are. Ideally, the first element of any dog food should be a specific kind of meat like chicken, duck, beef ; meat-by-product, meat or animal should not be mentioned on the package as they present an ambiguous picture. Leftover of slaughter houses can find its way to your dog food, something which cannot be classed in the category of healthy and complete food. So if you care for your dog, be aware and make the right selection. Water Make sure that water is available to the puppies at all times of the day, except for one hour before sleeping time. Divide the daily diet The daily dietary requirement of your Labrador pup should be properly divided into portions of meal to be fed at regular intervals. This would help in managing digestion and for keeping its overall health at a good level. You can begin by feeding four meals a day to your 8 to 12 weeks old puppy, and have a time marked for each. Have a gap of at least 3 hours in between each meal so that the little doggie is able to digest it well. Two meals a day is also something which most dog owners continue to feed even after the dog grows up. Feeding your dog once a day after 12 months of age can work as long as you feed it raw meat. The dry kibbles tend to swell once the dog drinks water, and this may cause bloating and also damage its stomach, hence is strictly not recommended. Teach the dog to eat at meal times Your dog would learn to eat the food when it is offered to it if you take back the bowl after a specific interval of time, say 15 to 20 minutes. Household scraps Avoid giving leftovers from your own meals to your puppy, unless you have enough knowledge and experience in dealing with the nutritional requirements of a growing canine. The nutritional needs of your puppy are different than that of humans; also it may differ from one breed of dog to another. The growing pup needs complete and balanced diet to achieve its potential growth, otherwise lifelong disabilities or problems can find easy entry into its life. As, your heartfelt, but nutritionally lacking edible additions might unbalance the diet of your dog. How much to feed? How much food to feed your dog each day is something no one can precisely tell. But the guidelines on the package of the food you are feeding, along with your observation of how the dog is doing with the quantity fed, would help you decide an adequate quantity. The important thing to remember is that the dog should neither be too fat or too slim. Following some instructions related to diet, regular appointments with vet, observing the puppy and showering it with lots and lots of love would give such environment to the little canine in which it would thrive. About Petsworld Team The blog editor of Pets World is a pet aficionado and fervently follows her pet-obsession. A pet parent to animals big and small for the past two decades. The sum of all experiences gathered is an amalgamation of useful knowledge and research. More like this. 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.

A bunny hopping gait or loose walk. Trouble getting up from a nap Difficulty walking up or down stairs to greet you. Other common Lab joint problems include osteoarthritis from old age and not necessarily hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can result in lameness of the front legs. Always consult your veterinarian if you see the symptoms of Labrador hip dysplasia. X-rays and a full exam are necessary for proper diagnosis. Dog hip dysplasia surgery for severe cases in medium-to large-sized dogs can be expensive. In most cases, rehabilitation services can also be costly and postoperative care can be long and arduous. Age may keep your dog from being a good candidate for surgery. Non-surgical treatment options often have no age restrictions. Dog hip braces, such as the Ortho Dog Hip Hound brace , support the low back and hip area for mild to moderate hip dysplasia. The purpose of the Hip Hound brace is to stabilize the hip and lower back areas by holding the head of the femur in the hip socket. This reduces grating of the bone, which allows for post-surgical healing or pain-free exercise. Braces come in all sizes so you can find one that is perfect for your pet and allows for maximum support. Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup? Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Since Labs are prone to joint issues, your dog may be diagnosed with elbow dysplasia Fragmented medial coronoid process. A veterinarian we work with has used the Ortho Dog Hock Holder brace for the hind leg over the elbow joint. We recommend you give it a try! This breed already loves water so much, you may not be able to get them to stop swimming! We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. However, if you had a veterinarian watching this plump pup play in the grass, they would have a much more sobering outlook. This puppy is suffering from the early stages of Canine Hip Dysplasia. What is Canine Hip Dysplasia? This results in the separation of the joint and the resulting wear and tear on the cartilage and bones. What Dogs Get Hip Dysplasia? No one knows for sure why some dogs develop this painful joint condition. However the severity of the illness seems to be linked to both the nature genetic component and the nurture environmental and nutritional elements that the dogs experience as they grow. However, it seems to be less prevalent in puppies with parents passing rigorous hip testing through the OFA Orthopedic Foundation of Animals. This is why it is vital to only buy puppies from breeders who have tested the parents for both hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia , which is the same joint deformity in the elbow socket. For example, if puppies grow too quickly, are lacking specific nutrients or have electrolyte imbalances, they are more likely to get CHD when they get older. Again, this issue is more often seen in larger breeds since they undergo more growth and skeletal changes than smaller breeds. The main two things you want to avoid are rapid weight gain and over supplementing too much calcium into the diet. You will also need to follow the feeding schedule set out by your veterinarian and not feed your puppy too much food. All dogs have a genetic code of how big they will get as adults. Your job, to reduce their risk of hip dysplasia, is to make sure they grow at a steady growth rate over time and not shoot up too quickly by feeding them a balanced diet specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. Environmental Factors Puppies are not usually born with hip dysplasia; it develops as the dog matures. You can take your pup out for a low-impact game of fetch in a park or a swim in a pool. However, doing activities such as forced running, stairs, jumping or agility courses when joints have not fully matured is thought to increase the likelihood of hip dysplasia later in life. The easiest way to tell if you pup has CHD is to do an x-ray of their hips while they are sedated. This allows the veterinarian to see if the joint fits together as it should. However, barring an x-ray diagnosis, there are a few symptoms to look for in more advanced cases. Signs of CHD include: Sitting in a frog position with one hip splayed out. Exercise intolerance. Swaying gait where the back end moves back and forth in a pronounced fashion. Reluctance to run, jump or climb stairs. Bunny hopping , especially up stairs. Difficulty getting up. Back legs or hips are painful when touched. Hind leg lameness, which worsens with exercise. Back legs are more close together when the dog stands than the front legs. In more severe cases, you may see muscle wasting in the back legs and hindquarters. Arthritis may develop as the disease progresses. Your dog may start to show unexplained aggressive behavior as the pain increases. Again, the best way to diagnose CHD is with an x-ray. These test rank the hips as Excellent, Good and Fair. You should not buy a puppy without ensuring the parents have at least a Fair rating, and preferably a Good or Excellent hip score. Obviously, dogs exhibiting these scores should not be bred. Yet, even if both parents have great hips, this is not a guarantee that the puppy will be free from hip issues. Refrain from making your puppy your jogging or jumping partner until they are grown. Even if you do everything right, if your dog carries the genetic predisposition for CHD, you may still encounter it when your pup reaches adulthood. If your dog develops CHD, there are several ways to treat it. The best course of action should be determined with your veterinarian. You can also add in exercises such as swimming and leash walking to keep the muscles toned around the joints. Physical therapy and massages have also been known to help. Some dogs undergo total hip replacement surgery , just like humans, and have good success with this approach. There are other preventative surgeries, such as juvenile pubic symphysiodesis JPS that vets give puppies with a high likelihood of developing CHD as a preventative measure. Conclusion While CHD is certainly a frustrating diagnosis, there are many treatment options to help your dog live a long, satisfying life. If you take a proactive approach to their treatment, you can still have an energetic, happy companion that will keep you company on walks, swim with you at the beach and lay by your feet when you relax. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. One such health complication is hip or elbow dysplasia. When looking for a new English Labrador puppy, you should look for parentage with extensive testing in this area, as the tests make sure that bad genetics do not get passed on to their offspring. This article will explain all about elbow and hip dysplasia, what testing you should be looking for, and why English Labradors , in particular, should be tested. What is Elbow and Hip Dysplasia? Elbow and Hip Dysplasia are common orthopedic problems seen in English Labradors and other large or giant breed dogs. Both of these conditions are usually inherited but can be due to poor nutrition, being overweight, or inadequate amounts of exercise. Elbow Dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is the abnormal growth development of the cartilage and bone in the elbow. This can lead to the elbow becoming displaced or out of the socket, which can further cause the elbow joint to develop abnormally leading to a life of pain, inflammation, and arthritis in the elbow. This condition is caused by one of three different problems: Fragment medial coronoid process of the elbow bone fragments in the joint Osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle unnecessarily thicker cartilage development Ununited anconeal process the anconeal process does not fuse with the ulna Dogs with elbow dysplasia may have no outward signs at all but can be so severe that they are not putting any weight on their leg. There are many treatment options to help decrease the pain and inflammation if your dog does develop elbow dysplasia, but you may not notice for some time. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a painful condition caused by abnormal development of the hip joints. A dog has hip dysplasia when the socket in the pelvis is not deep enough for the ball of the femur to stay in place. Since the hip joint is a ball and socket joint, a shallow hip joint causes the ball to continually come in and out of place, causing looseness and instability. When the femur rubs on the pelvis while moving in the socket of the pelvis, this causes arthritis. This arthritis can be very painful. Dogs with hip dysplasia will have trouble walking around normally. This can put extra stress on their knees and ankles, leading to even more orthopedic problems. While there are treatments to make this less painful, there is nothing that can reverse this condition. Luckily, there are a few other options to make this condition less painful for your pup, like specialized beds and cushions to sleep on. What is Elbow and Hip Dysplasia Testing? Elbow and Hip Dysplasia testing can be done on your English Labrador to see if they have the potential for developing either condition. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA , along with your veterinarian, can use radiographs of the hips to help determine if your dog is predisposed for hip dysplasia. English Labradors who do have hip or elbow dysplasia should not be used as a breeding dog, since these genetic diseases that are passed from parents to offspring How is Elbow and Hip Dysplasia Testing Done? For a dog to be tested for elbow and hip dysplasia, they will need to see a veterinarian. Not all veterinarians test for this disease though, so call your veterinarian and make sure that they can test your English Labrador for hip and elbow dysplasia. Be aware: your dog will have to be sedated to get the perfect radiographs for submission. Particular views have to be taken of the hips and elbows, and to take these radiographs your dog will need to be perfectly still. Once taken, the radiographs will be sent off to for boarded radiologists to review. It can take a few weeks for the radiologist to review the x-rays and get you the results. Hip Dysplasia Testing Dogs under 2 years of age can only be given a preliminary screen. They cannot get their full certification until they are 2 years old. Once your dog reaches 2 years of age, you can take them to your veterinarian for the full test certification. The hips will be graded as excellent, good, fair, borderline, mild, moderate, and severe. Those that receive an excellent, good, and fair rating will pass OFA hip certification and receive a certification number. Elbow Dysplasia Testing Elbow dysplasia testing is done similar to hip dysplasia, where 4 different radiographs of the elbows are submitted to a radiologist. Just like with hip dysplasia, dogs cannot get their full certification until after they are 2 years of age. Elbow dysplasia is graded as normal or abnormal, with abnormal being broken down into 3 different grades: Grade 1: Minimal changes Grade 2: a proliferation of 2 to 5mm Grade 3: a severe degenerative joint disease where proliferation is greater than 5mm Only those who have a normal elbow will pass certification and should be used for breeding. Elbow and hip dysplasia testing make sure that the breeding parents do not display characteristics that would predispose them to hip or elbow dysplasia. If the parents have these unwanted traits, your new English Labrador puppy may also have these traits which could lead to hip or elbow dysplasia. When looking for a breeder for your new puppy, make sure to ask about genetic testing to make sure that the puppy you get is going to be healthy and happy. Why do I need to look for English Labrador puppies from parents that have been tested? It is best to find a puppy whose parents have elbow and hip dysplasia certification from OFA. This will help guarantee that your new English Labrador puppy will have good genetics. If you get a puppy from a breeder without elbow and hip dysplasia testing done, there is a possibility that your dog could end up with one of these diseases. These diseases could mean costly veterinary visits and surgeries to make your English Labrador no longer in severe pain. Conclusion When looking for a new English Labrador puppy, make sure that the breed has done everything possible to only breed dogs with the best genetics. If you are looking for an English Lab breeder, we invite you to consider a puppy from Snowy Pines. Our white English Labradors have pure bloodlines, are tested before breeding, and live happy, adventurous lives on our property. Share on. Using both back legs simultaneously when running Reluctance to exercise Trouble laying down or standing up Stumbling when squatting to go to the toilet Difficulty climbing steps Lameness Thigh muscle wastage Dog hip dysplasia symptoms do not normally include crying or whining with pain. Hip Dysplasia Diagnosis Hip dysplasia diagnosis can only be made by a qualified veterinarian. Your vet will physically examine your dog to see signs of hip dysplasia. He or she will ask you to describe the signs you have seen of joint problems, weigh him and assess his over all health. Your veterinarian may take a blood sample to access the extent of inflammation in the joint, and may also ask for a urine sample to assess as well. They will then book your dog in to x-ray their joints. It is possible that the veterinarian will also want to take MRI or CT scans to confirm the extent and exact nature of the diagnosis. Hip dysplasia is not a cut and dried diagnosis. It comes in varying degrees and types, and a lot of factors will influence the treatment course you and your veterinarian choose for him. Hip Dysplasia Treatment Non surgical treatment for hip dysplasia is possible in those cases where the condition is not too severe. Weight loss is advised if your Labrador is on the heavy side, as this will reduce the pressure on the hip joints. In fact one study demonstrated that weight loss alone could improvement the signs of lameness in a dog with hip dysplasia. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can help to manage hip dysplasia symptoms. If you have a local dog friendly swimming pool, then this is a great place to exercise him. Hip Dysplasia Anti-Inflammatories And Pain Killers Pain killers and anti-inflammatories are an essential part of hip dysplasia treatment for some Labradors. NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs developed for dogs who have the symptoms of osteoarthritis, which are often seen in chronic or developed hip dysplasia. They reduce swelling and pain in the effected joints. NSAIDs can only be prescribed by your veterinarian, as they need to be given in specific quantities and at certain times. Corticosteroids are another option your vet might consider. Although they are less popular these days due to the prevalence of other options with less side effects and a more specific impact on the dog. Supplements Canine hip dysplasia supplements are available. However their level of effectiveness is up for debate. Glucosamine and Chondroitin have both been used to manage osteoarthritis. And have been shown to have some impact on reducing the symptoms associated with hip dysplasia. Glucosamine is a sugar that assists with the synthesis and maintenance of joint cartilage. Chondroitin works to inhibit damaging enzymes in joints. Together they are believed to help your dog create and repair connective tissue in the damaged joint. Hip Dysplasia Surgery In many cases of hip dysplasia, your veterinarian will move on from non-surgical treatments to consider the options involved regarding surgical procedures. JPS can only be carried out on dogs who are still in a rapid phase of growth, at under 5 months of age. This means it is rarely carried out, as hip dysplasia is not normally evident until the puppy is a few months older. However, if it can be done it is a much less invasive procedure and can improve the extent of arthritis in the future. This allows a part of the bone to be moved into a better position for the joint. The newly constructed weight bearing area is held in place by a plate and screws. These methods can be effective on joints in younger dogs, less than 10 months old, who have not yet suffered arthritis as a result of their condition. And whose hip dysplasia is not too extensive. It is a major surgery and one that is pretty expensive, but it can provide relief to the dog and increased mobility. However, one study suggests that JPS and TPO have similar effects in dogs with moderate to severe hip dysplasia, but that neither procedure eliminates the symptoms of progression of the disease completely. If the hip dysplasia is extreme then a total hip replacement might be considered. Total Hip Replacement A total hip replacement can be the chosen path for a dog suffering from chronic hip dysplasia. It involves removing the entire joint from your dog. The damaged ball and socket will be removed, and replaced by surgical implants, made of a combination of metal and plastic. This is an extreme surgery, but can have excellent results. Femoral Head And Neck Excision In some dogs it is not possible to carry out a total hip replacement, or very sadly the owner is not able to pay for this extensive surgery. In these cases the veterinarian may consider removing the ball joint in the hip. The benefit of this is that the dog will not suffer from the pain caused by the ball and socket contact. But the down side is that the joint will not work properly afterwards. It is also not advised for larger dogs weighing more than 40 pounds. The dog will require extensive physiotherapy after surgery, and will not return to complete fitness as the joint will always have a limited function. How Much Does Hip Dysplasia Treatment Cost If your dog has been diagnosed with canine hip dysplasia, then you will incur costs from this for the remainder of his life. Non-surgical treatments and pain management can quickly run up large bills. In terms of your veterinarian time, scans, medications and any additional physiotherapy or hydrotherapy you use. Hip dysplasia surgery cost varies depending upon who your vet is and what procedure they decide is best. Hip Dysplasia Causes Hip dysplasia has a variety of potential causes. The main contender is genetic inheritance, although it is not a straight forward or simple matter. A puppy from parents with poor hips is more likely to have poor hips themselves. Causes of hip dysplasia are not limited to the inherited factor either. They have an environmental influence, which means that some dogs who could have suffered from hip dysplasia never show signs. And others with a limited likelihood go on to have extensive problems. Other causes include diet, regularity of feeding, pelvic muscle mass, exercise and weight. Hip Dysplasia Prevention Preventing hip dysplasia in dogs is important. Especially in the breeds that are predisposed to poor joints. Weight Keeping your Labrador at a low and healthy weight will help to reduce the stress put on his joints. A long term study of 40 Labrador Retrievers from puppyhood concluded that it is important to not overfeed puppies, particularly in breeds who are prone to hip dysplasia. The importance of not over feeding Labradors was reflected in another study of Labrador Retrievers. Exercise Some studies suggest that using stairs when young can make a dog who has poor joints more likely to go on to develop hip dysplasia later in life. It was recommended that puppies under 3 months should not be allowed to use stairs in order to combat this risk. There has also been a correlation noted between the flooring a puppy is kept on and the outcome of them developing hip dysplasia. With one study seeing puppies kept on slippery floors being 1. If you have slippery floors, you can help to prevent hip dysplasia by putting rubber matting down on the areas where your puppy will most frequently be walking. Hormones Recent research has also shown that hormones can play a part in proper joint development. When your puppy is growing, the hormones that the ovaries or testes produce are important for their healthy growth in a lot of ways. One study demonstrated that early neutering of male Golden Retriever puppies result in twice as many occurrences of hip dysplasia when compared with those who were left intact. The Importance of Hip Scores Hip scoring is an incredibly valuable way of assessing the likelihood of your puppy developing hip dysplasia. Vets in the USA give a descriptive value to each hip. Ranging from excellent, to good, to fair, to mild, to moderate, to severe. In the United Kingdom a reading of is a perfect hip score. If both puppy parents had hips, then your puppy would be unlikely to suffer from the disease. However, most dogs will have at least some degradation to their joints. The average hip score for an adult Labrador at the last reported study was .How Are They Calculated? This will be written down as a pair, for example .These two values are added together to give their over all hip score. So a hip score of 12 from is fine, but one of 12 from is more concerning as it shows the hips are imbalanced and one is far worse than the other. Hip scoring is all about playing the genetic odds. You should only buy a Labrador puppy who has two hip scored parents, whose scores are both below the breed mean and fairly evenly balanced on each side. Good puppy care to limit your chances. And for these joints to work properly, the ball part, which is the bulbous end at the top of the long thigh bone, must fit neatly into the socket, which is a part of the pelvis. If the hip joint is not perfectly formed, movement is impaired, and use of the joint causes damage to the surface of the bones arthritis making a bad situation even worse. In some cases this can progress rapidly and seriously. Hip dysplasia in dogs causes arthritis, pain, and lameness. It varies in severity depending on the degree of damage in the joint, and to some extent on the individual dog. Some cases can be adequately managed with pain relief and care. But many medium to large dogs will need expensive major surgery to restore normal movement and relieve pain. Causes of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs There are two main factors at work. The other factor is the environment that the dog grows up in, particularly in early life. How fast he grows, and the way his joints are used when he is still developing, can influence the way his joints will turn out. These environmental factors include diet , exercise , and hormones. But for all the dogs in-between, we do know that there may be much that you as a pet owner, can do, to ensure your dog has healthy hips Your opportunities to help There are two main opportunities for you to ensure your puppy is free from hip dysplasia The first opportunity begins before he is born. The second begins when you bring him home. If you have already bought your pup, there is nothing you can do about the first, so just skip down the page and read up on what you can do when you bring your puppy home. There are no exceptions. Breeders can then remove dogs with bad hips from their breeding programmes. It is of course utterly irresponsible to breed from untested dogs, but the tests are expensive, so bad breeders will try and avoid them. And because puppy registrations generate money, the Kennel Club will still register puppies without scores, or with really bad scores! Check those certificates It is vital that you check the health test certificates from both parents of any puppy you consider purchasing. Remember, Kennel Club registration will not protect your puppy from having parents with bad hips. This is completely untrue. And it is thought that there are three main ways that you can help. The first is by avoiding inappropriate exercise, the second is by feeding for an appropriate rate of growth, and the third is a little more controversial as it involves delaying neutering until your dog is mature. Playing in the garden is sufficient for pups under five months old. If you take your puppy out on a leash , a rule of thumb often mentioned is no more than five minutes walking per day, for each month of his age. So that means a maximum of 25 minutes for a 5 month old puppy. This is just a guideline, to help those who are not sure how to exercise a puppy. Avoiding steps and stairs One study has shown that puppies climbing stairs at an early age were more likely to develop hip dysplasia. So it is a sensible precaution to carry your small puppy up and down steps. Diet and growth Everyone wants their puppy to grow big and strong. But optimal growth does not mean rapid growth. It is now thought that slower growth probably allows for healthier hip development. Make sure you keep your puppy slim, with a waist, and you should be fine. You can check out our feeding your puppy article for more information. In fact recent evidence has shown that neutering is implicated in a number of health problems, and hip dysplasia is one of them. A recent study of golden retrievers for example, found that the incidence of hip dysplasia in male dogs neutered early, was double that of male dogs left intact. If you want to neuter your dog, waiting until he is physically mature may reduce the impact of hormone loss on his joint development. You can read more about the pros and cons of neutering in this article: should I have my Labrador castrated? Preferably before you have a gorgeous puppy sitting in your lap and gazing into your eyes! Once you bring your puppy home, give him time to grow and mature naturally. There will be time enough for that later. Spread the word Tell everyone you know about the importance of hip scores. We need to ensure that there is no market for puppies for untested parents. Your decisions now in this respect have the power to help many puppies now and in the future. The frequent misconception is this condition is only prominent in labs or large breed dogs over 50 lbs. Therefore, if we know the symptoms and causes of the condition, we can do everything in our power, as pet owners, to stop it from happening in our pooch. These are just a few signs your lab might be experiencing some Labrador joint issues. This causes the ball and socket to painfully rub each other instead of sliding smoothly. Much like joint issues with humans, this rubbing causes a loss of cartilage, thus resulting in chronic pain and long-term joint disease. Because this disease is so severe, early detection is key to the most successful treatment. The severity differs based on each lab, but overall muscle mass will decrease because of their reduced mobility due to the pain. Exercise will dwindle but the time frame depends on each lab. Look for these symptoms in your lab that signify canine hip dysplasia: Decreased activity Reluctance to jump, run, or climb stairs Favoring a back leg Trouble standing up to greet you Enlargement of shoulders to compensate for hind leg If you see any of these signs in your lab, be sure to contact a vet immediately. X-rays and a full exam are needed to properly diagnose your four-legged friend and if they need a puppy hip dysplasia treatment. Ever wonder which dog breeds are the most expensive in the world? We got you covered. The leading cause of joint issues is genetics. Hip dysplasia is hereditary in specific dog breeds, particularly with Labrador retrievers , German Shepherds , and Saint Bernards. Unfortunately, simply being one of these breeds increases their chances of contracting the disease tenfold. Diet is the most important aspect other than genetics for joint issues. Lab puppies should be kept at a lean weight during their growing years, instead of being overfed to grow big and strong. Not only can overfeeding lead to pet obesity , it can also cause puppy hip dysplasia. Since this normally occurs during the first year of their lives, the puppy stages are the most critical for their health. Overexercise is another cause of hip dysplasia. This added weight can put extra stress on their bodies, especially their hip joints which is largely connected to the condition. How to Prevent Canine Hip Dysplasia Nutrition A lot of the joint issues begin with poor nutrition, which is extremely important for your little lab. Make sure to feed your pooch specially formulated foods that prevent excessive growth. By using this special food, it allows their joints to develop without putting too much strain on their body to carry their weight, thus maintaining their growth and weight. Without this specialized dog food, large breeds can grow too quickly for their joints to maintain their weight. This exacerbates the condition with too much stress being put on their overweight bodies. Exercise Dog food is important to hip dysplasia prevention, but exercise is just as crucial to the health of your lab. We know that not enough physical activity can cause joint issues, but surprisingly, too much movement can have the same effects. Overworking your doggo can cause the joints to rub too frequently and fast thus creating irritation and loss of cartilage, which causes hip dysplasia. The appropriate amount of exercise is up to your pup, but be sure to find the right line to keep them in peak physical condition. Treatment for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia The type of treatment depends on the discomfort of each lab. While some may require surgery, others can be fixed with simple lifestyle choices. The non-surgical approach involves non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs that decrease the pain levels for your pooch. Thankfully, alternatives therapies used to treat hip dysplasia are often covered by dog insurance. Vets also commonly recommend weight reduction to take stress off the hips, which can be done through a steady diet. This process is more difficult because exercise must also be limited to keep the weight off the hips. However, if your pup is beyond the pain level of NSAIDs or weight reduction, they might be a candidate for surgery. The pelvic bone is cut and rotated to fall in place with the ball and socket hip joint. The ball of the hip joint is cut off, creating a false joint that increases comfort. It eliminates all discomfort and is the most invasive. While the cost of surgery may be higher than you expected, you can get reimbursed for the vet bills if you purchase a dog insurance policy from Prudent Pet. When they run, they run full out. This high energy continues until they are at least 2 years of age and with some Labradors, until they are 3 years of age! There is currently NO genetic test that can be given to ensure that two Labradors will not ever produce a puppy that will develop dysplasia. Nearly 70 years have passed, choosing our breeding stock based upon the certifications for their hips and elbows has NOT eliminated dysplasia. Final certification after the age of two years is read by three radiologists. The variance is in slight changes to the joint. Examples would be: Two radiologists reported excellent, one good--the final grade would be excellent One radiologist reported excellent, one good, one fair--the final grade would be good One radiologist reported fair, two radiologists reported mild--the final grade would be mild Three Radiologists, all independent and randomly selected to view a particular x-ray, can all see the same X-ray and have different opinions. Re-send the x-ray, and a different set of three radiologists may come to the same or a completely different consensus. The process is far too subjective. Note that at the time of this paper, OFA did not breakdown the percentage among these ratings on the Breed Trends Report. A little information before we dig into this! Most health testing done by breeders today is genetic via swabs of DNA. Hips and Elbows are phenotypic testing based only on what is visible at the time of testing. Selectively Bred: Dogs bred from parents who have been certified with "normal" hips and elbows. After more than 60 years 30 generations on a dog's pedigree of selectively breeding OFA certified dogs Dysplasia has not been eliminated as promised if we removed even "fair" and "borderline" dogs from our breeding programs. One must wonder if it because the normal state of a two year old Labradors hips is actually "borderline". Regardless, the OFA continues to set the criteria for choosing our breeding dogs. Originally, the OFA certified hips at 18 months but when selectively bred dogs were still being diagnosed with dysplasia, they changed certification age to two years. The next step was to divide the "Normal" results into three categories in an attempt to show improvement beyond what Breeders were promised. Continually moving the goalpost has not eliminated dysplasia because - as studies are proving - it is not "inherited" from parent to child as much as it is a genetic predisposition shared by all medium and large breeds based upon structural and temperamental TRAITS of the breeds themselves. Breeders, despite doing all they were asked to do, are still liable for offspring that were crippled by the disorder despite the fact that we only control the environment for the first 8 weeks of a puppy's lifetime. Controlling the Environmental factors that may trigger dysplasia Environmental studies show that there is a correlation to the surface during the first 8 weeks of a puppy's life and future hip and elbow health. In fact, it does appear that the first THREE months of life have a greater impact on future joint health than any other factor. This means that the first four weeks your puppy is in YOUR home is as important as the phenotypic evaluation for parents, grands, and greats and the first eight weeks in the Breeder's home. Breeders - Birth to Eight Weeks Neonatal and Transitional Periods birth to four weeks - Provide a proper surface for traction in the Whelping Box and the Transitional Pen - We use Lambs Wool pads; these not only keep the puppies warm and dry but also give them the traction needed to nurse properly and to learn to walk from birth to 3 weeks; an indoor outdoor carpet is added to the transitional pen. We use a ramp for the litters to access the outdoor kennel. Owners 8 weeks to 24 months Crate Train Your Puppy - The incidence of dysplasia is lower for those puppies who had crate time scheduled into their day until at least 12 months of age. These regular "forced rest periods" allow for the healing of injuries to the muscles, soft tissue and tendons. Whether human or animal, sleep provides healing. Labradors rarely move slowly from place to place. Running around furniture and slipping and sliding through doorways are hard on the joints. If a Labrador puppy lives in a home with uncarpeted rooms, area rugs should be used wherever possible in the home. Owners 8 weeks to 24 months Limit All Jumping - Do not allow the puppy to jump up on things like your window sill; the force of their momentum can damage elbows if done repeatedly. No jumping off of beds, couches, chair or in and out of vehicles. After that, they should be taught to walk and not run up and down them. Owners 8 weeks to 24 months Provide proper nutrition - Critical to a managing the growth rate of a Labrador puppy - numerous studies have revealed that a proper calcium to phosphorus ratio is needed and that over supplementation of multi-vitamins to a puppy eating a well balanced commercial dog food can cause more harm than good. Owners 8 weeks to 24 months Monitor Weight Gain - Labrador puppies should weigh approximately 2 lbs per week of life until 8 months of age. Labradors are known as the "always hungry" breed and have been known to gorge themselves when allowed to free feed, so understanding what your puppy should weigh during the rapid growth period is of vital importance. Owners 8 weeks to 24 months Monitor Body Condition Each puppy is an individual. The correct body condition for a growing Labrador is pretty simple to maintain. You want to always be able to "see a waist and feel the ribs with a slight bit of pressure". Owners 8 weeks to 24 months Monitor Exercise - Understand the limited and correct physical activity at each stage of development - 5 minutes of forced exercise per month of life. Free play is fine as the puppy is controlling its own stops and turns. Throw the object and let it hit the ground before releasing your puppy to retrieve; this stops them from jumping to catch the object in mid-air. Limit the number of retrieves to an age appropriate amount similar to the 5 minutes per month of life rule. Mental exercise is as tiring to your puppy as physical. A high energy puppy should be given mental activities rather than increasing the physical.

If you click on a link and choose to make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. Due to their high food drive, many Golden Retrievers become overweight or obese. Keeping a Golden Retrieve at an ideal weight is critical to their health and well-being. Fortunately, there are signs that Golden Retrieve owners can use to know if their dogs are becoming overweight or too fat. In addition, it will be difficult to feel the ribs, and the waist will lack an obvious taper and may protrude. One of the best things you can do to keep your Golden Retriever healthy is to keep it at an ideal weight. A Golden Retriever that is overweight or obese is at much higher risk for joint issues and other health issues. If you believe your Golden Retriever is too fat, then work with your veterinarian to put your Golden on a healthy, calorie-reduced diet to get it back into the ideal range. Knowing precisely if your Golden Retriever is too fat is discussed in detail in the following section. To determine if your Golden Retriever is becoming overweight or, worst yet, obese, there are a few guidelines you can use. To know if your Golden Retriever is overweight, look at it from above and from the side, and feel the ribs. The waist taper will look barely visible or absent, and there may be abdominal distention and visible fat at the base of the tail. The heavier the fat deposits on the ribs, the more difficult they will be to feel. While the breed standard can be helpful to understand the range a typical Golden Retriever may fall within, it is far more critical to know the average for YOUR dog. Hold up. I wrote an article on how to know if your Golden Retriever is too skinny. While it is much more common for a Golden Retriever to be overweight than underweight, it does happen. Signs to Look For. Keep in mind that breed standards are used for registered and papered dogs and those used in dog shows or competitions. In addition, it provides a judging criterion. So, you might get a Golden Retriever that is heavier than the breed standard and still at a healthy weight. In a similar vein, be careful of the ideal weight ranges given for a dog breed found on various websites and searches. Again, those can be useful in a general sense to determine where a vast majority of a particular breed falls. Still, the ranges do not consider individual differences. Dogs are unique, just like us. He is purebred, not papered or registered, and at just over a year old, is almost 90 lbs. His father was within the breed standard, as was his mother. So, we assumed he would be too. He is not. If your Golden Retriever begins to add a few pounds over its ideal weight, it is most likely time to take action. However, weighing your dog is not the easiest of things. So, the following suggestions rely on sight and feel and can be reliable gauges to know when your Golden Retriever is becoming too fat. When looking at your Golden Retriever from above, it should have a noticeable waist and a nice taper from the ribs to the back legs. Almost like the shape of a wasp. From the side, the abdomen should NOT protrude. Suppose your Golden Retriever is too fat or becoming overweight. In that case, the waist from above will not be obvious with little to no taper, or the waist may look round or rotund. The abdomen will be distended or sagging down from the side, and there is NO abdominal tuck. Instead, the abdomen should curve upward from the end of the chest toward the hindquarters. As a guide, the graphic below is a handy downloadable reference guide. Now, I understand that it can be hard to visualize how to do these things. In North America, canine obesity is prevalent. Not only is obesity preventable, but the risk for health consequences for an overweight Golden Retriever rises substantially with its weight. In general, overweight or obese Golden Retrievers are at an increased risk for diabetes, joint issues, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney and heart disease, heatstroke, and many types of cancer. The health consequences for overweight in Golden Retrievers are sobering. Moreover, obesity is preventable with daily exercise and watching how much your Golden Retriever eats. If the health consequences are not enough for pet owners to keep their Golden Retrievers at a healthy weight, then consider the cost. I wrote an article on the health consequences of Golden Retrievers and the associated cost. Spoiler alert: it can be expensive. The study looked at 50, dogs spanning 12 breeds, including the Golden Retriever. The study noted that a normal-weight male Golden Retriever lives for .In contrast, an overweight male Golden Retriever lives only .The corresponding data for female Golden Retrievers are similar at .The message is clear. Of course, in rare instances, obesity may result from some health issues. Your Golden Retriever may be too fat because it eats more calories than it expends. Calorie excess can be due to lack of exercise, eating too frequently or too much, or ingesting too many snacks. Weight gain can also result from underlying health issues, so check with your vet to rule out any medical cause. If medical problems are ruled out, then sadly, the responsibility falls on the shoulders of the pet owner. Golden Retrievers, in particular, are a very active breed that requires a lot of daily activity. Upwards of 60 minutes or more. Limiting snacks and monitoring feeding amounts and frequency are the other pieces of the weight loss puzzle discussed in the next section. Before putting your Golden Retriever on a weight loss program, it is essential to have your vet perform a complete physical examination and provide guidance on how best to proceed. Work with your vet to develop a healthy weight loss plan for your dog that includes safe amounts of food and exercise. It is essential to ensure that your Golden Retriever receives dog food lower in calories while maintaining an optimum balance of nutrients. Unfortunately, calorie reduction often comes at the expense of fewer nutrients, so your veterinarian is the best source for recommending a good dog food for your Golden Retriever. Next, make sure your Golden Retriever receives the appropriate portions and is fed at designated feeding intervals throughout the day. Vegetables and fruits make healthy snacks that are typically calorie sparse and nutrient-dense. If you need to know which vegetables and fruits are best, check out these articles I wrote. I also list which ones to avoid since some can cause stomach issues or even be deadly. Can Golden Retrievers Eat Fruit? Good Fruit Options Versus Bad Exercise, the last piece of the weight loss puzzle, is a bit more tricky. Walking is one of the best exercises and has low impact. However, it is best to start any exercise program slowly and begin with shorter sessions. Swimming is also a great exercise, it is joint-friendly, and Golden Retrievers love to swim. Once your Golden Retriever has reached a healthy weight, running is an excellent activity for keeping the dog fit and lean. If you are curious if Golden Retrievers make good running companions, consider taking a few minutes to read this article next: Need a Running Partner? How About Your Golden Retriever Some precautions to be aware of when exercising your Golden Retriever are noted below, with recommended readings if you need more detail on those potential issues. If exercising your Golden Retriever in the heat, be very careful of heatstroke. To ensure you know what temperatures are safe and how to recognize signs of heatstroke and what to do if it occurs , then read my article on that very topic: Golden Retrievers In Hot Weather: Keeping Them Cool. Frigid cold temperatures are the other end of the spectrum. And frostbite and hyperthermia are the risks. Overweight dogs are at risk for lung disorders, osteoarthritis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, lameness and oral disease, among others. And older dogs are at the greatest risk as they tend to have less active lives. So how can you tell if your dog is overweight? Stand above your dog and look down on her. Is there a waist between that rib cage and hips? It should make an hourglass figure. Now run your hands lightly over their frame. Can you feel the back bone and ribs? Can you feel the pelvic bone? When you look at them from the side, can you see a visible waist? Is their tummy tucked in? If so, then you are probably feeding your dog a healthy diet. But if not, perhaps a little weight loss program is in order. Where to start? Bring the subject up with your vet. Ask him to help you determine a healthy weight for your dog. Then work out a plan that includes a high quality dog food. Remember that our pets need considerably less volume than humans. For a 50 lb. Feed your golden twice a day and do not permit grazing — once they finish their meal, remove the food bowl. Most adult dogs require 1 cup of kibble twice a day. Supplement their food with vegetables and fruits such as carrots, green beans, cucumber sticks, zucchini, apples seeds, stems and leaves removed oranges, bananas or watermelon. Note: Grapes and raisins are toxic to your pet! As much as we love to spoil our pets that steak bone with the fat left on it may be tasty — but it is as harmful to your pet as it is to you. Next, get that couch potato moving! Increase activity with walks and playtime. Rather than allowing your golden to roam the back yard, hook up that leash and wiggle down the sidewalk with your best buddy. Find time for a quick game of fetch before you leave for work in the morning or pair up with a neighbor to walk dogs together. Above all, enjoy the friendship of your golden for years to come by keeping them healthy and fit. Losing a pound or two a month is a good target to start with. You and your pet will be healthier and have more years together. The above information is not meant to replace professional advice from a licensed veterinarian. Woof Trax! How about using the time you walk your dog to assist us?? At the end of the week donations are paid out to the rescues proportionally to the total distance walked. Cucumber Green beans Place these foods on the table. As he comes to you to ask for some food, just give it to him, don't throw it away. This way, it will reduce the odds of your dog begging and stealing food from your plate. Treat Routine That Is both Healthy and Safe If you like to feed your dog every interval of time, just decrease the quantity of food. Calories can be found in even the tiniest of delicacies. These calories might add up quickly, and every calorie counts. The caloric intake of each item should be listed on the bag. That way, it will be easier for you to determine how much more food you should give your dog. Also, look for low-calorie foods and avoid those that are high in salt. Teeth-cleaning treats are a fantastic choice. Exercise Exercising is the most essential method for preventing your Golden Retriever from gaining weight. Despite the fact that golden is not really that active, they are quite lazy. But they love playing, so they will put all their energy into it while paying. The metabolism will stay on track if they work out regularly. The workout will indeed let them continue improving their muscular mass, which will help them avoid the harmful consequences of arthritis and other joint difficulties that they may experience as they age. Resistance exercise is also beneficial to their cardiovascular health. Establishing a daily workout regime with your Golden Retriever is beneficial not just to his or her physical health, but also to his or her psychological and emotional well-being. Exercising can take many forms. It may include walking, running, and jogging. Some people might consider taking their dogs on a walk around the neighborhood. Others might consider it a way of hiking, fetching, or visiting dogs on a daily basis. Obesity in Golden Retrievers and Its Consequences The problem arises when a puppy gains more weight than it should. If a puppy is overweight and plays simple games like fetch, he or she is more likely to get tendon and ligament damage. And if an adult dog is overweight, it can cause you the following issues: Here are a few examples: All of the joints, bones and soft tissues can be harmed. They can suffer from high blood pressure, respiratory problems and cardiovascular issues. Liver and kidneys diseases can be caused They can suffer from diabetes and arthritis. There are numerous varieties of cancer. Disorders of the digestive system. They can become heat Intolerant. Due to a life-threatening condition, there is a higher risk of infection and sickness in adult dogs. Anesthesia surgery has a higher risk of complications. However, the issues do not end there. Due to the extra pressure placed on these regions when lying, a large sized dog like Golden Retriever carries a lot of weight and may often develop sores and calluses on its hocks and elbows. And an overweight Golden does a lot of lying down! As a breed, Golden Retrievers are sensitive to conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia , which is increased by carrying excess weight, as well as putting extra pressure on all those joints, resulting in a lifespan of agony and misery. How to Assist Your Overweight Golden Retriever in Losing Pounds The first step in addressing an obese golden is to take him to the veterinarian for a physical checkup. Excessive weight gain is frequently caused by health conditions such as low thyroid activity or water retention, which should be examined prior to starting any diet or exercise program. Second, there are numerous issues that a dietary or fitness regimen may exacerbate. If your dog suffers from arthritis or dysplasia, for example, increasing his or her activity routine may exacerbate the situation, causing irritation and anguish. So, before acting, seek guidance from your family veterinarian to verify that you're doing the right thing. Medical Conditions to Consider The majority of fat dogs gain weight as a result of poor diet and laziness, but a variety of physical disorders can also cause dogs to gain weight for no apparent reason. The significant reason for this is hypothyroidism. These diseases strike dogs at any age, which causes their metabolic activities to slow down dramatically. The following are symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs: Weight gain. Weight loss diet vs exercise? For the gorgeous Golden Retriever , the data is even more distressing. The friendly and devoted Golden is instantly recognizable for their kind eyes; floppy ears; and long, lustrous coat of golden fur that gives them their name. Bred as a Scottish gundog in the early s, the energetic breed was built to retrieve waterfowl. This muscular dog bears a wolflike physique and moves with a graceful, athletic bearing. Swimming, fetching, running and jumping come naturally for this active dog. So why is the Golden Retriever getting fat in such alarming numbers? It might seem as though your Golden Retriever is always hungry. Biologically, dogs are descended from wolves and have an innate drive to constantly scavenge for food. For domestic dogs, this means begging and mooching. Snacks can cause weight gain and make exercise more difficult, which leads to gaining even more weight. However, there may be other reasons why the Golden Retriever seems to have a problem with weight gain. A study done at the University of Cambridge found a deletion in the canine POMC gene is associated with weight and appetite in Labrador Retrievers and flat-coated Retrievers. Is My Golden Retriever Fat? A full-grown male Golden Retriever should weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. A female should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds. However, these are guidelines and there are ranges that fall within the parameters of normal weight based on genetics, shape and size. The best way to tell if your Golden Retriever is fat is by looking at him from different angles and feeling for his ribs. Look at your dog from the side. His tummy should tuck up from the chest between the ribs and hind legs. There should be an upward curve from the chest to the hind legs. Stand above your dog and look down at him. You should see an inward curve at the waist. Another way to tell is by feeling for his ribs. Put your hands on either side of his rib cage. Using gentle pressure, you should be able to feel each of his ribs. Start at the chest, and run your hands along his body. Are Fat Golden Retrievers Unhealthy? You may be wondering whether it matters if your Golden is packing some extra pounds. Increased Health Risks for Fat Golden Retrievers Carrying extra weight creates numerous health problems and can make existing ones even worse for the Golden Retriever. Being overweight can also be hard on joints and bones. Golden Retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which is an abnormal formation of the hip socket. This serious condition can cause pain, lameness and arthritis of the joints. Being overweight can increase the negative effects of hip and elbow dysplasia. Studies show that obesity leads to the development of numerous other diseases in dogs, including diabetes, heart disease and osteoarthritis. Respiratory, renal function and health can also be adversely affected. Cancer is a big problem for the Golden Retriever. Obesity has not been linked to the development of cancer in dogs. This includes table scraps, bits of food your kids sneak him, nibbles he finds on the floor and anything else he eats between meals. For some dogs, eliminating treats might be enough to get him down to an acceptable weight. Natural foods are better snack choices than prepackaged treats. Raw vegetables and fruit are low in calories and have the benefit of adding nutrition to his diet. The first thing to do is to reduce each portion by around a third. After four days if they are not beginning to lose weight you can drop by another third, and continue in this manner until you start to see visible changes in your dog. Once their weight reaches a healthy level you can slightly up their ratio size to stabilise them. Exercising a Fat Golden Retriever Exercise will help with weight loss, but it is rarely a good solution by itself. If your dog is very overweight you will need to up their step count slowly so as not to cause further medical issues. A dog the size of a Golden Retriever carrying too much weight will often form sores and calluses on its hocks and elbows due to the extra pressure put on these areas when laying down. And an overweight Golden lays down a lot! Finally, and most importantly, the average lifespan of an overweight dog is decreased by up to 2 years, and they have a lower quality of life and maybe even unnecessary suffering during the years they do have. Scary stuff indeed! Additionally, there will always be outliers with some Goldens being short and particularly small, others particularly tall and large. A female Golden Retriever should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds. If you have a Golden whose ideal weight is 70 pounds and they actually weigh 85, this is .I weigh about 11 stone or pounds. If I was .This is the equivalent of me carrying a 3-year-old child around with me all day, every day. To me this is astonishing. But for many people seeing an pound Golden, they rarely give it a second thought or think it at all abnormal. In fact, most people when they see an ideal weight Golden Retriever actually comment that the dog looks thin and underweight! Is Your Golden Retriever Overweight? How Does your Golden Look? Not as pronounced as a whippet or greyhound, but visible nonetheless. Furthermore, if you stand over your Golden looking down from above you should see the classic hourglass figure. There should be curves where their body tucks in between the ribs and hind legs. How Do your Goldens Ribs Feel? Putting your hand on either side of your Goldens chest, with just very gentle pressure almost lightly touching you should be able to feel every rib. Also, if you start with your hands on your Goldens chest and run them down their body toward the back-end, you should be able to feel a definite waist. Obviously, if they start to look drastically overweight and quite visibly so, then you should take some action. But this is something you will very rarely see. They will reach full height at some point between 12 and 18 months old, but still be filling out and building muscle after this time. So a puppy should rarely be put on a diet, particularly because malnutrition may then become a problem. But make sure to ask your vet about their weight during each visit so you can have an informed second opinion. How To Help Your Overweight Golden Retriever Lose Weight The very first thing you have to do before tackling the problem of an overweight Golden, would be to take them to the vet for a check-up and to get some professional advice. Sometimes excess weight is caused by medical problems , for instance, due to low thyroid function or fluid retention, and this must be ruled out before any diet or exercise is given. Secondly, there are many problems that a diet or exercise might make worse. For instance, if your dog is arthritic or has dysplasia and you start an increased exercise regimen, you could make these problems worse and cause discomfort and pain. But once given the all clear medically, there are a few things you can do to help your Golden Retriever lose weight. Keep An Eye On Treats Treats when training, scraps from the table, a biscuit from your children, and snacks found and eaten when out and about, all add up and sometimes to a surprisingly high amount of calories. And if your children, spouse, other family members or visitors ever give your Golden little treats, these simply must be stopped. Inform everybody and tell them why. And table scraps should be stopped completely. And please note if you do feed human food snacks, always be mindful of what you feed because although many foods are safe, some are toxic and a good number fit only somewhere in the middle as explained very well in this article: Can dogs eat bananas? Exercise A simple fact is if the calories in are greater than the calories used, then a dog will gain weight. If calories in are less than the calories used then a dog will lose weight. So you should aim to increase the overall activity levels of your Golden. This will have a dramatic effect on their weight but not only this, it will also improve their overall health in many ways as well as enrich their lives. A word of caution though. You should introduce exercise slowly and gently before building up the intensity. You cannot ask an overweight dog to suddenly start chasing tennis balls and jumping logs and streams. This can cause many problems and particularly damage to their joints. Start slowly with 20 minutes of power walking on flat ground. Then over the course of days introduce slopes and hills. Once their fitness increases and the weight starts to drop off, introduce gentle jogging and playing fetch. And of course, swimming is always a great form of exercise for any Golden Retriever. If you have an overweight Golden and this is how you feed them, you need to make a change. Maintaining weight works best when fed on a fixed schedule. Secondly, you should feed your dog twice each day and not just once. Feed them first thing in the morning and once in the early evening. Food absorption becomes highly efficient, and the body tries to hang on to as much fat and energy as possible due to few opportunities to refuel. This promotes weight gain so we want to avoid this. Choice Of Food There are many, many different brands and types of dog food on the market. Some of these foods are high in fat, high in fillers, high in cheap low quality foodstuffs, and more besides. Find a high-quality and nutritious dog food that your Golden enjoys and stick with it. Just feed quality food in the correct amount and exercise your golden. Measure The Food You Give Your Golden Almost all dog foods come with guidance on the packet stating how much to feed your Golden Retriever but you have to remember that these are just guidelines. They simply cannot be right for all dogs whose size and exercise levels vary greatly. It also has to be said that many owners fail to measure the amount of food they give their dogs at all. The weight should start to fall off. And of course, going forward, all other things like treats and exercise remaining constant, you can control their weight by carefully measuring what they eat, adjusting up and down depending on their current look and feel. Conclusion Most dogs, and especially Golden Retrievers, will eat themselves to death if given the chance. Obesity and being overweight directly lead to many health problems and for those unfortunate dogs who have existing medical conditions, carrying excess weight can make things worse. Shaving off any extra pounds will give them more mobility and ease their pain and suffering, directly leading to a higher quality of life. If your dog is overweight, now is the time to act. A fit and healthy dog is a happy dog, with a higher quality of life to enjoy for a longer amount of time. Related articles:.

These dogs are known for their lively personality and cute, furry appearance. Toy Poodles are also intelligent and highly trainable. In addition, Toy Poodles are relatively small dogs, which makes them a good choice for people who live in apartments or other small spaces. If you live an active lifestyle and are seeking a fun-loving and intelligent furry friend, look no further than the Toy Poodle. Toy Poodle Puppies Health Considerations Though generally very healthy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around 14 to 16 years — our Toy Poodles for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Toy Poodle puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. This is caused by the soft palate becoming irritated, and can be triggered by excitement or allergies. While it may seem alarming, reverse sneezing is not harmful and will resolve on its own. Another common health concern in Toy Poodles is luxating patellas. This occurs when the kneecap slips out of place, and can cause pain and lameness. Luckily, luxating patellas can be effectively treated with surgery. Finding a Toy Poodle puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. The coat can be either curly or corded, and it comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, and apricot. Toy Poodles require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and free of mats. Daily brushing is necessary to prevent the hair from tangling, and the coat should be clipped every six to eight weeks. In addition to regular brushing and clipping, Toy Poodles also need to have their teeth brushed daily and their nails trimmed on a monthly basis. By taking care of their coats, Toy Poodles can stay healthy and happy for many years to come. Meet Toy Poodle Puppies for Sale. While most people associate Poodles with France, the Toy Poodle was developed in the early s in Germany. They are known for their good looks, but the truth is they are elegant athletes. These tiny pups are proud, active, and smart. They have many talents that are shown off in dog shows around the world. Toy Poodles have a short curly coat that requires regular grooming. Toy Poodles are great as a family dog or a companion. They were bred in Germany from a variety of small dog breeds in order to enjoy the benefits of a Standard Poodle in a smaller package. With intelligence and spunk in a portable size, you can take your little Toy Poodle puppy just about anywhere that allows dogs. In addition to their adorable faces and lively personalities, you have a ton of options in colors and markings when looking for toy poodles for sale. Find out characteristics, activity level, disposition, training, grooming, and costs of raising a Toy Poodle puppy for sale. Characteristics Did you know the AKC recognizes at least 27 colors and color combinations in a Toy Poodle puppy for sale, not to mention several markings? Toy Poodles for sale will stop growing around months and will not grow more than about 10 inches tall. They sport a squarish body, long nose, drooping ears, an elegant appearance, and carry themselves with an air of pride and confidence. Activity Level A Toy Poodle will not sit around and look pretty! Toy Poodle puppies for sale are lively, hardy, agile, and athletic despite their tiny size. They have a lot of energy and will need to burn it off in order to stay engaged. Toy Poodle puppies have lots of fun at small breed dog parks, going on daily walks, and participating in other activities like swimming or agility courses to fill up 45 minutes to 1 hour of daily exercise. Disposition Toy Poodle puppies sometimes are viewed with preconceived notions. You may assume when you look for a "Toy Poodle puppy for sale near me" that Toy Poodles are snobby and fancy. However, quite the opposite is true. Toy Poodle puppies are devoted, fantastic companions who adore their owners and love to make them laugh with their silly antics. A Toy Poodle puppy for sale is a great choice for an individual or a family with older children, as smaller children may not understand how to properly handle a tiny breed. Their loving temperament makes Toy Poodles for sale excellent emotional support animals. Training Because a Toy Poodle puppy is extremely intelligent and eager to please, they are some of the easiest dog breeds to train. A Toy Poodle puppy for sale loves being the center of attention, so proper socialization combined with fun tricks will make your Toy Poodle puppy the star of the show. It's especially important to give your Toy Poodle puppy the basis for good manners if you frequently take them out in public. If you're considering Toy Poodles for sale, keep in mind that it's easy to instill healthy social skills in these clever pups. In fact, Toy Poodle puppies for sale are great candidates for tracking and agility competitions alike. Whatever gives them a chance to follow commands, show off, and win is going to be a fun activity for a Toy Poodle puppy. Their longer, curly, soft hair needs regular care and attention, but the extra time you put into grooming will pay off in spades. Although Toy Poodles are hypoallergenic and aren't prone to shedding, they still need regular appointments at a grooming service to keep their coat looking fabulous. That's because a Toy Poodle puppy has hair and not fur like some other breeds. Daily brushing keeps tangles and mats at bay, removes dirt, and distributes oils. Teeth and nails will also need regular maintenance. If you're searching for "Toy Poodle puppies for sale near me," you may be curious what all the different coat cuts are called. The Continental clip is what you may think of when you hear "Poodle" and features pompoms on the tail, hips, ankles, and top of the head with other areas shaved closely. The Sporting clip features a uniformly cut coat with a pompom at the end of the tail. There are at least 8 other cuts you can choose from! Whatever cut you choose, it's important to stay on top of their grooming needs. Cost You may think because Toy Poodle puppies for sale are so tiny that they may not cost a lot, when in reality, they will need care beyond the base price to maintain their health. Grooming costs can be significant but necessary. You will also need to budget for other regular costs such as high-quality nutrition, vet visits, and more. Because of their petite size, you may find you enjoy dressing up your Toy Poodle puppy for sale in various clothing and accessories. Be sure to watch how much you spend, as your Toy Poodle puppy could easily end up with a fancier wardrobe than you own for yourself! A Toy Poodle puppy for sale can live to be and can live years with a happy, long life thanks to responsible, trustworthy, and knowledgeable breeders. While mostly healthy, Toy Poodles can experience certain health issues such as luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, eye disorders, von Willebrand's disease, and epilepsy. Why Pawrade? Finding a reputable breeder has never been easier If you've been searching "toy poodles for sale near me", then you're in the right place! Finding a toy poodle dog for sale online has never been easier or safer. Pawrade is dedicated to connecting loving families with a dog that needs a home. Using Pawrade to browse for a Toy Poodle for sale is a reliable way to ensure that you get a dog from a reputable breeder. Our focus is on the health of the dog and ethical, sustainable breeding practices. We ensure that the breeders on our platform are genuine, so you have peace of mind in knowing that you are receiving exactly what you expect. If you've always dreamed of owning this type of dog but aren't sure where to buy Toy Poodles, choose Pawrade and begin a new chapter in your life today! Stop searching for "Toy Poodle puppies near me" — you've come to the right place! We understand just how difficult it is to find a legitimate breeder, so we've put our experience and expertise to work for you. Why wait any longer? Browse through our vast selection of puppies for sale from a safe and reputable source. No Puppy Mill Pledge We have zero tolerance toward puppy mills and pride ourselves in connecting you with honest and reputable breeders where puppies are raised with love and compassion. Learn More Health Guarantee As fellow puppy owners, we know the importance of having a happy and healthy puppy. Every puppy is backed by our comprehensive health guarantee. Life Span Did You Know? Breeders developed Toy Poodles in 18th century England as smaller versions of their German predecessors. The Toy Poodle began to represent social status, and nobles would decorate their dogs in high fashion of the time. They became so popular, in fact, that they were one of the first toy breeds recognized by the Kennel Club. Toy Poodles are smart cookies. Their intelligence is one of their predominant features, and is often showcased during obedience training. These dogs have tremendous problem-solving capabilities that make them ideal for competitions. On the other hand, this same intelligence makes for an easily bored pup. They need mental stimulation, like challenging games and toys , to keep their busy minds occupied. The Toy Poodle may also be suspicious of strangers and slow to warm up to new people. This dog breed can adapt to a wide range of living situations due to their small size. As a matter of fact, they have trouble dealing with any kind of alone time. As such, the Toy Poodle is an excellent companion animal for people who love a little company. There are a few health conditions that Toy Poodles are more susceptible to than other dog breeds. For example, they may suffer from eye disorders, like cataracts, or blood clotting disorders, like Hemophilia. Because of their size, they may also bear the risk of dental crowding, kneecap migration, or trachea instability. With regular visits to the veterinarian, many of these potential health concerns can be comfortably managed. Owners typically have an easy time during obedience training with Toy Poodles. Their intelligence often hastens the training process. However, they can present destructive tendencies when left to their own devices for too long. Toy Poodles have famously low-shedding coats. They lack undercoats, so their shedding is minimal. Their fur is hypoallergenic and mats rather than sheds. These pups will only need to be groomed to prevent matting and increase shine. Usually, brushing your Toy Poodle once or twice a week and grooming every six weeks is sufficient. As a small dog breed, they are more prone to developing dental disease so good dental care is important. Poodles are an active breed in general, and Toy Poodles in specific are just as active. After a few laps around the kitchen, the Toy Poodle will tire out and happily sit by their owners during daily activities. The Toy Poodle stands at a mighty inches at the shoulder. Their weight ranges from pounds and usually averages around 8 pounds. Toy Poodles usually live 12 — 15 years. The Poodle coat is built for the water and even the Toy Poodle tends to have excellent, practically innate, swimming abilities. Featured Toy Poodle Article.