golden retriever meets litter of puppies

German Shepherds are very gentle dogs and are much known for their protective traits. Unfortunately, last , there was a new adoption fee. Adopting a German Shepherd in Montana would now cost around dollars to dollars. These German Shepherds are provided with consistent medical care. Ever since the German Shepherd gets rescued, they will closely be monitored and have the privilege of being spayed and neutered. Care also includes all kinds of shots for dogs. Choosing a Good German Shepherd Rescue If you are trying to adopt a rescued German Shepherd from German Shepherd shelters, you might be confused about what you should consider. If you ask people to like your friends and family, they might have different opinions that confuse you. But there is not so much to consider. The fact that you chose to adopt a rescued German Shepherd rather than buying one is already one act of kindness. You might already know that there are so many rescued German Shepherds in the world and only a few German Shepherd shelters. If the German Shepherd comes at you with no hesitations and no aggressiveness, you would know that it was a good rescue. If the German Shepherd is warm and inviting on your first encounter, it is already a good rescue because there are no signs of trauma or aggression. How do I pick a good rescue German Shepherd? You might ask yourself what kind of German Shepherd you should adopt and rehome. You can look for outgoing dogs. You can tell that by observing their body language when you first meet. However, if you are also not down to unlimited patience, you can avoid a shy German Shepherd. These dogs can be a little bit of work because they are afraid and run away from you. If you are outgoing and are a very hands-on person, you might not enjoy your German Shepherd because of its shyness. Dogs can be trained and can also be flexible like some people are. If you love a challenge, you can pick any dog you want. Summary If you are from Montana, you will have numerous alternatives to consider owing to many German Shepherd shelters in the area. As a result, if you contemplate adoption, you will not have a difficult time finding your pet. As always, if you want to adopt a pet, you will need to put in a lot of time and work. Other States. German Shepherds of Montana, Stevensville, Montana. Rocky Mountain German Shepherd Rescue. Adopt a rescue dog through PetCurious. Montana German Shepherd. German Shepherd Breeders Puppies Protection …. Willow is a beautiful australian. Here's what they have to say about him: We. Montana German Shepherd Rescue is an all volunteer organization, run solely on donations and adoption fees. We require a fenced yard or if you live in the country with acreage, approval is on a case by case basis. This adorable guy was brought to us by kind rescuers. Rescue Me! Sincerely, Founder, Rescue Me! Try contacting Montana Dog Rescue Groups that help all breeds. Good breeding produces German Shepherd puppies that are beautiful and intelligent with a good disposition. Montana Dog Rescue. Montana Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd …. Home Check And Vet check first. German Shepherd Dog Rescue Dogs for. All Mixed Up Dog Rescue will take in mixes who are often overlooked at shelters. Search for german shepherd dog rescue dogs for adoption near Billings, Montana. Search for german shepherd dog rescue dogs for adoption near Hamilton, Montana. Willow is a beautiful australian » Read more ». German Shepherd Puppies for Sale. German Shepherd mix. We try to match working dog breeds, and working dogs in the right family or job! Please fill out our. Montana German Shepherd Rescue hopes to ease the problem of the population overflow occurring in many of our shelters today. Montana Belgian Malinois Rescue Groups. Willow and her babies Willy and Wina just came back to us from foster care. Montana German Shepherd Rescue. The rescue serves German Shepherds in need, with our primary. If interested in Sherri, please fill out an adoption application on the TRACS website for an adoption specialist to review. Adopt German Shepherd Dogs in Montana. Below are the details of what we found to be the best GSD rescues in the state. When possible, we will continue to save the beloved German Shepherd Dog. We rely on a network of devoted foster families and volunteers to provide each. German Shepherd Dog. German Shepherd Rescue Network. All sponsorship will be recognized on Mit Liebe's Petfinder, Facebook and website. We are a community of people that love German Shepherds. The kind-hearted officers wouldn't leave them behind to fend for themselves and made. They are now 8 weeks old and looking for their new forever home. About Montana German Shepherd Rescue To find caring, loving, permanent homes for surrendered, abandoned or neglected dogs and puppies. Our dogs must be allowed in their family home and be. The rescue serves German Shepherds in need, with our primary mission to rescue dogs from overcrowded shelters in Montana, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and California and help them find their forever homes. Start a GoFundMe. German Shepherds of Montana. Our puppies and dogs are bred with care, family-raised and are of top-quaility. Adopt Dogs in Montana. Located in the western region of Montana USA .Family protection dogs at affordable prices! Omega Shepherds! Julie and Leah Andersen are breeders of the very best quality German Shepherds for 40 years. The Shepherd Pit — a German Shepherd and Pit Bull mix — is a comparatively new dog breed that is gaining popularity quickly. Bridger Canyon German Shepherds. Idaho German Shepherd Rescue. It's a great way to recognize a loved one, while helping us deter some of the average costs we incur with each of our rescues. Search for a German Shepherd Dog puppy or dog. Montana Malinois-Dutch Shepherd Rescue's adoption process 1. We try to match working dog breeds, Click on a number to view a list of all Belgian Malinois rescue groups in that state. He loves people, View full description ». Montana Bridger Canyon German Shepherds. Tio is being fostered at Wind River Canine Partners. We have up to 50 GSD's at any given. Meet Bear! Bear is a 10 week old shepherd mix puppy. Just call us at .Thanks for. Sign Adoption Contract If pet and prospective adopters seem like a good forever fit. Rescue Me ID .Bear and his brother, Fox, arrived in our care after being saved by the BIA from a property that was raided and shut down. Thompson Falls, Montana .These pups will be great for any active family especially ones with children that will keep the dog active with play. Looking for a specific shelter or rescue? There are often many great German. Adopt Dogs in Montana Filter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Maltese mix This adorable guy was brought to us by kind rescuers. A generous contribution has been made to German Shepherd Rescue by, These are working dogs and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Here's what they have to say about him: We are pleased to introduce. We carefully choose a combination of. This map shows how many Belgian Malinois Rescue Groups are in each state. We think he will be in the large breed category when he is fully grown. Learn more about the temperament and health of a Shepherd Pit and how to adopt one. Our rescue provides a safe haven to German Shepherds as they make their way to quality, loving homes of their own. Montana German Shepherd Rescue Groups. Montana White Shepherd Rescue. German Shepherd Dog puppies and dogs in Polson, Montana. German Shepherd Rescue of the Rockies. Our adoption process is designed to help you find the right dog for your family, while ensuring each dog is placed into a permanent, safe, and loving home. Mission Valley Animal Shelter. Below are the details of what we found to be the. 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Stacker offers its articles as-is and as-available, and makes no representations or warranties of any kind. Of these households, dogs and cats top the list of most popular pets, with .Without a nationally codified and streamlined process for collecting, organizing, and reporting on shelter data, there has been a grave lack of transparency around the country's shelters. That makes it difficult not only to pinpoint accurate statistics regarding sheltered animals in America but also to understand the true state of animal welfare in the country, which is the first step to improving that welfare. It's important to note that pet adoption is a huge responsibility and requires available savings for emergency and routine veterinary care, a day-to-day routine and game plan for coverage if the pup needs to be left at home during the day i. Be sure to do due diligence on breed research to see what kind of dog will be the best fit for your lifestyle. In exploring the history of animal shelters and rescue organizations in the country, nothing proves as problematic as the lack of a centralized reporting system to collect data on these organizations. If you've been considering bringing home a furry companion, be sure to keep reading. Stacker compiled a list of dogs available for adoption in Billings, Montana on Petfinder, ranging in age, breed composition, temperament, and needs. Without further ado, here are adoptable dogs in your home city. All rights reserved. Back to top. Before you bring your German Shepherd puppy home, it is important to know the behavior of the puppy. There are also many German Shepherd rescues in Montana that you can contact if you want to know more about the breed. These organizations help dog lovers come up with a good breeding pair for themselves. They also keep the breeding pair updated on proper puppy care and make sure they do not suffer from health problems during the pregnancy and after the puppies are born. If he is interested in breeding the German Shepherd dog, then he will be more than willing to share his puppies with you. However, when you talk to him, it is important to make sure that you are dealing with a legitimate breeder who wants to see the dogs grow into full-grown adults. He should be willing to provide you with all the necessary information about the breeding pairs. He should also let you visit the breeding pair so you can observe the dogs in their natural environment as well. German Shepherd breeding pairs are easy to spot when they are brought into the shelter. You can observe the mother and puppies easily because they tend to look very healthy. They should be very alert to your presence and should not be afraid of you at all. If you do decide to purchase a breeding pair, you must visit the shelter the day after you purchase them so you can be assured that they are in good hands. You must get a complete medical history since it can help you learn about the health of the breeding pair. Most German Shepherd breeders in Billings Montana will agree that their puppies are better off raised in homes where there is some other dog or puppy to play with. Many of these breeders are more than willing to take on another dog if their current puppy proves to be unmanageable or untrainable. This is not a problem for them since most of them have breeding pairs available for sale. If you have a high-quality German Shepherd pup, then raising it alone would not be a problem. It is also important to keep in mind that German Shepherd puppies for sale in Billings Montana come from only registered German Shepherd breeders. This is required by law. You can verify this by asking for a copy of the breeding contract. A well-established breeder will also have the dogs checked by a veterinarian before they are sold. The veterinarian will make a certification stating that the animal is free of any disease. The internet is one of the best sources to find German Shepherd puppies for sale in Montana. Some breeders will list their puppies online, and there are also pet stores that specialize in German Shepherd puppies. However, if you want to work directly with a breeder, you must do your homework first. Once you have found a reputable breeder to purchase your puppy from, you should immediately get down to business. The first thing that you need to do is interview the dog breeder to make sure that he is fully knowledgeable about his breeding program. You should also ask if other dogs are being used in the breeding program. If so, you should know whether or not these dogs are healthy. Be sure to ask about pedigrees and any other requirements that may be needed. You should also inquire as to the training that the dogs have undergone. It is important to house train your puppy while it is still a puppy so that you can help to eliminate future problems. It is also important to understand the grooming and exercise requirements that each dog has. A German Shepherd is an active and inquisitive dog, but it is also a very clean dog, so it requires regular professional care. Remember that when you are looking for German Shepherd puppies for sale in Billings Montana, you will want to consider the time and effort that the breeder has put into training the puppy, you will want to find out what kind of personality the dog has, and most of all, you will want to find out about the breeding plan that is being used. Share this:. Puppy pads Create a Schedule German Shepherd pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. Still, it would be best to prepare yourself for loud noises when your pet is asleep. Moderate Training German Shepherds are highly trainable. It simply means they respond well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states.

This thoughtfully crafted dog food is formulated to meet the unique nutritional requirements of Labrador Retriever puppies up to 15 months old. It contains premium proteins and prebiotics for optimal digestion and energy. With vitamin E and minerals, it supports the immune system and overall health. The kibble size and texture promote dental health. This puppy food provides a tasty and balanced diet to support healthy growth and development, making it an excellent choice for Labrador Retriever puppy owners. This nutritious dog food is made with real chicken and eggs and provides essential vitamins and minerals for healthy digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. It also supports strong bones and healthy skin and coat. Its balanced nutrition and delicious taste make it a satisfying choice for adult Labrador dogs. This high-quality dog food offers a complete nutritional profile at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value-for-money option for pet parents seeking to provide their dogs with a nutritious diet. How to find the best Labrador dog food? Selecting the optimal dog food for your Labrador necessitates the meticulous evaluation of various factors. Look for high-quality ingredients: Choose dog foods that contain high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and are free from artificial preservatives and fillers. Choose a formula for Labrador Retrievers: Some dog food brands offer recipes designed explicitly for Labrador Retrievers, considering their unique nutritional needs. Suitability with age: Age factors matter a lot when choosing Labrador dog food. Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have different dietary requirements, so select a formula appropriate for your dog's age. Read the online reviews to get an idea of how other dog owners feel about a particular dog food brand. You may be interested in Product. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review An additional reason for there being specific food for puppies is the pieces are smaller which not only prevents them from choking, it also makes the food easier to digest. The pieces are richer, denser and the ideal size for smaller mouths. These ingredients are where your pup gets the nutrients they need to grow and live, nutrients that are sadly lacking in the cheaper dog foods. With foods that are a bit more expensive, your pooch can eat a more well-balanced meal and enjoy it. They eat more, they poop more, and this means house training becomes much harder for you. What you feed your puppy is a major factor in the success of your house training process. Firstly, dry food tends to be more complete and balanced with the correct amount of vital nutrients in it. The ingredients tend to be of better quality as long as you pick the right brand. Plus, dry food helps to keep teeth strong due to being a solid food, and the slightly abrasive nature of the solid food has a natural teeth cleaning effect. It also lasts far longer than cans as you need to feed less of it. Recommended Best Puppy Food For Labs And Large Breeds In this next section we give you 4 of the best foods on the market made from high quality ingredients but still available at a reasonable price. These foods will provide your puppy with all the nutrients they need in just the right mix and quantities, not just so they survive, but so they can truly thrive. Deboned chicken is high quality chicken protein, whereas the chicken and turkey meal is a concentrate. It is nutrient rich with vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A as well as containing minerals like zinc, iron and calcium. It even has some fruit content like apples and blueberries. The Lactobacillus acidophilus, green tea extract and rosemary extract are all known to help prevent infections. This is a very high-quality food your puppy will truly thrive on and is our top recommendation as the best puppy food for labs. However, if price is no object, K9 is certainly one of the best foods available! K9 Natural Grain-Free Puppy Freeze-Dried Dog Food gives your puppy all the benefits of raw food, aiming for optimum levels of growth and development — not too fast nor stunted — and for lean muscle mass and peak conditioning. Its main ingredient is grass-fed New Zealand beef. And this is rounded out by whole food ingredients like flaxseed, kelp, New Zealand mussel, fruits and veggies, and hoki oil which provides DHA for EPA for healthy brain and eye development. It gets a big thumbs up from us. The first ingredient is bison and is a high quality meat product. The next ingredient is lamb meal, which has a large amount of protein in it being a meat concentrate, percent more than fresh lamb meat. The third highest ingredient is sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of complex carbs. They contain fiber and beta carotene. In fact, this food consists of approx. This provides your puppy with a source of energy ideal for his busy puppy lifestyle. Overall, this food is highly recommended and your puppy should thrive on it. They also allow regular independent inspections of their manufacturing process and source ingredients the US, EU and NZ. So quality control is well taken care of. The large breed puppy formula contains a scientifically formulated balance of proteins, fats, phosphorous and calcium in just the right amounts and proportions to promote a healthy rate of bone and muscle development, highly important for large breed puppies where excessive nutrients can be just as harmful as malnutrition. The food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for the health of connective soft tissues which is reassuring for large breeds, and especially Labradors, who can suffer from many joint problems in life. It also contains omega oils for healthy brain development, as well as other fatty acids known to promote healthy skin and coat. So Eukanuba large breed puppy food comes recommended. The fiber in it will help with digestion while it has antioxidants that are known to help keep your dog healthy for many years to come. Royal Canin Breed Specific Labrador Puppy Royal Canin is a very well-known brand with lots of positive reviews from past and present dog owners on Amazon. It has an above average protein content than the minimum recommended for your dog, coming in at 31 percent protein at dry weight. The protein it has comes mostly from chicken by-product meal which is considered somewhat low quality and consists of whatever is left after chickens are slaughtered. However, it does NOT — as you might read elsewhere — consist of anything from feet to beaks. According to dogfoodadvisor. After chicken by-product meal, the second ingredient in this food is brewers rice. The fourth ingredient is corn gluten meal which is a residue left over once most of the useful, starchy carbohydrates have been washed out of it. With such popularity, high ratings and reviews with so many people saying their dogs thrive on this, there must be some truth to it. The third to 5th ingredients are wholesome whole grains that provide high energy from complex carbohydrates that are easy to digest. These are far better than corn and most other sources of carbs found in cheaper foods that are hard for a puppy to get any nutrition from. Out of everything in this product, 40 percent of it is protein, which is higher than average. About 14 percent of it is fat, and of the remainder, 38 percent is carbs. And the omega oils may help reduce risk of developing arthritis. Not only this, but Labradors are a large breed and are more sensitive to nutritional imbalances than smaller breeds. You really do need to get their diet right to do the best for them. Luckily, many brands of food specifically aimed at large breeds and Labradors have been created that provide everything they need in just the right amounts, that are easy for an owner to feed by simply following instructions on the packet. I know there is a lot of conflicting advice out there when it comes to dog food and it can be a nightmare to wade through if trying to find the best puppy food for Labs. So hopefully this article has been of some use to you. A very good resource that does good work for dog food quality awareness. Check them out! Please be aware this page contains affiliate links and Labrador Training HQ receives a small commission if you make a purchase through any such links. This has no effect on the eventual price you pay and we are very grateful for your support. 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. Increase portions as your puppy grows. Be sure to follow the rule of dog treats. This is about changes over time. Nutritional deficiency or excess can lead to disease and ultimately death. You may have noticed that your dog has dandruff after changing food, but the food is really good — try adding levels of zinc and vitamin A. Your main task as a pet owner is to monitor the health of a small family member and be responsible for this life. Image credit: canva. The first one is a protein that can be found in meat, poultry, fish, yogurt, and cooked eggs. Protein is responsible for the structure of muscles and tissues, as well as the formation and growth of new cells. In the diet for a Labrador puppy, it is imperative to include carbohydrates that are found in brown rice, potatoes, and wheat. Carbohydrates supply the body with glucose, which is responsible for the functioning of the brain and nervous system. An obligatory component of dog food is fats. It is a source of energy, development, and functioning of the cells and muscles of the body. Fats are included in oil and even fish oil. Puppy food for Labs or any other dog includes a certain amount of minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and others. Minerals in dog food form bones and cartilage and balance the nerves. It promotes the production of hormones in the Lab puppies, regulates the balance of fluids in the body, and transports oxygen into the blood. Like people, dog and puppy foods should include plenty of water. Water is life! Once in the body, they strengthen bones, and teeth and fill the Labrador puppy with energy. Cost point Every time you buy pet food, you think about the issue of price. Of course, cost is important when making a purchasing decision. You should be aware that higher-quality puppy food can cost more than the average price. Your dog is an irreplaceable member of your family, which must be protected and loved with all your heart. Risks and diseases Lab owners should know well about all risks and diseases that their dogs may face. Numerous studies confirm that the Labrador Retriever breed is prone to digestive sensitivities and skin allergies due to irritating foods. This leads to pruritic diseases. Skin allergies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract are severe. Labs are prone to obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight and body is considered an important point of caring for a dog. In general, Labrador Retrievers should have a taut, hourglass-shaped figure. Obesity puts additional stress on bones and joints and makes it difficult to stay healthy. To combat weight gain, you need to exercise your dog with certain physical exercises, follow a proper diet, control portion sizes, and receive treats. Another disease caused by malnutrition is Gastric dilatation-volvulus. In short, this is boating. Indigestion is a severe problem that should not be ignored. The worst risk is death from the musculoskeletal disorder of muscles, nerves, joints, arthritis, and spinal discs. Also, you should be aware that feed processing of dog foods affects the occurrence and development of cancer. Dry food is cooked at a very high temperature, which leads to the formation of harmful chemical elements in the body of the dog. Such food also contains carbohydrates, which break down into cancer-causing glucose. You can combine dog food with homemade recipe food for your pet yourself. Moreover, it is a good way of feeding your dog if the dog food at home is over or there is very little left, but you need to extend the time until the next purchase. Dogs fed solely on home-cooked or combined diets lived for about 13 years, while those fed only processed food lived for about 10 years. Like human food, it can be chewed easily. Food is broken down in the body so that key nutrients are absorbed more quickly. Such food facilitates digestion and relaxes the stomach. Reducing stress on the digestive system reduces the likelihood of bloating. If you still decide to cook homemade food, follow the rules. Study each ingredient. Cook all animal products for the exact finish to kill harmful bacteria. Risks of homemade dog food Most of the problems are caused by a misunderstanding of the nutritional needs of the Labrador. If you do not understand the effect of food on the body of your pet, which reaction is correct and which can lead to negative consequences and different stages of life, contact a professional veterinarian who can tell you in detail about the effect of food on the body of a dog and how to properly form a pet diet. What food is best for a Labrador puppy? We made for you the list of the best puppy food for Labrador puppies. We can highlight the most noteworthy products from this list. Should I feed my Lab puppy dry or wet food? Mix dry and wet food. What is better to choose — opinions are different. But if you are in doubt about which puppy food to choose, consult your veterinarian. What is the recommended amount of water for a puppy? Older pups that have been nursed require one-half ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight. What do you feed an 8-week-old Lab puppy? An 8-week-old puppy should be fed several small meals a day. After 14 weeks, the Lab puppy can switch to two meals a day. Food for a Labrador puppy should be full of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for healthy development. Giving treats is fine, but remember that Labradors are prone to overeating and gaining weight quickly. Also, try to give treats for obedience. You can choose canned food and dry food for your dog as you wish but you should always think about the effect of this dog food on your dog. Hope this article was helpful for you and that your pet will grow healthy and strong. Active, eager to please and easy to train — with the waggiest of tails and smiliest of doggy faces — when it comes to being a good-natured family pet, Labrador Retrievers tick all the boxes. How trendy is your dog? The breed has certainly come a long way from its hard-working Canadian roots — in 16th century Newfoundland, the ancestors of the Labrador Retrievers we know and love today were used to help fishermen retrieve nets and lost lines and pull carts loaded with fish. Labs will try their hardest to beg, steal or borrow just about any kind of food , even if it will do them absolutely no good at all. Sensitive puppy food is suitable for feeding Labrador puppies from 6 weeks to 12 months old. Shop sensitive puppy food. A recent scientific study has shown that a gene alteration specifically found in Labs indicates greater food-motivated behaviour than in other breeds. Researchers discovered that this variation occurs more frequently in Labradors chosen as assistance dogs and might explain why these canines seem more trainable with food rewards. When searching for the best diet for Labradors, look for recipes that are made from premium ingredients such as lamb , turkey and salmon to ensure excellent quality and superior taste. Shop high-quality Burgess dog food. Dogs need a balance of vitamins and minerals, and their food must contain zinc and copper supplements. They also need a little bit of fibre in their diet to help maintain a healthy gut. Burgess Sensitive dog food range caters for your dog at every stage of their life — all the way through from puppy to senior. Sensitive puppy food is suitable for Labrador puppies from 6 weeks to 12 months old and nursing mothers. Sensitive adult dog food is designed for dogs over the age of 12 months. For dogs over the age of 7, sensitive senior dog food is the perfect food for your Labrador dog. Our Labrador has a sensitive stomach and took to this change of food well. Healthy and balanced! We tried various diets, and this was the only one that settled him. She produces smaller poos! Dry kibble dog food is widely acknowledged to be a great way to deliver a nutritious, balanced, complete diet. The best dry food for adult and puppy Labradors is carefully crafted to provide exactly the right balance of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fats that your dog needs, in an easy-to-feed form. When introducing a new food to your dog, you should do it gradually to avoid upsetting their digestion. Mix in the new food with the old over a period of 7 to 10 days until the new food completely replaces the old diet. How often should you feed a Labrador Retriever and how much? Puppies, with their small stomachs need three or four small meals a day, while adult dogs generally have two meals a day. Sometimes, elderly dogs benefit from three or four smaller meals. If you feed treats for training or when out on walks, this should also be taken into account. Remember that treats should be just that — something special, fed occasionally, in small amounts. Feeding frenzy? While some dogs like to savour every mouthful of their food, you might find that when feeding your Labrador puppy or adult dog, that they scoff down their dinner in seconds, which is really not good for them. Eating food too fast can cause digestive upsets, some of which can be very serious, requiring immediate veterinary attention. By switching the food you are feeding them to something more nutritionally beneficial you may be able to change your Lab's eating behaviour and allow them to slow down. What foods are dangerous to Labrador Retrievers? Here are some of the main foods that are dangerous for dogs and should be avoided in a Labrador diet. If you suspect your Lab has eaten any of the following, consult your vet immediately. Alcoholic beverages Can cause intoxication, coma, and death. Chocolate, coffee, tea Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous system. Fat trimmings Pits from peaches and plums Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract. Grapes and raisins Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. Gravy If made from meat juices, it can contain high levels of fat, which can cause pancreatitis. Large amounts of liver Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones. Macadamia nuts Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle. Milk and other dairy products Some adult dogs do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhoea. Mouldy or spoiled food Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhoea and can also affect other organs. Mushrooms Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death. Onions and garlic raw, cooked, or powder Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia. Garlic is less toxic than onions. Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves; potato and tomato stems Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. This is more of a problem in livestock. Raw eggs Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain salmonella. Raw fish Can result in a thiamine a B vitamin deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly. Excessive salt If eaten in large quantities, it may lead to electrolyte imbalances. Sugary foods Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus. Table scraps in large amounts Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced and if excessively fed can lead to obesity. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed. Xylitol This artificial sweetener sneaks its way into all sorts of foods — from peanut butter to jellies and jams and is highly toxic to canines. After a dog consumes a significant amount of xylitol, there is a massive release of insulin from the pancreas. This, in turn, results in a dangerously low blood sugar level and symptoms such as weakness, trembling, seizures, collapse, and even death. Is a Labrador Retriever the right breed for you? These easy-going, rewarding dogs have high energy levels, and will thrive on lots of attention, positive reward-based training , plenty of exercise as well as the right nutrition to keep them happy and healthy throughout their lives. Making sure he or she gets the proper nutrients is one of the most important, if not the most, an important part of your job. The health and happiness of your big pooch depend on it. Whatever you do and whatever you choose, remember to pay attention to your dog, not the food. Read the labels on the packaging carefully, mentally taking note of all the good ingredients and all the ones to avoid. This alone should help you choose the best dog food for your Labrador. Image by Patrick Zbasnik from Pixabay We cannot stress enough that cutting back on puppy food is something you should not do. Do not sacrifice quality to save a few bucks. Kibble Other than the ingredients, wet or dry dog food options are also something to think about. For your Labrador pup, kibble could be a better option. Why is that? Well, dry food tends to have more complete and balanced nutrition. Everything included in a dry food recipe will be tailored to the specific ratios most suitable for your pup. Check out some of the best grain-free puppy food choices. Another important benefit to eating kibble over wet food is that larger breed kibble is bigger. This slows down their eating habits and prevents bloating, a potentially fatal health issue. Dry kibble benefits the owner as well. It is easier to store and lasts longer than wet canned food. And last but not least, the price point is significantly lower, and it will put less strain on your finances. Just make sure they get enough water at all times to stay hydrated. Chondroitin and Glucosamine These are the two ingredients in dog food that specifically treat joint problems. You can find them in supplement form on shelves at the supermarket, but ingesting them through food intake is the best way. Taurine and L-Carnitine Taurine is a protein chemical. Chicken is often found in pup food as the main ingredient. Look for these two ingredients when buying food for Labrador puppies. Look for food with a higher calorie count, fat and protein than adult dog food because puppies grow at such a rapid rate. Speaking of adult dog food, read more in this article to know if your puppy can eat adult dog food. The best food for lab puppies will have the right amount of everything, perfectly balanced. The answer is yes. A puppy needs more nutrition than an adult, as they are still growing. Because Labradors are large breed dogs, make sure you get food for larger breeds. Dog food for them will be formulated with ingredients to meet their unique health requirements, many of which are bone and joint related. If you get dog food that is breed-specific, the food will be developed for their digestive, coat and energy needs. The brands will make sure their food meets the caloric intake needs of your Labrador puppy. Check this article to know if your dog needs large-breed food. Vegetables are as good for them as they are for us! What they get from vegetables are the proper vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The brighter the vegetable, the more antioxidants it will have. Here is a small list of what other ingredients to look for. Vitamin A and E — For a healthy coat and a strong immune system. Calcium but not too much and phosphorus — These are for bone and dental health. DHA — This is for healthy cognitive development. What Ingredients Should I Avoid? By-Products Everything tastes good to your dog. They could use disturbing things like rendered parts from the slaughterhouse as meat fillers. Extremely unappetizing! Artificial Ingredients Artificial ingredients are not added for health benefits. If made with good quality ingredients, your Labrador puppy dog will love the taste of their food. Cost For a lot of us, the cost of puppy food is a big concern. Higher quality and more expensive brands will use better ingredients. Conclusion Every little piece of advice here is a general suggestion. As we always say, look at the dog, not the food. Monitor their exercise levels to determine if they are getting the right amount of nutrients in their food. Your vet should be your best friend aside from your Labrador when choosing the right food for your dog. To make sure your feeding habits are doing your dog good, you can take your large pooch to the vet to get an evaluation every few weeks. When a dog is spayed or neutered, their need for energy consumption decreases. Expert Tip Try a basic stainless steel doggie bowl for feeding your pup. As for water, try a heavier bowl. Did You Know? This globally loved breed is one that continuously makes it onto the top 10 lists for the best animal for a family, easiest to train, dogs that great with kids etc. But did you know that this popular breed originates from Canada? High five to all the Canadians out there! They come in three distinct colors: Yellow butter , chocolate brown and black. Labs are from the north and they love water since they are retriever dogs after all. If you have a Lab puppy, be sure to take a look at our life jackets for dogs article! Jess Jess is so thankful for the loyalty and love from her fur babies. Similar Posts. Your Lab puppy is going to require a different balance of nutrients than an adult Lab. Different dog breeds are susceptible to different genetic health conditions. Larger breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Nutrition plays a vital role in preventing certain health issues. In recent years concern has been raised about a possible link between grain-free and non-grain-free diets that list legumes high on their ingredient list causing heart disease. This may be of consequence to Labradors as the breed is more prone to heart conditions than others. This does not just include Labs, but owners of any large or giant dog breed should be aware of this important information so they can make the most well-informed decision. Image Credit: Didkovska Ilona, Shutterstock Choosing the Best Food While having a list of the best puppy foods is a great start, you still must narrow it down to one. So, how does one choose from a list of great choices? Below we will cover some of the most important things to consider before making your final choice. What Does Your Veterinarian Recommend? Chances are that your veterinarian has dealt with purebred Labrador Retrievers many times before. Dog Food Brand You want to ensure you are choosing a dog food brand that is reputable. Finding a brand that is made with veterinary nutritionists and is backed by scientific research is ideal. If a brand advertises that they participate in AAFCO feeding trials, this means they have invested in research to ensure there are no nutritional deficiencies in the food. The ingredients in any pet food will help you determine the quality of the food. Look for foods that contain real meat as the number one ingredient. Below is a list of ingredients that are best avoided: Ingredients to Avoid. 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.

For this reason, we included these online Boxer breeders for you to check as well. Thus, you can also check a Boxer breeder here. The great thing is that it has an online marketplace to search for a Boxer puppy from any of the states. Since they cover all kinds of breeds, you may find an available puppy through this website. Another thing to note is that you also need to prepare for other costs. In short, aside from the actual cost of the puppy from a breeder, you still need to spend money on other items. Like a new baby in the family, your pup needs some items and some changes. A new puppy at home is a concern for all the family members. Thus, they need to prepare for it as well. As you have your meeting, try to make a schedule of tasks and distribution of responsibilities. Prepare your home. Preparing a home for your Boxer puppy means making it a safe place to play and live. Thus, you need to secure every item that can potentially harm your pet. Moreover, you need to secure your items that your pet can damage, such as shoes, carpets, floor mats, and so on. Shop for supplies. Like all other puppies and babies, Boxer pups needs items for its daily life. The essential things it needs would be beddings, food, and food bowls. You also need to buy a leash and collar for identification. Create a schedule. Besides your pet, you also have your responsibilities. Try to schedule how your pup should do for the day and when you need to pay attention. The great thing about creating a schedule is that it will benefit both you and your pet. Choosing a Good Boxer Seller and Breeder The best Boxer puppies only come from those who take an extra mile in caring for them. Below are certain qualities that you should look for in a Boxer puppy breeder. The Boxer breeder should only breed Boxer puppies. A single breed should be the first thing to remember when searching for a reputable Boxer breeder. Every breed has a mating season to which they breed. If the Boxer breeder sells quite a lot of pups but only has a pair of parents, you can think that it forces the parents to mate so they can have puppies to sell. The Boxer breeder should train pups in their first weeks. Every reputable Boxer breeder gives all the pups around eight weeks at least to stay with their parents. In such a time, the breeder should train the pups before it moves to its new home. The Boxer breeder would continuously be in touch. Other states. For the complete list please see our Resource Page page. Because the boxer is so popular, the price for one will vary depending on where you are looking. For example, if you live near Detroit or Lansing, you should be able to find a boxer puppy around the middle of that price range. If you want one from a reputable breeder, however, it could cost significantly more. Prices may also vary because of the age of the boxer. Puppies are cheaper than older dogs, so you will want to shop around and compare prices before committing to a purchase. If you would like to adopt a boxer instead of buying one from a breeder, check out some local shelters or organizations that place rescue animals in homes. How to Find A Responsible Boxer Breeder in Michigan When choosing a boxer breeder, you will want to be sure that they are reputable and that your puppy is being cared for properly. If they have one, this should give you an idea of how much work goes into breeding boxers responsibly which can give you confidence in your choice of breeder. Although anyone can call themselves a dog breeder, it takes dedicated breeders with years of experience to truly take care of their dogs. The Michigan Boxer Club has approved member breeders who put health above all else when breeding their dogs. You should contact them if you are looking for someone who breeds responsibly and cares about the health and happiness of their dogs. In addition to checking out the parent club, you can find a list of member breeders in Michigan on our site below. Visit Your Michigan Boxer Breeder in Person Once you have found a few reputable members, take the time to visit them in person. This will give you an opportunity to see what kind of environment your puppy is coming from and should provide some peace of mind that he or she has been properly cared for. Not only does this give you a chance to interact with the puppies, but it also helps you get comfortable with the parent club members and gives them a chance to meet you as well. Taking these first steps can help build a relationship between all parties involved which will hopefully lead to successful future transactions. Now that you know how important it is to find a responsible breeder, where do you begin? ReadPlease is dedicated to making your search easier by helping connect potential breeders and responsible dog owners. Take a look at our list of approved boxer breeders in Michigan below to get started on your search today. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Michigan When meeting your Michigan boxer breeder for the first time, you should be sure to ask them if they have any references for you. They should realize that you will want some sort of contact information, this is important information to gather before deciding on a breeder. Once you have some references, contact them to get their honest opinion about working with one another and how it went overall. The more references you talk to, the better your chances are going to be satisfied with your choice in breeder. If you are satisfied with all of your references, then it is time to put in an application for that adorable puppy. You want to make sure that you are getting a healthy dog with no genetic problems. Not only will meeting past customers give you peace of mind, but it can also help build a lasting relationship between all parties involved which in turn helps their next potential sale. Just like normal references, ask if they have any other people who have purchased from them within the last year or two that you can talk to about their experience with the breeder. This gives you a chance to really get into detail about how everything went and start building a rapport with these future friends of yours who just happen to own adorable boxers Does Your Michigan Boxer Breeder Have A Good Veterinarian They Use? There is nothing worse than having a sick puppy and not knowing what to do about it. This is why it is important to find out if your breeder has a good veterinarian they use and trust before you purchase your boxer from them. Not only does this help build a relationship between everyone, but it can provide you with someone who will be there for you when problems arise with your dog. The veterinarian can also offer advice on how to care for your boxer as well as give you the chance to ask any questions that come up about their health or behavior. Look out for The Signs of An Unethical Boxer Dog Breeder in Michigan When looking for a boxer breeder in Michigan, it is important to note the signs of an unethical breeder before visiting them. You should be wary if they refuse to show any paperwork for your future puppy such as the AKC papers, pedigree information, vaccine records, etc. Another big sign would be if they ask for money upfront before giving you any information on the potential parents, puppies themselves. Just like with anything else, you want to be wary of any contracts that are too long or confusing. Having these questions ready can help you quickly screen the different Michigan boxer dog breeders. As with any other dog, problems could arise at any time because of the genetic makeup of their parents. Things such as hip dysplasia or heart disease can be passed down from one generation to the next which is why it is important to ask your breeder about these potential genetic problems in your future puppy. This will help you avoid expensive vet bills until you know more information on what exactly is wrong with your new pup. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy Before bringing your new boxer puppy home, you will need to make sure that their designated area is ready for them. This includes having dog crates that are large enough for them to grow into as well as newspapers or pads on the floor where they can use the bathroom. Making certain areas of your home puppy-proof is very important. Make sure there are no chemicals, cleaning products, or small objects available for them to swallow or play with. They could cause serious injury to your dog which is why it is so crucial for their safety. Finally, make sure to keep a close eye on them until you know they are comfortable in their new home. There are a few things that you can do to help with this process though, including crate training which is seen more often in puppies. Potty training your new boxer puppy is a big job, but with the proper guidance and patience, you can teach them to go to the bathroom outside just like any other dog. Good luck finding your next loving companion! I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Find more Boxer puppies for sale in closest states: Wisconsin , Indiana , Illinois , Minnesota , Iowa , Ohio If you have never owned a Boxer before, or are interested in reading more information, check out our Boxer Dog Breed Information page. Latest Dog Articles The first pregnancy of the she-dog If you decided your favorite pet to have an offspring, be responsible in such a case. To do this, follow simple rules that will help her to get healthy offspring without problems, and do not forget to visit the vet. Estrus and mating During estrus you need Dog's training: basic rules of success Dog and owner relationship is a set of complex and fitness of their characters. You have to get in contact with your new pet and it happens in different ways with each dog. You can immediately begin to squeeze one dog and to keep distance from the other o Proper care of a puppy If a person has a puppy of small breed it is easier to take care of it. For this, you will need a small comb and brush. 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Boxer BoxerT The well-conditioned middleweight athlete of dogdom, the Boxer is a powerful dog with an intelligent and alert expression. While they are instinctive guardians, the Boxer loves to be with his people. This personality has allowed them to succeed as couriers during war time and as seeing-eye dogs for the blind. Appearing in both fawn and brindle colors, the Boxer currently ranks as one of the most popular dogs in the United States according to AKC Registration Statistics. History Developed in Germany in the 19th century, Boxers were originally used for dog fighting and to run down and hold large game such as wild boar and bison until the hunter could arrive. The breed is known for standing up on its hind legs and batting at its opponent, appearing to box with its front paws. Imported to America after World War I, they began to grow in popularity in the late s. Temperament One of the breeds most notable characteristics is its desire for human affection, especially from children. The Boxer requires little grooming, but needs daily exercise. The Boxer gets along great with children, often protecting them from outside threats. The are also very intelligent, therefor easy to train and housebreak. Working Group; AKC recognized in .Large game hunter, guard and companion dog. Exercises Grooming From ancient Germany precisely around the 19th century had the now extinct mastiff breed Bullenbeisser and bulldogs brought in from England. At the time of their arrival, they served as hunting dogs for bears, deer, and other ferocious beasts, it would capture the prey with the help of its awesome teeth and detain it until the hunter arrives. And in the first boxer standard club was launched with a comprehensive document that is still in use today. Shortly after, the breed made its way into other European countries and got into the U. S in the late 19th century with the American Kennel Club taking registration of its first boxer around .During the first world war, boxers played the role of a military dog as a pack-carrier, a guard dog, and an attack dog, later they were taken home by the soldiers and got introduced into the domestic world as a show dog, best companion, and a reliable guard. One with so much life, energetic, curious, attentive, active, smart, sociable and incredible fun with children is the boxer, they are also known to be very patient and highly protective of their family members making them the love and desire of many homes. As active dogs, they need a lot of exercise to keep them mentally fit, apparently having a mind of its own, you will find your boxer entertain itself by digging the ground often, chewing, and licking the mouth to beat boredom. They are also very stubborn in character which makes them a terrible choice for first-timers with dogs, they are generally a bit difficult with adult dogs including dogs of a similar breed but friendly with puppies. They usually do not bark unless there is a genuine reason behind it but they love to growl. If you have occupied home with people around all the time or you want a canine buddy the whole time, then a boxer is just the perfect breed to get. Being a highly active dog, they dread loneliness and they can cope finely in both a house and an apartment as long as you provide it with enough room and spaces for exercises and activities. What you must have is a large yard if you are living in a house for it to dig the ground and run around as it likes. And more so, if you are given to being away from home most of the time, getting a boxer may not be the best for you and the dog, because they usually get aggressive when left alone. Boxers are known as loud snorers and they drool greatly too. Boxers are playful and very energetic dogs as such regular exercises are part of a good canine relationship, especially a breed of this sort. Your boxer should be allowed to play in a fenced area and on-leashed since it is likely to jump and leap around in excitement. This puts a boxer as a bad choice for a frail owner as they may find it a tad impossible and daunting keeping up with its excessive activity demands. Being a breed with a short and thin coat its grooming demands are quite easy and little, all it needs is a light brushing of the hair twice every week to maintain its good and gleeful looks. Bathing should be a once in a while since boxers are generally clean dogs and its nails, be trimmed once every month or as often as they grow worn on surfaces, its teeth should also be brushed daily to avoid tartar formation and other dental crises. Our Boxer puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Frequently Asked Questions Are Boxers good family pets? Yes, boxers are particularly fond of their family members especially when goodly trained. Are Boxers trainable? Though the boxers can be a little headstrong, they are very intelligent and with a proper training environment, they respond well. Are Boxers friendly with kids? They are very fond of children and they love playing games with them. Are Boxers friendly with other animals? Boxers are naturally patient with puppies, pooches and small animals but a bit unaccommodating of adult dogs and other animals. Are Boxers good apartment dogs? They can live anywhere you make as a home all you need is to provide it with enough space for exercise. How is Boxers shedding? Given the shortness of their coat, they shed minimally and occasionally, you can also regulate the shedding by frequent brushing of their coat. Are Boxers good for first-time owners? Not quite, as their exercise needs are way too high for their inexperienced hands. Are Boxers loud barkers? But growling is a thing they do most. Are Boxers tolerable to heat and cold? All they need is moderate exposure to heat and cold because of their thin fur body. How long can Boxers live? The average life-span of boxers is 10 years Are you interested in purchasing a Boxer? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

They are known to have an average energy level and a generally friendly disposition. They are not inherently aggressive as most dog critics suggest. If you prefer a medium-sized canine companion, this crossbreed proves to be a great choice. Your Pitbull English Bulldog mix will have a lot of diversity to draw from regarding their coat color, size, and physical appearance. Some owners say that the Pitbull Bulldog mix is not for the faint-hearted. You will need to commit effort and time to have them trained and properly socialized. Additionally, it might be challenging to raise this crossbreed given it is predisposed to a number of health conditions like heart disease and eye problems. The English Bulldog Pitbull mix likely originated in the s when breeders thought to combine the best traits of Bulldogs and Pitbulls in one. Similar to the case of most mixed breed dogs, the best we can do is familiarize ourselves with the history of both its parent breeds since there is a lack of documentation about their history. The English Bulldog was first bred in the 13th century in England. These dogs were used for bull-baiting and other brutal bloodsports. Today, the English Bully is a refined breed and known to be courageous, loyal, and affectionate. It is widely believed that all dogs classified as Pitbulls today descend from the British Bull and Terrier which were first imported into America in the s. Both parent breeds of the English Bulldog Pitbull mix have had a long history of aggressive fighting blood sports of dogfighting, bear, and baiting bulls , which fortunately has come to an end. Rest assured, your English Bulldog Pitbull mix is now a refined, well-behaved dog. Photo by itznipsey IG English Bulldog Pitbull mixes can come in medium-sized builds and various colors. One thing is for sure, though, this mix will generally appear to be muscular, stout, and medium in size. It will also have that characteristic Pitbull smile we all love and adore. Appearance-wise, this mixed breed is stout and its head is broad and extensive. They also have large jaws, much like their parent breeds. Generally, they have a short snout, but it would be longer if they took after their Pitbull parent. They also have small, semi-pricked ears. An English Bulldog Pitbull mix features an eye color ranging from a dark brown hue to a shade of light amber, just like most bully breeds. They have thick necks and muscular chests, and they appear to have more squats than a regular Pitbull. The legs are well-muscled, long, and slightly hocked like their Bulldog parent. These dogs can have a variety of markings in white or silver colors. They have short and fine coats, in colors including black, tan, red, yellow, gray, golden, cream and white. Note that these are just common observations, and your English Bulldog Pitbull mix may not exactly manifest these features. Since the Pitbull English Bulldog mix is a crossbreed, it can take after its Pitbull parent with a large head and wide jaw, and it may also look more like a Bulldog, with its signature flat and wrinkled face. On average, English Bulldog Pitbull mixes weigh 60 pounds and stand at the height of 18 inches tall. When it comes to their parent breeds, English Bulldogs are about 14 to 15 inches tall, and weighing between 45 and 70 pounds. Meanwhile, Pitbulls are around 18 to 21 inches tall with a weight of 40 to 70 pounds. Typically, male dogs will always be heavier than their female counterparts. Do not worry if your pup is not precisely within the average measurement. Remember that this is just a size estimation, and sometimes, your puppy might still need more time to grow. A vet can also guide you on the nutrients that your companion needs. English Bulldog and Pitbull mixes are known to be sociable and sweet-natured, particularly towards their family members. They can be perfect family pets if given proper training and socialization. Most can be civil and welcoming to strangers. They are careful in their presence, making them excellent family dogs in households with toddlers. As high-energy dogs, they love to play for hours on end! With Other Pets and Dogs: The English Bulldog Pitbull mixes can do well with other dogs and pets such as cats , provided they have the proper socialization and training. However, they can be aggressive towards small animals such as rats, rabbits, or rodents as they may see them as prey. Although some may find English Bulldogs and Pitbulls to be two dangerous and intimidating breeds, their offspring are affectionate and loving. The Pitbull Bulldog mix can be initially wary of new faces and presences, but you will have a lifelong friend in them once you gain their trust! Advantages and Disadvantages of Breeding Pitbulls and English Bulldogs Together Nowadays, crossbreeding remains to be a controversial topic in the canine world. As an English Bulldog Pitbull mix aspiring owner, it is crucial to know the different advantages and disadvantages of breeding English Bulldogs and Pitbulls together. It adds to their appeal as crossbreed dogs. They will be devoted and easy to train. These dogs are always eager to please. They will be good with children. If there are toddlers in your household, the English Bulldog Pitbull mix may become their best friend. These dogs are gentle, patient, and loving with kids. They will have high-energy levels. Expect long hours of playtime with your Pitbull English Bulldog. This mixed breed is an excellent choice for energetic pet owners who love to go outdoors often. You may take them on long walks as well as hikes! Below are some disadvantages of breeding the English Bulldog Pitbull mix: English Bulldog Pitbull mix is banned in some countries. They will be at risk of developing major health problems. There will be quite a few health problems to expect when it comes to the Pitbull English Bulldog mix. The common ones are hip dysplasia, reverse sneezing, thyroid issues, skin issues, heart disease, and eye problems. It would be best to prepare your budget beforehand in the event of any medical emergencies. They can be more expensive than purebreds. Designer dogs are considered a fad in the canine world today. They may have an unpredictable adult size and temperament. It is generally hard to predict the specific behavior or character of mixed-breed dogs. I would advise you to familiarize the personality and size of its parent breeds instead. They may be moderate energy dogs or highly energetic canines. If your dog engages in a lot of activity in a day, giving an extra amount of high-quality dog food will help sustain the energy it needs. Otherwise, only provide an exact amount of serving for your pet who participates in low to medium physical activities. Cleaning and Grooming Thanks to its short and smooth coat, the English Bulldog Pitbull mix is generally easy to clean and groom. Perhaps the only challenge you may encounter while grooming this dog is checking in between the wrinkles if there is still dirt left to clean. Meanwhile, cleaning the ears must be done weekly using cotton balls dipped in ear cleaner to avoid any dirt or ear infection. When it comes to bathing, every once a month will be ideal for preventing dry skin. If, in any case, your pet becomes dirty due to activities, a quick bath will suffice to clean them. A regular groomer appointment will also help you ensure that your dog is always looking clean and healthy. Training and Exercise It is hard for some owners to determine the exercise needs of the Pitbull English Bulldog mix. The English Bulldog often likes to lounge around, which is a striking comparison to energetic and active Pitbulls. Hence, you might want to start with moderate exercise at first. If your new pet starts to show signs of boredom like chewing and other harmful behaviors, you might need to start elevating your exercise routine to a higher level. They can be great guard dogs if you are consistent with this kind of training. However, you should also ensure that you only use positive reinforcement for all your training sessions. If you stumble across this mixed breed through local animal rescues, the cost would be far more cost-effective than what you would typically pay a breeder. It is a good idea to consider if you want to adopt this dog without breaking the bank. A post shared by Camila Cristina bigbabyhaze Life Expectancy Since they are a medium-sized dog, they do have a longer life expectancy compared to a large dog. Hopefully, your mix will live a healthy life up to at least 12 years or more. As mentioned, they can be wary of new faces and strange dogs, but once trust is gained, you have a lifelong friend. They will still have a natural tendency to be protective of their tribe, but most dogs have this trait. English Pitbulls are confident and brave, which can be negative or positive in certain situations. But you will be hard-pressed to find another mix that is more affectionate and loving. If you have kids, they will be like a sibling, as these dogs love to play for hours on end. This mix is fairly easy to train since they are smart and eager to please. Just remember that they respond better to positive reinforcement rather than negative. If you are unsure of the best way to train your English Bulldog and Pitbull mix, consult a certified trainer who has dealt with this mix before to help you and your dog succeed. Generally speaking, Bulldogs have a low to moderate energy level, while Pitbulls are high-energy dogs, so you could have a dog who is in-between or just low or high. You will want to provide well-rounded nutrition, no matter the level of their activity. If you have a high-energy dog, they will need more food throughout the day. High-quality dog food that provides all the needed nutrients is the best to feed your English Bulldog Pitbull mix. Speak with your veterinarian to make sure your dog is receiving the proper nutrition to live a healthy life. Moderate exercise is best to keep your dog trim and fit, but if your dog shows signs of boredom, such as chewing or adopting other bad behaviors, you may need to up your exercise game. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Taking time to train your dog and play will make for a happier and healthier pet. They want to be part of the family and will thrive when involved with activities that include everyone. Use a soft brush on their coat a couple of times per week to keep the fur healthy. Regular grooming appointments will help ensure that you can keep your dog looking their best. Getting regular vet check-ups is an important part of keeping your dog healthy and ensuring that they have a long life. Minor Conditions. Since a mix can take on any combination of traits from their parents, you want to make sure you ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix. Should an English Bulldog Mix take after their Bulldog parent, they will be sweet-natured, affectionate, and playful dogs that love being with their families. English Bulldogs are companion breeds that are known for being sweethearts. As long as they are socialized properly, they tend to be excellent with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although watchful, they are even agreeable to strangers once they have been introduced. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same from an English Bulldog Mix. You still want to talk to the breeder about the other parent as they are likely to introduce their own quirks. Meeting the mother in person can give you an idea of her temperament and the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. Although the breeder should have started some training and socialization, it is your responsibility to continue training and socializing a puppy once you get them home to ensure they grow into a well-rounded, well-behaved dog. Although English Bulldogs adapt to most living situations, they are sensitive to hot and cold, and are particularly sensitive to heat. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. This makes them a moderately adaptable dog breed. The other parent breed could introduce some traits that affect adaptability so you do want to ask the breeder about them. A mix could inherit conditions common to neither of their parent breeds, one of them, or even both of them. From the English Bulldog, potential health concerns to be aware of in an English Bulldog Mix include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Entropion, and Cherry Eye. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to prevent passing issues to puppies, so make sure you are asking about the health history of both of the parents. Although English Bulldogs can be stubborn, they are generally eager to please and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels and respond well to consistent training that is focused on positive reward and praise. If the other parent breed is also highly trainable, then you should be able to expect the same from an English Bulldog Mix. The other parent breed could also introduce the potential for an English Bulldog Mix that is more difficult to train. Mixed-breed dogs can inherit a coat that is a carbon copy of one of their parents or they can end up with a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should an English Bulldog Mix end up with a Bulldog coat, they will shed moderately year-round, require brushing a couple of times a week, and the occasional bath. If they have face wrinkles, you will need to make sure they are clean and dry regularly to prevent skin irritation. Cutting nails once or twice a month keeps them from growing too long. Ear checks on a weekly basis with careful ear cleanings as needed helps prevent ear infections. Daily brushing or use of an enzyme toothpaste is ideal dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. English Bulldogs tend to be lower-energy breeds that only require daily walks and some playtime to be happy. But, they will be energetic when they play and might be up for more activity if you are. The other parent breed can affect this. If they are a low-energy breed, then you can expect an English Bulldog Mix to be the same. If the other parent breed requires more daily activity, then you will need to be prepared for that potential range in an English Bulldog Mix puppy. Because they may still be a brachycephalic dog breed, they can overheat, so you want to be careful of overexertion. There are many safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs to help your English Bulldog Mix get the exercise they need. Fully-grown English Bulldogs usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. An English Bulldog generally lives for years. Although the other parent breed could affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in an English Bulldog Mix. Featured English Bulldog Mix Article. Cons: The English Bulldog is a breed that originated in England in the 16th century. It was originally bred for bull baiting, a popular form of entertainment in which a bull was tethered to a post, and a dog was released to attack it. English Bulldogs were known for their strength, courage, and tenacity, and they were prized for these qualities in the bull-baiting ring. It was originally bred for pit fighting, a blood sport that involved two dogs being placed in a pit to fight each other. American Pitbull Terriers were known for their athleticism, strength, and courage, and they were prized for these qualities in the pit fighting ring. However, when pit fighting was banned in the United States, the breed was used for other purposes, such as hunting, guarding, and as a companion animal. It needs to be clarified when the English Bulldog Pitbull Mix was first developed. Still, the breed was likely created in the 20th or 21st century due to the increasing popularity of hybrid species. The Bullpit is not a recognized breed by any major kennel club and is not eligible to participate in conformation shows or other AKC-sanctioned events. Generally, these are medium to large-sized dogs with a stocky build and a muscular appearance. They may have the short, wide head and facial wrinkles of an English Bulldog and the short, smooth coat of an American Pitbull Terrier. Their ears may be short and folded, or they may be long and floppy, depending on the traits inherited from their parents. Their tail may be short and stumpy or long and tapered, depending on the traits inherited from their parents. They may also inherit more physical characteristics from one parent breed than the other. English Bulldog Mixed Pitbulls can be any color, including black, white, brindle, fawn, red, and more. They may have a solid coat color or a combination of colors. Their coat may be short, smooth, and shiny, or they may be longer and coarser, depending on the traits inherited from their parents. They may also have a variety of markings, such as spots, patches, or a mask. Males are typically larger than females and may weigh up to 70 pounds when fully grown. Conversely, females are usually smaller and may weigh between 30 and 50 pounds when fully grown. It is important to note that the size of an English Bulldog Mixed Pit Bull can also be influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, and genetics. It is also important to remember that each dog is an individual and may have its unique size and weight. Overall, the appearance of an English Bulldog Pitbull Mix can vary greatly, and it is difficult to predict exactly what a Bullpit will look like based on its parent breeds. It is important to remember that each dog is an individual and may have unique physical characteristics. However, some general characteristics may be common in these dogs due to the traits of their parent breeds. English Bulldogs are generally known for being calm, gentle, and affectionate. They are often good with children and can make good family pets. However, they can also be stubborn and require extra patience during training. Pitbulls are generally known for being intelligent, energetic, and loyal. They can be strong-willed and may require firm training and leadership. However, they can also be very loving and make good companions. For example, some may be more laid-back and calm, while others may be more energetic and playful. By learning as much as you can about an English Bulldog Pitbull mix before bringing one home, you can help to ensure that you choose the right dog for your family and lifestyle. The temperament of an English Bulldog Pitbull Mix can vary greatly, as it will depend on the individual dog and the traits it has inherited from its parents. For example, both English Bulldogs and American Pit bull Terriers have a reputation for being loyal and protective of their families. These traits may also be present in an English Bulldog Pitbull Mix. However, it is important to remember that each dog is an individual and may have different personality traits and characteristics. Pitbull Mix English Bulldogs are intelligent and energetic dogs that can be good family pets with the right training and socialization. They may be playful and affectionate with their families and may be good with children if raised with them. However, it is important to remember that these dogs, like all breeds, can be strong-willed and may require firm, consistent training and leadership to ensure that they are well-behaved and well-adjusted. It is important to do thorough research before considering any breed of dog, including a Pitbull Mix English Bulldog, as a pet. It is also important to choose a reputable breeder and to socialize and train your dog properly to ensure that it grows into a well-behaved and well-adjusted family member. Proper socialization and training can help prevent behavioral issues and ensure that your dog is a happy, well-adjusted family member. There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to breed an English Bulldog with a Pitbull. First and foremost, it is important to remember that breeding any two animals carries risks and responsibilities and should not be undertaken lightly. Before breeding any two animals, it is important to consider the potential health and temperament issues that may arise in the resulting offspring. Both English Bulldogs and Pitbulls are prone to certain genetic health conditions, and breeding two dogs that are carriers of the same congenital disease could result in offspring that are affected by the disease. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly research the health history of both parent breeds and choose the breeding stock free from known genetic health issues. In addition to considering the potential health risks, it is also important to consider the temperament and suitability of both parent breeds as family pets. For example, both English Bulldogs and Pitbulls have a reputation for being loyal and protective of their families, but they can also be strong-willed. As a result, they may require firm, consistent training and leadership to ensure they are well-behaved and well-adjusted. Therefore, it is important to research both parent breeds thoroughly and to consider their individual temperament and suitability as pets before deciding to breed them. Finally, it is important to remember that breeding any two animals carries a significant financial and time commitment. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider whether or not you are prepared to take on the responsibility of breeding and raising a litter of puppies before deciding to mate two animals. Overall, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and responsibilities involved in breeding any two animals, including an English Bulldog and a Pitbull. Choosing a reputable breeder and thoroughly researching the health and temperament of both parent breeds is also important before deciding to breed them. Pitbull English Bulldog Mix Health and Lifespan Pitbull English Bulldog mixes can be prone to certain health problems due to the inherited traits of their parent breeds. Some health issues that English Bulldog Mixed Pitbulls may be prone to include: Hip dysplasia: This is a condition in which the hip joint is malformed, leading to pain and difficulty moving. It can be treated with medication, physical therapy, or surgery. Elbow dysplasia: This is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. It can also be treated with medication, physical therapy, or surgery. Breathing problems: Both English Bulldogs and Pitbulls can be prone to respiratory issues due to their short snouts and narrow nostrils. This can make it difficult for them to breathe, especially in hot or humid conditions. Allergies: English Bulldog Mixed Pitbulls may be prone to allergies, which can cause skin irritation, itching, and other symptoms. Eye problems: Both English Bulldogs and Pitbulls can be prone to eye problems such as cataracts, cherry eye, and dry eye. Skin problems: English Bulldog Mixed Pitbulls may be prone to skin problems such as allergies, infections, and hot spots. English Bulldog Mixed Pitbulls generally have a lifespan of around 10 to 12 years. By working with a veterinarian and taking good care of your dog, you can help to ensure that they live a long and healthy life. In general, all dogs need to eat a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their specific needs. Diet: Consult with your veterinarian or a professional pet nutritionist to determine the right type and amount of food for your English Bulldog Pitbull mix. Look for a brand that uses real meat or fish as the first ingredient, and avoid those that contain fillers or by-products. This can help prevent bloat, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when a dog eats too much at once. Avoid giving your English Bulldog Pitbull mix table scraps or other unhealthy treats. These can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. Daily walks, runs, or play sessions can keep your dog healthy and happy. Be sure to give your Pitbull Mix English Bulldog plenty of opportunities to play and explore, as this can help to stimulate their mind and prevent boredom. Remember that these dogs may be prone to overheating, so avoiding exercising your dog in extreme heat or humidity is important. This includes obedience training and exposure to a variety of people, places, and situations. This helps ensure that your Pitbull Mix English Bulldog is well-behaved and able to adapt to different environments. Cleaning and Grooming English Bulldog Pitbull mixes will require regular grooming to maintain their coat and overall health. A slicker brush or a comb with wide teeth can be effective. Bath your dog every few months or as needed. Use a mild dog shampoo, and rinse thoroughly to prevent skin irritation. Use a cleaning solution that is specifically made for dogs, and be sure to dry the ears thoroughly after cleaning. Use toothpaste and a toothbrush that is specifically made for dogs. You can help keep your dog looking and feeling its best by providing regular care and attention. Here are some general tips for training an English Bulldog Pitbull Mix: Start training as soon as possible. Use positive reinforcement. This means rewarding your dog with treats, praise, or other rewards when they do something you want them to do. Avoid using punishment or physical force, as these can be harmful and ineffective. Be consistent. Use the same commands and rewards every time so your dog knows what to expect. Practice regularly. This will help to reinforce the behaviors you want your dog to learn. A trainer can provide guidance and support to help you and your English Bulldog Pitbull mix succeed. With time, patience, and consistency, you can help your dog learn the behaviors you want them to have. However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and prices can vary widely. For example, some breeders may charge more for English Bulldog Pitbull mixes from champion bloodlines or have certain desirable characteristics, while others may charge less. In addition to the initial purchase price, there are other costs to consider when buying an English Bulldog Pitbull mix puppy. This can help to ensure that they are healthy and to catch any potential health issues early on. Vet expenses may include the cost of the initial visit, vaccines, deworming, spaying or neutering, and other medical care. Training and socialization: Training and socializing your puppy is important for their overall health and well-being. This may involve hiring a professional trainer or enrolling in a training class. By budgeting for these costs and being a responsible pet owner, you can ensure that your pup has everything they need to thrive. However, there are some pros and cons to consider before getting any dog, and this is especially true for mixed breeds. Pros: Mixed breeds can sometimes have the best traits of both parent breeds. For example, English Bulldogs are known for being calm and gentle, while Pitbulls are known for being intelligent and energetic. An English Bulldog Pitbull mix could have a good balance of both traits. Mixed breeds may have a lower risk of inherited health problems. Purebred dogs can be prone to certain genetic conditions due to inbreeding, but mixed breeds may be less likely to develop these issues. Mixed breeds may be more adaptable to different living situations. Cons: It can take time to predict the exact traits that a mixed breed will have. Mixed breeds may be harder to find in shelters or rescue organizations. Many people looking to adopt a dog will search for specific purebreds, so that mixed breeds may be less common in these settings. Mixed breeds may be more prone to behavioral issues. Our website is all about Pitbulls. Mandy Connelly Mandy has lived with pitbulls her whole life, and she has amassed a wealth of experience and knowledge about these magnificent animals. Having had the pleasure of owning and caring for numerous pitbulls over the years, she has come to understand their unique characteristics, behaviors, and needs. Read more.

Rabies Vaccine Rabies is a viral infection caused by a virus secreted in the saliva. According to the Humane Society , because the infection affects the nervous system, most rabid animals behave abnormally. When should puppies get rabies shots? Generally speaking, puppies should get their first rabies shot around 16 weeks of age and again between years old. Rabies Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every 3 years Non-core Vaccines Non-core vaccines are important, but they are considered optional for dogs with less risk of infection. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on lifestyle and where you live or travel. Bordetella Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium associated with respiratory disease in dogs and is known to cause the most severe form of kennel cough. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, congestion, etc. Some veterinarians may recommend Bordetella as a core vaccine for puppies based on their living environment, especially for social dogs who spend time in areas where they might come into contact with the bacteria like the dog park, boarding facilities, or doggy daycare. The vaccination can be given orally, intranasally, or by injection. Bordetella Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every year Leptospira Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by infection of the genus Leptospira, which are found in water and soil. The zoonotic disease spreads easily from animals to humans and is more common in warm climate areas with high annual rainfall; the Leptospira vaccine may be considered core in these areas. Signs of leptospirosis may include shivering, fever, muscle tenderness, increased thirst, dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, kidney failure, liver failure, etc. Leptospira Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 3rd shot: 1 year Booster: every year There is also a 5-way vaccine known as DHLPP, which is a combination vaccine of distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvo. Lyme disease Lyme disease is caused by infection with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The most common symptoms in dogs include loss of appetite, lameness, joint swelling, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. More serious cases can also develop kidney complications. The Lyme disease vaccine is highly recommended for dogs that live in or frequently travel to areas known for Lyme disease, as well as those living in areas with a high risk of tick exposure. Lyme Vaccination Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 2nd shot: weeks later Booster: every year Canine Influenza Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a contagious viral infection affecting dogs. The virus is spread through aerosols or droplets containing respiratory secretions from barking, sneezing, and coughing. Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in places like daycare facilities, groomers, and kennels are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. CIV causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs, with the most common clinical sign being a cough that persists for up to 21 days. Vaccines are available for both H3N2 and H3N8 canine influenza. A bivalent vaccine offering protection against both strains is available as well. Dogs become infected when they swallow the parasite that may be present in water or other substances that have been soiled with feces leading to the disease Giardiasis. Giardia in dogs usually causes diarrhea, weight loss, or even death. Giardia is an available vaccine for puppies 8 weeks of age and older for 6 months of immunity against giardiasis. Most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Young dogs are at a high risk of contracting the disease, so the vaccine is highly recommended for puppies under eight weeks. Rattlesnake vaccine A rattlesnake vaccine can help dogs build antibodies to rattlesnake venom from bites that are often deadly and severely painful to dogs. The antibodies work to neutralize the venom, thereby significantly extending the window of time you have to take your dog to the emergency room , increasing their odds of survival. Protect yourself from heartbreak without breaking the bank. Compare quotes to find the best deal for your budget. After that, puppies should receive a series of vaccines every two to four weeks until actual protein can be achieved between the ages of 6 and 20 weeks old. Your vet will determine a safe vaccine schedule for your puppy based on their weight, health, age, etc. Some pet parents prefer getting multiple puppy shots in one vet visit to minimize stress on their pet, whereas others prefer to spread the shots out to reduce possible side effects and soreness — talk to your vet to create a safe vaccine schedule that works for you and your puppy. Rabies depends on local laws but is usually given by the time your dog reaches 3 to 6 months old. When should puppies have all their shots by? Most vets prefer giving the final DHPP shot at 16 weeks or later; however, new recommendations suggest up to 20 weeks out. When do puppies need booster shots? Abstaining from booster shots can put your puppy at risk. However, not all vaccines require yearly boosters. DHPP vaccine booster: every two weeks for a total of three sets, then every three years Lepto, Canine influenza, and Lyme disease vaccine booster: one month after the initial series, then annually Bordetella booster: 1 year or every 6 months where there is a concern Rabies booster: every 1 to 3 years after the initial round, depending on state laws Puppy Vaccine Schedule There are several types of puppy shots your pet might get in their first year. In addition to a deworming schedule, your vet will suggest a vaccination schedule for puppies based on their age, environment, and medical history. Most vets recommend this general timeline for first-year puppy shots: weeks of age Between 6- and 8-weeks-old, puppies get their first shot of the DHPP distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus vaccine. They might also receive their first round of vaccinations for Bordetella and Lyme disease. Leptospira Lepto is a common puppy vaccination administered around this time frame. They'll also get their first rabies vaccine depending on state-mandated vaccine schedules for puppies, as well as a second shot of the Lepto vaccine if applicable. Boosters Every Years Puppies will need a booster shot for all vaccines at age 1. Dogs need booster vaccinations for Bordetella, Lepto, Lyme, and Giardia annually receiving their first immunization as an adult. The vaccination schedule for DHPP and rabies is every 3 years, but check your local laws and defer to your veterinarian's advice to ensure your pet stays free of disease. How much are puppy shots? Non-essential vaccines your vet may recommend will also increase the price. Note that puppy shots cost more or less depending on several different factors, including your location. For instance, vets in crowded urban areas tend to charge more than vets in smaller towns and rural areas. Also keep in mind that you'll need to budget for booster shots in one- or three-year intervals to ensure your pet stays protected from disease. Fortunately, vaccines for dogs are less expensive than first-year puppy shots because boosters are administered in one dose every few years, as opposed to multiple doses every few weeks. All puppies need to get the core vaccines, i. Your veterinarian will consider the risk factors and advise you on which vaccines are best for your puppy during the first vet visit. No, but both vaccines for puppies are often combined in one shot. Distemper and parvovirus are two different illnesses that are potentially fatal if not treated quickly. What is the 5-in-1 shot for puppies? Do puppies need 3 or 4 sets of shots? It depends on their age; vets may recommend a shorter puppy vaccination schedule for dogs over 16 weeks old and not yet fully vaccinated. How many shots do puppies need before going outside? A titer test is a blood test showing whether your puppy has antibodies for a particular illness. The test can be used to determine the effectiveness of a vaccine and help determine if or which booster vaccines your dog needs. Most doggy daycares and boarding facilities do not accept a titer test in lieu of a puppy vaccination record. When should puppies get dewormed? Because worms are very common in puppies, veterinarians recommend deworming them for the first time when they're two to three weeks old. Is there a heartworm vaccine for puppies? Preventatives can either be administered as monthly medication or every six months by injection. How can you save money on puppy shots? One way to save money on puppy vaccines is by visiting a low-cost vaccination clinic. These clinics typically offer packages that combine a bundle of vaccinations into a lower price point, but also offer individual options if your dog is due for a specific vaccine. Another way to save money on puppy shots is by purchasing a pet wellness plan through a pet insurance provider. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. What's the Cost of Dog Vaccinations? Here is a breakdown of the expenses by individual vaccination and state. Pet vaccinations start around 6 to 8 weeks of age, with doses given every two to four weeks until 16 weeks of age, which enables the puppy to make their own antibodies. Puppy vaccinations are customized to each pet depending on their current and expected lifestyle and needs. Core Vaccines Vaccines are broken down into core and non-core categories, based on disease severity and prevalence. Core vaccines are considered necessary for all pets because they protect against often-fatal diseases and help protect the community from outbreaks. Core vaccines for dogs include: Canine parvovirus vaccine : Canine parvo is highly contagious and attacks the gastrointestinal tract and immune system, leading to severe dehydration, systemic infection and shock. Most puppies will survive with treatment, but treatment requires intensive care, which can become costly. Distemper vaccine: Canine distemper virus attacks the nervous system and respiratory tract and is often fatal. Dogs who survive typically have permanent neurologic damage. Wildlife can carry and transmit the virus, serving as a reservoir of infection. Canine hepatitis vaccine: Canine infectious hepatitis , which is caused by an adenovirus, attacks liver cells and can cause secondary clotting problems or kidney disorders. The virus is prevalent in many wildlife species, such as raccoons and bats, and is transmitted through bite wounds. The rabies vaccine is extremely effective and is required by law to protect pets and humans from infection. What Is the 5-in-1 Vaccine? The 5-in-1 or 4-in-1 vaccine for dogs combines core vaccines into a single injection. Parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus and canine parainfluenza comprise the 4-in-1 vaccine; the 5-in-1 vaccine also includes protection against leptospirosis. Most veterinary clinics use the combination vaccine rather than the individual components to minimize the number of injections required. Optional Dog Vaccines Optional dog vaccines are also known as lifestyle or non-core vaccines because they are administered only to dogs at high risk for contracting each disease. Optional vaccines for dogs include: Bordetella vaccine: The Bordetella vaccine protects against the bacteria that commonly causes kennel cough and is recommended for dogs who spend time at dog parks, daycare, boarding kennels, dog sports or training classes. This vaccine does not completely prevent infection, but lessens infection severity and helps dogs recover faster. Canine influenza vaccine: Dogs at risk for Bordetella infection are also at risk for canine influenza , an airborne infection. The canine influenza vaccine does not completely prevent infection, but it can lessen disease severity, reducing the likelihood of complications, including pneumonia. Leptospirosis vaccine : Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that dogs can pick up from water sources contaminated with infected urine. Leptospirosis causes severe liver and kidney damage and can be fatal for some dogs. Vaccination provides effective immunity. Lyme disease vaccine: Ticks transmit Lyme disease , which is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. This vaccine is recommended for pets who spend time outdoors, and especially those who go hiking or camping with their owner. What's the Best Puppy Vaccination Schedule? Expect vet visits every few weeks until your puppy is at least 4 months old. Here is an overview of a typical puppy vaccination schedule. After the initial puppy vaccination series, adult dogs need vaccine boosters throughout their life. The first vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the targeted disease, while boosters help to reinforce this response. All vaccinations are boosted one year after the puppy series ends. Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule This table shows a typical booster schedule for adult dog vaccinations. Are Dog Vaccinations Required? Rabies vaccination is required by law and is regulated by individual states and counties. Each county legislature sets rabies control laws and rules. In contrast, the animal control department typically enforces these laws and works with local veterinarians to protect pets in their communities. No other dog vaccinations are required; however, the DAPP combination, which includes four core vaccines, is highly recommended to protect your pet and others in your community. You probably also have an inkling about the overall costs of owning a dog , but one primary aspect to always budget for is your dog's vaccination cost and their annual veterinary exams. After that, individual boosters will cost approximately the same but could be administered on a different cadence, depending on your dog's needs. Let's break out what you can expect to pay. Grace Canaan Make sure to follow the vaccination series established by your vet, a process that starts when your pup is approximately 6—8 weeks old. Some vaccines are administered once at that time, but many have follow-up applications before the age of 16 weeks. She recommends three core vaccinations, usually given in stages as part of a puppy's vaccination schedule: The DA2PP or DHPP series , also known as the "5—in—1 vaccine," protects against numerous highly contagious and often deadly viruses, including canine adenovirus types 1 and 2, distemper , parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Leptospirosis is an infection caused by bacteria commonly found in water and soil. Technically, this is a non-core vaccine , but leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease , which means it's easily transmittable between animals and humans. Left untreated, leptospirosis causes permanent kidney and liver damage. Rabies , another zoonotic disease, is considered the deadliest infectious disease in the world. Without prevention, rabies is almost always fatal. A hunting dog who travels is exposed to many dog diseases, parasitic infections, and other diseases. For this pet, frequent and full vaccination plus parasite preventives would be key," Bragdon says. These may include: Bordetella , also known as kennel cough , is a common respiratory infection that's highly contagious and might lead to pneumonia if left untreated. The vaccine is often administered in stages or as one shot with annual boosters. More social dogs, like those who can't get enough of the dog park , are often better protected with this. H3N2 and H3N8 influenza , frequently called the "canine flu," is another recommended dog vaccine for pups who compete in show competitions or sporting events, attend doggy daycare , or are boarded frequently. Similar to the human flu shot, this vaccine might not completely prevent your pet from getting canine flu, but it should lessen the symptoms and prevent the onset of pneumonia. Bragdon adds some canines might also require the Lyme vaccine as a precautionary measure, even though it's technically a non-core vaccine. Your vet may advise it for hiking or hunting dogs , farm or herding dogs , or those who live in high-risk tick endemic areas , such as the Northeastern United States, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. As you and your vet develop a preventative care plan, make sure to clarify how much dog vaccinations cost when first performed as well as the cost and frequency of any boosters. Overall, a veterinarian's fees vary based on their location and competitors' costs—and the particular needs of your pup. The eventual cost depends on the dog, where you live , and the shots they need. You may adopt a puppy after they received their first round of vaccines, for example. The cost varies based on which vaccinations are given and whether they are done at a veterinarian's office or a low-cost vaccination clinic run by a local government or humane organization. Dogs adopted from a shelter often already have up-to-date vaccinations, or a shelter may offer vaccinations at a discounted price. Unvaccinated adult dogs receive two rounds of vaccinations about three weeks apart. After that, dogs usually receive boosters annually. The basic shots -- for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and sometimes leptospirosis and coronavirus -- usually are administered together in a combination vaccine. The rabies vaccine is given separately in accordance with local laws. The American Kennel Club[ 1 ] provides an overview of dog vaccinations. Additional costs: Some dog daycare facilities or kennels require vaccinations not included in the standard round of shots, such as for bordatella, known as kennel cough. In certain parts of the country, veterinarians recommend extra vaccinations, such as for Lyme disease. Discounts: Most humane societies and shelters include the first rounds of vaccinations in the adoption fee. Tip: It is possible to order vaccines online and vaccinate the dog yourself, but be sure you order from a reliable company. Depending on local laws, rabies vaccinations can now be given on a three-year schedule rather than yearly. Shopping for dog vaccination: Vaccinations protect dogs against life-threatening diseases, but side effects can include injection-site swelling, or fever and sluggishness that resolve within a day or two or, rarely, a serious allergic reaction. And the American Veterinary Medical Association[ 4 ] lists the benefits and risks of vaccinations. To find a good veterinarian, ask fellow dog owners, breeders or humane associations. Or, search at the American Veterinary Medical Association[ 5 ] website to find your state's veterinary medical association for a referral. Then ask how long the veterinarian has been practicing and how much continuing education he or she receives per year. Tour the clinic to check on cleanliness, attitude, policies and prices. This risk assessment should be undertaken with your veterinarian. Vaccination risks are a hot topic, and it is not a legal requirement in most places to get your pet vaccinated, with the exception of rabies vaccinations. However, most studies show compelling reasons to get your dog vaccinated regularly. Pros of vaccinating your dog The biggest argument for vaccination your dog or puppy is the prevention of life-threatening illnesses. While most pet owners today have never experienced a pet who has contracted parvovirus or distemper, these illnesses are devastating. Young puppies are the perfect targets for viruses and bacteria. This is why veterinarians place such high importance on puppy vaccinations. Image Credit: gorillaimages, Shutterstock Vaccines, however, are becoming the victims of their success. Many of the diseases dogs are vaccinated against are now virtually non-existent. The majority of dogs are vaccinated, which gives non-vaccinated dogs protection. This is the same concept as the human Poliovirus. The virus has been virtually eradicated due to vaccination , so even unvaccinated individuals are unlikely to contract it. The concept of herd immunity can give pet owners a false sense of security. Diseases, like canine distemper , for example, still exist in wild animals. Risks of vaccinating your dog There is risk involved in almost anything, including vaccinating your dog. Vaccines do have some side effects, most of which are mild and short-lived. Common vaccine reactions include a small lump at the injection site, which disappears spontaneously in about two weeks. This is relatively common as it occurs in about one in 10 dogs. Uncommon side effects affecting one in 1, dogs may include a temporary, self-resolving lack of appetite and energy. One in 10, dogs which means this is considered very rare may experience an immune or allergic reaction to ingredients in the vaccines Image Credit: LightField Studios, Shutterstock Risk Assessment Serious side effects of vaccines are very rare. It is a certainty that vaccinations protect your dog from potentially life-threatening diseases. These diseases have a very high mortality rate, and your dog is at risk if he is unvaccinated. The vaccines themselves have a very low risk of causing a serious reaction in your dog. For this reason, your veterinarian will often ask you to stay at the clinic for a period of time following vaccine administration so that any reaction can be reversed. Summary We have given you the average costs of dog and puppy vaccinations to help you include this in your budget for your pet. Vaccinations that are recommended for your pet should be discussed with your veterinarian based on your lifestyle and the laws and region in which you live. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. Ear Mites Heartworm Preventatives Heartworm is a parasitic roundworm that is spread from host to host through the bites of mosquitoes. The heartworm is a type of filarid, a small thread-like worm. The definitive host is the dog but it can also infect cats, and other animals, such as ferrets and even, under very rare circumstances, humans. Heartworm infection may result in a serious disease for the host. Heartworm disease is preventable with such products as Tr-Heart Plus! Protect your dog or cat from heartworm disease by giving medication once monthly, year-round or as directed by your veterinarian. Contact us for pricing. It can happen. Fleas and ticks can silently invite themselves onto your pet and into your yard and families home. These pests can then harm your pet by laying eggs and maturing into adult fleas and ticks. Ticks in some cases carry such diseases as Lyme Disease which can infect both you and your pet. A simple to use once a month spot on or tablet can help kill fleas and ticks on your dog or cat and prevents re-infestation. Please contact us for pricing to help with controlling an infestation before flea and tick season hits! Microchipping Not all pet microchips are created equal. There are important differences to consider when selecting a microchip. Using these microchips safeguards pets and helps to increase the chance that the pet will be reunited should it ever become lost, compared to pets that only wear collar tags. There are several different pet microchip systems in use today in the United States. They differ according to the frequency of the microchip and whether the microchip is encrypted. Encrypted microchips are not ISO-compliant, and can be read only by a scanner designed to read that specific, encrypted microchip. If a veterinarian or animal shelter does not own that specific scanner, it limits the chance of that microchip being read and the possibility of that pet being reunited with its owner. At TLC we only use microchips that contain an individual, preprogrammed code that is permanent, unique worldwide, and cannot be altered. Please go to www. Distemper Canine distemper virus CDV is a contagious, incurable, often fatal, multisystemic viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Fortunately, vaccines are very effective in reducing its presence to very small numbers in well cared-for dogs. Stray dogs can be a source of the virus, as well as ferrets, skunks, and raccoons, which can also be affected by this disease. It is possible for humans to contract an asymptomatic CDV infection. Anyone who has been immunized against measles, which is a related virus, is protected against CDV as well. The virus is spread primarily by direct contact to a susceptible dog from a dog with the disease. Coughing can spread the virus. The discharge from the nose is highly concentrated with the virus. As with many infections, the clinical signs can vary from one dog to the next. The main signs are fever, loss of appetite, a thick yellow discharge from the nose and eyes, coughing, and seizures. There are many diseases that cause coughing, fever, loss of appetite, or seizures. However, this combination is unique to canine distemper. If the diagnosis is in doubt, a blood test should be performed for confirmation. Dogs usually develop encephalomyelitis, which is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, the symptoms of which are variable and progressive. Most dogs that die from CDV, die from neurological complications. Antibiotics can be used because to treat secondary bacterial infections that may occur. Intravenous fluids, cough suppressants, and drugs to control seizures may be used. Intensive nursing care is essential as there are no drugs to kill the virus. This is best accomplished with the dog in the hospital. A very effective vaccine is available to protect dogs against distemper. It is given to puppies, as young as 6 weeks of age, in a series of injections. An annual booster vaccination should be given for life. The disease often kills. The virus is especially lethal to puppies. The main source of the virus is the feces of infected dogs. CPV is stable in the environment and is resistant to the effects of heat, detergents, and alcohol. CPV has been recovered from dog feces even after three months at room temperature. Due to its stability, the virus is easily transmitted via the fur or feet of infected dogs, contaminated shoes, clothes, and other objects. Direct contact between dogs is not required to spread the virus. It is transmitted by contact with parvovirus-infected dog feces or with an object that has come into contact with infected dog feces. Dogs that never leave their home or have no direct contact with other dogs should still have the parvovirus vaccination. The disease does not affect people or cats. Certain breeds of dogs are resistant to parvovirus vaccination and can be more susceptible to parvovirus infection. It is recommended that puppies of these breeds be given an additional parvovirus vaccination at 20 weeks-of-age. Individual dogs of those breeds that go to dog shows, dog classes, dog parks, or dog runs or visit any location which dogs have frequented may benefit from receiving a parvovirus vaccination every six months rather than just annually. The symptoms of CPV disease are somewhat variable, but generally take the form of severe vomiting and diarrhea. The diarrhea may or may not contain blood. Affected dogs often exhibit a lack of appetite, depression, and fever. Many dogs may not show every clinical sign, but vomiting and diarrhea are the most common signs; vomiting usually begins first. Parvo may affect dogs of all ages, but is most common in dogs less than one year of age. Young puppies less than five months of age are often the most severely affected and the most difficult to treat. There is no treatment to kill the virus once it infects the dog. The virus does not directly cause death; rather, it causes deterioration of the lining of the intestinal tract. This results in severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and infection of the bloodstream. When the bacteria that normally live in the intestinal tract are able to get into the blood stream, chances are greater that the animal will die. Dogs with CPV infection can recover if aggressive treatment is used and if therapy is begun before severe septicemia and dehydration occur. Some breeds, notably the Rottweiler, have a much higher fatality rate than other breeds. The first step in treatment is to correct dehydration and electrolyte levels. This requires intravenous fluids containing electrolytes. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are given to prevent or control septicemia. Antispasmodic drugs are used to reduce the diarrhea and vomiting that perpetuate the problems. Vaccination of puppies should begin at six to eight weeks-of-age and be repeated every two to four weeks until 16 weeks-of-age. Corona Virus This virus is airborne and passed from dog to dog. Corona virus is highly contagious and may cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, and occasionally death. The disease is similar to parvovirus disease. Corona virus disease is a viral intestinal infection of dogs, which is usually of short duration. However it causes considerable discomfort to the dog for a few days. Corona virus does not affect people or cats. The virus is usually ingested from contaminated food bowls or by direct contact with the infected dog. Crowding and unsanitary conditions can also increase transmission. The incubation period from ingestion to display of symptoms is one to five days. There are many causes of diarrhea in dogs, all of which may appear similar to corona virus disease. Severe cases of corona virus can be easily confused with parvovirus, and they may occur together. See your veterinarian promptly if your dog has diarrhea that does not resolve in a few days or is associated with significant loss of appetite or energy. Many infections are mild and transient. Infections and outbreaks are more severe in young puppies. Mixed infections, for instance with parvovirus, may intensify the disease. Diarrhea is sudden in onset, accompanied by lethargy and decreased appetite. The stool is loose, mushy with a strong odor, and red-orange tinted. It may contain blood or mucus. As with most viruses, there are no medications to treat this disease, it will run its course in a few days. Antibiotics are used because secondary bacterial infections are common. Withholding food until 24 hours after the diarrhea has ceased and gradually reintroducing it may be sufficient. Dehydration may occur and must be corrected with intravenous fluids. It is best to seek veterinary assistance in treating this disease. Vaccination of puppies should begin at six weeks-of-age and be repeated every two to four weeks until 16 weeks-of-age. Leptospirosis Vaccination Minimum age — 6 weeks: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease affects the blood, liver, or kidneys. Canine leptospirosis is a bacterial disease which attacks the kidneys and the liver, causing uremia, jaundice, and death. The disease is highly contagious. It is carried by many species of wild and domestic animals, including rats. It is transmitted to dogs and people via contact with infected animals or through contaminated drinking water. Ingestion of infected urine is the most common means of transmission, but some forms of the bacteria can penetrate damaged or very thin skin. The incubation period is usually days. Cats are extremely resistant to leptospirosis. Many infections go undetected, but other cases can be life threatening. There are three main forms of the disease: hemorrhagic bleeding , icteric liver , and renal kidney. In the hemorrhagic disease there is high fever with lethargy and loss of appetite. Multiple small hemorrhages occur in the mouth and on the whites of the eyes. Bloody diarrhea and vomiting may occur. This form is often fatal. The jaundice form begins much like the hemorrhagic form, and many of the signs are the same. It differs in the presence of a yellow color in the mouth and whites of the eyes. In severe cases in dogs with white hair, the skin will turn yellow. The renal form causes kidney failure. These dogs are very lethargic, anorectic, and experience vomiting. Their mouth may have a very bad odor, and the ulcers often develop on the tongue. This form may be fatal, but recovered dogs often have chronic kidney disease. If medical treatment is begun promptly, antibiotics are reasonably effective. For dogs that are extremely sick hospitalization for treatment with intravenous fluids, is necessary. The vaccine for leptospirosis should be included in the routine vaccination program by veterinarians. This usually results in lethargy for several days and possibly loss of appetite. These dogs recover and are then protected against the disease. Bordetella Also known as Kennel Cough or Infectious Bronchitis The Bordetella organism causes inflammation of the tubes in the lungs and bronchi, making infectious bronchitis a much better term. This air born virus attacks the upper respiratory tract and is passed from dog to dog. If you plan to board your dog, the kennel may require this vaccination. Several viruses and bacteria may cause it. These include the adenovirus type-2 virus, the parainfluenza virus, and the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica Bb. The infection, an extremely contagious respiratory disease of dogs spreads rapidly from dog to dog in kennels, grooming shops, shows and training classes. The disease is spread by direct contact and via airborne transmission. Other symptoms include discharge from the eyes and nose, swollen tonsils, wheezing, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Although coughing is usually mild, it may persist for several weeks. Bordetella is often a complicating secondary part of other diseases such as canine distemper. Bordetella vaccine is given once yearly, except for the first time when it is given injections, two to four weeks apart until 16 weeks-of-age, and then once a year for life. Intranasal drops in the nose vaccines give faster and better protection than do injectable vaccines. The disease is treatable but may last for up to eight weeks, during which time the affected dog is highly contagious to other dogs. If untreated, the disease can progress to pneumonia and death. At TLC we only use the intranasal in the nose type of kennel cough vaccine as it is quicker and more effective than injectable. We recommend this vaccine to all dogs, especially for dogs that are to be boarded within a week or so of vaccination and thus do not have enough time to get the two bordetella injections three to four weeks apart with injectable. Dogs in their own back yards that never may leave are still susceptible up to yards from an infected dog. The virus easily carries on the air current infecting the animal. Viruses must run their course, which may take weeks. Antibiotics are useful against the bacteria involved, although some resistance to some antibiotics has occurred. Cough suppressants are used to break the cycle of coughing. Epidemiological evidence shows that the isolation of Bordetella bronchiseptica Bb from cats is frequently associated with the presence, in the same household, of dogs with recent respiratory tract disease. Bb infection in cats has been reported following outbreaks of kennel cough in dogs within the same households. There have been cases that prove molecules from both cats and dogs were shown to be identical. This suggests that infectious bronchitis may be transmitted between dogs and cats. Rabies Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the brain. It can affect any warm-blooded animal, including dogs and humans. It is almost always fatal. It is primarily transmitted from animal to animal and from animal to man through the bite of an infected animal. In order to control the spread of rabies, all pets must be vaccinated routinely. Rabies is a viral disease which affects all species of warm-blooded animals, including dogs, cats, and humans. It is transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal that has rabies virus in its saliva. Rabies virus travels in the nerves from the site of the bite to the brain and spinal cord. Rabid animals undergo personality changes during the course of the disease; these changes may include aggression and biting or increased friendliness and affectionateness. Rabies is ever present in the South West in wild animals such as skunks, raccoons, and bats. Law in all states requires rabies vaccination of dogs. Rabies vaccination of cats is not, but should be, because there are more reported case of rabies in cats than dogs, which also expose more humans to the disease. Puppies and kittens should be vaccinated against rabies at four months-of-age. The absolute minimum age is 16 weeks. If in doubt about the exact age of a puppy or kitten, wait until tooth eruption indicates that the patient is at least 16 weeks-of-age. Dogs and cats that are under one year-of-age when they receive a rabies vaccination will be protected for only one year. The next rabies vaccination must be given one year after the initial one. Dogs and cats that are over one year-of-age when they receive a rabies vaccination will be protected for three years. There are three stages of the disease. The first is the prodromal phase in which there is a marked change in temperament. The quiet dog becomes agitated, and the active dog becomes nervous or shy. Other symptoms include dilated pupils, excessive drooling, and snapping at imaginary objects. After days, the second phase begins. It is called the excitatory phase. There is an exaggerated response to any stimulus. Dogs may experience changes in appetite including eating and swallowing sticks, stones, and other objects. The dog may roam aimlessly, inflict trauma upon himself, and have a change in voice. There will often be vicious, aggressive behavior, even towards his guardian. Seizures may occur. His mouth may gape open with the tongue protruding. A progressive paralysis sets in resulting in total body paralysis. There are a number of diseases that can cause some of the signs of rabies. A few conditions can be very similar. Confirmation of rabies can only be made with special tests performed on brain tissue. This requires that the dog be euthanized and its head sent to a special diagnostic laboratory. Rabies is only transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal to another mammal. But even then, the virus is present in saliva of the infected animal for a limited time. If you are bitten by any animal of which you do not know the rabies vaccination status, you should immediately wash the wound with soap and water. Try to establish who owns the animal and whether the pet is currently vaccinated for rabies. In any case, seek the advice of your physician. Post-exposure rabies treatment with serum or vaccine may be recommended. This is very successful when begun quickly. Rabies vaccines are very safe and very effective. It is recommended for all dogs, and, required by law in many locales. The public health concern is so significant that even totally indoor dogs should be vaccinated. Vaccination for rabies is usually performed at three to four months of age, and then every one to three years depending on the vaccine and the local laws thereafter. Giardia Giardia infections can cause significant gastrointestinal disease including diarrhea, weight loss and poor weight gain despite normal appetite. Giardia is a parasite that lives in many unexpected sources. Your pet can be infected with Giardia simply by drinking contaminated water or by licking its paws after walking in an infected area. Once ingested, Giardia lives in the intestines of the pet, and is returned to the environment through feces. This disease frequently occurs in dogs and cats, and is the most prevalent protozoal disease in humans according to Centers for Disease Control reports. Symptoms of giardia in humans and pets include diarrhea, weight loss and poor weight gain despite normal appetite. Many pets contract the disease and do not show signs of it. However, they can pass the parasite to other animals. Although the potential for pain in infected pets is not known, humans with giardia can suffer from intense abdominal pain and cramping. Dogs and cats are susceptible to disease caused by Giardia, especially puppies and kittens. Their maturing immune system often leaves them unable to protect themselves from diseases. As a result, puppies and kittens are considered among the highest risk groups. Most dogs that are infected with Giardia do not have diarrhea or any other signs of illness. When the eggs are found in the stool of a dog without diarrhea, they are generally considered a transient, insignificant finding. In puppies and debilitated adult dogs, they may cause severe, watery diarrhea that may be fatal. Giardia is diagnosed by performing a microscopic examination of a stool sample. Occasionally, the parasites may be seen on a direct smear of the feces. A blood test is also available for detection of antigens cell proteins of Giardia in the blood. This test is probably more accurate than the stool exam, but it requires several days to get a result from the laboratory performing the test. The antibiotic drug used to kill Giardia is metronidazole. Medication should be given for days. Other drugs are also used if diarrhea and dehydration occur. Giardia can also cause diarrhea in humans. Environmental disinfection is very important. The use of chlorine bleach, one cup in a gallon of water, is effective if the surfaces and premises can be safely treated with it. Lyme Disease This disease is carried by ticks, so any dog you will be taking camping, hunting, or anywhere ticks are found should be vaccinated. Lyme disease not Lymes is a bacterial disease transmitted through tick bites. It takes 24 hours-or-so after attachment to your dog for an infested tick to transmit the disease. The disease can damage many body systems but most often causes fever, loss of appetite, arthritis, and lameness. Lyme disease is contracted via the bite of an infected tick. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States, and it continues to spread to new areas. The signs of Lyme disease include a bulls eye rash at the site of the tick bite, flu-like symptoms, fever, fatigue, joint and muscle aches, and lameness. Complications of this disease can include heart and nervous system. Treatment with antibiotics is usually effective if begun early, but diagnosis of the disease is difficult, so treatment is commonly started too late to be fully curative. Lyme disease can affect people; however they do not get it directly from pets. They get it from being bitten by the same ticks that transmit it to cats and dogs. Therefore, preventing exposure to ticks is important for you and your pet. Many people with Lyme disease notice a rash at the site of the bite within 3 to 30 days. For these people, the disease can be easily diagnosed at an early stage. Symptoms of Lyme disease are more difficult to detect in animals than in people. This rash does not develop in dogs or cats. Because the other symptoms of the disease may be delayed or not recognized, and because they are similar to those of many other diseases, Lyme disease in animals is often not considered until other diseases have been eliminated. Some pets are affected with the Lyme disease organism for over a year before they finally show symptoms. By this time, the disease may be throughout their whole body. Pets with lameness, swollen joints, and fever are suspected of having Lyme disease. Other diseases may also cause these symptoms. There are two blood tests that may be used for confirmation. The first is an antibody test. This test does not detect the actual spirochete in the blood but detects the presence of antibodies created by exposure to the organism. A test can be falsely negative if the pet is infected but has not yet formed antibodies, or if he never forms enough antibodies to cause a positive reaction. This may occur in animals with suppressed immune systems. Some pets that have been infected for long periods of time may no longer have enough antibodies present to be detected by the test. A positive test is meaningful, but a negative is not. The second test is the polymerase chain reaction PCR test. This is also known as DNA testing. It is very specific and sensitive. Not all pets have the spirochete in their blood cells. If a blood sample is tested, a false negative may occur. The best sample for testing is the fluid from an affected joint. The initial antibiotic selected to treat an infected pet may not be effective against the disease, especially if the infection is long-standing. In this situation, a switch to another antibiotic is often effective. Occasionally, the initial infection will recur, or the pet will become reinfected after being bitten by another infected tick. There is no vaccine available for cats. A vaccine is now available for protecting dogs against Lyme disease. This vaccine is initially given twice, at two-week intervals. Rattlesnake Vaccine Rattlesnakes live a variety of habitats. They are found in wetlands, deserts and forests, from sea level to mountain elevations. Rattlesnakes are most active in warmer seasons, from spring to fall. Dogs can encounter a rattlesnake anytime they are in rattlesnake habitat. You and your dog may live in rattlesnake habitat. Perhaps you travel through or frequently visit places where rattlesnakes are found. Maybe rattlesnakes are around when you take your dog hiking, camping or hunting. Like people, dogs may stumble over the location of a snake by accident. Curiosity or a protective instinct can place your dog at risk. In each case, vaccination helps to protect her. The damage caused by a rattlesnake bite can be serious. When injected into an unprotected dog, the toxic components of snake venom are very painful and can have serious consequences. Even if your dog survives the immediate effects of a rattlesnake bite, she can be permanently injured. The treatment of a rattlesnake bite is expensive. The treatment of snakebite may include antivenom injections that can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Other costs of snakebite treatment may include hospitalization, intravenous fluids or other medicines. Vaccination is safer than antivenom treatment. Vaccination can reduce the overall effects of snakebite, reduce or eliminate the need for antivenom, and decrease other treatment costs as well. The first year your dog is vaccinated, she should receive two doses of vaccine spaced one month apart. Subsequent booster doses are recommended annually in the Spring, or about a month before you take your dog into rattlesnake habitat. This process makes vaccination safer than antivenom treatment. Protective antibodies made by your dog in response to the vaccine start neutralizing venom immediately. Antibody levels in recently vaccinated dogs are comparable to treatment with three vials of antivenom. This means vaccinated dogs experience less pain and a reduced risk of permanent injury from rattlesnake bite. Snakebite is always an emergency. Even after your dog is vaccinated against rattlesnake venom, it should be immediately taken to a veterinarian for evaluation and care as soon as possible following snakebite. Even bites by non-venomous snakes can lead to serious infections and antibiotic treatment may be needed. A veterinarian can determine if your dog is sufficiently protected for the specific type of snake involved and the amount of venom injected, or whether additional medical treatment would be helpful. Because there are many different poisonous snakes, Red Rock Biologics is developing a variety of vaccines to provide the best protection against poisonous snakes for dogs in each part of the country. Ask your veterinarian which available vaccine formulation is best for your dog. The most common types of these parasitic worms are roundworms and hookworms. They are both intestinal parasites that live and grow in the intestines of your pet. Most pets show no sign of infection, however, some may vomit, lose their appetite, sustain severe weight loss and heavy infections in puppies and kittens may be fatal. These roundworms and hookworms can also infect people and are known as zoonotic infections. People get roundworm and hookworm infection with direct contact with infected feces that are often found in soil, sand or plant life and hookworms can actually penetrate the skin. Children are more vulnerable than adults as they are more likely to put dirty objects in their mouth and play on the ground with dirt that may be contaminated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate more than 10, cases of human infection with roundworms alone per year. Inside the human body, roundworms may cause damage to tissue and sometimes cause permanent nerve or eye damage and even blindness. Hookworms typically move about within the skin of humans, causing inflammation or can penetrate into deeper tissues and cause more serious damage to the intestine and other organs. Heartworm Disease Heartworm disease dirofilariasis is a serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs. A worm called Dirofilaria immitis causes this disease. Heartworms are found in the heart and large adjacent vessels of infected dogs. One dog may have as many as worms. Adult heartworms live in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected dogs. It is unusual, however they have been found in other areas of the body. They survive up to five years and, during this time; the female produces millions of young microfilaria. The microfilaria lives in the bloodstream, mainly in the small blood vessels. The immature heartworms cannot complete the entire life cycle in the dog; the mosquito is required for some stages of the heartworm life cycle. The microfilaria are not infective cannot grow to adulthood in the dog — although they do cause problems. There are many as 30 species of mosquitoes can transmit heartworms. The female mosquito bites the infected dog and ingests the microfilariae during a blood meal. The microfilariae develop further for 10 to 30 days in the mosquito and then enter the mouthparts of the mosquito. The microfilariae are now called infective larvae because at this stage of development, they will grow to adulthood when they enter a dog. The mosquito bites the dog where the hair coat is thinnest, but having long hair does not prevent a dog from getting heartworms. When fully developed, the infective larvae enter the bloodstream and move to the heart and adjacent vessels, where they grow to maturity in two to three months and start reproducing, completing the full life cycle. Most dogs infected with heartworms do not show any signs of disease for as long as two years. By the time symptoms are observed, the disease is well advanced. Adult worms cause disease by clogging the heart and major blood vessels leading from the heart. They interfere with the valve action in the heart. When the main blood vessels become clogged, the blood supply to other organs of the body is reduced, particularly the liver, kidneys and lungs, which leads to the malfunction of these organs. The signs of heartworm disease depend on the number of adult worms present, the location of the worms, the length of time the worms have been present, and the degree of damage to the dogs organs. The most obvious signs are a soft, dry, chronic cough, shortness of breath, weakness, nervousness, listlessness, and loss of stamina. All of these signs are most noticeable following exercise, when some dogs may even faint. Listening to the chest with a stethoscope will often reveal abnormal lung and heart sounds. In advanced cases, congestive heart failure may be apparent and the abdomen and legs will swell from fluid accumulation. Severely infected dogs may die suddenly during exercise or excitement. Destruction of lung tissue leads to coughing. Cirrhosis of the liver causes jaundice, anemia, and general weakness because this organ is essential in maintaining a healthy animal. The kidneys may also be affected and allow toxins to buildup in the body. In most cases, diagnosis of heartworm disease can be made by a blood test that can be run in the veterinary hospital or by a veterinary laboratory. Further diagnostic procedures are essential, in advanced cases particularly, to determine if the dog can tolerate heartworm treatment. Depending on the case, your veterinarian will recommend some or all of the following procedures before treatment is started. Blood tests are the most widely used test because it detects antigens proteins produced by adult heartworms. Dogs with less than five adult heartworms will not have enough antigens to turn the test positive, so there may be some false negative results in early infections. Because only the female worm produces the antigen detected, a pure population of male heartworms will also give a false negative. There must be at least five female worms present for the most common test to be positive. A blood sample is examined under the microscope for the presence of microfilariae. If microfilariae are seen, the test is positive. The number of microfilariae seen will suggest the severity of the infection. However, the microfilariae are seen in greater numbers in the summer months and in the evening, so these variations must be considered. Because of this, the antigen test is the preferred test. Also, there is another microfilarial parasite that is fairly common in dogs; on the blood smear, these can be hard to distinguish from heartworm microfilariae. There is some risk involved in treating dogs with heartworms, although fatalities are rare. In the past, the drug used to treat heartworms contained arsenic so toxic effects and reactions occurred somewhat frequently. Now a newer drug is available that does not have the toxic side-effects of the old one. An injectable drug to kill adult heartworms is given for two days. It kills the adult heartworms in the heart and adjacent vessels. Complete rest is essential after treatment. The adult worms die in a few days and start to decompose. As they break up, they are carried to the lungs, where they lodge in the small blood vessels and are eventually reabsorbed by the body. This can be a dangerous period so it is absolutely essential that the dog be kept quiet and not be allowed to exercise for one month following treatment. The first week after the injections is very critical because the worms are dying. A cough is noticeable for seven to eight weeks after treatment in many heavily infected dogs. Approximately one month following treatment to kill the adults, the dog should return to the veterinian for administration of a drug to kill microfilariae. Seven to ten days later another blood test is performed to determine if microfilariae are present. If they have been all killed, the treatment is complete. If there are still some present in the blood, treatment for microfilariae is repeated. Although a dog has been successfully treated for heartworms, the dogs can be reinfected. It is essential to begin a heartworm prevention program immediately after the treatment is completed. Roundworms As their name implies, these are worms that have round bodies. On average, they are about inches long. Unlike hookworms, they do not attach to the intestinal wall; instead they swim in their food. Like hookworm eggs, they must be found with a microscope. Puppies born to mothers that have had roundworms at any time in the past can transmit them to puppies before birth. Swallowing roundworm eggs that contain infective larvae may infect both puppies and adult dogs. After several weeks, the larvae make their way back to the intestine to mature. They are not highly harmful to adult dogs, but large numbers can cause weight loss and a pot-bellied appearance to puppies and weak adults. Decreased appetite, vomiting or diarrhea will be observed on occasion. Roundworms can be fatal to puppies. They pass a moderate number of eggs, so examination of more than one stool sample may be necessary to find them. Treatment is very safe and effective drugs are available to kill roundworms in the intestine. Some of these drugs temporarily anesthetize the worms so that they pass out of the dog with a normal bowel movement. The live or dead worms are found in the stool. Because of their large size, they are easily seen. At least two or three treatments are needed; they are typically performed at week intervals. None of these treatments will kill the immature forms of the worm or the migrating larvae. The eggs are highly resistant to most commonly used disinfectants and to even harsh environmental conditions. This does not, however, kill the eggs. The roundworms of both dogs and cats pose a health risk for humans. As many as 10, cases of roundworm infection in humans have been reported in one year. Children, in particular, are at risk for health problems should they become infected. A variety of organs may be affected as the larvae migrate through the body. In suitable environments, the eggs may remain infective to humans and to dogs and cats for years. Most heartworm prevention products contain a drug that will prevent roundworm infections. These products will not kill the adult roundworms so they must be treated if present. Hookworm Infection Hookworms are parasites that get their name from the hook-like mouthparts they use to attach to the intestinal wall. Despite their small size, they suck large amounts of blood from the tiny vessels in the intestinal wall. A large number of hookworms can cause anemia. This problem is most common in puppies, but it will occasionally occur in adult dogs. A dog may become infected when it swallows hookworm larvae immature worm. The larvae may also penetrate the skin and migrate to the intestine to mature and complete its life cycle. If a pregnant dog has hookworms, the pregnancy may reactivate larvae. The most significant problems appear related to intestinal distress and anemia. Blood loss results from the parasites attaching to intestinal capillaries. Some dogs experience significant weight loss, bloody diarrhea, or failure to grow properly with hookworm infection. Skin irritation and itching can be one of the common signs of a heavy infestation. The larvae burrow into the skin and cause the dog a great deal of itching and discomfort. Hookworms are diagnosed with a microscopic examination of a stool sample. Since there are so many eggs produced on a daily basis, they are rather easily detected. One adult female hookworm can produce as many as 20, eggs a day. In puppies, large numbers of worms usually must be present before eggs are shed into the stool. For this reason, fecal examination may be less reliable in very young puppies than in adult dogs. There are some available that are safe to use on grass. Adult hookworms do not infect humans, although the larvae can burrow into human skin. This causes itching, commonly called ground itch, but the worms do not mature into adults. Direct contact of human skin to moist, hookworm-infested soil is required. Fortunately, this does not occur very often if normal hygiene practices are observed. There are several very effective drugs that will kill hookworms. These are given by injection or orally and have few, if any, side effects. However, these drugs only kill the adult hookworms. Therefore, it is necessary to treat again in about weeks to kill any newly formed adult worms that were larvae at the time of the first treatment. A blood transfusion may be necessary in some dogs because of the rather severe anemia that can be produced. Puppies should be first treated at weeks of age. A nursing female dog should be treated with her pups; nursing may reactivate infection in the female. Prompt deworming should be given when parasites are detected; periodic deworming may be appropriate for pets at high risk for reinfection. Most heartworm prevention products contain a drug that will prevent hookworm infections. However, these products will not kill the adult hookworms, so dogs will need to be treated for adult hookworms first. Tapeworms This parasite attaches to the small intestinal wall by hook-like mouthparts. Adult tapeworms may reach 8 inches in length. As the tail end of the worm matures, the terminal segments break off and pass into the stool. Occasionally, the mobile segments can be seen crawling near the anus or on the surface of a fresh bowel movement. These segments look like grains of rice and contain tapeworm eggs; the eggs are released into the environment when the segment dries. In order for a dog to become infected with the common tapeworm, the dog must swallow a flea that contains tapeworm eggs. The process begins when flea larvae swallow tapeworm eggs. Next, the dog chews or licks his skin as a flea bites; the flea is then swallowed. Tapeworms are not usually harmful to your dog. They may cause debilitation and weight loss when they occur in large numbers. Sometimes, the dog will scoot or drag his anus across the ground or carpet because the segments are irritating to the skin in this area. The adult worm is generally not seen, but the white segments that break away from the tapeworm and pass outside the body are almost always noticeable. Occasionally, a tapeworm will release its attachment in the intestines and move into the stomach. This irritates the stomach, causing the dog to vomit the worm. When this happens, a worm several inches in length will be seen. Control of fleas is very important in the management and prevention of tapeworm infection. Flea control involves treatment of your dog, the indoor environment and the outdoor environment where the dog resides. If the dog lives in a flea-infested environment, reinfection with tapeworms may occur in as little as two weeks. Because the medication that treats tapeworm infection is so effective, return of the tapeworms is almost always due to reinfection from the animals surroundings. A flea must be ingested for humans to become infected with the most common tapeworm of dogs. Most reported cases have involved children. The most effective way to prevent human infection is through aggressive flea control. The risk for infection with this tapeworm in humans is quite small but does exist. Treatment is simple and, fortunately, very effective. A drug that kills tapeworms is given, either orally or by injection. It causes the tapeworm to dissolve within the intestines. These drugs should not cause vomiting, diarrhea, or any other adverse side effects. They live in the colon of dogs where they cause severe irritation. This results in watery, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and an overall decline in health. They are one of the most pathogenic worms found in dogs. Whipworms pass microscopic eggs in the stool. They mature and are able to reinfect the dog in days. The eggs are swallowed and return to the lower intestinal tract to complete the life cycle. Whipworms are diagnosed by finding eggs with a microscopic examination of the stool. Multiple samples are often required because these parasites pass small numbers of eggs on an irregular basis. Any dog with chronic diarrhea can be reasonably suspected to have whipworms, regardless of several negative stool examinations. It is customary practice to treat for whipworms based on assumption of infection. Response to treatment is an indication that whipworms were present but could not be detected on fecal examination. There are several drugs that are very effective against whipworms. Two treatments are needed at a week interval, but because reinfection is such a problem, it is advisable to treat again every months or to put the dog on a heartworm prevention product that contains an ingredient that prevents infection with whipworms. Whipworms are not nearly as common now because of widespread use of the types of heartworm prevention products. Whipworms are not infectious to people; they are parasites of dogs. Ear Mites Ear Mites While there are several types of mites that may infect cats and dogs, Otodectes cynotis is the mite most commonly seen. Ear mites are an external parasite that causes significant discomfort. Ear mites can live on any part of the body, although they generally live in the ears. This is the most common cause of inflammation of the outer ear canal in the animals. They are most often seen in kittens and puppies, but they can affect cats and dogs of any age and are extremely contagious. The mites feed on tissue debris and secretions from the ear canal lining. With repeated irritation, the ear canal thickens and debris builds up within the ear canal. This debris, caused by mite waste products, dead tissue and fluid resembles coffee grounds. In long-term cases of ear mites in cats and dogs, there are often secondary bacterial and yeast infections creating even more stress on the animal and making treatment more difficult. Other indications the animal may display are head shaking, scratching the ears, which leads to sores, reddish-brown to black discharge in the ears, and an odor from the ears. Sometimes there may be no observable signs of ear mites. In chronic cases of ear mites in cats and dogs, there are often secondary bacterial and yeast infections that complicate the treatment, creating more stress on the animal. Damage to the ear could include a thickening of the skin or infection that is caused by the cat or dog damaging the skin by scratching, and bacteria entering these wounds. The life cycle of an ear mite lasts about twenty-one days from egg to adult, entails going through four stages: 1. The Eggs — Female ear mites usually lay about 5 eggs daily during their entire adult life. Deposited on the surface lining of the ear canal, the eggs hatch within 4 days. The Larvae — Once hatched from the eggs, the larvae feed for 4 days then rest for 24 hours as they molt. The Nymphs — Two stages of nymphs are recognized. Each feeds for 3 to 5 days and then rests and then molts to the next stage. There can be literally thousands of mites crawling about the ear canal and external ear surfaces. Ear mites do not burrow into the skin. They are communicable from one animal to another by direct contact. A diagnosis of ear mites by the veterinarian is usually made by either visualization of the mites with an otoscope or microscopic examination of the ear discharge. Although some cats and dogs show no outward signs of ear mite infestations, the mites can be diagnosed as described above. In most cats and dogs with ear mites, if you briskly rub the ear canal area the animal will respond by automatic scratching movements of the back leg. Triggering this automatic scratching movement seldom occurs in animals that do not have ear mites. Your veterinarians will check for ear mites as part of the routine physical exam, especially in multi-pet households. There are a number of medications used to treat ear mites in cats and dogs. Your veterinarian will prescribe an effective product, be sure to have a follow-up exam done four weeks after prescribed treatment. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Functional Functional Always active The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Preferences Preferences The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. 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Long or medium, water resistant Coat Colors Bi-colored, range from black, cream, sable, black, and amber. Above all, know that these dogs are by no means small! In fact, they can grow to be quite large. This mix will grow to be somewhere in between how big its parents are. Male and female German Shepherds have a better big difference in height and weight. While males grow up to 24 and 26 inches cm , females get to be about 22 and 24 inches cm. As far as weight, males can be 65 to 90 pounds kg heavy while females are only between 50 to 70 pounds kg. The Golden Retriever looks a bit different. Again, there is a difference between the sexes. Females can grow as tall as .Males are inches 58 — 61 cm tall and pounds 29 — 34 kg heavy. But what does this mean for your Golden Shepherd? As mentioned above these dogs grow to 20 to 26 inches cm tall and 60 to 85 pounds 27 — 39 kg heavy. It really is just a guessing game with this breed. Hands down, they the best out of the best when it comes to guarding. Golden Retrievers are on the opposite end of the spectrum. They are very easy going, love all strangers, and are loyal to any family members. These dogs are social and beloved because of their awesome people pleasing skills. The Golden Retriever German Shepherd Mix could inherit any combination of these behaviors from their parents, just as the same as their appearance. Their cleverness makes training easy. Kids and Golden Shepherds get along great. Your dog will always be up for some fetch or tug-of-war. Since there is hunting blood in their veins, watch them around smaller animals. Or you might witness lots of chasing. Be on the Lookout for These Possible Health Problems source As mentioned in the first paragraph Golden Shepherds have a life expectancy of around years if they receive enough love and high-quality care. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers have numerous health issues that can pass down to their puppies. Work closely with your breeder to prevent this from happening to you. German Shepherd Health Risks These dogs have been bred for multiple centuries. Because of this, they run into many medical problems. However, here are the top three problems that you might run into. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is a pretty common disease for most, but unfortunately, the German Shepherd is more prone to it than others. In fact, 1 out of 5 German Shepherds are expected to have this. This could be blamed on their energetic personality and big stature. Regardless, hip and elbow dysplasia is when the hip or elbow joint frequently pops out of its socket. As you can expect, this can cause the bones to wear down over time and, eventually, cause lameness. Perianal Fistula In other words, doggy diarrhea. It can be particularly alarming as it is often accompanied with bloody poop. It all starts when the skin around the anus begins to gets infected. Osteoarthritis Or, when the joints begin to wear down after normal living. Most specifically for German Shepherds, it happens around the spine. If you take good care of your German Shepherd, as well as schedule regular vet visits to be proactive in their health, you can expect 11 happy years together. The most alarming of these is cancer. Aside from this, you can expect .Here are several of their other health problems: Atopic Dermatitis : Otherwise known as allergies! Most commonly, dogs can be allergic to pollen, animal dander, plants, insects, food, and medication. This breed is known to have lots of issues with this. Aortic Stenosis : This is a medical condition that affects the blood flow in the chambers of the heart. Eventually, this can thicken the heart walls and lead to serious heart issues and even failure. Just like with German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Many do debates whether this is true. The unfortunate side of this is that examples have shown us over time they may change into something not as healthy. A great example of this is the English Bulldog. Yet, on the other hand, mixing combines the positive traits of two types while getting rid of the negative. It takes a lot of time and hard effort, but it can happen. Regardless of this debate, whether your pup is healthy comes down to the breeder you choose and the parents. But what should you specifically work on? Make sure to socialize your Golden Shepherd early in case they adopt the nervousness around strangers from their German Shepherds parents. Have visitors, other animals, and children over often. The more experience they have around strangers, the better. Plan for many daily walks. Because of this, a house with a yard is better. But an apartment can work if given enough daily exercise. Since German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are prone to having joint problems and your pup could inherit these issues, be cautious when exercising. As well, overeating can be a problem because extra weight increases the load on the joints. Make sure to use a brush that can reach both layers of the coat. Heading to the bathtub too often can damage their skin. As well, pay attention to how long their nails have grown and clip when necessary. Brush their teeth weekly to avoid the buildup of plaque and stinky kisses. And check their ears weekly for too much wax. This depends on where you buy from and the pedigree. The good news is that there are breeders everywhere! Also across Canada and the UK. As we mentioned before, do your research! Make sure anyone you purchase from is raising healthy and happy pups. Do a quick search in your area on sites like:. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Golden Shepherd Highlights Golden Shepherds are mixed breed dogs. The main colors of Golden Shepherds are black, tan, red, cream, and blue. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. They shed quite a bit. The Golden Shepherd not only loves kids, they enjoy the commotion they bring with them. Though, as with all dogs, playtime with kids should always be supervised. Golden Shepherds have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour-long walk per day. Hiking and other adventurous activities are strongly recommended. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create Golden Shepherds as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though Golden Shepherds got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up Golden Shepherd rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Golden Retriever rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Golden Retriever parents, you can expect the Golden Shepherd to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. Golden Shepherd Personality Golden Shepherds make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their Golden Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Golden Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. Golden Shepherds like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reinforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Golden Shepherds are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. Golden Shepherd Feeding An ideal Golden Shepherd diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. As with all dogs, the Golden Shepherd dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Golden Shepherd diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs—including weight, energy, and health—to make a specific recommendation. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors with their family. Like all dogs, however, Golden Shepherds need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Golden Shepherd Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Golden Shepherds because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Golden Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. This hybrid breed, sometimes referred to as a golden German shepherd, is utterly adorable, incredibly smart, very loyal to his family members , and, above all else, supremely lovable. Golden shepherds make great pets for families that have plenty of time and energy to dedicate to daily exercise and affection. Appearance Golden shepherds, like other hybrid breeds, get their traits from both parent breeds. Half German shepherd, half golden retriever, they may closely resemble one parent or the other, or they may look like some combination of the two—it all depends. Golden retrievers typically stand 21—25 inches tall and weigh 55—75 pounds. As this breed's name suggests, their fur color falls somewhere along the yellow spectrum—from creamy white to dark golden. They have feathery tails that are almost always wagging happily. German shepherds tend to be about the same size as golden retrievers, weighing between 50—90 pounds and standing 22—26 inches tall. These regal-looking canines are typically black and tan but they can also have black, black with red, sable, or white fur, too. Similarly, golden shepherds may have the floppy, folded-over ears of a golden retriever or the alert, upright ears of a German shepherd. No matter which parent your golden shepherd puppy looks like, he's basically guaranteed to be cute. A full-grown golden shepherd will likely be a medium- to large-sized dog , so consider how much space you have before bringing one home. Temperament For lovers of German shepherds and golden retrievers, golden shepherd dogs are the perfect happy medium. These good-natured pups get the brains of a German shepherd, the happy-go-lucky attitude of a golden retriever, and the family-friendliness of both parent breeds. Golden retrievers are cheerful, fun-loving dogs with delightful personalities—there's a reason they're so popular, particularly among families with kids. They love to romp and play, but they're equally as happy snuggling up on the couch for movie night. Golden retrievers absolutely adore getting attention from their human owners—pets, scratches, praise, and cuddles are their favorite—so they're all-around top-notch companions who would gladly follow you anywhere. They are friendly with new people and almost always steal the spotlight at parties. They love going for walks and learning new cues and tricks , so some daily blend of physical and mental stimulation is important for keeping a German shepherd happy. They love their human family members deeply and are often referred to as "Velcro dogs" because they like to be in the same room with their people at all times. They'll readily alert you to a delivery at the door, too. As a German shepherd and golden retriever mix, golden shepherds will likely have varying personalities that incorporate attributes from their parents, according to Nicole Ellis , CPDT-KA, pet lifestyle expert with Rover. This makes them ideal for families that spend a lot of time at home or young professionals with remote jobs. Puzzle toys and feeders can help keep your golden shepherd engaged, too. Care Grooming a golden shepherd is relatively low-maintenance, though be forewarned: Your dog will likely shed a fair amount golden retrievers and German shepherds both shed heavily in the spring and fall and moderately year-round. To keep your golden shepherd looking his most handsome, brush his coat at least once a week and bathe him with shampoo formulated specially for dogs as necessary. Regular brushing can also help keep the shedding in check, to a degree, but you may also want to invest in a good vacuum cleaner , too. Courtesy of bella. Also, brush your golden shepherd's teeth nightly or at least as often as you can manage! Set a reminder to clean your golden shepherd's ears regularly , too. Though your golden shepherd may naturally be a very social dog, thanks to his golden retriever lineage, it's still important to socialize him from a young age. This way, he'll be comfortable around new sights, smells, sounds, people, and other dogs. Puppy kindergarten training classes can help your golden shepherd puppy learn new cues while also interacting with other pooches of all shapes and sizes as well as their owners. As you search for a training facility or begin to prepare your own training plans , keep in mind that golden shepherds respond best to positive reinforcement that involves a reward, such as high-value treats , petting, and effusive praise, Ellis says. Health A golden shepherd's health and expected lifespan depend greatly on the health of his two parents. German shepherds, which typically live 7—10 years, can be susceptible to certain genetic diseases and conditions, including elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia , epilepsy , bleeding disorders, eye conditions , degenerative myelopathy hemangiosarcoma , and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Golden retrievers tend to live slightly longer with average lifespans between 10—12 years. Like German shepherds, golden retrievers may also experience elbow and hip dysplasia and eye conditions including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Golden retrievers are also susceptible to allergies and hypothyroidism. The good news is that hybrid breeds tend to have fewer medical problems than purebred dogs, she says, though you should still be aware of these common concerns. History As with other hybrid breeds, the exact history of the golden shepherd is unknown. We do know that golden retrievers were developed in the mid-to-late s in the Scottish Highlands by Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord of Tweedmouth, who wanted to develop a skilled hunting dog who could tackle the region's rugged terrain. German shepherds hail from Germany, where they were developed in the late s by a German cavalry officer named Capt. Max von Stephanitz. These intuitive dogs learn quickly, which is why they're such a popular choice for police work, search and rescue missions, and other important jobs. Today, golden shepherds are primarily companion animals and pets. There aren't many golden shepherd breeders in the U. But check with local animal shelters and rescue groups regularly, as they may have a mixed-breed dog with some German shepherd and golden retriever in his DNA or dogs with similar characteristics to these two pups! Fun Facts If you're training for a marathon or planning a big summit, a golden shepherd will gladly accompany you on your training runs and hikes. These pups are very sporty and have a lot of endurance not to mention that they'd get to spend time with you, their favorite person! Large breeds like golden retrievers and Germans shepherds can become overweight if left to their own devices. Keep an eye on your dog's weight and talk with a veterinarian about the best way to keep him fit and healthy. Golden shepherds are good contenders for dog sports like agility, rally, obedience, and more. They love a good session of fetch in the backyard, too. Was this page helpful? Furthermore, since they have deep ears, these dogs accumulate ear wax quicker than the other dogs. These dogs need 45 — 90 minutes per day of exercise These activities also reduce the chances of having health issues in the future. This said trait may result in an unintentional aggressiveness to strangers. To fix this issue, these dogs should have proper training and enough socialization in their early years. Note sure the Golden Shepherd is right for you? Ever wonder what a Golden Retriever Corgi looks like? These dogs are very loyal to their owners and are also intelligent which prevent the dogs from causing trouble. They are generally patient, attentive, and eager to learn and work. They are an affectionate and a great companion 2. Guarding Ability Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs are large and muscular dogs due to the genetics of the parent breed German Shepherd. These features allow you to have dogs that can protect you and the people around you. Environmental Adjustments With proper training, these dogs are remarkably adaptive. This characteristic gives you an easy time particularly if you move around frequently to regions with many changes in the weather and environment. So, If you want to travel with your pet, this breed is the one for you. Their body is longer than it is tall. Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs weigh from 60 lbs to 80 lbs while their height can range from 20 inches to 25 inches. This breed has variations in coat types and colors. Their coats are commonly long, dense, thick and doubled; resulting in a higher chance of constant shedding. These energetic dogs like outdoor activities such as swimming, long walks, and jogging but you need to be wary of extreme heat because of their thick coats. Early socialization training for these dogs is valued. This breed tends to be reserved and nervous towards strangers. Nonetheless, they can learn to be friendly immediately by going out regularly. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix dogs usually express extreme loyalty and a loving personality to their owner and the family they belong to. The German Shepherd mixed with Golden Retriever is not an official dog breed yet; however, the following organizations recognize them as a designer mixed-breed. A reliable breeder should provide you with valuable documents. If everything checks out, a contract that shows clear briefing of the conditions is essential. Doing research and exploring your community is the best way to find reliable breeders. Remember, adopting a dog will always cost less. Visit your local animal shelter to ask about the availability of this dog breed. Moreover, try looking into the private dog rescues as some dogs may be transported there. Grooming Your Golden Retriever German Shepherd German Shepherd mixed with Golden Retriever dogs require regular coat brushing because their coat tends to be tangled and matted together. Regular brushing promotes a shiny and healthy fur for this mixed breed. Here are some products that you might need for this pet. Pro Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats This slicker brush either has a flat or curved head with lots of thin wire pins which help to untangle and shed loose fur. This mixed breed features a double-coat that requires constant brushing making this item a must-have for all dog owners. Dog nails can hurt other people or animals when they get playful. Sometimes, dogs snap their nails off unintentionally, and the pain can be excruciating for them. To use, gently hold their paws and snip off small bits of the toenails. Promptly discontinue if any bleeding occurs. Apart from the items suggested, bathing is one of the most important steps in pet care to remove unpleasant odors and dirt on their coat. When giving a bath, make use of dog shampoo to avoid accidental allergy attacks and fleas. This dog breed typically has large ears that can accumulate wax. Observe your dog for symptoms of ear problems; healthy dogs do not habitually bother their ears. Wax, dirt, and other elements may cause ear infections. For better cleaning and disinfection, use liquid ear cleaners and cotton balls. Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs need regular trimming, so make it a habit to schedule appointments with your veterinary clinic at least once or twice a month. Make sure they get trimmed around the eye area for better vision , around the anus for hygiene , and the chin for easy eating. Mixed-breed dogs are ordinarily healthier than their parent breeds, yet this specific breed is more prone to certain health conditions than others. Most of these health problems are seen as the dog gets older. This breed enjoys being active and playing which can cause a harmful impact and damage on their bones and joints. Receiving an average level of activity would prevent them from having these problems. Here are some more health hazards that you need to be aware of: Allergies Both parent breeds are prone to allergies and German Shepherd Retriever Mixed dogs share this trait. Their common allergies mainly affect their skin and flea bites or certain foods typically cause these. Fleas are tiny parasites that dogs can accumulate from outdoors. You can prevent this by avoiding physical contact with environmental allergens. The symptoms include mouth or nose bleeding, blood in the urine, and excessive bleeding, and unfortunately, there is no cure yet. Joint Dysplasia In dogs with joint dysplasia, the joints fail to develop correctly, scraping and grinding upon each other instead of sliding smoothly. Bloating Bloating in humans and bloating in dogs are different. It is harmless in humans, however, in dogs it is deadly. Immediate treatment for bloat is needed. It would be best to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible because there is no first aid that you can do at home. Learning some first aids for this breed of dogs can also help. Awareness over these usual problems of the Golden Retriever crossed with German Shepherd breed will result to their proper care. Your furry friend should get the best, so pick their food wisely. You can find lots of options in the best dry dog food list. Whelps need energy to be active, which means lots of proteins too. Food that gives them everything their body needs is on the best puppy food brands list. Older canines have different requirements, so skim through the best senior dry dog food list. It will help them stay healthy and show off proudly. Steer clear of the worst dry dog food at all costs. You can also find some ideas on the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food lists, which may contain some food that your pooch will love. Because of their energetic personality, these dogs need a diet that can fulfill their nutrition needs. Dogs may be omnivores, but they highly rely on protein to survive. It is also the building block of their muscles. Although dogs love fat in their meals, it is necessary to maintain the amount of fat that you give them. Too much fat is harmful to their well-being and too little creates skin problems. Make sure that your dogs are hydrated, especially if you live in a hot place. Ingredients and supplements for joint and bone development are also needed to prevent possible injuries for this very active dog. Giving your dogs vegetables, fruits, and other minerals is proper for their growth. However, you need to be wary of the portions since it varies depending on their age and body size. Avoid products that contain these ingredients since they are not good sources of carbohydrates for dogs. Von Willebrand's Disease Digestive issues such as diarrhea Just remember that these are quite rare conditions. Your Golden Shepherd could possibly and easily go through his entire lifespan without encountering any of these conditions. While most German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are generally healthy, some may become susceptible to a few health issues. Being an offspring of the two, the Golden Shepherd is likely to suffer the same issues, and that's why you ought to maintain regular vet checkups and good care. Feeding the Golden Shepherd Being a large dog breed with high bursts of energy, an ideal diet for Golden Shepherds ought to be formulated to fit their needs. Always endeavor to stick to a feeding schedule that is regular, and also don't leave any unattended food outside during the daytime. Since Golden Shepherd dogs have a tendency of gaining weight fast if overfed, you also need to limit the amounts of treats you offer the dogs as rewards for obeying and good behavior. Just as it's the norm with all dogs, the dietary needs of Golden Shepherds will definitely have to gradually change from puppies to adult dogs in terms of quantity and frequency of feeding. This strategy continues as the dog's year's progress. Since there's an extensive variation in dietary needs among different individual dogs, ensure to seek precise recommendations from your vet about the diet for your Golden Shepherd. By doing this, your dog's energy, weight, strength, and health will be always at par, and your dog will enjoy a healthy long life. History of the Golden Shepherd The Golden Shepherd may have naturally existed over several years, but to be more specific, this breed first gained attention in the year .The German Shepherd and Golden Retriever were crossed by breeders with the ultimate goal of creating a watchdog as well as a friendly family companion while minimizing the health problems that affect the purebred parents. The creation of Golden Shepherd puppies is on the high rise as resulting from high demand for mixed hybrid puppies. Although Golden Shepherd crossbreeds begun as designer breeds, some have found their way in rescue care groups or shelters. This means you could also consider adoption. Since Golden Retriever and Golden Shepherd rescue may help in rehoming of mixed breeds, you could look up in your local shelters. Being a deliberate recent trend, designer dogs are being produced from two purebreds with the hope of creating offspring with better qualities than the parents, and the Golden Shepherd is not an exception. In the majority of these cases, however, the transfer of traits is not controllable. Outcomes are likely to vary a lot in a particular litter, with some puppies inheriting the worse from both parent purebreds. It is, therefore, important for you to get your Golden Shepherd pups from sources that can be trusted. There have been a high mushrooming of disreputable breeders and puppy mills due to the recent boom and popularity of designer dogs. Some breeders are just reckless and careless about the results of their actions, as they are just out to make as much cash. While these coats are not an ideal choice for people with allergies, they are easily taken care of. Using a mild shampoo, you can perform a bath every few months, as frequent baths may strip away the dog's natural oil. When it comes to extreme weather the double coat they have gives them an edge. A majority of Golden Shepherds love playing and running on snow, and during summer, the double coat keeps them cool. As a result of the double coat, the Golden Shepherds tend to be moderate shedders but they could shed heavily during the shedding season. A quick brushing on a daily basis can work to control their hair, which helps to trap any loose fur before shedding occurs. That said and done, the hair will be loosed from being a nuisance, giving you a great chance of cleaning off any muck or dirt in their fur. Ensure to use a brush that will reach the two coat layers to avoid lots of vacuuming and cleaning. German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix temperament Just like the German Shepherd and Golden retriever parents, the Golden shepherd is considered among the most intelligent dogs, as well as a superb family dog and loving companion, which makes the dog have a wonderful personality. It's often a mixture between the caring Golden Retriever and courageous German Shepherd. Although every dog is likely to be different, the two-parent purebreds have traits that could easily influence any behavior of their mixes. As a result of being a smart family dog, they are more protective in comparison to Golden Retriever parent, but they are also quite aggressive when vulnerable. With Shepherd legs and broad chests, they are they handsome canines with ears that are down-folded but arise when they are alert. With a loving temperament trait from the parent Golden Retriever, the Golden Shepherds are kind, docile, and friendly, they always want to be by the side of their owners. When near a bunch of screaming, young children, they are well-tempered around them and behave very calmly. On the other hand, Golden Shepherds have a super hard working trait of the German Shepherd which enables them to work as narcotic sniffers and police dogs. German Shepherd Golden Retriever cross dogs are well-mannered, kind and loyal to their owners. These traits make them very ideal watchdogs. When the two personalities above are combined along with their attention-seeking trait, you will absolutely have an active breed with a high level of intelligence and one that always wants to protect his family. Being a medium to large size hybrid dog, the Golden Shepherd portrays the traits of their parents. In general, they take on the body of the German Shepherd, but the head resembles much that of the Golden Retriever, which is readily apparent to a majority of people being quite distinctive. This means that Golden Shepherd dogs will often have a strong, long body with a tail that very much resembles that of a German Shepherd. The head has a long muzzle and is slightly large. The ears are feathery in nature and they will droop low. With thick pads, their legs appear larger and strong. Potty Training a Golden Shepherd Potty training your Golden Shepherd should be among the very first lessons you teach your new pup. Dogs usually have a tendency of experiencing trouble when they try to change the pottying habits later in older stages. If you don't want your house to be ruined with poop from the German Shepherd puppy, have your potty schedule training ready as soon as your pup arrives at home. Undoubtedly, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever mix puppies are adorable and intelligent, but this doesn't mean they are incapable of ruining your carpet, beds, floor, and so on with their pee. But due to the mixed breed's high level of intelligence combined with a strong desire to please the owners, you will not have a really hard time potty training your puppy if you follow the rules correctly. Potty training schedule for a Golden Shepherd The very first thing is to identify a potty area outside your house where you'll be taking your puppy to relieve himself. Train your Golden Shepherd pup to live in a crate at night so that he doesn't contaminate your house. If you hear your puppy whimpering or crying, just know that he wants to go potty. Take your German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix dog out to the area you designated at the backyard at night before sleeping and in the morning on waking up. After your Golden Shepherd feeds, take him out to relieve after about 20 minutes. Ensure your puppy only pees on one particular designated area so that he learns not to defecate anywhere. When you Golden Shepherd poops in the correct area, immediately give small treats and praises accompanies with a command such as "Go potty". Ensure to be consistent with the routines and timings, while taking him out to potty after meals for him to learn the timings of going potty. Until your Golden Shepherd has learned his routine and timings, ensure not to leave it all on the dog, or else, waste will scatter all over your compound and house. Always watch your puppy closely and stay alert when training your pup, and avoid any kind of punishments whatsoever if accidents happen in the house. With patience and consistency, while using positive reinforcement methods, your Golden Shepherd will eventually learn to go potty by himself. Just as with all dog breeds, ensure to socialize your Golden Shepherd early and allow them to interact with children, elderly people, and even other animals as often as possible. Since they are fond of being nervous around strangers, failing to socialize Golden Shepherds as required makes them prone to becoming aggressive towards strangers. Having been created from two super-intelligent parent breeds that always look forward to pleasing people, the Golden Shepherd hybrids are dream dogs to train. They promptly obey and effortlessly pick up commands, particularly with larger breeds who can really be a nuisance in zones that are leash-free. This happens before Golden Shepherds get to know playing techniques, and is also a key part during the process of training. Golden Shepherds need to start training early at a tender age by exposing them frequently to new sounds, sights as well as situations that include puppy kindergartens. While this puts off the dog's anxious behaviors, it also encourages the comfort level of your Golden Shepherd puppy with a variety of experiences. Ensure you instill behaviors and establish rules early enough as you take a consistent, fair and firm approach to enforce them. With most dogs, positive reinforcement techniques work best. They involve rewards-based approaches where you give the Golden Shepherd dog many treats and praises so that he knows he's behaved well. This provides positive results, which makes both you and your Golden Shepherd happy. It is completely up to you to choose between professional training and owner training. For instance, if you are well experienced in training dogs, you could consider to personally train your Golden Shepherd. If you are completely new to training dogs or think you may fail to train your Golden Shepherd puppy well, considering enrollment in an obedience training dog school would be of great help to you. Benefits of Owner Training Involves custom training - based on specific needs and tasks, you will be able to train your dog accordingly. Enhances more control over your Golden Shepherd - It means you are able to ensure your puppy obeys, responds, and specifically works for you. There's no age limit - Some training programs do have age limits as to when your pup can begin training. In this case, you can start training Golden Retriever and German Shepherd mix dog as early as you wish. It's usually free - In other words, training the Golden Shepherd on your own actually costs much less than the program enrollment. Benefits of program training The rates of success are high: With copious amounts of practice and training in a particular field, they absolutely know what is required for your Golden Shepherd dog to get the kind of right training needed. Professionals easily get to know when the training job is done: Owners that are less-experienced in training dogs usually think they are done once the golden shepherds begin to show results. Professionals will actually tell if they are done or not. The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. A Golden Shepherd tends to bring the all-around friendly personality of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and devotion of the German Shepherd into one dog. They love their families and tend to get along with everyone including children. These dogs are not necessarily suspicious of strangers, but they are alert and will tend to bark if they see something they feel you need to know about. Golden Shepherds are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they are high-energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as plenty of time is dedicated to giving them the daily exercise they need. They tend to do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because Golden Shepherds are devoted to their families and thrive on spending time with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. As a larger, barrel-chested dog breed, the Golden Shepherd, like their parent breeds, is also at a higher risk for bloat. The Golden Shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. This makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a great idea because they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy while also strengthening your bond with them. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long or causing issues. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can get the vet before it gets more serious. Because many dog owners overlook this, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. The Golden Shepherd comes from two high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are the minimum. But, a Golden Shepherd will likely be up for more activity if you are. A trip to the dog park for some off-leash time, playing frisbee or chasing a ball, hiking, swimming, running, and more can all help this dog expend some extra energy. You want to keep their activity low-impact as they are still growing, but once they finish growing, try different activities to see what you both love doing together. You could even try training them for dog sports! A fully-grown Golden Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Golden Shepherd generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any Golden Shepherd puppies available, but we can alert you when new Golden Shepherd puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Golden retrievers and German shepherds are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Both medium-to-large dogs that are highly intelligent, easy to please, and great with families, it was only a matter of time before someone created the golden shepherd by mixing these two breeds. But what can you expect if you decide to adopt one of these amazing dogs into your family? Read on as I take you through exactly what you can expect from a golden retriever-German shepherd mix, including their size, appearance, temperament, and the care they need to thrive. Is the golden shepherd the right dog for you? Learn more below! Essential Statistics Breed: Mix of golden retriever and German shepherd Height: 21 — 26 inches Coat Type: Medium-long high shedding coat Colors: Black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, liver Lifespan: 7 — 12 year lifespan Temperament: Highly intelligent, easy to train, playful, friendly, does well with families Exercise: High energy and exercise needs History Of The Breed Golden retrievers were first bred in the United Kingdom to retrieve shot waterfowl. Their soft mouths allow them to retrieve ducks and other game without damaging them. As a highly intelligent breed that is eager to please and with a naturally good nature and understanding of how to act around children, goldens have been popular working dogs since the s, and you will often see them working in search and rescue and disability assistance. German shepherds , also known as Alsatians, were first bred in Germany just before the start of the 20th century as herding dogs. When natural sheep predators began to die out in Germany at the start of the 20th century, German shepherds were taught to do other kinds of work. While German shepherds are not an aggressive breed, they developed a bad reputation in the 20th century when the German Nazi army started using them as working dogs. The breed was also adopted by gangsters and bootleggers in the United States. Fortunately, today, their reputation is largely recuperated, and they are often seen working with police and in roles such as search and rescue. Golden shepherds were first bred around .The intention with this mixed breed was to create a dog with the courage, quickness, and alertness of the German shepherd but also with the good nature of the golden retriever, which is also intelligent, highly trainable, and easy to please. The results are excellent working dogs and family pets. Golden retrievers are usually 21 to 25 inches tall and will usually be the mother in a first generation golden shepherd coupling. They weigh 55 to 75 pounds. German shepherds are slightly larger, measuring 22 to 26 inches tall and weighing 50 to 90 pounds. As you would expect, their golden shepherd offspring measure 21 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 90 pounds on average. Both parent dog breeds have medium-to-long coats that are known to be high-shedding, so you can expect the same from a golden shepherd. Being a mixed breed, they can come in an extensive range of colors, including black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, and liver, and they will often be bicolor. The color of their coat tends to be highly unpredictable in the first generation. Because they are high-shedding, they do need regular grooming, which means brushing at least once a week to keep shedding under control. Still, there is no escaping all that dog hair, and you will definitely need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner. The way their facial features will develop is less predictable, since they are still a new breed and breeders are still learning to control for desirable features. They can also either have the pointed ears of a German shepherd or the drooping ears of a golden retriever. Either way, they are sure to be a gorgeous pup! Golden Shepherd Temperament And Intelligence Golden retrievers are known for being playful and friendly dogs that love everyone they meet and therefore make terrible guard dogs. They are playful and loyal to the family with whom they have developed a bond. While they can be wary of strangers or anything that seems out of place, they are more likely to alert you with a bark than attack. You can expect a golden shepherd to be playful and friendly, but a little bit warier of strangers than your standard golden retriever. Both parent breeds are highly intelligent and also eager to please. German shepherds, in particular, are also independent thinkers and problem solvers. This means golden shepherds are easy to train, as they learn new commands quickly and enjoy the rewards that come with completing them, but they are also good at knowing what is required of them in new circumstances. Golden shepherds, like both of their parent breeds, are incredibly loyal and will want to be around their people all the time, whether that is out and about, or curled up on the couch at home. This can lead to frustration and destructive behavior. They are naturally protective of children, and despite being large breed dogs, they are very aware of their own size and strength and know how to play gently with children. However, it could be a struggle to have this breed with very young children, as they have lots of playful energy, and this can be overwhelming for smaller folks. Golden Shepherd Energy And Exercise Golden shepherds, like both their parent breeds, are high-energy dogs. Additionally, golden shepherds need at least an hour of fairly intense exercise each day. This means running around the dog park and sniffing everything, playing catch, and going for a swim rather than just a casual walk. They should be getting less exercise as puppies, despite their apparent energy, as too much exercise can undermine their proper development. While they are growing, they should have about five minutes of exercise per day per month of age. So at four months, they need 20 minutes of exercise each day, and at six months, they need half an hour. As adult dogs, they will love joining you on longer adventures, such as hikes and boat trips and will have no problem keeping up. Bear in mind that, while they are natural swimmers, if you go out on a boat, they should be wearing a flotation vest. As well as formal exercise, they need to be able to move around and play throughout the day, and a decent-sized backyard is the best thing for this. Golden Shepherd Health Concerns Of course, when you adopt a dog into your family, you will want to closely monitor and care for their health. This means ensuring they are vaccinated for all the most transmissible canine diseases, such as Parvo , protection against fleas and ticks , and proper dental care, which ideally means daily brushing. But certain dog breeds are also more susceptible to certain health conditions than others. With mixed breeds, they could be less susceptible to some of the most common ailments of their parent breeds, or they could be more susceptible to certain conditions. The best thing to do is inform yourself about the common health issues for both parent breeds and monitor your puppy for all of them. This means for golden shepherds, you will want to be on the lookout for: Elbow and hip dysplasia, common in both parent breeds Eye conditions, common in both parent breeds Bloating gastric dilation volvulus , common in both parent breeds Epilepsy, common in German shepherds Allergies, common in golden retrievers Hypothyroidism, common in golden retrievers Degenerative myelopathy hemangiosarcoma, common in German shepherds Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, common in German shepherds Of course, just because some dog breeds are more susceptible to these conditions does not mean they will get any of them, and your golden shepherd could pass their entire 7-toyear lifespan without being affected by any of these. But if you know the symptoms, you can catch any problems early and ensure a better quality of life for your dog. One other health concern with both the parent breeds of golden shepherds is obesity. They love their food, and we love to reward them with delicious treats. Remember, every treat you give them also contains calories! Also, never feed them off your own plate. They already tend to think they are human, and this can just lead to begging at the table and food theft! Plus, a lot of the foods humans eat are toxic to dogs. This not only includes chocolate and fake sugar, but also common kitchen staples such as onion and garlic. Invest in good quality food for your dog and avoid giving them table scraps. No doubt having read my guide you are interested in bringing a fantastic golden shepherd into your family. These are the questions you should ask yourself to determine whether you are a good fit for this unique breed. Do you have an active lifestyle? Your dog is going to need lots of exercise and is happiest when they can accompany their humans in energetic activities. Are you out of the house a lot? Golden shepherds love company and need to be around their people most of the time. They need a home where there is usually someone about or where they can accompany someone to work. Do you have much space? Golden shepherds thrive when they have space to use their energy, and they are fairly big, so they can make a small apartment feel claustrophobic. Are you willing to accept dog hair as a part of life? Are you a first-time owner? Golden shepherds are easy to train and control, so they are actually great choices for first-time owners. Do you have kids or other pets? Golden shepherds are great around kids and other pets if they are properly socialized. But these big dogs with lots of energy could be challenging if you have very small children. Let these questions guide you as to whether a golden shepherd is the right dog for you. In short, if you are low on space, time, or energy, a different breed might be a better match. If you find a breeder selling for less than this, be wary, as you may be dealing with a puppy mill. You may also find golden shepherds in your local shelter , because despite being amazing and pliable dogs, their energy and attention and exercise needs often prove too much for some owners. What do you think of the golden shepherd? Does it mix the best aspects of the German shepherd and golden retriever? Is this the kind of dog you would like to adopt? Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review An additional reason for there being specific food for puppies is the pieces are smaller which not only prevents them from choking, it also makes the food easier to digest. The pieces are richer, denser and the ideal size for smaller mouths. These ingredients are where your pup gets the nutrients they need to grow and live, nutrients that are sadly lacking in the cheaper dog foods. With foods that are a bit more expensive, your pooch can eat a more well-balanced meal and enjoy it. They eat more, they poop more, and this means house training becomes much harder for you. What you feed your puppy is a major factor in the success of your house training process. Firstly, dry food tends to be more complete and balanced with the correct amount of vital nutrients in it. The ingredients tend to be of better quality as long as you pick the right brand. Plus, dry food helps to keep teeth strong due to being a solid food, and the slightly abrasive nature of the solid food has a natural teeth cleaning effect. It also lasts far longer than cans as you need to feed less of it. Recommended Best Puppy Food For Labs And Large Breeds In this next section we give you 4 of the best foods on the market made from high quality ingredients but still available at a reasonable price. These foods will provide your puppy with all the nutrients they need in just the right mix and quantities, not just so they survive, but so they can truly thrive. Deboned chicken is high quality chicken protein, whereas the chicken and turkey meal is a concentrate. It is nutrient rich with vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A as well as containing minerals like zinc, iron and calcium. It even has some fruit content like apples and blueberries. The Lactobacillus acidophilus, green tea extract and rosemary extract are all known to help prevent infections. This is a very high-quality food your puppy will truly thrive on and is our top recommendation as the best puppy food for labs. However, if price is no object, K9 is certainly one of the best foods available! K9 Natural Grain-Free Puppy Freeze-Dried Dog Food gives your puppy all the benefits of raw food, aiming for optimum levels of growth and development — not too fast nor stunted — and for lean muscle mass and peak conditioning. Its main ingredient is grass-fed New Zealand beef. And this is rounded out by whole food ingredients like flaxseed, kelp, New Zealand mussel, fruits and veggies, and hoki oil which provides DHA for EPA for healthy brain and eye development. It gets a big thumbs up from us. The first ingredient is bison and is a high quality meat product. The next ingredient is lamb meal, which has a large amount of protein in it being a meat concentrate, percent more than fresh lamb meat. The third highest ingredient is sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of complex carbs. They contain fiber and beta carotene. In fact, this food consists of approx. This provides your puppy with a source of energy ideal for his busy puppy lifestyle. Overall, this food is highly recommended and your puppy should thrive on it. They also allow regular independent inspections of their manufacturing process and source ingredients the US, EU and NZ. So quality control is well taken care of. The large breed puppy formula contains a scientifically formulated balance of proteins, fats, phosphorous and calcium in just the right amounts and proportions to promote a healthy rate of bone and muscle development, highly important for large breed puppies where excessive nutrients can be just as harmful as malnutrition. The food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for the health of connective soft tissues which is reassuring for large breeds, and especially Labradors, who can suffer from many joint problems in life. It also contains omega oils for healthy brain development, as well as other fatty acids known to promote healthy skin and coat. So Eukanuba large breed puppy food comes recommended. The fiber in it will help with digestion while it has antioxidants that are known to help keep your dog healthy for many years to come. Royal Canin Breed Specific Labrador Puppy Royal Canin is a very well-known brand with lots of positive reviews from past and present dog owners on Amazon. It has an above average protein content than the minimum recommended for your dog, coming in at 31 percent protein at dry weight. The protein it has comes mostly from chicken by-product meal which is considered somewhat low quality and consists of whatever is left after chickens are slaughtered. However, it does NOT — as you might read elsewhere — consist of anything from feet to beaks. According to dogfoodadvisor. After chicken by-product meal, the second ingredient in this food is brewers rice. The fourth ingredient is corn gluten meal which is a residue left over once most of the useful, starchy carbohydrates have been washed out of it. With such popularity, high ratings and reviews with so many people saying their dogs thrive on this, there must be some truth to it. The third to 5th ingredients are wholesome whole grains that provide high energy from complex carbohydrates that are easy to digest. These are far better than corn and most other sources of carbs found in cheaper foods that are hard for a puppy to get any nutrition from. Out of everything in this product, 40 percent of it is protein, which is higher than average. About 14 percent of it is fat, and of the remainder, 38 percent is carbs. And the omega oils may help reduce risk of developing arthritis. Not only this, but Labradors are a large breed and are more sensitive to nutritional imbalances than smaller breeds. You really do need to get their diet right to do the best for them. Luckily, many brands of food specifically aimed at large breeds and Labradors have been created that provide everything they need in just the right amounts, that are easy for an owner to feed by simply following instructions on the packet. I know there is a lot of conflicting advice out there when it comes to dog food and it can be a nightmare to wade through if trying to find the best puppy food for Labs. So hopefully this article has been of some use to you. A very good resource that does good work for dog food quality awareness. Check them out! Please be aware this page contains affiliate links and Labrador Training HQ receives a small commission if you make a purchase through any such links. This has no effect on the eventual price you pay and we are very grateful for your support. 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. Lab puppies are energetic little learners eager to run, swim, and fetch. Although active, they also tend to overeat and gulp down their food. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support, healthy growth, weight management, and digestive care as they take on puppyhood. Royal Canin Labrador Retriever dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed puppy. Whether you have a Yellow Lab, Chocolate Lab, or Black Lab, this exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your Labrador Retriever puppy with specific nutrients to help them thrive. The unique donut-shaped kibble is specially designed to help your fast eater slow down and actually chew. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system and keeps their body growing strong. Calcium and phosphorus support healthy bone structure, while a balanced energy content helps them maintain an ideal weight. Once your Lab puppy is over 15 months old, transition them to Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult dog food for precise nutrition into the adult years. Read more Promoting pet health and wellbeing Creating value for our entire ecosystem Committed to become certified carbon neutral by Cookie Settings. 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. Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your pet's temperament, activity level and environment. If you have any questions regarding your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Transition Instructions We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively. All of our dry diets are preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols, citric acid, and rosemary extract. Our canned diets are naturally preserved and sterilized during the cooking and canning process. Where do the ingredients in Royal Canin diets come from? Royal Canin is making strides towards sustainability by attempting to obtain sources of raw materials as close to each manufacturing facility as possible. In some cases, we use international suppliers, because only those suppliers can offer raw materials that comply with our quality and food safety standards. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain by-products? Royal Canin chooses ingredients because they deliver high-quality nutrients that support our customized pet food formulas. Using chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal for example will allow Royal Canin to maintain its highly customized nutrient standards while achieving a more secure and sustainable supply. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain grains? As always, we focus on the nutrients each ingredient provides and grains can provide many important nutrients. How do you ensure Royal Canin diets are safe for my pet? Our Quality and Food Safety systems are state-of-the-art and we continue to invest heavily in new technology to make sure they remain that way. We monitor every load delivered to our plants to verify the safety and quality of the ingredients we use to make pet food. We perform tests on finished pet foods before they are shipped to our customers. How do I know which Royal Canin diet is right for my pet? Based on size, age, lifestyle, and breed, each cat or dog has unique nutritional needs. For healthy pets, use our Product Selector to find the right diet for your cat or dog. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please refer to your veterinarian for more information. Your veterinarian will consider multiple factors when recommending an appropriate diet.

Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Carolina Pugs Welcome to Carolina Pugs! Our intentions are pretty straight forward. We offer Pug puppies for sale across the East Coast with a special emphasis inside our region, the Carolina's. North and South Carolina is home to the majority of clientele who purchase our Pug puppies. However, we will sell to anyone looking for a phenomenal Pug. Only producing a few litters annually, our Pug puppies have some of the most sought after markings and personality. Also, most pedigrees within our Pug family have a proven track record of up to 75 years of show quality. Great health is important and is certainly throughout their ancestry. Our Pug puppies are sold to interested families who have a passion for the breed. We do not give or sell breeding rights to anyone who purchases a Carolina Pug. This money is to hold your new Carolina Pug puppy until 8 - 10 weeks of age. We do not let our Pug pups leave before the eight week period for good reason. It ensures the pups are given enough time to learn stability and self reliance. Also, the possibility of emotional distress increases when being away too early from litter-mates. We try to give you the greatest possible experience when buying a Pug puppy from Carolina Pugs. We accept deposits to reserve a puppy after the litter is born. At pickup the remaining balance is due. Our pups colors can vary depending on genetics, but are typically fawn with black masks. Sometimes we do have silver fawns, blacks, and apricots as well. It's important we only sell our pups to people that can provide a loving environment. Carolina Pug's main objective is to help families find a top notch Pug. Quality Pug Puppies are hard to find. It's why we became Pug breeders in the first place. First and foremost; We absolutely love Pugs! There's not a breed in the world that comes close. They are little, wrinkly, comical, snorting, loyal, short faced balls of energy with a touch of laziness. Pug puppies are somewhat hard to find of good quality. We offer exactly that to anybody who wants some of the better bloodlines and genes a Pug can naturally possess. Our Pug puppies for sale started as a hobby. A small wish for my first Pug is where it began. We feel fortunate to be able to help others fulfill that same wish! We are highly against puppy mills or people that breed too close of lines; as that can present health risks. We are natives of Charleston, South Carolina. Coming from somewhat of a city life style, we know a small breed dog can be a better option. Pugs are small yet somewhat energetic. They "love to eat", but feeding them is financially manageable. Just don't give them too much, they would most definitely overindulge! Pugs are great around children! We have two boys and they are good with them and with friends, neighbors and other animals. Pugs have a keen sense of what makes you happy and are constantly trying to get you to laugh. They also love to be congratulated with treats. Pugs are a breed that enjoys being the center of attention, but also know when it's time to be lazy. Generally Pugs are a healthy breed. When they come from a trusted background of quality, good demeanor and traceable genetics you can't go wrong. Sometimes Pugs are loving, charming and mischievous all at the same time! Our family fell in love with the breed immediately after we bought our first Pug years ago. Owning your first Pug truly is a special feeling we would like to share with you too! Welcome to the South Carolina state page on TrustedPuppies. With its beautiful coastline, charming cities, and a variety of dog-friendly activities, South Carolina is an ideal place to find and raise your new Pug companion. Our mission is to connect you with the best South Carolina Pug breeders and puppies for sale. Our site features a wide variety of reputable breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our SC breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the vibrant dog-friendly scene in South Carolina, featuring welcoming restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Carolina Foothills Dog Show Cluster provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of Pug canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. South Carolina, with an estimated dog population of around 1. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable Pug breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in South Carolina. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your Pug puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect Pug puppy on TrustedPuppies. Before owning one of our quality pups, there is a non-refundable deposit of .Your new pup will have all their scheduled de-wormings and 1st set of shots by the time you arrive. All puppies come with limited AKC or CKC paperwork, and the majority of our stock is backed by decades of show champions. We only have quality puppies! Our Pugs are known to have excellent show quality markings, great health, humorous personalities and very comical facial expressions. If you are able to purchase a Carolina Pug from one of our limited litters, you can bet your bottom dollar the bloodline is going to be top notch. They will have great markings, wrinkles, and great health. The pricing is non-negotiable. Please see more pictures below or keep reading about information regarding our Pug family. Symphony and Chewbacca are pictured below for your approval and evaluation. Both come from show quality ancestry throughout their family tree. For example: Our male Chewbacca is an unbelievable specimen of a pug that comes from a 75 year history of show champions in his pedigree. Our female Symphony comes from a very reputable breeder that has a history of quality within their bloodlines. Symphony's father is "Mozart the Pug! In our opinion there is only one way to accomplish the best results and have the most amazing Pugs for sale. We need to understand and see the differences between healthy beautiful Pugs and Pugs that could end up being a problem later down the road. We believe our Carolina Pugs are the best you will find and that is what makes us one of the most credible breeders in the USA for Pugs. Our dogs are raised in a climate controlled environment. We also teach them how to obey from a very young age. If you have ever been to our home in Charleston, SC, you know the weather here is amazing in the spring and summer. The winter is not too bad, but we have warm cozy beds for our Pugs and Puglets!! All of our Pugs are raised indoors around our family and given special attention. When we bought our first champion pug, I just could not believe how awesome this breed actually was. Honestly, I fell in love and wanted more and more. They are just the best dog on the planet as far as I'm concerned! Pugs are smart, Pugs are courageous, Pugs are loyal, Pugs are simply adorable in every single way! If you have never had a good Pug, boy are you in for an amazing ride that you will never want to end!

Our dogs have mellow, affectionate, and playful temperaments, love water, and especially children. They are living as trustworthy family members, as emotional support dogs, service dogs, and medical alert dogs around the world! Content Link Block Polarbear is our Name. Or perhaps just looking for the total package in a dog? Health and longevity remains the foundation of all we do. Take for example, the standard German Shepherd dog as seen in this photo: View fullsize …Dogs bred with these traits often end up with crippling disabilities and premature death. This is so inhumane. The focus of our kennel, on the other hand, is to produce dogs with straight backs, broad heads, and short coats, as in the photo of Polarbear's foundation sire, Shack Von Hammer below. Aside from their magnificent appearance, Polarbear White Shepherds are calm, sociable, and affectionate. They are gifted empaths and comedians at heart. Their goofy personalities and love of children make them perfect nannies for even the youngest child. They love water, retrieving frisbees, and diving into the occasional swimming pool. What kind of dogs do all that? And they are living fulfilled lives, as medical detection dogs, service dogs, and family and companion dogs in nearly every state in the United States! World Map of our Clients Before leaving, you might like to click on some of our pages. Our "Words of Warning" for those purchasing a purebred dog for the first time on the internet is a favorite. Just remember this quote…. No amount of training or special food will fix a problem dog. If you want to view videos of our dogs, check out our Youtube Channel page. If you appreciate our breeding philosophy and love what we do, do let us know by becoming a fan! A little about us North Mountain Kennels is proud to offer quality German Shepherd puppies for sale, bred from some of the best sires and dams in the world. From meticulously bred service dogs to family pets, North Mountain Kennels has the perfect German Shepherd puppy for you. About Our Breeder Audrey is not just your average dog trainer. She is highly educated in all things K9. She has obtained 2 Masters Degrees from London Hanover University College of Zoological Studies with a concentration in canine behavior from a neurological perspective. This allows her to learn that what we "see" as the outward behavior and how it begins on a cellular level in brain. Truly understanding at an in-depth level of the animal that many "Trainers" do not understand or have any desire to understand what creates behavior and where it begins in the brain. Knowledge is power and with this knowledge Audrey Estep carefully crafts training plans developed for each puppy in training rather the a cookie cutter approach to all dogs. My services are designed with you and your pet in mind, and I believe in working as much with you as with your pet. Happy Healthy Bloodlines Great genetics make for a confident well rounded puppy that is suitable for companion, sport, IPO, or police K9. However, not all great quality breeding stock are titled European German Shepherd dogs. I'm selecting dogs with a history of producing consistent sound and healthy offspring. Not all dogs in my program have an OFA score on hips and elbows. My dogs generally have a European score on hips and elbows since they are tested prior to import. Furever Friends My puppy program revolves around creating the most sound animal for whatever your purpose is from birth. Puppies are exposed to a number of environmental obstacles, smells, sounds and sights to ensure confidence and sociability. Our Puppies All puppies are vaccinated, treated for internal and external parasites, micro chipped and come with AKC papers to register you puppy. What our customers have to say about North Mountain Kennels Don't just take our word for it, see what our customers have to say about us, our puppies, and the programs we offer! Proven Results. They are one of the top favorites with dog lovers across the country. German Shepherds are famous for their guarding skills, loyalty, and temperament. If you would like to get one for yourself, find out about the best German Shepherd breeders in Virginia below. They maintain ethical breeding standards and they also offer dogs training, grooming, and boarding services. Haus Juris German Shepherds breed only the best German bloodlines to produce German Shepherds with superior temperaments. You can train the dog to be a family companion, show dog, or service dog. The parent dogs show no sign of health concerns. Also, the breeder x-ray all the breeding dogs for their hips and elbows. Their pups come from the best pedigrees. The dogs are very intelligent, full of life, and majestic. They are also mentally stable and strong. The breeders help and raise the pups in a family environment. Similarly, pups have plenty of open space to play and develop their cognitive and physical skills. These pups grow up to be quick and adept learners. Their pups have gone on to do Search and Rescue SAR work, service work for the disabled, and personal protection work. You can also easily train them to become good family pets. They exhibit great health. The breeders microchip and vaccinate all the pups. A vet regularly examines them here. They also provide impressive boarding services. German Shepherds from Blue Ridge Lane are very smart, a quality that fetches clients and customers from all over the States. The breeders are American Kennel Club Inspected. Their dogs have passed health tests and screening. They choose breeding dogs based on health, temperament, ability to train, and a good mind to fit into a family setup. The dogs here get along well with small children and other animals. Moreover, the breeders import them from the best lines in Europe. The breeders handle and socialize the pups until they go to their forever home at 8 weeks. They like to meet the families face to face to ensure they can place each puppy into a loving home. Audrey, who has years of experience and training, breeds the dogs. The dogs come from working line German Shepherds. Their dogs display safe temperaments, stunning looks, high trainability, and outstanding health. They belong to show line and working line pedigrees. The AKC has certified them as a breeder with H. Their pups have the correct conformation and performance levels. They raise their pups at home and feed them home-cooked meals. The dogs show a balanced temperament. They are loyal and smart. They are also sociable and easily trainable. Website Facebook Email ID Call Us Ready to welcome a brand new four-legged family member into your house that will promise you endless love and memories? Get in touch with one of the top German Shepherd breeders in Virginia listed above to bring your pup home! Breeders german shepherd german shepherd breeders.