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Ian discusses how we should learn to see the world from our dogs perspective and in doing so, how we can better earn their love and trust. Armed with this love and trust, we will form a better relationship and as a result, effective training becomes just that much more effective and enjoyable for both you and your dog. But please, first make sure to use the search facility in the footer of this website and browse our other sections as the subject may have already been covered: Labrador health and care , Labrador behavior , Labrador puppies , infobites and Labrador breed information. External Resources On Labrador Training Although referring to all breeds in general and not purely Labradors, for those of you that love to watch and not read, the series of dog training videos on www. If you like reading books then check out one of our favorite Lab books: The Complete Labrador Handbook. 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. If this is the case,…. Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a biologist and fact checker focused on environmental sciences. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade and has reviewed more than articles for The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy. These smart, social dogs are known for their amiable temperaments and their patience. Traditionally bred as hunting dogs, Labs also are among the most popular service dogs, acting as guide dogs for blind people and as therapy dogs. By socializing these dogs early, you can tap into their natural instincts as protectors and companions. Socialize Puppies Labs are natural born people pleasers. Introduce your Lab puppy to as many new people and places as possible during the early months of its life. Keep each new meeting and experience positive and upbeat. Doing this will reinforce your Lab's natural tendency to be friendly and accepting of everyone. If you have young children in the home, be sure to socialize them to the animal as well as the reverse. Although Labs are patient and tolerant, they may still nip at a child who teases or hurts them during play. Make sure everyone knows the boundaries and rules. Exercise Every Day Labrador retrievers are high energy dogs, which is part of the reason they are such great pets for active families. But if Labs aren't given sufficient exercise, they can quickly become bored. This often leads to destructive behavior and other common behavior problems , such as barking, chewing, and digging. It's also why Labs are not well-suited for apartment living; they're too big and too active. Plan on giving your Lab an hour or more of exercise each day. Most Labs love long walks or a game of fetch. These are the perfect way to burn off your Lab's energy. Take advantage of their innate trainability by starting an obedience program as soon as you bring your Labrador retriever home. You can work on basic obedience commands on your own, or sign up for a dog obedience class with a local dog trainer. Classes are a great way to train your Lab while socializing at the same time. Since Labs get to be fairly large and have a tendency to pull on the leash, make walking on a loose leash your first priority. You should also teach your Lab to "come," "drop it," and "fetch," so you can take advantage of its natural tendency for retrieving. Use Positive Reinforcement Training Their eagerness to learn, playfulness, affectionate natures, and their love of treats make Labrador retrievers fantastic candidates for positive reinforcement dog training. Reward their good behaviors with a small treat, a game, or some cuddle time with you. You'll find your Lab is soon offering you the behaviors you like with little prompting. If you decide to use treats in your training, remember that Labs have a tendency to become overweight. Plan on a Long Adolescence One of the most endearing qualities of Labrador retrievers is that they remain very puppy-like long after they've reached adulthood. The downside is that their energy level and tendency to get into mischief continues well into adulthood as well. Therefore, it pays to have behavior management tools handy. The training to become a service animal will vary depending on what the dog will be doing; some are trained to be animal companions to sick children and adults in the hospital, while others are trained to serve as seeing-eye dogs. Others may provide assistance to people with mental illnesses, or behavioral problems. Check the requirements for licensing and training where you live; some places have more strict rules and requirements for service dogs than others. Problems and Proofing Behavior Many Labrador retrievers are happiest and the most well-behaved when they have a job to do. Consider getting involved with a dog sport or training your Lab as a service animal or pet therapy dog. Crate train your Labrador so it doesn't have the run of the house when you're not there to supervise Provide your Lab with a variety of interesting toys and chews to keep it from getting bored. Continue practicing basic obedience commands; it reinforces your Lab's training and provides mental stimulation. No matter what training you decide on, keeping your Lab busy and active is sure to keep one of those famous Lab smiles on its face. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. McGreevy, Paul D et al. Labrador retrievers under primary veterinary care in the UK: demography, mortality and disorders. Canine genetics and epidemiology vol. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. Print Early obedience first step to better hunting dog Labrador puppies start out sweet and innocent. All you want to do is cuddle up with your pup and love them! And you should! But rest assured the innocence will not last. As your pup gains confidence and courage, they will begin to test you in many ways. That is why you must obedience train your Labrador puppy. Early obedience training is key to establishing borders and boundaries that will help your puppy grow, learn, and adjust with a good attitude. There is no shortcut to doing this, just use the name often when you talk to your puppy. Over time, the pup will start to respond to the name. Socialization, while not technically obedience training, is the single most important thing you can teach your puppy during the first few months of life. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to this post. Tools needed to obedience train Labrador puppy You will need a few tools to teach your puppy obedience. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Collar — You should purchase a size appropriate collar for your new puppy. You may have to buy new ones as your dog grows, but it is important for your puppy to get used to wearing a collar early on. A simple nylon adjustable collar works great. Chain collar — If your puppy is more than a few months old, a chain or prong collar is extremely helpful in teaching obedience, but they must be used correctly. For more information on how to put a chain collar on your dog correctly refer to this video. A longer lead, called a check cord, is also useful for teaching HERE and retrieving. You can learn more about that here. Heeling stick optional — While optional, a heeling stick can be especially helpful in teaching basic obedience. Treats — Treats are good for teaching very young puppies. I use treats for pups under 12 weeks of age, but treats should be discontinued rather quickly. When to start basic puppy obedience training Obedience training can and should start within the first couple weeks of having your puppy home. Young puppies are ready and willing to learn and teaching obedience to a young puppy is much easier than teaching it to an older dog. How long should obedience sessions be? Most labs do not enjoy obedience training. For this reason, we aim to keep obedience sessions short, especially if your dog is under 4-months of age. Five to ten minutes of obedience a day can work wonders. Especially if you are consistent. Using rewards or praise to teach obedience Many people like to use treats or rewards for obedience training. And this can work, especially with very young dogs. But for hunting dogs, over the long-term treats can become a problem. We do not want our dogs, or the dogs we train to be obedient only because they are getting a food reward. We want them to be obedient because they understand their place in the family and respect the owners. To get these lasting results, we use praise words and petting and a reward that retrievers live for — retrieves! Well-timed praise is a particularly important part of dog training. A message that it is okay to ignore me the first 9 times! This simply means that after a few minutes of formal obedience training, we release the dog with an OKAY command and that means they can run around and be a dog. We then throw a bumper or plug a for the dog to retriever. We do this a few times with a lot of excitement and allow the dog to retrieve the bumper. For retriever breeds, this is often more effective than a food reward. Be careful that you are not letting your puppy get into bad habits with retrieving. For instance, if your puppy often goes out to retrieve the bumper but then runs away with it, or picks it up and drops it, do not continue doing retrieves. While retrieving is a reward for many Labs, it is not an excuse to engage in behaviors that are not going to be acceptable in the field. If you want to learn more about how to properly teach your Lab to retrieve, check out How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Introduction to leash and nylon collar The very first step for any puppy obedience is to introduce your puppy to a regular collar and leash. This should be done in two separate steps, first the collar and then the leash. Introduce the collar by putting a nylon type collar on your puppy. This is normal and you should not react to it. Introducing the leash is a little different. We like to do this outside. After a few sessions of this introduction, you can start holding the leash by the end and walking with the puppy. When the puppy tries to run or walk away, hold tight to the leash, and just let the puppy get used to the resistance. Some puppies have a hard time with this and will growl or whine and whip themselves around at the pressure, but most will not. Remain calm and after a few sessions the puppy should get used to the resistance of the leash. Do not allow the puppy to pull you around. That will make for some bad behaviors that you will need to correct later. If you cannot control your puppy with just a regular collar and leash, you may need to move to a chain or prong collar to keep control. What commands to teach Lab puppy There are only four basic obedience commands that you need to teach your young puppy. Remember when it comes to commands, less is more. OKAY — this is a release command, basically tells your dog were done training, go be a dog. As your puppy grows and learns more, there are some other commands that may be needed, but for puppies I like to start with just the four above. Dog training requires consistency Before you start with obedience training, I want to make a note about the importance of consistency. Obedience training only works if you are consistent. This means that when you say a command, you expect the puppy to perform the command, and are willing to take steps to make the puppy perform the command. If you do not remain consistent in this expectation, you will confuse your dog and get poor results from your training. You and your family must be consistent! How to start obedience training Lab puppy The first command you want to start teaching your puppy is SIT. This is quite easy to teach with a small puppy but gets a little tougher as they get bigger. Then release the puppy with the OKAY command. Repeat this process several times, then stop. If your puppy is weeks old, you can repeat this training several times a day for only a couple minutes at a time. This will be a two-person job for a little while. The other person will put the food down a few feet from the puppy. Then release the puppy to eat saying OKAY. As the pup learns and understands the command better, you will no longer need a second person to hold the puppy. You must be a little careful here because young puppies do not have great bladder control and making them wait, even a few seconds, can mean the difference between an accident and them doing their business outside. But this is a great way to teach impulse control and manners to your puppy. I do not want to have to fight for a position by the door. You can usually start working on this within a week or two of teaching SIT. A great way to teach this command to young puppies is to use two people and sit in a long hallway, one at each end. Take turns calling your puppy with a HERE command. A toy or treat can often help the process. Let your puppy run around a bit but hold onto the end of the cord. Occasionally, call you puppy with a HERE command. It can be helpful at first to crouch down to encourage the puppy to run towards you. Then release the puppy with an OKAY command. Do this a few more times and repeat daily until the puppy is coming to you without you needing to pull the cord. It is also the command most of our clients struggle with the most. Mostly because they are using the wrong tool for the job. For heeling work, it is important that you work with a chain or prong collar. This will give you more control and stop the pulling and surging that many people struggle with. Using a chain or prong collar and a six-foot leash, start walking your puppy at your side. If your puppy is young, be sure to use a puppy chain collar which is smaller than chain collars for adult dogs. And make sure that you are putting it on correctly! An alternate tool to a chain collar and leash is the Wonder or Command Lead. These work great for teaching HEEL. As you start walking use gently tugs on the chain collar with the command HERE to keep your puppy at your side. If your puppy surges or pulls ahead, simply make a degree turn and start walking the other direction giving a sharp, upward tug on the chain collar and saying HEEL several times until the dog is back in a heeling position. Many of our clients have told us they never left their driveway the first few days! But if you are patient and consistent, your dog will quickly learn that if they want to go for a walk, they need to stay at your side. If you want to learn and progress in more obedience work, check out these obedience drills for retrievers. Final thoughts on how to teach your lab puppy obedience Teaching your puppy obedience may take a lot of patience, time and work, but it is such an important thing to do. You will never regret the time! A well-mannered dog is such a joy to be around both in the home and in the field. How to obedience train Labrador puppy. Tweet on Twitter In this article we are going to help you get to grips with the basic Labrador training principles, putting them into terms that even a brand new dog owner will find easy to understand and use. There is a wealth of conflicting advice out there. So many different way to train a Labrador. Different opinions, different methods, different styles. Yet whilst there are many different opinions, approaches and interpretations of how to train a dog, the truth is, all dogs learn in exactly the same way. They change their behavior in the future, depending on the consequences of that behavior in the past. In the simplest terms this means that behaviors which are rewarded, will increase, and behaviors that are punished will decrease. All trainers, whatever their methods, depend on this scientific fact. However, recent studies have shown that dogs that have been punished are likely to be less obedient, and more aggressive than dogs that have been trained using only rewards. Fortunately some pioneering scientists and animal trainers have thoughtfully figured out exactly how to train animals effectively, without using any punishment at all. This has changed the face of dog training as we know it. And it is now possible to train your Labrador entirely without force, provided you follow some basic principles Basic Principles of Labrador Training Here are some basic principles or guidelines, to help you get your dog training off to a great start, and to keep you on the right track. Modern dog training works by reinforcing desirable behaviors. Reinforce behaviors that you like We all know that behaviors that are rewarded, are more likely to be repeated. There are several reasons for this, but one of them is that many people are training with the wrong rewards. Rewards do reinforce behavior, but only if they are rewarding to the dog. And many dogs, in many homes are actually denied rewards that are valuable to them. Many Labradors learn bad behaviors because their owners inadvertently reinforce them. We stroke dogs when they jump up or our visitors do , so they jump up some more. Think about it. If you whistle your dog and he then has a game with another dog right after ignoring you — he has been amply rewarded for ignoring your whistle. The opposite of what you intended So what could you have done? The most effective solution in this situation is to do one of the following. Either A — do not give the command at all Or B — prevent the dog from accessing the reward Pick and choose when you use your commands. Not only is there no point in whistling a dog when he is heading full tilt for his best playmate UNLESS you have trained him to recall under these conditions, you are also going to do your recall signal a lot of harm. Preventing the dog accessing rewards during or immediately after bad behavior is often best achieved using a trailing long line. You can attach one of these to a body harness and use it to restrain the dog when he loses his focus on you. Teach alternatives to behaviors you do not want Modern dog training works by rewarding behaviors we want, rather than punishing behaviors we do not want. But how do we go about stopping naughty behaviors — like scratching at the door, or jumping all over the furniture? Often, the most effective way to do this, is to teach an acceptable alternative behavior in that situation. This is also the most efficient system because there are many ways to be bad. If you eliminate one of them, the chances are your dog will dream up another. Better by far to teach your dog what he should be doing in any given situation, rather than what he should not be doing. Set the dog up to win by building skills in easy stages Making mistakes, failing, getting it wrong, these are all demoralising. Not just for people. Dogs quickly get disheartened if they make too many mistakes and fail to earn their rewards. Make sure your Labrador is a winner every time. Start each training session with something simple. Finish with something simple, and increase levels of difficulty in small increments. Set your dog up to win and keep his confidence sky high. But getting your dog into a sit position is the easy part. How to keep him there is what you really need to know. And what about making him stay in a sit whilst people or other dogs walk past? This can be tricky. And that is what effective Labrador training is all about. It is about proofing that skill against all kinds of distractions. A portable command! Dogs have a curious lack of ability to generalise. This is their weakness. It is easy to teach a dog to sit in your kitchen, you could probably do it in minutes. Each time you teach your dog a new command you should follow the basic steps below 1. Then teach him the same command all over again in a different location. Just the two of you: Pick a time when there is no-one else present. Dogs really struggle to learn new skills if there are any distractions around. When he can do it on his own with you, allow another adult to stand and watch quietly. Teach him to do it all over again like this, and then repeat whilst an adult walks quietly about. Instant rewards: Each time the dog completes the action you require, whether it is a recall, or a sit, or any other behavior, you need to provide an instant reward. It is no good rewarding him five minutes later. He will have forgotten what the reward was for. Reward every single action to begin with. Phase out rewards very gradually until you are only rewarding one in every five to ten actions. Slowly increase difficulty: It is much harder for your dog to sit for five minutes than it is for him to sit for five seconds. This is obvious, yet many people fall down by making huge jumps in difficulty so that the dog is almost bound to fail and need correcting. There is no need to do this. Increase the duration of tasks gradually and your dog will rarely fail. Proof against distractions Proof your new skill carefully so that your dog is able to perform it in all kinds of situations. Check out the three Ds of Dog Training to help you get this right Regular training session Understanding the principles of modern dog training will enable you to raise an obedient and well-behaved labrador. Having a simple system in mind will come in handy. Training requires regular interaction between you and your dog. And like so many worthwhile endeavours, you get back what you put in. Make a commitment to train your dog on a regular daily basis, using the principles and guidelines here and elsewhere on this website, and you will be successful. The Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. The book will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialisation and early obedience. The Happy Puppy Handbook is available worldwide. Labrador Retriever pups are working dogs. This means they live to please you for a treat. The more you engage them with different puppy training behaviors the happier they will be. Of course, Labs will be Labs, and this means that dogs do dog things unless they are trained to follow your expectations. Potty training your puppy is just the beginning of you making clear expectations for your Lab. Puppy training from long leash training to potty training, to not nipping is discussed in greater detail along with clear, easy to follow videos at www. But we will give you an expert training tip summary below. For this reason, you need to become an expert on puppy training. Contact us for a discount on the Puppy Trained Right positive reinforcement training program. Expose your puppy to as many different people and situations possible. Teach dog to dog manners when required. Use Positive Reinforcement. Allow for Play with Other Puppies. Play with other Lab Puppies not only allows your pup to get some exercise it is a form of puppy socialization. Bond with your Puppy. Once a strong bond is formed your Lab Puppy will want to please you even more. Potty Train Right Away. Learn how Dogs Learn. Training a Lab puppy is easy if you understand how to go about it. Give your Lab Puppy Play time to Explore. Labs need this as part of their natural development. Spend more time with your puppy when young. This is the time when your expectations should be clearly outlined and can decrease as she gets older. Begin Training day 1. This happens weather or not you intend it to. Every action and reaction is something your puppy uses to form new habits. So ignoring them jumping up as an 8 week old puppy is training them to jump up and will be much more difficult to un-train once they are 70 lbs. Relax and make learning fun. Your pup needs you happy and enjoying yourself! Use Positive Training Methods because they work. This means reward what you desire. Ensure most Experiences are Positive. Imagine a training session of No, No, No, No! Expose them to as Many Human Situations possible. One cause is that there was not adequate socialization with different men. Be Patient. You are building an amazing K9 personality. The window is between 8 and 20 weeks old. Make the most of it. The better your Lab is socialized the happier they will be. Anxiety in dogs comes from many things. The more things your dog is comfortable with the less chance for anxiety and therefore the happier they are. Prepare yourself, your family and your home before your puppy comes home. It is too late once you meet your puppy as simply interacting with her is training. Allow for Safe Experiences both in the home and outside. Seek professional trainers to help guide you when faced with a problem. Be consistent. Clear expectations are easiest to learn. Focus on Guiding not controlling. Best Start Training or Training Classes are beneficial for both you and your puppy. Expect Success. We tend to move in the direction we believe we will travel. Reward the Behaviors you want to see even something as simple as 4 paws on the ground if you are trying to train your Lab not to jump up on you. Become Well informed. You are teaching a skill like reading that takes clear expectations and builds upon last session. Lab Puppies need constant supervision either human, a crate, a fenced area or a baby gate across a doorway. Encourage a soft mouth. Keep your training up or it will be forgotten. Begin Walking on a Loose Leash Right away. This is always easier for your Lab when they are 12 lbs not 70lbs. Change direction before the leash tightens so they are followers not leaders. This is much easier to train before it happens than correct. Allow alone time for your Lab. Know when to end a training session. End training before your puppy quits. Make time for a few shorter training Sessions. Three fifteen minute sessions are better than one 45 min one. Teach your Lab to respond to their name. Teach your Labrador basic obedience before tricks-come, sit, stay, down, leave it. Have all humans learn the commands and be consistent. Ignore undesirable behaviors. Ignoring includes not saying no, bad dog, touching your dog or making eye contact. Find rewards that your Retriever loves and use them when you have breakthrough training moments. Adjust your expectations as your Lab puppy matures, the older more experienced the higher the expectation. Set Realistic Expectations. Minimize distractions when you begin training. Be aware of your Body Language, Labradors pick up cues from you. Be aware of your leash tension. A tight leash says anxiety from the handler. Know when to get Help .Have fun! Understand that Labs do Lab things. Make them work for food and treats. Exercise your Retriever properly for both intensity and duration. Learn some exercise games Labs love. Give lots of repetition. Stop before they get bored. Establish a Pattern by Praising. Redirect undesired behavior. Accept partial actions at first and gradually increase your expectations. When treats end Verbal treats and chin scratches rule. They will know. Enjoy your well balanced purebred Lab puppy for many years. Purebred Lab Retrievers, are they easier to train? The answer to that is definitely maybe! Not all purebreds are bred for intelligence. For example, if a Labrador Retriever breeder chooses to breed their dogs for a certain look then they may overlook intelligence as one of the important characteristics in order to get a specific Lab look. We however breed for intelligence, health and temperament. So in our case, yes, our Purebred Lab Puppies are easier to train than many because we choose the parents and their puppies specifically for their smarts!

These desirable qualities are a result of meticulous breeding practices and superior genetics. Ritterhund K9s are specifically bred for stability and soundness. Our German Shepherds exemplify the values of Obedience, Protection, and Service, making them exceptional ambassadors. While they possess strength, endurance, and speed, they are also affectionate and devoted family companions. These are the dogs you can rely on to safeguard your home and watch over your loved ones when you're away. German Shepherds view their family as their "pack" and are instinctively protective. They can cuddle with your toddler and accompany your child to the school bus, but should any threat arise, their strength and fierceness will manifest as an unstoppable force. When you become part of the Ritterhund Family, you become a lifelong member. We take great pride in our breeding program and are committed to surpassing expectations for both our K9s and customers. If you are fortunate enough to own a German Shepherd with these genetics, then you understand the difference in these K9s. Bomber is an absolute legend in the K9 Community. These puppies will be large, have high and medium drives, and be steady-tempered. We put countless hours into raising them with the proper foundation they need. Structural balance and harmony that you will only find in this genetic combination we have in this breeding. We are very selective in the homes in which our puppies are placed. A family who is educated on the breed, lives an active lifestyle, and who are willing and able to put the time and effort into properly raising their puppy. We are located near the Central Coast of California. We hand deliver our puppies to their new owners if within reasonable driving distance for no charge. Air in-cabin flight nanny and Ground transport are available for an additional charge for customers located out of the surrounding areas or state. We highly recommend placing a deposit early as our puppies do go quickly. Please download the puppy application or contact us via email or text for details. CZ Jinopo. CZ is a group of professional breeders with 21 years of experience in breeding German Shepherds at former z Pohranicni straze z PS kennel. Our work is focused on breeding the traditional type of German Shepherd with the objective to produce progeny with versatile utilization and high degree of trainability. Our aim is to have dark pigmented healthy and strong progeny. To accomplish these goals we use proven ways of breeding and the basic method is to carry out breeding selection of German Shepherds with required features and traits such as strong bones, solid nerves, dark pigmentation and also strong hunt, prey and defense drives. You can view our available adults here and current litters here. We provide health guarantee for all the puppies and adult dogs purchased from us! It devaluates decades of work on breeding and improving working line GSDs. The event took place April 22 - 24 in Prestice and total number of 31 dogs and handlers competed. This is a great success for our team. The event took place September 16 - 20 and total number of 80 dogs and handlers competed. March .A'BRUNO pod Blanikem handled by Jiri Novotny participated in this competition and were able to achieve points earning them 5th place in overall performance. In the cathegory of tracking they won 1st place with 97 points. In total there were 47 dogs and handlers. FANT earned total of points in the competition and ended on nice 15th place. FANT performed very nice tracking with 90 points. His obedience was very happy from beginning to the end and because of some innacuracies he earned 75 points. His protection was very strong and confident and was evaluated with 88 points. FANT was the younges dog that took part in the competition. We congratulate Alice Nelibova and we wish lot of training successes in the coming years. National Championship will be held in June at Roudnice. Congratulations to A Bruno and Nada! Out of 46 dogs he finished on 25th place and he was the 5th most successful German Shepherd of the whole National Championship. The club awarded this prestigious title to Jiri Novotny in deep appreciation for his years of dedication and hard work with German shepherds dogs, both as a breeder and as a trainer. Jiri Novotny has been involved with German shepherds dogs since , working to both improve and protect the breed. Since , he has been elected and appointed into numerous functions. To mention a few: For ten years, he directed the breeding of dogs for the department of Ministry of the Interior security where he generated and perfected and supervised the breeding program of thousands of dogs for Czechoslovak police and border patrol which were bred under the protected name z Pohranicni straze. In , he was the conformation judge of the German shepherd dog where he promoted the working structure of the German shepherd. From until today, he has been a breed survey judge of the German shepherd dog. Jiri also titled more than working titles and participated in the Nationals of Czech Republic with seven dogs. Jiri traveled to the United States to present working dog seminars to police personnel and other German shepherd enthusiasts on several occasions. Every year Jiri judges hundreds of males and females GSDs in shows and breed surveys. Jiri and the teams he supervises produced thousands of puppies and working dogs. These dogs are now working and in demand all over the world for their characteristic look, tremendous working ability, and for their superior health. These characteristics all reflect Jiri's vision of a working German shepherd dog. Thank you and good job, Jiri! Granule z Jirkova dvora owned by Czech Republic Police forces has achieved the following results in 1 Explosives detection Champion 2 Scent work Champion 3 Overall winner of Czech Police K9 competition We want to thank this way her handler Jindrich Urban for large piece of hard work done with Granule. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Hades and Kids: Versa, Voodoo, and Venice! Photo credit to Janette Arevalo! For over a decade now we have been breeding, training, and importing the Working Line German Shepherd. We specialize in Czech, Slovak, and West German working bloodlines, with our first litter being born in .Our dogs are carefully selected for balanced drives, excellent workability, and most importantly strong nerves. All of our dogs are health tested and certified for healthy hips, elbows, and full correct dentition must be examined before breeding. We also test our dogs for DM. A sound mind in a sound body is our philosophy. Our bloodlines are founded on dogs that are known for consistently producing high quality offspring. The goal here is to produce totally sound dogs with the versatility to work in whatever job necessary; whether it be sport, police work, personal protection, SAR, or loving family guardians. Our dogs live inside the home with my family and I will not breed a dog that cannot settle. My preference has always been a well balanced dog that is easy to live with in the house and engaging on the field. This page has a collection of useful information and research regarding nutrition, joint health, and training supplies. We have some very exciting upcoming litters for ! Upcoming Litters What customers say about our puppies "Dedicated to a fault is only one way I would describe her, there are so many positives.Dedication, patience, and caring are truly not strong enough words. Audrey and I discussed her breeding line and I was most impressed! She took the time to explain her dog's lines, what some of them had gone on to do : police, detection, protections, pets - it was impressive. I was beyond happy that Audrey not only had the experience, but also had the educational degrees to back up what she was saying. I did not meet Audrey when this litter was born but instead there were a few male puppies available black and sable but none had been actually chosen yet. Audrey put me down for a sable male per my request. I knew I would not see whatever puppy was to be mine except through videos, pictures, etc….She would send videos, pictures, and just general updates. Audrey was always available and responded quickly to any correspondence. I sometimes wondered when she slept with all these clients and pups. Dedicated to a fault is only one way I would describe her, there are so many positives. One day Audrey sent a particular video and I fell in love. It is the fairest way to allow clients to choose. Audrey and I continued to correspond sometimes daily and she was amazing. A day or so later, Audrey let me know that this little guy was mine. I believe that Audrey does everything within her power to ensure that clients do receive the puppy they want if the fit is correct. Now, we had to transport this little man. Audrey and I communicated a lot! I had never had a puppy brought to my door physically unseen. This was completely new to me yet, I know dogs are flown all over the world. Together, Audrey and I navigated this last leg of the journey and I could not have asked for more from her. Dedication, patience, and caring are truly not strong enough words to use when describing how Audrey was during this process. Audrey ended up keeping my pup who was named Malachi for an extra week. While he was there, she taught him his name and sent pictures and videos often. They certainly made my day! Since Malachi has arrived home, he is nothing short of amazing! He is exactly as Audrey described him and the litter Daisy x Maverick focused, well behaved, eager to learn, and dark stunning sable! Exactly what a great breeder should do. My experience with North Mountain Kennels was wonderful. If you are looking for a well bred high quality working German Shepherd l highly recommend North Mountain Kennels. Audrey is in a class all of her own and I am grateful that the stars aligned so that I was able to be blessed with one of her pups. He is a true gift and I look forward to all the days ahead with him. Thank you Audrey! Currently Available Puppies.

Eyes sensitive eyes to light Dry, opaque, and dull cornea Constant pawing and scratching of the eyes Excessive blinking Keratoconjunctivitis primarily affects middle-aged and older Frenchies. Diagnosis and Treatment Thick eye discharge in your French Bulldog may be confusing and should not be automatically presumed to result from keratoconjunctivitis condition. An immediate visit to a veterinarian is recommended for an accurate diagnosis. Note that managing keratoconjunctivitis in a French Bulldog may be a lifetime commitment that involves ointments or eye drops prescribed by a veterinarian. The objective is to replace tear film and induce tear production to protect the cornea. Cherry Eye Dogs have three eyelids. This is made possible by the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the eye through tear production. The Cherry Eye is seen through the prolapse of the nictitating membrane. Once it affects one eye, the chances are high that it may spread to the next eye. Once the fibrous attachments break after becoming weak, there is free movement of tear glands which then irritates the eyes. Be sure to check the next eye for a similar infection if your French Bulldog suffers a Cherry Eye condition. Signs of Cherry Eye infection include: Pawing or rubbing at the eye A bulge at the corner of the eye pink Eyes unable to close Excessive tearing Discharge from the eye The best thing about a Cherry Eye in a Frenchie is that it is a painless, non-life-threatening condition. That should, however, not be a reason to ignore the situation once noticed in your French Bulldog as it may lead to other serious eye problems. Diagnosis and Treatment A veterinarian can quickly treat a Cherry Eye through two options: Stitching the gland back to its position Surgically removing the entire gland The above two procedures are performed after examining the eye to diagnose the Cherry Eye condition by a vet. Some breeders reportedly try to correct the condition by massaging the swollen gland back to its place. However, you should not do this if you have no prior experience. Entropion Entropion is a painful eye infection that causes the eyelids to roll inwards, rubbing the eye surface, which can be very uncomfortable for a Frenchie. French Bulldogs suffer this condition more due to their droopy eyelids. Causes and Symptoms Trauma to the eye and old age can cause entropion, making the saggy eyelid susceptible to rolling inwards. Entropion may also be caused by an inflamed eye infection or inherited from parents. Birth abnormalities in puppies may also cause Entropion. Some of the symptoms to watch out for an Entropion infection include: Bloodshot eyes. A short snout and other genetic predispositions may cause them to have frequent problems with their eyes. Any delay can cause a serious infection and even result in permanent blindness or the loss of an eye. Dry eye, corneal ulcers, and cherry eye are the most common eye problems your Frenchie may experience. More than half of these eye problems are caused by an injury to the cornea. Some other common French Bulldog eye problems you may come across are entropion a condition where the genetic trait of droopy eyelids causes the eyelid to roll inward and cause the eyelashes to scratch the eye , ectropion another condition where the genetic trait of droopy eyelids cause the lower eyelid to sag and expose the delicate tissues underneath , abnormal eyelashes, persistent pupillary membranes, and pink eye. Cherry Eye This condition is one of the most common eye problems that Frenchies experience. Cherry eye can be characterized by red tissue protruding from the inside corner of the eye. The protruding tissue is caused by the prolapsed gland of the eyelid. If a Frenchie has this eye problem, they may also experience other symptoms like discharge and excessively watery eyes. Cherry eye is usually not painful, but if not treated in a timely manner it can lead to other serious eye problems. Treatment for this condition will involve suturing the gland back in place or completely removing the gland. The dryness will cause the cornea of the eye and the surrounding tissues to become inflamed. In response, the eyes will produce thick yellow or green discharge. Dry eye can be painful for your pup so if you notice them squinting or blinking a lot, they may need treatment as soon as possible. Treatment will involve the daily application of an ointment or eye drop. Corneal Ulcers Out of all the eye problems your Frenchie may experience, corneal ulcers can be the most serious. Corneal ulcers will cause your pup to be in extreme pain, and they will try to relieve the pain by rubbing their eyes. Ulcers are usually caused by some type of trauma, untreated dry eye, or a chemical burn due to soap or shampoo, and it will require urgent medical care. Treatment will involve the application of antibiotic ointment as well as medication for pain and swelling. If the ulcer is very severe it may require surgical intervention. If your Frenchie is rubbing his or her eye with their paw or on the carpet, is excessively blinking, has unusual drainage coming from one or both eyes, or if you can see spots or redness, your pup may need to be seen by a vet. Cloudiness, change in eye color, tear-stained fur, red or white eyelid lining, and a visible third eyelid is also common signs of an eye problem. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to get it checked out as soon as you can. Most issues can become serious and cause permanent damage if they are left untreated. If you suspect allergies may be causing the symptoms, you could purchase an over-the-counter saline wash. If the symptoms do not improve after two days, see your vet. But there are a few steps you can take to reduce this risk. When bathing your Frenchie make sure shampoo or soap does not get into their eye. Chemicals from shampoo can easily irritate their eyes. Also, examine their eyes regularly for dry eye or any unusual marks. This can be done with regular application of sterile eye wash with eye wash pads. Wrapping Things Up French Bulldog eye problems are very common , and any French Bulldog owner may be able to quickly confirm this. However, with the proper preventative care, small issues can be caught before anything gets too serious. Seeing a vet regularly who is experienced with bulldog care is the best way to keep your pup healthy. Pin 0 Shares French Bulldog puppies need a lot of care and attention. They will be very dependent on their mother, particularly in the first 4 weeks. In fact, for the first few days of their lives, they cannot even see as their eyes will still be closed. But when exactly do Frenchie puppy eyes open up? When do French Bulldog puppies open their eyes? French Bulldog puppies will open their eyes between 10 and 14 days of age. Their eyes will continue to open wider, with clear vision coming at around 8 weeks of age. Frenchie puppy ears will open around 2 weeks of age. French Bulldog puppy development timeline Below is a very general timeline showing the developmental stages of a French Bulldog puppy. Why are Frenchie puppies born with their eyes closed? According to the Psychology Today website view source , puppies are born blind due to evolutionary reasons relating to survival. Dogs evolved from the wild wolves and used to survive by hunting. The science believes that a pregnant dog carrying a large litter of puppies would become slow. That would mean the female was at risk of being prey for other animals and would also struggle to hunt for herself and unborn offspring. Did You Know? Go take a look at why. As a result, nature dictated that it would be better for puppies to be born earlier without being fully developed — for example with eyesight and hearing. By doing so, the female dog would not have to carry as much weight and for long. Just like other dogs, the gestation period of a French Bulldog evolved to be short. Frenchies are pregnant for between 58 and 68 days , meaning the puppies are born without the full senses being developed. In addition, between hunts which can be spaced days apart there is not much to do, so the female has time to care for helpless infants. When she is out pursuing food, the pups can be safely stored in a den. There is an exception to this rule, which is with Blue Fawn Frenchies whose eyes will remain blue for the remainder of their lives. When can Frenchies leave their mother Due to the lack of senses and dependence on their mothers, Frenchies should never leave their mother before they are at least 8 weeks of age. They will be completely deaf and blind for possibly up to 14 days, being completely dependent on mom. However, after that period, their development will speed up extremely rapidly, with many Frenchie puppies even starting to run around and do little barks at 5 weeks of age. At this point they will want to explore the wide world around them. With their eyes and ears open, and other senses coming to life, will start to become the French Bulldogs that we all know and love for their irresistible character. Handy Hint: Did you know that some Frenchies are more predisposed to hearing loss than others. Find out which colors of French Bulldog can suffer with genetic deafness. You might also like…. Learn more » The even-tempered and charming bat-eared Frenchie has grown in popularity over the years. They make perfect pets, especially for city dwellers, due to their small size and affectionate nature. However, French Bulldogs do have their fair share of health conditions, which include eye problems. Here, we go over the eye problems that Frenchies are prone to and how these conditions are treated. The 6 Common Eye Problems in Frenchies: 1. All dogs have a nictitating membrane, or third eyelid, which is found in the inner corner of their eye. If your Frenchie has a swollen pink or red mass on the inside corner of their eye, they might have cherry eye. Conjunctivitis Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is a common eye problem that can plague French Bulldogs. The tissue covering the eye is called the conjunctiva, which is a mucus membrane. This condition also affects the nictitating membrane, or third eyelid. The conjunctiva becomes inflamed, and the eyes become itchy and turn bright pink. This can occur from allergies or it can be bacterial or viral. When dogs have pink-eye, they will rub their faces and eyes on the floor and with their paws. The condition can be quite uncomfortable. There may also be a fair amount of discharge from their eyes. If your vet determines that your pup has conjunctivitis , they will attempt to treat the underlying cause. Bacterial conjunctivitis is typically treated with antibiotics — usually topically. Image Credit: Paska, Pixabay 3. Corneal Ulcer Corneal ulcers are also called eye ulcers. Sometimes the dent is shallow, but it can also run deeper, which will cause pain, discharge, and redness, and the dog blinks frequently or will keep the eye closed. It can be caused by injury, a foreign object, or a viral or bacterial infection. Depending on the severity and cause, corneal ulcers are treated through surgery or topical pain medication and antibiotics. Image Credit: Mylene, Pixabay 5. This is one of the most common eye problems that can affect dogs. The common signs of entropion are excessive tearing of the eyes, discharge pus or mucus , red eyes, and keeping the eyes closed. Juvenile Cataracts Juvenile cataracts can occur in puppies, and unfortunately, the French Bulldog is one of the breeds that are genetically predisposed to it. The lens of the eye is behind the pupil, and the cataract causes milky cloudiness on the lens. It can lead to vision impairment. Some cataracts progress quickly and others stay static. Dense cataracts might need surgery, and the vet will also try to determine the cause, which might also need treatment. First, when you give your French Bulldog a bath, try not to get soap in their eyes, as this could be quite irritating. Consider using puppy shampoo because these are made to be quite gentle and are perfectly safe for use on adult dogs. Try making this part of your grooming routine. Finally, use eye wash pads or an eye wash meant for dogs when cleaning any eye discharge. This can help prevent infection. This is quite common with this breed. But if you take care and preventative measures, you should be able to catch any issues before they become too serious. Featured Image Credit: speckfechta, Unsplash Contents. Home » Blog » 5 most common French Bulldog eye problems 5 most common French Bulldog eye problems Frenchies and other bulldog breeds are more exposed to eye problems as their shorter snouts cannot protect them as much from scratches and things that can get into them. In this article, we address some of the most common French Bulldog eye problems. Watery eyes in French bulldogs Some dogs simply produce more tear than others. The constant tearing colors the fur, especially in between the wrinkles, which is even more noticeable in white or light-colored Frenchies. Apart from being an aesthetic issue, these stains may lead to health issues as well: since bacteria thrive in wet conditions, your puppy will be more likely to catch an eye infection. It is completely safe for the eyes and is the best way for a thorough sanitization of the area under them. Our TomKings Family members have also shared their experiences in our Facebook group, read their experiences here. Inflamed eyes in French bulldogs You can recognize inflamed eyes by being red, which may be due to a number of reasons. For example, if your Frenchie has a runny nose as well, and is also sneezing and coughing a lot, then they most probably caught a cold for which your vet will need to prescribe antibiotics. In such cases, you should put some eye drops into them which contain antibiotics, our recommendation is Tobradex which you can purchase at the vet and human pharmacy as well. The solution again is an eye drop with antibiotics, and a visit to the vet! Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email Cherry eye in French bulldogs French bulldogs have loose skin, which pulls down their face and makes their mucous membrane visible. The mucous membrane is red because it is full of blood vessels, so it is perfectly normal. There is a minor issue called cherry eye, which is very common in all bulldog breeds. You will just need to use some antibiotic eye drops afterwards and it will heal quickly. Ultimate Guide First name Email There are also surgeries where they cut and remove the cherry eye. This method is not recommended as the third eyelid plays an essential part in producing tears, and without it your Frenchie may have constant dry eyes. Dry eyes in French bulldogs When a Frenchie has dry eyes, they are not producing enough tears to keep their eye balls moist. There may be several reasons for that, like medications, removal of cherry eye, or even sleeping with their eyes open. You have to put drops in both eyes twice a day, or even more if you have the time at the weekends for example. Corneal ulcer in French bulldogs Corneal ulcers are probably the most serious and painful eye problems in Frenchies. They usually occur due to some kind of trauma or injury to the cornea, chemical burn from shampoo, but can also be caused by untreated dry eyes. The symptoms include your puppy rubbing their eye to relieve the pain, keeping it closed, or there may even be some discharge coming out of it. The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies , or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article. Pin2 8 Shares Last week we had we had a Frenchie puppy come over to play with our own Frenchie, Claude. She is a week old French Bulldog puppy with the bluest of eyes. They are stunningly beautiful as you can see in the photos lower down the page. I remarked to her owner how blue the eyes were and asked whether they would change color at all. Do French Bulldogs eyes change color? Yes, Frenchie eyes do change color. When they are born, their eyes will initially be blue. Around 10 weeks, their eyes will then start to change color to brown. The exception to the rule is Blue Fawn Frenchies who can have blue or green eyes in adulthood. You can see a still I took from an old video of Claude below. This photo shows how blue his eyes were when he was younger. Regular readers of French Bulldog Owner will know they are now very much brown! French Bulldog blue eyes: Our Frenchie Claude had blue eyes as a puppy which eventually changed color to brown. Are French Bulldogs born with blue eyes? So, what can you expect with your own Frenchie? Well, all French Bulldog puppies are born with blue eyes. They will either be completely blue, or slightly different shades including grey, green, and brown flecks. At about 10 weeks old, the Frenchie eyes will start to change color. It will be a gradual process, and most will go through some shades of blue, green-grey, and then to the standard brown color. In this shot they look more of a grey-green color which means they are going through the change to brown. However, in certain lights they do still appear to be very blue. In most cases they will eventually turn completely brown. However, there is an exception to this rule; blue fawn French Bulldogs. This particular breed of Frenchie is very rare, being renowned for their colorings. They have a dilute gene which accounts for their coat color as well as their eyes. Some blue Frenchies will keep the blue eye gene more than other dogs. What color are French Bulldog eyes? What color eyes do French Bulldogs have? French Bulldogs have brown eyes as adults but will be born with blueish eye color. The exceptions to the rule are blue Frenchies which can keep the blue and green eye tones into adulthood. Why do French Bulldogs have blue eyes? There are certain eye diseases, some which are more serious than others, including: Anterior uveitis: this is a painful condition due to an inflammation inside the eye. Signs include your dog squinting, scratching, redness, discharge, or a change in color to a cloudy appearance. It can be treated, but in some very rare cases the eye will to be surgically removed. Cataracts: these can be caused by diabetes, eye damage, pests, or diet. They can be inherited, can come on quickly, or be a slow to appear. However, what you will notice is that the eyes will have changed color to a blue cloudy appearance. If not treated, cataracts can lead to blindness. You will notice a change in color to a cloudy blue appearance. You might be able to spot it early if you see a change in color to cloudy blue. There are different treatments available which will reduce the pressure, with the possibility with a complete eye removal. Nuclear sclerosis: this tends to occur in dogs once they reach the age of six. As with the other diseases listed here, it can be noticed first when the eyes change color to a cloudy blue appearance. As an age-related disease, your vet might decide not to treat it. Read this guide to health issues and what to look out for. Why are my French Bulldogs eyes red? This is something you should also look out for, as it can be a sign of a health problem. Red eyes in a Frenchie could be:.

By Barri J. Morrison, DVM on Jun. Today, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are in the herding breed group, which means they are high-energy and love having a job or an outlet for regular exercise. They are known for their confidence, loyalty, and bravery, as well as their ability to thrive with expert levels of dog training and obedience. German Shepherds are commonly used as working dogs in the military and police for patrolling, bomb sniffing, and search and rescue. This large dog breed has an average weight ranging from 65—90 pounds. They are typically 22—26 inches tall with a life expectancy of 10—12 years. Caring for a German Shepherd German Shepherds are incredibly active dogs that require intense training and regular exercise to keep them out of trouble physically and mentally. They are best for active families and experienced pet parents. Socialization and consistent training will be essential when a German Shepherd is a puppy. This will help them to grow out of unruly behaviors such as nipping and jumping. German Shepherds have a double coat that sheds a lot. They will also typically go through a molting, which is a period of excessive shedding, one to two times a year. German Shepherd Health Issues While German Shepherds have a long life expectancy for a large breed dog, they are prone to several health problems. A trustworthy breeder will screen both male and female dogs being bred for health conditions such as degenerative myelopathy and hip and elbow dysplasia. German Shepherds commonly also get gastric dilation and volvulus GDV , commonly known as bloat, as well as cancer, allergies, heart disease, and a few other conditions. Pet parents of German Shepherds should be highly educated on the symptoms to look for, as early detection is the key to a good prognosis for any serious condition. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a neurologic disorder that affects the spinal cord, slowly causing paralysis of the back legs. Early signs of degenerative myelopathy include weakness in the hind end and difficulty standing up. Watch your dog carefully for signs of pain and discomfort that come on gradually rather than suddenly. Check their claws at least once a month to watch for signs of uneven wear which would indicate a subtle lameness. There is no treatment for this condition, but physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and protect their ability to use their legs. While there is no cure, you can test for this condition using a DNA-based blood test submitted to the University of Florida or the University of Missouri. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is a degenerative joint disease that can cause lifelong pain in the front limbs. Hip dysplasia is another degenerative joint disease that affects the hind end. Clinical signs include limping, decreased range of motion, and other signs of pain—especially later in life, as arthritis sets in because of this disease process. The treatment for all degenerative joint diseases includes weight loss, reduced activity, joint protection supplements, anti-inflammatory and pain medications, or surgery. Cancer Cancer can develop in German Shepherds at any age, but usually occurs later in life. Common cancers include hemangiosarcoma and bone, lung, and intestinal cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that is most often detected in blood-rich organs such as the spleen and the heart. The signs of hemangiosarcoma are usually related to internal bleeding, with symptoms such as weakness, white or pale gums, trouble breathing, a distended abdomen, and collapse. Other signs are usually nonspecific and indicate overall malaise, including lethargy, panting, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. Depending on the extent of the cancer, treatment plans can include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Bloat Gastric Dilation and Volvulus Bloat, or gastric dilation and volvulus GDV is a sudden life-threatening condition when the stomach enlarges with gas bloat and then twists upon itself GDV. This happens commonly in deep-chested, large-breed dogs such as German Shepherds. To limit the risk of GDV, German Shepherds should wait at least 30 minutes to one hour after eating to resume exercising. Another way to help prevent your German Shepherd from developing a life-threatening GDV would be via gastropexy. A gastropexy permanently attaches the stomach to the inside body wall. This fixation of the stomach prevents the stomach from being able to twist upon itself. Allergies Allergies in German Shepherds can be first seen with symptoms such as itchy skin, skin infections , ear infections , or digestive upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. A thorough medical history and physical examination, diagnostic testing of skin and ears, blood work, and fecal tests are warranted if you suspect that your dog has allergies. Allergies in dogs can be treated by avoiding the cause and the allergen and managing the symptoms that exist with diet therapy and medications. Heart Disease Heart disease, specifically DCM dilated cardiomyopathy , valvular disease, and heart murmurs, can be common in German Shepherds. A special diet should also be considered to restrict sodium intake and to increase the amount of certain amino acids to promote heart health. Dogs with significant heart disease should not be pushed to exercise beyond their limits. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI is a digestive health issue that occurs when the cells of the pancreas do not produce enzymes and hormones normally. The most common symptom is weight loss, despite your pet having a ravenous appetite. Other symptoms of EPI include soft stool or diarrhea; excessive gas; desire to eat feces and other unusual objects; flaky skin; or rough coat. Once the pancreas is damaged to the point that symptoms of EPI develop, you must give your dog pancreatic enzyme supplements and other treatments for the rest of their life. Nevertheless, with proper management, your dog can still live a happy life with this condition. Pannus Pannus, or superficial keratitis, is an immune-mediated painful eye condition that can cause blindness if not managed properly. It occurs more often in dogs that live at high altitudes, those with increased exposure to UV light, and in areas with severe air pollution. Keeping dogs indoors during the sunniest part of the day, providing a doghouse shelter, or trying a specialty pair of doggie sunglasses like Rex Specs may prove very helpful in preventing this issue. Most of these conditions have a genetic component and can be avoid by good breeding and preventive screening practices. They require a high-quality, age-appropriate diet to meet their nutritional needs. These diets are usually labeled puppy, adult, or senior. Offering table food and animal bones should be avoided, as they can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia, and they also have a much higher fat content than dog food. High-fat foods can also cause pancreatitis. How Much to Feed a German Shepherd In general, puppies should be fed 3—4 times per day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. How much you feed is determined by the specific food your German Shepherd eats. You can ask your veterinarian, follow the package instructions, or contact the dog food manufacturer, as AAFCO-approved diets have veterinary nutritionists who help determine these requirements. There are some theories that German Shepherds that are fed smaller, more frequent meals have a lower incidence of bloat and stomach problems. How to Feed a German Shepherd Although there is a genetic component, science shows that rapid long bone growth in puppies such as German Shepherds and other large- and giant-breed dogs contributes to development of joint and bone conditions. Rapid bone growth is suspected to be caused by overfeeding and calcium supplementation. German Shepherds that are fed free-choice or overfed are at higher risk of rapid bone growth. Maintaining lean body weight will also help to decrease the rate of bone growth. Calcium supplements and adult dog foods rich in calcium should never be given to German Shepherd puppies under 6 months of age, as they cannot absorb calcium appropriately when they are that young. Conditions caused by rapid long bone growth and excess calcium supplementation can include: Hip and elbow dysplasia Osteochondrosis dissecans of the shoulder, knee, wrists, and ankles. This is improper growth and blood supply in a joint, which requires surgery to prevent osteoarthritis from developing. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy HOD. This is inflammation of the bone under the growth plate; it can cause severe joint swelling, pain, fever, anorexia, lameness, and not wanting to move. This is an inflammation of the long bones and associated blood vessels. Joint swelling is uncommon, but the symptoms are similar to HOD. MSM has all-natural anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids high-quality fish oil are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties as well when given at appropriate doses. Research shows that reducing inflammation helps to control pain associated with osteoarthritis , which is a common problem in dogs with joint issues. Probiotics Probiotics such as Purina Calming Care can be helpful not just for digestive issues, but with minor behavioral issues as well. Digestive enzymes come in powdered form to assist dogs who have pancreatic issues, such as German Shepherds with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Other vitamin and mineral supplements are generally not needed for healthy puppies and adults, as they get all they need from their AAFCO-approved diet daily. The breed is considered to be smart and easy to train. They are known to be gentle family dogs and loyal protectors of those they trust. This loyalty can make German Shepherds seem more standoffish around strangers. It does take them some time to gain the trust of other people and other pets. German Shepherds are a very active and athletic breed that require a ton of exercise for both their physical and mental health. Without exercise they will develop unfavorable behaviors, due to irritation and pent-up energy. Controlled leash walks and supervised free play in safe, fenced-in areas should be started when they are puppies. Keeping a German Shepherd on a leash at all times when in public places is a good rule of thumb, as even the most well-trained dog can be distracted and not follow regular commands, leading to a possible confrontation. These results should be provided to a pet parent by the breeder of the German Shepherd before the dog is purchased. Not all temperament and behavioral issues are evident in a growing puppy, and it is impossible to predict whether a dog will be free of these problems. Find a trustworthy breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible. German Shepherd Behavior German Shepherds, like other herding dogs, tend to be on the nippy side. They have very powerful jaws, and unfortunately, they frequently bite. Most aggressive German Shepherds are aggressive because of their owners. The German Shepherd dog is a pack animal. They need you to be the leader of the pack, providing structure and guidance. The key to success is consistency and practice; you will get the behavior you reward. German Shepherds from working lines have an extremely strong drive to work and may be more dog than most people can or want to handle. German Shepherds are very smart companions and exceptional workers. This helps you build the right foundation for your puppy to evolve into a well-adapted and well-mannered adult dog. Conversely, when your dog barks at you to pet them, do not start petting them until they sit down and quietly wait for you to do so. Soon they will learn that they get what they desire without the excessive, unnecessary behavior. German Shepherds thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and a reward system, such as a treats or toys to help strengthen the human-animal bond. They become very bonded to all members of the family and will be willing to participate in many family activities. Fun Activities for German Shepherd Herding. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Degenerative myelopathy is a fatal, chronic, progressive, degenerative disease of the spinal cord, affecting several breeds of dog including the GSD. In time, it leads to complete paralysis in all limbs tetraparesis. To understand the disease process some knowledge of the anatomy of the spinal cord and nervous system is needed. The nervous system is comprised of the central nervous system — the brain and spinal cord — and the peripheral nerves, which connect to the spinal cord throughout its length. It receives messages from sensors throughout the body sensory functions , processes this information, decides what changes need to occur and then sends out messages to glands and muscles to make these changes motor functions. The spinal cord runs along the length of the spine, which protects it. The spine is divided into 5 different regions — cervical neck , thoracic chest , lumbar lower back , sacral pelvic and coccygeal tail. The spinal cord is similarly split into regions and correspondingly labelled. The spinal cord is comprised of two major types of tissue: white and grey matter. The white matter contains the axons — long wire-like fibres - of the sensory and motor neurons that carry nerve impulses either to or from the brain, the grey the cell bodies of the neurons. The axons of the motor neurons, that start in the brain, are often called the upper motor neurons UMNs , and their connections with the cell bodies of the nerves cells that go on to form the peripheral nerves the lower motor neurones LMNs. To increase the speed with which axons can transmit their impulse the electrical message that they carry , they are insulated much like electrical wires in our homes. The insulating layer is called the myelin sheath and it is because of its fat content, that the tissues of the spinal cord that it makes up appear white. In DM there is a slow, progressive degeneration of the white matter of the thoracic section of the spinal cord, with loss of both myelin and axons Shell .Abnormal structures called cytoplasmic inclusions are also observed within the diseased tissue when it is examined under the microscope this can only be done at post mortem Rusbridge no date. The degeneration of the spinal cord tissue appears to be caused by the action of excessive amounts of damaging reactive oxygen species molecules ROS : biochemicals that react with and damage the components of cells, causing oxidative or free radical injury. High numbers of ROS occur with this condition, due to a mutation in the gene which codes for the production of the superoxide dismutase-1 SOD1 enzyme, which is produced by cells to help break down ROS and limit any damage they might cause Awano et al .DM in dogs is comparable to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS a progressive, neurodegenerative disease of humans Awano et al .Prior to the discovery of the SOD1 gene mutation, possible causes of DM were suggested as genetic, nutritional Averill , Williams et al , or immunological Barclay and Haines , Waxman et al .The first signs are typically seen at around 8 to 9 years of age and involve hindlimb ataxia swaying when moving. This may be asymmetrical worse on either the right or left side. The dog may also have difficulty getting up and its hindlimb nails may become scuffed to the point of bleeding. DM has an insidious gradual onset and can easily be misdiagnosed as hip dysplasia or other orthopaedic problems, which are also common in GSDs. Unlike many other of these conditions, DM seems painless Cherubini et al .Owners may notice the hindlegs crossing over as the dog walks. In this stage of the disease, it is mainly the UMNs of the spinal cord that are affected, along with sensory nerves. Spinal reflexes, when tested, often seem to be intact but the dog seems to be unable to sense exactly where the hindlimbs are or place them accurately - hence the scuffing of the nails and ataxic gait. With progression of the disease, loss of motor functions and signs of LMN dysfunction manifest in the hindlimbs. These show as weakness leading to inability to stand and paralysis in the hindlimbs. In time, the muscles of the hindlegs waste away. Most owners elect for euthanasia once paraplegia has occurred; however, if allowed to progress, the disease will ascend up the spinal cord to affect the forelegs leading to tetraplegia loss of use of all four limbs Awano et al .The rate at which the disease progresses is often not uniform rather it is characterised by periods of slow progression followed by rapid changes Cherubini et al .Urinary and faecal incontinence may occur Shell and trauma to nails and the hindlimbs or pressure sores may occur secondary to the paresis loss or impaired movement , paralysis and incontinence. There is currently no effective treatment Cherubini et al , Rusbridge no date although physiotherapy has been shown to prolong the time some dogs can remain mobile Kathmann et al .Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact DM is itself not a painful disease Cherubini et al , Shell ; however, affected dogs may be caused distress by being unable to function or behave as normal. Trauma may also occur to nails and the skin of the hind limbs as sensation and loss of function progresses. Once paralysed, these dogs have long-term care needs which many owners find difficult and some dogs will be euthanased because of this. Ultimately, when earlier euthanasia is declined, DM leads to an inability to carry on any kind of normal life and finally to death. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact Degenerative myelopathy usually appears in dogs from 8 or 9 years of age Cherubini et al , Rusbridge no date , however, animals as young as 6 months can be affected Cherubini et al .The condition is progressive from the start although the rate of progression of the disease may not be uniform. Most owners of affected dogs elect to have them euthanased within 12 months of the onset of signs, often when they become paraplegic. Deterioration to death can take over 3 years Awano et al .Return to top 4. Number of animals affected Degenerative myelopathy was first identified in GSDs. The commonest cause of progressive hindlimb dysfunction in older, large-breed dogs Wheeler , it was originally thought to only affect GSDs, this is now known not to be the case. Wahl et al consider it a major genetic disease afflicting GSDs. The exact percentage of GSDs to be affected is currently unknown although researchers at Missouri University suggest that a relatively high proportion of individuals from the following breeds: GSD, Boxer, Pembroke corgi, Chesapeake Bay retriever and Rhodesian ridgeback have the predisposing mutated gene and that many of these genetically-affected individuals will go on to manifest the disease. From data on estimates of total dog population in the UK and on the percentage of all micro-chip registered dogs that are German Shepherd Dogs Alsatians Lucy Asher, , personal communication , we estimate that the UK population size of this breed may be around , Return to top 5. Diagnosis A definitive diagnosis of DM can only be made after death by microscopic examination of the spinal cord Cherubini et al .A tentative diagnosis of DM, whilst the dog is alive, can be made by a veterinary surgeon through elimination of all other possible causes of the signs. This will include the need for a full physical and neurological examination examination of the nervous system by means of tests to check out the health of various nerve pathways. It may also include blood tests, spinal x-rays including myelography x-rays after injection of a dye into the spinal canal , analysis of cerebrospinal fluid the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord , CT computed tomography scans and MRI magnetic resonance imaging scans, the most useful diagnostic test for imaging the brain and spinal cord. The tentative diagnosis is made if the results of all tests including the MRI scans are normal, though the CSF analysis may reveal a high level of protein Cherubini et al .As DM is most often seen in older dogs it is not uncommon for them to have concurrent disease which often will cause abnormalities on these tests and may complicate the diagnostic process. It is also possible for osteoarthritis of the hips or spine to develop secondary to DM due to uneven weight bearing in the hindlimbs as the disease progresses Cherubini et al .Return to top 6. Genetics Recently a gene connected to the development of DM has been identified. Dogs which are homozygous for the mutated gene SOD1, i. Currently, not all the animals identified with a pair of the abnormal genes have developed the disease. It is not known if they will go on to develop the disease later or if other unknown risk factors are necessary for disease development in these individuals College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, no date. Animals with one abnormal gene appear to be healthy carriers i. The problem has therefore been categorised as an autosomal recessive disorder with incomplete penetrance i. Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? DNA testing can now be performed to identify animals at risk of developing the disease and carrier animals. All animals should be tested prior to purchase and breeding. Return to top 8. The researchers who developed this test believe that careful use of it could help decrease the incidence of DM in affected breeds although they feel this occurs slowly, over many generations College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, no date. Elimination of a recessive gene with incomplete penetrance from a breed is not straightforward if its prevalence is high because removing all carrier animals, that possess a copy of the gene, may significantly affect the number of animals suitable to breed from, and hence the size of the gene pool. Careful breeding of carrier animals to known healthy non-carrier individuals is recommended Bell , with slow replacement of carrier breeding animals with non-carriers over time. If, as suspected, the mutated gene is common in GSDs, halting breeding from all carrier animals may significantly affect the number of animals suitable to breed from, and hence the size of the gene pool. This could lead to excessive inbreeding and the appearance of other unwanted genetic diseases of which there are many. To avoid such a problem, the careful breeding of carrier animals with non-carriers, either from within the breed or from outside the breed, seems necessary. To enable the elimination of the gene whilst minimising the risks of other genetic problems emerging due to greater levels of inbreeding, Bell recommends that, over time, breeders slowly replace carrier breeding animals with non-carriers. Return to top 9. Jul 22, Share We view German Shepherds as intelligent, loyal, and brave dogs who can take on even the toughest of tasks. But like all other dogs, German Shepherds have their fair share of health issues that slowly arise as they start to age. The genes get passed on from litter to litter and is rather painful since it is a malformation in the hip joint. Image Credit: makeitclear, Pixabay 2. Elbow Dysplasia Like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia affects many larger dog breeds from a line of poorly bred ancestors. Instead of the issue with the hip, the same problem occurs in the elbows, and it can vary from mild to severe symptoms. It usually makes it uncomfortable to walk and, unfortunately, not much can be done once a dog is diagnosed. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus GDV Also called bloat , GDV is a serious issue that occurs when dogs eat food too quickly and then participate in too much physical activity. The gas builds up in the stomach and the pressure from the bloating makes it difficult for dogs to breathe. Some dogs go into shock or eat grass to try to vomit. This is a life-threatening condition, and your dogs should be taken to the vet immediately if you think they might have it. Try to feed your German Shepherds three small meals a day to prevent the problem. The signs for diabetes include dry mouth, fatigue, excessive eating and urinating, and swollen feet. Image Credit: Flashieeh, Shutterstock 5. Epilepsy German Shepherds are known for having seizure disorders. Even though epilepsy is incurable, there are many ways to help prevent the symptoms. Hemophilia Hemophilia has occurred in German Shepherds due to a long line of inbreeding. Even the smallest of cuts can be serious for a dog. This disease is more common in German Shepherds than many other dog breeds, so be careful when out exercising with them. Cataracts Another health issue that your German Shepherd might get as they age is cataracts. This issue is usually easy to tell when it is happening because you start to see that their eyes look a little more cloudy or they start running into things more often. If they progress, it becomes challenging for dogs to see anything at all. Image Credit: Pauline Loroy, Unsplash 8. Degenerative Disc Disease is common in large animals, but it can even start to manifest when the dogs are still young. A lot of breeders try to avoid this issue. Get your German Shepherd checked for spinal abnormalities from when they are puppies to keep this in check. Panosteitis German Shepherds grow very quickly and sometimes limp a lot as they mature from 5 to 14 months old. It is more common in German Shepherds because they have many stomach issues like Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. Of course, some breeds have fewer than others, but a lot of them can be prevented with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Over time, visits to the vet can really add up. If you're looking for a good pet insurance plan that won't break the bank, you may want to look at Lemonade. This company offers adjustable plans customized to your pet's needs. However, this breed does have several common health issues that owners should be aware of. The more extreme conditions are a result of inbreeding, so responsible breeders take special care to trace the genealogy before breeding. The average lifespan of a German Shepherd is 10 to 12 years old, but certain conditions might shorten that. Here is a look at some of the most common types of health problems that German Shepherds have and how to recognize them. Diabetes Diabetes is not something that we think of when we think of canine ailments. However, it is not unheard of for German Shepherds to be diagnosed with this health problem. If your dog has one or more of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that they have diabetes. However, they should be checked out to ensure that they do not have diabetes or another serious illness. However, it is much more serious than the average bloat that humans experience after eating too much. This is an extremely painful experience for your dog and also very dangerous. The condition can sometimes come on very quickly. Some of the symptoms that your dog may experience with GDV include: Gums are pale or almost white in color Excessive drooling Gagging and retching. If this happens on a weekend or some other time when your regular vet is closed, look to see if there is an emergency animal hospital nearby. With these conditions, dogs will start to go downhill very quickly. In order to give them the best chance at survival, treatment must begin quickly. Perform an X-Ray to get a better look and see if the stomach is twisted. Perform surgery. The only way to fix a twisted stomach is to perform a surgery. Depending on what goes on during the surgery, your dog will need a lot of time to recover from such an invasive operation. While your dog is recovering, it is imperative that he or she gets a lot of rest and refrain from physical activity. Your dog should be monitored closely for the first few days. If they start to vomit or show any signs that their health is deteriorating, you should call the vet immediately. Hip Dysplasia This is a common problem for German Shepherds and other large dog breeds. This is a genetic disorder that usually happens while the German Shepherd puppy is still in the growth stage. The hip socket is more shallow than usual and it causes the hip joint to become loose, which can cause a lot of pain for the dog. Sometimes, hip dysplasia can go unnoticed, but over time, it can cause a dog to develop other problems, such as arthritis and muscular issues. Some of the most common signs that a dog is experiencing hip dysplasia include: Limping for seemingly no reason Hopping when running Popping sounds coming from the joint Slow to stand up Slow to lay down Difficulty getting on and off beds, couches, and other furniture If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, it is a good idea to schedule a vet visit for your dog. There are a few different treatment options available for dogs with hip dysplasia, including surgery. Your vet will examine your dog and determine the best course of treatment. Elbow Dysplasia Elbow Dysplasia is just like hip dysplasia, except for the fact that it affects the elbows and not the hips. The symptoms are also going to be similar. You may notice your dog limping or not wanting to run. Just like with hip dysplasia, surgery is also a treatment option. But sometimes, a vet will try to just manage the pain if the dysplasia is not severe. Cataracts Sometimes it seems like these dogs grow up so fast. In truth, when German Shepherds stop growing is at 18 months. As German Shepherds age, some have been known to develop cataracts. This is the same eye disorder that humans can get as well. It is pretty easy to tell if your older dog has cataracts as you will be able to see a noticeable white film develop on the lens of their eyeball. If left untreated, cataracts can cause your older dog to go completely blind in that eye. Another thing to note is that German Shepherd skin issues are fairly common. This breed is prone to yeast dermatitis, moist dermatitis, and allergy dermatitis. Make sure to have these conditions treated by a vet as soon as you spot on your pup. Having a German Shepherd can be a rewarding experience. They are a playful, protective, and loyal dog breed. As long as you stay vigilant and monitor any unusual symptoms, you should be able to have your playful pooch around for years to come. Check out Vetericyn if there are products that can alleviate the symptoms of any of these conditions. Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Sources: Pet MD. Diabetes Mellitus with Hyperosmolar Coma in Dogs. Canine elbow dysplasia. Cataracts in Dogs.

As a family-owned Goldendoodle breeder based in Burlington, North Carolina, we take great pride in raising our puppies right in the comfort of our own home. Our mission is to provide families with the perfect companion in the form of a healthy, happy, and well-socialized Goldendoodle puppy. Our Goldendoodles are carefully bred from health-tested parents to ensure that your new furry family member is healthy and happy. As a Goldendoodle breeder, we take pride in raising the best quality Goldendoodles with excellent health, great temperaments, and beautiful coats. Our puppies come with a lifetime health guarantee and support, and we're always here to answer any questions you may have. We provide a loving home environment for our puppies and ensure they are well-socialized with people and other pets. In addition, we are pleased to offer delivery of our Goldendoodle puppies within the United States. We understand that it can be difficult to travel long distances to pick up your new puppy, so we offer a convenient delivery service to bring your new furry family member right to your doorstep. Thank you for considering Doodles of NC for your next furry family member. We look forward to helping you find the best Goldendoodle to join your family! Why do we exclusively offer Goldendoodle puppies for sale? Their loyalty, affection and non-aggressive temperament make them great family dogs - especially families with children. With our dedication to raise the puppies in our personal home, the F-1B Goldendoodles are the perfect breed to trust around our two young daughters. What are F-1B Goldendoodles? An F-1B Goldendoodle has become very popular and is known for its friendly, loving nature paired with its hypoallergenic fur. The resulting dog has the wonderful disposition of a Golden Retriever with the almost non-existent shedding of the Poodle. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our town is a small boating and farming community within an hour of the Outer Banks. We are a true family operation I, Heather, built my program with the intention of having it become a true family operation, with great help from my children, husband, mother, her husband and my brothers. We consider ourselves an average family. My mom and I are both nurses. My mother, Tracey, lives with us and keeps our other Goldendoodles, Nani and Lilo, and her poodle, Hope. In addition, we have other poodles and goldendoodles all placed in excellent guardian homes with local families. Producing perfect family dogs is our passion I have been around animals the majority of my life ranging from household pets to livestock and am finally living my dream of breeding dogs. I chose the Goldendoodle breed because I've owned both golden retrievers and poodles. Although they are both great breeds, I believe that combining the intelligence and non-shedding characteristics of the poodle with the goofy, family-oriented golden retriever yields the perfect family dog. Each litter is born and raised inside our home What sets us apart from many other breeders is our unique Guardian Home Program , where all of our dogs and puppies are raised in a nurturing home environment with real families, and never in an outdoor kennel. Each litter is born and raised inside our home, where they are exposed to normal household noises, socialized with other dogs, and handled daily by adults and our children alike. Your puppy will be bomb proof! Our breeding dogs are always put first To honor safe and responsible breeding practices , we look at each breeding female to determine if it is better to breed back to back heat cycles or to skip a heat. We prefer to retire our females at a younger age. This helps to produce healthier litters and reduce prolonged trauma on our Doodle Mommies. We love our dogs and will always put them first. OBX Doodles proudly utilizes the following companies to health test, raise, and register our puppies and breeding dogs click on an image to learn more Building relationships with families like you When you place a deposit with us, we make ourselves readily available anytime by phone, email or in person. We try to build relationships with our adoptive and guardian families by sending one another updates with letters, pictures, and communicating through our Facebook page. We'll try to match you with a puppy that will best fit your family based on personalities and your lifestyle. Families who have already placed a deposit have a phone conference with us and use the pictures, videos and temperament description we provide to select their puppy. This meeting allows us to advise if the puppy will be a good fit for your family. We hope you'll consider us as your next breeder, and we look forward to welcoming you into the OBX Doodles family Sincerely, The puppies are raised in a home environment, where they are handled and socialized on a daily basis. That ensures that your puppy is accustomed to interacting with all family members, including children and other dogs. Some of the puppies have even gone on to complete Therapy Dog International Training. That seems very expensive for an average family pet, especially when you factor in the cost of owning a dog, potentially for 15 years or even more. So, how come Goldendoodle puppies are at that price? Goldendoodles are one of the most popular designer breeds of dogs these days. Since their creation back in the late s and increased popularity in the s, the demand for these dogs has grown massively. So, why are Goldendoodles such a favorite breed among dog owners? The Goldendoodle has a well-deserved reputation for having a fantastic, friendly temperament, getting along with adults, seniors, and kids alike, as well as being trustworthy with strangers and other family pets. Also, Goldendoodles are intelligent and easy to train, making them a pleasure to have around your home. As a GANA member, the breeder is required to prove that their stud and breeding dogs have been screened for common genetic conditions that affect the particular breed. For the dogs to be considered fit for use as breeding animals, they must be proven to be free from any conditions that could be passed onto their puppies. The process of registration can be lengthy, and the costs of screening the dogs are high so that cost is factored in by the breeder when pricing their puppies. Also, the puppies are generally all health-checked, guaranteed, vaccinated, and microchipped before being sent to their new homes. If you have your heart set on a particular color, size, sex, or coat type, you can expect to pay more. For example, puppies that are an unusual color are usually more expensive than those of a commoner shade. Also, smaller Goldendoodle varieties, such as petite, mini, and medium-sized Goldendoodles tend to be more costly than larger ones. Doodles that have a very curly coat are regarded as light shedders, making them less likely to trigger a reaction in sufferers than their straight-coated cousins. Thankfully, the Covid 19 pandemic is now receding into the distance, and life is getting back to normal again. But what does that mean for puppy prices? When my OH and I began discussing whether we wanted to commit to buying a puppy, the country was just preparing to come out of lockdown. We both now work from home, so we have plenty of time to exercise, train, and groom a pup, and we figured that our lifestyle is now more conducive to dog ownership than it was when we were office-based. Our initial research was extremely eye-opening when it came to puppy prices. Goldendoodle puppies! Some of the most well-bred pups were selling for several thousand dollars, and that was for the most common colors. Puppies of unusual colors were much more expensive, and smaller versions were offered for crazy prices! We figured that as more people were going back to work and would, therefore, have less free time to care for a dog, the demand for puppies would fall, and so would prices. We were right! Puppies of all breeds, including Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and smaller breeds, such as Shih-Poos and Cavapoos, were all selling for less. In addition, dogs left home alone can be very destructive, and cases of severe separation anxiety are increasing. However … Still, with puppy prices falling, many puppy farms are going out of business because the demand for their pups is no longer there, and their cheap prices are not as competitive as they were a few months ago. Puppy Mills I would discourage anyone from knowingly buying a Goldendoodle puppy for sale that could be from a puppy mill or puppy farm. So, what is a puppy mill and how do you spot one? What Is A Puppy Mill? Generally, the dogs are kept in poor conditions and their health and well-being are not considered a priority. Puppy mills often produce many different breeds at any one time, depending on what dogs are most popular at the time and are, therefore, most likely to fetch the highest price. Many dogs and puppies in puppy farms and backyard breeders are unhealthy and are rarely health-checked before being sent on to their new homes. Often, the puppies are not vaccinated and many succumb to serious diseases within weeks of being collected by their new owners. These fly-by-night operations can also vanish quickly overnight in many cases, leaving the unwitting purchaser with no comeback, an empty wallet, and a very sick puppy. Check out these articles:. Health Guarantee About Goldendoodles Goldendoodles are a cross between the second and fourth most intelligent dog breeds in the world - a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. Goldendoodles are the perfect family pet, combining the elegant yet silly nature of the Poodle with the friendly and social behavior of the Golden Retriever. Plus you get a very smart, easily trained puppy. Goldendoodles are low to non-shedding, making them a popular choice for families with allergies. They are considered hypoallergenic. The Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are the classic family companion. They are obedient, playful, intelligent, well-mannered, great with kids, and take kindly to strangers. They are good watchdogs, but make lousy guard dogs as they love people far too much to be effective. Golden Retrievers are always at the top of their obedience classes and are often the champions of sporting competitions. Hunters find them to be reliable bird dogs. Their keen sense of smell and desire to work alongside people makes them sought-after service dogs. The Standard Poodle The Standard Poodle is one of the most obedient and smartest dogs, which combines a playful enthusiasm and an adventurous spirit. They are natural hunters. They are fond of swimming, running, and retrieving. Although they are shy with strangers, they are loyal to their family and are very good with children. Poodles are non-shedding and considered hypoallergenic. Here at Strong Oaks Goldendoodles we only allow the absolute highest quality, health tested dogs into our breeding program. Crossbreeding these top quality purebred dogs results in puppies that are healthier than either of their parents. The reasoning behind this is because each breed is generally prone to different genetic problems. Hybrids such as Goldendoodles are only likely to inherit health problems that are found in both Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Through meticulous breeding practices Goldendoodle puppies should have the best attributes of the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. A properly bred and trained Goldendoodle should be smart, loving, friendly, social, loyal, affectionate and playful. The Goldendoodles love for work, intelligence and eager-to-please personality make them an excellent choice as a service dog. Goldendoodles enjoy an active lifestyle. They love to run, play and go hiking. Most Goldendoodles inherit both the Golden Retriever and Poodles love of the water and retrieving. After a long day playing the Goldendoodle is more than happy to cuddle up next to you or on your lap for a nice nap. F1 doodles possess all of the traits that make Goldendoodles such desirable dogs. This includes marked intelligence, a loving demeanor, and hypoallergenic qualities. However, it is important to note that some F1 Goldendoodles shed lightly to moderately, so are better for homes with only slight allergies. F1 Doodles tend to have a shaggy or wavy coats, but can occasionally have a very curly coat. This generation has become the most popular generational breed largely because F1B Goldendoodles are non-shedders most of the time. Because of this this, F1Bs are great for families with moderate allergies. As for coat types, F1B doodles tend to showcase more variety and can range from long and wavy to short and curly. F1B doodles also exhibit more color variation than the F1, giving rise to apricots, champagne, red, and parti colors. An F1BB Goldendoodle is .This generation has become popular largely because F1BB Goldendoodles is the most likely to be totally non-shedding. Because of this this, F1BBs are great for families with moderate to severe pet allergies. Jack has a great temperament and demeanor. We love him! I would strongly recommend Strong Oaks! Justin C. Would highly recommend Strong Oaks for your next puppy. She is a smart, loving, and healthy puppy. Would definitely recommend Strong Oaks Goldendoodles. We got our sweet goldendoodle named Claire from Strong Oaks! They were awesome from the very beginning! I was so excited, they were great about updating me, sending pictures, and answering any questions! We are so glad we were able to add her to our family! I would highly recommend Strong Oaks Goldendoodles! All I can say is WOW! Whenever I reached out to Strong Oaks whether through email or text they responded in seconds! I would recommend to anyone! Thank you Strong Oaks! Excellent people, puppies and all. We got our beautiful little Lady in Feb. Our little Lady is a beautiful goldendoodle baby. I would highly recommend anyone looking for a quality goldendoodle puppy to check into this wonderful breeder. Thank you Strongoaks! Rhonda W. The Strong family is wonderful! We live 5 hours away and they were willing to meet us halfway and give us a military discount. The little black goldendoodle, that we are naming Arya, is calm and precious. A perfect addition to our family. Mason V. We recently got our puppy, Murphy, from Strong oaks! They are very nice and very knowledgeable! I was pretty nervous but they made me feel so much better! Our puppy is very lovable, calm, and it has been easy to introduce into our family! I received an educators discount which was amazing! Highly recommend and if we decide to grow our dog family we will be going back! Tabitha J. We are thankful we found the Strongs! After recently loosing our beloved pet of 13 yrs, we were ready for a new addition to our family. We did some research and decided a Goldendoodle was the dog for us. Through FB we connected with the Strongs and felt like they were the breeders for us. They were extremely professional every step of the way; providing us with vet records, a written contract, helping to match us with the puppy that was right for our family, and since we live 2 hrs away, they were happy to meet us half way. We are thrilled to say that they brought us the most precious bundle of love who is now named Bear. It was love at first sight! He is a happy and healthy boy and so, so sweet. Lori T. Location: Henderson, North Carolina 3. Whether you want to get yourself a Goldendoodle right now or shortly, you can always follow up with a pup right from a tender age. Lake Road Doodles normally posts plenty of videos and pictures so people can follow up on their favorite Doodles. The Goldendoodle puppies stay together on the field. This makes it easy to determine the right time to get yourself a pup. Lake Road Doodles also boast of their rich experience in breeding dogs, which is partly why most clients prefer working with them. With over ten years of experience breeding Goldendoodles, they know what it takes to bring up a healthy breed. Their positive reviews about their dogs also speak volumes about what they offer. They have a robust breeding program since they partner with other reputable Goldendoodle breeders within the state. Puppies at Lake Road Doodles interact with friends and family as part of their socialization program. Puppies go through these protocols from day 2 to day .Goldendoodles are also introduced to crate training and potty training before adoption. Lake Road Doodles offers a 2-year health warranty for each Goldendoodle you take home. Contact Details:. You want to choose one carefully as their breeding practices will have an impact on the temperament and health of your Goldendoodle puppy. Start by looking at online sources such as Google reviews, online forums, discussion groups and social media platforms to see what other people are saying about the breeder. Did they have a good experience buying from them? To take your research a bit further, you can ask Goldendoodle organizations and clubs based in your area about their opinion of the breeder you are considering to purchase from. Many Goldendoodle clubs also have their own lists of responsible breeders so they can give you additional recommendations for good Goldendoodle breeders. You may also consider visiting some dog shows and events as they are a good opportunity to meet breeders in person and see their Goldendoodles. You can also ask other dog owners that are showing their Goldendoodles for breeder recommendations. Finally, ask potential breeders for references and consider contacting these people to ask about their experience with the breeder. Reputable breeders always prioritize the well-being of their dogs and strive for positive reviews. You should inquire about temperament and health of the Goldendoodle these people purchased. Use this information to make an informed decision. All reputable Goldendoodle breeders conduct them on their breeding dogs — whether they are breeding from purebred Golden Retrievers for F1 Goldendoodles and Poodles or from Goldendoodles for later generations like F2 Goldendoodles. A stipulates the health testing requirements for Goldendoodles and if the breeder is registered with G. A, you know that the breeding dogs have undergone full health testing. A heart clearance O. Ask to see documentation of these clearances before purchasing from a Goldendoodle breeder. All responsible breeders should be willing to provide any health documentation. They should also be happy to answer any questions you have about their breeding program. However, if you have the opportunity to check out the facilities you should do it. Check that the kennels are clean, that they dogs and puppies have access to fresh water and also that there is not a build up of feces or urine. Comfortable living conditions: The breeder should keep their Goldendoodles, Golden Retrievers and Poodles in comfortable living conditions. They should have large, comfortable kennels or dog beds and also have a decent amount of space to exercise and socialize with other dogs. Healthy breeding dogs and puppies: If you get the opportunity to meet the parents of the Goldendoodle litter you are interested in, make sure they are well-tempered and also healthy. Sometimes the mother will be quite protective of her puppies so she may show signs of aggression. If you are purchasing a puppy online and getting it delivered, ask if the breeder would be happy to video call you or send videos of their Goldendoodle puppies and breeding dogs to you. Ask About Socialization Goldendoodle breeders should begin the socialization process before their puppies are sold. The puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of sounds, experiences, people and places so they can adjust to their new homes and adult life. Nevertheless, they should start exposing them to sounds like household appliances, provide mental stimulation with toys and games and also encourage playtime and interactions with their littermates and family. The most common ones are: Lack of registration: If a Goldendoodle breeder cannot provide registration papers or other relevant documentation, it may be a sign that they are not operating a reputable breeding program. Overbreeding: Think twice about purchasing from a Goldendoodle breeder who always has puppies available or offers an excessive amount of dog breeds. This may suggest that the breeder is overly focused on profit instead of the health and wellbeing of their puppies. Lack of health checks: A reputable Goldendoodle breeder will conduct health clearances on their breeding dogs to ensure they are free of genetic health issues that could be passed on. If a breeder cannot provide documentation of these health checks, it may be a sign that they are not prioritizing health. Further Reading.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Following the Labrador feeding chart by age will give you a rough idea of how much to feed your puppy. Labradors are known for their playfulness, and sweet disposition, and are good at fetch which is why you should provide them with the best nutrition to support their growth. Ensure that the food contains the right amounts of protein, carbs, fat, and vitamins. You should avoid feeding your Labrador puppy too much food as they are prone to joint issues, but also avoid feeding them less food as they will be malnourished and not reach their growth milestones. Continue reading to understand how much to feed a Labrador puppy. The amount of food that your Labrador puppy should eat depends on a combination of certain factors such as activity level, weight, type, and brand of food. Heavier and bigger puppies need to eat more food than smaller puppies, and dogs that have active lives will need more calories than those living sedentary life. Fortunately, all dog food contains a feeding guideline on the packaging to get you started. It is important that you create and maintain a feeding schedule for your puppy so that they can maintain a healthy weight and develop good habits. Consult your pet nutritionist or vet, to learn more about how much food you should give your specific Labrador. Labrador Feeding Chart By Age A Labrador can be fed between one and six cups of food depending on their level of activity, age, and type of food. The amount will differ from one puppy to the other as every puppy has there own requirements. Therefore, you should follow a feeding guideline that is indicated in the dog food brands or the one designed by your vet. As a Labrador owner, it is important to understand that the nutritional requirements of your puppy are different at each stage as they grow. Therefore, adult and puppy dogs should be trained to eat the correct amount at the right schedule. Ensure that you keep a Labrador puppy feeding chart with you. Calculating the Resting Energy Requirement RER of your puppy and doubling it can help you get the right number of calories to feed them. Feed your puppy a little amount, in the beginning, to ensure that they are ready to eat. If they are not ready, do not force the food on them. Be patient with your puppy and they will be on puppy food soon. The puppy will be relying less on the milk. When your puppy starts eating all the food you offer them, you can reduce the amount of water and increase the food amount. The puppy will start becoming active and start exploring away from the mother as they no longer rely on the mother. By the end of the week into week seven, the puppy will be able to eat just puppy food. Ensure that you feed them dry food that is full of healthy protein. They should be eating three to four times per day and need about 2 cups of food. Avoid free feeding the puppy as it may be hard to know exactly how much they are eating. Create a feeding schedule as early as possible and this will help them develop good habits in the future. Put the food out for only 10 to 15 minutes and take the bowl away if they do not finish. This can be tricky if you are working but it is important that you maintain their feeding schedule as this is a developmental stage. Three meals per day will help your growing puppy develop their digestive system and ensure that they are getting their nutrition. This is also the beginning of the teething stage and they will be biting a lot of things including hard dog food and chew toys. They should eat about two cups of food distributed over three meals. But you should still maintain feeding them two cups of food but can reduce the mealtimes to twice per day. Watch out for the amount of food your puppy eats to avoid them gaining weight. Also, ensure that they are getting enough exercise to burn off the food. So, you should transition them to adult food. Ensure that the switching process is done slowly to avoid causing vomiting and diarrhea to your puppy. Your Labrador can be fed once per day now and the amount reduced to about two cups of food. Understanding Labrador Puppy Nutritional Needs If you stick to feeding your Labrador high-quality food, be assured that they are getting all the necessary nutrients. However, it is useful to know the types of nutrients that they need and the ingredients to watch out for. Carbohydrates — healthy carbs are necessary for providing energy for your puppy. Sources like barley, rice, and oatmeal are great. Healthy carbs can also be found in veggies such as sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils. Fiber — it helps regulate the digestive system of your puppy and helps the stool become healthier and firm. Sources include spinach, chicory root, and beet pulp. Sources include fish oils, fish, canola oils, and fish. Vitamins and Minerals — are needed for improving the immune system which helps in protecting your puppy from diseases. Veggies and real fruits like cranberries and blueberries are great sources. The frequency of feeding your Labrador depends mostly on their age. Puppies need to eat three to four times per day while senior and adult Labradors can eat one to two times per day. Labrador is a breed that is motivated by food, meaning that the chance of them turning down food is low. Given their nature, it can be difficult to figure out whether they are really hungry or just food obsessed. Since they cannot regulate their eating habits, it is important that you develop a feeding schedule to prevent them from gaining weight. Both types of food provide your dog with the best nutrition they need to grow and develop. Also, check the label on the packaging and make sure that it contains the perfect balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Kibble is cheaper than wet foods and stores easily as it does not require refrigeration. It also helps clean the teeth by removing tartar and buildup when your puppy chews it. Wet food also provides balanced and complete nutrition for your Labrador. It provides more hydration to your puppy as it contains high moisture content. However, wet food needs to be put in the fridge once opened otherwise it will go bad. Some dog owners mix wet food and kibble to give their dogs the best of both worlds. Therefore, most premium dog food brands have different specially formulated puppy food. Puppies can be fed with puppy food until they are about 12 to 15 months old then transition to adult dog food. When transitioning your dog from puppy food to adult dog food remember to introduce the feed gradually for about seven to ten days by mixing small amounts of the adult dog food with the puppy food. Decrease the puppy food gradually every day with a simultaneous increase in adult dog food. This will helps the pup o adjust to the new meal easily. Experienced Labrador Retriever owners will tell you that not all puppies eat a lot. Studies also have indicated that puppies eat more when fed with other puppies or in a group. When the puppy gets to a new home, they might go off the food for the first few days. They might eat a few kibbles and then leave it. Your puppy may also prefer to eat from your hand and not the bowl. However, call your vet if your puppy refuses to eat for more than four hours. Call immediately if your puppy looks unwell. There are a few reasons you need to keep an eye on because they indicate serious problems: Your pup neither drink nor eat Diarrhea. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. It helps to boost their immune system and strengthen their joints. Which can lead to weight gain issues in them. It has been observed that Labradors are prone to obesity. If he weighs around kg, then grams of food daily is more than enough, with kcal per day. Note:- Follow our Labrador puppy feeding guide UK, it will help you to keep a track record of food and calorie ratio. In one of our feeding blogs, we have covered: The Cockapoo puppy feeding guide! Adult Labrador Feeding Proportion In his puppy stage, you used to feed him four times a day, right? Well, when your Lab reaches adolescent age, you need to stop feeding him so frequently. You need to cut down that frequency to twice a day. Moreover, you need to switch from puppy-formulated food to adult Labrador food. Because as their weight, age, and activity level increase, their nutrient requirements also vary. We have prepared an adult Labrador feeding chart , which will help you to feed him the correct amount of food. An adult Labrador with high activity will need more food than one with less activity. For instance, your adult Lab, whose weight is around .On the other hand, if he is not an active one then you need to feed, him kcal per day. It is suggested to go for high-quality food that is specially formulated for larger breeds. In this way, you will prevent him from getting affected by any joint issues or other severe health problems, which normally large breeds encounter if they rapidly grow. Senior Labrador Feeding Proportion At the age of 7, your Labrador turns to seniority, where his activity level and appetite decrease slowly. This is because, with age, their body becomes less immune and infected with several health issues. His health, eating habits, and weight, all vary with time. You just cannot feed him the same ratio which you used to give in the adult stage. Now, his body requires different nutrients at different proportion levels. For your better reference, we have prepared a PDF of the senior Labrador feeding chart , which is bifurcated into weight. This will surely help you in feeding him correctly. For example, if your senior Lab whose weight is around .In such a scenario, it is suggested to feed grams of food daily with a total calorie intake ratio of kcal per day. On the other hand, if your oldie Lab is not an active one, then it is suggested to cut down the calorie ratio. Because without any physical activities, and exercises, his metabolism will not work effectively. And how the feeding ratio varies as per their life stage, weight, and activity level. Before following the Labrador feeding guide UK. So, you can select the appropriate dog food for your Lab, as per his health. And feed him the correct amount of food. Nutrients Guidelines Well, checking the nutrient list is one of the essential factors, upon which the feeding schedule is based. Mostly, Labradors are too sensitive, and allergic to grains. Many commercial dog food includes grains, peas, lentils, and other ingredients that are not good for his health. Especially, those who are allergic to grains should not be fed grain food. It can lead to severe health issues in the future. Virbac Movoflex, Synovi Chews, Dasuquin, Cosequin, and Flexadin are some examples of joint supplements that have gone through clinical trials and been proven effective. Meat Protein. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies.

By Chris Labradoodles are amazing dogs, and Labradoodle colors are just as interesting! Labradoodles come in many different shapes, sizes, and coat shades. Labradoodle Images — our favorite Labradoodle photographs Some Labradoodles have black coats with white spots on their chest or paws. Others have brown coats with golden highlights around their eyes. But no matter what color labradoodle you have, they all make great companions for all! A chocolate medium Labradoodle enjoying a park visit Labradoodles with chocolate coats are such pretty dogs! There is a Labradoodle with a chocolate coat that lives in my neighborhood pictured above on a walk with my Labradoodle Max that I see every day walking all over the place. When he sees me, he actually jumps up on me and starts licking my face! He is a medium-sized Labradoodle dog. There are three sizes of Labradoodles, standard, medium, and miniature. Occasionally you will find a LAbradoodle that does not take to the water — but they are few and far between. The golden-brown coat of a tan Labradoodle enjoying the beach Labradoodles are more than just pets, they become part of our family. Labradoodles are friendly, social animals that love to play and run around with their human friends. Some Labradoodles like to be outdoors, and you will find them rolling in the grass, chasing butterflies, or just plain relaxing. This wavy coat white Labradoodle has very long hair. White coat Labradoodles can get pretty stained and dirty. White Labradoodles are especially prone to this. My labradoodle gets dirt all over his coat after she plays outside! Luckily basic grooming and shampoo do the trick. This rich black coat is a fairly common Labradoodle shade. Black Labradoodle puppies normally have black eyes too see the photo above. This actually makes it quite difficult to capture photographs of them. Labradoodles are loyal and bond closely with their primary family members Labradoodles are amazing friends! Australian Labradoodles are a different breed the Labradoodles although similar! Labradoodles come in all shapes and sizes. Some Labradoodles are thin while others are more stocky. A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. Friendly, energetic, playful, social, cuddly, smart. AKA — the Labradoodle. Two Labradoodles sniff each other out at a dog park. Labradoodles get on well with other dogs. It is important to introduce your puppy to other dogs as soon as possible. If you live in a city, this will be easy because there will be lots of dogs everywhere. You can find out about off-leash dog parks and dog walking groups in your area and try going along to meet the Labradoodle owners and their Labradoodle friends. This can be done in a professional setting, but many owners prefer to take the job on themselves at home. You will need a Labradoodle-specific brush, labradoodle shampoo, scissors, and nail trimmers. Before you start brushing your Labradoodle put, it in a comfortable position in front of you on the floor or sitting on your lap. Brush their fur from head to tail with a Labradoodle-specific brush picking up any tangles as you go. Labradoodle playing in a water fountain. What a way to cool off on a warm day! Even though they have long coats, Labradoodles can still get sunburn or suffer from sun damage. Give them plenty of opportunities to cool off away from the sun. A Parti Labradoodle in this cause black and white Some Labradoodle will have two shades in their coats. Black and white two-shade Labradoodles are common. A Labradoodle dog running in the snow. Labradoodles love running through the snow, playing with their family, rolling around in the white stuff, barking at the sound of someone nearby, or just relaxing. Labradoodles are also found in many climates. The Labradoodles can be found living on islands such as Hawaii or Australia or on the cold mountainsides of Europe. It will help make bath time easier for life. It can even save money because some Labradoodles shed a lot of hair and need to be groomed more often and DIY grooming saves a bunch. A Labradoodle sits on a couch next to a Pomeranian. Non-shedding small dogs are popular. So are shedding small dogs like Boxers, Bulldogs, Pomeranians, and more A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. Miniature Labradoodles Images This Apricot Mini Labradoodle is looking up at the camera, because he thinks he might get a treat he did. My Labradoodle Max wearing his party hat. POV: You are walking my Labradoodle Max wearing his usual harness Labradoodle Max looks at a toilet paper wall obstacle Labradoodle Max enjoys a cuddle in a towel after a shower and bath Giving a labradoodle puppy a bath can be challenging. Bath time is much easier if Labradoodles are groomed early on. Labradoodles, like other dogs, need to be brushed often. A non-shedding dog coat still needs regular brushing, even when it is cut short like the photo above we shaved our Labradoodle Max before a beach holiday to help prevent coat knotting with daily swims. Before taking a puppy to the beach be sure you have a plan, and safety in mind. My Miniature Labradoodle Max wearing a stylish raincoat Dogs rarely need raincoats. We got one just because it looks great. It does help during walks in cold rain or when there is wind and I am worried that Max will get a chill. An Apricot Mini Labradoodle my puppy Max! Labradoodles will often hang out with their tongues out. A Red Labradoodle enjoying time in the snow. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. He does not have the gene to make a rose-nosed puppy. They display slightly smaller curls than some pups, but it is still not a tight curly fleece. As adults, they will have a coat similar to Tilly, their mom. This coat is easy to care for, does not mat easily, and is easy to brush out regularly. The first two pups pictured have a different dad, they are out of Riley, and the other four are from Sam. Also, note that Riley's pups have a rose nose, and the others have a black nose. These two display tight fleece. Keep short for easy management, or brush regularly to avoid mattes. The first pup had a slightly curlier coat than the others and was fluffier as an adult. You can also see the rose nose on the caramel pup 3 versus the black nose on the apricot pup 6. The black pups range in colors; the first black Australian labradoodle puppy is solid but already showing signs of silver showing through around his nose and will likely silver out as he matures. The other two black pups are phantom or sable, with adorable brown eyebrows—two caramel pups with rose noses and one apricot pup with a black nose. You can see three of each type in this litter. The pups in positions 1, 3, and 6 are tight curls, and the other three are loose. An equal distribution of rose noses, 3 rose and three black. Gypsy makes a wide range of sizes in her litter. In this litter, the Australian labradoodle puppies range in weight, at age 1, from lbs.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These Doods make equally great family companions and therapy or service dogs. Most importantly, do your research and lots of it! Although Bernedoodles are generally considered healthier than their purebred Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle parents, the key to producing healthy and genetically sound litters is extensive health testing beforehand. Secondly, ethical Bernedoodle breeders in Wisconsin can confidently back their breeding programs with health guarantees. A good health guarantee should cover any serious or life threatening genetic conditions typically for the first one or two years from adoption, sometimes even more. As a home breeder, they have their parent dogs and puppies living right there inside their home. In addition to early socialization , Lake Poygan Bernedoodles starts their puppies on basic commands and even grooming. They move the pups around the house to introduce them to a variety of sights and sounds, and they even implement the Early Neurological Stimulation method ENS. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Lake Poygan Bernedoodles is a member breeder of Good Dog and they follow responsible breeding practices. They carefully select their parent dogs based on their health and genetic testing results. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. If all goes well, we will have the most exciting pairs and pups for our families just in time for Christmas! If the holidays are hectic, plan ahead and be sure to save a spot in our training program! Our puppy curriculum and enrichment activities are second to none. At CWB our focus is creating confident pups with a head start on training and socialization. We're thrilled to announce the ability to offer additional support and training beyond our extensive 8 week curriculum. We have limited space and availability, so be sure to ask about this when you commit to a specific litter. We have more litters on the way and will fill those off of our waitlist first. With a variety of litters planned, we can offer many different color and size combinations! Our first Berner, Tillie, is the most loving dog we have ever known. We live in Vesper WI on a 60 acre cranberry marsh with our 6 young children and growing dog family! We fell in love with the Bernese Mountain Dog BMD breed after having a heartbreaking experience with our first family dog. When our son was bit by our malamute, we vowed to never again bring a dog into our family that we thought might hurt someone. After years of healing and countless hours of research, we knew we'd found the right breed for our family: the Bernese Mountain Dog. Our first Berner, Tillie, makes anyone who meets her fall in love with the breed. We knew we wanted to add a Standard Poodle to our family after we learned how intelligent, playful, and sweet they are. Our first Poodle, Willow got us completely hooked on the breed! These breeds compliment each other very nicely! Since deciding to expand our small program, we have had the joy of adding additional Berners to our family and love each as much as the last. We have found bernedoodles to be the BEST combination of all the wonderful traits in both our Berneses and our Poodles. Their hypoallergenic nature, slightly smaller and more agile frame is a delightful "middle ground" and makes a truly incredible family pet. Litter News Our Summer Litters have all gone home, with the exception of a couple remaining pups. The updates as they are coming in have been positive and it sounds like they are all adjusting perfectly. We have updated out Litter Plans section on the Adoptions Page , so be sure to check out who has been bred and all their litter details! These pairs are going to be absolute perfection for Alice and Coco, while Sofia's repeat of her earlier litters with King we KNOW will be a dream come true. Be sure to submit your application and reserve your spot on the master list for a chance in these litters. We are really excited to share MORE fun apparel and the ease of ordering directly online! More announcements will be coming as we finalize our online store, so be sure to follow us on Facebook for announcements regarding puppies and clothing if you are interested. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. It is our great honor to be given the opportunity to raise your best friend! I have almost ten years of experience raising, grooming, and training puppies. This means that your puppy will receive the best care, including tons of hugs and kisses, until the very moment that they reach your family's loving arms! We truly believe that an amazing dog can make a lifelong impact on their family's life. That's why it's so important to us to give our puppies the best start possible! The first step to this process, is our careful selection of the parent's of our Bernedoodle puppies. Each parent dog is specifically chosen for their outstanding temperaments and receives health testing. This helps to ensure that each and every puppy has a wonderful personality and will have excellent health. All of our puppies and dogs live in our home with us so that we can give them the proper love that they deserve. This also means that our puppies are exposed to many different sounds and textures before going home. Giving puppies a wide range of exposure to different things helps them to feel more comfortable and confident when confronted with new situations throughout their life. Another step we take to raise the most outstanding puppies, is to give each puppy Early Neurologic Stimulation ENS every day from three days old to sixteen days old. ENS is a series of gentle stimuli that was developed by the US military to improve the performance of military working dogs. It has been shown to enhance a puppy's disease resistance, stress tolerance, adrenal glands, and cardiovascular performance. In addition to giving our puppies the best care possible, taking care of our customers is so important to us! Before you bring home your puppy, and even years after, we will always be here to answer any questions you may have and offer our support. We are so excited to have the opportunity to bring the sweet love of a Bernedoodle puppy into your life! Please have a look around our website and contact us if you have any questions. I agree to recieve email communications from Bernedoodle Boutique Our joy is breeding yours. Our mission is to match you with the perfect puppy for your family and lifestyle. Through our adoption process we find out your specific needs and wants and then pair you with a puppy to match. We want to understand what life will look like for a dog in your life so we can recommend a puppy that instinctually will be a great fit for you and the puppy. We love all breeds but most of all we love sharing our passion of producing the healthiest, cutest, best family pets for you! We firmly believe that breed diversification produces the healthiest puppies, and the science supports this. Breed diversification is a very important step in the process to ensuring you have a healthy happy puppy. Plus, we get to love on many types of breeds in the process! All of our breeding dogs are health tested and genetic tested as soon as possible and not bred until we know for sure we are working with healthy dogs. Pairings are selected based on health testing, genetics, size, temperament, and color. Poodles are fun, energetic, smart, and easy to train. Their intelligence can not be overstated: We often say all other dogs are playing checkers and Poodles are playing chess. With their great agility, quick intelligence, and desire to please they were originally bred to be hunting dogs. Poodles are fun-loving dogs and make great family pets. We have absolutely fallen in love with this breed over the years. Bernedoodles are friendly, intelligent, playful, and outgoing. They truly combine the best traits of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle. They tend to be gentle and loyal like the Bernese Mountain Dog and intelligent and playful like the Poodle. They look like teddy bears and are easy to train. Bernedoodles benefit from the longer lifespan of Poodles compared to a standard Bernese Mountain Dog. Cavapoos, also known as a Cavadoodle, make the perfect cuddly couch partner. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their cute and sweet personality. Cavapoos are affectionate and love humans. They have the intelligence of the Poodle, making them easy to train, with all the cuteness of a cuddly little teddy bear. We have frequently have puppies available and would love the opportunity to help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle and family. Bernese Mountain Dogs are majestic gentle giants and make excellent family dogs. They are gorgeous and attract attention everywhere they go. Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred as an all purpose farm dog used to herd cattle, protect the farm, and pull milk carts. Their ancestors must have worked too hard because the modern Bernese Mountain dog seems happiest laying around and getting love from their owners. Bernese Mountain Dogs love people and thrive on human companionship. Our love for the Bernese Mountain Dog is what got us into breeding in the first place. We believe in providing the best life possible for our breeding dogs. Many of them live with us in our home as family pets being loved on by our family. The Guardian Family receives a puppy to love as their own. During breeding and whelping the dog stays with us; and then goes back home afterwards. To learn more about becoming a Guardian Home click here. View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Kaukauna Wisconsin and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!