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how much does a german shepherd puppy need to eat - Prosecutors dropped the charges against Smith on Sept. In May , the year-old former owner of Hideaway Kennels in Lake Wales and three of her workers were charged with 38 felony counts of animal cruelty. Each carries a maximum of five years in prison. The case dragged on without any resolution. Then, earlier this year, the three workers accepted plea deals in exchange for two years' probation. Scott Wilder, a Sheriff's Office spokesman, said the Polk County Sheriff's Office stands behind its investigation and is happy to have three people convicted for animal cruelty. Wilder said there would be no apology for Smith. Wilder said the dogs were living in "vile" conditions, with some having open wounds and missing jaws. In a Thursday telephone interview, Smith, a breeder since the early s, insisted that she isn't guilty of animal cruelty to her dogs. Petersburg-based rescue group, to take 38 dogs. The dogs were old or had some genetic problems, she said. Florida Poodle Rescue alerted authorities about the condition of the dogs. After an investigation, Polk County sheriff's deputies arrested Smith and her three workers. She estimated that she sold about 20 puppies a year. Even with the case lasting for more than three years, Smith refused to take lenient plea deal offers, Levine said. But Chip Thullbery, a spokesman with the State Attorney's Office in Bartow, noted that by accepting plea deals, Smith's three workers had accepted some responsibility for the abuse. The Clearwater resident, who is not related to Paula Smith, denied allegations that the nonprofit organization rescued the ailing dogs to get more donations. Some of the dogs were euthanized and others were eventually adopted, she said. Corinn Smith said she was upset that the charges against Paula Smith were dropped and her workers only got probation for misdemeanor charges of cruelty to animals. Jason Geary can be reached at .Press Release May 9, New report reveals licensed dog breeders still in business despite filthy conditions, dying dogs and cruel practices The Humane Society of the United States releases 10th annual Horrible Hundred report, providing a sampling of problem puppy mills and sellers in the U. SHARE The Humane Society of the United States released its 10th annual Horrible Hundred report today, revealing thousands of dogs suffering across the country at commercial dog breeding operations known as puppy mills —many of which are still in business despite years of documented animal welfare violations. The report describes violations such as failing to provide proper care to injured and emaciated dogs, dogs and puppies exposed to extreme weather and dogs living in cramped, filthy and unsafe conditions. The report provides a sampling of problem puppy mills and puppy sellers operating in the United States, based on state and federal inspection reports. For the 10th year in a row, Missouri has the largest number of problem puppy sellers on the list 26 , followed by Iowa 17 , New York 12 and Kansas and Wisconsin seven each. Some states, like Ohio and Oklahoma, have few entries in the report this year, because they failed to respond to our public records requests in a timely manner. Department of Agriculture inspector that he killed some of his unwanted dogs by injecting them in the stomach and then leaving them to die in their cages. His veterinarian denied providing the drug or giving approval for this method, but the USDA did not fine Sommers or suspend or revoke his license. The HSUS has reached out to the agency to urge them to work with local authorities on potential animal cruelty charges. Iowa breeder Menno Gingerich Skyline Puppies admitted to performing a do-it-yourself procedure on a badly injured puppy with a neck wound. A self-described American Kennel Club dog breeder in Missouri, Cory Mincey Puppy Love Kennel , was found to be operating and accumulating severe violations even though the Missouri Attorney General sued the operation in for failing to provide proper care for numerous filthy, emaciated and dying dogs. Missouri breeder Mary Ann Smith, who once unsuccessfully sued the HSUS for referring to her as a puppy mill owner, was once again found keeping dogs in poor conditions during at least three recent state inspections between May and December .In the decade of publishing the Horrible Hundred report , many breeders have appeared five, six or seven times due to recurring appalling violations yet they remain in business. However, some progress has been made during the last 10 years: More than dealers who have appeared in our past reports appear to have shut down , and a few dozen have been criminally charged, fined or jailed. More than 1, dogs have been rescued over the past 10 years from breeders listed in the Horrible Hundred report who were later shut down by law enforcement agencies. At least 11 states and hundreds of localities have upgraded their dog breeder or pet store laws since we published the first Horrible Hundred report in .Petland has fought laws across the country that would end the sale of puppy mill puppies in pet stores, claiming they only purchase from high quality breeders. The public can do their part by choosing shelter adoption when getting a dog, and by asking their lawmakers to support the federal Puppy Protection Act , which will increase standards of care at federally licensed puppy breeding operations. January 11, at a. But she presses ahead — the dogs need her. She pulls into the driveway of Scarlet-Maple Farm Kennel. A necessary one, Anderson thinks, but a lie nonetheless. Will the boy swallow her story? Will he discover her ruse and chase her away? She hopes not. If all goes well, Anderson will leave with at least one dog, maybe more — and perhaps with evidence that could help put this kennel out of business for good. Smith and other animal welfare activists pushed for a new state law — regarded as the toughest in the nation — designed to end the inhumane treatment of breeding dogs in the large commercial kennels popularly known as puppy mills. Kennel owners say the law is unnecessary and too expensive to comply with, and that it is eliminating many good breeders along with the few bad apples. She knows the drill. Large operations like Scarlet-Maple rarely allow prospective buyers inside. State regulators say the smell of a high-volume puppy mill is unforgettable, an overwhelming stench of urine and feces. Ammonia fumes burn the nose and eyes. The simultaneous barking of hundreds of dogs creates a wall of sound that makes it hard to think, let alone converse. Puppy mill dogs spend most of their working lives inside cramped wire cages, stacked one atop the other. They get little grooming, veterinary care or attention of any kind. Lacking a bone or toy to occupy their time, some dogs go into a frenzy every time they see a human. Other dogs circle endlessly. The lack of medical training can have disastrous results. Main Line recently took in a critically ill boxer with a mummified puppy in her belly, the apparent result of a botched Caesarean. She was rushed to the hospital with bleeding and a severe infection. The physical wounds, horrific as they may be, are treatable. Tougher to heal are the psychological ones. Bill Smith says the volunteers at Main Line spend weeks or even months working with rescued dogs so they can be adopted. Ed Rendell, the owner of two rescued golden retrievers — including one from Main Line — are working to shed. Three years ago, Rendell hired Jessie Smith — then a deputy state attorney general — to revamp the state Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, an agency within the agriculture department that had come under fire for lax enforcement of kennel regulations. He also appointed a special dog law prosecutor and hired new kennel inspectors. Most significantly, Rendell signed off on strict health and safety standards for large breeding operations. Key provisions that went into effect in October required large-scale breeders to double cage sizes, eliminate wire flooring and provide unfettered access to exercise. The new law also banned cage stacking, instituted twice-a-year vet checks, and mandated new ventilation and cleanliness standards. James Casorio. No longer would kennel owners be able to operate on their own dogs. Rendell called the mass shooting an atrocity. Between the new legislation, the bad economy, and heightened public awareness — the state has established a tip line, and Bill Smith persuaded Oprah Winfrey to do a show on puppy mills — pressure is building on multiple fronts against people like Daniel Esh, the owner of Scarlet-Maple. The boy returns with three dogs. The boy goes back to the kennel. He tells Anderson they would make a good breeding pair. Deal, she says. Main Line almost never buys animals from puppy mills. But it will purchase a dog as part of a cruelty investigation. So, if these dogs show signs they have been mistreated, Main Line will take them to the PSPCA to determine whether charges can be filed. As Anderson and the boy talk, a middle-aged man guides his horse-drawn buggy into the driveway. Esh climbs off his rig and strides toward them. His business is already on the verge of collapse. Esh pleaded guilty in January to three summary violations of the dog law and subsequently lost his state kennel license. That means he can no longer breed dogs — though he can continue selling the ones in his kennel — and must reduce his kennel population to 25 dogs or less, down from more than as recently as two years ago. Inspectors planned to visit Esh in January to make sure he has complied. Esh denies ever mistreating his dogs, telling The Associated Press in a later interview that he has fallen victim to a radical political agenda that seeks the end of commercial dog breeding in Pennsylvania and across the nation. They were helping me keep my farm. With milk prices in freefall, dairy farmers have increasingly relied on dog breeding to help pay the bills, selling to pet stores or directly to the public via the Internet. Like Esh and many other breeders, Edwin Zeiset, 34, blames the new regulations for ruining his livelihood. Zeiset says he operated a clean kennel and had many repeat customers. But he recently shut down his EZ Puppies kennel rather than spend tens of thousands of dollars on a big new building. Zeiset was particularly irked by costly new ventilation requirements and by the banning of wire floors. Vets say dogs forced to stand on wire commonly suffer from interdigital cysts — painful sores between the toes. But Zeiset says the wire is there to allow waste to pass through the floor and into a collection system. He says none of his dogs suffered from sore feet. If there are breeders who mistreat dogs, he says, target them. Bill Smith has heard such talk before. He just wants to improve the lives of their dogs. Anderson holds back tears as she plants a kiss on the head of a black-and-white, poodle-bichon mix. Daniel Esh believed her story. They are filthy and fetid. She squeezes some Purell into her hands. At a breeding kennel near the tiny village of Georgetown, the rescuers trade two bags of Rachael Ray dog food for two poodles, a cockapoo and a cocker spaniel. At a third farm — a small, unlicensed kennel in Strasburg — they talk the Amish proprietors into giving up five puppies. By nightfall, Main Line has visited five kennels and retrieved 12 dogs. Back at the shelter, Anderson tests the pooches for parvo, a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease. Exams reveal the puppies from Scarlet-Maple have ear infections and intestinal parasites; the Georgetown poodles likewise need deworming. Their fur is dirty and matted, their nails long, their ears filled with muck. But these, in fact, are lucky dogs. The new state regulations have teeth, but only if they are enforced. In that vein, the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement has been forced to turn a critical eye on itself, says Sue West, who became its director in January .There was a widespread perception among animal welfare groups that dog wardens had become too cozy with the breeders, too willing to overlook infractions. Prior administrations focused on compliance, not enforcement, she says. In , the bureau revoked only three kennel licenses. And now, it has started enforcing the revamped dog law. By the end of December, all large commercial kennels those selling more than 60 dogs per year or selling to pet stores seeking a license were examined for compliance. Yet few breeders improved their kennels in the run-up to Oct. State veterinarian Danielle Ward and kennel compliance specialist Kristen Donmoyer, teaming up to inspect two kennels that first day, were dismayed by what they saw. The dogs remained in cramped quarters and on wire flooring, with no access to the outdoors. Both of the kennel owners expressed frustration with the new law, and one said that it might be easier to close than to comply. Pennsylvania began with .In early October, Pennsylvania kennels shipped hundreds of dogs to an auction house in Baltic, Ohio, to be sold to out-of-state breeders. Smith, who has long complained about state inaction on puppy mills, still doubts that government regulators will do right by kennel dogs. Hundreds of smaller kennels are exempt from the toughest provisions of the new law. And breeders who do have to comply with them were permitted to ask for more time to improve their facilities — up to three years. The state granted 81 of those requests — denying — giving some of the waivers to kennels that Smith considers puppy mills. But West says the dog law bureau has made great strides. Compared to dogs previously taken from Scarlet-Maple, these pooches — both designer mixes — are in good shape. No evidence of animal cruelty. The poodles from Georgetown, rescued the same day, will require a lot more work to prepare them for life outside the mill. Nearly two weeks after their rescue, the poodles — dubbed Mr. White and Mrs. But volunteer Deb Hankins has built up enough trust to coax them out of their crates. Main Line volunteers gently massage the poodles, trying to calm their frayed nerves. At first, Mr. White is frozen and unblinking; Mrs. White shakes violently. Neither poodle will take the treats being offered to them — small pieces of poached organic chicken that any family dog would drool over. Volunteer Faye Donovan tries to put Mrs. White on the wooden floor and the dog flips out, hopping around like a rabbit. None of this odd behavior fazes class leader Mary Remer, a renowned trainer and behaviorist with 28 years of experience and more than 15 Westminster dog show titles to her credit. It just takes time and patience, she says. And plenty of love. The other dogs in class — all further along in their socialization than the poodles — are busy performing small tasks for treats. The same will hold true for Mr. White, the trainer says. Indeed, by the end of the minute session, Mrs. White is walking, not hopping. But he is blinking normally and taking stock of his surroundings; his nose twitches, a sign his olfactory senses are awakening. Link copied to clipboard At 76, she has a nose for troubled kennels She doesn't look like a dedicated undercover operative, this year-old animal lover with arthritic knees. But she is. Now Helen Smith is expected to provide key testimony against a veterinarian who serves some of Pennsylvania's big dog-breeding kennels and who has been charged with animal cruelty on allegations that he mutilated a puppy's tail. ET She doesn't look like a dedicated undercover operative, this year-old animal lover with arthritic knees. In fact, "I'm not harmless at all. There, accompanied by an undercover officer from the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, she unexpectedly witnessed the act that led to the first-degree misdemeanor charge against Thomas F. Advertisement A Lancaster County police criminal complaint states that Stevenson treated a 9-week-old mixed poodle's already injured and bleeding tail by "soaking it in scalding water" and then cutting it off with shears "without sedation or prior numbing of the tail. If he is convicted of animal cruelty, his license could be suspended or revoked. You could see the exposed bone. As Bill Smith began to be more recognized, making it hard for him to get into kennels, his mother started taking his place. Helen Smith has been infiltrating kennels for close to a decade, scoping out conditions, rescuing animals, and informing authorities of what she finds. Many places she visits are feces-laden warehouses where dogs are confined in small pens. But long experience did not prepare her for what she said she saw March .King, to check on a dog she had often noticed tied up outside. The dog was a brown-and-white mixed bulldog, dirty, with an injury that had claimed an eye. Smith and the undercover SPCA officer were walking through the kennel, she said, when "I heard this screaming. I can't tell you - I almost passed out. She wrapped the dog in a towel and took the bleeding animal to another vet's office, where surgery was performed on its tail, she said. The affidavit states that King said he had cut the puppy's tail while grooming it the previous day. However, the officer wrote that she had seen no evidence that the puppy had been groomed. Its hair was long and matted with feces, and the bleeding wound was covered with feces and hair, the officer wrote. King, like Stevenson, was charged with cruelty to animals. He also could not be reached for comment yesterday. His home phone number is unlisted, and a message left at Country Lane Kennels was not returned. Volunteers from Main Line Animal Rescue returned days later and bought the one-eyed dog. Stevenson is the vet of record for most of the largest kennels in Pennsylvania, responsible for thousands of dogs, according to state records. He is also the vet of record for some of New Jersey's largest pet stores. Libby Williams, founder of New Jersey Consumers Against Pet Shop Abuse, said she had received dozens of complaints in recent years from people who bought sick dogs allegedly examined by Stevenson. The veterinarian also was named in a New Jersey consumer-fraud lawsuit against Joyce and Raymond Stoltzfus of CC Pets, one of the largest puppy brokers in Pennsylvania. Lancaster veterinarian Tom Gemmill filed a complaint against Stevenson with Pennsylvania's veterinary medical board after serving as an expert witness for the Ostranders. He said Stevenson failed to keep records on the dogs he examined, a violation of the veterinary practice act. That complaint is pending. Helen Smith said yesterday that, given the publicity surrounding this case, her undercover career was probably over. Smith complimented the work of the SPCA, but said other regulatory agencies should be doing more to end deplorable conditions at puppy mills. That's why volunteers have to get involved. If the inspectors won't do their jobs, then somebody has to help these dogs. Our breeding goals include health, intelligence, temperament, conformation, uniformity, and beauty. Our breeding facility is located in a nice secluded, wooded area about 15 minutes from Little Rock, Arkansas airport where Smith Standard Poodles have plenty of room for exercise, and ample time for socializing with each other. We socialize them also with adults and children. Standard Poodle Breeder Every single one of our pups for sale come with a two-year guarantee. All our pups are birthed from quality, health certified Standard mothers and fathers. We strategically breed our dogs to enhance genetic strengths and subvert undesirable traits including common health problems within the breed. Our puppies come to you well socialize and absolutely doggie door trained. Our Standard Poodles have now found homes in every state in the US, and in fifteen other countries. These colors and patterns include Parti, Brindle, and Phantom Standard Poodles along with most of the solid colors available. Let us know if we can help you with your Poodle pondering, or with any questions, you may have about our beautiful dogs. We have years of experience, and the willingness to share. God Bless, All of the pet store connections below were done by our research team and must be cited or quoted as such. If you would like to support our efforts, you can find ways to do that here. Every year in May, the Humane Society of the United States publishes a list of examples of problematic breeders and brokers in the country. You can view the full details of their list here. Many of the facilities appeared on our Quarter 1 USDA violation report, which can be viewed here , along with the copies of the inspection reports. We highly suggest reading their report! We have listed all of the Horrible Hundred offenders in a short list, whether or not they sell to stores. Fayetteville, Arkansas. Bill Nored, Dry Fork Kennel. Dry Fork Kennels has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , , , , , , and .Kathryn Barber, K-Bar Kennels. Patterson, Georgia. K-Bar Kennels has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , , , and .Wray, Georgia. East Dublin, Georgia. This brokering facility owns their own pet store in Indiana , which relocated from Illinois. Mervin Ramer. Argos, Indiana. Patty Talcott. Hardinsburg, Indiana. Anita Wikstrom, Unforgettable Schnauzers. Ames, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , , and .Brian Felton. Centerville, Iowa. We have record of this facility selling to puppy broker Levi Graber of Blue Ribbon Puppies since .Sioux Center, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , , , and .Mason City, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred List during the following years: and .Atlantic, Iowa. New Sharon, Iowa. Helene Hamrick, Wolf Point Kennel. Ackworth, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , , , , and .Henry Sommers, Happy Puppys. Cincinnati, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , , , , , and .Salem, Iowa. Hull, Iowa. Larry Albrecht, Coldwater Kennel. Greene, Iowa. Lavern Nolt, Twin Birch. Charles City, Iowa. Lloyd Yoder, Valleyview Premium Puppies. Riverside, Iowa. This facility is located on the same property as Loren Yoder, another Horrible Hundred Offender. Loren Yoder. Riverside Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: and .This facility is located on the same property as Lloyd Yoder, another Horrible Hundred Offender. Loren Yoder likely sells to the same pet stores that Lloyd Yoder does. Menno Gingerich. Albia, Iowa. Steve Kruse, Stonehenge Kennel. West Point, Iowa. Kruse used to sell to many stores directly, but has likely transitioned to selling through brokering companies to keep the facility names off of CVIs. Woody Wiley. Cantril, Iowa. Beth Johnson. Baxter Springs, Kansas. Chapman, Kansas. Bluff City, Kansas. Joyce Cairns, Unicorn Kennels. Glasco, Kansas. Uniontown, Kansas. Douglass, Kansas. Samuel Roman and Summer Roman. Conway Springs, Kansas. Fremont, Michigan. We have record of this brokering facility receiving many shipments of puppies from Indiana breeders. Annette Eccles Down Home Dachshunds. McNeille or Carriere, Mississippi. Hallsville, Missouri- This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , and .Brian Letsinger, Arrowhead Springs Kennel. Ava, Missouri. Urbana, Missouri. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , and .We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since Puppies of Westport Connecticut 4. Elkland, Missouri. Dawn Boyles, Atbay Kennels. Chula, Missouri. We have record of this facility selling puppies in to Iowa puppy broker Select Puppies. Madison, Missouri. Donna Taber, Jet Kennels. Wasola, Missouri. Rocky Comfort, Missouri. Clark, Missouri. Ellen Roberts, Rocky Top K9s. West Plains, Missouri- This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , , , , , and .Mooresville, Missouri. West Plains, Missouri. John Bontrager and Lizzie Bontrager. Jonas A. Miller, Country Lane Kennel. Milan, Missouri. Lebanon, Missouri. We have record of this facility selling to Petland Wichita Kansas since .Marceline, Missouri. Jamesport, Missouri. Magdalena McGowan, Orchard Kennel. Cabool, Missouri. Salem, Missouri. Mervin W. Yoder and Lizzie Yoder. Noah Miller. Keytesville, Missouri. Seymour, Missouri. Sandra Kozlowski, Sho-Me Labradors. James, Missouri. Rogersville, Missouri. Spencer, Nebraska. Pender, Nebraska. We have record of this store selling to CT Breeder Connecticut in .Megan Mahlin, Flying High Aussies. Madison, Nebraska. Wilcox, Nebraska. Silver City, New Mexico. Classy Creations. Lyons, New York. Crestwood Acres. Seneca Falls, New York. Livonia, New York. Rochester, New York. Manorville, New York. Martville, New York. John David Shirk. Penn Yan, New York. Rainbow Creek South. Butler, New York. Samuel Brubacker, Hilltop Country Kennels. Dundee, New York. Twilight Valley Toys. Lois Baker. Anders, North Carolina. Andy Nisley, Nunda Valley Kennels. Howard, Ohio. Reuben M. Millersburg, Ohio. Stringtown, Oklahoma. Blanche S Plute. McDonald, Pennsylvania. Bobbie Yoder, Little Mountain Doodles. Myerstown, Pennsylvania. Narvon, Pennsylvania. Newville, Pennsylvania. Jonestown, Pennsylvania. Vickie Hines, Lar-Kie Kennel. Woonsocket, South Dakota. Danya Bueno, Buenos Little Bulldogs. Andrews, Texas. Killeen, Texas. Daingerfield, Texas. Quinlan, Texas. Tiffany Harvey, Ace Deuce Ranch. Avery, Texas. Amos Allgyer, Pawfect Paws. Platteville, Wisconsin. Tomah, Wisconsin. Daniel A. Hillsboro, Wisconsin. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: and although the report was heavily redacted due to the USDA Blackout. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since Puppy Paws New York. Joseph Hochstetler, Sideline Kennel. Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since Pups Unlimited New York and they also sell puppies through Southpaw Pets, a Missouri puppy broker. Moses Lee. Wilton, Wisconsin. Vernon Bontrager, Grand Valley Kennels. Markesan, Wisconsin. All of the pet store connections listed in this report were done by our research team and must be cited or quoted as such. In fact, she's been one of the greatest reasons for me to be a kinder, gentler person. Just before Sophie passed away, Oprah—and thousands of drivers—saw a billboard just off the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago that read, "Oprah: Do a show on puppy mills. The dogs need you. Every year, Bill and several volunteers rescue hundreds of abused, unwanted or abandoned animals, rehabilitate them and adopt them out to families. Many of the animals Bill rescues come from puppy mills, which he describes as places where bad breeders care more about the profit they make from puppies than the health or welfare of the animals. He says the dogs in puppy mills face deplorable conditions including inbreeding, minimal or no vet care, limited shelter and overcrowded cages. I just thought that you would be able to spread the word and educate a lot of people. Lisa and Bill also visit two pet stores. Many of the dogs born in puppy mills end up in pet stores or sold on the Internet. Lisa and Bill want to trace puppies' paperwork back to specific puppy mills. At the first store, they find a cockapoo puppy, and at the second, Labrador retriever puppies. While the owner of a store they visit denies his dogs come from puppy mills, Bill says most at pet stores do. People go into the pet stores, and they see these cute little puppies not knowing where they come from and what they go through. Bill has fostered relationships with hundreds of breeders across Pennsylvania. He asks them to give him the dogs they no longer want or, worse, the ones they're planning to kill. Bill says these breeders most often want to get rid of older females and younger males. Breeders only need one or two male dogs to breed with every 20 fertile females, so young female dogs are valuable in puppy mills. Lisa and Bill head to the breeder where the black cockapoo was born. The breeder tells them its mother is one of the dogs in cages outside. Lisa and Bill then followed the breeder into a building full of cramped wooden crates stuffed with dogs. Bill says he thinks many of these dogs have never walked in the grass though they live on a acre property. Visiting the home of the Labrador retriever puppies, Lisa and Bill find the lab puppies' mother in a small, mud-filled pen. Her teats are swollen—Bill says this is evidence she's had many litters of puppies. Lisa and Bill continue on to see other nearby puppy mills. In one, they find 30 to 40 dogs in wire-floored rabbit cages stacked to the ceiling in a room that reeks of urine and feces. Before they go to one breeder's property, Bill warns Lisa about what she may see. He has dogs running on wheels in fan casings," Bill says. The contraptions look like big gerbil wheels. That breeder wouldn't let them see his dogs, but Lisa and Bill saw two dead animals on the property. At a third breeder's facility, Lisa and Bill see outdoor cages that house scores of Pomeranians. Bill tells Lisa that not only have those dogs probably never been out of those small cages, it's likely that they remain outside even in bad weather and could die from exposure. All in all, Bill rescues dozens of dogs as he and Lisa visit puppy mill after puppy mill. Lisa says seeing the way the animals live was haunting. Bill says many breeders call him to see if he wants to pick up unwanted dogs. It's always amazing to me when I go out to pick up a dog, they've had the dog eight or nine years and it doesn't have a name. It's never been out of the hutch. It doesn't know how to walk. I have to carry it to the car. It's heartbreaking. They believe man is to dominate animals," she says. And the fact is, there is a market for puppies in America. And I said, 'Well, she's fine. She's walking around the house and everything. It's a different mentality. They're like an ear of corn. We encourage your viewers to find a responsible breeder. Each rescued dog has an appointment with a veterinarian, which is often the first medical care they've gotten in their lives. They also experience two more firsts—their first bath and first grooming. For some dogs, the medical care is urgent. Some have mammary tumors caused by years of nursing and overbreeding. Bill estimates that one cocker spaniel could have given birth to as many as puppies. Before they were rescued, many of these dogs spent their entire lives in wire cages and had trouble walking on the ground once they were out. Some had their vocal chords damaged by a pipe in order to keep them from barking. Others were completely filthy, with their coats overgrown and soaked in urine. Despite the inhumane conditions the dogs lived in before their rescue, Bill says they usually start to show signs of rehabilitation in about two weeks. The first indication they're coming around is when their tails start wagging, he says. Bill says Main Line Animal Rescue has rescued approximately 7, to 8, animals—about 5, of those from puppy mills. Their mission is to ultimately place each rescued animal in a loving family, and they are remarkably successful. We actually have something called a 'shy dog' class where we do massage therapy on them and everything else. It's great. Weeks later, the rescued dogs are steadily making progress. Even if they've been living in one place for years, most of the dogs that come from puppy mills have never been named. Bill says several of the dogs he and Lisa rescued were named in honor of their appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Over the years, Bill says he's definitely taken some of his work home with him—he has 10 dogs! At one point, Bill says he had 12, a bunch he affectionately called the "dirty dozen. In January , Bill rescued a Maltese-poodle mix from a breeder. The emaciated puppy had little hair and was close to death. Bill couldn't leave him behind and adopted the little guy, naming him Shrimp. Today, Shrimp is a happy and healthy member of Bill's pack—and even wears a red bow in his full mane of hair. If you are thinking about adopting a new pet, make your first stop the local shelter or animal rescue office. Consider these facts when adopting a dog. Sometimes, what you see isn't always what you get when it comes to that doggie in the window of a pet shop. If you are looking for a specific breed of dog, Bill says you're likely to find one at a rescue. What you need to know about animal shelters and finding responsible breeders. For people who would still like to use a breeder, Bill urges you to find one that is responsible. Quality breeders care about the quality of life their dogs will have when they go to their new homes and will often interview you about your home. One of Oprah's favorite Christmas gifts last year came from a neighbor who made a donation in Oprah's name to a no-kill shelter called The Lange Foundation. Oprah says she wasn't aware of the gift until she opened a very special Christmas card—"written" by the dog saved by that specific donation. That dog was Salina, a blind cocker spaniel who was close to being put down at an overcrowded animal shelter in Los Angeles. Here is an excerpt of Salina's letter: "One morning last week there was great excitement. One of the dogs had heard an officer say that someone from Lange Foundation was coming to choose a dog in your honor. I shared in the excitement, even though I knew the dog chosen would not be me. I was old and I was blind. I'd lived for many years in the yard of my owner's home. They never paid much attention to me. I did have my own doghouse, and that is where I spent most of my life, especially when I could no longer see. The lady slowly walked up and down the aisles. I could sense that she was sad, and I heard her say to the kennel man, 'I wish I could take all of them. I'll take the blind one. At least twice a week, Jillian visits Los Angeles's animal shelters to rescue dogs and cats that are unlikely to be adopted. Her mission is to save as many animals as possible before their time runs out. During a typical day Jillian drives out to shelters and picks animals as she can—including dogs who have been disfigured or have expensive medical needs. After rescuing the animals, Jillian brings them to her no-kill shelter, which has placed 17,, animals in loving homes over the years. When Jillian received a donation in Oprah's name, she says the decision to rescue Salina was easy. I went down to South Los Angeles Shelter the following day. I saw Salina sitting in the back of a cage, and on her cage card it said 'blind. They're not looking for old and blind. I went online, and one of them that popped up was Salina. She just seemed so helpless. Sadly, five weeks after Jack adopted Salina, she died of a stroke. Jack still wanted to help another animal and has recently adopted another cocker spaniel named Juno. Animal shelters across the country are at or above capacity, leaving little room for new arrivals. Unfortunately, dogs who are not adopted are often euthanized. Tough decisions such as these are made in every city in the country everyday, and the Fort Worth Animal Shelter goes through this difficult procedure nearly 17, times a year. Fort Worth Animal Shelter manager Keane Menefee says they took in 23, dogs and cats in —that's about 50 dogs each day. Sadly, only four of those 50 dogs found each day were adopted. When an animal is chosen, a red E is marked on their cage, and they only have one more day to be adopted. Keane says putting an animal to sleep never gets easier for him. I feel when I'm putting a dog down that I try to use the same compassion that I have as if I was putting my own animal down," he says. When it comes time, dogs are individually taken into the euthanasia lab. After the dog is muzzled for safety reasons, Keane injects them with a dosage of Fatal Plus or sodium Phenobarbital, based on their weight. In all, the process takes three to five minutes. The dog's body is put in a body bag and placed inside a freezer until the next morning, when a service will take it to a landfill. On the day Oprah Show cameras shadowed Keane, 18 dogs were on the list to be euthanized. But three dogs were saved—they were adopted by Harpo staff members working on the show. Fort Worth is also working on reducing the number of animals being euthanized. Starting in the summer of , Fort Worth shelter will offer free spaying and neutering to all animals adopted from their facility. It's better for the animals, and it prevents the needless killing of millions of animals," he says. It doesn't make sense. Shelly Rubin—who treats Oprah's dogs—says spaying or neutering is one of the best things you can do for your pet's health. For males, Dr. Rubin says neutering can change the dog's behavior for the better. One, you'll reduce prostate cancer and testicular cancer," he says. It listens to you when you speak to it, and it won't be marking urine all over the neighborhood—and your house—in many cases. Rubin says it's best to spay them before first heat. Rubin says spaying and neutering are very simple procedures. After a quick exam to make sure the animal is healthy enough for surgery, it's given a sedative and anesthesia. The procedure take about 10 to 15 minutes, and the animal can go home that day. They are helpless before us, and they rely on our good conscience," Wayne says. It's awful. It's contributing to the larger pet overpopulation crisis, which is resulting in over 4 million dogs and cats being killed every year. Go to a shelter. That's got to be your first stop," Wayne says. And if you insist on going to a breeder, go visit the breeder, talk to them. See the condition of the animals, especially the breeding females.

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how much does a german shepherd puppy need to eat - So Many Options! Where To Get a Labrador? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Except, you remember hearing you should only buy from professional breeders?! But that puppy in the pet store was so achingly cute! This article discusses the things you should consider before making that life changing decision. From dedicated experts who breed pedigree dogs to work or for show, to those who breed too many puppies, litter after litter purely for sale without love nor care for the health of the mother or quality of the litter. For how to recognize who the good breeders are, read our article: Labrador breeders — How to find the good ones! Buying from a good, responsible breeder is without doubt the best source for a quality, healthy Labrador puppy. They care about the overall welfare of the breed, as well as the health of the mother, quality of the litter and giving the puppies the best start in life. Responsible breeders: Guarantee a purebred and pedigree Labrador. Screen the parents for health problems before breeding , so puppies will be as free as possible from inherited diseases. Selectively breed aiming for conformance to the breed standard, so your lab has the most chance of looking like the perfect lab. Carefully socialize puppies from birth so they are well-adjusted and confident before sending them to a new home. Help buyers to select the right puppy from the litter to suit their personality, hopes and expectations. Helping you to get the puppy of your dreams. Provide expert help and advice on caring for the dog from puppyhood right through to adulthood. When you go to a good breeder you should expect lots of questions. They will also help to match you to the perfect puppy that suits your personality, preventing you from getting the wrong dog on impulse. You know the cute but feisty one that got your attention by barging through his litter mates to run up to you and be the first to say hello? Well, he may very likely become a dominant and strong-willed dog! You May Need Patience You should note that many breeders will have a long waiting list for their Labrador puppies. Then this may not be the right way for you. But this is a good thing! And nobody should buy a puppy on impulse, it must be a well thought out and reasoned decision. Maybe you would like to give a lucky Labrador a second chance at life and happiness? Adopting an Older Labrador From a Rescue Kennel Can Have Many Benefits: They will have been house trained already — No getting up in the middle of the night to relieve your puppy…or cleaning your floor after the inevitable mishaps. An adult Labrador will already show signs of any underlying problems so you can avoid this. Many will have received a decent amount of training already — Saving you lots of time and work. Having said all that… There are Some Obvious Risks! Or perhaps due to health problems that developed. Some may have faced abuse and neglect leaving them with psychological scars. Behavioral problems are sometimes well hidden, and aggression may only surface in very particular situations only. But if you are patient, understanding and can inject some routine and love into one of these dogs lives, they can become absolutely wonderful pets. There are also different types of rescue center and animal shelters. You will be able to get a feel for the level of the center when you visit and how professional they are and the staff to dog ratios. The Process When rescuing a lab, a good, well staffed shelter will ask you to visit and spend time with your potential pet. They will have assessed the dog and will tell you all they know about the dogs history and temperament. They will ask you lots of questions to find out whether you and your lifestyle are a good fit for a Labrador. They will want to meet you and your whole family. They will want to see how the people the Labrador is to live with interact with it and how the lab interacts with them. And that your choice of dog is well suited to you and interacts well with you on visits will they eventually allow you to adopt. Rescuing a Labrador can be a very good choice as long as due care is taken to pick the right one. And you will earn many karma points for doing a very good deed. It is a massive risk to take a puppy from a litter like this. These dogs have more than the average number of inherited diseases and behavioral problems. So although you will be saving a bit of money compared to paying out to a professional Labrador breeder. Or you might even be saving a dog from being given to a rescue center and possibly eventually being put down. You just might be letting yourself in for some expensive surprises in the way of vets bills or behavioral specialists later. But having said that, of course many of these puppies do become very good pets indeed. In fact a few places in the world have now banned the sale of puppies from pet stores. In these places, dogs are often bred in poor conditions, sometimes kept in small wire cages and given very little chance to socialize and little if any personal contact with humans. Have you had any good or bad experiences of getting a Labrador from any of the places listed above? Is there anything you would like to add about the pros and cons of the various places you can get yourself a Lab? Please let us know in the comments section below and you just might help people reading this article to make the right decision! Related Article:. When you click an affiliate link and make a purchase from the merchant we will earn a small commission. That commission is paid by the merchant and not the customer. This does not affect the price of the products you buy. You can read our full affiliate disclosure by clicking here. Want to know how to buy a labrador puppy? We have a deep dive for you today with all the details you need to know before you move ahead. Labs are typically very friendly, loyal, and trainable. Labs have been a popular choice for years among families with kids and singles alike. Although just about any Lab will be a fantastic go-with companion, selecting a puppy is always a tough thing to do…they are all so cute and they all want a loving, forever home. You have some options. There are options and you should check them all out: Reputable dog breeders Local rescues These three are usually good Lab purchase and adoption sources. Also, classified newspaper or magazine ads and local organizations sometimes prove to be good sources. But, be careful! Not all pet ads are placed by honest or knowledgeable sellers. How To Buy a Labrador Puppy Buying from Breeders Buying from a reputable breeder is very important—there are some bad apples out there so get references and do a background check. The breeder should only sell dogs he knows to have clean pedigrees and zero health issues. Finding a Reputable Breeder Do your research. Check with local dog breed clubs or breed organizations. These organizations may offer a breeder referral service that can give you good breeder leads in your area. Also, ask for good breeder recommendations from other Labrador owners or local veterinarians. Discount those with any obvious red flags like negative reviews or no clear explanation about their services. Ask the Breeder After refining your list of potential breeders then ask the following friendly questions: Can I visit your facility and see the puppies and their parents? Do you have health and pedigree papers? What are your dog breeding business core policies? What kind of socialization and training do you give the puppies? What are your health guarantees, if any? What is your refund policy? An honest breeder will answer these questions. And, they will give you all the documents, including health certificates, at or before the time of sale. Walk away if the breeder has no papers or makes excuses for not having them. Buying any puppy is a big deal—only buy a healthy and well-adjusted puppy from a reputable breeder. Preparing for Your Puppy Preparing for a new Labrador puppy is an exciting time—it can also be overwhelming. Following are some things to prepare for your new Lab pup. Puppy-Proofing Your Home Before you bring the Lab puppy home, first make sure your home is puppy-safe. Think about it carefully—puppy-proof your home like you would for any baby. Excited puppies will pee so protect your valuables and be ready to clean up accidents. Puppies, like little kids, are curious and excited when they come to a new home. For a handy guide on pet-proofing your home. Do not buy a retractable leash, they are dangerous. Food and water bowls Choose non-tip pet bowls that are the appropriate size for your puppy. As the puppy grows get bigger bowls. Never give your puppy table scraps, left-overs, alcoholic drinks, sugar, salt, spices, or chocolate. Crate or carrier Buy a pet crate or carrier that is the appropriate size for your puppy. Use it for training, traveling, and napping only. It is not a dog house! Avoid cheap, foreign made pet toys. Do not buy artificially flavored or salty treats. Here are some important things to keep in mind: Puppy Temperament The temperament or disposition of your newly acquired Labrador puppy needs to be watched closely for any unwanted behavior. Things like nervous barking, growling, biting, or fidgeting are indicators that something bothers or frightens the puppy. In fact, before you even bring the puppy home, first observe his or her demeanor around littermates and when being handled by people. Then, think about the temperament you really want in a dog. Some Lab puppies are more forceful, playful, and energetic, while others are quieter, laid back and less active. Look for a puppy with clear eyes and a shiny coat. These are obvious signs that the pup is well-fed and not sick. Then, check for any outward signs of injury, infection or parasites. Check the other littermates to be sure the whole litter looks healthy and well-fed. You should notice things like normal size, eyes and nose, body temp, coat type, and coat color. If there are one or more fur white spots, then the pup is not a purebred. Be mindful that some coat colors may be temporary due to diet factors, skin allergies, or other temporary health issues. But, ask questions and do your research before buying. Buying the right Labrador puppy for you takes your careful consideration of several factors. Take your time and do your research to ensure you find the perfect furry companion for you and your family. Bringing Your Puppy Home After picking out your beautiful Labrador puppy—the time has come to introduce the excited pup to its new home. Here are some tips to help make this as smooth as possible. No by-products, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. The First Few Days Your new puppy may feel tense or even pensive about their new surroundings. After all, it is a big change from what the puppy knows. Expect the pup to mess on the floor once or more—oops accidents will happen, so be prepared for this—lots of towels, no anger. You have to give your Lab pup time to adjust and feel right in his or her new digs. Here are some things you can do: Make a quiet space for your puppy to rest and sleep. A crate is perfect for this. Have lots of toys and teething chews to keep your pup busy. Establish a routine for feeding, potty breaks, and playtime. Introduce your puppy to family members and other pets slowly and carefully. Be patient and understanding as your puppy gets used to their new home. Training Your Puppy Training your puppy is key to being a responsible pet owner. Here are some tips to help you train your pup: Start with basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement like treats and praise, never use punishment. Always be consistent with your commands, praise, and discipline. Establish a potty training routine for you and the pup—stick to it. Socialize your puppy in a puppy training class and a safe dog park. Bringing your new Labrador puppy home is a very exciting time. But, you need to be prepared and patient. Good preparation and training will help your puppy quickly become used to his or her new home. As the founder of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, he has transformed the lives of over , dogs and their families. Final Thoughts So today we have walked through the answer to the question, how to buy a labrador puppy? Always check out prospective sellers or breeders carefully. Make sure your puppy is from a reputable source, not a puppy farm. Be prepared for the time, effort, and expense that comes with raising a puppy. Lab puppies are a pure joy, but they need a lot of attention and care. You need to think about your lifestyle and living situation to be sure that you are a good fit for a Lab. Puppies grow into adult dogs—be prepared for that. The shelters are full of Labs that were abandoned because of owner ignorance. However, If you really want a great dog and raise your pup right he or she will mature into a happy, healthy, and well-behaved companion for many years to come. Instant Download Add your name and email below and the planner will be sent direct to your inbox. Send me the Planner! Print Looking for a new gun dog or duck dog? Many people start their search with good intentions. They want to find a good quality pup that will serve as a hunting companion as well as a family dog. However, somewhere along the way they end up just picking up a cute puppy that the family could not resist. Maybe, but it is a needle-in-the-haystack approach. While there is no guarantee that any puppy you bring home is going to grow into a well-mannered hunting partner, there are ways to stack the odds in your favor. Today, we are going to discuss the process I go through when looking for a new puppy. These are my opinions, so take it for what it is worth, but I do have extensive experience buying Labrador puppies. I have been doing this for over 30 years and I rarely have a puppy that does not work out. Research puppy litters I buy my puppies based on pedigree. I want proven working parents. This means that I want to see that either the mom or dad, preferably both, have AKC retriever field trial titles , AKC retriever hunting test titles or UKC retriever hunting test titles behind their names on an official pedigree. Be sure you see field trial or hunt test titles. Sometimes you will see AKC show titles or other titles like agility. These are NOT the same as field trial or hunt test titles and are generally not something you want to see on the pedigree of a hunting or competition dog. There are many places to search for litters on the internet. And many sites offer the ability to limit your search by state. However, do not be afraid to look for puppies further away from you. If the litter has a great pedigree and is exactly what you are looking for, you can always have the puppy flown or shipped to you. Some of the sites that are good for looking for litters are: retrievertraining. Again, I am not saying that great dogs cannot come out of these places but rather that the odds are not in your favor. Why are hunting titles important? Hunting titles tell you that the dog has proven its ability to perform at a certain level. It also tells you that the genetics are there. If the parents can perform at a Field Champion or Master Hunter level, there is a good chance the puppies will also have that ability. Do all your research prior to going to look at the puppies Everybody loves puppies. They are cute, cuddly and so lovable. That is why I recommend that you do not ever go look at a litter that does not already meet your standards regarding pedigree. It is just too easy to end up bringing one home. And if you have kids or a spouse involved, I guarantee that any litter you go look at you are most certainly going to end up bringing home a puppy. Does color make a difference? Well-bred puppies are available in each of these colors, and we have trained excellent hunting dogs in each color. However, you may now see litters advertised as fox red or white. These colors are not recognized by the AKC and you should beware of purchasing a dog based solely on color. In addition, there are now Labs being sold as silver, charcoal and champaign. These litters are technically not pure Labrador Retrievers. They are often referred to as dilutes because the genetics have been diluted to produce these colors. Many trainers will not train dilutes because of the many health problems and genetic issues that go along with these breeds. There are, unfortunately, people breeding pups specifically to produce a specific color without regard for temperament and the betterment of the breed. We prefer to stay away from litters that do not have a proven pedigree and have been breed specifically for color. In addition, our experience training dogs from these types of litters has proven to be a struggle. How much does a good puppy cost? For many people this is a defining question. So, a new hunting partner can be a significant investment. But for us it is worth it to stack the odds in our favor. Find a great retriever breeder Unfortunately, not all breeders are equal. Over the years, some breeders have stood out to us as exceptional. They go over and beyond just taking good care of the puppies. You can tell they really want their puppies to turn out great and they take steps, while the pups are very young, to help ensure their puppies have a good strong foundation that will help them succeed in the future. Beyond the breeding of quality dogs, the difference is in the socialization of the puppies. As I talk extensively about in Raising a Lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog , socialization is an essential key component in training a retriever puppy. Breeders that go out of their way to socialize young pups are worth their weight in gold. The truth is that raising puppies, done the right way, takes a lot of time and commitment. We specialize in training and prefer to let others specialize in doing a great job raising litters. Ask prospective breeder the right questions When you call and talk to a breeder about an upcoming litter, it is important to get answers to some important questions. If the pedigrees are not available online, be sure and request one from the breeder. How often do you breed? How often has this mother been bred? When looking for a great hunting dog puppy, you want to avoid puppy mills. Puppy mills are breeders that are just pumping out puppies for money and without concern to the overall health and betterment of the breed. Responsible breeders have a plan for the litters they are producing and will be able to talk to you about why the litter is worth the money they are asking. What breeds do you breed? Look for a breeder that specializes in Labrador Retrievers or whatever breed you are looking to purchase. What does your health guarantee cover? Responsible breeders will offer you a health guarantee for the puppy. While what this guarantee covers may vary, with Labrador Retrievers some of the things you want to make sure the health guarantee covers includes: Hip dysplasia Eye issues In addition, you may want to make sure that the parents have been genetically tested for other genetic diseases such as Exercise Induced Collapse EIC and Centronuclear Myopathy CNM. What do you do to socialize the puppies? Asking this open-ended question can give breeders a chance to tell you about the work they do socializing the young pups before they are ready to go home. Or, you may want to follow up with more specific questions such as: Are the pups exposed to children at all? Do you take the pups to different locations during the day? Do the puppies get outside time, what does that look like? The goal is to find out if the puppies are getting socialization and exposure to new and different things on a regular basis. Pups that get this exposure tend to adjust more quickly to their new homes and new situations later in life. Have you done this specific breeding before? How did those puppies turn out? Breeders that are working for the betterment of the breed, may breed a set of parents more than once. If this is a repeat breeding, it is likely that the breeder will know how previous litters performed in the field or in competition. Serious Labrador Retriever breeders often keep track of how their puppies perform as they age. Alternatively, you could ask for references and talk to previous buyers to find out what they think of the breeder and the puppy they bought. Should I meet the prospective dog parents? While some people might tell you that you should meet the prospective parents of the puppies, I do not see a lot of value in this. Some good breeders do not own both the parents. Often, they work with other breeders so both the Dam and Sire may not be onsite. And if you are basing your pup purchase off pedigree first, as I would recommend, you already know the most important things about the parents. If looks are important to you, then photos of the parents will show you what you need to know. Choose a retriever puppy from the litter Once you decide on a litter, the waiting begins. Ask the breeder to provide videos and photos of puppies as the grow. This is a great way to see the puppies progress and you can see some personality traits in the different pups. If you did all the work in researching pedigree and breeders, you already have stacked the odds in your favor. You know that the litter is a good one and that the puppies have a good chance of turning out to be great hunting partners. This is important because it takes a lot of pressure off when it is time to pick the puppy from the litter. When you do go to the breeder to pick your puppy, take a few minutes to observe the puppies. This will allow you to see some personality traits. Understand though that this is only one snapshot in time. The puppy that is active at this time, might have been sleeping right before you showed up. Or, the one that is sleepy may have been running around like crazy just minutes before. At Otter Tail Kennels, we often look for a puppy that likes people. A puppy that chases a child around the yard or runs to the owner when they walk away is attractive to us because we want a people-centered dog instead of a dog that prefers to spend its time with litter mates. But this is not an exact science by any means. That is why we rely on the fact that we have done our homework and know the entire litter has promise. Final thoughts on how to find a good Labrador puppy Any time you set out to buy a puppy, you do not know how the journey will end. There are a lot of unknowns. You cannot tell for sure what the puppy will look like as an adult, and you cannot tell if they will be a great hunter or a great family dog. What you can do is stack the odds in your favor. Find a great litter from a great breeder and select a puppy from that litter. Once you do that, you are on your way to having a great duck or gun dog. Then the next important step is to socialize, expose and train the puppy. Read how to do that here. Have questions about finding a great retriever for your hunting and family needs? I am here to help! You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs and services I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. How to find a good Labrador puppy. They are also very high energy. Labs are intelligent and well-tempered for becoming service dogs. You may have seen a Lab working as a guide dog or alongside a police officer. Labradors come in three distinct colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. There is no real difference between these sub-breeds aside from color. However, chocolate Labs and yellow Labs do tend to be favored as show dogs, while a black Lab is more likely to be raised as a hunting dog than a chocolate or yellow one. Labrador Retrievers are famous for being friendly and companionable to both humans and other dogs. This makes the Labrador an ideal breed to keep as a family dog. There are factors, however, which need to be considered before choosing a Labrador puppy. Bringing home a beautiful black Lab puppy? Check out hundreds of great black dog names here! The amount of maternal care a pup receives prior to adoption influences the adult temperament of your Labrador. A responsible breeder will not remove your puppy from its mother before it is ready. In the study, Labs belonging to extroverted owners had better social skills than those belonging to introverted owners. You may also look through your local classifieds for unregistered litters, although we do not recommend it. Even though Labradors are a generally healthy breed, it is important that both parents get screened for any health issues prior to breeding. Adopting from unregistered litters will also significantly increase your chances of encountering a puppy mill. No matter where you adopt from, it is essential that you meet both parents and access a history of good health for each parent before adopting a puppy from the facility. In other parts of the world, use the puppy search tool on the website of your regional kennel club or equivalent authority. You may also ask a local veterinarian for a reference to a quality breeder. Another option is to keep an eye out for someone with a purebred Labrador and request information on where they adopted from. Registered breeders use only top-of-the-line animals as parents. Puppies from responsible and registered breeders are given the appropriate amount of maternal care and not released to a new home until they are physically and mentally mature enough to do so. This lays the foundation for an affectionate and even temperament in adulthood. The cons of adopting from a breeder are higher costs and often longer wait times. Responsible breeders require a pre-adoption home check to ensure that their puppies are appropriately homed. You may also need to travel some distance to find the right breeder. Registered breeders usually breed a maximum of only twice per year. This maintains parental health and allows sufficient time for the puppies to progress. These breeders often have waitlists for upcoming litters before they are born, sometimes before the parents are even bred. While these practices maintain value, they also mean the puppies will cost a little more and take longer to bring home. Private Ads Private ads for puppies can be found in online classifieds or in your local newspaper. You may also spot them on the bulletin boards of various local businesses. The benefits of sourcing a puppy from a private ad is that the breeder is likely be located nearby, and the puppies will be available relatively quickly, if not immediately. The cons of taking this route is that you do not have pedigree parents to your puppy, and the risk of health complications down the road is much higher. Puppy farms will often advertise through private ads. For these reasons, we do not recommend sourcing a puppy through a private ad. Pet Shops We do not endorse purchasing puppies from pet shops, because the credentials of both parents and breeder cannot be provided. Parents of pet shop puppies may have been overbred, mistreated, or in less than optimal health. It is impossible to know without verified records. The puppies themselves could have experienced conditions and trauma that will negatively impact their behavior in adulthood, such as being separated from their mothers too soon or physical abuse. Avoiding Puppy Farms Puppy farms are unregistered breeding establishments that mass produce puppies in order to generate the highest amount of revenue. These farms, or mills, severely mistreat their animals and often produce puppies with little socialization skills and significantly increased health risks. To steer clear of these facilities, avoid pet stores, which often source stock from puppy farms because of the low cost. Also avoid any online advertisements for puppies at a low cost. If you do source a puppy from an online ad, call the breeder in advance and ask questions about the puppies, parents, and establishment to screen for any inconsistencies with industry standards. When you visit the breeder, if it comes to that, ask to have a look around and meet both parents in person. Is the space open? Do the parents look healthy? How many other dogs and puppies are there on the premises? Health Tests While Labs are generally healthy overall, it is important to confirm the parental health prior to breeding. If the breeder cannot show you certificates of health for both parents, adopting a puppy from those parents poses a risk for complications later on. The American Kennel Club recommends Labrador Retrievers get screened for: any hip and elbow defects that could indicate dysplasia heart disorders out of ordinary muscle weakness degenerative eye conditions. Make sure that the breeder can demonstrate certified health in each of these areas for each parent. The initial cost of requiring this level of screening for your puppy may be higher, but it will save you on veterinary bills down the road. Choosing Your Puppy Labrador Retrievers are friendly by nature and tend to get along well with other dogs. This breed very rarely shows aggression and must be provoked to do so. When it comes to children and other pets, a Labrador puppy would be a valuable family addition. Labs are companionable and socialize well. The Labrador Retriever is a high-energy breed and will need enough time and space each day to receive sufficient exercise. These exercise needs will continue to grow as your puppy matures. A Labrador is not designed to be an inside-only dog. This breed needs lots of activity to stay mentally and physically fit. Consider that your fully grown Lab will be between .We recommend that you take your Lab out for daily outdoor activities such as swimming and fetch. A Labrador that does not receive enough exercise time may rebel by engaging in destructive behaviors within the household. However, remember that the best-quality Labradors come from responsible breeders that produce only one or two litters per year. These breeders often have waiting lists due to high quality puppies and infrequent production. If you want the best which you should! Labradors are wonderful family dogs with lots of love for humans and other dogs. They are one of the lowest risk for health complications when properly screened, making them ideal as a long-term energy-filled companion. Considerations before jumping into the adoption of a Labrador puppy are how big your puppy will be when it reaches adulthood and the daily rigorous outdoor exercise it will require to keep it in peak physical and mental condition. Read more about Labradors here in our guide to Labrador lifespan! References and Resources Bray, E. University of Pennsylvania .Graham, L. Temperament and Personality in Working Dogs. CRC Press .Kuroshima, H. Kyoto University .Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:. Life Span Did You Know? Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. The Chocolate Labrador Retriever is not a distinct dog breed from other Labs, but it is a separate coat color variation that is specifically bred for. Similar to the other standard coat colors of Labrador Retrievers, Chocolate Labs are energetic dogs that get along well in a family setting. As a Retriever, they also make great hunting dogs and have also been known to fill other working dog roles including service dogs, guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and more. They are even one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units. A point of interest is that all modern Chocolate Labrador Retrievers can be traced to three specific Black Labradors that lived during the s. Chocolate Labs are industrious little pups. They were bred for retrieval and will often sniff about for something to get into. They are also one of the most affectionate dog breeds and absolutely love being with their favorite humans. Properly socialized and well-trained, Labs are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are famously even-tempered and playful. This makes them fantastic dogs for a growing family, as they tend to be gentle and patient with little ones. They can have a high prey drive. They usually do well with small pets within the family that they have been raised with or socialized around, but likely will still have the urge to chase other animals while out and about. They also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. After all, strangers are just more people to give them attention and play with them. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers may be high-energy dogs, but they are also highly adaptable. They will thrive in homes with fenced yards where they can run freely. They can adapt well to apartment living as well as long as they get plenty of daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. Their natural urge to dig and bark when they are bored or agitated can be quelled with a little training and exercise. Although they can handle some alone time, Labs love to be with their families and thrive on attention from them, so they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Chocolate Labs also have a water-resistant double coat that makes them well-suited for most habitable climates. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat. Although they can handle some cold and will likely love to play in the snow, they are not a snow dog breed and may need to bundle up while out on walks in areas with harsher winters. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chocolate Labrador Retriever can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hereditary myopathy, and heart disease. There is also a condition with a genetic link called exercise-induced collapse EIC , which can occur in young adult Labradors. Carriers of this can be identified by DNA tests and it is advised that breeders test for this and avoid practices that would produce the disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can quickly become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are incredible companions and are also one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Their energy can make them a handful at times, but their intelligence, adaptability, patience with people, and eagerness to please make them easy to train. Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds , so they pick up on things easily. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, a Chocolate Lab will do their best to respond as expected and will often exceed expectations. Chocolate Labs have a short, water-resistant coat that will shed year-round. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath are all that are needed to keep a Lab coat healthy and looking great. They may need baths more often if they are avid swimmers, go on a lot of outdoor adventures, and get dirty a lot. Floppy ears tend to trap dirt, moisture, and debris. Proper dental care for dogs is imperative to help prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease or tooth decay later in life. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with vet-approved dental hygiene chews. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds and need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough, but your Chocolate Labrador will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood and tend to maintain that puppy-like energy and maturity until they are years old. Swimming can be a great lower-impact activity and Labrador Retrievers are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water. Between that, their water-resistant coat, and webbed toes, you may have trouble getting your Chocolate Lab out of the water. Fully-grown Chocolate Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Chocolate Labs generally live for years on average. Fourteen years later, the American Kennel Club did the same in .Featured Chocolate Labrador Retriever Article. Life Span Did You Know? There is a reason that year after year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States. The history of the Labrador Retriever dates back to the early s in Newfoundland, just off the Atlantic coast of Canada. Had these families not played a vital part in the continuation of the breed, the loving and affectionate Labs we have all grown to love may not exist today. The first recognized Yellow Labrador Retriever was born in .One of the friendliest breeds out there, Yellow Labs are great companions and love to be a part of the family. While the color yellow is part of their namesake, their coats range from fawn or cream to butterscotch or a deep golden hue. Coming into popularity during the midth century, the Yellow Labrador Retriever has been a staple for hunters and family homes alike ever since. These dogs are patient and kind when faced with energetic young ones. Yellow Labs delight in big spaces, opting to run and play wildly. However, they will happily lounge on the couch after having a long, hard run outside. When given a little training, they can easily learn to control barking habits and restrain themselves from digging. Their double coat also makes them a good fit for just about any climate. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Generally speaking, Labradors are healthy. They can develop certain inherent conditions, along with cataracts and kneecap displacement, but will remain healthy overall. As long as they are taken to their vet appointments with regularity, Labs will usually feel just fine. Yellow Labs are loyal companions with few drawbacks. Treats never hurt, of course. This, paired with their eagerness to please, makes them a highly trainable dog breed that is a good fit for owners of any experience level. With minimal training, these dogs can control their barking and digging without much trouble. Labs have very short, double-layered, and water-resistant fur. Its density protects them from the cold, so they will often try to swim any time of year. They experience heavier seasonal shedding twice a year and slight shedding throughout the year. Giving them a good brush once a week or a few times a week should keep their coats shiny and healthy. Other grooming tasks include nail trimming, ear care, and dental care. Proper dental care for dogs includes brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day. This helps prevent the tartar buildup that causes dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. This breed tends to be very active. They were bred to be working dogs and need exercise. A few daily walks and some time to run should help assuage their energy levels. Yellow Labs also need a fair amount of mental activity as well; they like to stay sharp. Yellow Labs are classified as medium to large dogs. They reach an average height of 23 inches and an average healthy weight of 75 pounds. A Yellow Labrador Retriever generally lives years. It was traditional in Newfoundland for every fishing boat to have a Labrador Retriever that would help retrieve the fish as they came in off the trawl. Featured Yellow Labrador Retriever Article.

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how much does a german shepherd puppy need to eat - How do you decide which is the best Doodle dog for you? When I was trying to decide if a Doodle dog was the right fit for our family, I had many questions about the similarities and the differences between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. I weighed the Goldendoodle pros and cons and the Labradoodle pros and cons because I wanted to make the best decision for our pack. From my experiences and research, these two lovable Doodle breeds will respond to your positive parenting and make great family dogs. You want to wrap your head around the differences and similarities…so you can some day wrap your arms around a little teddy bear pup of your own. Wondering about Goldendoodles vs Labradoodles? First, the key difference between the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle is this… The Labradoodle is a hybrid or crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. A Labradoodle is a cross between a Poodle left and Labrador Retriever right. The Goldendoodle is a hybrid or a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. In other words, the biggest difference between the Goldendoodle and the Labradoodle is the parent breed heritage on one side of the family. A Goldendoodle is a cross between a Poodle left image and Golden Retriever right image This brings us to the biggest similarity between Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles have a Poodle parent on one side of the family. More on this in a minute. A hybrid or crossbreed is an intentional mixing of two different breeds to produce an offspring that is a blend of both. In other words, both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles have distinctly different parents. This is unlike purebred dogs who have parents of the same breed. These dog shows are conformation events for purebred dogs only. Also, because neither breed is a purebred dog it means they are not on the AKC breed registry. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are crossbreeds Also, both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are similar in that they may be some combination of the two distinct breed types. This combination is commonly called an F1B Goldendoodle. These numbers and letters are simply a way to distinguish the generations of Doodle dogs. This is the designation for crossing a first generation F1 back to a purebred dog. Basically, Goldendoodles are some combination of Golden Retriever and Poodle heritage. For more information on characteristics between generations, check out my article on F1 vs F1B Goldendoodles. Labradoodles are some combination of Labrador Retriever and Poodle heritage. The breed is classified as a sporting dog by the AKC—a group of dogs who are active and have natural instincts in the outdoors. Labrador Retrievers definitely shed coats, so many parents of Labrador Retrievers embrace the pet hair because there is plenty to spare! Labrador Retrievers are athletes—strong and sturdy. They require daily exercise for both physical and mental health. By understanding the Labrador Retriever characteristics—working, athleticism, affectionate—you can gain insight into the Labradoodle. A happy Golden Retriever The breed, which was originally intended to retrieve water fowl, often has a natural love for swimming and fetch. Among other qualities, sporting dogs tend to be naturally active and have natural instincts for the outdoors. For this reason, Golden Retrievers require daily exercise. Golden Retrievers have high-shedding coats in colors of golden—from light golden to reddish golden. As a reminder, the Golden Retriever is the parent breed of the Goldendoodle. By understanding the Golden Retriever characteristics—retrieving, playful, joyful, active—we have insight into the Goldendoodle. Poodle The Poodle parent breed to both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles is highly regarded for being highly intelligent, having amazing athletic ability, and sporting a distinctive low-allergen, low-shedding curly coat. In his urgent quest to find a guide dog for pet allergy sufferers, he crossed the low-shedding, allergy-friendly Poodle and the highly trainable, friendly Labrador Retriever. This is the widely accepted origin story of the Labradoodle. According to my research, there are a couple of different stories on the origin of the Goldendoodle. The other origin story credits Monika Dickens yes, related to the famous author, Charles Dickens with introducing the Goldendoodle in the s. However, the Goldendoodle did not grow in popularity until the s. Of course, as with all things related to hybrid dogs, everything can be taken with a grain of salt. This is because, there is more variety when crossing two very different breeds. In fact, if you have your heart set on a very specific size, color, coat type, weight, and personality of dog, you may find that a purebred is more your style. Labradoodle Health comparison: Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are similar in that they both may be susceptible to inherited or genetic conditions from their parent breeds. What conditions? According to Embrace Pet Insurance claims analysis on Goldendoodles and Labradoodles… Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles share hip dysplasia as a common health issue. Elbow dysplasia is a common health issue in Labradoodles. As a slight caveat, this information is not the result of a substantial scientific study, but rather based on claims. So, I rounded up three helpful tips for you: Choose a reputable breeder who is committed to the future of the breed. Reputable breeders use the latest health testing and genetic research methods to make sure their puppies have the best chances for living a happy, health life. Help your Doodle dog maintain a healthy weight. Establish a great relationship with your veterinarian. As part of your new puppy checklist , plan to take your pupper to the veterinarian within a few days of bringing him or her home. This way, you can start your puppy off on the right paw with the vaccinations and care they need. Then, plan to take your dog for yearly physical exams and well checks. Now that we have an overview of the similarities and differences in Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle health, what about personality? Temperament and personality: Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle A well-bred Labradoodle sometimes referred to as a Cobberdog is typically a smart, loyal, family dog. Due to their loyalty to their owner from the Labrador Retriever lineage , they tend to make better service dogs i. Labradoodles enjoy daily romps The Goldendoodle or Groodle is generally known as a smart, eager-to-please, and rather comical family dog. The Golden Retriever heritage typically makes Goldendoodles natural retrievers. They may like nothing more than to play a game of fetch in the backyard. They are ideally suited for a fenced in yard or place where they can enjoy energy burns. Due to the social nature of their Golden Retriever heritage, they tend to make better therapy dogs—dogs who provide comfort to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, etc. Many Goldendoodles enjoy fetch Neither Goldendoodles nor Labradoodles make good guard dogs. Also, both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles do well in homes that have fenced in yards, or a place where they can get daily exercise. Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are smart , which means they are quick to learn and enjoy mental stimulation and dog enrichment activities, toys, and games. If you give these dogs a job such as agility training, nose work training, or simply teaching them tricks, they will flourish. On the flip side, intelligence also means they are smart enough to come up with their own interests if they are bored. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles can vary greatly in size. The Poodle side of the family gets most of the credit for bringing such a wide variety of sizes to the mix. Purebred Poodles range in size from miniature to standard. This is why both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles can range greatly in size. This is logical when you consider that the parent breeds the Golden Retriever for the Goldendoodle and the Labrador Retriever for the Labradoodle are good-sized dogs. In very general terms, the smaller the dog, the longer the life. The good news is that there are things that you can do to help your pupper have the best chance to live the best life now and for many years to come. This makes sense if you think about the parent breeds. The Golden Retriever has a long coat while the Labrador Retriever has a short coat. Also, be on the look out for the Doodle puppy coat transition —a time when the coat changes over from fine puppy hair to the adult coat. BTW…you may want to check out my hack for using cornstarch for matted dog hair. That said, at adulthood the Labradoodle may have a slight edge over the Goldendoodle when it comes to a shorter, slightly easier-to-maintain coat. No dog is completely hypoallergenic. However, both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles tend to be more allergy friendly than high-shedding dogs like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. However, the purebred Poodle is the most allergy-friendly breed of all. For more, check out my article: Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic. Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles sport a variety of coat colors due to the Poodle heritage. The Poodle parent brings 11 official standard colors and 16 other color combinations to the mix. This is according to the AKC breed outline. Popular Poodle colors More specifically, here is a list of popular Poodle coat colors that Poodles bring to the family: Red. He wanted a breed that could excel in the rainy climate and rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands. Marjoribanks perfected the breed for over 50 years, keeping meticulous notes and records of his work. Bloodhound and Irish Setter were eventually added to the mix to produce the Golden Retriever as we know it today. It actually called Newfoundland home, being employed on fishing boats to help retrieve fish that fell out of the nets. Not only was this breed adept at retrieving, but its otter-like tail, that can be used much like a rudder, and its short, dense, weather-proof coat made swimming in the icy Canadian waters an easy task for this breed. Poodle Breed History: While commonly associated with the French, the Poodle actually originated as a duck hunter in Germany over years ago. Eventually, Poodles made their way from the lake to the life of luxury as they were the breed of choice by French nobles, and eventually royalty across all of Europe. To this day, the Poodle is still the national dog of France. The Toy Poodle started in the United States in the early 20th century to be a city-dwelling companion dog. It is likely one of the most modern Doodle breeds, only dating back years. On top of that, the gender of the puppy and the genetics of the parents play important factors as well. Double Doodles are rarely, if ever, bred from Toy Poodles. A Miniature Double Doodle will weigh in at around pounds and stand roughly inches tall. The Standard Double Doodle, will weigh approximately pounds and stand about inches tall. A minimum of brushing once per week is required for Double Doodles, with the ideal frequency being every other day if not every day for more curly-haired dogs. Are Double Doodles Hypoallergenic? Do Double Doodles Shed? While this can be true, due to the unpredictability of genetics, there is no guarantee that any particular Double Doodle dog, or litter of dogs will be hypoallergenic. However, due to the genetic diversity from crossing these breeds, the result may be a lower chance of developing these inherited health concerns. Some of the more common genetic disorders to be on the lookout for in the Goldendoodle Labradoodle Mix include Patellar Luxation, Elbow Dysplasia, and Retinal Dysplasia. Due to the cost of treating these common health concerns, we highly encourage all dog owners invest in pet insurance. We recommend getting a free online quote from Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. Good with both children and pets, these dogs love to meet new friends and socialize. Double Doodles are highly trainable and quick to catch on to new commands and tricks. Double Doodle Dog Breed Activity Requirements: The Double Doodle dog requires moderate exercise, with a good portion of that being devoted to socializing and playtime. Minimum minute walks are needed on a daily basis as well. Labradoodle Goldendoodle Mix Pictures. Goldendoodles are also a healthy breed in general. Common health problems include Eye problems, Predisposition to some cancers Hip and elbow dysplasia Both the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle have a similar life span of between 10 to 15 years. The smaller the Poodle mix the longer the lifespan. Miniature Goldendoodles and Miniature Labradoodles can live for even longer than the year average. Food Consumption Comparison for Goldendoodle Vs Labradoodle The decision of which diet to feed your puppy is for you to make. The advice of your vet or fellow breed owners may help guide you. There are no strict rules about which diet is best for your dog. Breeders I interviewed believe that both dog breeds will do well with good quality dry food. It will meet all their nutritional needs. It will also help keep their teeth in good condition. Both dogs will have different requirements for total food volume based on their weight. Typically a Goldendoodle consumes cups of dry food per day. Labradoodles have the same guideline. If a Goldendoodle coat is curly, you can look for a few early signs to help tell the coat type of your Goldendoodle. Owners suggest that Labradoodles on average consume slightly more food than Goldendoodles of the same weight. Every dog is different however so I would not put too much emphasis on this factor when choosing a dog breed. Both breeds tend to eat a lot if given the opportunity. If you have a miniature dog then pick up the dog and step on your bathroom scales. Then weigh yourself again without the dog and figure out the difference. For large dogs visit a large pet store or your local Vet. They usually have a pet scale you can use for free. Some owners report that their Goldendoodles are prone to food allergies. For these dogs creating a diet that is free from wheat, corn, soy, and dairy products is important. The best option for them is often dry grain-free foods. A key to consider is that the first ingredient on the list should be meat. Food allergies often present with skin irritation for Goldendoodles. A commonplace for irritation and itchiness from allergies is the soft skin in-between the paws. If your Goldendoodle is licking its paws or biting its paws this can be a sign that a food sensitivity is occurring. Which is better for families? There is a reason why the two breeds are very popular, that is because they are intelligent, adorable, and family-friendly. We all want to get a perfect dog for our family, and it is natural to be concerned about making the wrong choice. The age of any children that the puppy will be in contact with can be considered when comparing Goldendoodle Vs Labradoodle dogs. Although both breeds are similar — some owners of both breeds report the following Goldendoodles may be better with younger children, particularly visiting toddlers and strange younger kids Their enthusiasm and love for life suits active young children Labradoodles can be an excellent energetic match for young teenagers and older teens Goldendoodles are sometimes too energetic for shy children and this must be considered. Goldendoodles also sometimes share their excitement by barking — which can either startle children or disrupt sleep. These traits are true of all dogs of any breed and should be taken with a grain of salt as anecdotal experiences though a quick browse of the Goldendoodle Vs Labradoodle subreddits show the same trends repeating. Are Goldendoodles or Labradoodles better with Separation anxiety? Separation from owners is an issue in the busy modern world. Picking either a Goldendoodle or a Labradoodle requires a time investment. You need to be there for your dog or arrange some company. Separation anxiety is common for both breeds. It is a dead-tie between the two. Both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are prone to barking, panicking, crying or whining if left alone for long periods of time. There are strategies to limit excessive barking from separation anxiety. The only real solution is keeping your dog company. Labradoodles are social animals and should not be left outside for extended periods of time. So Which Pet Is best? Goldendoodle Vs Labradoodle? It is obvious that both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are great pets for individuals and families. They are loyal, loving, intelligent, and friendly. They are willing to please, which helps enormously with training. Each Poodle Mix will present different kinds of personality traits separate to the physical traits. These guides can help you make a decision between two very similar breeds. Based on your experience — which dog is your preference? Who wins the Goldendoodle Vs Labradoodle showdown? Do you have thoughts on which would suit your family best? Goldendoodle What's the difference between a Labradoodle and a Goldendoodle? The Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle are both designer dogs brought into the world with the perfect mixture of qualities from their parents. The main difference between the Labradoodle vs. Labradoodle Labradoodle vs. Well the parentage of these fluffy cuties can vary quite a bit, what with Goldendoodles being the result of a Golden Retriever and either a Toy, Miniature or Standard Poodle. Goldendoodle looks, size differences, coat and colouring. Labradoodle vs. The slightly trickier part of the Goldendoodle parentage is that they can have a Toy, Miniature or Standard Poodle parent alongside the Golden Retriever side. Standard Goldendoodles i. Those mixed with Miniature Poodles can weigh between 35 and 50 pounds, and those mixed with Toy Poodles can be as iddy as 20 pounds - cute! To make things simpler, we can refer to each of these Goldendoodle types as Standard, Miniature or Toy Goldendoodles. Any Labradoodle weighing under 13 pounds and growing up to 11 inches tall is often classed as a Teacup Labradoodle. The second smallest is the Toy Labradoodle, growing to between 14 and 16 inches tall, weighing in at a very cute 15 to 20 pounds. Then we have the medium Labradoodle, who can weigh up to 40 pounds and grow up to 20 inches tall. The largest Labradoodle, i. Goldendoodle Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle coat differences Like Golden Retrievers and Labradors, Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are born with different coat types with varying consistencies. Curly-coated Goldendoodles Goldendoodles with a curly coat are more likely to be hypoallergenic, like many Doodle dogs which also means less hoovering. Golden Retriever and Goldendoodle As with many Poodle mixes, the Labradoodle coat varies a fair bit as well, and when it comes to full grown Labradoodles vs. Labradoodles can be found with a hair coat which is straight , and like their Australian Labradoodle cousins, they can also be found with wool and fleece coats. What do these all mean, though? Hair-coated Labradoodles Hair-coated Labradoodles are less common and tend to resemble their Labrador Retriever parents more than their Poodle parents. Labrador Retriever and Labradoodle Goldendoodle vs. Goldendoodle coat colours. Usually patient with children and other pets Trainable Adaptable So a double doodle with ancestors from these breeds is likely to be the same again. Some areas in which Poodles differ from Labs and Goldens are: Friendliness towards other dogs. Labs and Goldens usually love other dogs, whereas Poodles are more likely to remain disinterested and aloof. Poodles are also more likely to be protective of their home, and bark at unfamiliar people who approach it. Some double doodle mix dogs may also inherit these traits. Training and exercising your Goldendoodle Labradoodle Goldendoodle Labradoodles are usually very responsive to training and easily motivated to take part in training games. All of their ancestral breeds were working dogs, so breeders selected only the most adept and trainable dogs as sires and dams for the next generation. Double doodles from working lines as opposed to show lines are particularly quick learners, but this is often coupled with a big appetite for mentally stimulating tasks like training games and puzzle toys. They are good companions for runners and cyclists, because they possess athleticism and stamina in spades. A miniature Goldendoodle Labradoodle mix needs a similar amount of exercise, but they might struggle to keep up with on long runs or bike rides. In which case a big yard, or daily access to hiking trails or a dog park will be a better match for their needs. We all want a healthy pet who will enjoy many uncomplicated years with us. The main health problems facing Golden Lab Poodle mix dogs are: Orthopedic conditions including hip and elbow dysplasia. This is particularly true in big Goldendoodle Labradoodle crosses. Eye problems including cataracts and a type of hereditary blindness called progressive retinal atrophy. Immune-mediated skin problems triggered by an allergic reaction to something in their diet or environment. Ear infections. Thyroid disease. Labradoodles and Goldendoodles being considered as stud dogs or dams should be health tested for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems at a minimum. Good breeders will already have proof of the results of these tests before they open a waiting list for puppies. Always ask to see copies, and walk away from breeders who make excuses for not performing them, or not sharing the results. Goldendoodle Labradoodle Life Expectancy The average life expectancy of all three breeds contributing this double doodle combo is 12 to 13 years. Doodles with long, non shedding coats need regular brushing to prevent tangles that tug painfully at the skin. Brushing also lifts out dirt and debris, and helps keep their fur clean. For easier maintenance, most people with long haired dogs book them in for regular salon visits, to have their coat washed and clipped to a manageable length by professionals. Shedding coats also need brushing to lift out dirt from walks. They are likely to shed moderately all year round, but twice a year they may shed heavily. Do Goldendoodle Labradoodles make good pets? Double doodle mixes like the Labradoodle Goldendoodle mix can be great pets in the right home. This mix is likely to be placid and tolerant around children as an adult, but bear in mind that bouncy puppies are a different kettle of fish altogether! Young children should always be supervised with dogs of all ages and sizes. A boisterous big Goldendoodle Labradoodle mix pup is especially likely to unintentionally hurt a small child. Your young dog will need lots of your attention for activities like training and playtime. This is great if you have older children and teenagers who can help out. But it can be overwhelming if you still have babies and toddlers. Goldendoodle Labradoodle puppies Poodle mixes of all types are a popular choice of puppy mills, who keep breeding females and their litters in terrible conditions. Puppies raised in these environments are more likely to have expensive long term health issues, and challenging behavioral problems. Our Puppy Search guide can help you navigate the process of choosing a good quality puppy, including recognizing which breeders to avoid , and knowing which ones you can trust. Including feeding , potty training , crate training , learning to be alone , and setting up the foundations of good basic obedience. Two of the most popular doodle crossbreeds are the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle, both of which make excellent additions to the family. The Labradoodle combines the traits of a Poodle with the playful temperament of the Labrador Retriever, while the Goldendoodle blends the qualities of a Poodle with the affectionate nature of the Golden Retriever. Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle, which Doodle breed is best for you? Temperament Looking for a lovable companion? The Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle are two poodle mixes that fit the bill as they inherit desirable characteristics from both parent breeds. Since the Labrador is often calm and affectionate, the Labradoodle has the same traits. As a pet, the Labradoodle is bound to make you smile with its extroverted personality and strong desire to spend time with human family members. Both breeds are highly intelligent making them great family dogs, but this also gives them the potential to be trained as service dogs or therapy dogs. Labradoodles also have a sixth sense about what is happening, making them well-suited for busy homes or homes that get a lot of visitors. The standard Poodle and Golden Retriever are among the most intelligent dog breeds, so the Goldendoodle is a smart pooch capable of figuring things out quickly. Due to its intelligence and extroversion, it is important to set boundaries for this breed early on; otherwise, the Goldendoodle may have difficulty reigning in its energy level and enthusiasm. Coat When comparing the Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle, the most distinctive difference is the coat. Purebred poodles have tightly curled hair, which gives them their distinctive appearance. In contrast, the Labrador Retriever has a coarser, thicker hair follicle. Golden Retrievers have a thinner hair follicle, but more hair overall, so they tend to have a fluffier, wavy look. Golden Retrievers naturally have cream, caramel, gold, or red colored puppies, but Poodles come in all colors, so Goldendoodle puppies can be those colors plus black, chocolate, parti, brindle, merle, etc. Popularity Due to their attractive appearance and desirable personality traits, both the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are extremely popular. They are especially popular among people with allergies, as with proper breeding, they should shed much less than other breeds. The lack of shedding means these dogs are far less likely to trigger allergic reactions or symptoms. Grooming Labradoodle Grooming Due to differences in their coats, the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle have different grooming requirements. Labradoodle puppies need to be brushed regularly, as their adult coats often do not grow in until they are approximately a year old. Labradoodles should be groomed in a specific way, especially if you want your dog to maintain its trademark Labradoodle appearance. For example, the groomer should use a long blade to trim the bulk of the coat. The Labradoodle is meant to have full-looking legs, so the groomer must be careful not to trim off too much hair. Goldendoodle Grooming Goldendoodles also need regular grooming. When trimming the coat, you have a few options when it comes to length. A short cut is also more comfortable during the dog days of summer. You could even give your Goldendoodle a layered look by cutting the hair so that it tapers down to the legs. Training Labradoodle Training Their high level of intelligence makes Labradoodles fairly easy to train, as a Labradoodle puppy is quick to learn new commands and has a strong desire to please its human companions. Initially, Labradoodle training should focus on building a positive relationship between you and your dog. Your Labradoodle needs to know that it can trust you, so avoid yelling or making gestures that could be interpreted by the dog as threatening. During the first training session, establish yourself as the leader of the pack. One way to establish yourself as the leader of the pack is to be careful not to give your dog too many treats. A treat should only be given when your Labradoodle follows a command. Otherwise, your dog will not understand its place in your family, and you may have trouble getting it to follow your rules. If you have children, make sure they know how to handle a puppy. Otherwise, your pup is likely to display undesirable behaviors as a response to stress. Setting expectations helps ease anxiety and ensures that your canine companion knows what to expect while living with you. When you start training your Labradoodle, one of the most important things you can teach it is to wait patiently. If you teach your dog to wait, you can avoid jumping and other undesirable behaviors in the future. The best way to accomplish this is to show the Labradoodle you have a treat and then ask it to sit and wait. If the dog runs toward you, paws at the treat or jumps on you, take the treat away. Only give your Labradoodle the treat if it sits and waits for you to take action. Otherwise, your dog will think it can get what it wants by displaying undesirable behaviors. Goldendoodle Training Due to the similarities in their personalities, the training methods for Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are fairly similar. To socialize your Goldendoodle, take it to a local dog park or look for a puppy playgroup in your area. In a pinch, you can also invite friends and family members to come to your house and meet the dog. Just make sure everyone you invite knows how to interact with a puppy without scaring it or coming off as overly aggressive. Once your dog is comfortable, start introducing it to new people and new circumstances. A hiker with a backpack, a person on a bicycle and someone wearing a hat are all people your dog should meet, as your puppy needs to get used to people who look and smell different from you. Like Labradoodles, Goldendoodles are usually quick to catch on when it comes to learning new commands and following the rules. Just be sure to establish that you are the pack leader or your Goldendoodle may decide that it would rather have fun than listen to you when you tell it to get off the couch or stop jumping on people. Goldendoodles need consistency and structure, so try to do a training session at the same time each day. Once your Goldendoodle has been socialized and learned basic training commands, try walking or hiking together to help the dog use up some of its energy. The size of a doodle depends on whether you have the standard, miniature or medium version. Standards typically range from 21 to 23 inches high for females and 22 to 24 inches high for males. Miniatures are tiny, as they are typically 14 to 16 inches high. Mediums are slightly smaller than the standard version, with females ranging from 17 to 19 inches high and males ranging from 18 to 20 inches high. The miniature version can weigh as little as 15 pounds or as much as 30 pounds, while the medium Labradoodle typically weighs anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds. Follow the link to read our guide to learn how big do Goldendoodles get? Lifespan As a mix of the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever, a Labradoodle can have health problems that are common in either breed. Labrador Retrievers and Poodles often develop hip dysplasia. With proper care, the typical life span of a Labradoodle is 15 years, making this breed an excellent choice for a long-term companion. Our guide on the lifespan of a Goldendoodle will be really helpful to understand that breed. Since Goldendoodles are part Poodle, they may also develop hip dysplasia as they get older. Eye conditions and a narrowing of the aortic valve are also possible, as these conditions are associated with Golden Retrievers. Again, working with a reputable breeder can help you reduce the risk of these problems, as quality breeders are vigilant about using only the best dogs for breeding purposes. Goldendoodles have an expected life span of 10 to 15 years. Quality is important, as good breeding practices can help you avoid common health problems and ensure you get to enjoy many years with your new companion. This is why you should always work with a reputable breeder. Feel free to contact us today to learn more!