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Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! This comes at no extra cost to you. As a new Golden Retriever puppy owner, you may be wondering about when important puppy milestones happen, such as: When do they lose their puppy teeth? When do they stop growing? When do they finally stop biting? When do they sleep through the night? These puppy behavior stages and developmental milestones will differ from individual to individual, but this timeline can give you a general understanding of what to expect with your puppy. Day 1: Puppy is born You could also call this the best day ever. After carrying the pups for about 9 weeks , mom is ready to give birth! The average litter size for Golden Retrievers is 8. Their eyesight is very limited, and their soon-to-be-brown eyes are sometimes blue when they first open them. And as you know or will soon find out , they are very sharp. The puppy kibble is soaked in water, mashed up, and introduced to the pups. They work up to eating solid food about four times per day while still nursing from their mother. Because puppies need to complete weaning, most breeders wait until the puppies are 8 weeks to 12 weeks old before they send their pups home with their new owners. You can also start training them at this age the best way to stop bad habits is to not let them start! Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet here! The biting phase is one of the toughest behavior stages for puppy owners. Golden Retriever puppies lose their baby teeth at around 4 months of age. Sometimes he would be chewing and then start to play with something on the floor. Most of the time when that would happen we would find a tooth laying there. This depends on the gender and your individual dog. And this is definitely a conversation to have with your vet, as spaying or neutering your Golden Retriever too young can have adverse health effects. Females are typically inches tall, while males are inches tall. It becomes their undercoat. At one and a half years old, Goldens have typically grown out their full coat. Related article:. Wrapping Up Are you ready for an adventure full of puppy cuddles, tail wags, and slobbery kisses? We remember those days with our now six year old Golden Retriever, Glee , very fondly. This ultimate guide is packed with everything you need to know to help ease the transition for you and your family and help you raise a happy and healthy Golden Retriever puppy that is almost 3 months of age. Golden Retriever Mom is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Training time with our Golden Retriever puppy — sit, stand, down are all within reach early on! One of the first things to do is to identify and remove any potential hazards in your home. This includes toxic plants, electrical cords, cleaning supplies, and sharp objects. Start by removing dangerous things or substances your puppy could swallow or touch. Secure any loose wires or cords, and place valuables out of reach. Next, create a designated safe space for your golden retriever puppy. This area should have plenty of room for your puppy to play and explore and a comfortable bed Read our blog post to find the best dog beds for your Golden Retriever puppy! Make sure to include some puppy toys and che w s to keep them entertained. Remember, your new golden retriever puppy is still a baby and will need lots of attention and care. By taking the time to puppy-proof your home and creating a safe space for your pup, you can ensure they start its new life with you on the right paw. Puppy Care for 11 Week Old Golden Retrievers Caring for an 11 week old golden retriever puppy can be a rewarding but challenging experience. Here are some tips to help you get started. Feeding Your Puppy One of the most important aspects of puppy care is providing your furry friend with proper nutrition. Feed your Golden Retriever puppy small meals multiple times daily at this stage. Choose a high-quality puppy food that is specifically formulated for their growth and development. We used these foods when our our Golden Retriever puppy was young and were thrilled with the results on her health and wellbeing! Regular brushing, bathing , dental care, and nail trimming maintain good health and hygiene while keeping your puppy looking and feeling its best. Make sure to brush their coat weekly to prevent tangles and mats we use Dua l -Sided Dog Shedding Blade , and bathe them once a month with a gentle dog shampoo. The Vibrac shampoo is designed for hypoallergenic dogs. These grooming practices will help your Golden Retriever puppy stay healthy and happy. Your veterinarian will be able to provide the necessary examination of your new furry family member to ensure they are growing and developing properly. Basic Training for Your 11 Week Old Golden Retriever Training plays an important role in growth when it comes to raising an 11 week old golden retriever. Not only does dog training teach basic commands, but it also helps shape their behavior and temperament. Start by setting a regular training routine for your puppy. Consistency is key in dog training, so aim for daily sessions for 1 to 2 hours. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come, and gradually progress to more complex ones as your puppy becomes more comfortable with the training process. Reward your puppy with treats we recommend Dr. Always avoid using punishment or physical force, as this can lead to fear and aggression in your puppy. In addition to basic commands, consider enrolling your puppy in a puppy training class or hiring a professional trainer. This can provide valuable socialization opportunities for your puppy and help them develop good behavior habits. Remember, training is an ongoing process, and being patient and consistent with your puppy is very important. With time and effort, your 11 week old golden retriever will become a well-trained and well-behaved companion. When it comes to training, having the right tools can make a big difference. Consider investing in training aids like clickers, treat pouches, and training collars, as well as a harness that will help secure your pup check out our top harnesses here. Bones offer long-lasting entertainment for your pup and help keep their teeth and gums healthy by removing plaque buildup and tartar — two common causes of dog gum disease. However, chewing on bones is helpful in removing plaque as well. One of our favorite bones for our Golden Retriever, Glee, is the Benebone. These bones are durable and last for days while having relatively little splintering. You can also entertain your Golden Retriever by filling a Kong toy with tasty treats. First, put some dry treats in the Kong and let your pup play with it to get the food out. Once they understand how it works, you can make it more challenging by wetting the treats down or putting in peanut butter! For an even greater challenge, freeze the Kong with some treats and a few blueberries or strawberries in moderation. Your Golden Retriever will be occupied for hours! It is a process that helps your puppy adjust to new experiences and environments, develop good behavior, and become a well-rounded dog. In this section, we will discuss the importance of socialization and provide tips on socializing your puppy. Why is Socialization Important? Socialization helps your puppy become comfortable and confident in different situations. It also helps prevent behavior problems such as aggression or fearfulness later in life. Socializing your puppy at a young age will help them become well-mannered, friendly, and happy dogs. The key to socializing your puppy is to expose them to as many new experiences as possible, including other dogs, people, and environments. Introduce your puppy to new things slowly and carefully, using positive reinforcement techniques. Here are some tips for socializing your 11 week old golden retriever: Start with familiar faces: Begin socializing your puppy with familiar faces such as friends and family. Allow them to interact with your puppy gently, and reward positive behavior. Puppy playtime: Schedule playtime with other goldens or puppies. Observe the playtime to ensure your puppy is not overwhelmed, and praise good behavior. Introduce your puppy to different environments: Introduce your puppy to different environments such as parks, streets, and markets. Allow your puppy to explore, but keep a close eye on them. Use positive reinforcement: Praise and reward your puppy for positive behavior during socialization. This will help your puppy learn to associate new experiences with positive outcomes. Remember, socializing your 11 week old golden retriever is an ongoing process. Make sure to continue introducing your puppy to new experiences, people, and environments as they grow older. Following the tips in this section can help your puppy become a well-trained and happy dog. And if you are looking for more extensive training, consider an online dog training course. Our Golden Retriever Glee getting ready for some training treats on our chair! It helps your pup build strong bones and muscles, improves their coordination and balance, and reduces the risk of obesity and other health problems. Regular exercise can help your puppy burn off excess energy and prevent bad behavior like chewing and digging. A good rule of thumb is to aim for around minutes of exercise two to three times a day. Start slow and gradually increase the intensity and duration of the exercise. When playing with your puppy, provide plenty of toys and activities that are safe and appropriate for their age and size. Provide your puppy with plenty of interactive toys, like puzzle feeders or chew toys, to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated. You can also play games like hide and seek, or practice basic training commands like sit and stay. Take your puppy for short walks around the neighborhood, a nearby park, or a dog-friendly beach. Keep your puppy on a leash or in a secure, fenced area to prevent them from running off or getting into dangerous situations. Common Health Issues in Golden Retriever Puppies As a responsible pet owner, you should be aware of these common health concerns in Goldens so that you can take precautions and seek treatment if necessary. Eye issues can include cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy. Skin allergies are abnormal immune reactions to certain allergens that can be caused by various factors, including diet and allergens. It can be prevented through proper care and regular grooming. Ear infections are inflammation of the ear canal or middle ear. You can avoid ear infections in your puppy by regularly cleaning their ears and avoiding excessive moisture. Hip dysplasia and eye problems can be genetic , so choosing a breeder who checks for these issues is super important. Refer to the Golden Retriever Club of America website for a list of reputable breeders. Regular vet check-ups and preventative measures can help keep your puppy healthy and reduce the risk of developing health issues. Wrapping Up Bringing home an 11 week old golden retriever puppy can be a rewarding experience for you and your new furry friend. This article covered the basics of puppy care, training, socialization, exercise, and playtime. We emphasized the importance of puppy-proofing your home, providing proper nutrition, and establishing consistent training and socialization routines. Following these guidelines can help your puppy grow into a happy, well-behaved adult dog. Remember, puppy care and training require patience, consistency, love, and attention. Owning an 11 week old golden retriever puppy can bring endless joy and companionship into your life. Take the time to continue learning about puppy care and training to provide your puppy with the best life possible. We hope this article has provided helpful information to get you started on your journey with your new furry friend! If you want to learn more about raising a golden retriever beyond the 11 week old Golden Retriever puppy, check out our guide to raising a 12 week old Golden Retriever. A: At eleven weeks, it is recommended that a Golden Retriever puppy start a consistent feeding schedule of three meals per day. It is essential to choose a puppy food that is high in natural protein. Q: How can I tell if my golden retriever puppy is healthy? Q: When should I start training my golden retriever puppy? Focus on basic commands like sit, stay, and come, and use positive reinforcement techniques. Q: How much exercise does my golden retriever puppy need? A: Puppies need exercise and playtime to support their physical and mental development, but avoid over-exertion or activities that could harm their growing bodies. Aim for short, gentle walks and supervised playtime indoors and outdoors. Q: How do I socialize my golden retriever puppy with other dogs and people? Share this:.

Social media has increased its popularity, as we can often see mixed breed puppies on Instagram and praise their beauty and cuteness. One such dog is the Boxer Beagle mix. You might not even think this dog is actually possible and available. But this hybrid dog has been quite popular among families with children in the past several years. The offspring of a Boxer parent and a Beagle parent is energetic, cheerful, and lively. In any case, it is a perfect combination of a fun-loving, loyal, and athletic puppy. These dogs are great family pets. Temperament can vary, depending on which parent breed is more dominant in the genes. Yet, it is a guarantee you will get an energetic, affectionate, and playful puppy in your home. They are great for families with children, preferably older children. Yes, they will play with the family, but they might get annoyed by the young and jumpy kids. Meet the parents Boxer When it comes to the Boxer dog breed, we all know some of the main personality traits. Those are loyalty, affection, intelligence, and good looks. They are among the most athletic dogs in the canine world. Their beautiful looks and stature are well-documented. Standing at 25 inches, Boxers are a large dog breed that is athletic and beautiful. And then you have that wrinkled forehead that gives them an alert and curious look. Here are some common personality traits: Intelligent and high-energy dogs They are playful dogs that want to stay busy Loyal to the bone, they love to be in the company of their owners They will guard their family, but they are friendly around strangers They will rarely bark, usually when they bark, there is a good reason for that Beagle Beagle is the second parent breed in this combination. And it is another loyal, playful, and energetic breed. This dog is known as the happy-go-lucky canine. Bred for hunting purposes, Beagles still retain their excellent sniffing ability, but they are more family pets nowadays than hunting companions. Because they were bred to hunt in packs, they remain easygoing and enjoy the company of others. Here are some common personality traits of the Beagle parent: Amazing sniffing ability Friendly around other animals, even cats Loyal, they stay close to their human companion Because they are needy, they might develop separation anxiety Easygoing and funny Appearance Now we get to talk about the Boxer Beagle mix and its appearance. Generally speaking, this medium-sized dog grows between 23 and 25 inches. It is a bit smaller than its Boxer parent, which is a large dog breed. They weigh between 45 and 60 lbs. Yet, there is no standard set by the American Kennel Club. They will have wide and big-sized heads and long tails. As athletic dogs, they have broad chest and well-balanced posture. They have a short coat since both parents have such a coat. As for their coat color options, they can be quite fun and amazing. You can find this puppy in tan, black, brown, and white colors, as well as a mixture of these colors. Temperament When it comes to your Bogle puppy, it can inherit the personality traits of both purebred dog parents. And given that Boxers and Beagles have a similar temperaments, you can expect a playful, cheerful, alert, social, and loyal puppy. They are also funny and clownish. You can expect hours of amusement and entertainment. Given that their Beagle parent is known for its nose and natural sniffing instincts, Bogles are also good at it. This canine is also protective of their humans, and while they do not bark often, they can bark at strangers. You also have to remember that because of the Beagle lineage, they can howl like other hounds. While these dogs are weary of those they do not know, they are quick to warm up. Your Bogle puppy is easy to train and is unlikely to develop behavioral issues. But if they are not trained and socialized early on, they can get aggressive, especially toward strangers. The good news is that the Beagle Boxer mix will take little effort to train. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your hybrid dog. Get some dog food, and you can go a long way. Make sure to use sniffing and scent to your advantage. Beagles love to sniff, and you can play games with dog food at home and outside. Start with obedience training as soon as possible. One thing to note, do not ever try to scold them when they do something wrong. This might make your family dog grow to resent you and it makes dog training sessions harder and more challenging. Exercise Needs Boxers and Beagles are not high on the smartest dog breeds list , but they are quite intelligent. It is just a different type of intelligence. These dogs are not as eager to please as a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever, for example. You have to use their instincts to your advantage. And by that, we mean using sniffing. Remember, these are agile and athletic dog breeds that need quite a lot of exercise. Generally speaking, your Bogle puppy needs between 30 and 60 minutes of physical exercise and mental stimulation per day. Because they are athletic, they make a great companion for hiking, jogging, or similar outdoorsy activities. Health One of the reasons why designer dog breeds have been popular lately is their lifespan. On average, your Beagle Boxer mix will live between 12 and 15 years. This medium-sized dog has fewer health problems than its purebred parents. Yes, the Boxer parent is prone to health issues like epilepsy, intervertebral disk disease, cardiomyopathy, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, allergies, and so on. But with a mixed breed , these risks are of lower percentage. Grooming Some of the big selling points of the Boxer Beagle mix are beauty and affection. They have short coats, which means low shedding. Brush your puppy once per week to remove dead hair. They will shed more during the winter. As for bathing, we do not recommend frequent baths, since your dog is prone to skin issues and allergies. Bathing will make matters worse. Two times per year is more than enough. This breed is prone to mental health issues like neurosis, which can require quite a lot of maintenance. Yes, the Boxer breed is low maintenance dog , but this mixed breed might be prone to neurosis There is a lot of unpredictability, particularly in terms of physical characteristics Because of its varying size, it might be challenging for most households Top 3 reasons to get Boxer Beagle Mix You get an active dog that will make a great companion to a family with an active lifestyle Easy to live with, this loving and caring family dog is easy to train Amazing beauty, your Beagle Boxer mix is athletic and gorgeous Facebook. He is known as a designer dog, which are the offspring of two purebreds. Beagle and Boxer mixes are mostly first-generation crossbreeds. The idea behind crossbreeding stemmed from a desire to take the most appealing characteristics from each purebred parent and produce an ideal pup from the combination. This crossbreed combines the muscular body of the Boxer and the good familial instinct and the unique, strong sense of smell of the Beagle. The Beagle We can trace the origin of the Beagle to 5th-century Greece, where it was used for hunting small game. The small hound later came to America with the help of General Richard Rowett in and became popular among game hunters as well as families. Beagles remain well-loved pets even today. These charming canines got their name because of the way they use their paws whenever they jump, play, or fight. They were first seen in Munich in and came to the US in the early s. Is the Boxer-Beagle crossbreed officially recognized? This crossbreed is one of the most sought-after and popular dogs to date, so it has been recognized by different dog clubs. What does a Beagle Boxer mix look like? The Beagle Box has physical features that hint at both its Beagle and Boxer ancestries. They are an energetic, athletic breed with a muscular, medium-sized built. They may have a square-shaped, wide head and a shorter muzzle like the Beagle or a thinner and longer face like the Boxer. Get a better look at this crossbreed through this video: How big does this crossbreed get? A full grown Boxer Beagle mix stands between 13 to 30 inches 33 to 76 cm in height and weighs around 20 to 80 pounds 9 to 36 kg on average. These are well-built dogs, with a consistent muscular formation. They are perfect companions for people looking for a reliable and active pet. Does the Beagle and Boxer mix have a thick coat? Neither the Boxer nor the Beagle has a thick coat, so the Bogel is unlikely to have this feature. His coat tends to be sleek, short, and smooth, with a dense texture. What behavior should I expect from the Bogle? When it comes to its temperament, this crossbreed has a good mix of the personalities of the Beagle and the Boxer. The Beagle Box has a high sense of loyalty towards their family, so expect him to stick to your side whenever possible. He has a friendly, gentle demeanor and enjoys being around a lot of people. You may discover that your Bogle likes to jump on people as a greeting, but, with the right training, this habit can be nipped in the bud. Every breed possesses both good and bad traits, so it is essential to train your Beagle-Boxer hybrid at a young age. Proper training will help it become a well-mannered member of the family. At a young age, these dogs should be included in socialization opportunities to foster good relationships with all members of the family and to temper his restlessness and distrust of strangers. Boxer-Beagle hybrids tend to get along better with older children. For safety, younger kids need to be supervised when interacting with these dogs. These sweet crossbreeds should never be bothered when they are eating or sleeping. Boxer-Beagles are also not tolerant of cats and will not hesitate to show it. Is the Beagle Boxer mix a barker? Boggles can be protective when it comes to his owner or family. These dogs tend to be wary of strangers, making him an excellent watchdog. However, this dog will easily warm up to them the minute he knows that the stranger is a friend. How much grooming does a Boxer Beagle mix need? The Boxel dog is quite convenient to care for since he only needs a minimal amount of grooming. When it comes to shedding, he has a coat that sheds moderately to low amounts of fur. Winter is when he sheds the most. Make sure to use a dog shampoo for sensitive skin. It is important to keep his ears dry and clean after baths. Their ears need to be cleaned weekly to avoid ear infections. Nails should be trimmed monthly. You can either do the trimming yourself or have a pet groomer do it for you. How much activity does the Boxer Beagle mix need? Given the hunting background of their Beagle parents, Boggle dogs are known to be active crossbreeds, and their boundless energy might leave you breathless. This crossbreed enjoys playtime and is a great outdoors enthusiast. Boxels need 45 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, whether in the form of walks, jogs, or visits to the dog park. Canine sports like agility , flyball, and dock jumping help them burn off their energy. Games like fetch and treasure hunts are other good ways to keep him active and healthy. Given his great jumping abilities, he would be safest in a fenced yard. Most Boggles are diggers, too, due to their Beagle parentage. Your best bet to keeping your puppy safely contained is to use a wireless fence for your yard. How to train Beagle Boxer mix puppies The Bogel is an intelligent dog, thanks to his equally smart parents. He is easily trained, and, as long as you are calm and consistent, he will be receptive to your commands. You can start your training with fetch since he loves to run and chase after things and he is a natural when it comes to tracking. Training is a vital part of the life of such an active dog, and we cannot overemphasize the importance of teaching good behavior during their puppy stage. Bogles respond well when their interest is stimulated and kept high at all times. You should employ a variety of training methods and combine them with rewards and praise. Positive reinforcement will produce better results, as the Boggle loves to please his owner. He does not respond well to harsh treatment. The firm but gentle correction will let your pup know that you mean business. Exposing him to new environments makes him more adaptable. Common health problems for the Boxer Beagle mix The Boggle is likely to inherit a few health concerns from the Boxer and the Beagle. These health conditions include: Intervertebral disk disease. Even though this mix is more current, its parents have been around for thousands of years. They have an incredible sense of smell. During the 11th century, William the Conqueror brought the beagle to England, and in , General Richard Rowett brought the breed to America where it became popular with hunters and families. Humans only have 5 million if that gives you any idea! Besides their love to hunt, their loyalty, family companionship, as well as friendliness makes them an excellent breed. So much so, that The American Kennel Club named them 6 on their most popular dog breed list of , and we named them 8 of the 50 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the World. The Boxer Boxers have an unusually shaped head— but it served them a purpose back in their hunting days. Along with superiorly strong teeth and jaws, their snouts are supposed to be half the length of their skull, making it easy for them to catch prey in their mouth, hold onto it until their owner arrived, and breathe through their nose the entire time. The boxer is thought to have been around for even longer than the Beagle, dating back to around B. E as war dogs in the Assyrian Empire. However the modern versions we know today were first noticed in Munich in .As direct descendants of the extinct German Bullenbeissers, a Tibetan line of mastiffs, they arrived in the U. They were primarily used for hunting large dangerous animals, like bears. But eventually, they were bred for family life and used as guard dogs. Their name comes from their signature paw movement whenever they play or fight. Overall you can expect your bogle to be between inches in height and pounds in weight. .Most often though, they range from pounds and are between inches tall— perfectly resembling a medium-sized dog. They Have a Good Lifespan Bogle mixes can live up to years, which directly correlates with their medium size and fewer health problems as a mixed breed. At the end of the day, these dogs are great for families with older children, but may not be well suited for those with young children as they can get easily annoyed with young, jumpy kids. However, if you raise your boggle puppy and young children together, they will respond much better. You might also find it a good idea to train your dog to fetch, as his beagle nose makes him a natural at tracking. But if properly cared for, these dogs should reach maximum life expectancy. They should be brushed once every 1 or 2 weeks and bathed with sensitive shampoo every few months as to not disrupt the natural oils of their coat. To avoid ear infections, keep their ears dry after baths and try to clean weekly. As you can see, boxers have very short, fine hair. They can shed quite a bit sometimes, and their darker fur makes it even more noticeable. Be prepared to brush your boxel and be aware that their coat can get quite oily at times. Beagles can be prone to obesity, so make sure to regularly watch food intake and weight. You can also put them in sports like agility, flyball, hiking, and dock jumping to get any extra energy out. Boggles also need adequate amounts of brain stimulation through games like treasure hunts and find the treat in the kong. It caters to their natural tracking abilities and love of chasing! Between playing fetch, running up and down our hill, and bounding down the stairs, her energy levels will probably never fade. You can expect your boggle to be similar. So before you go looking from a breeder, check your local shelter. You may just find one! Their playful and energetic personality means lots of laughs and fun for everyone. If anything, these funny compilation videos of their parents say something! This also means they can get adequate amounts of exercise without you having to put in huge amounts of effort. Our boxers absolutely NEED a large backyard to enjoy life. They just have so much energy. Be kind to your boggles! Their shape will vary greatly as well. Boxers are more muscular whereas beagles are leaner, so your boggle could look more or less like each depending on the traits he receives. But usually, you can find them with broad chests, short and muscular legs, a long tail, and long, droopy ears. At the end of the day, the beagle-boxer mix is perfect for outdoorsy and active families. Conclusion Appearance Boggles are muscular with long bodies and drooping ears. Their coat is smooth and dense with moderate to low shedding. Considered a medium-sized dog, as mentioned above they are usually lbs and inches in height. Their coloring may be black, white, tan, brown or any combo of these. Boggles can inherit any of the traits belonging to their purebred parents. They are known to be playful, cheerful, alert, social and loyal. They can also be quite funny and clownish in their antics, and therefore will provide you with hours of amusement. Due to their Beagle ancestry, Beagle Boxers have sharp noses and natural instincts when it comes to tracking and hounding. This makes them great police dogs due to their ability to detect narcotics. The Boxer lineage in the Boggle makes him prone to having an aggressive personality. This is why socialization with children, people, and other animals at a young age is imperative. Jumping on people can be an issue with this breed, but through proper and consistent training, this tendency can be stopped. Boggles are very protective of their humans, and although they do not bark often, they will bark if a stranger approaches the home. How should Beagle Boxers be cared for? Boxer Beagles are energetic dogs and need an outlet for all of their natural energy. Daily minute walks are recommended. They will also benefit from having a fenced in yard where they can run around freely. Boggles require weekly cleaning of their ears because they are prone to ear infections. They also need to be brushed every other day and should be bathed only when necessary using a sensitive dog shampoo. Due to their activity level, it is important that they are fed adequately to keep them energized throughout the day. Their daily food requirement is cups of high-quality dog food. What is the best way to train your boggle? The Beagle Boxer mix is a smart dog, and he will quickly understand commands and behaviors if given consistent training. This breed does not respond well to being treated harshly, so patience is required throughout training. As with most breeds, it is important to begin training as soon as you bring your Boggle home. Establish the rules, keep it simple and remain constant. Your new companion will become confused if you do not provide consistency in training. Simple and direct commands are a good starting place. Due to the Beagle heritage, fetch is a good training technique to do initially. Their natural tracking abilities, and fondness for chasing will help them learn quickly; therefore, they will understand further commands quicker. During training, it is important to be firm and show that you are the leader, but positive reinforcement, such as treats for good behavior, and encouragement will garner better results than anger or punishment. Boggles do have a stubborn side and will try to challenge you, but it is essential that you remain calm and steady in your training. Check out this adorable video of a Boggle playing, relaxing and riding in the car. Health Concerns As with temperament, Boggles could inherit the health concerns common to either of their parent breeds. These concerns include the following: Eye problems. Boggles can be slightly food aggressive and distrustful toward strangers. You can limit or even completely avoid these behaviors if you begin proper training early on. However, introducing this breed to children later on in their lives can be problematic. This is an important thing to keep in mind if your family is still growing. Some of Their Ancestors Are Extinct You know the Boggle is a mix between a Boxer and a Beagle, but what you may now know is that the Boxer is a descendant of a now-extinct breed called the Bullenbeiser. Hopefully, these breeds are here to stay! They Have Very Extensive Ancestry Although the Boggle was first popularized in the early s, the Beagle parent breed dates back to the 5th century! About 1, years ago Beagles were prominent in Ancient Greece and were being used as hunting dogs. However, they would be wrong! Like all other traits, the Boggle inherits its likelihood to bark and howl from both parents, but they tend to resemble their Boxer parents more in this regard who bark only as a means of protecting their family and home. You can expect your Boggle to bark if people approach your home or knock on the door, but they are otherwise fairly quiet dogs. This breed may be medium-sized, but their love of roughhousing is more representative of a larger dog. Are These Dogs Good for Families? If socialized early you should have no problems with children, but this breed will always prefer to be around grown-ups. As far as their relationship with adults goes, your pup will fit right in! Boggles love being around familiar people, so the bigger your family, the happier your pooch will be. This breed is also high energy, so multiple people living in the same household with them is often ideal, especially if it means someone will always be at home with them. Because this breed gets its moderate-to-high prey drive from their hunting ancestors, you may want to avoid this breed if you have cats or other small pets, and especially rodents. You should expect to feed your Boggle two to three cups of food every day, and this quantity can be split up into two or three meals. Because this breed can vary quite a bit in size, you should speak with your vet about your individual dog to avoid under- or over-feeding. While these dogs have no specific diet requirements, you should choose a quality, high-protein commercial dog food formulated for medium dogs with high energy levels. These dogs will need about thirty to forty minutes of exercise every single day. To maintain proper health and to dissuade destructive behavior, you should plan on a vigorous walk or run each day in addition to their regular play and backyard frolicking. Given their activity levels, many people who enjoy the outdoors will opt to take their Boggles on hikes or nature walks. This breed tends to be wary of strangers, so early socialization is a must. Teaching this breed that strangers are friends too is critical. You should plan to brush your Boggle with a wire brush once a week or so, and this is mainly to keep their coat clean and to cut down on shedding. This breed does shed but not nearly as much as many other dogs. However, being aware of the issues that your dog can have is important to help catch them early and treat them as needed. Minor Conditions. In one of these shelters, there is a possibility that one of them is a Boxer crossed with Beagle looking for a new lovely home. Here are some reliable shelters and rescue groups you can contact. You can try www. This is why owners of this dog breed are expected to know the basics of maintaining its well-defined features to a certain degree of elegance while keeping in mind the charm of the dog. However, what sets this crossbreed as different from other designer dogs is that it is medium to low maintenance. The Beagle combined with Boxer is a medium to low shedder, and winter is when it sheds the most. While they maintain lowkey shedding, their hair and coat need weekly brushing to remove dead hair. As regards to bathing and shampooing, they only will be done at least two times a week so as not to remove the natural and essential oils that the skin of the pup produces. Frequent baths will render the hair brittle and dry. The ears must also be a focal point of the cleaning, and must be regularly checked for signs of nasty infection and nails should be trimmed frequently. Note, when trimming their nails need, one needs extra care and precision so as not to cause bleeding and prevent bacterial infection. You should also start introducing your Beagle combined with Boxer to proper grooming at a young age such that you will not have any problems to keep the dog clean and neat as he or she grows up. Boxer combined with Beagle Health Problems All dog owners must note that all crossbreeds are prone to an array of health issues from their purebred parents. Nevertheless, it is also possible that the offspring not be vulnerable to these diseases. While the Beagle is generally healthy overall compared with other active dogs, the known ailments to plague this purebred are glaucoma, patellar luxation, central progressive retinal atrophy CPRA , epilepsy, hypothyroidism, chondrodysplasia, cherry eye, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca KCS. The Boxer, on the one hand, is a dog that is known to procure ailments when it reaches adulthood such as heart disease like aortic stenosis , hyperthyroidism, gastrointestinal issues, hip dysplasia, neurological diseases, and eye diseases. Depending on its genetically favored parent, the Boxer mixed with Beagle would be prone to these diseases: Gastrointestinal issues: A particular focus on the diet of your Beagle mixed with Boxer should be observed to help prevent a lot of internal gastric problems that the crossbreed would potentially encounter in its latter adult years. Avoid constantly changing dog food and observe him in his travel outdoors since he might ingest something he is not supposed to eat for example, stray squirrels, dead birds, etc. Consult a veterinarian for a healthy diet and never stray away from the orders of the doctor Hip Dysplasia: A lot of crossbreeds with a Beagle parent suffer from this, and the Beagle crossed with Boxer is no exception. A focus on exercise and diet high in meat and glucosamine is recommended to prevent Hip Dysplasia complications. Ear infections: When you bathe your Boxer combined with Beagle, make sure to clean its ears thoroughly. Since it has long droopy ears, it would be best to cover all areas especially the back. Bacteria is easy to cultivate around this area so make sure to check it as often as you can. Observe the odor of the ears: it should not smell as bad, because if it does, there might be some bacteria. You should carefully pick the Boxer and Beagle parents from the local breeder. Boxer mixed with Beagle Food Requirements To keep this dog fit, the right amount of food must be administered each day. Because of their active lifestyle, the Boxer beagle mix needs a high-protein diet. Dry dog food containing meat, fish, and chicken is highly recommended. If you have a pup, best puppy food brands will provide your pooch with everything they need to reach their full growth potential. If your dog is an elderly citizen, vitamins and minerals in best senior dry dog food will help to keep their coat sleek and their bones less brittle. Make sure to also introduced complex and healthy carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and brown rice to his diet to keep his energy levels up. If you give your pooch treats, make sure they are healthy. Administering of treats and scheduled feeding patterns must be intertwined with free-feeding at least once per week. This is done to make sure that your Beagle combined with Boxer does not overeat and lead to obesity. The focus of your feeding pattern must be to make sure you do not overfeed your crossbreed, and this is why the free-feeding must be inserted. The veterinarian will be able to carefully indicate the nutritional and dietary needs of your Beagle combined with Boxer according to their weight and size. The right amount of vitamins and minerals for your dog must be determined in consultations with the veterinarian, but you can choose the right kibble yourself by browsing these handy dry dog food for small dogs and best large breed dry dog food guides. Owners should focus on purchasing dry dog food rich in glucosamine or chondroitin. Here are some examples of the dog food available in the market: Dog For Dog Food : This notable dry dog food rich in glucosamine. The multiple protein sources from this dry dog food provide a healthy balance of amino acids, supporting muscle development and maintenance. Plus, it would be a flavorful change of palette for your dog with the natural flavors it possesses. Lastly, it has high levels of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids for diet control along with a hint of Vitamin E to help maintain a shiny and healthy skin and coat. It is made a good choice for average dogs for stocking them up with muscle fibers. This works well with regards the joint health because without strong muscles the bone would remain to be susceptible to problems. Its main ingredients, among other things, are salmon meat high in glucosamine , real beef, and chicken, perfect for a Boxer Beagle mix to enjoy. Wellness Core Dog Food : This dog food consists of blueberries, apples, chicken, spinach, and carrots. This is perfect for your Boxer crossed with Beagle because of the nutrients it provides for your crossbreed. SmartBlend One: One of the essential benefits from this Purina One product is its ability to provide a rich and delicious diet for your pup. It also keeps at part with scientifically advanced food safety protocols to make sure it does not cause many problems to your dog. As such, lean and robust muscles would be gifted to your dog with its high-protein enrichment. The ingredients from this dog are made from sustainable and trustworthy sources made with no grain, corn, wheat, filler, or any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Boxer combined with Beagle Exercise Requirements The Beagle mixed with Boxer is a good option for owners wanting a medium to a large sized dog that needs hours of daily activity. You need to at least take your crossbreed to a walk a couple of times a day with around 30 to 60 minutes of outdoor time. If you have more time at your disposal, you can enroll your dog in canine sports programs like flyball, agility, and doc jumping to help them burn off their energy. However, a simple game of fetch or treasure hunts is recommended to those with limited time and only have about an hour per week. If you are not the type to have time to join him for activities, you can introduce him to interactive dog toys like Animal Sounds Babble Ball, Hide-A-Squirrel, or Trixie Flip Board all available on Amazon. Its temperament would not be much of an issue to any dog owner, much less those with families to tend to. You would also not face any problems having this dog out of its cage or out in the yard during family gatherings or parties. Not only is it pretty to look at, but others might also find this dog a sweet and caring one to play with.

Our passion for this unique and beloved breed is evident in every puppy that we raise. From their sparkling eyes, to their wrinkled faces, and their short, stocky legs, English Bulldogs are truly one of a kind. At Dazzling Bulldogs, we take pride in carefully selecting and breeding only the healthiest and most beautiful bulldogs to ensure that each and every puppy we raise is nothing short of perfect. Let us help you bring a little bit of dazzle into your life with one of our adorable bulldog puppies. Visit our website to learn more and find your new furry family member today. We are a family breeder, All of our bulldogs live inside our home and our loved as family pets. Every litter we have is hand raised inside from birth. Our Website was created to help educate animal lovers about our favorite breed, The English Bulldog. WE specialize in rare colors and Merle English Bulldogs. Dazzling English Bulldog Puppies for Sale We keep a waiting list for our puppies and have an application process to assure they go to a loving stable environment. Our English Bulldogs are all our pets and are our family members. The English Bulldog breeder you decide to go with can be the best or worst decision when looking at an English Bulldog puppy for sale. .We make sure to only feed the best food and breed genetically healthy lines. Pick your breeder carefully and as a result, you will be assured of the healthiest English Bulldog puppy having the least amount of issues. When you purchase a puppy from Dazzling Bulldogs, you will have lifetime advice and guidance any time day or night. Fur Ever Family Dazzling Bulldogs was created solely to unite loving companion puppies with owners who need them as much as they need us. If you have any questions please feel free to call us directly at the number below. We would love to speak with you and guide you in the fun and exciting process of finding your newest family member! Show me the Puppies Get ready to fall in love with Dazzling Bulldogs, the premier English bulldog breeder that is dedicated to providing the ultimate bulldog experience. Questions about Bulldog puppies for sale in Orlando FL? We have answers. How much are Bulldog puppies for sale in Orlando FL? First off, each of the Orlando Bulldog Breeders will set a price for their pups which is partly affected by their experience and reputation. Secondly, the color and markings of each individual pup can affect their price, as can unusual eye colors like blue. What if there are no Bulldog breeders in Orlando near me? In fact, you can even arrange to pick up your new dream pup at your nearest major airport! How do you check Bulldog breeders Orlando? Our standards are pretty high when it comes to accepting new businesses into the Uptown network. Our mission is to showcase only the best pups from the companies with the highest standards of welfare and quality. You can check out our Breeder Pledge for more information. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other networks with Bulldog puppies Orlando? That means you know that every business listed on our network has a great track record of producing the best quality pups. What are puppy mills really like? The conditions in these mills are pretty unpleasant, with female dogs forced to have multiple litters of sickly pups every year. Sadly these pups often have serious health or behavior issues. Are there any Bulldog puppies for sale Orlando right now? We have to tell you that you might want to take all these little cuties home. Those cute little wrinkly faces were made to melt hearts! What sort of dogs are Bulldogs? Bulldogs have come a long way since their original purpose of herding cattle. The Orlando Bulldog for sale at Uptown would rather chill out with their family, preferably on the couch, than engage in too much activity. How big does a Bulldog get? Height wise, Bulldogs are a medium-sized breed, so a Bulldog Orlando pup will end up at around inches tall when fully grown. One thing all Bulldogs love is their food, so you will need to take care not to overfeed them, despite those pleading looks. Are Bulldogs good to train? Do Bulldogs make good family dogs? They definitely do. Their sweet and affectionate natures mean they just love spending time with all members of the family, both young and old.

My Dogs are family to as with that being said we are looking for them to have the same nothing less they will be potty trained well manors and full of love to give there new Family. Will keep posting pictures of them as they grow. Have some pictures of previous litters so have a idea how or what they will look like and mom as well. Buy Now Golden Puppies Adorable, cuddly, sweet. Everything you want in a pet. Each have their own great personality. Easy to train. Already potty trained. Buy Now Golden retriever puppy Hello, this is Cooper. He was born April 23rd, We had bought two and unfortunately this gentle soul is not happy here. Our other golden is high maintenance and constantly bothers him. She bullies him to a point where he's afraid to go through a door because she's waiting to pounce on him. He's an epitome of a golden. He loves the park and plays work all of the other doggies. His sister hates the park and hides. It's the only time she leaves him alone He will make a fantastic addition to a family with no other dogs. Or at least, laid back dogs. This is heartbreaking for me. I love this dog so much. He loves walks and cuddles. We can't do any of that with his sister around. My heart hurts for him. He'll crawl up on the couch and she'll run and push him down to be next to me. I have to do what's right for him. Not for me. He is a purebred golden retriever. Here has his papers from the breeder. We just haven't turned them in yet. I hope you'll give him a chance. A loving and caring home. View Detail For sale 5 mo. Must sell, owner has asthma and allergies. Cape coral, fl View Detail Pure bred golden retriever It pains me to do this but I have to get rid of my golden retriever I had him since he was 12 weeks old he just turned 3 back in June .Full of energy never bites jumps but the friendliest dog. He has all his shots just took him for his annual check last month In October he just got a self inflicted wound on his head I have all papers. Ready to go to a loving and caring home Sept 19th. Serious inquires only please. You can contact us at xxx-xxx-xxxx or xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx. We look forward to hearing from you. I have 2 available with paupers all shots vet certificatd View Detail 11 weeks golden retriever Female Golden Retriever, 11 weeks. He is very loving and playful, good around kids Eats solid dog food We are selling him for lack of time to take care of him Contact me directly for more info on xxx-xxx-xxxx View Detail Golden power Born in December 4, all in good health have CKC registered. Shots and deworming have only 3 females lefty. We currently have a litter of ten, beautiful, healthy puppies! They are so sweet and very adorable. The puppies come with full AKC registration, are vet checked, dewormed, and have had their first vaccinations by the time they go to their forever homes! The parents are so blocky, sweet, and gorgeous. We can't wait to speak with you! Contact Taycie xxx-xxx-xxxx. They are brother and sister and are spayed and neutered. They are up to date on all their shots and come with a1 year health guarantee. They are the perfect puppies looking for the perfect home. Call or text today xxx xxx-xxx7 for more details. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. About Us At Abundant Farms, we put our love for puppies and their future owners into all that we do. Our Story Thank you so much for expressing interest in one of our fur babies. We understand that when purchasing a puppy knowing who and where you are buying from is just as important as selecting your pup. We lived in and built our business in beautiful, sunny SWFL and are excited for the opportunity to continue to serve our client base in Fl, all while expanding and creating new relationships here in AL. We have worked for years to purchase and acquire some of the best European lines. We believe in the importance of completing recommended health clearance on our parents, which we believe help to give our pups a strong genetic base. Our lines are filled with healthy, extremely smart dogs. Many champions from around the world can be seen through our linage, but most of all our Goldens are known for their love of people. When you purchase from us you are an extension of our family. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and your family.

This will allow your veterinarian to become more comfortable and familiar with your dog, making it easier for them to detect unusual changes. Aside from vet bills, pet insurance is an important investment that most dog owners tend to ignore. You may not be able to avoid employing the services of pet daycares, dog walkers, and others if you are going out of town or busy with work. These kinds of services are becoming increasingly popular these days. Your pet will be cared for by trained pet handlers at pet daycares. Travel Expenses: If you enjoy traveling with your Golden Retriever, you may need to pay some extra fees because many hotels do not allow pets. Dog Training: This breed has a high level of intelligence. With the right puppy training, your puppy should be able to learn a variety of tricks. Basic obedience training and socialization are important for a growing Golden puppy. Emergency Medical Treatment: Medical emergencies cannot always be avoided. Of course, these scenarios typically come at a high cost. This breed is recommended to visit a professional groomer once every 8 to 10 weeks. All these potential expenses are optional, except for emergency medical treatment. You can learn how to avoid these fees entirely as you go, which will save you even more money if you want to be practical. Make sure to talk to the breeder before adopting or buying, as not all breeders have the best intention for their puppies. They also raise funds for canine health research. Their puppies are sold with a contract for neutering or spaying as well as a registration from the American Kennel Club. This means that the quality of their dog is in their best interests. Sun-Golden Kennels — This Golden Retriever breeder operating in Wisconsin raises all of their dogs in their home, so the temperament is fairly balanced. They allow their dogs to run around inside their home and sleep beside their bed to socialize with them. They also involve them in activities such as playing ball, hiking, and swimming with other dogs. The rescue organization also houses other breeds such as the Labrador Retriever and mixed breeds like the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle aside from Golden Retrievers. Their dogs are ready for adoption and have undergone health screenings, rabies vaccinations, heartworm vaccinations, deworming, neutering, and flea and tick treatment. This shelter is open to long-distance adoption in collaboration with other regional rescue groups, as long as the adoptive family meets specific guidelines and conditions. These fees are usually used by rescues for vet bills, registration papers, and other expenses for their dogs. You can also check out our compiled list of reputable Golden Retriever breeders and rescue organizations that house purebred Golden Retrievers to help you with your search for your perfect dog. You may also want to read our ultimate dog adoption guide to ace your adoption application at any of the rescues listed above. Here are some money-saving tips for Golden Retriever owners: Make your own food and treats. Instead of buying store-bought dog food and treats for your Golden, you can learn how to make them yourself. Recommended dog food for the Golden Retriever includes chicken , healthy whole grain meals, approved veggies and fruits, and unseasoned and natural ingredients. Consider home grooming. Grooming a Golden does not have to be a difficult chore. Grooming Golden Retrievers cost a fortune when brought to a professional groomer. Your dog does not require as much grooming as many other breeds. The simple task of brushing and combing their coat will keep shedding under control and the buildup of mats and tangles at bay. Bring them to the vet regularly and keep an eye out for accidents. Because vet bills can be pricey, you must ensure that your Goldie does not suffer from any significant illnesses or injuries. Try training your own dog. Paying for dog trainers may cost you more money. If you do not want to participate in dog shows or contests, it is preferable to train your Golden yourself. This would save you a few bucks while also providing a bonding opportunity for you and your Golden. Choose quality dog supplies. It is recommended that first-time dog owners get high-quality products for their dogs. Choosing a cheaper item may end up costing you more in the long run because you may need to replace it on a regular basis. You can save money where you can, but make sure your Goldie receives the care and attention it deserves. Always remember that a healthy dog is a happy dog. A healthy Golden Retriever is not hard to maintain. With the right mindset, you could keep your pooch in tip-top shape while saving money. Keep in mind that expenses may vary based on the lifestyle you keep for your Golden. By ensuring their good health and condition as well as applying practical money-saving tips, raising a Golden Retriever is not a difficult task. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. It is also important to understand there are different types of golden retrievers which may affect pricing. For example, if you decide to choose the lowest golden retriever cost option, those puppies almost never have the necessary 3rd-party assurances or veterinarian procedures like dewormings, vaccinations, health-tested parents, or a thorough health checkup. These missing costs and services will be your responsibility, making the total cost ultimately the same. Not to mention the added stress on you these extra expenses and issues create! Adopting vs. Please note that depending on the shelter, you may have to pay additional costs for your Golden certain shots and procedures. Depending on if the golden retriever is a boy or a girl may affect the price as well. Some male vs female golden retriever differences may make you prefer one over the other. This will ultimately save you time and money on your golden retriever price because breeders often pay lower veterinary rates than individuals do. Distemper, for example, is a highly contagious disease that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems of dogs. Unfortunately, there is no cure — just a lot of expenses and stress which really adds to the overall cost of your Golden Retriever puppy. It is wise to ask your vet for guidance on this decision. Talk with your vet about the procedure, when you should get it done, and how much it might cost. Dental Care for Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers, like many dogs, can be prone to dental issues such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. These cleanings typically involve scaling, polishing, and potentially extractions if necessary. Some insurance providers offer optional dental coverage as an add-on or as part of more comprehensive plans. If dental coverage is included in the policy, it typically covers a portion of the costs associated with dental cleanings, extractions, and other necessary dental treatments. This typically includes services such as bathing, brushing, trimming, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and sometimes additional services like de-shedding or dematting. Some groomers may offer package deals or discounts for regular appointments or bundled services. This monthly expense may seem like an additional cost, but it can be a worthwhile investment when considering the potential savings on veterinary bills for treatments, surgeries, and medications. By having pet insurance in place, you can ensure that your Golden Retriever receives the necessary care without straining your finances in the event of unexpected health issues. Puppy Training and Socialization Classes Attending puppy training and socialization classes is highly recommended for the comprehensive development of your Golden puppy. These classes provide structured learning environments, social interaction, and essential obedience training. By enrolling your Golden Retriever puppy in these classes, you ensure they receive the necessary foundation for good behavior, social skills, and overall well-being. The cost for food will depend on the size, age, and activity level of your companion. Fortunately, the cheaper brands of dog food can be just as good as the more premium brands as long as they meet the standards of AAFCO and are made with minimal processing. When making your decision, make sure to avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives where you can, since they could cause health problems for your dog.

Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! However, avoid retractable leashes whenever possible: Although they seem easier during walks, retractable leashes are actually dangerous, especially for young puppies who are still getting the hang of walking on a leash. Keep your puppy on a regular leash with a maximum of six feet of space between you both. Snowy Pines recommends slip leads: Slip leads are what puppies are taught to walk on from a young age at Snowy Pines, since they give you as the walker more control over the puppy as he gets the hang of normal walks. You can also opt for an embroidered collar if your puppy seems bothered by the noise or extra weight of the dog tags. Many puppy owners choose embroidered collars since dog tags should be removed when the puppy is left alone as they can pose a hazard. You can stick with a small food and water bowl. Puppy Food Your puppy will need high-quality food to grow strong! In most cases, this means his own dog crate. A good dog crate should be large enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. You can choose a crate that expands as it grows to save money in the long run. Most of our puppies at Snowy Pines will do well in a inch wire kennel with a divider that you can remove once he gets bigger. Be sure to check out our dog bed reviews too! Remember that most toys should not be left alone with your puppy since unsupervised playtime can lead to a choking or blockage incident. Image Source Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys keep your pup mentally stimulated while they also have fun. Additionally, these interactive toys provide help with weight management, satisfy natural hunting instincts, and even relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. These toys can easily become a comfort item and help curb any potential anxiety as well. Chase Toys Golden puppies need to have regular exercise. Chase toys are simple things you can buy at any pet store, like ropes and balls, but some interactive chew toys are designed to add a little zing to your daily play routines. So, for example, if your puppy just woke up from his nap and pottied, but you need to do laundry and load the dishwasher, the exercise pen is a perfect solution. It enables your pup to enjoy safe solo playtime. Training Treats Food is a powerful reinforcer , so treats are incredibly beneficial in the early stages of puppy training. Try offering him a treat when he potties outside or uses a chew toy. Quick Tip: The treat should be small and chewy so that he can eat it fast and keep his attention on you! With the proper carpet cleaner and enzyme spray, you can quickly combat any potty mistakes anywhere in the house. Dog Shampoo and Conditioner The Retriever family has a unique, double-layered coat designed to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. It also dries quickly after becoming wet. It is such an impressive coat that it is essentially self-cleaning when it comes to dirt and debris. Pooper Scooper and Poop Bags A pooper scooper is a handy tool that many homeowners with yards find essential. Instead of bending down every time your pup goes, you can use a pooper scooper to clutch onto the waste and quickly throw it in your outside garbage bin. They are also expected as a common courtesy to other people outside. So before your English Cream Golden puppy comes home, be sure that your home, backyard, and car are puppy-safe and puppy-proofed. In the Home: Image Source Keep the toilet lid closed. Believe it or not, open toilet lids have the potential to be drowning hazards. Secure medicine and cleaning products. Keep these products high up or use childproof locks and latches on lower cabinets. Garbage should be kept lidded and secure. Lidded, secured bins are the best type of garbage cans you can have with a young puppy. Not only do you want to avoid spilled garbage, but a locked lid will prevent your puppy from getting into any potential hazards. Hide electrical cords and blind cords. Exposed electrical cords and long blind cords can prove to be fatal for curious puppies. Keep electrical cords hidden away, buy cord wraps to keep them safely covered, and be sure that your blind cords are tied high and inaccessible. Invest in a pet or baby gate. Gates can be used for doorways or staircases to keep your puppy away from certain areas of the house. In the Backyard: Be careful of plants and landscaping that may be poisonous or dangerous. Many plants are toxic to dogs , so be sure to triple-check if any are growing in your yard. Secure your yard with fencing and add gates around bodies of water. If you plan to let your puppy roam freely in your backyard, you should have complete fencing with no puppy-sized gaps around the perimeter of the property. If you have any ponds or pools, block them off with appropriate fencing to avoid accidental drowning. Keep your yard landscaped and manicured. Long grass and brushy areas can invite ticks, which can be extremely dangerous if any potential bites are not discovered early on. Generally speaking, your grass should not be higher than a couple of inches and potentially even shorter while your puppy is still young. In the Car: Image Source Move any chewable items and lock loose items in the glovebox. Confine your puppy in one area of the vehicle, like the backseat. Keeping your puppy confined to one area of the car is safe for everyone. Many puppy parents choose harness seat belts and car seats for younger dogs, while older dogs are big enough to safely sit in the back seat or trunk with cargo barriers. As your Golden Retriever gets older, you may find yourself opting for different barrier methods that will better suit his size. Kennel your puppy while in the car. Crating your puppy is the safest mode of transportation while in the car. Deciding on a Daily Routine Like children, puppies thrive on a fixed routine because an orderly one instills structure and confidence. Sticking to a schedule can also help reinforce potty training and prevent behavioral issues , like separation anxiety and barking or whining. Think of a schedule that works best for your puppy, which should include: Feeding: Pick out regular meal times and stick to them as closely as possible. Golden Retriever puppies will need three daily feedings until they are six months old. After that, stick to feeding twice a day at the same time each day. Fixed meal times will help you predict when your puppy needs to potty each day, which better ensures easier potty training. Scheduled potty breaks: Take your puppy out to the yard or on a walk to potty immediately after a meal and after they wake up to enforce a schedule that will help with house training. Playtime and exercise: Playing and mental stimulation are key to a happy puppyhood. Even though they will mellow out in personality as they become adults, Retriever puppies are high energy! Place the dog crate in a quiet part of the house since we kennel train at Snowy Pines, and it helps ensure their safety and comfort. And now is the exciting part: Your puppy is finally home! But now what? Puppy Socialization Socialization is vital for young puppies, especially between 8 to 16 weeks of age: A well-socialized puppy will grow into a happy and confident adult that feels secure in various situations. You can also invite friends and family over to meet the puppy. In this case, more is always merrier! To help your puppy feel comfortable around humans in general, expose him to different types of people when he is still young. We also recommend holding off on public settings like dog parks until your puppy is settled into his new home and routine so as to not overwhelm him. Once your puppy is vaccinated, you can consider signing him up for puppy socialization classes. These classes, alongside training courses, can help prepare your pup for a long walk or a day at doggy day camp. Training Techniques Training is just as essential as early socialization. He may become disruptive and exhibit poor behaviors like jumping on visitors, chewing on furniture, and barking incessantly, among other frustrating challenges. Your puppy may also struggle with separation anxiety. They will comprehend basic commands and learn things such as his name, housebreaking, and early manners. They will be able to take on more advanced training and commands, and they should understand what good dog manners are. This age is essential when it comes to instilling how you want him to behave through adolescence. Puppies will begin teething at this point. Your new puppy might use anything possible to exercise his teeth, so you must start teaching him not to use your hand or furniture as chew toys. Anytime your puppy chews on something undesirable, have a toy nearby to put in his mouth instead. You can also try using bitter apple spray to deter biting and chewing on household items. Be firm but loving with clear, consistent commands and minute training sessions each day. Quick Tip: Keep in mind that at this age, this is when the key socialization period ends for your puppy: From this point forward, everything your puppy has learned will influence the way he behaves around people and other animals. While this is good, this age will also be a challenge because he will try to determine his ranking in the household, which can be frustrating when hormones play a role! Although spaying and neutering are standard for most breeds around six months old, studies have found that doing so for Golden Retrievers can actually increase the risk for joint disorders. Therefore, the standard for this breed has recently changed, and many vets suggest waiting to spay or neuter until 12 to 24 months. Training can be an overwhelming process, which is why many Golden puppy owners opt for working with a dog trainer or enrolling in training classes. Snowy Pines offers three levels of training when adopting one of their golden retrievers, which can save you tons of time and frustration in the long run. At your first checkup, you can also ask about getting your puppy microchipped! My husband and I are bringing home our first puppy in September a goldendoodle and this was super helpful! Emily June 29, , am Thank you so much for this, Jen! I look forward to the post on favorite dog toys! We just got a puppy and, while its only been a week, we are definitely having some issues getting puppy to embrace his crate. He is doing really well with potty training, and has yet to have an accident in his crate, but soon after he enters his crate the howling begins. This way he associates it with a positive place. Also, leave treats in there. Some dogs do better with their crates covered so like drape a blanket over the sides so it feels more like a cave. You might also try placing a t-shirt or something that smells like you in there. Also, leave the door open all the time and praise him if he goes in on his own. Good luck! OH, what a difference! Long after they no longer needed their crates, we kept them and always left the door opened. They would go into them when they were tired, knowing they were in a safe place; their place. Friends always said to us that they would have a dog if it behaved like our dogs. Be consistent. Fun for all of you. I can definitely see how teaching while a puppy can make a huge difference. Looking forward to your next dog related posts :. Reply Link Megan June 29, , pm Ahh thank you for this post! My husband and I are looking into getting a pug puppy soon and these tips are so helpful. Looking forward to reading more posts on this, especially the crate training. Love the tips, we are still trying to stay the course with the UD group classes! Golden are the best! It has been such an eye-opening month with our new puppy. Our other dog is 8 so everything feels brand new. I actually wrote about it in my post for tomorrow, but a puppy is like a baby. My boyfriend and I are getting a golden pup in the fall and while I grew up with the breed I have never trained a pup on my own. We made the choice to get a puppy mostly to instil good habits and behaviour long term. So long story short, I would never put a puppy or young dog or any age in airplane cargo! Reply Link Megan June 30, , pm Good tips! Socializing him right away and crate training him were so key to having an awesome, well-adjusted dog! Reply Link Josi August 20, , pm Hello! Just wondering where you got your goldens? This really helped me figure out what to do when she gets here. Jen May 3, , pm YAY! Our 3rd Golden in about 33 years and know he has some big paws to fill Taegan was wonderful for 14 years. We are so excited!! I have a new English Cream Golden. I feel like I need to work for his affection. Great otherwise! Not super energetic. Bursts of energy followed up by lots of naps but never really interested in walks. First timer here. Your pup could really benefit from basic positive obedience! I would recommend seeking out an experienced trainer in your area to help you as your pup grows! Having a puppy in the home can be fantastic, but you also need to make sure that you can offer it the best as well. She has been really easy to house break. We are excited to bring her home. Thank you for the helpful tips. That is a good idea to make sure that we are committed to doing the work to train this dog. We do really want him to be well trained. Thanks for the tips! Thank you so much for this super informative post! Reply Link Jen January 22, , pm I always made sure she went before we got to the gym and walked her frequently. Meghan January 29, , am Thank you so much for the reply!! We kept each of our puppies on a leash in the house, never out of our sight except when they were in the crate for 4 months before we gradually gave them independence. We always messed with them and held them. They had accidents as you would expect until fully house trained at about 4 months, but never any destructive or aggressive behavior. We gave them plenty of tough chew toys. Also training classes. They were never nervous or skittish. They love to lay on us and never have had any trouble with grooming, food guarding, loud noises, children or other animals. Goldens are great dogs but like any dog, they can only know what you teach them. Great article!! Kathrinne May 5, , am Hi Jen, how old are your puppies when you let them go out? Jen May 5, , am What do you mean? Reply Link Carly September 8, , pm Thank you so much for your article! What would your input be? Do you think they would focus on each other more than their humans? Would 2 puppies be so much more difficult than 1? Any advice is greatly appreciated!! Love the name Zoey!! Any tips to Prevent that?? Reply Link Christine November 1, , am About to get golden 3. Learning all over about everything. Reply Link Jen November 1, , pm It is like starting over again but you will figure it out! Every pup is different but be patient and consistent! This is my first large dog breed so a little nervous. I read your post and you give wonderful tips that I will follow. Please let me know if it is safe to put a flea collar on the puppy. Thank you. Reply Link Jen January 29, , pm I would consult with your vet to see what they recommend for flea prevention and treatment. Also, about the scratching. It could be due to something else like an allergen outside. I have not had a dog in 3 years because I lost my last one in a painful way for me and I am afraid to get another one. I am now ready to get one and this page has helped me prepare for my new puppy. I am a 74 yr old male in pretty good shape no health issues, and retired so I should be around a while to look after a dog. My wife passed about four months ago so I guess I am looking to fill a void. I live in a single family home and have plenty of time to spare. Thanks Reply Link marion duffield April 14, , am I am picking my pup up in 2 weeks! This is the best AND most realistic article I have read about training…. My pup Tank will be 4 months when we get him. He is absolutely adorable. Have only seen photos. He lives with his breeder in Missouri and we live in Canada…. I am so excited for you!!!! Puppies are intense but so much fun. And wow, that is going to be an adventure! Reply Link Theresa April 30, , am Do you have suggestions about golden retriever puppy biting? We got ours at 7 weeks. She is now .How do we stop her from snapping and biting? She is smart and loving. The biting has been rough though. Can you help? But I love dogs soooo much. This info is everything to me. I love this post Soo much. Thanks a ton. You left puppy in car? Or what? Reply Link Madeline October 31, , pm I am picking up my 7 week old golden in 2 days! I am so excited! How did you go out taking him places before he had his full shots? I want to socialize him, and of course potty train him immediately, but obviously there are risks. Whats your take on this? So the whole crate training thing is not going so well. She hates it. Emily Camalo April 2, , pm Hi! Really appreciate you sharing all of this advice! It was super valuable. Reply Link Julie April 11, , am Loved your comments. I have a 9 week double doodle. I have crate trained since day 1 and she has been really good, day 1 upset for a couple of minutes. Day 2 no problem at all. Now just the occasional cry when I leave her but that is over with in a very short space of time. I also leave a low radio on for her. She uses the garden most of the time for toileting, but occasionally she will come into the house and do another wee. The problem I have at the moment is trying to stop her biting. I have tried the gentle command which she listens to some of the time. And I have tried standing and turning my back on her so she realises I am not playing when she bites, but she will then go for trousers or feet, which I try my best to ignore, or she will just go off and do something else like chew a mat or something which is a no no. Any ideas? Regards Reply Link Stephanie January 25, , am Really great info, thank you for your article. Our puppy arrives in 5 days and we have been preparing for months. Your advice is. Very helpful. Blessings to you. Read the full disclosure here. This comprehensive list covers all the essentials, plus some added extras. Food: Every dog needs food! See our puppy food guide for recommendations. Bowls: Your puppy is going to need something to eat that food from. Something to think about. Bedding: Your pup will need a comfortable bed to call their own. You can decide whether to choose a puppy-sized one or one that they can grown into. To avoid buying more than one crate, you can get one big enough to fit your adult golden and make it puppy-sized using dividers. Brushes: Get your puppy some brushes suitable for a longer-coated dog. The sooner you get pup used to being brushed, the easier it will be in the future. Toothbrush and toothpaste: These are daily essentials in your grooming routine. Be sure to choose a dog-specific toothpaste as the human stuff can be dangerous to canines. Treats: Essential for training. Pick high-value treats for when you really want to motivate your pup. Chew toys are essential to help direct chewing away from your belongings. Tug toys, balls to play fetch and treat-dispensing toys are also nice to have. Travel harness or dog guard: To keep your dog safe in the car. These are the main things you need to think about when puppy proofing your home. Put them up high or away in their proper place. Not only will it leave you out of pocket if your pup chews something expensive, many such items are also choking hazards. Be careful of plants: Make sure you remove any plants that are poisonous to dogs , both in your house and your garden. Common offenders include foxglove, wisteria and yew. Secure medicines and cleaning products: Both medicines and cleaning products can be highly toxic to dogs if ingested. Hide electrical cords: If a puppy sinks their teeth into an electrical cord, it can prove fatal. Try not to have electrical cords running across the room or out in the open where your puppy can get to them. If needs be, you can get cord concealers, cord wraps or even pvc pipes to secure them. Planning Appropriate Puppy Socialization Socialization, with both humans and other dogs plus other animals, if your new puppy is going to be around them , is one of the most important things to think about with your new puppy. A well-socialized puppy should turn into an adult dog who interacts well with all dogs and people, which makes your life so much easier as a dog-owner. It might sound a bit over the top, but it will stop your pup from getting confused or overstimulated and it sets some ground rules for the humans involved, too. Pick out regular meal times for your puppy and try to stick to them as closely as possible. Also take your puppy out into the garden on a schedule, as this will really help with toilet training. You can also schedule in training sessions, play sessions and, when your puppy is old enough, their daily walks. Learning How To Train Your Puppy You might think that training your new dog will be intuitive when you get them home, but dog training is a skill you learn, not one you just pick up as you go along. Once your puppy is old enough, group puppy training classes are an excellent idea. Not only will you learn more about training your pup, your dog will also get to socialize with other young canines. The ideal option is to have the puppy in the back seat in a car harness and have a passenger sit next to them, who can hold, pet and comfort them on the journey home. Some people forgo the harness altogether and have a passenger simply hold the puppy, wrapped in a blanket or towel. However, before you even get your puppy into the car, you should try to get them to relieve themself first , to avoid any toilet-based accidents on the journey home. Once you get your precious pup home, all that effort and preparation will have been worth it to give your new four-legged friend the best start in life. You May Also Like.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Labrador Retriever Stages of Development Labrador Retriever Stages of Development If you are new to the Labrador Retriever world and you have a new puppy, you may be wondering when Lab puppies finally calm down. First, for those that do not know, the Labrador Retriever breed is not for those that want to lay back on the couch and toss back a few beers. Labs are people dogs meaning that they are very sociable and do not like to be left on their own all the time. They have a great deal of enthusiasm and energy. That is why it is important for this breed to get plenty of exercise and social interaction. We did a lot of research about the breed and found that many people have their own ideas on the age of maturation. In all honesty, there are differing levels of energy that the Lab will go through during its life and from the age of about 10 weeks old to 5 years old, the energy level can remain quite high. Stage 2: Toddler — This stage starts around weeks old and goes until about 5 months old. The energy level is quite high at this time as the puppy is learning all it can about the world and go through many biological changes. It tests its environment with its mouth and as it gets towards the end of this stage, it begins to chew on everything it can to try and get relief from teething. It is usually to have some terry cloth towels that have been soaked in water and sitting in your freezer, waiting to be gnawed on! Stage 3: Adolescent — This is a tough stage and starts around 5 months old and go anywhere up to a year, depending on the dog. Some would call it the terrible twos because all of a sudden, your sweet Lab baby has forgotten everything you have taught it and has the manners of any human teenager out there! Sure, they know not to go on the couch but they will test you again and make sure you meant it. This is when you need to reinforce all your training because if you let them get away with it now, it is harder to break them of it later! Stage 4: Maturing — Usually this starts around a year old and goes until the 5-year old stage. The level of energy is still high and is equal to a college student or young twenty-something adult. They get more comfortable with their surroundings and take a little more time to enjoy life and the company of their owner and family. This is more of an enjoyable time with your family Lab! Stage 5: Senior — Around 5 years and up, the little puppy you once knew with all the energy level of an energizer bunny is there in spirit but the body is slowing down more. They still have a good amount of energy but nothing compared o stages 2 and 3! Life is good and comfortable. So, when does a Lab puppy start to calm down? Well, generally it is around stage 4 but can happen before that stage. The one thing people with Labrador Retrievers, or any dog for that matter, need to understand is that each dog is different. Yes, there are certain traits in the Lab breed for which we eagerly welcomed them into our home, but just as human identical twins can have opposite personalities, so can your Labrador Retriever. For example, if you are in stage 2, there is housebreaking and teething to deal with. Your puppy also needs help with getting rid of some of that pent up energy it has and it is your responsibility to give it safe and structured ways to expel that energy. Short walks work well on soft surfaces for young pups as well as schedule play times. Whatever you choose to do, high energy levels in Labs are normal during certain stages — just remember to enjoy them while you can because your Lab will only be a puppy once. Post navigation. But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun. Puppy growth is also related to proper diet: weekly growth rate varies from breed to breed but proper nutrition of the puppy influences each individual's growth curve. The diet of a growing puppy requires more protein and healthy fats, such as the omega-3 DHA Regardless of breed, all puppies are born dependent on mom, so proper nutrition of mom during pregnancy helps in the early stages of puppy development. The first months play a crucial role in determining a dog's lifelong health and well-being. Prenatal period: mother's gestation The time puppies spend in the womb is usually called the prenatal period. It lasts about days, and the puppy's development begins during this stage. A pregnant mother should exercise less and receive more care in the last weeks before delivery-she should not be exposed to unnecessary stress. The health of the puppy is influenced by the mother as early as the prenatal stage: the amount of stress and hormones the mother secretes is transmitted to the puppies through the placenta, and this can affect the growth of the fetus as well as any intestinal parasites such as the ascarids , can pass from the placenta to the fetus even before birth or enter the milk through the mammary glands. For this reason, our breeding philosophy requires us to avoid all forms of chemicals by following a natural supplementation protocol during gestation as well as then natural deworming on the puppies. Prenatal stress can affect puppies' brains and organs, causing them to establish behavior in stressful situations before they are even born. It may make puppies less curious, they may have reduced learning ability, they may be more aggressive or have changes in sexual behavior. During pregnancy, the mother needs supplementation and amore nutritious diet than usual because she no longer eats only for herself. Neonatal period Stage beginning from birth to the second week of life. At birth, pups are blind, deaf and toothless, unable to regulate body temperature, urinate or defecate on their own. Pups depend on their mother and siblings in the litter, staying very close together to preserve body temperature. A puppy separated from this situation can quickly die of hypothermia, which leads to a drop in body temperature. If a puppy is isolated from its mother and siblings, it can quickly cool down and cry to alert its mother of its situation. Read also: neurosensory stimulation program Biosensor Puppies first experience the feeling of being petted when they are licked by their mother to keep them clean, to keep her den clean and also to stimulate them to defecate and urinate. From birth, pups are able to use their sense of smell and touch, which helps them orient themselves to find the udders that carry their mother's scent. The first milk produced by the mother, called colostrum, is rich in antibodies that provide passive immunity and help protect puppies from disease during these first weeks of life. For the first two weeks of life, puppies sleep almost 90 percent of the time, are active only 10 percent of the day, spending their waking time sucking milk, and all their energy is channeled into growing so that their birth weight doubles the first week. At this stage the puppies are not able to support their weight but are able to crawl with the movements of their front paws, however, the mother will always try to position herself as close to them and group them by bringing them to herself with her muzzle. This limited locomotion, however, provides the necessary stimulus to develop the puppy's muscles and coordination so that, day after day, the puppies will be able to reach their mother even on their own. Transition period This stage is from the second to the fourth week of life. The third week of life brings major changes in the puppy: hearing and vision are not developed from birth. Eyes begin to open during this period, eyelids between ten and sixteen days, and hearing begins to develop around two weeks. This stage allows puppies to "feel" their new world: they learn to recognize the appearance of their mother, other dogs, and begin to expand their vocabulary from grunts and yelps. Puppies generally stand by day 15 and take their first wobbly walk by day .At the age of three weeks, puppy development advances from the neonatal period to the transitional period. This is a period of rapid physical and sensory development, during which pups move from total dependence on mother to minimal independence. They begin to play with their littermates, learn about their environment, the pack, and may be ready to taste wet food never dry in weaning other than breast milk in moderation. After three weeks puppy teeth begin to emerge until all baby teeth have come out at about weeks of age. They begin to control their needs and begin to move away from their nest to remove them. After the transition phase, puppies enter the socialization period at the end of the third week of life: this phase lasts until about the tenth week. During this socialization period, the puppy increases interaction with other animals, and puppies form bonds that they will remember for the rest of their lives. The most critical period, from six to eight weeks, is when puppies most easily learn to accept others as part of their family. Starting at four weeks of age, the mother's milk production begins to slow down just as the puppies' energy needs increase. As the mother dog slowly weans her puppies from nursing, they begin to taste easy-to-digest wet food. Environmental stimulation affects your puppy's rate of mental development during this period. The puppy's synapses look like those of an adult dog around day 50, but it is not yet ready: this is where the work of the breeder, mother and littermates comes in. During this period, puppies hear, walk, become acquainted with the world around them noises, sounds, smells, habits , feed independently, learn bite control, and receive correct teachings from their mother on how to relate to each other. At this stage the puppy basically learns to recognize the individuals around it as living beings of the same species with whom it can communicate, play, and interact in different ways. At this stage, therefore, it is very important that the puppy also have many experiences with the human being in such a way that it identifies with and sees him as a living being with whom it can communicate and interact positively. The more diversified the experience in this regard the better so men, women, children, humans in different clothes and various disguises, etc. At this stage, puppies may go through a period offear fear period : when they encounter new people and animals they do not know, they may react with fear and distrust. Anything that frightens them at this age can have a lasting impact, so be careful that the puppy is not over-stimulated with too many changes. This allows the puppy to grow up with fewer phobias-it is simply a normal part of development in which puppies learn to be more cautious, and careful socialization during this period helps counteract fear reactions as adults. A puppy that lives with siblings, mom, and other adults in the group until they are eight weeks old will adapt better to new situations: their interaction with littermates and mom have unique and unparalleled value Interaction with siblings and mom helps teach bite inhibition, understanding and responding to normal canine communication and their hierarchical position in the pack. Youth period The pup's juvenile period generally begins at the age of ten weeks and lasts until puberty and the onset of sexual maturity. Puppies of this age have boundless curiosity, infuriating stubbornness and enthusiastic affection. This is the ideal time to begin training: it is during this period that puppies begin to learn the consequences of behavior and determine what is most appropriate under certain circumstances. Almost every waking moment is spent playing, which is not only great fun for the puppy, but is great practice for his future canine life. From 10 weeks of age, puppies learn to perform important activities such as chasing and running, biting and fighting. Social skills and canine etiquette are learned from interaction with littermates and mother. During this period, puppies learn to inhibit their b iting when bitten by each other and learn canine language: through play, they practice dominant and submissive positions and prepare for life in the world. From 10 to 16 weeks, puppies test their limits and begin to challenge the outside world. They test their owners to see who is the real top dog and seem to have forgotten any education they learned from their mother, behaving like rebellious teenagers. Part of this behavior has to do with teething: puppies change their baby teeth from three months of age and may experience discomfort when their permanent teeth erupt. Often during this period, puppies tend to bite and chew more of anything to relieve the discomfort. This "delinquent" behavior can also be influenced by hormones: unlike many other species, the testosterone level of a male puppy between four and ten months old can be up to five times that of an adult dog. Because of this high level of testosterone adult dogs recognize that he is a young puppy and needs "education"-they make sure to subdue him to teach him manners before he gets too old. Growth from four to six months Puppies grow very fast during this period, and you may notice changes every single day. Not only can your puppy test and challenge you on anything, but this is also the time when puppies understand where they are and living with other pets in the pack. They will be frequent scuffles and fights as play: it is a rule of the older dog to teach puppies its limits and social position. The testosterone level of a whole unneutered male puppy increases around 4 to 5 months of age: because of this, an adult dog can recognize even a full-grown but still small puppy that needs to be educated in proper behavior between beings of the same species. Puppies may also sometimes experience another phase of fear during this period: it can last up to a month and perhaps more than one especially in large dogs, this is normal and nothing to worry about. This fearful phase tends to correspond to growth spurts and "wobbly" behavior or unwarranted aggression, becoming protective of toys or one's territory. Be sure not to reward this behavior and to "talk" to the puppy with precise actions without using words. Build trust between you and your puppy through daily training. Adolescence: six to 12 months During this period puppies may begin to lift their legs and mark their territory with urine, but there is no one age for all, much also depends on size, and generally large breeds such as the Labrador Retriever take longer. The testosterone level in male puppies increases times that of an adult dog at the age of 10 months, then gradually declines to a normal adult level at about 18 months of age. This helps signal to older male dogs that the young still need to be adjusted so as to reduce fights between puppies during this period. Females can go into heat oestrus as early as the 6th month, and males begin to take an interest in the opposite sex during this period. Most of your puppy's height growth ends at this time, to continue to increase muscle mass and body weight. Puppy fur begins to be replaced by a more robust coat as an adult. Puppies at this age seem to explode with great energy and respond well with mental activation games and structured exercises. Ongoing education and socialization are vital to ensure that your puppy knows how to behave politely with other dogs, other animals such as cats, and other people including the dog-child relationship and strangers of all ages and appearance. Social maturity This usually occurs between the first and second year of life. Depending on the breed, your dog will be physically mature at this age: small dogs mature much earlier and older dogs take longer. Your puppy's social maturity may also depend on his experience with other animals. Socialization and training continue throughout your Labrador's life, because there are always new things to learn or lessons to repeat. After all, the joy of your puppy's first year provides for a lifetime of eternal love! Image from Pixabay Labrador Puppy Behavior and Growth Stages Labrador retriever puppies do plenty of growing, learning, and maturing in a short amount of time, especially when compared to humans. Labs also change quite a bit, both mentally and physically from even birth to 8 weeks, which would be around the time you would bring your new puppy home. They are dependent on their mother for most things and although they have fur at birth, their mother keeps them warm because their internal thermostats have not begun to work yet. Their mother only lets them alone for bathroom trips and to eat and drink while the puppies huddle together for warmth. Two Weeks Newborn puppies cannot see or hear but by 2 weeks their ears and eyes should begin to open, allowing for hearing and sight. Handling should begin with the breeder for their first introduction to socialization. Puppies will receive their first worming. Three Weeks Puppies will begin teething as teeth come in and some solid food will be introduced gradually. Puppies can sit, stand, and trot about, a little unsteadily, at this time and even play with littermates, each developing their own personalities. Four Weeks Labrador puppies are becoming a lot more vocal and they are looking and acting more like dogs, wagging tails and playing with enthusiasm. Their mother who has kept everything clean until now is beginning to grow weary, so clean-up will now fall to the breeder. Puppies will receive their second worming. Mothers also teach pups not to bite so hard when feeding and playing. Six Weeks Worming will take place for the third time. Puppies are eating all solid food about six times a day and are totally weaned. Their mother still works with them in regards to biting and gives them a sharp bark, or reprimand, when they play too roughly with littermates. Seven Weeks Puppies will be socialized more, often with breeders beginning initial housebreaking. Usually, puppies will be checked out by a veterinarian before leaving their mother, brothers, and sisters for their new home at 8 weeks. Potty training and socialization should continue. Even though your pup was checked out by a veterinarian, you will need to make an appointment to begin the necessary vaccinations. Before bringing your new puppy home, make sure you have all of the necessary supplies for the pup such as bed, blanket, crate, toys, dishes, food, treats, collar, and leash. Keep in mind that this is the first time puppy has been away from their mother, littermates, and their familiar home. Have patience and give them reassurance and love. They may cry or be shy or fearful until they feel comfortable in their new home. Nine Weeks Your Labrador puppy should feel more familiar with its surroundings. Keep on top of housebreaking, taking them out every 20 to 30 minutes, especially after meals. Work on some basic training but keep sessions short. Socialization will be your biggest task now. Take them to as many places as you can so they can see situations as an adventure, not something to be feared. Ten Weeks Your puppy will need more vaccinations and their veterinarian will check them out and their weight to ensure that they are growing properly. Keep working on socialization. By this time your pup should be properly socialized, but continue to take them to as many places as you can. They may act independently and test you by ignoring certain commands that they are very familiar with. Be firm. Five Months Your puppy may be totally housebroken by this time and able to be left alone a little longer without accidents. Some pups take a little longer just as children may for potty training. They are beginning to be stronger and when they become too weighty, pulling on the leash will be a chore if not properly trained. Six Months Between 4 and 6 months your pup may try to challenge you or other family members. You and others must be the dominant forces in the family. Your pup is also looking more like a dog, but keep in mind, they are still a puppy at heart. Meals can now be reduced to two times a day. You will need to continue with training and obedience classes can be a huge benefit. Your pup will be quite a lot of fun at this time with lots of energy, stamina, and exuberance but will also show some characteristics of a rebellious teenager which may be frustrating. Be patient, yet firm. They may have the appearance of an adult Labrador but are without the maturity of one. When is Do Labs Stop Growing? Keep in mind that just as humans are individuals, so too are dogs and some may be full-grown at a certain age, while others may add a few more pounds after this time. Their full height, however, will be reached by nine months of age. A full-grown Lab will range in weight from 55lbs — 75lbs for females and 64lbs — 85lbs for males. Your Labrador retriever may grow to be large or be a smaller version. This helps to ease your mind. Enjoy every moment with your Labrador puppy as they grow through the stages. Recent Posts. Almost Home Campaign Puppy Developmental Stages and Behaviour To have a well-adjusted and social dog, you need to ensure his needs are met during each phase of development. Building the foundation for a great dog starts with appropriate training at each stage of development and establishing appropriate guidelines so that that your puppy is properly integrated into the family. You will see many behaviour changes during the life stages of your pup. Knowing how to handle your pup through each developmental stage will help to shape your puppy into a lifelong family member. Puppy Developmental Stages The puppy development process covers five distinct stages. However, puppies grow through these stages at their own pace and these timelines can vary. Stage 1: Neonatal Period 0 — 2 weeks This is the first stage of puppy development and begins at birth. At this age, puppies only have the sense of taste and touch and rely totally on their mother. Stage 2: Transitional Period 2 — 4 weeks Sensory development continues with hearing and sense of smell. Puppy teeth start coming through and their eyes will begin to open. Puppies will interact with their litter mates, wag their tails, stand, walk a little and bark. It is vital to understand this stage as most puppies go home to their new parents between 7 — 12 weeks. During this period, changes start to occur rapidly. Between 3- 5 weeks puppies start to become aware of their surroundings and have the ability to develop a relationship with people This is the period where puppies get familiar with the day-to-day noises of a regular household such as TVs, vacuum cleaners, telephones, etc. At this age puppies are just learning to interact with each other and beginning to play. They are also learning their doggie social skills and exploring their ranking status within their pack. Their curiosity is developing, as are their biting skills. Nipping behaviours begin as they practice biting behaviour with their mother and litter mates. At the weeks stage, they will have full use of all their senses and will be ready to go home to their new owners. Bringing your pup home usually between weeks is right in the middle of his socialization period. Therefore, it is vital that you introduce your puppy to as many new dogs, people, objects and surroundings as you can. BUT, make sure you do so in a controlled manner and never put your puppy in a dangerous situation where they can be injured, scared or contract disease. This is a great period to begin crate training, for a variety of reasons. Puppies are old enough to start getting used to being left alone to avoid separation anxiety from developing and are capable of being house-trained. Even though your home is likely puppy proofed, it also saves your possessions. During this phase of development, puppies are developing their reactions to things much more consistently. They are also likely to focus more on different types of people and should be friendly and approachable to strangers. During this time they are also going to continue to practice their biting skills a whole lot more! It is important to learn how to manage this behaviour early on. You may also notice that they are more curious and will probably look to explore their environment more. Be prepared for this and keep your puppy close to you and leashed. Stage 4: Testing Period 3 — 6 months This is the time your puppy starts to test their boundaries within their world. They will test the limits with their owners and other animals. At this age many adult dogs will start to enforce manners. Problematic behaviours can begin to arise in this period. At this age your puppy is going to go through teething and chewing is a common side effect. Make sure he has plenty of chew sticks and toys. Use commercial sprays or gels that dissuade your puppy from chewing your belongings. Try soaking a cloth toy in chicken stock and freezing it if your puppy is experiencing pain while teething. Once frozen, this can be given to your puppy as a chew toy and will help to relieve sore gums. Puppies are usually finished teething by the age of 6 months when the upper fangs canines come in. Your cute little puppy is becoming a teenager and will start producing hormones which may result in changes in behaviour. Dogs go through adolescence much earlier than people; for small breeds, is can be as early as six months old while larger dogs starting at nine or 10 months of age. Adolescence in larger breed dogs continues until they are two or three years old with smaller dogs reaching maturity at about 18 months. Typically the larger the dog, the slower the development. Signs of Puberty in Canines Here are the typical signs to watch out for to tell you that your own puppy has hit puberty: Males. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

They started in as pug breeders and are passionate about their health and happiness. They have acre farmland where they placed their home. Each pug puppy is potty trained and tamed to prepare them for their new families. The owners socialize with their dogs to make them friendly to people. This private pug pup breeder is passionate about promoting pug research and proper breeding practices. They invite all pug lovers to share and interact with them since that fosters learning and development. All their dog breeds comply with the American Kennel Club standards. You can expect to buy quality pug pups from them. They have been doing this for around twenty years, making them one of the credible dog breed groups in the state. She is a veterinarian for 14 years and has been in the field to breed dogs for 15 years in New York. If you want to find pug puppies that are AKC quality, then you can go for this one. They are one of the best pug breeders in the state. As one of the reputable breeders, they want all their york pugs to be healthy. They let all their pups undergo CHIC exam to detect any health problems. If there are health issues, their vet or Kelly will treat them immediately. All these things are strong puppy proof of their good standing as a breeder in North Central NY. All their New York pugs have a 2-year health guarantee. This gives you confidence that all their foo dogs will be healthy for two years and onwards. In terms of buying a pup for sale, Kelly meets all buyers in person. She is meticulous about this and wants to ensure her pups get the best pug forever home. They also provide stud and whelping services. Fairytale Frenchies are licensed to breed litter annually. They have two main dog breeds: Frenchies and pugs. For the latter, they breed different pugs, which include fawn, brindle, black, and more. All of their franchise and pug puppies for sale are AKC registered. How do they ensure the health of their puppies? All their pugs and frenchies receive Nu-Vet vitamins every day. They are also given age-proper vaccinations annually. All pups undergo house training and crate training to prepare them for their forever homes. Each pup also comes with a 3-year health guarantee. There are many pug breeders in New York, and Fairytale Frenchies is one of them. If you need more information about them, you can call them. Otherwise, email them with any questions. Casull Pugs New York. Phone: Email: patpuglady57 aol. Patti bought her first black Pug in and named her Ebony. Today she breeds pug puppies full-time from her home in Tottenville. In fact, Patti loves Pugs so much that in , she decided to legally change her name to Patti Puglady Pugz. Patti takes care of all her newborn pugs for eight weeks to make sure that they are well-fed, healthy, and ready for their new homes. Patti is proud to say that she remains friends with almost everyone that buys Pugs from her. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time. Questions about Pug puppies for sale in New York? We have answers. How much are Pug puppies for sale in New York? There are lots of sites out there offering to help you meet Pug breeders New York and find Pug puppies New York, but the quality levels of each site can vary greatly. Some sites sell unhealthy pups from bad breeders and you can even find scammers operating on certain sites too. You won't have to worry about any of those kinds of problems here on Uptown. What are puppy mills and why should I worry about them? Puppy mills are basically dog factories — they're places where pups are kept in cramped and unclean conditions, sold off at cheap prices to make way for the next batch. Pug puppies for sale in New York from mills often have health issues and behavioral problems because of this troubled upbringing, leading to big vet bills and disappointment for the owners. What is a backyard breeder? Backyard breeders should also be avoided when looking for a Pug for sale New York. They're basically people who breed dogs in unethical ways, often using their own backyards as breeding facilities and failing to meet the proper standards of ethics and professionalism. You won't have to worry about a single backyard breeder selling a New York Pug for sale on Uptown. Are Pugs good family dogs? They are indeed and we're seeing lots of families looking for Pugs for sale New York in recent times. These dogs have plenty of family-friendly qualities, beginning with the fact that they love kids and enjoy playing with little ones of all ages. There's also the fact that Pugs are highly portable, perfect for car rides and family adventures, and they're very friendly, loyal, and cuddle-loving too. Hybrid and designer dogs are specially-bred dogs, created by crossing two different breeds together. An example would be the Daug, which is made by mixing a Pug and a Dachshund. On their own, Pugs aren't designer dogs, but you can be interested in buying a hybrid Pug for sale in New York, such as a Daug or Puggle. Are Pugs easy to train? Pugs are more than capable of effectively learning basic commands with ease. They really like to please their owners, so they're happy to learn new things, as long as you have some patience with them and don't try to push them too far. New York Pugs for sale are therefore a good choice for those who don't have much experience with dog training. Can I have a Pug if I live in an apartment? For sure! There are many happy apartment dwellers out there who have chosen Pugs as their pets, and Pugs have a lot of positive qualities making them a good match for apartment life. They're small in stature and have low energy levels too, so New York Pugs for sale really don't need too much space to be happy. Just be sure to take them for regular walks so they don't gain too much weight. Am I limited to local breeders only? No, there are no limits when you use Uptown too search for your Pug pup! You can try to find a local New York Pug puppy for sale to make things a little simpler for picking up your pup, or you can search far and wide with trusted breeders all over the nation. If your Pug is too far away to drive, the breeder can make arrangements to fly your pup to an airport near you. How do you screen breeders selling Pug puppies? There are some amazing Pug breeders in New York. Sadly, there are also some lower quality breeders too, along with puppy mills and scammers to watch out for. How much do Pug pups cost? The average price of Pug puppies for sale New York can vary quite a lot. Well, the price tag for each pup can be affected by a range of different factors like coat color, eye color, size, and more. Here at Uptown, we aim to help you find a Pug New York that meets all of your requirements and matches your budget too.

This mixed breed features the same ridge along their spines that the Rhodesian Ridgeback is known for. Moreover, they take on the cleverness and athleticism of their German Shepherd lineage. They are ideal companions for active families and individuals, especially those who like hiking. Although they are highly loving and affectionate, the Ridgeback Shepherd mix can be challenging for inexperienced owners, especially if this is their first dog. However, by understanding the histories of each of their parent breeds, we may still learn a lot about this designer breed. The German Shepherd Dog GSD is a multipurpose canine breed that can be trained to do a wide range of jobs, including herding, protecting, and tracking. This dog was created in Germany in the late s for the purpose of herding sheep and keeping predators away. According to pet fanciers, GSDs were also used as parent dogs to develop bear-hunting breeds. They were well-known throughout the world during World War I and regarded as one of the fiercest and most hard-working canines. Meanwhile, the powerful Rhodesian Ridgeback was developed in Africa. Because they were trained to hunt large wildlife, such as lions, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high prey drive. Today, the Rhodesian Shepherd mix is renowned for its devotion, intelligence, and compatibility with kids and other animals. The ridge of hair that runs up along the back of this dog is what makes it most recognizable. A genetic abnormality that enables hair follicles to grow in various directions is the cause of this peculiar ridge of fur. Additionally, the Ridgeback Shepherd mix is distinguished by its light or red wheaten-colored, short, glossy coats. But because of its German Shepherd genes, it may also sport a sable, liver, or even a black coat. In rare cases, there can also be Ridgeback Shepherd mixes with blue , panda , or even isabella coat colors. They also have a tail that is typically docked as well as long, floppy ears. Their head resembles a wedge shape, similar to that of the GSD. Their eyes are either dark or amber, while their nose is black or brown. Take note, however, that the appearance of Ridgeback Shepherds may vary from dog to dog. Currently, there are no breed standards for this hybrid dog; hence, their appearance will entirely depend on how genetics play out. Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Mix Size and Weight Each parent breed is enormous on its own; therefore, when the two are crossed, the result is a reasonably large dog. Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mixes typically weigh around 64 to 95 pounds and stand between 24 and 27 inches tall. However, their final size can still be affected by several factors, such as gender and nutrition. In any case, you should still expect a huge dog. That said, it would be preferable if you have a large place for them to roam around if you are planning to add this mixed breed to your home. The German Shepherd Ridgeback mix makes a great companion dog since it is affectionate and loving with family members while being timid with strangers. Due to their high trainability, Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd mixes are excellent candidates for agility training as well as obedience lessons. This breed gets along nicely with other dogs and pets when properly socialized. This range is slightly longer than the lifespan of the German Shepherd and about the same as the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Despite their relatively long life, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd mix does not have perfect health. In fact, like its parent breeds, it is also prone to some health conditions. The following are the health conditions common that may affect German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes: Hip Dysplasia: The Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd mix breed, like the majority of large breeds, is typically vulnerable to hip dysplasia. This means that their femur and pelvis grow at different rates, resulting in a hip joint that is too small to fully encase the femur head. Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia is characterized by a number of abnormalities in growth. The cartilage and surrounding structures around the elbow joint, in particular, formed abnormally for dogs with this condition. Eventually, this causes the elbow joint to develop degenerative arthritis, which results in discomfort and a loss of function. Degenerative Myelopathy: The Rhodesian Shepherd mix is susceptible to degenerative myelopathy , a hereditary neurological condition that usually affects dogs eight years of age or older. Dogs with this condition experience gradual muscular weakness and loss of coordination due to spinal cord damage. Aside from these, watch out for any indications of irritation or infection in certain body areas. Rhodesian Shepherds can also be prone to skin, ear, and eye infections. Lastly, check to see if the parent dogs have had the necessary genetic testing before buying a puppy from a breeder. These tests are used to detect heritable health issues in dogs. Below are some guidelines for taking care of a Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix. As a result, it needs 3 to 4 cups of dog food to maintain their energy levels throughout the day. You can give your dog specialized treats or vitamins to ensure that they get all the vitamins and supplements they require. In this manner, planning walks and bathroom breaks before and after meals will be simple. You can reduce their risk of bloat and keep them occupied by using lick mats or slow feeders to feed them. To maintain a healthy coat and skin, they will require occasional baths and weekly brushing. For those that inherited the standard short hair of their GSD parent, more frequent brushing is required. These dogs will also shed heavily twice a year, demanding daily brushing and frequent bathing. In addition, their teeth should be brushed frequently to prevent periodontal disease. Their nails should also be checked each month and clipped if necessary to avoid any nail from getting separated from the quick. Training and Exercise Training a Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd mix should be done as early as puppyhood. Due to their intelligence and physical build, this hybrid can be trained for dog sports, such as agility. To integrate well in the household, owners also need to focus on obedience training and socialization. By using positive reinforcement methods, their Ridgeback Shepherd will grow up to be a well-rounded pup. Meanwhile, In order to maintain their physical condition, they should take a daily walk. They will also enjoy running, hiking, and playing fetch with their owners. Watch the video below to see how the Rhodesian Shepherd mix can be easily trained: Liberty 5. The following are the initial costs you should take into account when owning a German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback mix: Type of Expense. This alone can make them more expensive, as well as being crossed with a rare purebred dog. Some Rhodesian Shepherds inherit the Ridgeback. Although not all Rhodesian Shepherds will, some are lucky enough to inherit the classic Ridgeback strip. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a strip of fur along their spine that goes in the opposite direction of their coat, which is not only a breed standard but a requirement for purebreds. Rhodesian Shepherds can weigh over 75 pounds. Rhodesian Shepherds are big dogs, with the average dog weighing around pounds. This makes them not suitable for most apartments and city living, especially with their exercise needs. Rhodesian Shepherds are hard workers. Just like their purebred counterparts, Rhodesian Shepherds are natural working dogs that need some purpose. This can be a real challenge for inexperienced dog handlers, so this mix is definitely not for everyone. However, as long as their exercise needs are met, Rhodesian Shepherds will repay you with affection and loyalty. The next best way is to study the temperaments of German Shepherds and Rhodesian Ridgebacks. German Shepherds are one of the most sought-after working dog breeds, having been around for centuries. Originally developed for herding, German Shepherds are extremely versatile dogs due to their high intelligence levels. They also require hours- no exaggeration-of exercise to keep them calm and well-mannered. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are, by contrast, calmer and more laid-back than German Shepherds, though they still have the instincts of a hunting dog. Originally bred for hunting and homestead protection, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can seem quite intimidating. Often reserved and even aloof with strangers, these large hunting dogs need to be socialized early to establish proper social etiquette. Except for their early years as puppies and young adults, Rhodesian Ridgebacks tend to be calm and quiet indoors. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Generally, Rhodesian Shepherds are great for active families, especially families that are outside daily. Families with children that enjoy playing and spending time with their dog are the ideal situation for Rhodesian Shepherds. As for cats and small animals, it depends on each individual dog. Some Rhodesian Shepherds have little to no prey drive, whereas others will chase your house cat into hiding on an hourly basis. Males are expected to be about .Females are slightly smaller at approximately 24 inches and about 60 pounds. The appearance will depend on which parent it takes after. From the Ridgeback parent, they could take various shades of wheaten although the lighter varieties are less common. On the other hand, German Shepherds come in a wide variety of coat colors. GSDs also come in rare colors like blue , blonde , and panda. Grooming Rhodesian Ridgeback — German Shepherd mixes that takes their coat after the Ridgeback parent will be fairly easy to groom. They will need occasional baths and weekly brushing to keep their coat and skin healthy. On the other hand, offspring that take after the GSD parent will require brushing several times a week. They will also shed profusely twice a year. During those times, they will require daily brushing and more frequent baths. Their teeth should be brushed frequently to avoid periodontal diseases. Strength The GSD-Rhodesian Ridgeback cross does not only have a strong, solidly built body but also a powerful bite, which it inherits from both parents. Speed German Shepherds run fast and, in fact, can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are slower at 25 miles per hour. Nevertheless, Rhodesian Ridgeback — German Shepherd mixes are expected to run fast, show incredible agility, and have remarkable stamina. For working dogs, these traits can be very useful. For household companions, however, this needs to be addressed through exercise. They love to run, play with their humans, and go on long walks. The more opportunities they have to burn off their excess energy, the happier and healthier they will be. Apart from physical exercise, these dogs need mental stimulation. They enjoy puzzle games as well as regular training sessions. Additionally, they do well in canine sports like flyball , rally, and agility. They typically need fewer than 5 exposures to learn something new. On the other hand, Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not place very highly in the dog intelligence ranking. Nevertheless, their willingness to learn new things and eagerness to please their humans make training them enjoyable and fulfilling. Temperament The Rhodesian Ridgeback — German Shepherd cross is a protective dog that is ever vigilant of potential threats. They are wary of unfamiliar people but may welcome their presence once they are accepted by the rest of the family. Despite their protective nature, these mutts are very affectionate. Early socialization and proper handling also make them excellent companions for the entire family , including young kids and other animals. Health Like other large breeds, the GSD — Rhodesian Ridgeback mix can be prone to bone and joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia. The best way to avoid this is to screen both parents before mating. Other than that, you should avoid jumping and running on uneven surfaces while their bones are still developing. Other health issues this cross can inherit are poor thyroid function from the Ridgeback and bloat from the GSD. Ridgebacks typically live between 10 and 12 years while the expected lifespan of German Shepherds of between 7 to 14 years. Nevertheless, dogs often surpass their expected lifespans. With a high-quality diet, ample exercise, and regular access to veterinary care, a happy Rhodesian Ridgeback-German Shepherd mix can easily live well beyond 10 years old. You might find a breeder mating these two breeds in pursuit of a designer working dog. Each of these two breeds is more valuable as purebreds. For this reason, their respective breeders find no motivation in crossing the two. Final Thoughts The German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback mix is a large dog with an incredible work ethic as well as the courage and stamina unique to hunting dogs. This cross needs plenty of opportunities to exercise but can also switch off to relax. Additionally, they are adaptable, trainable, and protective of their home and family. Rhodesian Shepherds may not be hypoallergenic The parents of this breed have different coats. This makes it difficult for one to predict if the mix will shed heavily or not. Because of this uncertainty, it may not be suitable for allergic sufferers. They are not a good first-time dog Though the mix is intelligent and learns easily, it can be a handful like its parents. With an independent streak and a tendency towards dominant behavior, it may sometimes be unwilling to obey. The owner should not be inexperienced or timid, but firm and knowledgeable. Exercise and work are needed for both parents and the offspring, a situation that may tire out an introvert. They make good guard dogs and watchdogs The qualities it inherits from both parents make it an asset in security. It plays the role of both a guard dog and a watchdog. It is not aggressive unless badly trained but will protect its family when needed. Watch out for separation anxiety Many owners make the mistake of assuming this mix would love being alone because of its independent spirit. However, just like its parents, it is used to company. Being alone can trigger separation anxiety which leads to destructive behaviors. Because there are no Kennel standards or similarities in the looks of the parents, the puppies will grow to exhibit different physical characteristics. Genetics plays a major role here. Some of these dogs may look more like the German Shepherd, others will favor the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Some may combine both features to create an unusual look. Therefore, you may find some with the erect ears of the German Shepherd or the floppy ones of the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Most get the ridge on their backs, but the face usually is that of the German Shepherd. Size The Rhodesian Shepherd mix is a medium to large dog breed like its parents. It weighs between 64 to 95 pounds and grows up to 27 inches. It could either be short and shiny like the Rhodesian Ridgeback or a medium, dense double coat like the German Shepherd. Coat colors include gray, black, liver, and gold. There could be some differences in the behaviors of every individual. Also, factors like good training and the right environment influences personality. That being said, there are some traits you can expect from any member of this mixed breed. The first common trait is loyalty. This hybrid looks out for its family and is devoted to them. Loyalty is one attribute that makes it a good guard dog and watchdog, and it would defend its family to the last. Not surprisingly, it is also protective. Another good guard dog quality is its wariness towards strangers. Like its parents, the mix is friendly only towards members of its family or those it knows well. With strangers, it is aloof. Socialization stops it from developing aggression towards strangers, but wariness is essential for its guard duty. It is courageous as well, a trait gotten from both parents. The Ridgeback hunted lions and the German Shepherd protected flocks against wolves. You can count on this Rhodesian Shepherd to face danger without hesitation. As highly intelligent as its parents, expect this mix to understand and respond to commands with ease. You have to be patient while training this breed. The Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix is a loyal and gentle companion, friendly with its family and loving with those it knows. This mix can defend its family with its life and stay faithful throughout its life. It is also good with kids, especially when socialized early. However, its large size makes it unsuitable for toddlers, so it is more ideal to have them in a house with older kids who can respect a dog. To get this hybrid to get along well with other dogs and pets, it should be socialized from an early age. An adult with no prior experience in living with other animals may not fit in well. The male unneutered dog could also be aggressive towards other males. With smaller pets, its high prey drive could get in the way. This is why socialization is vital if you want a home with multiple dogs and pets. Because of its novelty and rareness, it is hard to determine the average cost of this breed, or where to find it. For the price, the cost of shopping the parents could give you an idea of what to budget. Cost varies, though, as the breeder could charge more or lesser than our estimate. Regardless of the cost, the breeder should be reputable. Ensure you get a pup with no underlying medical conditions or undesirable behaviors. Some breeders may offer advice and ask questions of their own. Do not buy a puppy based on a guarantee alone. Another option is adoption, though with this breed it could be harder than shopping. That said, you might stumble on a Rhodesian Shepherd in a rescue shelter specializing in German Shepherds or Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Adoption is cheaper and more canvassed for, but you also should ask questions. Some abandoned dogs suffer trauma from abuse or a medical condition that made the previous owner abandon it. As such, it requires a rich kibble fit for its size. While some dogs can manage a poor diet, this hybrid would have health problems if fed a subpar meal. Keep it hydrated too by providing enough water. Supplements like fish oil are also good for its system. Glucosamine and chondroitin are some other supplements that would help strengthen its bones. Like its parents, it can get overweight. So you should regularise its meal and stop it from free feeding. Human food and treats should be minimal as those can make a dog gain weight. You could keep it on a raw meal or give it a blend of dry and wet dog food. Dry food is usually preferred as the main meal, then wet food adds variety. Consult a veterinarian or nutritionist to know what to feed your pup. Another rule of thumb is to know the factors that influence feeding. Like other dog breeds, do not feed a Rhodesian Shepherd puppy with the same meal or ratio that you would an adult. The same applies to seniors. That is the age factor. Size is another, and you should also determine the energy level of your mix while establishing its diet. A bored and restless Rhodesian Shepherd is a recipe for destruction. It loves the outdoors and should be taken outside numerous times a day. This is a win for you if your hobbies involve stepping out of the house, not board games and binge-watching series. It is advisable to keep your mixed dog on a leash, at least till it is well trained to obey a recall command. Its high prey drive may push it to dive after a smaller animal. It needs at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Sometimes it could get to an hour or more, depending on your dog. Some activities fit for the Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix include walking, running, hiking, swimming, playtime at a dog park, or games like fetch. These borders on the physical. Age and size also determine how much exercise this crossbreed needs. It is advisable to start small with a puppy and stick to light activities. As for size, an obese dog would need a different exercise requirement than its slimmer counterpart. For this Rhodesian Shepherd, training is both easy and frustrating. It is easy because of its intelligence, but frustrating due to its stubbornness. The best way to start training is when your pooch is still a puppy—if you adopted it as an adult, you would have a different set of challenges. Ensure your pup knows its place in the human-dog relationship and acknowledges you as the leader. Only then would you make headway with this stubborn breed. As usual, obedience training and socialization are a must. Let your pet learn simple commands and respond to them. It should also get to meet new people and visit foreign places. For this breed, training has to be consistent, not random. This mixed breed is sensitive to harsh words, yelling, and punitive methods—so you must keep your cool and be patient while training. Use treats, praises, pats on the back, and other forms of motivation to encourage it. Also Read:. It seems easy to fall in love. These dogs have long hair that covers most of their body, but it also has a thick coat on top and short fur around its face which gives an interesting variety in appearance. A lot goes on during puppyhood — most specifically in terms of how big your dog gets. If this sounds like something up your dog then make sure to be more familiar with the adoption of this breed. The average lifespan for this animal ranges from 14 years old, which makes them one of the longest-living breeds on earth. A lot of people feel intimidated when they first meet a large, powerful dog. They are often dogs who do not know their own power and need some time to get used to; just remember this about them: they can also surprise you with how well-behaved these big breeds really are. Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Mix can come in all sorts of different shades, like Fawns or sables with black spots on them to mix it up even more. They have easygoing personalities and are generally affectionate and sweet-natured. They usually take a lot of time to warm up to a new person and require training before they are ready to handle a household. The Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Mix is a tough breed and can be hard on themselves and others. They need a strong-willed owner. In training a Ridgeback, you must start early. They can be extremely stubborn and may resist a lot of your training. Ridgebacks are excellent guard dogs. They are extremely loyal, have little tolerance for chaos and noise, and enjoy a secure environment. In this situation, the joints can be damaged and also can become the reason for pain in the body. These are some of the diseases that this breed bears, and there are also genetic health issues that would influence their health, so it is advisable to check the dog before taking it. Deaf and bare feet are sometimes visible in this breed. Dermoid sinuses can be treated surgically and commonly are not lethal. Although, until now none of no specific treatment has been discovered for the deaf you can avoid the underlying hygiene problems which could be the reason for this. With age, they will not usually have as many complications as young dogs. It is therefore vital that you get them regularly. So the training requires dedicated work and diligence. Be sure that you must be strong when the dog knows what you want to know. The best thing about your young Rhodesian Ridgeback becomes social training from a child and how other dogs and people are engaged. Social education has trained education and tree training and improvements are all areas of the usual household requirements. As a very dynamic and muscular dog, the German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback will be useful for 30 to 90 regular minutes of everyday workout. You can also add other outdoor activities such as long walks, mountain hiking, and running in a large yard. Raw foods with twisted bones, firm flesh, and a fine quantity of ingredients are the best for this type. In case, if raw food is expensive and difficult to maintain a diet, look for fine standard dog food that will fulfill its nutritional needs. As this breed has been one of the athletic breeds, it will demand more than the normal quantity of water intake on a regular basis. The combination of food varieties such as dry and wet food could be a good choice to be included in the diet chart. Whether he is training for competitions or just enjoying a walk around the neighborhood, he will enjoy the experience. However, you should always be careful not to neglect your dog. Make sure that he or she has proper space and training so that you and your dog can share a happy life together. This breed is an incredibly satisfying dog and one that will make sure to keep you active- be sure that you are completely set to be a good keeper of this breed. Post navigation. Facial features tend to resemble the GSD, while the body takes on Ridgeback qualities. You can expect this mix to have a shorter coat than a GSD, and a less muscular body. Colors will often include shades of brown, and the sable or dark GSD coloration. These mixes are fortunately not heavy shedders. Brushing them once per week is often enough. Lifespan: up to 14 years on average. Prone to obesity. This mix can be great for families, and can get along well with kids. These high-energy dogs will form close bonds with their owners. They're lively, intelligent, nosey, friendly, and brave. An hour of daily exercise at minimum is recommended to help curb destructive behaviors. These dogs were officially named Rhodesian Ridgebacks in in Zimbabwe. The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed is known for its distinguishing feature — the ridge of hair running along its back. This ridge stands out as it is composed of hair that is growing backwards. An adult Rhodesian Ridgeback can grow up to 27 inches tall, and can weigh up to 80 pounds, while its female counterpart can grow up to 26 inches tall and can weigh up to 71 pounds. The Rhodesian Ridgeback can be aloof to strangers but is very loyal to its owner. It is intelligent and teachable. When it comes to health, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are at high risk of developing dermoid sinus, degenerative myelopathy a neurological condition affecting the spine , hypothyroid, and gastric dilatation-volvulus. Dermoid sinus is a condition that can be screened for at birth. Affected puppies can be saved through a surgical operation where the affected dermoid sinus is removed. The life expectancy of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is roughly 10 years. Sadly, he passed away a few years ago at the age of .Big thank you to his owner Erik for letting us post this great picture! Originally used as a working dog and a herding dog, German Shepherds are now often seen with the police, patrolling malls and areas where security is of utmost protection. This breed is known for its handsome and well-built features. It is hardworking, fearless, obedient, and trainable according to dogster. If you are energetic with an active outdoor lifestyle, this is the pet for you. An adult German Shepherd can grow up to 25 inches or .It has a thick coat that sheds heavily throughout the year, and blows its coat twice per year. Regular brushing will be really important with GSDs, and is thankfully all you need to do for coat maintenance for the most part. When it comes to health, GSDs are at high risk of developing elbow and hip dysplasia, and skin allergies. German Shepherd can live up to 12 years on average. Although this a relatively well-known breed, it is not yet popular because there are very few breeders who focus solely on producing Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mixes. For more information on the differences between these two breeds, feel free to read our comparison article: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd. It stands like it is ready to fight at all times! Its face and head will more so resemble that of the GSD, but their backs will have the famous Ridgeback line. These are obvious signs to look out for when trying to identify a Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix. The average lifespan of this mix is up to 14 years according to shopforyourcause. Since GSDs and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are both known for their overall strength, power, and love of active lifestyles, we can expect the mix to be quite similar in this regard. Although German Shepherds are used extensively in police work , the same cannot be said for these mixes — these are strictly house pets. In terms of exercise, these dogs love running outdoors and playing with other dogs. Just like its parent GSD, it is best to allow a Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix to play outdoors in order to curb its aggressive behavior and excessive energy levels. Keeping it locked up inside all day can be very stressful for this breed — it is highly recommended to get these dogs at least an hour of exercise every day. Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Mix Health One of the common health problems that medium to large dogs face is dysplasia, and the Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix is no different. It is at high risk of developing both hip and elbow dysplasia. Before accepting a puppy from your breeder, verify if the parents have gone through the required genetic testing designed to identify dogs that could potentially pass on heritable health issues to the puppies. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is also prone to having dermoid sinus — so this mixed breed will also be at risk of developing the condition. Always have your puppy checked every six months to correct possible dermoid conditions. Both breeds are also susceptible to skin, ear, and eye infections — try your best to be on the lookout for any signs of irritation or infection on these body parts. If your pup continually scratches any of these areas, you may need to have it checked out by your veterinarian. Tip: Great breeders always ensure that they are breeding from healthy parents. They should have the proper documentation proving that their breeding dogs are healthy, and without genetic conditions that can affect the cross-breeds. Feel free to check out this YouTube video from Dogs Naturally Magazine for tutorials on how to prepare a raw diet for your dog. If preparing a raw diet is simply not feasible for you, you can still purchase high-quality commercial dog food that will be relatively healthy for your dog. You can also ask your vet for any advice regarding ideal brands for Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Mixes. You should also be careful when giving your dog a treat during training — the Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix can easily become obese like its parents. Despite being active all day, eating too much sugary food can lead to high sugar levels and their bodies might not be able to break it down naturally. Their diets should ideally be high in fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin supplements to help lower the risk of joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasia. The Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix is a large breed that may not be ideal for first-time dog owners because of its sheer size and strength. These dogs are best for people who are looking for a friend that they can run with and take on hikes, since this breed thrives on vigorous amounts of daily activity. Despite this, one of the the best traits Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mixes have is the ability to just chill out and remain pretty calm when around its owners. They will absolutely love spending time with their families. This dog needs constant attention, an energetic owner, and mental distractions from time to time. Leaving a Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix on its own for too long may not be the best idea since these dogs can be prone to separation anxiety. Unfortunately, when this happens, these dogs can be prone to destructive behaviors. You should also bath your Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix at least once per month. There is no need to give it a daily bath because it will dry its skin out. Most Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mixes have thin coats so there is no need to brush them too often. Brush it once a week to give it a shinier and softer look. In terms of physical activity, this hunting and guarding dog loves moving around! Its parents are active dogs so expect the cross-breed to be very active as well, loving long hikes and runs. Aim for one hour of activity per day. You can also run with your Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix in the morning. It will help your dog child release some energy before you leave for work. Here are signs that your pet dog is feeling stressed. Whining — a GSD whines when it is bored, and when it wants to go outside. As the Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix is from a family of intelligent breeds, expect it to whine when it cannot do what it wants. Pacing — when your dog continually walks back and forth, it is a sign that is stressed or anxious. Iheartdogs explains that this happens when a dog is in a very small enclosure or on a leash, and they are feeling suffocated. Lip-licking — lip-licking or lip flicking they bring their tongue in and out for no reason is also a sign that your dog is stressed. It is either that they are hungry, want to move around, or something is bothering them on their skin. Lowered-Ears — this trait is from GSDs. If you see your Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix with its ears down, it is a sign that it is feeling anxious over something. Barking — the Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix barks at people they are not familiar with. If your dog keeps on barking when there is no stranger around, then it means it is feeling off about something. Drooling — drooling can mean two things — your dog is not feeling well or is anxious and nervous. If you notice that your GSD and Rhodesian Ridgeback mix is drooling for no reason, take it to your vet immediately. Scratching — if your Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix continually scratches its ears, tails, or a part of its body, check it out for any signs of rashes and other infections. Tail-chasing — this behavior is common to German Shepherds. They often chase their tail when they are bored or anxious. Displaying excessive behavior — this hybrid produces a very active dog. However, if your dog keeps on moving around, barking, and drooling, put it on a leash and bring it to your vet immediately. Frequently Asked Questions Are Ridgebacks aggressive? Historically, Ridgebacks were bred to be hunting dogs. This means that they are naturally territorial and protective dogs, however, this does not translate into aggression. Instead, they are generally well-mannered and even-tempered, making them a great breed for families with or without kids. They are extremely intelligent, which means that they might be able to suspect an intruder or bad energy from a person, where they might become somewhat aggressive. However, this is only due to their territorial nature. It all depends on how the dog has been trained and treated. Despite their hunting background, Ridgebacks are tender and gentle dogs who are highly protective over their companions. Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks be left alone? As Rhodesian Ridgebacks are such loyal and affectionate dogs, they can be prone to separation anxiety. This can result in separation anxiety. The best way to tackle separation anxiety is to bite the bullet and leave them alone in a room for an hour every day. This time should increase after a couple of days. When you do return, make sure not to excite them with praise. You should walk into the room and ignore their excitement, as this will help them to normalize you wandering in and out of the house. Eventually, they will learn that you will return and there is no point worrying. Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks easy to train? In fact, their intelligence makes them notoriously difficult to train! This should include simple recall training and obedience training, so you can learn to trust them off the leash. To tackle this, you must commit to consistent training until they get the hint. While it will take a long time, the results will be worth it! Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks bark a lot? For example, if they can sense an intruder or a suspicious person, they will probably bark to threaten them. You can enjoy up to 14 years of great companionship with this hunting and guard dog. Reduce risks of common medical problems like dysplasia and infection by giving your Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix a proper diet, vaccines, and plenty of exercise. This large dog is gentle and very loyal to its owner. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was developed in southern Africa to hunt lions. German Shepherds are also large, athletic dogs that were originally bred for herding and protection work. Together, these two breeds make excellent working dogs with strong hunting instincts and loyalty to their family. While the exact origins of this mix are unknown, it is thought that this cross was first developed in the United States in the s. Today, this mixed breed is still primarily a working dog, but they can also make exceptional family pets. If you are looking for a smart, protective, and active companion, this may be the perfect breed for you. The most distinctive feature of this breed is the ridge of hair running along its back in the opposite direction to the rest of its fur. This ridge is caused by a genetic mutation that causes the hair follicles to grow in different directions. Ridgebacks Shepherd mixes are also known for their short, shiny coats, which are either light wheaten or red wheaten in color. They have long, floppy ears and a tail that is usually docked. While males typically weigh more than females, the average weight of this mixed breed is between 65 and pounds. The average height is around 24 — 27 inches. The shape of their head is similar to the German Shepherd, which is typically wedged-shaped. Their nose is either black or brown and their eyes are either dark or amber in color. This hybrid is an excellent companion dog who is loving and affectionate with family members but still reserved around strangers. This breed is also highly trainable, making them an ideal candidate for obedience training and even agility courses. With proper socialization, this breed gets along well with other dogs and pets. These dogs excel in obedience training and respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as treats and praise. They need consistent training from a firm, experienced owner. These dogs are not suitable for first-time owners or those who are not willing to put in the time and effort required to train them properly. This mix is an active breed that needs plenty of exercise. A daily walk is a minimum, and they will also enjoy hiking, running, and playing fetch. This breed is not suited for life in an apartment or small home; they need a yard where they can run and explore. Socialization is also important for this breed, as they can be suspicious of strangers if not properly introduced to them from an early age. With proper training and socialization, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd mix can be a loving, loyal companion. Rhodesian Shepherd — Are they Aggressive? The Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd Mix is a large, powerful dog that was originally bred for hunting. However, this aggressive streak can also make them difficult to handle, and they are not recommended for first-time dog owners. As a loyal and protective dog, they can be very suspicious of strangers. If not properly socialized, they may become aggressive toward people and other animals. In addition, this mix is a high-energy dog that needs plenty of exercise. Without an outlet for their energy, they may become destructive or even aggressive. For these reasons, it is important to consider whether or not this mixed breed is the right breed for you before making a commitment. This high-energy breed needs at least an hour of exercise every day. A Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd Mix is the perfect companion for runs, hikes, and any other outdoor activity you can think of. Remember, this breed was originally bred to hunt lions, so they have plenty of stamina. In addition to their daily walk or run, this mixed breed will also appreciate some playtime in the yard. Mental Stimulation The Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd mix is an intelligent breed that requires regular mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. One way to do this is to give them puzzle toys filled with treats, which will keep them occupied and mentally challenged. You can also vary their walking route and introduce new playthings regularly to keep them from becoming restless. With a little effort, you can ensure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd mix stays happy and mentally stimulated. They need to be groomed on a regular basis. The Ridgeback Shepherd is not a hypoallergenic breed, so they do shed relatively frequently. As a result, they will require daily brushing in order to keep their coat healthy and free of tangles. They should also be bathed on a monthly basis, using a mild shampoo to avoid drying out their skin. With proper grooming, this mix will be a handsome and healthy dog. As a result, they inherit many of the same health conditions as their parent breeds. However, there are steps that owners can take to help their dogs stay healthy. For example, regular exercise and a healthy diet can help to prevent obesity, which is a major risk factor for many health problems. Additionally, keeping up with routine vaccinations and vet check-ups can help to catch any potential health problems early on. With proper care, Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherds can enjoy long, happy lives. Rhodesian Shepherd — What should they eat? As any pet owner knows, what you feed your animal companion can have a big impact on their health and well-being. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are a few general guidelines that can help you make the best choice for your dog. This will help to ensure that your dog is getting the nutrients they need without ingesting too much filler material. Focusing on their nutrition will help to avoid problems such as obesity and joint problems. By following these guidelines, you can help your Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd mix stay healthy and happy for years to come. Rhodesian Shepherd — Dog Friendly? The Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd mix is a large, powerful dog with a strong prey drive. This can make them difficult to socialize with other dogs and can also make them a danger to smaller pets. However, with patience and training, many Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherds can learn to live peacefully with other dogs and animals. Rhodesian Shepherd — Child Friendly? This is because they are loyal, protective, and patient. As a result, young children should always be supervised when around a Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd. Rhodesian Shepherd — Do they Drool? One of the less desirable traits of this breed is their tendency to drool. While all dogs produce saliva, some breeds are more prone to slobbering and drooling than others. The reason for these drooling tendencies is the shape of their skull and muzzle. This structure allows more saliva to pool in their mouth, which leads to drooling. In addition, this breed is also known for being very food-motivated, which can further contribute to drooling behavior. If you are considering adding a Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd to your family, be prepared to deal with some drool. However, regular grooming and cleaning can help to minimize the mess. Rhodesian Shepherd — Weather They can be sensitive to weather changes. While all dogs can be affected by extreme weather conditions, some breeds are more prone to problems than others. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd is one of those breeds. This type of coat does not provide much insulation, making the dog more susceptible to cold weather. In addition, this breed is also known for being very active. As a result, they may have difficulty regulating their body temperature in hot weather. If you are considering adding this mixed breed to your family, be prepared to deal with some weather-related issues. Life Expectancy The Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd is a mixed breed of dog with an average life expectancy of 14 years. This lifespan is about average for most dogs, but it is on the shorter end for large breeds. Large breeds are more likely to experience health problems and joint issues than smaller breeds. As a result, they often do not live as long as smaller dogs. The reason for this lack of AKC recognition is the mixed nature of the breed. Puppy Prices Prices for Rhodesian Ridgeback Shepherd puppies can vary depending on the breeder and the individual puppy. This price range is about average for most mixed-breed puppies. This unique and amazing dog is sure to make a great addition to your family. And as always, thanks for reading!