how to house train golden retriever puppy

how to house train golden retriever puppy

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Free Bulldog Puppy Starter Kit! Life Span Did You Know? The loving and gentle English Bulldog is one of the most well-liked companion dog breeds around the world. A breed of English origins, the Bulldog was first recognized as a non-sporting dog by the American Kennel Club in .The original use of this breed was Bull baiting, which was eventually outlawed with the establishment of the Cruelty to Animals Act of .This legislative act made the act of Bull and Bear baiting both illegal. The current role most suitable for the English Bulldog would be as a companion or family pet, given their sweet demeanor. The English Bulldog is relatively easy to train but definitely takes some work for more complicated commands. If you are looking for a breed to sit, stay, and play dead for treats, this is the breed for you. While they may not be the sharpest tool in the shed compared to some of the other highly intelligent breeds, they are easy going and apt to please their owner. Training this breed will be accomplished with less difficulty if you make the training reward based. Can you say Sweetheart? While this dog breed makes an above average watchdog because of their courage, this breed is a loving companion at heart. The Bulldog is excellent with kids when socialized and should be very agreeable with guests of the house. The English Bulldog breed as a whole is heralded as one of the most well liked companion breeds in the world. The Bulldog should do well with other family pets as long as properly introduced and socialized. They need to be socialized early and often to curb any negative feelings towards strange dogs. This breed is generally agreeable to most environments. Although they easily adapt to a noisy and chaotic household, they are not very tolerant of extreme weather, whether it be hot or cold. Although they are well liked and very popular, one must be aware of the potential health pitfalls with this breed. Some of the potential issues you can see with the English Bulldog is Cherry Eye, Entropion, or dysplasia. This breed also has a high risk for weight gain, so this should be monitored. An average Bulldog life span is between 8 and 12 years. You do not need to be a professional dog trainer to own an English Bulldog. They are good for most novice owners because they are passive by nature. The English Bulldog is an average shedder, so brushing him twice a week with a firm brush will be a good idea. Also, they can have a tendency to drool, so making sure you wipe their face off everyday can help ensure they do not suffer irritation on their faces and between their wrinkles. Because of the amount of wrinkles they have, it is recommended that you clean between the wrinkles fairly often to avoid irritations. The English Bulldog is a generally low energy breed. They do not require a lot of exercise, but when they do play, they play hard! Because they can be intense when they do have an energy burst, an owner must be aware of overexertion. They can be very playful, but do tend to tire out quickly. The English Bulldog is a short, stocky breed that should weigh between pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding both owned English Bulldogs. Featured English Bulldog Article. At BigBullDogs. We offer the best service for purchasing the perfect bulldog puppies, and we have quality studs that have set us apart as the top breeders for bulldogs. Whatever it is that you need regarding these beautiful bullies, this is the right place for you. Here are the varieties we have; What You Need to Know About English Bulldogs English Bulldogs are very distinct from the other breeds of bulldogs and are the more prevalent breed. These sturdy, muscular dogs have a cute waddle walk that directly results from their short, stubby legs. The English bulldog also has a flat-looking face, dark and low set eyes, massive and broad jaws, and fleshy cheeks and lips that give it that signature pouty and droopy look. Its short neck, thick shoulders, and barrelled chest, slightly arched back make it one breed that you can easily identify anywhere. Our standard Male English bulldogs are inches and weigh an average of 50 pounds, while the Female English bulldogs weigh about 40 pounds. All our English bulldogs have the finest textured coats and healthiest skin with a variety of colour patterns. Whether you pick a male English bulldog or female English bulldog from us, you can be assured of their wonderful demeanor and gentle disposition. The AKC recognizes over dog breeds and rated the Bulldog as 2 for the best family dog breed. They are incredible family dogs but not the best watch dogs these days. The last nine decades of domestication has turned them into couch potatoes, considerably different from their original genetic breeding that made them perfect for Bull Baiting. Nevertheless they are fantastic at lying on the couch and giving you the stink eye when you disturb their rest. Quick Guide to French Bulldogs French bulldogs were named for their origin story, which says that they were a breed of English toy bulldogs and several unidentified dog breeds. They have distinct features that make them stand out against their English counterparts, such as their pointy, bat ears. French bulldogs are small, cute dogs that are very playful and perfect for being a home pet. Regardless of whether you pick the male french bulldogs or the female French bulldogs , you get a pet that is calm, attentive, attention-loving, and a partner to you and your kids. The male french bulldog is an estimated 12 inches in height and 25 pounds in weight. On the other hand, the female french bulldog is about 11 inches and 20 pounds. The male french bulldogs are usually a bit more muscular than females and have larger heads. However both are equally affectionate and super family oriented. Not to be outdone by their British Bulldog cousin, the female french bulldogs also made the Top 10 Best Family Dog breeds list in .Looking to Adopt Bulldogs? Black Tri English Bulldogs are a very rare yet very old color. After the English bulldog breed was outlawed for bullbaiting in the breed came near extinction until it was saved by soon to be exhibitor breeders that had a love for the English Bulldog breed. The first Bulldog breed standard was written in London year .Eventually it was written in the Bulldog breed standard that solid black was undesirable, but not so objectionable if occurring to a moderate degree in piebald patches. Note that black color is not a disqualification. Coat color only counts for 4pts out of points in the AKC Bulldog breed standard. As a result many decades ago show English Bulldog breeders started working to avoid black colors in their breeding program. These colors do still randomly pop up in even prestigious long standing Champion show English Bulldog bloodlines. These colors of Bulldogs have become more popular in recent years. Because the black color is so rare now obviously it is hard to find. Also even though it is considered undesirable it is still a very, very expensive color if it presents its self on a high quality English Bulldog dueto the rareness of the color. Only a couple blue English Bulldogs exist in the whole world and they are extremely hard to produce! Still yet the biggest challenge would be finding a reputable bulldog breeder. These Bulldog breeders are rare, largely because they are subject to criticism among their peers. On the positive note black English bulldogs seem to be very healthy and have minimal skin or immune system issues. Blue bulldog with blue eyes sold to super star Joe Jonas of Jonas Brothers! Blue Bulldog Joe Jonas Winston. Winston Jonas blue bulldog with blue eyes. Owned by Jonas brothers Joe Jonas. Below "Winston Jonas". Blue bulldogs, blue english bulldog and champion blue blue eye english bulldog pictures, blue bulldog and blue bulldogs pictures! Hollywood blue tri bulldog picture!

Provides DHA from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development Promotes regular and healthy stools with the special blend of prebiotics Gentle of small stomachs Not suitable for pups with a maize or gluten allergy or intolerance FAQs How much food does a French Bulldog puppy need? The amount of food your Frenchie puppy needs depends on how much your pup weighs, and whether you're opting to give them a wet puppy food or dry food diet. Every type of food will have its own feeding guidelines so you can use these to figure out how much food they should have compared to how much they weigh. When they get to six months, increase their food intake to up to two and a half cups daily, but only feed them two times a day. Frenchies are prone to obesity, so it's important to keep an eye on their weight. If you start to notice your pup is piling on the pounds more than they should for their age, you should reduce their portion size by half a cup. If you have any concerns about your pup's weight, speak to your vet. Can French Bulldog puppies have allergies? Allergies are a common problem with French Bulldogs. These can be genetic, but they can also be food-based. They can usually get acne that causes sores or dry, flaky patches on their body. If you spot your Frenchie pup excessively and constantly scratching, chewing or biting at their legs, paws, face, sides or their behind, it could be a sign they have an allergy. We suggest eliminating or isolating certain ingredients in their diet to find out the trigger, which can be a little trial and error. You can then opt to feed them puppy foods for sensitive stomachs as these are typically made without ingredients that dogs are commonly allergic or intolerant to. We would also recommend collaborating with your vet to find the best food for your French Bulldog puppy. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers. Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us. By choosing a dog food with top ingredients, you can ensure your Frenchie receives the essential nutrients they need for a healthy and happy life. Salmon, poultry, and lamb are particularly beneficial sources of protein for French Bulldogs. Healthy Fats Healthy fats, such as omega-6 fatty acids, are an excellent source of nutrition for French Bulldogs. These fatty acids help maintain a healthy immune system, promote healthy skin, and result in a glossy coat. By providing your Frenchie with a diet rich in healthy fats, you can support their skin and coat health while helping to moderate inflammation. Beneficial Supplements In addition to high-quality protein and healthy fats, beneficial supplements like prebiotic fiber, probiotics, glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, and omega fatty acids should be considered for French Bulldog dog food. Prebiotic fiber and probiotics are formulated to be gentle on the digestive system and promote digestion. Glucosamine and chondroitin are essential for joint health and support joint and cartilage health maintenance. Taurine and omega fatty acids have been found to be beneficial for cardiovascular health. Some dog foods that include these beneficial supplements are: Nutro Ultra Weight Management Dry Dog Food, which contains taurine for cardiovascular health Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Food — which provides complete and balanced nutrition, strengthens the immune system, encourages growth, and promotes balanced intestinal flora. By choosing a dog food with these beneficial supplements, you can provide your Frenchie with a well-rounded diet that supports their overall health. Potential Allergies and Sensitivities in French Bulldogs French Bulldogs may be prone to allergies and sensitivities , making it important to research the ingredients in their food and consult a vet if necessary. Some common sensitivities in French Bulldogs include corn, soy, beef, and dairy products. If your Frenchie shows signs of allergies or sensitivities, it is essential to evaluate the ingredients in their food and seek veterinary advice if needed. If you suspect your French Bulldog has a food allergy , you may want to consider a limited-ingredient dog food or a grain-free diet. By being aware of potential allergies and sensitivities and choosing the right dog food, you can help your Frenchie maintain a healthy and happy life. Feeding Guidelines for French Bulldogs Feeding guidelines for French Bulldogs include following label recommendations for feeding quantity and dividing daily servings into smaller meals for sustained energy supply. For French Bulldog puppies , it is recommended to provide them with 1. Puppies aged between 2 to 6 months should be supplied with three meals per day, whereas older puppies should be given two meals daily. Adult and senior French Bulldogs should also be fed two meals per day. By following these feeding guidelines, you can ensure that your Frenchie receives the right amount of food for their age, weight, and activity level, helping them maintain a healthy body weight and preventing potential health issues. Our Top Picks: Best Dog Foods for French Bulldogs in Our top picks for the best dog food for French Bulldogs in include a variety of options tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of this charming breed. From weight management formulas to grain-free options and specialized diets for puppies and seniors, these dog foods offer the essential nutrients your Frenchie needs to thrive. Pet owners recommend this dog food for its weight maintenance benefits, quality ingredients, and multiple protein sources. Additionally, it is free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and contains taurine, which acts as a natural antioxidant for your pup. By choosing the best overall dog food for your Frenchie, you can support their overall health and well-being. This dog food is specifically tailored for overweight and less active dogs, providing an optimal protein-to-fat ratio to help them reach their weight goals and maintain an energetic lifestyle. However, the benefits it offers in terms of weight management and affordability make it a great value option for French Bulldog owners. Food and food are both great options when it comes to feeding your French Bulldog puppies. Both provide a complete, balanced diet for their growth and development. Food provides complete and balanced nutrition, strengthens the immune system, encourages growth, and promotes balanced intestinal flora. It is also easy to digest for optimal nutrient absorption, making it an ideal choice for your Frenchie puppy. It is worth noting that some puppies may not take to Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food, and it is more expensive than other dog food options due to its breed-specific nature. However, the benefits it offers in terms of nutrition and breed-specific formulation make it a top choice for French Bulldog puppies. It provides optimal nutrition to maintain their health and wellbeing. This specialized diet is formulated for French Bulldogs over the age of twelve months and includes L-carnitine and top-notch protein to sustain optimal muscle mass, probiotics to minimize intestinal fermentation, and a kibble design that is easy for Frenchies to consume and encourages chewing. While some dogs may not accept Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult Dry Dog Food and it is costly, the benefits it provides in terms of nutrition and breed-specific formulation make it an ideal choice for senior French Bulldogs. Customers say their dogs love the taste of this food. Additionally, it is excellent for dogs with food allergies. No longer will they suffer from itchy paws or diarrhea. By choosing a dog food specifically designed for French Bulldogs with allergies, you can help alleviate their allergy symptoms and provide them with a diet that supports their overall health and well-being. Customers have reported that their dogs enjoy the flavor of Wellness Core Grain-Free Kibble and have maintained a healthy coat when consuming this food. By choosing a grain-free dog food option for your French Bulldog, you can support their overall health while accommodating their dietary needs. They come in a wide variety of flavors and are packed with lots of nutrition. Our dogs do deserve the best! Gradually introducing the new food over a period of days can help avoid these problems. If your dog experiences any digestive issues or stomach discomfort, consult your veterinarian for advice. Foods to avoid include chocolate, coffee, tea, grapes, and raisins. Instead, consider offering your Frenchie safe and healthy alternatives such as oatmeal, sweet potatoes, brown rice, fish, chicken, vegetables carrots, green beans, broccoli , and fruits apples, bananas, blueberries. It is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian if you are uncertain about what foods are appropriate for your French Bulldog. By providing your Frenchie with safe and healthy food alternatives, you can promote their overall health and well-being. Homemade Dog Food Options for French Bulldogs While commercially manufactured foods are generally recommended for French Bulldogs, some owners may prefer to prepare homemade dog food for their pets. Suitable ingredients for homemade dog food for French Bulldogs include cooked lean meats, cooked eggs, cooked vegetables, cooked grains, and healthy fats. If you choose to prepare homemade dog food for your French Bulldog, it is essential to ensure that the diet provides the necessary nutrients to support their health and well-being. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on creating a balanced and nutritious homemade diet for your Frenchie. Summary In conclusion, selecting the best dog food for your Frenchie is an essential part of supporting their overall health and well-being. By understanding their unique nutritional needs, choosing high-quality ingredients, and providing a diet tailored to their age, weight, and activity level, you can ensure your Frenchie thrives. With the right nutrition, your Frenchie will enjoy a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. Frequently Asked Questions What are Frenchies allergic to? French can suffer from environmental allergies such as dust mites, pollens, molds, and grass as well as food allergies such as corn, soy, beef, and dairy products. Taking steps to reduce exposure to allergens can help keep your Frenchie healthy and comfortable. This could include things like keeping the house clean, using air purifiers, and avoiding areas with high pollen. What should I feed my French Bulldog puppy? As the owner of a French Bulldog puppy, it is important to ensure your pup is getting the right nutrients. Feed them high-quality, nutritionally complete puppy food and, if desired, lean raw meat to provide them with the balanced diet they need. When he's not spending time with his furry best friend "Freddy II", you can find him reading up on the latest Frenchie trends or exploring new parks and hiking trails with his dapper little Frenchie by his side. Whether you're a seasoned Frenchie owner or just starting your journey, Freddy is excited to share his experiences and insights with you through his articles on this website. However, we are not huge fans of the fact that there are no fruits and vegetables from whole food sources, and that many of the meats are very generally labeled, meaning they could be made from sub-par animal parts. Overall, Victor puppy food may work as a high protein, supplemental food but we do not recommend it as a regular every-day kibble for French Bulldog puppies. Though most of these grains are healthy whole food sources, for the finicky Frenchie tummy, excessive grains can lead to gastrointestinal distress. The few wholesome fruits and vegetables in this food are way down at the very bottom of the ingredient list. Food made from mostly grains and added vitamins and minerals is a cheap way to give your dog food that is good enough, but not by a lot. Quite frankly, we do not think the price tag and possibility of digestive upset to your puppy is worth this mediocre-quality food. Pros First ingredient is chicken meal No artificial dyes or preservatives DHA and antioxidants for healthy eyes Cons Few whole food ingredients besides grains Most good oils, minerals, and vitamins are additives 7. However, the lack of quality in the rest of their ingredients leaves a lot to be desired. Plus, no fruits or vegetables means that your puppy will not get the benefit of most of those added vitamins and minerals. Can I feed my French Bulldog puppy raw meat? Yes, just remember to remove any small bones that could stick in the throat or shatter. The best meats for a French Bulldog are lean meats including chicken, turkey, duck, rabbit, quail, and a variety of fish. Meats like beef and pork are fine in smaller amounts but may contribute to obesity if they overindulge. Can I feed my French Bulldog peanut butter? Our puppy testers love the occasional peanut butter treat! What foods are safe for a French Bulldog puppy with diarrhea, constipation, or an upset stomach? If your pup has digestive upset, your best bet is to feed them super simple and easy-to-digest food. Nutritious, soothing foods for a Frenchie belly include rice brown is best! Substitute tablespoons of their kibble with one of those, cooked and unseasoned, for a fiber-rich, nutritious aid to their digestion. A good starting point for French Bulldogs aged 8 to 12 weeks is .These pups are notoriously fast eaters, which can cause all kinds of digestion issues, so smaller meals a day will help their belly do its job better. As they grow you will need to gradually increase this amount and can decrease the number of meals over which you stretch that amount. Do French Bulldog puppies need a special diet? Unfortunately, French Bulldogs are prone to developing food allergies and gastrointestinal issues. That means you need to pay extra attention to the ingredients in your choice of puppy food and, if necessary, search out brands with fewer ingredients that are higher quality. Being small dogs, they also mature faster and can become obese more easily than larger breeds. Nutrition for a French Bulldog Puppy Just like humans, dogs are omnivores and need a variety of nutrients from both animal and plant sources. Stick to lean meats for a French Bulldog, as your puppy will grow quickly and could put on extra weight if fed too much fat-rich meat. With the proper amount of fat in their diet, your French Bulldog will see benefits like flexible and resilient paw pads and nose, as well as a healthy coat and skin. The sensitive tummy of the French Bulldog often has trouble with simple carbs, like sugars and starches, which digest quickly and for a fast burst of energy. Most whole fruits, vegetables, and grains are complex carbohydrates that give your dog a steadier supply of energy. Complex carbs are much better for your French Bulldog puppy, as opposed to simple, because they are far more nutritionally dense and often fiber-rich. Common high fiber ingredients in dog food include rice, corn, oats, other grains, and a plethora of fruits and veggies. For a pup with a notoriously sensitive stomach, it is particularly important that the fiber-rich ingredients in the food be of superior quality and carefully chosen. Vitamins and Minerals Your French Bulldog puppy will also need an array of vitamins and minerals to support various important functions within their body. They are most bioavailable when your dog consumes whole foods that contain these nutrients. Major minerals for good health include phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and sulfur. Whole foods are minimally processed which makes them easier to digest and helps retain all the good and healthy nutrients they contain. That means you should be on the lookout for awesome ingredients like: Chicken or turkey Fruits, like banana and blueberries Vegetables, such as carrot and broccoli Specifically named fats from whole food sources, like salmon oil and chicken fat Organically grown foods, so no pesticides or nasty chemicals And French Bulldog puppies will benefit specifically from foods such as: Brown rice, a higher quality grain that is good for sensitive stomachs and easy to digest Sweet potato and pumpkin, which aid digestion Lean proteins like fowl, fish, and eggs Unhealthy Ingredients in French Bulldog Puppy Food Unfortunately, not all dog foods are created equal. Some brands talk big on the bag or can and regale you with mumbo jumbo about wolves or try to sell you on all the benefits of their food. Remember, dog food packaging is like the sales pitch meant to sell their food to you. Even though the information on the package cannot be technically false or misleading, it is still an advertisement. Stay skeptical and focus on the ingredients list. Wheat by-product? Hold your horses, what the heck does that even mean and why would I want to put it in my belly? Here are some common, poor quality ingredients that many companies use simply because they are cheaper: Brewers rice castoffs and fragments of processed white rice. Due to their unique body shape, it is important to feed a balanced diet with appropriate levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to prevent obesity and related health problems. Additionally, some French Bulldogs may have specific dietary requirements due to food allergies or sensitivities, which should be identified and addressed with an appropriate diet. Journal of Small Animal Practice French Bulldogs are a popular breed of dog known for their affectionate personalities, playful nature, and unique appearance. However, like all dogs, French bulldogs are prone to certain health conditions that can impact their quality of life. As a responsible pet owner, it's important to provide your dog with health support by understanding which diets offer the best food for a French Bulldog! In this article, we will discuss the best dog food for French Bulldogs, with a focus on the nutritional needs and health conditions specific to this breed. We will explore the common health conditions that French bulldogs are prone to and how diet can help manage or prevent these conditions. We will also provide guidance on choosing the right food and supplements for your French bulldog, as well as tips for feeding and caring for them. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to support your French bulldog's health through proper nutrition. Health conditions in French Bulldogs French bulldogs are prone to certain health conditions that can be managed or prevented through a proper diet. Some of the most common health conditions in French bulldogs include allergies, joint problems, and respiratory issues. Allergies: French bulldogs are known for their sensitivity to allergens, which can manifest as skin irritation, itchiness, and ear infections. Common food allergens in French bulldogs include grains, soy, and certain meats. To manage food allergies, it's important to identify the specific allergens and avoid them in your French bulldog's diet. Joint problems: French bulldogs are prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and arthritis, which can cause pain and limit mobility. To support joint health, it's important to provide your French bulldog with a diet rich in high-quality protein and joint-supporting nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Respiratory issues: French bulldogs have a flat face, which can cause breathing difficulties and make them prone to respiratory infections. To support respiratory health, it's important to choose a dog food with appropriate kibble size and shape that can be easily chewed and digested, and to avoid overfeeding, which can contribute to obesity and breathing problems. By understanding the health conditions that French bulldogs are prone to, you can choose the dog food that supports their unique needs and helps them lead a happy, healthy life. Can the correct dog food help manage health conditions in French Bulldogs? Diet plays a crucial role in managing and preventing health conditions in French bulldogs. By providing your French bulldog with a well-balanced and nutrient-rich dog food, you can help manage or prevent many common health issues. Food allergies: If your French bulldog has food allergies, it's important to choose a diet that avoids the allergens. Look for a dog food that is made with high-quality, limited ingredients that are free from common allergens such as grains, soy, and dairy. Novel protein sources such as duck, venison, or bison can be a good option for dogs with food allergies. Joint problems: To support joint health, look for a dog food that is rich in high-quality protein and contains joint-supporting nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for joint health and can be found in fish-based dog foods or as a supplement. Respiratory issues: To support respiratory health, choose a dog food with appropriate kibble size and shape that can be easily chewed and digested. Soft, moist food can be a good option for dogs with severe respiratory issues, but it's important to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog is getting all the necessary nutrients. Overall, a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet can help manage and prevent many common health conditions in French bulldogs. .Food allergies in French Bulldogs Food allergies are a common issue for French bulldogs, and can cause a range of symptoms including skin irritation, itchiness, and digestive issues. Common allergens in dog food include grains, soy, dairy, and certain meats. If you suspect that your French bulldog has food allergies, it's important to consult with your veterinarian and conduct an elimination diet to identify the specific allergens. Once the allergens have been identified, it's important to choose a dog food that avoids those ingredients. Look for a dog food that is made with high-quality, limited ingredients and avoids common allergens. Avoid dog foods that contain fillers, artificial colors or preservatives, as these can exacerbate allergies and other health issues. It's important to note that not all food sensitivities are true allergies. Some dogs may have difficulty digesting certain ingredients such as corn, wheat, or soy, which can cause digestive issues. In these cases, a limited ingredient dog food or a food that is easily digestible may be beneficial. Ingredients to look for in your French Bulldog's food Choosing the right ingredients is key to providing your French bulldog with a healthy and balanced diet. Here are some ingredients to look for in your dog's food: High-quality protein: Dogs are carnivores and require a diet that is rich in high-quality protein to support muscle and tissue growth and repair. Look for dog food that lists a high-quality source of animal protein, such as chicken, beef, lamb, or fish, as the first ingredient. Whole grains: While some dogs may have grain allergies, whole grains such as brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa can provide important nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Look for dog food that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, and blueberries. Healthy fats: Fats are important for maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting brain function. Look for dog food that includes sources of healthy fats such as fish oil, flaxseed, or chicken fat. Prebiotics: Prebiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help support digestive health and immune function. Our own dog foods contain prebiotics in their recipes as standard. By choosing dog food that includes these ingredients, you can help provide your French bulldog with a healthy and balanced diet that supports their overall health and wellbeing. Ingredients to avoid with a French Bulldog Just as there are important ingredients to include in your French bulldog's diet, there are also ingredients to avoid. Here are some ingredients to be cautious of when choosing dog food for your French bulldog: Grains: While some dogs can tolerate grains, others may have allergies or sensitivities to them. Common grains found in dog food include wheat, corn, and soy. If your French bulldog has grain allergies or sensitivities, look for a grain free dog food or contains alternative grains such as quinoa or millet. Meat by-products: Meat by-products are the parts of an animal that are not used for human consumption, such as beaks, feet, and organs. While some by-products can be nutritious, it's important to choose dog food that lists specific, high-quality sources of animal protein. Look for dog food that uses natural preservatives such as vitamin E or rosemary extract. We use natural rosemary extract as a preservative in all of our foods. Fillers: Fillers such as corn and wheat are used in some dog foods to bulk up the kibble, but they provide little nutritional value and can be difficult for dogs to digest. Artificial colors and flavors: Artificial colors and flavors have no nutritional value and can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. Look for dog food that is free from artificial colors and flavors. How much protein should I feed my French Bulldog? As a breed that is prone to certain health conditions, including skin allergies, hip dysplasia, and obesity, it's important to feed your French bulldog the right amount of protein. The exact amount of protein your French bulldog needs may vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. In general, adult French bulldogs should eat between .Puppies require more protein than adult dogs to support their growth and development. It's important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of protein for your French bulldog's specific needs, as well as to monitor their weight and overall health. Overfeeding your French bulldog can lead to obesity and other health problems, so it's important to provide them with the appropriate amount of protein and overall nutrition. There are lots of high meat content dog foods on the market these days but these may not be recommended for breeds like a French Bulldog. What is the best protein for French Bulldogs? The best protein for a French Bulldog will depend on their individual needs and any underlying health conditions. However, in general, high-quality animal proteins are recommended for French Bulldogs. Animal proteins are a complete source of essential amino acids that are necessary for maintaining a healthy body and supporting growth and repair. Look for dog foods that have animal proteins listed as the first few ingredients, such as chicken, lamb, or fish. Additionally, some French Bulldogs may benefit from alternative protein sources, such as venison, duck, or buffalo. These proteins may be helpful for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities to more common protein sources. It's important to note that while protein is important for a French Bulldog's diet, it's also essential to balance their overall nutrient intake. Too much protein can be hard on a dog's kidneys, especially if they have underlying kidney issues. A balanced diet that includes appropriate levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals is essential for maintaining your French Bulldog's health and well-being. Best food for a French Bulldog When it comes to choosing the right food for your French bulldog, it's important to consider their unique nutritional needs. French bulldogs require a balanced diet that provides them with a variety of high-quality protein sources, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Here are some of the best types of food to include in your French bulldog's diet: High-quality sources of protein: Look for dog food that contains high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, beef, lamb, or fish. These protein sources should be listed at the top of the ingredient list, and ideally, should come from whole meats rather than by-products or meal. Healthy fats: French bulldogs require healthy fats to support their skin and coat health, as well as to maintain their energy levels. Look for dog food that contains sources of healthy fats, such as fish oil or flaxseed oil. Essential vitamins and minerals: Your French bulldog needs a variety of essential vitamins and minerals to support their overall health and wellbeing. Whole grains and vegetables: While French bulldogs don't require a lot of carbohydrates in their diet, whole grains and vegetables can provide them with essential nutrients and fiber. Look for dog food that contains whole grains or vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots. The above 4 things are what you should be looking for when choosing a diet for your Frenchie. French Bulldogs do get on very well with grain free dog foods that contain high quality easily digetible proteins. Look for a grain free diet that has fresh protein sources and healthy added vegetables. We have a huge number of Frenchie customers using our own diets and the most popular options are:. There are hundreds of different options on the market all claiming to be the best, no wonder our Frenchie parents constantly turn to us asking what they should feed their puppies. The usual nutritional needs of French Bulldog A well-balanced Frenchie diet should contain the correct amounts of macronutrients: water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. However, this is only a general guideline, and a more accurate calculation can be made based on specific factors. For instance, the age and activity level of your dog are essential factors to consider. Hormonal changes can cause neutered dogs to become less active than their fertile counterparts. Store-bought vs. Most commercial dog foods and canned goods contain preservatives, flavor enhancers, coloring, and other additives. Instead of real meat, they often contain animal by-products or meat meal, which can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email When you cook food for your dogs, you can be sure of what goes into their bowl. Finally, homemade meals can prolong the average French Bulldog lifespan , so we definitely recommend homemade food! Why is it so hard to find the right dog food? Feeding is an evergreen topic among Frenchie parents in our Facebook group. They know they should feed their puppy with high-quality premium dog food to keep their baby healthy and fit, but they are left puzzled when they see the plethora of different choices. The answer is actually quite simple: every Frenchie is different and what works for one puppy may unfortunately cause problems for the other. The best French Bulldog breeders will always give you advice on how to continue feeding your puppy once you welcome them home. So what are the most important things to consider while trying to find the perfect food for your Frenchie? Read on to find out! The quality of dog food is always determined by the percentage of its protein content, in other words, the amount of meat or fish it contains. So what should you pay attention to when looking at the ingredients list? This could be beef, lamb, salmon, or any other type of meat. The list usually ends with some sort of animal fat, vegetables, and fruits. Jasper, available French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Any other ingredient not mentioned above is only included to increase the volume of the dog food and to ensure the most economical production possible. So, if you see that a food contains an unrealistic amount of filler ingredients like wheat, corn, or chemical preservatives, it is definitely not a suitable and healthy choice for your Frenchie. Dog foods without chicken and grains A question that always comes up when choosing the right food for a Frenchie is whether it has to be chicken or grain-free. For that reason, we usually recommend giving chicken and grain-free food right from the start to avoid any possible problems. Makayla, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies That means that if you look at the list of ingredients, you can find companies whose food meets all the criteria we mentioned above and is much more affordable. Like with so many things, the name is not everything! On the other hand, if the kibble is too large they will have difficulties consuming the food. The flavor of the dog food When looking at dog foods, you can choose from lots of different flavors like a lamb, fish, beef, duck, etc. If one of the foods from a particular brand works fine for your Frenchie, the flavors can and should be changed as long as they have the same nutritional values. A varied diet is important not only for humans but dogs as well, not to mention that your fur baby will be very happy to taste some new flavors. The stool of your Frenchie A very important criterion and perhaps the best indicator of the given food is suitable for your Frenchie is their stool. A healthy stool should always be completely solid, which means you can easily collect it with a bag. You should always ensure a smooth transition by gradually mixing in more and more of the new food with the old to avoid any dietary issues. Signs of a food allergy in your Frenchie We have already mentioned that Frenchies tend to be allergic to chicken, but what are the actual signs of a food allergy? The most common symptoms include scratching, hair loss, dull lifeless fur, inflamed eyes and ears often with some discharge, paw licking, swelling, but also vomiting, and loose stools. You may not notice all of these and the degree to which they occur may also vary. Any of these symptoms indicate that an immediate change of diet is necessary, about which you should always consult your vet first. Eating a bit more slowly and with less appetite are usually signs telling you to cut out the middle meal. As for the amount, nice-looking French Bulldogs are a bit stockier, so you should always increase and lower the amount of their food with that in mind. Read our article to learn more about maintaining a healthy body weight for your Frenchie. Odie, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Special recommendations by TomKings Puppies The best food for French Bulldog with a sensitive stomach For dogs with sensitive stomachs, we always recommend home-cooked food , so you can be sure of what your dog is eating. However, it is important to ensure that the transition from store-bought to home-cooked dog food is gradual. Consultation with a veterinarian can also be helpful in determining the best wet food for a French Bulldog. It is essential to choose a high-quality brand that uses real meat and avoids fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives. Look for products that are labeled as complete and balanced, which means they contain all the essential nutrients your French Bulldog needs in the right proportions. The best dry food for French Bulldogs Although cheaper dry food may appear to be similar to premium brands based on the label, there are significant differences in the quantity and quality of the ingredients. Additionally, we advise you to switch to adult food at the age of months. We always inform new parents of Tomkings puppies of the brands we used to feed the pups and we recommend to continue using the same brand for some time. The best raw food for Frenchies There are several types of raw food diets for dogs, including the Prey Model Diet, the B. To ensure that TomKings puppies receive only the highest quality food, we continuously evaluate available options and test the latest trends. We consult with a panel of experts and experienced puppy parents within the TomKings Frenchie Family, and we are proud to recommend the B. Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods diet. Consulting with a veterinarian is also recommended to determine the best course of action. In general, weight management dog foods can be a good option for overweight French Bulldogs. These foods are formulated to be lower in calories and fat while still providing high-quality protein and other essential nutrients. Avoid feeding table scraps or high-calorie treats, and make sure to provide plenty of opportunities for exercise and play. In some cases, a prescription diet recommended by a veterinarian may be necessary to help your French Bulldog achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Best food for French Bulldogs with skin allergies If your French Bulldog has skin allergies, it is important to choose a diet that is specially formulated to help support skin health and minimize potential allergens. Consultation with a veterinarian is also recommended to determine the best course of action. Some high-quality dog food brands offer special formulas that are designed for dogs with skin allergies. These foods typically contain limited ingredients and exclude common allergens such as wheat, soy, chicken, and dairy products. Instead, they may use alternative protein sources such as fish or venison and may contain added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help support skin health. Some veterinarians may also recommend prescription diets that are formulated specifically to manage skin allergies in dogs. These diets may contain hydrolyzed proteins, which have been broken down into smaller components to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction. Even though processed dog foods might not look healthy to us, they actually contain all the nutrients that Frenchies need to stay healthy. Home-made and raw diets like B. Should I opt for dry kibble or canned wet food? Wet foods are of course more appealing to dogs, which means they get used to them easily and will not want to eat dry food again. If your Frenchie is a picky eater you can mix the dry and wet food but never give them the latter only. We recommend wet food for dogs who are ill and have no appetite. How much time does my puppy need to adjust to a new food? At what age should I switch to adult food for my French Bulldog? We usually recommend switching to adult food at the age of months old. If you notice that your puppy looks a bit chubbier or bigger compared to other Frenchies you can make this change even sooner. What is the best food for a Frenchie puppy? The best choice for your Frenchie puppy is to continue providing the same brand the breeder used to provide. This should be a high-quality brand that uses real meat and avoids fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives. What is the best food for an adult French Bulldog? You have several options. You can buy high-quality wet and dry god food at your local pet store or if you want more control over what goes into the bowl, you can feed your adult Frenchie with home-cooked food. Raw diets like B. The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies , or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article. May 31, Are you head over heels for your adorable French Bulldog puppy? These little bundles of joy bring so much laughter and love into our lives. Best Food for your French Bulldog puppy According to vets and French Bulldog experts in the US, the best bulldog diet should contain proteins, carbohydrates as well as an equal amount of healthy fats for brain power and energy. Just like humans, your dog could be allergic to some kind of food, such as corn or soy, but in most cases, they are actually allergic to fillers found in processed food. These fillers are used to add mass to the product, but have no nutritional value and are difficult to digest. The best way to save your dog from this kind of suffering is avoiding fillers and giving him whole food ingredients. These budget-friendly choices mostly trigger allergies and contribute to various health problems. Having earned the highest of all ratings, NutriSource is a great choice for puppies! Contains all the essential nutrients for the optimum health of your pet. Contains no animal by-products, whole corn, artificial additives or preservatives. Fromm Besides containing nearly all of the essential nutrients, the fact that you can get grain-free varieties and non-grain-free varieties is great. Salmon oil and probiotics have been added to aid digestion and promote good health. No corn and no wheat. Highest consumer ratings!

For the complete list please see our Resource Page page. Boxers are best known for their short coats, but they also come in long-haired varieties. Prices vary on the type of coat. The price of a boxer puppy may also vary because of the place you get the Boxer. For example, most breeders in or around South Carolina charge significantly more than a breeder who is located in another state or country. Prices will also fluctuate depending on whether or not the puppy is show-quality. Boxers are known for being loyal to their families and being intelligent. They are generally very friendly with children, strangers, and other animals unless they have been trained to be aggressive American Kennel Club. They require moderate exercise but do best in homes where someone is around during the day because they do not like being left alone especially if they have never been apart from them before. Overall these characteristics make the Boxer a great family pet. These clearances can be found by looking up the parent dogs on the OFA website offa. They should also show you where and how they were raised and keep them until they are at least eight weeks old to ensure that they have been properly socialized, which is crucial for a Boxer puppy. Ask about any hip or eye problems in their lines. Where and how many generations of champion bloodlines do they go back? This is usually more important for those who want to breed their new puppy as it shows they have a lot of knowledge about the breed and can provide you with knowledgeable information. Are there any known health problems in their lines? Most responsible breeders will be able to tell you that they care for all of their dogs and even give them regular check-ups and if not, this is a red flag. A decent Boxer breeder should be more than willing to tell you about themselves and their dogs. When you visit your South Carolina boxer breeder in person, look for cleanliness and organization of the house or kennel. The area should not have any bad odors, and the puppies should appear healthy with shiny coats and bright eyes. They may be very active, which is normal but if they seem lethargic this could be an indication of illness or improper nutrition. It is also recommended that you ask for references from previous customers as well as veterinarians who have seen these dogs before. This will help ensure that you make a good investment when looking for a Boxer puppy. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in South Carolina Once you have found a breeder that meets the previous criteria, it is time to ask for references. A responsible Boxer Breeder will be able to provide any information about their dogs that you request. Ask them if you can speak with past customers of theirs so that you can find out how they were trained and cared for as well as the personality of these dogs. This way, you are making sure that this potential dog is right for your family before you make any final decisions. References can also be found online. If you find nothing, this may be a red flag since anyone can put anything on the internet. Make sure to contact them directly instead of through their website or Facebook page to avoid scams or other dishonest sellers who use these outlets for marketing purposes only. This allows you to get a more honest opinion about the breeder and their dogs without worrying about repercussions later on. We all know that there is little recourse for unsatisfied customers but rest assured knowing that these people will not hesitate to give you an honest answer if given permission to speak freely. Meeting past customers will also give you a better idea of what type of dog they have put into your family. Meeting the previous owners allows you to look for certain traits in a potential puppy, such as energy levels or age appropriateness. Another good way to find out about your breeder is to ask them if they have a veterinarian that they use for their dogs. A responsible boxer breeder should be able to provide you with this information without hesitation since taking care of their animals is important to them. If the Boxer Breeder does not have any sort of medical history available about their lines, this might be a red flag. If they are unwilling or unable to answer these questions, this could also mean that they are hiding something from you or do not know the answers themselves. These individuals may be backyard breeders or puppy mill owners who are looking to make a quick buck and care little about the health of their animals or their customers. A few signs that your South Carolina Boxer Breeder is unethical include: They Do Not Have References: If you ask your breeder if they can provide any references from past buyers and they refuse, this could mean several things; Either they do not know how to get in touch with them unlikely or there is something wrong with these dogs that no one wants to talk about. Inquiring further will help you identify which it is but under either circumstance, it is best not to work with this kind of breeder. They Have Inflated Prices: Another way to spot an unethical boxer breeder is by the prices that they have listed on their dogs. If these Boxer dogs seem much more expensive than other breeders you have looked at, this might be a sign that something is wrong with them. This could involve health issues or genetics, but it is likely just a scheme to get more money from you without putting in the proper amount of time and care into these animals. Very Little Information about Their Breeding Program: Ethical and good Dog Breeders will do everything that they can to supply you with as many details about their breeding program as possible. They want you to feel safe and comfortable knowing what types of treatments the dog will receive and what they will be born into. There is no excuse not to provide you with this information; if your Boxer Breeder does not, then move on to another one. If you want a full-bred Boxer dog, make sure that you tell them before you purchase the animal. Many responsible breeders ask their customers for preferences when it comes to the age or sex of their dogs so that they can match up your needs with the right puppy. Responsible breeders will not only be able to answer this question, but they should also be able to provide you with information on what type of issues other puppy owners have experienced. If the breeder claims that all of their Boxer Dogs are healthy, then you should push for further explanation. If none of the puppies or adults have any medical concerns then that should be something that makes you feel safe. However, if there were previous owners who dealt with anything severe in the past, this information should still be available somewhere. This can include genetic conditions or simply problems with allergies or skin rashes. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy When you look at a breed as hearty as the Boxer, it can be easy to underestimate how much work and time this dog will need to be happy and healthy. However, if treated properly and cared for well by their owners, these dogs can make excellent pets; which is why it is so important that you take the following steps before bringing your pup home: The biggest thing that you want to do before you bring your Boxer home is to make sure that the living conditions are appropriate for this breed. You will want to have a large, fenced-in yard where your dog can move around freely and play. If you live in an apartment or condo, then it may be time to start looking into other options; Boxers need room to run which cannot be provided adequately in these types of environments. Another important thing that needs to be prepared is the area where your puppy will sleep at night. Not only should it be isolated from any drafts or cold air, but it should also provide warmth during the winter months. Be sure to look into buying bedding or blankets specifically designed for dogs if necessary. Your Boxer will also require training as soon as possible. This breed is known for having extremely high intelligence, but it does not come naturally to them; you will need to work hard to train your Boxer Puppy and give them boundaries that they can grow up comfortably within. You should start this process as early as possible so that it becomes second nature by the time your pup turns into an adult and needs more rules and regulations than just potty training. Potty Training Your New Boxer Puppy The most important thing that you need to teach your new Boxer is how to use the potty appropriately. You do not want to deal with any accidents in the house, and making sure they are trained properly will ensure that this does not happen. The best way to accomplish this is through crate training; it may be a very foreign concept for many owners, but it is also one of the most effective methods when it comes to house-breaking puppies. It is recommended that you put your Boxer Puppy into a crate at night while you sleep and then carefully take them out first thing in the morning so that they can use the bathroom right away. Do not allow them too much time without being taken just before bed because they might make a mistake in your absence. Another important step that you should take is to keep your puppy on a strict schedule; this means taking them out for walks regularly and making time every few hours to play with them, feed them, and then let them use the bathroom once more. This will ensure that they do not have accidents inside of the house because their body will be used to getting into the habit of relieving themselves outside. You need to make sure that there are no areas where they can get injured or choke on something by accident. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. For this reason, we included these online Boxer breeders for you to check as well. Thus, you can also check a Boxer breeder here. The great thing is that it has an online marketplace to search for a Boxer puppy from any of the states. Since they cover all kinds of breeds, you may find an available puppy through this website. Another thing to note is that you also need to prepare for other costs. In short, aside from the actual cost of the puppy from a breeder, you still need to spend money on other items. Like a new baby in the family, your pup needs some items and some changes. A new puppy at home is a concern for all the family members. Thus, they need to prepare for it as well. As you have your meeting, try to make a schedule of tasks and distribution of responsibilities. Prepare your home. Preparing a home for your Boxer puppy means making it a safe place to play and live. Thus, you need to secure every item that can potentially harm your pet. Moreover, you need to secure your items that your pet can damage, such as shoes, carpets, floor mats, and so on. Shop for supplies. Like all other puppies and babies, Boxer pups needs items for its daily life. The essential things it needs would be beddings, food, and food bowls. You also need to buy a leash and collar for identification. Create a schedule. Besides your pet, you also have your responsibilities. Try to schedule how your pup should do for the day and when you need to pay attention. The great thing about creating a schedule is that it will benefit both you and your pet. Choosing a Good Boxer Seller and Breeder The best Boxer puppies only come from those who take an extra mile in caring for them. Below are certain qualities that you should look for in a Boxer puppy breeder. The Boxer breeder should only breed Boxer puppies. A single breed should be the first thing to remember when searching for a reputable Boxer breeder. Every breed has a mating season to which they breed. If the Boxer breeder sells quite a lot of pups but only has a pair of parents, you can think that it forces the parents to mate so they can have puppies to sell. The Boxer breeder should train pups in their first weeks. Every reputable Boxer breeder gives all the pups around eight weeks at least to stay with their parents. In such a time, the breeder should train the pups before it moves to its new home. The Boxer breeder would continuously be in touch. Other states. He's fun and playful but very loving also. All our puppies visit the vet a minimum of 3 times before going to their new home. Our main sire is Imperial's Master Griffon. AKC verified. Browse search results for boxer puppies Pets and Animals for sale in South Carolina. So, their puppies grow up to be majestic looking, ideally tempered, and of the purest bloodline available. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in South Carolina Puppies. Search Location: Raleigh, NC change. His main purpose is for hunting large game. We have listings for breeders throughout the state and in neighboring states, as well as across the lower .All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. Boxer puppies for sale Greenville, South Carolina. To see more adoptable Boxers in. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. Puppies will be wormed and. South Carolina Boxer Classifieds Hoobly. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Greenville, SC. Boxer puppies for sale in Greenville SC The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Good looking puppies. Both male and females available. Dogs and Puppies, Goldendoodle. Puppies for Sale in South Carolina. We have many wonderful Boxer dogs available for adoption. CATCH your boxer puppiess for adoption now. The American Boxer Club was established in .Boxer puppies for sale in Myrtle Beach SC. Boxer puppies for sale Charleston, South Carolina Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. Boxer puppies for sale in South Carolina. Boxer puppies for sale in South Carolina from trusted breeders. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. We monitor closely the mother and her puppies for the first eight weeks. Puppies For Sale in South Carolina. These pups are in Columbia, South Carolina too! Below are our newest added Boxers available for adoption in Columbia, South Carolina. We breed for health, temperament, intelligence, agility, conformation, color and well socialized pups. Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. South Carolina, Blair, .An adoption donation fee is required to adopt a rescued Boxer. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. Number of puppies available at time of publication: 1 puppies available. Make sure to do research on this breed, and how it might fit your lifestyle before finding a responsible breeder with available puppies. Boxers for Sale in Greenville, SC. We are a small, in home, family Boxer breeder in South Carolina. We could not be more proud of the beauty and quality he has added to our pups. Contact E-mail Address alextimramirez1 outlook. Boxer puppies for sale in Charleston SC. We provide a free lising service for Boxer breeders to advertise their puppies in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Spartenberg and anywhere else in South Carolina. Boxer puppies for sale in Greenville, SC from trusted breeders. To see more adoptable Boxers in Columbia, South Carolina, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Boxer puppies for sale Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. We analyzed the prices of 13 Boxer puppies that were listed for sale in South Carolina. Big Mac Boxers — For work, play, or show! Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near South Carolina. Puppies will have first More. They are AKC registered and all papers. We have been breeding Boxers for 31 years. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Columbia, SC. Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue, Inc. They are AKC registered and all papers are available. This pup is amazing! Boxer Breeders in South Carolina. South Carolina. Puppies Breeds All Puppies. If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Boxer Dogs for Adoption. SC Find Boxer puppies for sale Near South Carolina Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Spartanburg, SC. Find Boxer Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Boxer information. Parents on premises,Dew claws and tails docked. This lovable dog is a true treasure, with a heart of gold and a laid-back personality that will steal your heart. The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near South Carolina Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Boxer puppies for sale in Greenville SC. Check with the breeder for up-to-date information on puppy availability. He is a very handsome flashy fawn. Our puppies are born indoors in a temperature controlled area. Boxer puppies for sale in South Carolina from trusted …. Now taking deposits to hold pup of choice. SC Find Boxer puppies for sale Near South Carolina Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to. Find a Boxer for adoption at dog rescues or shelters near South Carolina. Boxer puppies for sale in North Carolina from trusted breeders. Boxer South Carolina kc boxer male flashy fawn 'bru. Whether you are looking for a quality pet or a Boxer for Conformation Showing, our focus is on breeding healthy, Boxer puppies and dogs in Columbia, South Carolina. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find. AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! Page 2. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. Vet checked, dewormed , ready with first. Boxer puppy for sale in South Carolina. The price of a boxer puppy may also vary because of the place you get the Boxer. We take pride in providing our buyers with the best Boxer puppies to add to their family. We recommend speaking directly with your breeder to get a better idea of their price range. CKC registered Boxer puppies born 11 November .For example, most breeders in or around South Carolina charge significantly more than a breeder who is located in another state or country. We breed well socialized healthy D. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help. We are not a puppy mill nor are there kennels in the back yard. Email: kendalls89 hotmail. Check our comments section below to see if anyone has left a review of any of these breeders. Remember, we can't moderate the results we show, but they are hopefully a good starting point to narrow down some of the Boxer breeders in South Carolina. Facebook Groups Facebook is another great place to find honest reviews of Breeders. Click here to search Facebook groups that discuss Boxer breeders in South Carolina. You can grab your free copy below. Boxer dogs are a great addition to any home, but you do have to make some considerations about your lifestyle. Whereabouts in South Carolina were they based, what was the Breeders name? It really helps others who are searching for a Boxer Puppy in the South Carolina area if they can read honest reviews from buyers like yourself. Are you a breeder of Boxers? Get in touch and we can add you to our directory. Please feel free to drop us a picture of your Boxer on Facebook or Twitter. And remember to check out our Boxer puppy buyers guide for lots of useful information. Recommended Posts:.

Play Video On Hold Detroit is a fascinating city known for its diverse population as well as its roots in Motown music and the automobile industry. Detroit is a great place to live as a young professional as well as someone looking to raise a family. For nearly twenty years, we have been in the business of making the perfect puppy pairings. All of our puppies are backed with a one-year health guarantee , ensuring peace of mind that your newest family member has been carefully bred to ensure a long, healthy life. Well-Socialized French Bulldog Puppies for Sale Beyond our commitment to overall quality and health, we also know how important it is to socialize our puppies. When your puppy is ready to join your family, you can rest assured that it will be well acquainted with children and other pets as well. We try to make the transition becoming a dog owner entails as easy on our customers as possible. We will provide you with all the tools necessary to give your puppy the most amazing life. Convenient Pick-Up and Delivery Options Whether you plan to visit us in Charm, Ohio or you need to have your puppy delivered, we provide pick-up and ground delivery options to our surrounding neighbor states and cities, such as Detroit. For questions regarding delivery, get in touch with us today for more information. We are very excited to introduce you to the newest member of your family! We have answers. All over the internet, and within the Uptown network, you will see many different prices for Frenchie puppies. The prices of Detroit French Bulldog puppies for sale are influenced by pedigree, breeder experience, coat color, as well as certain other factors. Our network is there for you to not only find your perfect French Bulldog puppies for sale Detroit, but to fit your budget too! What kind of dog is a French Bulldog? Detroit French Bulldogs are small, little, goofy looking dogs with short legs and heads that are a little too big. Not many know this fact, but French Bulldog puppies for sale Detroit, are direct descendants from their bigger cousins English Bulldogs. They were especially bred to me smaller, as well as cuter, than their big English cousins. Right now they are more popular than ever. Why are Michigan French Bulldogs so expensive? You will notice that French Bulldogs or Detroit Frenchies, are different from other breeds for certain reasons. The reason they are so expensive is due to the fact that they have very narrow hips. Due to this, natural reproduction is very hard. Breeders have to artificially inseminate their French Bulldog puppies for sale in Detroit and when it comes to giving birth, a C-section has to be performed. All of this added work and skill involved in breeding French Bulldogs leads to elevated prices. Do you only match me with French Bulldog breeders in Michigan? No way! Most of the companies and Detroit French Bulldog breeders that are affiliated with the Uptown network are totally professional when it comes to making travel arrangements. Since the Uptown network is growing every single day, you may just be able to pick up your pup just around the corner. How do you screen French Bulldog breeders Michigan? We are called and messaged daily by businesses and French Bulldog breeders in Detroit that want to be affiliated with us. Uptown has very strict standards when it comes to facility quality, breeding experience, animal care, and much more. The internet is a vast place which makes it easy to find French Bulldog puppies online. Sadly, it is really simple for French Bulldog breeders Detroit that are inexperienced, as well as puppy mills, to sell sick dogs as well. We have one main aim, and that is to connect the best breeders with loving families just like yours so that you can end up with the French Bulldog Detroit puppy of your dreams. What is a puppy mill like for French Bulldog puppies Michigan? Puppy mills are a really terrible place for the dogs and puppies who experience it. The entire purpose behind them is to make a profit for their owners. French Bulldog puppies Detroit that come out of puppy mills usually have behavioral issues and get sick early on, costing their owners thousands of dollars at the vet and they often die young. Are there any French Bulldog puppies in Michigan right now? The only thing you need to do is click below and tell us just a little bit about yourself and your perfect dog. In no time at all, you will have your gorgeous, little French Bulldog puppy on your lap, licking your face, playing fetch with you and making your doggy dreams come true!

German Shepherds are very gentle dogs and are much known for their protective traits. Unfortunately, last , there was a new adoption fee. Adopting a German Shepherd in Massachusetts would now cost around dollars to dollars. These German Shepherds are provided with consistent medical care. Ever since the German Shepherd gets rescued, they will closely be monitored and have the privilege of being spayed and neutered. Care also includes all kinds of shots for dogs. Choosing a Good German Shepherd Rescue If you are trying to adopt a rescued German Shepherd from German Shepherd shelters, you might be confused about what you should consider. If you ask people to like your friends and family, they might have different opinions that confuse you. But there is not so much to consider. The fact that you chose to adopt a rescued German Shepherd rather than buying one is already one act of kindness. You might already know that there are so many rescued German Shepherds in the world and only a few German Shepherd shelters. If the German Shepherd comes at you with no hesitations and no aggressiveness, you would know that it was a good rescue. If the German Shepherd is warm and inviting on your first encounter, it is already a good rescue because there are no signs of trauma or aggression. How do I pick a good rescue German Shepherd? You might ask yourself what kind of German Shepherd you should adopt and rehome. You can look for outgoing dogs. You can tell that by observing their body language when you first meet. However, if you are also not down to unlimited patience, you can avoid a shy German Shepherd. These dogs can be a little bit of work because they are afraid and run away from you. If you are outgoing and are a very hands-on person, you might not enjoy your German Shepherd because of its shyness. Dogs can be trained and can also be flexible like some people are. If you love a challenge, you can pick any dog you want. Summary German Shepherds make excellent family dogs and maybe excellent friends. However, we are all aware that adopting a German Shepherd pet requires a significant amount of time and patience. As a result, we compiled a list of German Shepherd rescues in Massachusetts, your state. In this manner, we can bring together people who wish to rehome these pets and provide them with the family and affection they deserve. As a result, we wish you the best of luck finding your pet and bringing it into your family. Other States. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It does not store any personal data. Functional Functional Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Performance Performance Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Analytics Analytics Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Others Others Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Due to the hectic lifestyles that many of us lead today, German Shepherds might spend many hours alone at home every day. Here are some of my favorite ideas. Give them the King of toys — the Kong. Kong toys not only help calm your dog but, when frozen, can keep your German Shepherd busy for a long time. Kongs are great for hiding treats or serving their daily meal and keeping them busy. Stuff the Kong with natural peanut butter, their favorite dog-safe foods, special treats, or even fill with a mixture of all. Most German Shepherds will stay happily busy working for their food. And, a properly stuffed and frozen Kong could take a lot of time for your dog to release all their tasty reward. Is it summertime and you need to help them beat the heat? Kong to the rescue for busy-time and summer fun! Not only can the Kong toy itself be filled and frozen, but for an extra treat fill a freezer-safe plastic container with low-sodium broth and water and drop your food-filled Kong inside the mixture. Leave it to freeze overnight. Then, take the toy and your dog to a safe spot where they can enjoy licking and chewing their giant-size pupsicle! Do you have a teething German Shepherd puppy to keep busy? Place their soaked kibble in the Kong and freeze for them to soothe their inflamed gums and aching jaws while they chew and squeeze away the pain. Want to know the right size Kong for your dog and how to use the toy to help solve and prevent behavior problems? Then read all about Kong toys for German Shepherds. Show them interesting sights and sounds. Some Shepherds enjoy watching the sights and sounds of the world going by. Others will bark at leaves falling. Here are a few stations that dogs generally enjoy: Animal Planet Discovery Channel National Geographic There are even YouTube channels that cater especially to dogs at home that need some visual and auditory stimulation. While watching these videos your German Shepherd can see squirrels, cats, birds, other dogs, and nature scenes — all while hearing the sounds of the animals along with calming music. If you know your dog gets upset hearing other dogs or animals, then look for calming music channels that play soothing sounds and tunes to comfort anxious dogs. Provide a search and sniff scavenger hunt. Did you know that sniffing helps to calm dogs and provides needed mental stimulation to keep their minds occupied source? Encourage your dog to hunt for her meals by hiding small piles of her kibble around your house in safe, easy-to-reach areas so she has to use her nose to find them. Scatter a couple of handfuls of kibble in the places where your dog hangs out during the day before you leave for the day or when you want to keep her entertained. You determine how easy or difficult you want the game to be depending on where you decide to hide the treats. At first, you might need to leave the food in more open areas as your dog learns to play and sniff for their treasure. Easy Scavenger Hunt larger groups of kibble placed in the open smaller groups of food placed under safe items groups of treats together next to items, but not hidden a kibble trail that leads your dog on a sniffari indoors You can make the Scavenger Hunt more difficult as your dog learns the game. You can also hide one of her meals in her Kong puzzle toy right before you leave home. This prompts her to associate you leaving for the day with a positive — as opposed to a negative — emotion and can help lessen the fear of being alone for her. Play a classic game of tug-of-war. Tug can help build confidence in German Shepherds when played correctly. All you need for this old-school game is a tough rope toy and some space to move around safely. To entice your German Shepherd to grab the rope, wiggle it like a snake, let her take hold of it, and gently begin tugging the rope. While your dog sinks their teeth and puts her bodyweight into the pull you get a bit of an upper-body and cardio workout. Plus, did you know that cotton tug ropes provide your German Shepherd the opportunity to easily help clean their teeth? In fact, research shows that playing tug with your dog is much more complex. In one study dogs handicapped themselves i. Tug, when played correctly and with rules, can build confidence in German Shepherds and help teach them more about your owner-dow relationship. Teach your dog a new trick. When was the last time you taught your German Shepherd a fun trick? I bet your brilliant German Shepherd would love to keep entertained by learning a new trick or obedience command. You can pick a hard trick that takes a while to learn or an easy trick that your dog might quickly pick up on. Or aim higher by working on naming all of her toys in her toy box so she can get them by name when you ask. Either way… Your German Shepherd is capable of learning almost anything that you take the time and patience to train. Remember, your German Shepherd is so smart for a reason. Whether you have a German Shepherd puppy or a full-grown dog, this is super fun to try! Even better… 6. Include plenty of play with their friends. Having doggie friends is essential for German Shepherds, especially puppies. Sometimes your German Shepherd just needs to play with other dogs and socialize. You can schedule playdates with other well-behaved dogs with your friends and family for some puppy entertainment. Many doggy daycares will provide discounts if you purchase multiple play days to keep the price reasonable and provide your German Shepherd with more opportunities for entertainment. There are separate play sections for puppies and larger, adult dogs, so your dog is matched to their appropriate playgroup. Never underestimate the value of a healthy play session to keep your German Shepherd entertained. Sneak in a new toy. Sneaking in a new toy for your German Shepherd can keep them entertained as they enjoy the surprise. Do you have a dog that loves to play with toys? Then help keep them busy by sneaking in a new toy to spark their interest and keep their self-directed play fun. Just think of how excited your German Shepherd will get when they sniff out their new toy! Also, rotate her toys every week or so to heighten the excitement of playing with her toys. Simply put away a few of the usual toys and sneak in another to replace the missing old toys. Then, rotate them again for a fresh perspective! Teach them how to stay calm. Even busy German Shepherds need to calm down to recharge and relax. Teaching a German Shepherd how to calm themselves and channel their energy into resting and relaxing is actually difficult. If your German Shepherd becomes nervous, anxious, or overactive when you leave home, try these ideas to help comfort them, especially puppies. Give a treat designed to encourage rest and relaxation, like these calming chicken and hemp chews. Use a dog pheromone diffuser. Use a dog-appeasing pheromone diffuser if you think your absence causes anxiety in your German Shepherd. Adaptil makes a calming dog diffuser for this specific purpose that is shown to lessen anxiety symptoms and promote calm. The pheromone released by the diffuser is similar to the one that lactating mother dogs emit to calm their newborn puppies when feeding. So, the pheromone is familiar to your German Shepherd and creates a sense of relaxation and calm. Place the diffuser in a room your dog generally uses or spends most of her time in. These calming tools are especially helpful to German Shepherd puppies who might be overwhelmed in their new home and miss their littermates and mother. Include a mid-day walk. Dog walking services are provided in many cities and towns to help you. The typical dog walking schedule for many working owners is in the morning and evening. But the German Shepherd Dog is a high-energy breed and will benefit from a mid-day walk to add some entertainment to their day. Many reputable pet care facilities include a dog walking service and will walk your German Shepherd with other dogs that are similar in personality if you like. I highly recommend that you also get a GPS tracker for your German Shepherd if you have a dog walker. Give remote surprise check-ins. Checking in on your mischievous German Shepherd puppy has never been easier with remote cameras. With all the modern pet technology today you might be overlooking how to keep a German Shepherd busy remotely. Remote cameras are a great way to keep your German Shepherd occupied and surprised. How amazing is that for modern pet technology? Each puzzle takes a combination of reasoning, persistence, and paw dexterity to work out. The very act of leaving a German Shepherd alone for 8 hours or more a day and then being too tired to spend time with them in productive ways is the reason for most of the behavioral problems they develop. How would you feel if you were left at home all day, every day, with no one to talk to, no television to watch, no books to enjoy, no work to do, and no opportunity to exercise? It would be awful! Read this post on how to exhaust a German Shepherd to reduce boredom to learn more about what you can do to help keep boredom at bay. Playing with your German Shepherd enriches your relationship with her on a unique level. Together, the two of you will have a distinctive interaction during your play sessions. This is vital information because play helps build a strong relationship foundation. While some people believe that German Shepherds are rough, tough, working breeds they genuinely have a playful nature and seek out the companionship of play with their special person. German Shepherds seek out play with those they feel close to and are comfortable with. Although there are many different ideas to entertain your dog, every dog is unique and has certain preferences. They tend to develop behavior issues when secluded from their family and can become depressed, act out for attention, and develop other health conditions due to the stress of spending too much time alone. When you understand how to keep a German Shepherd busy and entertained both of your days will go by more smoothly. Remember… The time you put into your German Shepherd creates an unbreakable bond. Catherine Krasavin, BS Hons. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Being energetic and intelligent animals, this breed does need to be entertained while you are away. Here is your guide to managing this. This breed bonds to its humans easily and can feel lonely when they are away. Some German Shepherds even develop separation anxiety. In case you have no choice but to be away from your dog for long, you may want to think about leaving them with a friend or relative. This will allow your German Shepherd to be a healthier and happier dog. German Shepherds are prone to boredom, which is why you should try to keep things interesting for them. To do this, alternate between the toys you leave out for them. Lock the rest up. The next day, switch these toys out for other ones and continue this for the workweek. It will keep things interesting for them without you constantly having to buy new toys. You may do more harm than good if you try to take it away. Should You Leave the Curtains Open? There is plenty of stimulation outside your home from neighbors and other dogs to the occasional squirrel. Leaving your curtains open is a great way to make sure that your German Shepherd keeps itself entertained. You can ensure that all the curtains are open in the house so that your dog can bound from one window to the next and keep the view interesting. Some dogs love being able to stare out of a window, while it can prove to be too much stimulation for others. How to Hide Treats Around the House? Your dog can then walk throughout the space and discover a little bite of goodness. This is a great mental exercise for them. You may want to avoid hiding the treats under couch cushions or anything else that your pup will need to upturn to get to. If you come home to find that the treats are untouched, your pup may need a little help. Hide the treats when you are around and urge them to find them. Once they get the hang of this game, they will be able to do it on their own. There are now more interactive toys to choose from than ever before. Some of them involve treats while others rely on squeakers or other features. You may want to try out a few ahead of time to find out what your dog responds best to. When it comes to puzzle toys, start with the easy ones and slowly use increasingly difficult ones as they get the hang of it. A toy that is too complex may cause them to become frustrated and give up. It can be a great way for your dog to occupy themselves. If your TV can be set on a timer, do this. You can make sure that the TV will only be on for a short time. In case your pup has a favorite show, you can program the TV to turn on at this point. This is another activity you should test out while you are at home. Find out how your dog reacts to having the TV on. Does it interest them, do they ignore it, or are they upset by it? Can an Interactive Camera Help? There are pet cameras that allow you to see and talk to your German Shepherd at various times throughout the day. Some even allow you to deposit treats. Give this camera a whirl when you are first gone for a short time. This will give you a better idea of how your pup may react. While some dogs love being able to hear their owners, others can become confused or frustrated by this. A test run will show you which way your pup leans. German Shepherds are a high-energy breed and the more exercise they get, the happier they are. This is a great option to consider if it is affordable. As many dog walkers will often walk several dogs at once, it is a great way for your dog to interact with other animals as well. An alternative to hiring a dog walker is to plan pet playdates. If there are other dogs that your German Shepherd likes and gets along with, take turns with the owners to host pet playdates. This gives your dog the chance to hang out with humans and dogs. It can also break up the monotony until you get home. Use these tactics when necessary and you can have peace of mind knowing that your pup is taken care of while you are away. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Near a cafe At a dog-friendly store Keep training upbeat and fun and spread out the training sessions into only 2 to 3-minute bursts, 3 to 4 times a day. Practice frequently by integrating your training into your routine, such as: Lying down before their dinner Coming to you and sitting for their leash to be clipped Sitting before you open the door As long as you keep training exciting for them your German Shepherd is happy to participate! Create an indoor obstacle course Begin agility training indoors with the right creative thinking. With their natural desire to herd and move through obstacles, an indoor agility course is just what you need. Get creative using what you already have around the house: Empty cardboard boxes of varying sizes for your dog to go around Chairs or tables for your puppy to crawl under A sheet or towel draped over two stools for a make-shift tunnel Look around and use what you already own to start creating your indoor obstacle course. As long as you keep your dog safe from any falling objects and work within their health needs No jumping for puppies or GSDs with hip and joint issues! An even simpler solution is to buy a piece of agility equipment that you can use both indoors and out. Try this lightweight dog agility kit that sets up in minutes and is customizable for a variety of exercises. With hands closed into a light fist, place them in front of your dog to guess where the treat is. Let your dog sniff both of your hands. When they look bored, call them over to you and engage them in the game. You can even try this game outdoors to work on them interacting with you with distractions. This game is actually an amazing way to introduce scent games or scent tricks with your GSD, especially for puppies who are easily distracted. You work hard to provide the best you can for your dog, but they just gobble and wolf down their food without a care in the world. Why not give them a slow-feeder bowl to regulate their eating and make meals last longer. With its swirled pattern your dog places their tongue along the groove tracks to move their kibble along — until they reach a side where they can push their food into their mouths. Play hide and seek with them German Shepherd puppies love to play Hide and Seek with their owners. Appealing to their prey drive, finding the toy also gives your dog a sense of confidence as they accomplish their tracking goal. Good hiding spots include behind open doors, in corners, under couches, and beneath tables. Walk around with them searching for the toy. When they find it, congratulate them with praise and play a quick game with them and the toy Some ideas are a ball for fetch, a tug toy for tug-of-war, or any other toy and game they love. As your dog begins to consistently find the toy, move the toy to different locations to keep the game fun and fresh. If weather permits and you have a secure yard, why not try this game outdoors in a larger area to keep your dog from getting too bored with the indoor game. Provide a long-lasting chew Short of time? Offer your dog a long-lasting chew for entertainment. It takes only seconds to offer your dog a long-lasting chew for them to enjoy. Look for chews that take a while to eat so they last. Not sure what else your German Shepherd will enjoy chewing? Then use this guide to find the best chew toys for bored German Shepherds Always supervise your dog with any toy or chew to avoid any accidents, as well as considering their weight and dietary needs. Your smart dog needs to stay busy and loves to learn new tricks. Think of them as simply an extension of their obedience training. And many tricks have other practical purposes. More importantly, training your dog to perform tricks: Engages their minds Teaches them a new skill Helps prevent training burnout for both of you Can get them to learn to focus and concentrate Is fun and a great bonding activity There are so many tricks that you could teach your German Shepherd to help keep them from becoming bored. Have you taught them to: Shake. Everyone knows the basics to avoid boredom. Long walks, exercise, training etc. But what can you do between these activities to keep particularly high-octane dogs occupied? In this article we'll dive into some out of the box ideas and even a few gadgets and toys that can make life easier for you, and more enjoyable for your pooch. Ice Blocks: Dogs love to crunch on ice cubes. But they're gone in a matter of seconds. A good solution is to fill an ice cream container or something similar with water. Throw in a few toys , treats, or even a meal and your dog will be occupied for hours. Kongs And Similar Hollow Toys: Toys of this type are designed to be stuffed with treats or peanut butter. But if you've used these before, you know that it doesn't take long before a dog cleans them out. But did you know that these toys can be used 4 different kinds of ways? But for dogs with lower prey drive, or dogs who simply don't find such toys interesting, keep reading! But again, the problem with this is that it doesn't take long before they're emptied out. For a longer lasting solution, see 3! Freezing makes the peanut butter harder to get out and will last many times longer. But if that's not good enough, see 4. A frozen, stuffed, hollow toy that is frozen in a block of ice! Stuff the toy as usual, place the toy in your ice cream tub of water and freeze. Now your dog has to get through the ice to get to the toy to get to the frozen contents! Go crazy with it if you want. Add other treats and toys. Use a slice of melon to sit the stuffed hollow toy on top of so that it freezes in the center. Put a couple of cut up hot dogs inside. Make it a meal if you want. Your dog will be entertained for hours. Robots: Robots? Yes, you read correctly! It's as this article is being written. And technology has come a long way. Robots like the Varram Pet Fitness Robot move and dispense treats automatically. It has such features as treat tossing, the capability to schedule automatic drives around the house or room, a manual play via app mode where you can control the robot from your phone by connecting to blue tooth, and even activity tracking to keep you informed. They come with a protective case to increase durability, but they're not designed to be chewed on, so be careful. But if you like cool gadgets, have a few extra pennies in your piggy bank and want to keep your dog entertained, this is a great option. Puzzle Toys: There are a lot of high-quality puzzle toys on the market these days. Toys that your dog has to interact with to get treats or food from inside. I personally used Bob-A-Lot toys. They're hollow, plastic balls that can be filled with treats or kibble and must be knocked around to get the food to fall out of a spill hole. The best part is that the spill hole has an adjustable door for different sized treats. The door also can be used to control how many treats fall out when the toy is unsettled enough to dispense the goodies inside. But you don't have to settle for technology that I used a decade ago. There are many new products on the market that are just as good or better. Instead of you hiding and letting your dog find you, put your dog somewhere he or she can't see you and hide treats. Make your German Shepherd move around and use its greatest gift: it's aircraft-carrier-long snout! This is a game that all dogs will enjoy and allows you to not feel so bad about giving them snacks because they'll have to work for it. Pro Tip: Use a pencil and paper to write down the locations where you hide treats to make sure you don't find a random piece of kibble or a biscuit under your couch cushion 3 years from now. A Professional Pro's Tip: Use your cell phone to take photos of the locations and delete them after the game has ended so that you don't waste storage space on your phone. Moreover, you need to take time out to exercise your dog daily. Many GSDs get anxious when left alone, making it difficult, but not impossible, to work full-time while being the owner of a German Shepherd. But, in a nutshell, you should not leave your adult dog alone for longer than 4 hours, and considerably less for young pups. If you leave a dog alone for longer than four hours, you risk them engaging in destructive behavior due to boredom or separation anxiety. Nonetheless, the following contexts make it easier to work full-time while owning a German Shepherd: You have family nearby — If you have family or close friends nearby who can keep your dog company, he might not even notice that you are gone. You can leave your pet at a daycare — Doggy daycares can be expensive but are among the best solutions for full-time working professionals. You can take your dog to work — Very few professions allow bringing pets to work. You might not get any work done, though, unless you work in the Police K9 unit! You can go to work at a regular 9 to 5 if you have a German Shepherd as long as you know how to keep your dog busy in your absence. You should keep your German Shepherd busy with toys, treats, distractions, or other humans while you are at work. He is still delighted to see you, but not because he spends the entire day feeling abandoned. Here are a few ways to keep your German Shepherd engaged in your absence. Calm content or even an animated series can keep your dog distracted. I think she can relate to her breeding purpose! Otherwise, it might get knocked over if your dog feels threatened by the content, especially if he has a high prey drive and a program about squirrels comes on! In any case, this would be all part of socializing your pup. A puzzle toy can be a lot more engaging than idle observation. While most dog puzzles can have this effect, I like Outward Hound a lot because it is specifically designed for big dogs with separation anxiety and keeps your dog engaged. It is a pretty fun toy for your dog, regardless of whether you are around or not, and with almost , positive reviews, many other dog owners think so too. This could mean replaying TV shows you think will be safe and fun for your dog or actually recording yourself waving at your dog and giving him commands. I know it can seem weird, but it works wonders. Dogs have been proven to react positively upon seeing their owners on screen. I love this gadget as it has everything from being able to hear and speak with your doggo to tossing him a treat every now and again. A window can keep your dog pleasantly distracted in your absence. You just need to arrange a safe way for your dog to peer through the window. If you own an expensive breed — While GSDs are usually deterrents that stop intruders and prevent break-ins, if they are expensive enough, they might encourage people to get into your house. If your dog might be perceived to be in danger — If your GSD looks helpless and desperate, people might assume that he needs to be saved. Usually, people break car windows to rescue overheating pets. But someone might break your house window out of similar good intentions, even without significant danger. Drop him off at a doggy daycare. This is by far the best option but is not very accessible for some. The first barrier to entry is the cost of enrolling your dog. The second is the availability of doggy daycares and daycare spots. Families that own and love dogs can happily take yours in for the day. Such toys are easy to load, and you can teach your dog to fetch and load a ball. My article on training a GSD covers using positive stimuli to get your dog to learn commands faster. The treats better not be too sugary, though. The calories can add up. I recommend using pieces of kibble for this game. That said, your dog might not be very keen on a kibble hunt — unless he is hungry, of course! Put a food item your dog loves inside a bowl, fill it with water, and put it in the freezer. Once the ice forms around the food item, you can leave it for your dog while you are away. It will give your dog plenty of time to play and salivate. However, there is one drawback: the ice turns into water. Professional dog walkers charge about the same as entry-level professionals in the region. Still, the cost can add up if you get dog-sitting services. Every hour you make money at your job, you have to pay someone to take care of your dog. Adopt Another Dog Finally, you can try the good old, have a kid to raise a kid method. By adopting another dog, you can make your current dog less lonely. The cost of this depends on the dog food prices and the medical expenses in your area. It is a high-risk tactic as it is possible that your dogs hate each other, and you end up needing extra supervision. Make sure to learn how to introduce your dog to another pet and choose a pet of the opposite sex to reduce same-gender aggression. But if you have no option but to leave your dog alone while you go to work, at least make sure he has regular company throughout the day. GSDs must be trained to entertain themselves, so you must start this process early. Related Posts You May Like:. As a human, you can leave the house and seek exciting new adventures all on your own when boredom rears its ugly head. However, your dog is probably stuck at home when you have to leave for work or school. While it might be fine to take a nap or two each day while he waits for you to come back, there are still many hours left in the day where a bored GSD can get himself into some mischief. Sometimes that mischief can result in expensive damage to your home and belongings! He needs to feel useful, helpful, and appreciated. German Shepherds are also one of the most intelligent and most social dog breeds you can own. With a little forethought and some simple additions to your household or routine, you can keep your pup or older dog happy, healthy, and out of trouble until you get home. As social animals, dogs can be prone to separation anxiety. What does that mean? Separation anxiety is fairly common in German Shepherds. When a German Shepherd, or any other dog, suffers separation anxiety, they become sad, scared, or otherwise upset about the absence of their human companions. This can result in behavior problems such as barking, howling, and crying for hours, which can be disturbing to neighbors. Separation anxiety can also cause a dog to begin tearing up and chewing your belongings—shoes, clothes, and even your furniture, for example. It can also be so stressful for a GSD that he begins to have accidents in the house. The pups get used to this royal treatment and showers of love and affection. The sad truth is that some never do. They may see the separation as punishment, or they may become overly worried about you. After all, the German Shepherd takes great pride and enjoyment in being your companion and protector. Keeping your German Shepherd active and busy can help relieve a lot of anxiety all on its own. But they are also great ways to help anxious dogs feel safer and more in control while you are away. And that is exactly what GSDs love most: working! Some involve a little extra effort on your part and some may require new toys or special equipment. Not every suggestion will work for every dog or household, so be ready to try different approaches to find the perfect mix for your German Shepherd. There are many ways to do this, but here are some suggestions to get you started. Crate train your GSD early. Crate training helps dogs learn that the crate is their safe space. Do not use the crate for punishment. Always make crate time fun with toys, treats, soft bedding, and praise. As den animals, GSDs appreciate having a private, safe space such as a crate to help relax and reduce stress. Section off a part of your house for alone time. Your GSD should be taught that certain areas of your home are safe. This is a lot like the crate suggestion above, but it allows for more space to play and stretch out. This can be a bathroom, laundry room, or bedroom, for example. Start by using a baby gate, not shutting the door. Start slowly, leaving your GSD alone in a crate or safe zone for just a few minutes. Leave a treat or new toy with her, some food, water, and soft bedding, then walk away for 3 — 5 minutes. Do this several times in a row, piling on the praise and love when you return. After a few days, extend the time you leave your GSD alone, but always come back and give tons of love. When you leave toys, food, water, and soft bedding with your German Shepherd in his safe area, you are teaching him which objects are his, too. This can be a long walk or job, a rousing game of fetch, or a few rounds on an agility course. Whatever it is that your German Shepherd likes to do for fun with you, do that before you need to leave for work or school. Begin this routine well before you have to start leaving your GSD alone every day. Since dogs are pack animals, they can sense your stress level and your anxiety. Try to remain calm. Instead of being dramatic about it, just give your dog a normal amount of affection, put him in his safe zone or crate, and then leave. Do not look back, do not open the door to check on him; just go. The calmer you are during departure, the less likely it will be that your dog will become anxious. If you followed some of the suggestions above, you should be well on your way to achieving dog parent nirvana. It can be as simple as a box of toys in the closet that gets switched out every week or month. Simply pick up the old toys and put them in a box, then bring the new box down. In another month, you can do the switch again. Keep it interesting by adding a brand-new toy every week or so, just to keep Spot on his toes. If your German Shepherd is attached to one or two specific toys, keep them out of the rotation. Those are the perfect comfort objects and should always be available and within reach. Some common favorite toys include rope toys, stuffed animals, and refillable treat toys. Just keep an eye on your dog and see which toys she gravitates to during sleepy, relaxed times. Time for Television If your dog is used to hearing the television going or a computer running videos all day and night, this is likely a comforting sound to her. Some dogs like exciting shows with lots of noise, while others prefer relaxing shows with calm human voices or sounds of nature. Believe it or not, some dogs actually enjoy watching television, not just listening. If they still seem to enjoy the background noise, try the radio instead. You can either turn on regular radio stations, use online stations with specially created playlists, or you can queue up your own playlist on your computer or other device using songs your dog is used to hearing you listen to. The options are limitless, and the familiarity will help soothe an upset or lonely dog. Take a look at this article I wrote about German Shepherd depression — it expands on the benefits of playing music for your German Shepherd, and how different types of music affect your dog. Hide Surprises Many German Shepherds love hide and seek games with their humans. Too difficult of a puzzle and your GSD could get frustrated and unhappy. Interactive Toys There are a ton of great interactive toys on the market these days. The hardest part is letting your dog have a turn with them! These kinds of toys keep intelligent GSDs alert and happy. For example, you can use interactive puzzle toys like this series from Outward Hound. There are 4 different toys in this series, and 4 levels of difficulty — easy, intermediate, advanced, and expert. Take a look for yourself what all the fuss is about! Level 1: Easy.

We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Glasgow Kentucky and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Re: Miniature labradoodle puppies Post by alison01 » Wed Apr 18, am Thanks again for your help and to those who just posted. Have checked out the websites and they all seem brilliant. We'll probably go with one of the ones which are closest to home as it makes it all much easier. We've still got a while to go before getting the puppy. I've been reading lots of posts on the website and want to make sure that the house is sorted and well prepared for a doodle puppy. I grew up with lots of dogs, but my husband has never had one and has been a bit wary about getting one he's used to cats. He likes friendly dogs but is terrified of rottweilers, alsatians etc. However, we had a labradoodle as a neighbour for a few months and he fell in love with it. The fact that they are such a sociable breed is also such a plus I have horrible memories of walking my fox terrier in the park and having to keep him on such a close leash when other dogs walked past, in case he attacked them - stressful for me and for the dog too. Thanks again!!!

Find more Pug puppies for sale in closest states: Louisiana , Alabama , Arkansas , Missouri , Tennessee , Oklahoma If you have never owned a Pug before, or are interested in reading more information, check out our Pug Dog Breed Information page. Latest Dog Articles Dog in the house Dog - a real one, with the advent of each person whose life is changed. Someone enjoys wonderful moments spent with the animal, someone eventually get tired of careful care of them. Anyway, the pet will always meet his master with eyes filled with love an How to take care of a rising puppy If you have a puppy of a small breed, it will be easier to take care of it. You will need a comb and a small brush. If your four-month puppy has already overgrown grown-up pet dogs and continues to grow rapidly, now while walking you have to handle its to First commands for training dogs Training a dog is a very responsible thing. During first weeks talk with your dog calmly and softly. Whatever are his faults blame yourself, but not him. You are his master who has to foresee everything. Little puppy could be so scared by loud and dreadfu People train dogs to improve their natural skills and abilities, but not all dog trainers do it righta and that subsequently causes an unacceptable result. Actually, dogs are full-fledged members of Grooming is hygienic care of pets necessary for any dog. Some dogs need bathing, combing, cleaning ears and eyes but others need more. Dogs of some breeds need haircut. It's because of hygienic and aesthetic requirements. Up to date on vaccinations and worming. My puppies are raised in a loving home with lots of socialization! I grew up with pugs and there is no other dog that compares! We seek the best folks for our puppies to find their forever home. All of our dogs live in our home with us and are part of our family. We have standard as well as rare colors including fawn, brindle, white, apricot, merle. Pups go home microchipped, vaccinated, with first dose of heartworm prevention. Email for application. We have 3 beautiful fawn girls born May 22nd. Puppies come with CKC registration, first shots, micro-chipped and 1 yr health guarantee. Visit our site for more info. Puppies will have required vaccinations and come with health guarantee. I have 1 fawn female left. This little girl is started on her shots. She is out of show parents. Will sell full or limited registry. We are a very small hobby breeder and raise puppies as part of our family. Puppies come with wellness checked, registered and with a health guarantee. September has available puppies. Give us a call today to discuss our puppies. Expecting 2 females heat cycle Nov and Dec .Shots, and Vet checked. Hand raised. Honest, reputable breeder. Approved homes only. Please contact for more info. Too Cute Pugs. Welcome to the Mississippi state page on TrustedPuppies. Renowned for its rich history, warm hospitality, and diverse natural beauty, Mississippi is an ideal place to find and raise your new Pug companion. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional Pug breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the perfect furry friend for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable MS breeders who specialize in raising amazing healthy puppies. Our Mississippi dog breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy. Discover the dynamic dog-friendly scene in Mississippi, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Mississippi Gulf Coast Kennel Club Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of Pug canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Mississippi, with an estimated dog population of around thousand, holds the 39th position among U. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable Pug breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Mississippi. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your Pug puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect Pug puppy on TrustedPuppies.

Are you starting to wonder if it's time to switch the teenage pooch to an adult food? While typically a pup should switch to adult dog food between 12 and 18 months of age, there are some things to consider. Growth and Size Puppies eat puppy food. Almost everyone knows that. The real question, though, is "why. Large-breed puppies in particular, such as your Labrador, have different nutritional needs than smaller breeds. Large-breed puppies require specific balances of minerals to ensure that their joints develop properly and in the right time frame. As such, the decision to switch your Labrador to an adult food is not one to be taken lightly. Speak with your vet concerning your Labrador's growth and keep your big, goofy, teenage Lab on a large-breed puppy food until the vet says his growth plates are beginning to close. These foods often contain bone- and joint-fortifying supplements like MSM or glucosamine. Since Labradors are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, the extra joint support in large-breed foods can help keep your growing dog on the right track, developmentwise. Labradors are prone to excess weight gain; many large-breed dog foods have fewer calories, which allows your seemingly bottomless stomach of a dog can be satisfied at the end of a meal instead of endlessly seeking more to eat. What Brand? Labradors, with their double coats, are heavy shedders. Keeping a close eye on the brand of food you feed, and on the food's ingredients list, can help keep your Labrador's coat healthy, shiny and shedding less. Look for a food, preferably grain-free, with meat listed as the first ingredient. Make sure it's not a meat byproduct or a meal. For example, the first few ingredients in a top-of-the-line food may read, "Turkey, chicken, eggs, quinoa. Start to wean your Lab off the puppy food and onto the adult food bit by bit, no more than half a cup at a time. On the first day of the switch, you might feed a cup and a half of puppy food and a half-cup of adult food. On day seven, you might feed 1-and-a-half cups of adult food and half a cup of puppy food. If your puppy starts to have digestive difficulties, such as loose stool, take the switch a little slower. More Articles. The ideal time to switch from puppy food to dog food is at the adolescence stage. In Labrador puppies, that stage is often around 12 months old. Sometimes your Lab puppy may need to switch to adult dog food a little earlier. Puppies and dogs eat different foods because puppies need more nutrition in their meals, which puppy food provides. Most living organisms' newborns often grow fast until they reach a certain age. To maintain that growth, those newborns require a more nutrition-dense diet. That diet should be rich in carbohydrates to meet the growing needs of rapidly growing babies. Your labrador puppy is no exception to that rule. On the other hand, once your Lab puppy becomes an adolescent, you need food that has less carbohydrate density to prevent giving your dog a heavy meal. The same goes for the other way around. Additionally, your puppy may experience some stomach upset and may not gain as much weight as he needs to. But you run the risk of overfeeding your dog. Your dog will be heavier, less active, and less healthy. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. This is precisely what happens to your puppy. So, the food bowl he used to devour a couple of months ago is now just an excessive amount of food. When someone eats a large meal, the blood flow to the small intestine increases. That reduces the amount of blood that goes to your brain, which makes you feel sleepy. As your puppy grows, his need for that large amount of carbohydrates reduces. So the previously regular meal is now a large meal that will make your dog feel sleepy and lazy most of the time. Additionally, this may lead to accidents happening a lot more. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. When your dog is an adult and you decide to switch food brands, you should do so gradually. The same rule applies when your dog is still a puppy. Additionally, since every brand makes the food differently, you should do your best to switch to adult food of the same brand as puppy food. Your Lab puppy may not like the new food and may not eat it the first few times. Just keep introducing adult food mixed with puppy food for three days. By day three, your puppy should finish most of his meal. Step 2: Days 4—5 Step 2 is a little easier than step 1. This is when some stomach upsets may happen. Step 4: Days 8—10 In those last couple of days, your puppy should quickly eat an all-adult meal without problems. Keep in mind that those numbers are mainly for guidance. For instance, your Lap puppy may resist eating the adult dog food or have more stomach upset than he should. When that happens, contact your vet. He may recommend a more extended transitional period or a new food brand. Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. Once he has reached maturity, you can switch to adult dog food. Not all breeds reach maturity at the same age, however, so this can make it harder to know when to switch. How Long to Feed Puppy Food Puppies need a complete and balanced puppy food until they reach maturity. For dogs, adulthood depends more on breed size than their age. Because large and giant breeds take longer to mature, they need to eat puppy food longer than small- or medium-sized breeds. Medium Dog Breeds: Medium-sized dogs weigh between 21 and 50 pounds at maturity. They tend to reach maturity around 12 months of age. They need to eat puppy food longer than small- and medium-sized breeds. They can tell you when to switch to an adult dog food and help make it a successful transition. Leftovers in a bowl could signal that your puppy is getting full and needs less calories throughout the day. Continuing to feed puppy food past the point of maturity could cause him to become overweight, which can lead to other health problems. Choose a complete and balanced adult dog food formula once your puppy reaches maturity to help him maintain his ideal body condition. When to Switch Puppy to Adult Food Once you know when your puppy will reach maturity, you can decide when to switch to adult food. If your puppy will be full grown at 12 months, you can start transitioning him to an adult formula around his first birthday. How to Transition Puppy to an Adult Dog Food When you stop feeding puppy food, you must change more than just the food he eats. The number of meals and portion sizes will shift, too. Most puppies eat three meals a day , but adult dogs can eat just two meals per day. A gradual transition helps prevent stomach upset. Days 3 to 4: Serve half puppy food and half adult dog food. Days 8 to Serve only adult dog food. If your dog resists eating the adult food or experiences an upset stomach, extend the transition time as needed. Consult with your veterinarian for more help if needed. For more information and tips on puppy and dog nutrition from our experts , visit our Pet Expertise page. Related articles. Just a few months ago, your little ball of fluff was tumbling around, getting into mischief. This article will help you determine when to switch your puppy to adult dog food, how puppy and adult dog foods differ , how to select the best adult dog food, and how to transition foods smoothly to ensure that your pup is set up for a life of good health. According to AAFCO, puppy foods should be higher in protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorous than adult dog foods. These macronutrients and minerals help support lean muscle and bone growth. They also provide enough caloric density to enable the puppy to grow and perform basic bodily functions such as breathing, digestion, and movement. Many puppy food manufacturers also include higher amounts of compounds like omega-3 fatty acids to support proper brain and eye development as your puppy ages. Large-breed puppies need specially formulated puppy foods that contain less fat , calcium, and phosphorous to moderate their rate of growth. This helps prevent skeletal diseases such as elbow and hip dysplasia that can result from growing too quickly. You need to ensure that your puppy has the extra protein, fat, and minerals they need to support their growth and development and prevent various bone, joint, brain, and eye disorders. But aside from breed size, you also need to consider whether they are spayed or neutered or if they are a highly active dog that needs more calories. Breed Size Because of their faster growth rate, smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas , Yorkshire Terriers , and Pugs reach adult size sooner than larger breeds such as Golden Retrievers , German Shepherds, and Dalmatians. The guidelines below will help you to determine when to start feeding adult dog food: Small breeds under 25 pounds when fully grown reach adult size at months of age. These breeds will be ready for adult dog food at months of age. Medium-sized breeds such as English Springer Spaniels , Australian Shepherds , and Border Collies are pounds when fully grown, and they reach adult size at months of age. With growth rates between those of small breeds and large breeds, medium-sized dogs will be ready for adult dog food around months of age. Large breeds are over 50 pounds when fully grown. There are many large breed dogs, from the Boxer to the Great Dane , so the point at which these breeds reach mature size and weight can vary between 15 and 24 months of age. With the wide range of breeds under this category and a generally slower rate of growth, these dogs will need to stay on puppy food until they are months old to ensure they have enough protein and other nutrients during this stage. They also need to get those nutrients in the proper ratio to support the growth and proper development of their larger skeletons. Activity Level Athletic dogs may benefit from staying on puppy formulas longer, as the extra protein supports lean muscle growth and function, and the extra fat and higher caloric density can allow energy for high-intensity activities. Spaying or Neutering Breed size is not the only factor when determining when to transition your puppy to adult dog food. Because puppy foods contain a higher calorie density, feeding the correct amount during the remaining months of puppyhood is very important to prevent obesity as the puppy matures into an adult. Spaying or neutering does not usually slow the growth rate of your puppy, but it may affect the growth plates in the bones of large breed puppies, setting them up for joint problems later in life. In addition, unspayed female dogs who will be bred early in life may need to stay on puppy food longer to support gestation and lactation following whelping. Switching Too Early or Too Late Because the timing of switching your puppy to adult dog food is so important, there can be negative consequences from both switching too late and switching too early. Dogs that are taken off puppy food too late may be more predisposed to obesity and associated health problems later in life, given the fact that puppy formulas have more fat and calories per cup than adult dog formulas. The extra protein and calories in puppy foods can also increase the rate of growth in certain dog breeds if they are not fed a breed-specific puppy food formula. If these breeds are left on puppy formulas too long, they can be more predisposed to developing joint problems in the future. Similarly, if your puppy is taken off a puppy formula too early, they may suffer from nutritional deficiencies and growth abnormalities, failing to reach adult size around the expected time and increasing their risk of future bone, joint, brain, and eye issues. How to Pick the Right Adult Dog Food When it is time for your puppy to transition to adult dog food, how should you go about selecting the best adult formula for them as they become young adults? The young adult stage is typically considered years of age, as middle age starts by year in many dog breeds. While most dogs are generally quite healthy during this stage in their lives, feeding them appropriately during their young adult years can help lower the risk of obesity, arthritis , and dental disease as they age. Choosing a Brand The many adult dog food companies are not all equal in terms of quality. Dry Food vs. Wet Food The next step is to decide whether you would like to feed your dog dry food, wet food, or a mixture of the two. Both types of food have positive and negative aspects, and the choice to use one, the other, or both depends on the specific needs of your dog. For example, wet food: Has a higher moisture content than dry food and may be better for dogs that do not drink much water. Has a lower calorie density per volume than dry dog food, allowing dogs to feel fuller on fewer calories, which helps control their weight throughout their lives. Is often more palatable and appetizing than dry food, so it may be a great option for picky eaters or for stimulating the appetite of dogs that are less interested in food. Can be beneficial for dogs with oral abnormalities or dental disease, as it is easier for them to chew. By contrast, dry food: Can be a more economical option than wet food. Is a great option for easier portion control and for dogs that tend to graze throughout the day rather than consume a full meal in one sitting, as dry food will not spoil as rapidly if left out for long periods of time. Is beneficial for dental health, as the crunchy pieces act as an abrasive against the teeth during chewing and help prevent tartar buildup and thus tooth and gum disease. Can be easily used as a tool in puzzle toys for enrichment and mental stimulation. Is be used in slow feeders for reducing the rate at which dogs are able to consume their meals. When your pup eats more slowly, the risk is lower of them swallowing too much air and developing bloat, a potentially dangerous condition. Nutritional Requirements The final step in selecting the best adult dog food diet is to examine the Guaranteed Analysis panel on the bag or can of food and ensure that the formula meets a few major nutritional requirements. Other formulas have glucosamine for joint health or probiotics for gut health. Some dogs are sensitive to chicken and do better on beef- or salmon-based formulas. If you are unsure of the additional needs for your dog outside of the key ingredients and nutrients listed above, consult with your veterinarian. This will help ensure gut regularity with less physical activity. Remember that dog treats and other sources of calories in the diet need to be included when determining the appropriate amount of food for your young adult dog. How to Switch Your Puppy to Adult Dog Food Once you have selected the best adult dog food for your puppy, you are ready to transition them slowly onto their new diet. Because rapid diet changes can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, such as vomiting and diarrhea , it is recommended to introduce the new food slowly over a period of five days or so. Continue to feed your puppy as many times per day as they are used to throughout this process. If your puppy develops vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite, stop feeding the adult dog food and see your veterinarian. How Often to Feed Your Dog For large-breed puppies, it may be best for them to continue to eat three times per day. For medium-breed puppies, they should continue to be fed twice daily when they have been transitioned to adult dog food. For small-breed puppies, you may consider transitioning them to eating twice daily instead of three times per day after they are fully on adult dog food. This may involve providing more attention and playtime for your dog as they become accustomed to fewer feedings per day. Consider extra walks, extra playtime, or brushing to distract them from feelings of hunger. Some dogs may benefit from high-fiber adult dog food to increase feelings of fullness between meals. Your dog may also enjoy cleaned, raw fruits and vegetables such as sliced carrots, cucumbers, or apples without the core or seeds. If you have any questions about transitioning your puppy to adult dog food, contact your veterinarian. In addition, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist can be a great resource for any issues that come up, and they can help develop the best diet and feeding schedule for your new family member. Featured image: iStock. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. When do you switch from puppy food to adult food? Are you a first-time, inexperienced puppy owner? Are you confused about what to feed your Labrador puppy? Do you wish to provide your beloved puppy with the best diet but are confused as to what that is? We have compiled this article for you to help you figure out the best options for your puppy. What to feed your puppy? What are the different types of food available? There is no one food type that everyone agrees to be the best and most effective for your Labrador puppies. Even experts disagree on what type of food is the absolute best for your beloved puppy. There are 4 main types of food for dogs. Each one of them has its fair share of pros and cons. Kibble or dry food Many people regard kibble as the best food for puppies. Dry food is by far the most popular feeding method due to its convenience and price. But is it any good? If you go for high-quality kibble food brands, you can be sure that the food is providing your dog with all the necessary nutrients it requires. However, if you choose to go for cheaper brands of kibble, you will not only be unsure of the quality of the food, but they will also lack the necessary nutrients that your dog requires. It is convenient, cost-effective in the long run, and comes in a wide range of flavors. However, dogs can become bored of kibble, and they will never be as excited to eat dry food as to eat actual meat. Despite criticism, this type of dog food has some benefits. This makes cleaning after your dog much easier for you. It also reduces the risk of bloat, which can be a potentially fatal condition. Dogs fed on kibble are more at risk of bloat. It makes them clean, glowing, and shiny. It reduces the risk of obesity, and your dog enjoys a slim but healthy figure. Dogs enjoy eating meat more than they enjoy eating dry food. However, there are some cons to a completely raw diet. When dogs bite down on a bone, they swallow small fragments that could form a blockage in the intestine. This blockage, in the best-case scenario, causes constipation, and in the worst-case scenario requires immediate veterinary surgery. Wet food cans and pouches A puppy might prefer wet food over kibble as it looks and tastes way more appetizing. However, as in the case of dry food, if you choose a cheap brand, it will not have the essential nutrients your puppy needs. So choose high-quality brands that will ensure the nutrition that your puppy needs. An advantage of wet food, compared to dry food, is that it contains a higher percentage of liquid, which helps hydrate the dog and make it feel fuller. Home-cooked puppy food If you are reluctant to buy mass-produced puppy food from the market, you can always prepare a homemade meal for your dog. You have to make sure that the meal consists of all the necessary nutrients required by your dog. How much should you feed your puppy? Like human babies or any baby animals, puppies also need more meals than adult dogs. A puppy will need about 3 or 4 meals a day. If you are feeding your puppy 3 meals a day, and your pup has loose stools, then take the amount of food for 3 meals, and divide it into 4 meals in a day. How do you recognize quality puppy food? There are a lot of choices to choose from when you go to buy puppy food. So how do you choose the one with the best quality? If you go for one of the well-known, popular, and widely consumed brands, the chances are that the puppy food of these brands is of high quality; hence, their popularity. So, do not be reluctant to spend some bucks, and get your beloved puppy the food it deserves. What is to be done if your puppy is not eating? Not all puppies are greedy for more and more food. It is a proven fact that puppies tend to eat more when they are eating in a group, and generally eat less when they are eating less. Hence, for the first few days that your puppy spends without its brothers and sisters, it may not eat as much and have a reduced appetite. Usually, a reduced appetite is not something to worry about, but it is best to mention it to your vet in the next checkup or if the problem continues to persist. Click here to find the best dog food for your Labrador Puppy When do you switch from puppy food to adult food? A small dog like a Chihuahua might become an adult when it is around 9 months of age. However, a larger dog breed like a Labrador will need another 4 to 6 months to become an adult. You also have to reduce the amount of food you give to your dog as it will not need as much food as an adult as it is needed as a puppy. You may also change dog food brands if you feel like it. Now that you are aware of different alternatives of puppy food that are available for you, and of some main questions regarding dogs and their food, it is time for you to decide what type of food will suit your dog the best and what brand you are going to purchase your dog food from if you are not making a homemade meal. If you want to find the best pet insurance for your labrador, click here. Does it matter if the puppy is spayed or neutered? A labrador puppy can start eating adult dog food once they reach the age of months, certain factors need to be considered. Have you ever wondered why puppies and adults eat different food? Puppy food is specially designed to be nutrient-dense to meet their nutritional needs. On the other hand, adult dog food contains nutrients that suited to animals that have passed their growth phase. As they grow, what they need to eat changes. Also, their age at which they transform to adult dog food may vary. For these reasons, your best contact regarding the changes should be your veterinarian. Many owners of lab retrievers report that energetic dogs snack for a longer period of time compared to calm dogs. The lifespan of large dogs tends to be shorter than that of small dogs. If your pooch falls into this category, his diet must contain more calories compared to what he expended. It is only possible to feed him puppy food for a few days until he reaches adulthood. Some of the maturity signs include the following: Your pooch becomes less interested in eating puppy food. The pooch starts sleeping more than usual and shows signs of exhaustion. Your pooch frequently poos right after eating his special puppy food. There are specific mineral balances needed for puppies of large breeds so that they develop their joints optimally and on schedule. Large Breed-Specific Foods Large breed-specific foods exclusively developed for canines such as labrador retrievers. Due to the tendency of labrador retrievers to suffer from hip dysplasia, large-breed foods provide additional joint support thereby keeping them on their toes, as they grow. A Labrador can become obese very easily, but large breeds have lower calorie intake, so that the apparently insatiable appetite of a dog satisfied when the meal is over and it does not feel the need to eat endlessly. Choices can be quite overwhelming since there are so many options available. A great tip for choosing a dog food is to take the individual needs of the dog into account. Such as the age and other health related issues. And then choose the best one according to your needs. Due to their double coat, Labrador retrievers shed excessively. It is therefore necessary to choose a diet that allows them to shed less and maintain a shiny coat. When it comes to allergies in dogs, there are low-ingredient foods that might be suitable. Similarly, if your dog has joint problems, you should feed them a high-quality food that supports their joints. Pick Food Brand Wisely By feeding your labrador the most appropriate food, you can help your labrador enjoy a happy healthy life. But do not fret. Learning how to switch labrador puppy food to senior food, actually is not as difficult as it sounds. One thing to keep in mind is that the process is multi-step, making it a time-consuming process. Your dog will feel just as uncomfortable as you do. Thus, change gradually over a period of one week. The following steps explain how to switch lab puppy to adult dog food. Rather, you should substitute the old food for the new to achieve a balance between them. Ideally, you should give your dog about 75 percent old food and 25 percent new dog food. For now, you should feed him the same amount of new and old food. FAQs At what age should labrador puppies be switched to adult dog food? The majority of manufacturers recommend feeding your labrador puppy food up to 12 months of age and then switching to adult food. What are some signs that my puppy is ready to be fed adult food? According to general guidelines, young dogs should be weaned to adult food around the 75th to 85th percentile of their adult size, around the time when naturally their growth rate slows down. At what age do labradors become adults? Labradors mature at a rather fast pace, achieving full adult height between 6 and 12 months, although they may still grow until age two. How do puppy foods differ from adult dog foods? Puppy food and adult dog food differ greatly in their nutritional composition. Puppy food targets both growth and reproduction while adult dog foods target their maintenance nutritional needs. Most commonly, the energy level of your pooch will drop right after surgery. Post navigation. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies.

how to house train golden retriever puppy - As mentioned, some breeding purists denounce any Labradors other than the three classics and believe that the emergence of other colors is due to cross breeding with Weimaraners. However, no solid evidence supports this theory, and a quick glance at the science reveals that the unique Silver Lab puppies, and their Charcoal and Champagne counterparts, come from a rare combination of recessive genes. A big D is considered dominant, while a little d is recessive. This is why the AKC allows Silver Labs to be fully registered as Chocolate Labs — they come from pureblood, they just have recessive genes. These are even more rare than the trendy Silver Labradors. Hunters loved them for their innate ability to retrieve ducks and after a whole century of developing the breed and meticulously recording characteristics of each litter, Labradors were formally registered with the AKC in .Most kennels strived to breed Black Lab litters, but records include documentation of tan, red and brindles, in addition to the traditional Yellow and Chocolate Labs. But Silver Labs? No one seems to know quite where they come from. They emerged seemingly from nowhere, only adding to their allure. This is because there are only 7 traceable bloodlines. The gene pool is small, and most responsible breeders only allow their female Labrador to produce litters before retiring her. Basic supply and demand keeps the price of Silver Labs very high. There are however, specific rescues geared toward finding the perfect home for Labrador Retrievers of all ages and coat colors. You may find your new Silver Lab puppy through an online search of local rescue organizations. Decade of Friendship: Labrador Life Expectancy When compared to other Labradors, Silver Labs have a typical life expectancy of years - with an average of .Labs generally are known for their friendly, gentle personalities and ability to bond with multiple family members. They are very patient and typically get along well with children and other pets. When socialized from a young age, they enjoy interacting with the whole family. Silver Labradors are well suited for an active household, as they thrive with at least 60 minutes a day of vigorous walking, running, playing, and swimming. As they are natural born swimmers and retrievers, Silver Labs will be happy romping and splashing through water, or chasing a tennis ball. Many owners love to combine the two! Start by finding a clean, safe source of water for your new pup. Then, let him practice his retrieving skills by tossing a ball or other toy that floats. Watch as your new furry friend blossoms into his instincts! Be sure to keep your new Lab puppy physically and mentally stimulated to avoid destructive behaviors like chewing. Puppy puzzles are a great way to provide entertainment without getting outside. The first step in avoiding an unexpected health concern is buying a Lab puppy from a reputable breeder. Still, any Labrador can develop these conditions. Overtime, this condition leads to pain, lameness, and even an altered gait. Though it sometimes requires corrective surgery, if caught early, it can usually be managed with medication and physical therapy exercises. Due to their diluted genes, Silver Labs have additional health risks. Color Dilution Alopecia CDA is a genetic disorder that causes flaky and itchy skin, as well as hair loss. The first sign is thinning coat, which usually occurs at 6 months old. You can also help by providing your puppy with a healthy, balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin A. Coconut Oil is a great supportive supplement! If there is food around, they will find it and eat it so keeping food secure is a must! Adult Labs require between and calories per day from a high-quality, protein-rich food. Most vets recommend splitting their daily needs into two meals, to make digestion easier. Both male and female Labradors are prone to unwanted weight gain and obesity. Monitoring their food and treat intake is essential to raising a healthy dog. Training Tips: Best ways to Teach a Labrador Labradors are a national favorite because of their trainability. They respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement, and reward-based methods, especially when rewarded with food or treats. However, they can get bored easily and training sessions should be kept short, but frequent. As mentioned above, they are highly food-motivated and should easily learn basic commands like sit, down, shake, stay, etc. Just remember to account for the extra calories! Their unique color is due to a simple combination of genes. They love to play and will live best in an active family where they are socialized from a young age. So what do you think? Are you team Silver Lab? Let us know! Conclusion: Why the Silver Labrador Retriever? How much does a Silver Labrador Retriever cost? If you find one for adoption, the cost will be lower. What Is a Silver Labrador Retriever? Silver Labs are Labrador Retrievers with gray, silver coats and haunting grayish eyes. Silver Labradors most likely developed from a recessive trait found in some Chocolate Labradors. However, there are many who believe that Silver Labradors are not true Labrador Retrievers at all. Major breed clubs including the Labrador Retriever Club Inc. Frances O. In this section, we will explore the most common Silver Labrador Retriever traits. However, please note that not all Silver Labs will be identical to each other in terms of personality. There will be differences between individual dogs. Still, this list will give you a basic sense of what to expect from the Silver Labrador Retriever temperament. Sporting Dogs are bred to work in partnership with humans as hunting companions, pointers, flushers, and retrievers. Therefore, these types of dogs thrive when they have a purpose or a job to do. Silver Labrador Retrievers are very active dogs, especially when they are young. They need an ample amount of daily exercise as well as mental enrichment. If you leave an energetic lab pup home alone for hours on end, be prepared to come home to evidence of destructive behavior such as chewing or digging. A young lab needs about an hour of vigorous exercise per day. If you are not able to provide that level of exercise, consider adopting an older Lab or Silver Lab mix. Silver Labrador Retriever exercise can include activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, or romping at the dog park. Doggie Daycare is another great way for Labradors to fulfill their daily exercise needs. Labradors were bred to work in tandem with their human guardians out in the field. Therefore, they are very attentive and eager to please. They may not be quite as clever as some of the herding breeds such as the Border Collie or the Australian Shepherd , but they are still very smart. They can be trained for all types of jobs including hunting, search and rescue, and police work. Silver Labs tend to get along well with other animals and children, especially with proper socialization. Of course, it is still advisable to supervise your Silver Labrador anytime he or she interacts with kids or other animals. Photo by Nilda Guzman These dogs are notorious for getting into mischief when left alone. Crate training is highly recommended, especially for puppies and young labs. Labradors are especially obsessed with finding food! Labs love to eat. Do not leave food accessible on countertops and make sure your trash can has a dog-proof lid. Joyful, Goofy, Fun One of the most beloved components of the Silver Labrador Retriever temperament is the joyful nature of this breed. Labs are happy, silly, fun-loving dogs. They enjoy romping in the snow and swimming in the summertime. Silver Labs love to play! They are especially fond of playing fetch with tennis balls for hours on end. If you add a Lab to your home, your home will soon be filled with laughter! Labrador Retrievers originated in Newfoundland , Canada. They were bred to work alongside hunters and fishermen as water retrievers. Their popularity began to soar in the s as specimens spread to Europe and America. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in .The Lab has held the highest-ranking since .The American Kennel Club recognizes three color varieties: black, yellow and chocolate. The Silver Coat Coloration Photo by Nilda Guzman The silver coloration first appeared within the last few decades and has caused great controversy within the Labrador community. It is not recognized as a distinct coloration. The silver color has become incredibly popular and desired because it is attractive and rare. Consumers are willing to pay exorbitant amounts of money for a silver lab puppy. Respected, responsible breeders discourage the practice of breeding specifically for a physical attribute. They argue that a good breeder should always prioritize health, function, temperament, and the improvement of the breed. When breeders are breeding solely for appearance, health and temperament are inevitably compromised. Size and Appearance The Silver Lab has the same general appearance as any other Labrador, other than the color. They are the same size and shape as other Labs. For example, the Silver Labrador Retriever weight range is between 55 and 80 lbs. Likewise, the Silver Labrador Retriever height range is between 21 and 24 inches at the withers. These measurements are the same for all coat colorations. Silver Labrador Retriever colors are described as gray or silver. They have gray noses, nails, and gray pads on the paws of their feet. The gray color occurs as the result of breeding two dogs that each carry a recessive gene for dilute coloration. How to Train a Silver Labrador Retriever? In fact, Labrador Retrievers are trained to do many important jobs including drug detection, search and rescue, and therapy work. They are also commonly used as service dogs for people with disabilities. There is no doubt that this is a very trainable dog. However, like all dogs, training a Silver Lab takes patience, effort, and consistency. Make sure you find a trainer that uses modern, positive, force-free training methods. There is no need to use painful training devices such as shock collars, pinch collars or choke chains. Instead, find a trainer that uses reward-based training. This type of training is more effective and more enjoyable for you and your pet. Once you have mastered basic commands, you can look into more advanced activities such as canine sports. Silver Labs can excel at sports including flyball, dock jumping , water retrieving, agility, tracking, nosework, Frisbee and much more! His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. You will need to brush and bathe your Silver Labrador on a regular basis. However, professional grooming should not be necessary. Labradors are moderate shedders, so be prepared for some dog fur in your house. Are Silver Labrador Retrievers Hypoallergenic? Labrador Retrievers of all color varieties are NOT hypoallergenic. If you are looking for a breed that is hypoallergenic, check out this article for some possibilities. Silver Labrador Retrievers are prone to certain genetic conditions, and your vet can give you an idea about what to expect in terms of care and financial cost. For example, be on the watch for signs of the following conditions:. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. November 22, There is no denying that Labradors have long been one of the most popular dog breeds. In this guide, we are going to reveal everything you need to know about Silver Lab puppies. Just like traditional Labradors, these dogs are adored for their outgoing and friendly personalities. They are lovable, sociable, loyal, and energetic. The only real difference is their unique grayish-blue color, which is adorable, to say the least. For the price of or to apply for one of our silver labs contact us at the bottom of this page here. You may be wondering how we have ended up with Silver Labs, and why they are the perfect family companion. Another feature of a dilute dog is the color of the eyes and the nose. The dilute gene is something that you will find in a lot of different dog breeds. Nevertheless, it has only appeared in Labrador Retrievers quite recently. The dilute gene and coat color The American Kennel Club recognizes three different Labrador colors: chocolate, black, and yellow. You will notice that three colors are missing from the list: champagne, charcoal, and of course, silver. Just like silver is considered a diluted version of chocolate, champagne is a diluted version of yellow, and charcoal is a diluted version of black. The way the dilute gene works A set of genes controls the coat color a Labrador has. When it comes to the silver color, it is the D gene that is at play here, acting as a type of switch. This means that a Labrador is going to require two copies of the dilute gene to have dilute fur. This means that a silver coat can only be produced with the final combination. Unless one little d is paired with another little d, it is not going to have any impact. There are some dog breeds whereby all of the individuals will have two little d genes, with Weimaraners being a prime example. Where do we get Silver Labs from? In the United States, reports of Silver Labradors were first seen from around the s. One of the earliest kennels to produce Labs in this new silver color was Culo Silver Labs. Our Silver Labrador Romeo Precisely how this new color came to be is a question that a lot of people debate, with a number of different opinions on the subject. How did Labradors end up with the dilute gene? There are a number of different options that can explain the appearance of a new gene in a purebred dog. This includes the following: Hidden genes Spontaneous mutation Mixed breeding The first and most obvious explanation is that there was a cross between a Labrador and a breed of dog that carries the dilute gene at some point. The capacity of a rare gene to stay hidden for an extended time period is a phenomenon that the majority of scientists are aware of. The explanation for the appearance of the Silver Labrador in the s is arguably the most valid alternative to the theory of cross-breeding. We know that some genes are more dominant than others, and can hide or mask them. These are known as recessive genes. A lot of diseases happen as a consequence of recessive genes, and they only appear when the unfortunate individual inherits two copies. Rare diseases that are carried by genes can actually remain hidden for years and years and years, only to appear when dogs that are closely related end up mating together. This is something that happens more regularly when the gene pools are small, as is the case in pedigree dog populations. Colors can be recessive or dominant as well The B color gene is one that determines whether or not a Labrador is brown or black, with black dogs being favored. Brown is a recessive color, and a Labrador is going to require two copies of the little b brown gene in order to end up with a coat that is brown in color. Brown Labs only became popular when breeders intentionally set about mating them to each other. Some people believe that the rare dilute gene has been present in Labs all along and that it only appeared when two dogs that were closely related were bred — as some rare diseases end up doing. It was not until that the AKC registered the first Labs. This includes the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, which is a breed that does have the dilute gene. Spontaneous mutation Another theory to consider is spontaneous mutation. It is not uncommon for genes to mutate. This is another way that an unusual or rare characteristic can appear in a family of dogs that were not affected by it previously. This is a theory that is not overly popular for the appearance of the dilute gene in the Silver Lab. The reason for this partly comes down to the fact that hidden genes are such a plausible explanation. For a mutation to be identical to a gene that exists already for unusual coat color in a different breed would be a coincidence. A lot of people feel that the spontaneous appearance of the dd dilution gene in the Silver Labrador Retriever gene pool is, to say the least, unlikely. However, this is not something that we can rule out. Mixed breeding A lot of people believe that the first Silver Labrador were, in fact, crossbreeds. This is a theory that is plausible, and there are evident motivates for dog breeders wanting to create a new color variation of an existing breed. Motives can include the allure of creating something new and the financial gain, although they may not have realized that Silver Labradors would be so popular. A lot of people that believe mixed breeding is at play here believe that Labradors were mixed with Weimaraners, creating a cross. However, it is worth pointing out that this theory has lost a bit of credibility as of late because of the genetic testing of Silver Labrador, which has not shown any connection to Weimaraners. The appearance of a Silver Lab Of course, the stunning silver coat is the first thing that people tend to notice about a Silver Labrador. This smooth, double coat appears almost like it is velvet, and it tends to be a faded brown or a slate grey shade. Another one of the defining features is their straight otter tail, which enables the dog to move through the water safely. They are built for both water and land, and they have long, muscular legs, which are made to suit swimming and running. Colors The Silver Labrador can come in a number of different shades. Typically, it is a bluish-grey or slate, yet, faded brown is another possibility. The coat is incredibly smooth, and when you stroke a Silver Labrador, it feels a lot like plush velvet! Size Once a Silver Labrador has fully grown, the girls are going to be between 21 and 23 inches tall, and the boys are going to stand between 22 and 24 inches tall. The females are between 55 and 70 pounds while the males are between 65 and 80 pounds. Silver Labrador longevity and health Silver Labradors suffer from the same health problems that other purebred Labs can experience, including over-eating and a predisposition to joint issues. Two studies that have been carried out record the lifespan for a Labrador at between 11 and 12 years of age, and Labs also have a higher cancer rate when compared with other breeds, i. On the balance, though, Labradors are a breed that is well-constructed and healthy, free from some of the different disabilities that plague a lot of other purebred dogs. However, this is a possible medical issue linked with the coat color dilution gene that you need to be aware of. Color dilution alopecia The color dilution gene — the dd gene that we have been referring to that causes the beautiful silvery coat — is sometimes linked with coat issues. Particularly, it may be connected to a type of hair loss. It is not typically a condition that is life-threatening, but it also is not curable either. It can result in progressive hair loss in young dogs and could cause a recurrent infection in the hair follicles. Coat dilution does not always result in skin issues. Not all dogs that have the dd gene are going to have the faulty alopecia variant. And, you will find that the majority of Silver Labradors do not have alopecia. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that this can be an issue. To date we have not seen it in our bloodline. In a lot of respects, therefore, the health of a Silver Labrador is a lot like any other type of purebred Lab. Silver Lab training and temperament No matter the origin of the Silver Labrador, the Silver Labs we see today are very much Labrador in both conformation and temperament. Training a Silver Lab puppy can be a great deal of fun. Of course, it will take a little bit of patience and time, as Labs can be a bit nippy when they are small, and rather bouncy when they grow into their teens. So, you are going to need to make sure you have a little bit of time every day for training. As long as you are able to handle the high energy that your Silver Lab has, you should not have too much trouble. Aside from the need for mental stimulation and high activity level, the requirements that a Silver Labrador has are very basic, even kids can learn to care for one. Grooming, training, and feeding do not need to go far beyond the needs of other dogs to be happy and healthy. It is not going to take too long for your friendly Silver Labrador to fit right in. Health considerations Chocolate and Silver Labradors are more likely to suffer from skin diseases and ear infections when compared with other fur colors. This dirty water can remain in their ears, which can result in an infection. There are a number of different symptoms that can arise, including crust and itching around the ear, and darkening and redness of the ear canal. Of course, your vet will be able to advise you. With Silver Labradors, you also need to be on the lookout for painful skin lesions that are known as a hot spot. These sorts of lesions happen when a dog picks or licks a spot of the skin that is injured. Sunburn, insect bites, and regular injuries can all form hot spots. For problems like this, anti-inflammatory medication tends to clear up the issue, yet you may need to place a cone on your dog to prevent him or her from picking at it. Nutrition Another important factor to consider when it comes to Silver Labs is that their nutritional requirements are different at different points within their lives. Once your dog has grown fully, it is going to require between and 1, calories each day. In terms of what you feed them, any premium quality kibble is going to be suitable. Never feed raw pork or beef to a dog. Healthy fats are next on the list. The last thing should be carbs. It is important to make sure that all of the ingredients are derived from natural sources instead of artificial fillers. Expected growth for your Silver Lab It is important to know about the growth stages for your Silver Labrador. Your puppy should weigh between 10 and 22 pounds when they are seven to 12 weeks old. When your dog is between 12 weeks and six months, it should be around 40 pounds, which is half of its adult weight. Between six and nine months of age, your puppy should be around three-quarters of his or her way onto the adult size. Puppies when they are this age tend to weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Finally, your dog is going to be their full weight once they reach one year of age. This is between 55 and 80 pounds. Grooming Despite the fact that a Silver Labrador has short fur, they are not deemed a breed with low shed. If you do bring a Silver Lab into your home, you should expect to see a few of their silver hairs on the carpet and the couch. The dog will shed throughout the year moderately, and you will need to brush it at least once per week. Throughout the spring months, your Silver Labrador will drop a lot more hair than usual. The same goes for the fall, as they prepare for their seasonal coat. If your dog is active, you are generally not going to need to cut its nails. Just be sure to check their nails every fortnight. Silver Labrador exercise The Silver Labrador is a breed that has a lot of energy and will spend most of the day on its feet. They will want to jump and run for most of their waking hours. This is why it is critical to make sure they have a minimum of one full hour of physical activity each day. A game of fetch in the pool with your Silver Labrador can be heaps of fun. They can also enjoy games of chase, and you can even play tag with your fluffy friend. We would rank their activity level as a four out of five, and your Silver Labrador will need to have at least 60 minutes of activity on a daily basis. Some helpful tips on buying Silver Labs If you are thinking about buying a Silver Lab, we have a number of different tips and snippets of information that can assist you with your purchase: Make sure that your property has sufficient space to accommodate a Silver Labrador, as this is a breed that is very active. If you do not have your own garden, you are going to need to take your dog to the park for at least an hour per day so that they can let out their energy. Even it means paying a little bit more, it is important to be sure that you receive the Canadian Kennel Club CKC certification for the puppy. You want to be certain that your puppy is what you expect, and that they have been cared for properly as a youngster. A Silver Labrador can be more costly when compared with other common colors, so it is imperative that you budget effectively. There is often a waiting list that you will have to get onto and wait for your puppy. Established breeders have a greater demand for their dogs because of the quality of puppy they breed. Final words on Silver Labs So there you have it: everything that you need to know about Silver Labradors and the characteristics associated with this breed of dog. We hope that this guide has helped you to get a better understanding of Silver Labs, and why they make such good pets. If you are looking for a friendly, lovable, and unique dog to bring into your family, a Silver Labrador Retriever is well worth considering. In the end, the color of coat of any dog should not make a difference unless you plan to show it. Remember, a silver lab is a chocolate lab with only 1 more copy of the dilute gene. How could this make them unsuitable as a pet? So, our suggestion is as it always has been. Love your dogs not based on a superficial quality such as color of coat, love them because they love you unconditionally and will serve you until their final breath. FAQ about Silver Labs We are going to finish by answering some of the most common questions we receive about Silver Labradors, so you can get a better understanding of this breed. Are Silver Labradors rare? In some countries, Silver Labs are rare, as this is deemed a relatively new color variation. This is partly to do with the fact that registering silver puppies is not widely permitted. Although these sorts of dogs are not considered rare, Silver Labs are more unusual when compared with the likes of Brown, Yellow, or Black Labradors. How big do Silver Labradors get? The recommended breed typical height for a labrador is up to 23 inches and a half for females and 24 inches and a half for males. Nevertheless, individuals can vary a couple of inches to either side of this. With regard to body weight, the variations can be even more diverse, and a lot of this is going to depend on which of the two groups the Silver Lab falls into, i. English or American. Female Labs tend to reach about 60lbs in weight. Male Labs will often reach approximately 70lbs in weight. However, there can be a difference of around 20lbs to either side of that. American Labrador Breds, which are used for retrieving and hunting, tend to be taller and slimmer, and so they are often lighter than the chunkier English type, which you would see in a show ring. Do Silver Labs make good family dogs? Yes, Silver Labs are known as excellent family dogs. Ideally, a Silver Labrador Retriever is going to be suitable to an outdoor-loving, active family, with children over the age of five years old. As Labradors can be bouncy dogs when they are young, a Silver Lab puppy is not always the best choice if you have toddlers in your household or anyone who is unsteady on their feet. However, a calmer, older Lab can be ideal if you have a household with younger children. Labradors, no matter their color, are incredibly sociable. They are happy when they are in a family environment whereby there are people at home for at least some of the day, if not most of it. How much do Silver Labs cost? You may be wondering how much it will cost for you to add an adorable Silver Labrador to your family. We always suggest to find the best quality puppy you can find, not the cheapest. An investment into the health of a well bred silver pup is something that will follow. For more on what a quality Lab puppy looks like visit this page. The rarity of this breed of Labrador has pushed the price up. If you were to go for a classic Black Labrador or a Yellow Lab, you would not need to pay as much. Of course, it is all about finding the perfect companion for your family. Silver Labs cost more than standard colors because they are less common than the standard Black, Yellow, and Chocolate varieties. For the most part, they behave just like the Labradors you grew up with as a child—the most loveable things on four legs. Why this particular color causes so much contention, however is a much more heated subject. The life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, just like any other Labrador. I cannot tell you what to believe when it comes to this difficult subject. Before you decide which side to settle on, however, you should be aware of the important points. In this article we are going to dive into the issues and help you educate yourself on everything surrounding Silver Labradors. For reasons that we will address later on, the Silver Lab costs more than standard Labradors. These are all AKC Labradors. Some of the litters have parents with health clearances. Others do not. Issues Surrounding the Labrador Breed in General You are already treading on some pretty thin ice when you are talking Labradors. With that many devoted fans, you can guarantee there are some serious feelings surrounding the breed. That might be the biggest issue when it comes to the Silver Labrador. You could probably start selling Green English Foxhounds and nobody would care. When you start messing with the number one breed, however, it becomes a different story. The problem arises in the fact that there is a huge demand for this incredible breed and demand has brought a lot of backyard-breeders into the market. These breeders are not concerned about or capable of protecting—at least in the eyes of professional—the overall health of the breed. The rarity of the silver coat has made this particular variety of Labrador even more attractive to backyard-breeders. As a result, the divide between opinions when it comes to the Silver is even more contested. If the answers were clear cut, then the whole controversy would have ended decades ago. Unfortunately, there are no absolute when it comes to the issues that really make up the debate. So, the best you can do is to learn as much as you possibly can before deciding which side to take or whether to just ignore the issue altogether. Having said that, I think it is also important to point out another great quote on uncertainty. The standard colors are as most people know black, yellow, and chocolate. The three standard Labrador colors are black, yellow, and chocolate. The black and chocolate varieties have really remained the same over that time, but the yellows have experienced some variation. Today, however, Yellow Labradors can vary from almost pure white to a fox red or butterscotch without any raised eyebrows. On the other hand, if someone comes with a dog that is designated a Silver Lab or a Champagne or Charcoal it can be another story. So, why do people that accept such wide variation in the Yellows have a problem with the Silver Labs? It really comes down to one accusation that some breeder somewhere crossed a Labrador with another breed of dog to introduce the unique color. So, technically speaking, in order for a dog to be considered a Labrador, it must meet the breed standard setup by the corresponding kennel. These are the ground on which people want kennels to refuse to register a dog that is silver in the Labrador world. There are other disqualifying features that will get a Labrador excluded. Some of those include: Pink nose or one without any color at all Eye rims without pigment Docked tail or otherwise altered When it comes to color, the AKC website says: The Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow and chocolate. Any other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification. A small white spot on the chest is permissible, but not desirable. White hairs from aging or scarring are not to be misinterpreted as brindling. Black: Blacks are all black. A black with brindle markings or a black with tan markings is a disqualification. Yellow: Yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream, with variations in shading on the ears, back, and underparts of the dog. Chocolate: Chocolates can vary in shade from light to dark chocolate. Chocolate with brindle or tan markings is a disqualification. To some purists in the breeding game, this statement says it all. Photo by Marcus Benedix on Unsplash Those that support and love the silver or charcoal and champagne colors, there is more to the story. What Causes the Silver Coat? The arguments for and against the Silver or Charcoal Labs is set with the origins of the color. Genetics tells us what makes the silver coat, but it cannot settle the debate over where it came from. It is not art. This is science and it allows us to predict what color of puppies result in any combination of dogs. Gene Combinations There are 9 possible gene combinations when it comes to Labrador retrievers: eeBB, eeBb, and eebb will always result in a yellow lab. Eebb and EEbb will always result in a chocolate lab. It seems to reason that there are more black labs in the world than yellow or chocolate. There are more possible combinations that can lead to that color. So every lab has these two pairs and when you breed two dogs they each pass on one of the allele associated with their pair. For example, if you have a black lab with the genetic makeup of EEBB then that dog will always pass on one E allele and one B. On the other hand, if your black lab has the genetic makeup of EeBb, then your puppy might receive an E or e and a B or b. If both parents are yellow labs, regardless of what the B alleles are, you will always get yellow puppies. On the other hand, if you have two black labs, your litter might include yellow, black and chocolate puppies. The following chart might help you see how this works. The top row represents the contributions of the male and the far column represents the female contributions: Labrador color is determined by science. The Dilute Gene There is another gene pair in labs that typically does not influence the color. This gene pair is made up of the D allele or its recessive counterpart d. Historically, that pair has almost always been DD. For a lab to have the silver color that has become so popular over the last several years, this D pair must have two recessive alleles dd and results in a dilute color of the solid color. If there is even one D in the pair, the lab will have one of the three acceptable colors. As a result, in their minds, the AKC should refuse to paper these dogs. Additionally, the dogs would be refused entry in field trials. Other Diluted Colors Although we are focusing this article on the Silver Labardor, each of the three standard Lab colors have their own diluted variation. The Silver Lab is a Chocolate Lab with the dd gene. When a Yellow Lab gets the dd gene, the diluted color is called Champange. This may be the most difficult to recognize because the colors of Yellow Labradors already have a significant amount of variation in them. If you ever see a Champange Labrador, you will still notice a slight difference. If a Black Labrador ends up with the dd gene, the dog will have a charcoal look. When did Silver Labs Show Up? When such a drastic change comes into a popular breed like the Labrador, people start asking questions. Just puppies of the black, yellow and chocolate varieties. There are plenty of speculations as to how the dilute color was introduced to Labrador breed. Some breeders and enthusiasts, based only on appearance, accuse breeders of having crossed a Lab with a Weimaraner. Here is one breeder and geneticist that believes the Silver Labrador resulted in a cross with a Chocolate Lab and a Weimaraner. Remember what I said about uncertainty? If you have ever seen one, you know what they are talking about. The color of a Silver Lab almost matches that of a Weimaraner perfectly. The similarities have given room for reasonable doubt and a plausible explanation as to where the color variation came from. Although the colors seem to scream foul play, the heredity records seem to dispute the accusation. Some people see this as the smoking gun. It is cold, hard proof in their heads that somewhere along the way Labs were crossed with Weimaraners. Some people claim that there is another connection to the Weimaraner. They claim that Silver Labs have longer ears a distinctive Weimaraner feature. Mutated Genes The other side of the argument against Silver Labradors is that the particular gene mutated along the way. Breeders that believe the gene mutated hold the position that those dogs should have been bred out of the breed when the color first appeared. In other words, the breeder should have refused to let dogs with the gene reproduce. This is why the AKC refuses to register Labradors with the disqualifying features that were mentioned above. Those that hold this view see the AKC has the culprit. They had a duty to stop this problem before it could grow to where it is today. Although this kind of gene mutation is extremely rare, it does happen and there is evidence throughout the animal kingdom. It is hard for some people to believe because the mutation if that is what happened resulted in a gene combination that already existed in another dog. For that to happen would be even more uncommon than the mutation happening in the first place. According to scientists, even though mutations like this can happen, they typically do not reproduce. So, I think mutation is the least likely of the explanations. Evolutionary Progress Those that support the diluted variations claim that the gene has always been present in Labradors. These supporters point to the fact that the first Labradors were predominantly black. They claim that Yellows and Chocolates are recent additions to the breed and that the silver and charcoal colors are just the next evolution in the breed. Breeders that love the silver color, would have us accept the new shades and expand the breed. It seems pretty obvious that the genes causing these other two standard colors were present from almost the beginning—even though they were more rare than Black Labs. The reality is that people preferred the Black Labrador to Yellow and Chocolate. So, that preference weighed in on how people bred their dogs. You can see the preference for colors if you consider the Field Trial winners over the last 50 years. Although Yellow dogs were more common, the Blacks were winning everything at one point. Then, slowly, there were more and more Yellow dogs taking the wins. Recessive Hidden Genes There is a scientific phenomenon where genes remain hidden for long periods of time. This phenomenon is the other explanation for why the Silver Labrador may have taken so long to surface rather than hitting the scene at the same time as the Yellows and the Chocolates. This is actually not unlikely as you might think. The likelihood of the eventual pairing of the diluted genes if it was there all along increases as the Labrador breeding pool shrinks. Once you have the paired genes, it becomes more likely in the later litters. Before there was a Labrador breed, individuals were mixing and matching breeds to get the perfect dog for their situations. In the case of Labs, one of the dogs that was used in the mix was the Chessie. The kicker is… Chesapeake Bay Retrievers carry the diluted gene. The AKC has actually ignored the problem. In doing so, they have made the contempt among the breeders even more intense. The AKC does not recognize the diluted Labrador colors. So, then how do dog owners get their Silver Labradors registered? Well, you have to register them to the non-diluted color. Charcoal Labradors are registered as Blacks. And, Champagne Labradors are registered as Yellows. The truth about the kennels, in my opinion, is that they are never going to make a ruling on this matter. To tell you the truth, I am not sure that they can do anything but accept the dog if the pedigree seems to be in order. This is really difficult to answer because we cannot settle on whether or not this is a variation of the Labrador breed or a Labrador mix. The answer to that question will determine what we can say about their temperament. If it is a part of the Labrador breed, then we would expect to see Silver Labs with the typical Labrador personality. Although there are always variations within that breed, there is a breed expectation. On the other hand, if the Silver is the result of a cross-breeding, then we would need to know what the other breed is to anticipate any changes to the Labrador behavior. Most people assume that any cross-breeding would have been with the Weimaraner. So, take a Labrador and give it copious amounts of caffeine. That is pretty much how I would describe this breed. The Weimaraner has a huge prey-drive more than a Labrador. The higher energy levels and increased prey-drive would make a Silver Labrador if the cross happened more difficult to train than standard Labradors. There have been some concerns about the diluted dogs health. Some writers have even suggested that Silver Labradors will experience increased health concerns because of inbreeding. In the earlier days and still today in the case of lousy breeders , there were not enough of the diluted colors available. As such, the breeders had to use dogs that were closely related in order to continue the color deviation and ensure silver or charcoal litters. Although recent studies of the diluted dog suggest that there are more than enough Silver Labs to keep them from inbreeding problems. Regardless, rumors still concern potential buyers from investing in a Silver Lab puppy. The reality it is that any Labrador can succumb to the ill-fate of bad knees or hip dysplasia. If you are considering buying any puppy, you must do your due diligence. Make sure that both parents have the proper health clearances. This should be done regardless of what breed or puppy you get. Click here to learn more about hip dysplasia. What is the Life Expectancy of a Silver Lab? As the Silver Lab gets more and more common, we will get a better feel for things like their longevity. I anticipate, however, that the life expectancy of a Silver Lab will be the same as any other healthy Labrador. When you bring your little silver bundle of canine chaos home, remember that you have somewhere between 10 and 14 years to love and care for him. Should I Purchase a Silver Labrador? Only you can answer this question. In addition to the typical questions you should ask before making this huge commitment. There are all the typical questions that you must ask before taking the plunge with a new puppy. You need to consider how much space you have and whether your schedule allows you to give the dog enough time. These are difficult questions, but you must be honest with yourself. In addition to the normal questions that you would tell your friends to consider what you want to do with your dog. Are you going to run him in field trials and hunt tests? If that is your plan, then you need to consider the fact that you will likely be allowed to run every time, but that in doing so, you will also likely get heckled by the purists. Although there is mounting evidence that suggests this could be the case, it is mostly circumstantial evidence and nothing more. There are other explanations that offer somewhat equally-plausible explanations. If you purchase a Silver Labrador, you will be able to get it registered. You will not, however, be able to register a Silver Labrador. What do I mean and why does it seem like I am talking in riddles? In order to register the litter, the breeder had to tell the AKC that he had a litter of Chocolate puppies. You can register your little pup, but when you go to register him do not look for the box that says: Silver. It does not exist. Ultimately, you can register Silver Labs, but not as Silver Labs. Fact: It is impossible to determine if Silver Labradors are purebred with current testing. Some supporters of the Silver Labrador adamantly insist that tests have been run to ensure that Silver and Charcoal and Champagne are purebred Labradors. Unfortunately, the current DNA tests for canines are not sophisticated enough to identify ancestral markers. They are really good at pointing out parentage. Reasons People Oppose Silver Labradors It does not take much time in the retriever world to realize that there is some stiff opposition to Silver Labs. All you have to do is attend one Field Trial or Hunt Test with Silver Labs to find out how deep the controversy and the animosity goes. As you bounce around the different forums you can get a feel for how ugly the debate can get. Sharon Wagner does not pull any punches about her opinion on Silver Labs. She said, There are many reasons why silver Labradors should not be produced and the main one is that they are a disqualification and adhering to a standard while breeding is what keeps a breed a breed. The Labrador looks and acts like Labrador and not a German Shepherd because of the dedicated breeders preserving the breed. A standard is a blueprint and varying because it looks nice will undoubtedly cause the structure to fail see full article at www. I think this is the most common and logical argument against the Silver Lab. This leads me to believe that they are breeding simply to make money and do not care about a superior individual nor do they care about the breed in general. Unfortunately, Ms. Wagner allowed herself to stoop to the type of exaggeration that has blown this argument out of proportion over the decades. If you are in the market for a Silver Lab or charcoal or champagne then you had better be ready to pay a little extra. Although their numbers are increasing, they are still a rarity, especially in the UK. This fact has led some to believe that it is the only reason breeders choose to breed for this rare gene. As they become more common, it is likely that the prices will come down, although they may never reach the level of standard labs that meet the AKC regulations. If you are planning on running your dog in AKC events, understand that you will likely run into problems with other handlers. Not everyone is ready to move on. Some of them will express their frustration with the AKC on innocent dog handlers that just want to run their dogs in a Hunt Test. Conclusion Regarding Silver Labs The reality is that this argument and discussion hopefully more of the later will continue to rage on. It does not seem like anyone is even close to presenting information or facts that will completely establish the truth regarding Silver Labradors. Whether you love the color or believe that it is going to bring the downfall of Labrador Retrievers across the globe, we should all agree on the fact that we need to be civil and treat each other with respect.


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how to house train golden retriever puppy - Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Nicknames: Sadie Girl. Sadie the Lady. Sex: Female Weight: 21 lbs. Energy Level: Lower with little bursts of playful energy. Descriptor Words: Middle-aged Pug…. .Expert In: Sidekick-ing. At home, she is also thrilled to cuddle up right with you, but she'll play independently when needed. Her exquisite Pug noises. Her excited dance. Her mastery of the downward dog position. How she makes room to snuggle, even if there is no room. If she wants to snuggle, you are snuggling. What she loves most: Hedgehog toys or most any toy for that matter. Mealtime, which is evident by her dancing and subsequent full-steam-ahead running towards the bowl. What she knows: Not much tbh! She is very good on leash though, if that counts.Kids: Though she has not lived with any, we expect she will do well with any dog-savvy, respectful kiddo. Dogs: Sure! She would often play with her son Jack and now co-exists with her Pug foster brother. Heads up, she does like to eat alone and in peace. Cats: Has not met a cat yet, though we do not imagine she would have any issues living with one. House-trained: Yep! Crate-trained: Yes, loves her crate. Sadie is spayed, vaccinated, heartworm negative, and microchipped. She is available for adoption to CT and surrounding states. If you are interested in adopting, please complete an application from omdrescue. Daisy Dukes. Before OMD: Owner surrender to the rescue when they determined she had more energy than they could handle. Energy level: So. We know she looks like a Pug, but she has the energy of an Australian Shepherd. She has SO much energy and will need to be exercised accordingly. What we love: Her zest for life; she is always so happy. The funny little noise she makes when she yawns. What she loves: Food. She would sell you down the street for a moldy French fry. Watching the world go by from the porch. She has a vendetta against using blankets — active blanket use if forbidden — folding blankets also really pisses her off. She comes alive at night. She will bark at noises outside and likes doing laps around the house. She is better behaved in her crate at night with a blanket over the top. Independence level: Extraordinarily low. She wants to be with you, on you, kiss you, touch you at all times. Think of her as your new appendage. Campaign slogan: A Pug for the people. She loves everyone immediately. What she knows: Sit, maybe? Going potty outside. Not smothering you in your sleep. Dogs: Sure! She lives with two male dogs one large and one small now and does great. Not mandatory though as long as she can get enough attention from her family. Kids: Respectful, dog-savvy kids. House-trained: She is pee pad trained to perfection. Crate-trained: Yes, and settles down after a few minutes. Daisy is spayed, vaccinated, heartworm negative, and microchipped. She is available for adoption to CT and surrounding states. If you are interested in adopting, please complete an application from omdrescue.