how to train a 10 week old german shepherd puppy

Bean Licorice Looking for popular black Goldendoodle names? Life is always a party when you have a Goldendoodle! Just like humans, our furry pals need their nails trimmed regularly. He or she will remember and may fear future nail trims. Keep it positive with lots of happy talk and praise. This will help your puppy get comfortable having the paws touched. Also, if your black Goldendoodle puppy has dark toenails, never fear! There are many resources to help you learn how to trim dark toenails. I took an online course on cutting black dog nails. Photographing a black Goldendoodle can be a bit tricky. Black Goldendoodles can look super stunning when the lighting is right. But if not, the coat color, texture, and highlights can all blend together. This makes black fur one of the harder dog coat colors to capture with a camera. Especially for our black Goldendoodles with furry faces, capturing the happy glint in their eyes can be challenging. One hack is to use natural lighting outdoor lighting when the sun is lower in the sky. Midday sun casts particularly harsh shadows, so choose morning or evening sun. Tips like these can help you quickly learn how to take cute photos of your dog. Natural lighting brings out the many hues of the black coat color .Some black Goldendoodles become therapy dogs. Black Goldendoodles—like all Goldendoodles—may have the demeanor to become therapy dogs. Goldendoodles are working in schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and even dentists offices providing comfort and companionship to humans. Goldendoodle health and temperament trumps everything else. Choosing a reputable Doodle breeder who cares about the future of the Goldendoodle breed and who places the upmost importance on temperament and good health is primary. Unfortunately, unscrupulous breeders will breed without regard to health and genetics, among other things. Or adopt from a reputable shelter. After all, we want our puppies to grow into healthy adults and then become senior Goldendoodles living happily along beside us. Goldendoodles—no matter the coat color—tend to have happy-go-lucky, friendly personalities that make them suitable for most families. With the proper amount of love, attention, and care, they will fill your heart and home with love. Enjoy tail wagging happiness with your pupper Now that you know that Goldendoodles can have black coat colors and many other amazing qualities, you may be weighing all the Goldendoodle pros and cons before you bring a Muppet dog into your pack. No matter what dog you choose, we wish you endless love and tail waggy happiness together. Thanks for stopping by and joining us as we live the Goldendoodle lifestyle with our lovable, comical Doodle dogs. These dogs are a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Miniature Poodle. However, breeding this coat color can take several generations. And, black is not a very popular coat color for this mix. Shades like apricot and red tend to be the crowd-favorite. So, not every breeder specializes in breeding this less common Goldendoodle coat color. Are Black Mini Goldendoodles Rare? Hybrid dog breeds like the Goldendoodle take their coat color genetics from the gene pool of the two purebred parent dogs. In this case, the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. While purebred Poodles can be black coated, purebred Golden Retrievers do not have the genes to produce pure black coated dogs. So, Goldendoodle dog breeder really needs to know their canine coat color genetics to successfully breed for a black mini Goldendoodle. Not every breeder will have the knowledge needed to create this coloring. And, not every breeder will want to put in the time and effort to produce these colors, even if they know how! This is often the case for less popular colors. Instead, they might focus on shades more likely to sell, like red, apricot, and darker golden tones. To keep things simple, just know eumelanin is basic black. Phaeomelanin is basic red. Since Golden Retrievers will never inherit an all-black coat naturally, their eumelanin gene is suppressed in favor of phaeomelanin. This interacts with other genes to produce the golden coat color spectrum these dogs are known for. Due to the popularity of so-called rare coat colors in dogs, some breeders may try to claim they bred a black mini Goldendoodle by crossing a black Poodle with a black Golden Retriever. But, this is not genetically possible. Golden retrievers cannot have an all-black coat although they can have a patch of black in their coat due to a rare somatic gene mutation. If your black mini Goldendoodle has inherited a copy of the recessive black gene from both parent dogs, your puppy will grow up to have a black coat. This tricky genetic combination is typically only possible when the breeder is working at the multi-generational breed stage. If a black mini Goldendoodle puppy does inherit any additional color genes that act on eumelanin, however, the next section explains what you can expect as your puppy grows up. This can be a tough question to answer. Once again, the answer depends on how knowledgeable the Goldendoodle breeder happens to be about canine coat color genetics. When a mini Goldendoodle puppy is born with a black coat, one of three things may occur as that puppy grows up. Your black mini Goldendoodle puppy may shed out their puppy coat and grow in a beautiful black adult coat. But your little black puppy may also grow up to have a silver coat color or blue coat color. Which of these three events happens after your mini Goldendoodle sheds out their puppy coat depends entirely on which genes your pup inherited from the Golden Retriever parent dog and the Poodle parent dog to begin with. Are Black Mini Goldendoodles Smart? Goldendoodles have become so popular that this hybrid dog breed is well on its way to becoming established as a new purebred dog breed. This may not happen for some years yet. But, the real reason Goldendoodles are so popular is because they have all the qualities of a great companion canine — smarts, personality and great looks too! Black mini Goldendoodles that come from a reputable, health focused and high quality dog breeder will be smart, sociable and sweet. To maximize your chances of bringing home a Goldendoodle of any color that exemplifies these breed qualities, it is vital to know what to look for in a dog breeder. Your black mini Goldendoodle breeder should work hard to earn your trust through providing pre-breeding and puppy health and vaccination records along with an initial guarantee of good puppy health. Black Mini Goldendoodle Size, Height, Weight Just like their standard size peers, mini Goldendoodles can actually grow up to vary somewhat in size, height and weight. Even more than breed standards or genetics, the size of each parent dog is what determines exactly how big and tall your mini Goldendoodle is in adulthood. For general purposes, a mini Goldendoodle will grow up to weigh between 15 and 35 pounds and stand anywhere from 13 to 20 inches tall measured from base of paws to tops of shoulders. You may come across Goldendoodle breeders who advertise mini Goldendoodles that are even smaller and shorter. Finding your Black Mini Goldendoodle Puppy Do you have your heart set on adding a black mini Goldendoodle to your family? As you now know, black mini Goldendoodles can be challenging to breed for. It takes a firm grasp of canine coat color genetics to reliably breed healthy adult black mini Goldendoodles. Because the adult black mini Goldendoodle is a rarer coat color and less easy to come by, you may find you have a bit of a wait to find your pup. Of course, you know the wait will be worth it! A good breeder will prioritise the health and good care of their dogs and puppies. But, they will also be upfront with you about how they bred the black color into their Goldendoodles. Are you sharing your home with a black Goldendoodle? Share your stories about this wonderful little dog in the comments! More About Goldendoodles. Life Span Did You Know? Although this breed is very popular, it is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. As long as they are well-socialized, Miniature Goldendoodles tend to make excellent family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they will alert you of strangers at the door, they tend to warm up quickly as they are more interested in making friends and receiving attention. Mini Goldendoodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their smaller size makes them a great fit for apartment living or for bigger homes with yards where they can run. As long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well. These little dogs tend to do well in just about any climate. However, like any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their smaller size, you may need to gear up with some dog-friendly winter gear when temperatures start falling. Because this dog breed is loyal and people-oriented, they love to be in your company and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. This means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early on. Instead, make sure your new Mini Goldendoodle puppy has an active role in your life. If you do need to leave them alone for a bit, make sure they have some comforting toys or challenging puzzles to keep them from getting bored. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests and clearances that have been done. The Mini Goldendoodles is a highly intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please. They tend to be sensitive to tone of voice as well. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, a Mini Goldendoodle will strive to be obedient and impress you and tends to excel at almost any task. These traits make the Mini Goldendoodle one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Bathing is occasional and can often be relegated to the dog groomer that is recommended you visit every weeks. The groomer can help handle some of this during visits, but you will still need to do some maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although the parents of this breed have a lot of energy, a Mini Goldendoodle tends to sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough for them. But, they are also likely to match their energy level to yours, so be prepared for some bursts of energy as well as plenty of cuddling on the couch. Fully-grown Mini Goldendoodles usually stand inches tall at the shoulder. A Miniature Goldendoodle puppy can vary in size based on the generation of the dog. The result is generally a dog that will range from pounds. Looking at the size of the parents for an F1 or F1-B puppy can be a good indication of what size to expect in a fully-grown Miniature Goldendoodle. Mini Goldendoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Goldendoodle Article. Black Goldendoodle April 27, The black Goldendoodle is a specific kind of Goldendoodle. Being the most popular Doodle mix in the US, the demand for specific colors of these dogs has grown. While they nearly always appear to be brown or cream-colored , the more rare black Goldendoodle has been become increasingly sought-after. Not to be confused with the similar-looking black Labradoodle! Due to color genetics it is still difficult to find these dogs. Today we want to look at the black Goldendoodle in detail and evaluate him as a pet and companion animal. If you need help deciding which Doodle is right for you, take our Doodle quiz to find out! Table of Contents Origin A traditional cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle is nearly always some shade of brown, red or cream. If both parents carry a gene that creates a black coat color however, black Goldendoodle puppies can be born. These are very rare and if you have your heart set on a black Goldendoodle, you will need to do some research to find the right puppy. Black Goldendoodles are usually all-black with little or no white markings. They do not occur in spotted black-and-white patterns such as in the Parti Poodle. When looking for your puppy, see if the parents have produced black Goldendoodles before. If so, they will carry the genes necessary for having such pups and your chances of getting a black puppy are higher. Note that there is never a guarantee — genetics can be surprising and two parents could even have a first litter consisting only of black Goldendoodles, and another with only brown puppies! Are black Goldendoodles rare? As mentioned above — yes, they are very rare! There is an increase chance to get a black Goldendoodle if they are bred in the second or third generation. If a black Goldendoodle parent is crossed with a black Poodle, the offspring will nearly always be all black. This type of breeding will increase certain desired traits. A popular cross like this are also f1b Mini Goldendoodles. Below you can see a diagram of how color prevalence chan change in the generations: Are black Goldendoodles popular? Black Goldendoodles are very popular and sought-after — in fact, the demand for them is much higher than the amount of puppies that are born. Of course, the wait will be worth it: These dogs are incredibly smart, loyal and good-looking. However, they are not all goofy and cute: Goldendoodles are the offspring of working dogs and as such will require daily exercise, training and enrichment. It is crucial that you have plenty of puzzle toys for your Goldendoodle , take him on walks daily and provide adequate training for him. Do black Goldendoodles shed? Most Doodle mixes shed either not at all or considerably less than a double-coated dog. However, especially with a mixed breed it is impossible to guarantee a certain coat type. If you are looking for a dog that sheds very little because you do not like to have dog hair on your clothes, furniture and around your house — a black Goldendoodle fits the bill. If however you need a truly hypoallergenic dog that will not shed at all or set off allergies, a these dogs may or may not work. If there is any health concern it is always advisable to spend some time around other Doodles at first and see if they cause any allergic response. Any Poodle mix coat will grow very long and has the tendency to form mats and dreadlocks quickly. You can either buy some clippers and groom your dog at home or take him to a local groomer. It goes without saying that this will be tied to daily brushing and monthly baths. Do not let it mat or your dog will suffer from painful skin sores! How big will my dog get? In general, you can expect an adult size of 20 to 24 inches and a weight of 50 to 90 pounds. This is a big range and where exactly your dog falls into it will depend on — again! If the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles have been on the small side, expect a smaller adult dog. If the family of your black Goldendoodle has been large, yours is likely to be tall as well. You can find out how large exactly your dog will become with our Goldendoodle growth chart calculator : How much is a black Goldendoodle? Because the color genetics can be difficult to reproduce and breeders cannot guarantee that a certain number of black pups will be born, the ones that are might be especially expensive. Especially if you are additionally looking for a small dog, such as a black Mini Goldendoodle , prepare to pay a high price for your pup. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day. They usually sell for prices at the high end of this range as it is a rare coat color. You can compare the price of a Black Mini Goldendoodle with other Mini Goldendoodle coat colors and generations by reading our Goldendoodle price guide here. Another great way to keep up to date on current prices is to check dog advertising websites like PuppySpot. Check out the adorable Goldendoodle puppies that are currently available here! PuppySpot is a dog adoption website that connects breeders with prospective pet owners. They have a zero tolerance policy for puppy mills which is why they screen every breeder annually! They have placed over , puppies in homes and offer various trusted, USDA-certified transportation options to deliver your puppy to your home safely! They reach their full adult size between 11 and 13 months of age. They love spending time around people and other animals alike and are so affectionate and gentle. Black Mini Goldendoodles are keen to please which makes them pretty easy to train. They are also relatively easy to care for. The only real complaint of owners is the constant grooming requirements of Mini Goldendoodles. Black Mini Goldendoodles do not shed much at all. They only drop a few strands of hairs here and there throughout the year. That is why they are classified as non to low shedders. Are Black Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? Black Mini Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic as they are a low shedding breed and therefore do not release much allergy inducing dander into their surroundings. They are .Black Mini Goldendoodle via the.

Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! A devoted dog owner with 13 golden retrievers offered a peek into their adorably chaotic life on social media. According to SWNS, Collin Standon ended up with a baker's dozen of golden retrievers after falling in love with a pack of puppies. Standon, 24, already had three of the breed when two of his goldens, Chloe and Sam, had a litter of nine puppies. With room to spare and not wanting to split up his cherished pets and their pups, Standon decided to keep all the dogs. Not content with 12 golden retrievers, Standon later adopted lucky 13 from a shelter after learning about a golden retriever named Buddy, who was on the facility's euthanasia list. SWNS Feeding the whole gang is hard work in itself. The golden retrievers gobble up nine pounds of dog food daily, adding up to 10 pound bags of pet food a month to feed the canines everything they need. Despite the costs and struggles that come with shepherding 13 large canines through life, Standon is happy to have all of the dogs living at his Dallas abode. Related Articles.

Daisy and Brock are a beautiful mother and son pair who love to snuggle together and cuddle. They are both sweet, happy, and friendly. They adore getting attention from anyone they meet during their walks and easily draw people in with their sunny personalities and soft silky coats. They have settled into an easy routine in their foster home and relish their walks every day and visits to the dog park. During their walks Brock clocks roughly twice the mileage of foster mom and Daisy with his side-to-side walking style. Neither is true! These pups love to live it up at the dog park where they show off their speed as Brock sprints and dives after his Kong frisbee, often grabbing it taco style, while Daisy relishes fetching an orange Chuck-It ball before eventually resting to chew on it. Brock is also a master at tug-of-war who has learned to drop it sometimes after repeated requests so it can be thrown again. Brock is extra special because he was born without a tail, which causes him to be incontinent. Inside the house he wears diapers and a belly band, and his incontinence is easily managed. When coming inside from a walk, Brock waits patiently for his diaper to be put on. Daisy and Brock took time to smell the roses and ponder life. While happy to be in a foster home, they would love to find their forever home. Please open your mind and your heart to considering adopting these two gorgeous pups. You will never regret your decision. Vocality level 4 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament Few breeds so richly deserve their popularity as does the Labrador Retriever. When trained, the breed is obedient and amiable and tolerates the antics of children, other dogs, and other pets. The Lab is a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog, all on the same day. Labs are eager to please, enjoys learning, and excel in obedience. It is a powerful breed that loves to swim and retrieve. Labradors need daily physical and mental challenges to keep occupied. A bored Lab can get into trouble! Upkeep Labradors are active and sociable dogs. They need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with dogs. The Lab coat sheds water easily. Weekly brushing is needed to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, OCD, obesity, patellar luxation Minor concerns: cataract, CPRA, hot spots, retinal dysplasia, hypothyroidism Occasionally seen: diabetes, entropion, distichiasis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, exercise-induced collapse Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, exercise-induced collapse DNA , centronuclear myopathy , knee Life span: 10—12 years History The original Labradors were all-purpose water dogs originating in Newfoundland, not Labrador. Not only did the breed not originate in Labrador, but it also was not originally called the Labrador Retriever. These dogs—medium-sized black dogs with close hair—not only retrieved game but also retrieved fish, pulled small fishing boats through icy water and helped the fisherman in any task involving swimming. Eventually, the breed died out in Newfoundland in large part because of a heavy dog tax. However, a core of Labradors had been taken to England in the early s, and it is from these dogs, along with crosses to other retrievers, that the breed continued. It was also in England that the breed earned its reputation as an extraordinary retriever of upland game. Initially, black labs were favored over yellow or chocolate colors. By the early s, the other colors had become more accepted. The popularity of this breed has grown steadily until the Labrador Retriever became the most popular breed in America in and remains so today. Related Content. What our adopters say Here are some comments from families that have adopted from us.There is no way we can possibly thank you enough for letting Jack spend his last five years with us. Despite what his previous owners may have believed, he was a wonderful dog who brought us so much joy, so many laughs, and now, so many tears. We will truly miss our "Big Old Big Dog". We love him more then life. Thanks for letting us welcome this amazing dog into our life!!! He's brought us so much joy and laughs! I am happier every single day because of my Tucker boy and that is made possible because you took the time to scoop up a lab who needed you. Thank you! Mari We had almost five amazing years with Harley and truly believe senior pets are the best. She was so easy, sweet, calm and happy. She loved us and we loved her! The perfect fit! We were blessed. Thank you for bringing her into our lives. Jenny Chief is doing wonderful! He came home and jumped right into the family. He made himself comfortable in our bed the first night and has claimed our big chair as his own. He is the biggest cuddler and we couldn't love him more. I wanted to drop you a note to say thank you, and to let you know that all of my interactions with your organization and with Cal's foster mom have been absolutely first class. Thank you for everything you do for these wonderful dogs and for people like me and my family, the very lucky beneficiaries of your work. Broke our hearts. Then we signed up with your group and look what you found for us! Such a great dog. It's hard to believe someone didn't look hard enough to find her. Thanks to all your team for the wonderful work you all do.

Sable male, quite a shy little guy. Check back for updates. We have been involved in this breed since .In , we actively started our breeding program. Our goal at Brick House Bulldogs has been to produce beautiful, companion dogs that are able to be active and comfortable in warmer weather. We are a small in home kennel with a limited but well-planned breeding program. A well-planned breeding program means that each breeding is of extra importance to us, as we choose each pairing precisely to get the best quality. We concentrate our efforts into caring for and socializing our pups and adults on a regular basis, as you would with any beloved fur family member. We follow a unique, puppy rearing and development program catered to each puppy's needs. So that it gives all of our puppies, no matter their future, the best possible start in life. At Brick House, our first concern is health. Our extensive breeder and Veterinary Connections gives us the opportunity to do educated research including going to veterinary lectures about new advances in verterinary reproduction and breeding practices. After health, we balance temperament, and conformation. We strive to breed French Bulldogs who are Healthy, playful, and loving. We are concerned about a few genetic problems facing some French Bulldogs. All of our breeding dogs have preliminary health screenings. Has a moderate energy level that settles well in any household. Our dogs fit well into semi active homes where they will be the center of attention, with regular training and exercise. A very select few may go to a small in home breeding program, where they will be family members first. But these are not your typical breeder homes where the dog gets 15 minutes of attention once a day. We seek to follow the highest Code of Ethics. We do all we can to treat our buyers fairly and to use our interactions as a means to educate them and the general public about dog behavior, the responsibilities of dog ownership, and good animal husbandry. We are committed to our own continuing education—as breeders, trainers, and owners. We also put into practice what we have learned by training and exhibiting our own dogs. Thank you again for your interest in our breeding program. Since we offer only a limited number of puppies each year, we do recommend reserving a puppy in advance of the actual whelping. July 12, If you are looking for the perfect French Bulldog puppy to add to your family then this list of French Bulldog breeders in Virginia should get you started down the right path. Before contacting any Virginia Frenchie breeder I highly recommend reading these tips to find a reputable French Bulldog breeder. Below is a list of some of the Virginia French Bulldog breeders to begin your search with. You want your puppy to be healthy, happy, and safe as possible and proper breeding practices can ensure you get a great Frenchie to add to your home. Their kennels are located in Virginia, and they have a large selection of beautiful French Bulldogs that are all well-socialized, up-to-date on vaccines, and ready to go home with you. They offer various options regarding the type of French Bulldog puppy you want such as color or temperament and the gender s you wish to breed your puppy with. They also have an online store where you can purchase some items for your new puppy. Their goal is to produce healthy, happy puppies with excellent temperaments and personalities. They breed for temperament, health, and longevity. They also breed for longevity by including hip dysplasia screening on all their dogs. They have various options for their future customers: black, blue, chocolate, and white pups; males and females; short coats or long coats; short legs or longer legs; healthy hips or not; the list goes on. The Kaigan Kennels team takes its time to ensure that every puppy leaves their home with proper care instructions and socialization tips. They also offer a lifetime support program that includes training classes held every month at their house, allowing customers to come to watch puppies grow up from birth while they develop. They can help you find the perfect puppy for your lifestyle and needs. Brick House Bulldogs breed only French Bulldogs—they have no other breeds of dogs on their roster. If you want a great-looking French Bulldog that will be a joy to own, this is the breeder for you. Their focus is on quality over quantity when it comes to breeding Frenchies. They only have 15 puppies per year, so they can spend time preparing them for their future homes without sacrificing quality control or consistency. They also strive to maintain an environment that promotes healthy relationships with humans and dogs—they will only sell fully vaccinated puppies and microchipped at 8 weeks old or older depending upon what vaccine was given. They specialize in breeding Frenchies with health problems such as hip dysplasia or blindness, which makes them easy to adapt to families looking for a companion or therapy dog. They offer several options for choosing what type of puppy you want: boy or girl; black or white; short-haired or long-haired; purebred or mixed breed; Labrador Retriever mix or standard poodle mix this option is only available if you live outside VA. The McCoy family started with two dogs—a male named Mac and a female named Piper. Their first litter consisted of three puppies: One male and two females. The second litter was a bit larger, with six puppies: Two males and four females. The third litter had seven puppies total: Four males and three females. Some are females only, others both male and female; some are purebred French Bulldogs, while others are crossbreeds mixing other breeds. Throughout all this time, Jackie McCoy has always focused on finding the right mix of personality traits in her dogs so they can be loved by everyone who comes into contact with them. The owner has been breeding Frenchies for over 20 years and has no other French bulldog breeders Virginia. They have had many litters of puppies over the years but are currently only breeding one litter per year. They do not open up for tours or meet visitors as more extensive facilities might, but they let visitors see the dogs at their homes or in a local park. The dogs are all born to parents registered with the American Kennel Club since birth and have been DNA tested to ensure that they are purebreds. The dogs are raised indoors in a free-range outdoor area with fencing so they can safely roam around when outside is too cold or too hot for them. However, most people purchase them as pets right away so they can start training immediately instead of waiting months after being purchased before training begins. They are located in Virginia and currently have two litters on the ground at any time. Their current focus is on Frenchies, but they can also take in other breeds. They only use certified genetic parents who have been tested for every health condition their puppies could inherit. This includes hip dysplasia and eye conditions like patellar luxation, which can affect the quality of life for your puppy if not caught early enough. The owner, Sueann Merrick, has been breeding Frenchies for over 20 years and has been thrilled with the results. Shenandoah Valley Bulldogs is located in Virginia but serves clients from all over. The dogs they raise are always kept indoors, where they can get plenty of exercise and playtime with each other. Shenandoah Valley Bulldogs also offers puppy training classes so owners can learn how to train their new pup without having to do it themselves this helps them avoid any potential accidents at home or in public. Shiloh French Bulldogs breed healthy and happy puppies of all sizes. They focus on producing well-balanced puppies in all aspects: health, temperament, conformation, and movement. The dogs at Shiloh are all purebred French Bulldogs, meaning they all share the same genetic makeup and bloodline. The owners do not use any other breeders or kennels for their dogs; instead, they only use them for breeding purposes. Shiloh French Bulldogs offers two different types of dogs: Standard and Miniatures. Both breeds are 25 pounds or under, making them perfect for families with children or small apartments. The Standard is a medium-sized dog, while the Miniature is smaller than the Standard but more significant than its companion breed, the Toy Poodle. Proper breeding practices and care is essential in order to get the French Bulldog your heart desires. Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. Questions about French Bulldog puppies for sale in Virginia? We have answers. How does French Bulldog puppies for sale in Virginia work? You might have noticed that the prices from Virginia French Bulldog breeders tend to be a little higher than they would be with other breeds. The reason for this is that breeders of Frenchies have to spend more money to raise these dogs due to their unique skeletal structure. The females have to have C-sections in order to deliver their litters safely, leading to higher expenses for both breeders and buyers. What are some health issues associated with Frenchies? French Bulldogs for sale in Virginia can live for 14 years or more in some cases, but they are also at risk of several health issues. Their snub noses make it hard to breathe, so they can snore and wheeze quite a lot, and they often develop bone and joint issues too. Be sure to buy your Virginia French Bulldog puppy for sale from a trusted breeder to have the best chance of a happy, healthy dog. How do you vet businesses selling Frenchies? Trying to find the best French Bulldog breeders Virginia can feel like quite a challenge, and it can be hard for a typical person to tell breeders and businesses apart from one another. At Uptown, we have lots of experience when it comes to finding top tier breeders, and we've developed one of the strictest screening processes around to help our users find French Bulldog puppies Virginia from only the best sellers. How does Uptown work for finding a Frenchie pup? Ready to begin your journey to find French Bulldog puppies for sale in Virginia? It all starts here, and the first step is to browse through the various pups that are currently available from our listed breeders and businesses. Speak with the sellers to learn more about any pups that catch your eye and then make arrangements to bring one home. It's as simple as that. Can I find the cheapest Frenchies here? If you're trying to find the cheapest possible French Bulldog for sale Virginia, we urge you to reconsider. There are many scammers and bad breeders out there who sell their pups at super low prices, tricking people into buying unhealthy, socially difficult dogs and then having to spend way more money later on for vet bills and socialization training. You'll find fair, competitively priced pups on Uptown. Why shouldn't I buy my dog from a shelter instead? For example, if you're looking for a specific breed, like French Bulldogs for sale Virginia, you might not be able to find the right pup at local rescue centers. How do I know that my French Bulldog will be healthy? The vetted breeders and businesses of the Uptown Network always carry our nose-to-tail veterinary checks of their French Bulldog puppies in Virginia, providing you with full health reports and giving you all the details you need to know. This way, when you buy a Virginia French Bulldog for sale from one of our featured sellers, you won't have to worry about any hidden health problems Is it enough to walk my Frenchie, or do they need more exercise? French Bulldog puppies for sale Virginia aren't the most energetic dogs around, and they can get by with a single moderate-length walk each day, but they still need regular playtime and other forms of physical and mental stimulation in order to lead happy, fulfilling lives. If a French Bulldog for sale in Virginia doesn't get enough exercise, it might start gaining weight and developing health issues. How do I know I can trust Uptown? Looking for a French Bulldog Virginia online can feel quite intimidating, and it's hard to know which sites you can trust. At Uptown, we strive on a daily basis to be your No. What type of dog is a French Bulldog? Virginia French Bulldogs for sale are all unique, with their own little quirks and personality traits, but most Frenchies tend to be very fun, affectionate, inquisitive animals that like to spend time with people of all ages. They're super friendly and like to learn new things too, so can be quite active around the home, but also appreciate a good nap and lots of cuddles on their best friend's lap.

If more individuals rescued dogs instead of acquiring them, the number of euthanized animals may be significantly decreased. When you adopt, by making them part of your family, you rescue a caring animal and free up shelter space for another animal that may need it. In addition, you are welcome to use my breeder list if you just want a sweet puppy with which you can grow and train the puppy as you want. This is all up to you and your situation. Many decent dogs have turned up in shelters for no cause on their own and who very much deserve a loving home. How can you make sure the best breeder is picked? Download our breeder list and, when interviewing breeders, take it with you. To choose the best Breeders in New York you should perform some basic litter research. Like, you should visually inspect the litter and its environment. You should ask the breeder which puppy would be best. You should make sure you can distinguish between the dogs. Try to spend time with each puppy individually. Expect to invest in buying a puppy, the smarter you are with your spending, the expense savings over its lifespan would be higher. The price goes up for show-quality dogs with an exceptional lineage. How much is a German Shepherd without papers in New York? If a licensed kennel club in your region is certified purebred by the puppy itself. Price of non-genealogical Doberman dogs raised as pets. They have limited licensed puppies who do not have paperwork and genealogy for ACK. Thus, they are only raised as pets. These Dobermans are sold a lot at pet stores or blogs for ads. How do you find a good German Shepherd breeder in New York? The best place to buy a German Shepherd Puppy is through a reputable breeder who holds themselves and their dogs to the highest of standards. You should do some basic litter analysis in order to select the right Shepherd breeders in New York. You should recheck the litter and its conditions, for example. The breeder should be asked which puppy will be the safest. You can make sure that you can differentiate the dogs from each other. Try to personally spend time with and puppy. Expect to invest in buying a Shepherd puppy, the better you are with your spending, the cost savings would be greater over its lifetime. How much does it cost to own a German shepherd in New York? German Shepherds are high maintenance pets who need to be groomed on a daily basis to maintain their hair safe to avoid matting the fur, make sure you wash the dog straight after the walk after walks when it is dirty or damp since this often avoids matting the coating build-up, which can be quite sore. If an adult German Shepherd drinks 4 cups a day, that means 30 days of food will be given by the pound pack. Why should you avoid puppy mills for German Shepherds in New York? Animals are handled as cash crops in puppy factories. Dogs suffer from neglect or hunger owing to food and water that is insufficient or unsanitary. Little to no medical treatment is provided to ill or dead livestock. Adult animals are raised continually until they are no longer able to grow, either slaughtered or discarded. The New York State Senate has just introduced a bill that will prohibit pet shops from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits, following in the footsteps of California and Maryland. Final Thoughts Most individuals find a mistake in buying their first time around from a non-reputable breeder. If you purchase a Doberman from someone who does not satisfy any of these qualities, you contribute directly to the demise of our breed and the need for costly and time-intensive rescue operations. A dog can be your best friend, can be your family and your most trustable guard. So when you have to choose one for your family, choose the best for you. Other Puppy Breeder Related Topics. You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting a German Shepherd, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to German Shepherds". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their GSD from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon, or you can download the audiobook version here. If you can't find the perfect German Shepherd puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many German Shepherds young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos!

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. The first few days of having your Golden Retriever puppy home are so important. And what you do before you bring them home will either make life a lot easier, or a lot harder for you. Here are seven steps you can take now to prepare for your new Golden Retriever puppy: Puppy-proof your home Puppies are baby animals with small bladders and needle-sharp teeth. And this means that unless you puppy-proof your home, they can cause a lot of damage with potty accidents and destructive chewing. Puppy proofing helps set your puppy up for success by making those unwanted behaviors much less likely. To puppy-proof your home, start by removing things that your puppy might be able to easily access such as shoes, books, medications, house plants, and power cords. Anything that your puppy could get to on the floors, on counters and on furniture is better off out of reach for now. Your pup could have some potty accidents on them, and young puppies often find rug corners and fringe very fun to chew. Consider putting up baby gates to keep your puppy out of spaces you prefer they not be in, as well as to block stairs. Toilet paper can be a puppy magnet, so make sure you keep those bathroom doors closed! Some good options are using play pens or snow fencing to block off landscaping or unmovable items that you want to keep safe from them. Puppy proofing can help keep your home and your puppy safe. Some vets are very experienced with Golden Retrievers, and it may be helpful to work with a vet who is well-versed in issues that can affect this breed. They can also tell you about which human foods you can avoid, but if you want to get a headstart on that, you can watch this video about which human foods are dangerous for Golden Retrievers. Before your puppy comes to you, they spend all day with their mother and littermates, so it would be a massive change for them to suddenly be home alone for long hours. If you work, you might want to take a week or so off from your job to help your puppy transition into their new home and routine. Perhaps you can adjust your schedule so you can visit your puppy at lunch, or maybe a friend is able to stop by to give your pup a break. As your puppy matures, they can usually handle being home alone for longer periods. But ensuring that your puppy has good care throughout the day can help prevent challenging issues like separation anxiety and potty training trouble. The most important thing to have ready is puppy food! Find out what kind of food your puppy is eating so you can have the same brand ready for them. An enzymatic cleaner is best, as it breaks down the odor, rather than masking it. A bed and crate are also very useful to have, so you can start working on crate training right away. You can see our favorite collars and leashes here. Of course your Golden Retriever pup will also need some toys and things to chew. Try to get a variety of shapes, textures, and flavors, so you always have something that will interest your pup. There are literally thousands of puppy products on the market, so feel free to have some fun with your shopping. Again, this will make the first day of having your puppy home so much easier. Want to potty train your puppy fast? Download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet here! Enroll your puppy in puppy school Early training is so important for puppies. It can help you prevent common behavior problems and establish good habits with your new pup. Golden Retrievers that receive early training are much more enjoyable to live with. Both group puppy classes and one-on-one training with a professional trainer are excellent options. A lot of puppy training is actually training you as the owner to understand how to communicate with your puppy, so look for training that involves you, rather than sending your puppy away for someone else to train. There are even some great virtual puppy training options, so no matter where you live or what kind of schedule you have, you can find something that works for you. If you want a week-by-week game plan for raising your puppy, get the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook here. Related articles:. There are a variety of reasons to crate train your dog. Use your crate: [25] X Research source To keep your puppy safe when you cannot watch her. To keep your belongings safe when you cannot watch your puppy. When your puppy is home alone. To give your puppy a place to calm down. When traveling. To keep your puppy away from children or other dogs. To aid in house training and other behavioral training. Never use your crate to punish your dog. And once your dog is no longer a puppy and can be trusted not to destroy the house, do not crate your dog when you are away. Save the crate for special times — i. For the most part, your dog should enter her crate voluntarily. The type of crate you use is up to personal preference, though many find that wire crates are the most durable and comfortable long-term solutions for dogs as well as being used at most kennels where you might board your dog. The most important thing is that you get the right size crate. If it is too small, your dog will not be comfortable. If it is too large, it will provide the den-like space dogs crave. Your dog should be able to stand in the crate without hitting her head, to turn around comfortably, and to lie on their side with their paws stretched out. Also buy a divider if purchasing the crate for your puppy. Your dog should enjoy her crate. It should provide a comfortable place for her to relax, so much so that she should choose to spend time there. Make sure to: [28] X Research source Put the crate in a room where you spend lots of time, so your puppy does not feel abandoned. Keep it a comfortable temperature: out of direct sunlight and far from fireplaces and radiators. Place soft bedding inside. Place chew toys inside to give your dog something to do. Cover your wire crate with a towel or crate cover. This will give it more of the den-like feel your dog craves. If you do it well, crate training will be much easier. Throw some new dog toys in, too. Let your dog explore the crate on her own. Let her go at her own speed. Every hour or so put more treats in the crate when your dog is not looking. Be sure to subtract all these treats from their daily food allowance. Also start feeding your dog in the crate. At first, put the bowl just inside so they only have to poke their head in. After 2 or 3 successful feedings, move it to the middle, then all the way back. Show your dog a treat and toss it in the crate. Move away and wait for her to leave the crate. Always use your cue words. Repeat the whole ritual several times a day until your dog is happily entering the crate to fetch treats. After tossing a treat in once or twice to warm your dog up, use your command word without a treat. If she enters, praise profusely and give a treat or two. Also praise her when she leaves. Repeat this training several times a day for two or three days, until your dog is entering and leaving the crate on command. If your golden puppy struggles with this step, go back to the previous one. Ask your puppy to enter the crate and sit. Slowly close the door. If you have to bang it shut before your dog escapes, then she is not ready for this step. When the door is closed, praise and give treats, then open the door and let her leave. Gradually lengthen the time they must sit in the crate before you let them out. Do sessions of training where they wait ten seconds, then 30, 45, and a minute. When your dog can comfortably stay in the crate for a minute, you will want to start moving away while she is in the crate. In the first session, move only a few feet away before you come back. Move to different areas of the room and keep looking at your dog. Next, try training sessions where you move around the room without paying attention to your puppy. Add moments when you step out of the room briefly and return. Finally, leave the room. At first, stay out for only five minutes. Gradually increase the time you are gone to 30 minutes. Go back to the previous step or reduce the time you are leaving her. Always remove your puppies leash and collar before putting her in the crate, as they are choking hazards. For a puppy, these will need to be shorter trips, as a puppy cannot be expected to go more than 3 hours or so without urinating. She needs to be able to get up and stretch her legs. Vary the time you put your dog in the crate. Sometimes do it ten minutes before you go. Sometimes five. Sometimes right before you head out the door. Praise your dog for entering her crate, then go. Now that your puppy is comfortable in her crate, she can sleep there overnight, but be sure you can hear her. Puppies often need to pee in the middle of the night. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. Golden Retriever puppies can be quite stealthy and adorably mischievous. You need to puppy proof your home to prevent unintentional mishaps and accidents. Puppies love to explore, and just like human toddlers, they will take anything in their mouth. Golden puppies early on are uncoordinated and find navigating stairs difficult — especially coming down. Best to close doors or use gates to prevent accidents. Supervising your puppy is the easiest and cheapest option. You can also keep your puppy confined to a playpen or crate when you cannot supervise him. Cats If you have a cat, you will need to prepare it for the new puppy. The cat should have someplace to escape when needed and its own area to be comfortable and secure. After the puppy and cat learn to get along hopefully , then you may be able to allow for more freedoms. Initially, however, give your cat a means to feel safe and getaway if needed. Many dogs will eat cat feces and cat litter. No dogs allowed! It pays to have a handyman brother. The cat appreciates it too. Some swallowed items have the potential for intestinal and choking issues. Be especially mindful of the laundry room and ensure clothes are in a hamper. Floor Food Puppies are like furry little Dyson vacuum cleaners, and if there is food on the floor, they will pick it up. Many items are toxic to dogs — onions, grapes, chocolate, garlic, macadamia nuts, to name but a few — do some research on the internet for a list of toxic foods and make sure your pup never has access to those. While not a food item, dental floss, if eaten, can also cause intestinal issues and may require surgery if it gets wrapped around or caught somewhere it should not. Kitchen Spilling boiling water or dropping knives while a puppy is underfoot may not only result in an injured puppy, but it may require a visit to the emergency room for you as well. Your puppy should not be allowed in the kitchen when you are preparing food. Put the puppy in a confined space playpen or crate while cooking or until you have trained your puppy to lay and wait in a safe spot. Cords Puppies like to chew. Electrical cords have electricity. Keep them away from each other. In addition to preventing an electric shock to your puppy, it may also save your house from burning down from a frayed electrical cord. Cords hanging from blinds can also be an issue. If your puppy gets entangled, he may not be able to free himself and could choke or become injured. Also, make sure that cords from blinds are well out of jumping reach for your pup. Golden Retrievers are quite resourceful and intelligent. Keep cabinets with chemicals and cleaning supplies latched or up high and out of the way. You can buy plastic baby proof latches that work well or use a very thick elastic band in a pinch to wrap around the handles to secure. Laundry detergent, especially pods, and fabric softener sheets should all be up and out of the way where the puppy cannot reach them. Be mindful of medications and supplements. Pain relievers and even certain supplements e. Toilets Toilet water can have toxic chemicals in them or other gross stuff. Toilet bowls can be a drowning hazard if your puppy falls in them. Keep the toilet lids closed to be safe. And gentlemen, any ladies in your home will be happier too. Backyard If your backyard is fenced, then look for holes or escape routes and plug those. If your backyard is not fenced, then consider enclosing your backyard to not only keep your pup in but other animals out. Secure or put away any chemicals such as fertilizer, insecticides, or pesticides. Many flowers, shrubs, and foliage can be harmful to your dog, so be aware and investigate potential risks again, the internet can be your friend here. Pick up poop to ensure your pup does not eat it yes, that can happen. Bailey investigating the frozen dirt in the garden boxes. Many of these items can be dealt with after you get your puppy. However, I have found that researching these items ahead of time will ensure you are well prepared and not rushing around after the fact. Ask other dog owners for recommendations and check to see if there are reviews online. Drop-in or book a short appointment with the vet candidates for a meet and greet to check out the facilities and ask some questions. Once you find a veterinarian that meets your needs, you can book your first appointment to have your puppy checked out and any remaining shots. Trust your gut. Health Costs Vet bills can be high. When you finally settle on a veterinarian, I suggest talking to your vet and researching different pet insurance coverage options and costs. If insurance is not affordable, ask your vet for an average amount of expenses to expect for your first year and beyond. Then allocate an amount each month to a designated savings account for ongoing and future pet bills. Then set aside that amount in case of emergencies. Microchipping Your dog will need tags, and you should consider microchipping your dog. If your puppy or dog ever gets lost or stolen, it makes identification much more straightforward. Ensure that your contact information is kept up to date, especially if moving or changing phone numbers. If you have concerns regarding microchipping, talk to your vet about any questions regarding safety and effectiveness. Obedience Classes It would be best if you availed yourself of a puppy class and basic training. It allows for socialization with other dogs and people and helps reinforce good basic obedience and manners. Check your area for classes and make sure the trainer only utilizes positive training methods. Science-based trainers avoid dominance-based techniques and rightfully so. However, they still prevail with many trainers, so be mindful of that. If there are no training classes in the area, you may need to look into online self-instruction. Some recommendations can be found on my site at Gold Bar Products and Gear. Due to the pandemic, our area has been in lockdown since getting our Golden puppy, so we had to avail ourselves of the best resources at our disposal. It fell upon us to ensure our Golden puppy learned his manners. If You Work When getting a new Golden puppy, a step that is often not considered is what to do if you have to work and leave your puppy alone. I cannot stress how important it is to think about this in the pre-planning stage. There is nothing worse than realizing that you now have a new 8-week old puppy at home, and you have not made preparations for someone to be available to watch your pup if you work all day. If you have the flexibility in your job, it is good to take some time off work. Leaving an 8-week old puppy alone the next day or so after bringing it home is not ideal. You and your puppy will need time to develop a bond and for the puppy to start trusting you. Your puppy is similar to a toddler, and it needs lots of attention and supervision. Your Golden puppy needs to adjust to its new home and environment. Owners should spend their first week getting the puppy used to being away from them and for potty training. Doing so will make going back to work a bit easier. Plus, this is a crucial time for bonding, and the more time you spend with your Golden puppy early on, the stronger that bond will be. If you cannot be at home, then have a family member or friend come in to take your Golden puppy out and to feed it if necessary. Or find a puppy daycare, sitter, or a dog walker. If you cover those three steps, then you and your Golden Retriever puppy will be off to a smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable start. Food bowl There are endless options of food and water bowls. In addition, the bowl can prevent gagging, choking, vomiting, indigestion, bloat, GDV, and malabsorption. If you already have a dog bowl, you can simply add a slow feeder insert. Water bowl Ellie has an 8-cup YETI water bow l to keep her water cold for more extended periods and a 4-cup bowl for food. YETI allows you to customize each bowl with a name, initials, or image. Great as a gift! They help prevent your puppy from getting tangled up in the leash and provide better control. Make sure you check out their sizing guide for the appropriate fit. We added a crate pad for noise reduction and comfort. Crate training can be a lifesaver, and most dogs fall in love with having their own space. It is essential that the dog crate is never used as punishment — the crate must always be regarded as a safe and special retreat. Gates Puppies are curious creatures that often need boundaries. Use a gate to limit access to certain areas of your home and reduce unwanted chewing or house soiling. Introduce your dog to small sections of the house at a time. We prefer the walk-through gate for easy mobility through the house. Toys and Chews All dogs have slightly different preferences in toys, so I would start with various items to see what interests your puppy most. However, the last inch of a bully stick can be a choking hazard if swallowed. This safety device allows your pup to enjoy the benefits of long-term chews while reducing the risks of choking. I typically give it to her for 20 minutes, rinse it off, and store it in the refrigerator until the next day, which prevents bacteria growth. Note you probably want to keep it separate from your food. Read the full disclosure here. This comprehensive list covers all the essentials, plus some added extras. Food: Every dog needs food! See our puppy food guide for recommendations. Bowls: Your puppy is going to need something to eat that food from. Something to think about. Bedding: Your pup will need a comfortable bed to call their own. You can decide whether to choose a puppy-sized one or one that they can grown into. To avoid buying more than one crate, you can get one big enough to fit your adult golden and make it puppy-sized using dividers. Brushes: Get your puppy some brushes suitable for a longer-coated dog. The sooner you get pup used to being brushed, the easier it will be in the future. Toothbrush and toothpaste: These are daily essentials in your grooming routine. Be sure to choose a dog-specific toothpaste as the human stuff can be dangerous to canines. Treats: Essential for training. Pick high-value treats for when you really want to motivate your pup. Chew toys are essential to help direct chewing away from your belongings. Tug toys, balls to play fetch and treat-dispensing toys are also nice to have. Travel harness or dog guard: To keep your dog safe in the car. These are the main things you need to think about when puppy proofing your home. Put them up high or away in their proper place. Not only will it leave you out of pocket if your pup chews something expensive, many such items are also choking hazards. Be careful of plants: Make sure you remove any plants that are poisonous to dogs , both in your house and your garden. Common offenders include foxglove, wisteria and yew. Secure medicines and cleaning products: Both medicines and cleaning products can be highly toxic to dogs if ingested. Hide electrical cords: If a puppy sinks their teeth into an electrical cord, it can prove fatal. Try not to have electrical cords running across the room or out in the open where your puppy can get to them. If needs be, you can get cord concealers, cord wraps or even pvc pipes to secure them. Planning Appropriate Puppy Socialization Socialization, with both humans and other dogs plus other animals, if your new puppy is going to be around them , is one of the most important things to think about with your new puppy. A well-socialized puppy should turn into an adult dog who interacts well with all dogs and people, which makes your life so much easier as a dog-owner. It might sound a bit over the top, but it will stop your pup from getting confused or overstimulated and it sets some ground rules for the humans involved, too. Pick out regular meal times for your puppy and try to stick to them as closely as possible. Also take your puppy out into the garden on a schedule, as this will really help with toilet training. You can also schedule in training sessions, play sessions and, when your puppy is old enough, their daily walks. Learning How To Train Your Puppy You might think that training your new dog will be intuitive when you get them home, but dog training is a skill you learn, not one you just pick up as you go along. Once your puppy is old enough, group puppy training classes are an excellent idea. Not only will you learn more about training your pup, your dog will also get to socialize with other young canines. The ideal option is to have the puppy in the back seat in a car harness and have a passenger sit next to them, who can hold, pet and comfort them on the journey home. Some people forgo the harness altogether and have a passenger simply hold the puppy, wrapped in a blanket or towel. However, before you even get your puppy into the car, you should try to get them to relieve themself first , to avoid any toilet-based accidents on the journey home. Once you get your precious pup home, all that effort and preparation will have been worth it to give your new four-legged friend the best start in life. You May Also Like. However, avoid retractable leashes whenever possible: Although they seem easier during walks, retractable leashes are actually dangerous, especially for young puppies who are still getting the hang of walking on a leash. Keep your puppy on a regular leash with a maximum of six feet of space between you both. Snowy Pines recommends slip leads: Slip leads are what puppies are taught to walk on from a young age at Snowy Pines, since they give you as the walker more control over the puppy as he gets the hang of normal walks. You can also opt for an embroidered collar if your puppy seems bothered by the noise or extra weight of the dog tags. Many puppy owners choose embroidered collars since dog tags should be removed when the puppy is left alone as they can pose a hazard. You can stick with a small food and water bowl. Puppy Food Your puppy will need high-quality food to grow strong! In most cases, this means his own dog crate. A good dog crate should be large enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. You can choose a crate that expands as it grows to save money in the long run. Most of our puppies at Snowy Pines will do well in a inch wire kennel with a divider that you can remove once he gets bigger. Be sure to check out our dog bed reviews too! Remember that most toys should not be left alone with your puppy since unsupervised playtime can lead to a choking or blockage incident. Image Source Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys keep your pup mentally stimulated while they also have fun. Additionally, these interactive toys provide help with weight management, satisfy natural hunting instincts, and even relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. These toys can easily become a comfort item and help curb any potential anxiety as well. Chase Toys Golden puppies need to have regular exercise. Chase toys are simple things you can buy at any pet store, like ropes and balls, but some interactive chew toys are designed to add a little zing to your daily play routines. So, for example, if your puppy just woke up from his nap and pottied, but you need to do laundry and load the dishwasher, the exercise pen is a perfect solution. It enables your pup to enjoy safe solo playtime. Training Treats Food is a powerful reinforcer , so treats are incredibly beneficial in the early stages of puppy training. Try offering him a treat when he potties outside or uses a chew toy. Quick Tip: The treat should be small and chewy so that he can eat it fast and keep his attention on you! With the proper carpet cleaner and enzyme spray, you can quickly combat any potty mistakes anywhere in the house. Dog Shampoo and Conditioner The Retriever family has a unique, double-layered coat designed to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. It also dries quickly after becoming wet. It is such an impressive coat that it is essentially self-cleaning when it comes to dirt and debris. Pooper Scooper and Poop Bags A pooper scooper is a handy tool that many homeowners with yards find essential. Instead of bending down every time your pup goes, you can use a pooper scooper to clutch onto the waste and quickly throw it in your outside garbage bin. They are also expected as a common courtesy to other people outside. So before your English Cream Golden puppy comes home, be sure that your home, backyard, and car are puppy-safe and puppy-proofed. In the Home: Image Source Keep the toilet lid closed. Believe it or not, open toilet lids have the potential to be drowning hazards. Secure medicine and cleaning products. Keep these products high up or use childproof locks and latches on lower cabinets. Garbage should be kept lidded and secure. Lidded, secured bins are the best type of garbage cans you can have with a young puppy. Not only do you want to avoid spilled garbage, but a locked lid will prevent your puppy from getting into any potential hazards. Hide electrical cords and blind cords. Exposed electrical cords and long blind cords can prove to be fatal for curious puppies. Keep electrical cords hidden away, buy cord wraps to keep them safely covered, and be sure that your blind cords are tied high and inaccessible. Invest in a pet or baby gate. Gates can be used for doorways or staircases to keep your puppy away from certain areas of the house. In the Backyard: Be careful of plants and landscaping that may be poisonous or dangerous. Many plants are toxic to dogs , so be sure to triple-check if any are growing in your yard. Secure your yard with fencing and add gates around bodies of water. If you plan to let your puppy roam freely in your backyard, you should have complete fencing with no puppy-sized gaps around the perimeter of the property. If you have any ponds or pools, block them off with appropriate fencing to avoid accidental drowning. Keep your yard landscaped and manicured. Long grass and brushy areas can invite ticks, which can be extremely dangerous if any potential bites are not discovered early on. Generally speaking, your grass should not be higher than a couple of inches and potentially even shorter while your puppy is still young. In the Car: Image Source Move any chewable items and lock loose items in the glovebox. Confine your puppy in one area of the vehicle, like the backseat. Keeping your puppy confined to one area of the car is safe for everyone. Many puppy parents choose harness seat belts and car seats for younger dogs, while older dogs are big enough to safely sit in the back seat or trunk with cargo barriers. As your Golden Retriever gets older, you may find yourself opting for different barrier methods that will better suit his size. Kennel your puppy while in the car. Crating your puppy is the safest mode of transportation while in the car. Deciding on a Daily Routine Like children, puppies thrive on a fixed routine because an orderly one instills structure and confidence. Sticking to a schedule can also help reinforce potty training and prevent behavioral issues , like separation anxiety and barking or whining. Think of a schedule that works best for your puppy, which should include: Feeding: Pick out regular meal times and stick to them as closely as possible. Golden Retriever puppies will need three daily feedings until they are six months old. After that, stick to feeding twice a day at the same time each day. Fixed meal times will help you predict when your puppy needs to potty each day, which better ensures easier potty training. Scheduled potty breaks: Take your puppy out to the yard or on a walk to potty immediately after a meal and after they wake up to enforce a schedule that will help with house training. Playtime and exercise: Playing and mental stimulation are key to a happy puppyhood. Even though they will mellow out in personality as they become adults, Retriever puppies are high energy! Place the dog crate in a quiet part of the house since we kennel train at Snowy Pines, and it helps ensure their safety and comfort. And now is the exciting part: Your puppy is finally home! But now what? Puppy Socialization Socialization is vital for young puppies, especially between 8 to 16 weeks of age: A well-socialized puppy will grow into a happy and confident adult that feels secure in various situations. You can also invite friends and family over to meet the puppy. In this case, more is always merrier! To help your puppy feel comfortable around humans in general, expose him to different types of people when he is still young. We also recommend holding off on public settings like dog parks until your puppy is settled into his new home and routine so as to not overwhelm him. Once your puppy is vaccinated, you can consider signing him up for puppy socialization classes. These classes, alongside training courses, can help prepare your pup for a long walk or a day at doggy day camp. Training Techniques Training is just as essential as early socialization. He may become disruptive and exhibit poor behaviors like jumping on visitors, chewing on furniture, and barking incessantly, among other frustrating challenges. Your puppy may also struggle with separation anxiety. They will comprehend basic commands and learn things such as his name, housebreaking, and early manners. They will be able to take on more advanced training and commands, and they should understand what good dog manners are. This age is essential when it comes to instilling how you want him to behave through adolescence. Puppies will begin teething at this point. Your new puppy might use anything possible to exercise his teeth, so you must start teaching him not to use your hand or furniture as chew toys. Anytime your puppy chews on something undesirable, have a toy nearby to put in his mouth instead. You can also try using bitter apple spray to deter biting and chewing on household items. Be firm but loving with clear, consistent commands and minute training sessions each day. Quick Tip: Keep in mind that at this age, this is when the key socialization period ends for your puppy: From this point forward, everything your puppy has learned will influence the way he behaves around people and other animals. While this is good, this age will also be a challenge because he will try to determine his ranking in the household, which can be frustrating when hormones play a role! Although spaying and neutering are standard for most breeds around six months old, studies have found that doing so for Golden Retrievers can actually increase the risk for joint disorders. Therefore, the standard for this breed has recently changed, and many vets suggest waiting to spay or neuter until 12 to 24 months. Training can be an overwhelming process, which is why many Golden puppy owners opt for working with a dog trainer or enrolling in training classes. Snowy Pines offers three levels of training when adopting one of their golden retrievers, which can save you tons of time and frustration in the long run. At your first checkup, you can also ask about getting your puppy microchipped!

Paying attention to the generation of your new potential puppy is one of the best ways to work out what you might expect in terms of their coat. An F1 or F2 Labradoodle stands the highest chance of ending up with a flat coat. With successive generations provided the dogs are crossed with Poodles , the chance should reduce quite significantly. It pays to purchase your pup from a reputable breeder who can talk you through all of this with regard to their breeding dogs. They will also likely have previous litter pictures they can show you so you can know what your dog may end up looking like as they mature. That being said, you might find that the flat-coated kind are sometimes sold for a little less than their curly-coated counterparts. Often this is simply because people are looking for a low-allergen dog and are thus steered in the direction of the curly or wavy-coated puppies for this reason. These dogs need far less brushing than more Poodle-y Doodles. Think in terms of once-a-week grooming compared with daily! We tell you, those curls look cute, but they can hide a veritable horror of tangles beneath the top layer. The latter serves to regulate their temperature and is shed on a fairly regular basis. Chances are your flat-coated Labradoodle has inherited this lovely feature too. Keep on top of all that loose hair with a well-designed brush , as well as hair hydrating shampoos and maybe even some anti-shed supplements in their food. In fact, you can often tell from quite a young age exactly what kind of coat you might expect from your little angel the color, however, can be much trickier to determine due to the Poodle fading gene. The clearest place to see these is on the bridge of the nose. Longer furnishings indicate a more Poodle-like coat. The Hypoallergenic Factor It has to be said before we dive into this topic from the perspective of a straight-haired Labradoodle that no Labradoodle and indeed no dog can ever be said to be absolutely hypoallergenic. The allergens that sufferers of the condition respond to when it comes to dogs are the proteins found in their saliva. A low shedding coat simply means that there will be less of these about the house and, therefore, less chance of triggering a reaction. As Labradoodles do tend to shed quite a bit more than curly or wavy-coated ones, they can be said to be less hypoallergenic. However, these dogs lose a lot less hair than the Labrador Retriever, which is practically famous for it. So in that respect, they are better for those looking to have less hair about the place. People with allergies, though, might want to up their chances of a low-shed pup by selecting a generation with more Poodle DNA. Labradoodles inherit the curly-haired gene from their Poodle side but not from the Labrador Retriever side. They are every bit as much a Doodle as the curly kind. How much do flat-coated Labradoodles shed? There are environmental factors at play as well as genetic ones. Beyond that, dogs can shed more if there is an issue with their diet or if they are being bathed too much. What we can say with some degree of certainty is Labradoodles shed much less than purebred Labradors do. Is a Labradoodle a high-maintenance dog? Labradoodles can be pretty energetic hounds and require plenty of both physical and mental stimulation. In that respect, they can be a little high-maintenance. With regards to coat care, flat-coated Labras are far, far, FAR easier to care for. The main reason for this is that curly and wavy hair, when left unbrushed for long periods, can become horribly knotted and tangled. This can create mats that are impossible to get a brush through. For this reason, curly-coated Labras require daily brushing, but straight-coated ones only need doing once a week. How do you tell if a Labradoodle will be curly? Look for the presence of furnishings longer patches of hair around the tails and legs, but especially around the ears and across the bridge of the nose. The more obvious these are, the more likely it will be that your puppy will have a Poodlesque coat. They are just as adorable as more traditional-looking Doodles — and much rarer to boot. There are a few considerations to take into account especially if you have allergies. You Might Also Like. Labradoodles can come in a wide variety of coat colors and textures each adorable and unique in their own way. One of these varieties is the straight hair Labradoodle. A Labradoodle with straight hair, also known as a flat coat Labradoodle, is the subject of much confusion and many misconceptions. Can Labradoodles Have Straight Hair? Since the Labradoodle is a mixed breed between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, some puppies will naturally take on more traits from each of their parent breeds. Some will have straight, flat coats like the Lab, some will have curly coats like the Poodle, and some will have wavy coats that fall somewhere in between. Russ is a flat coat black Labradoodle. Photo courtesy of adventurussdoodle on Instagram. Are Labradoodles Always Curly? In fact, it can come in a variety of textures ranging from straight, to wavy, to curly. Many breeders strive for Labradoodle puppies that have curly hair, as many prospective owners prefer them due to their likelihood of being non-shedding and allergy-friendly. This is why you may notice more curly Labradoodles rather than straight haired ones. Photo courtesy of nednoodlethelabradoodle on Instagram. As a Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross , Labradoodles inherit traits from both of their parent breeds. Coat texture is just one of the many traits that can differ not only from litter to litter but from puppy to puppy. Since this gene is inherited from the Poodle side, a Labradoodle puppy with Cu Locus will have a coat that is more wavy or curly in texture. Reputable breeders perform genetic testing on the parents in an attempt to produce healthier and more desirable puppies. More often than not, breeders strive for curly coated Labradoodle puppies since they are more likely to be low-shedding and allergy-friendly than flat coated puppies. This is why breeders will sometimes refer to straight coat Labradoodles as having improper coats. Genetics are tricky to predict and no breeder can guarantee a certain coat type. However, which generation your Labradoodle is will drastically influence the odds of them having a flat coat. You can also look for a breeder that backcrosses Labradoodles to Labrador Retrievers. However, those parings are extremely rare. Keep in mind that many prospective owners are looking exclusively for curly haired Labradoodles. Are Straight Hair Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? While no Labradoodles can be considered completely hypoallergenic, straight haired Labradoodles have a greater risk of triggering allergy reactions than curly haired Labradoodles. On average, a Labradoodle with a flat coat will still be more allergy-friendly than a purebred Labrador Retriever. Straight Hair Labradoodle Shedding Straight hair Labradoodles will likely shed a moderate amount, but usually not as much as a purebred Lab. After a week, the papers came through, and it turns out we adopted a Labradoodle! We are happy to have an Oodle dog, but it was a surprise! My labradoodle puppy has straight hair?! I googled and came across your video about Goldendoodle coats and wondered if it is the same situation for Labradoodles — and should we expect the dog to shed? We were prepared for a shedding Labrador, so we are not too fussed, just curious. PS our dog sleeps at the foot of our bed too. Here are the expanded answers to your straight hair Labradoodle puppy question! And interesting to know that your dog sleeps at the foot of the bed Labradoodle Puppies Can Have Three types of Coats Like other Poodle mix breeds, Labradoodle puppies will have one of three types of coats. Curly Wavy Straight A curly coat is the most Poodle like, and a straight coat is the most similar to the coat of the Labrador. A curly coat Labradoodle will likely not shed at all and are the best suited for a household that needs a zero shed dog. There is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, but a curly coat Labradoodle is often very close. Many allergies come from dander proteins found in dog saliva not just in the coat. We need to remember that there is no guarantee that any dog will ultimately be allergy-friendly. A Labradoodles puppy coat can be straight without any curl at all. Often these dogs will look precisely like a Labrador coat and color. You will see some of the lithe skinny and thinner Poodle skulls and body features. The coat of a Labradoodle does change over time. There is a transition from a Labradoodle puppy coat to the adult coat. This is similar to the Goldendoodle and other Poodle mix breeds. Although there is a coat change, the actual type of coat will not change. A Labradoodle with a curly or straight coat will not turn into another coat type. So if you have a Labradoodle puppy with a straight coat, in general, the type will not change to a noticeable extent. If the puppy is non-shedding, the older dog will likely be non-shedding too. The same goes for a shedding straight coat Labradoodle puppy — do not hold out for a coat change as it is unlikely to come. The type of coat change is gradual. The puppy coat transition for most Labradoodles will not be noticed by the owners. It typically occurs around months of age. Spend a little extra time brushing out the coat at this time. A slicker brush and a stainless steel comb are the best ways to easily brush a Labradoodle like a professional. Which generation of Labradoodle is a straight coat? When a Labradoodle presents with a straight coat, it resembles the Labrador parent. The straight coat genetics are all from a Labrador Retriever. This is why the generation of Labradoodle most likely to have a straight coat is the F1 Labradoodle. An F1 Labradoodle is the first generation. This means one parent was a Poodle, and the other was a Labrador Retriever. A strict F2 generation Labradoodle can also have genetics. Still, you will typically see an increase in Poodle genetics by F1b integration into the breeding. F1 Labradoodles can have any type of coat from curly and wavy right through to pure straight coat. When people think of Labradoodles, they are often thinking of an F1b or F2 generation Labradoodle. It is, therefore, far more likely that an F1b Labradoodle is a wavy or curly coat. It is relatively uncommon for an F1b Labradoodle to have a shedding straight coat! Do Straight Coat Labradoodles Shed? A straight coat Labradoodle will likely shed. They might shed less than a full blood Labrador. Still, compared with other generations of Labradoodle, there will be more hair shedding. Some owners say that they still find even shedding straight hair Labradoodle to be less allergy-inducing than a typical Labrador. Because straight-haired Labradoodles are genetically prone to shedding — it would be incredibly lucky and rare to find a straight hair Labradoodle that did not shed. A super cute miniature Labradoodle named Max Do straight coat Labradoodles have a double coat? Straight coat Labradoodles have individual hairs that extend from the external right through to the skin. Labradoodles, in general — do not have a double coat. A straight coat Labradoodle will have a single coat as an adult. Although you might see a seasonal or winter coat change for a straight coat Labradoodle, it is unlikely to be very significant. Most owners who notice a difference just see a small increase in the volume of hair released when they groom their Labradoodle. A slicker brush and steel comb is the simple way to groom any Labradoodle, from curly coat right thought eh straight coat. Learn the Labradoodle ! Benefits of Straight Coat Labradoodle? There is one benefit of a straight coat Labradoodle that can be very important to some owners. Compared with other Labradoodles, the straight coat Labradoodle is very low maintenance. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Usually, when we think of a Labradoodle, we think of a dog with the friendly temperament and work ethic of a Labrador retriever with the low-shedding curly coat of a poodle. However, it is not always possible to predict what characteristics a hybrid dog will inherit from their two parent breeds. First generation Labradoodles are just as likely to have the coat of a Lab as a Poodle. A straight hair Labradoodle is a mixed Lab-poodle dog that has inherited the straight coat of their Lab parent. They are also called a flat coat Labradoodle. This means they have a high-shedding coat rather than the hypoallergenic coat of Labradoodles with curly hair. But aside from their coat, they have the same overall personality and temperament profile as other Labradoodles. Read on for our complete profile and what exactly to expect from a straight hair Labradoodle. Vital Statistics Breed: Mixed breed of Labrador retriever and poodle Size: 21 to 24 inches for a standard Labradoodle smaller variations also exist Weight: 50 to 70 pounds Coat: Medium to long scruffy coat that is high-shedding Color: Chocolate, cafe, parchment, cream, gold, apricot, red, black, silver, chalk, lavender, blue Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years Potential Health Issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye issues Temperament: Intelligent and friendly Energy Levels: High; at least one hour of exercise a day Attachment: High; does not thrive when left alone History Of The Breed Labrador retrievers were bred in England in the 19th century from dogs imported from Canada. The result is a breed with a soft mouth and strong work ethic that loves the water. Meanwhile, the poodle is an older dog breed that originates from either France or Germany their exact origin is in dispute. The breed seems to have been around from the 15th and 16th centuries and was a popular lap dog pet by the 18th century. The poodle is highly intelligent and sensitive, making it an excellent companion. The Labradoodle was created in the s by bringing the two dogs together to try and reduce the shedding of Labradors while maintaining their characteristic intelligence and friendly personality. They became popular in the late s when breeder Wally Conron introduced them to the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia as a new working dog. Labradoodle Breeding Genetics There are a variety of different classes within a mixed breed dog family. The first is a F1 mix, which is a mix of the two parent breeds. In this case, it means a Labrador retriever parent and a poodle parent, though they could be standard or smaller in size. An F2 Labradoodle comes from breeding two F1 Labradoodles. As you head further down the breeding line, you are less likely to encounter Labradoodles with straight coats because this is one of the traits breeders usually control for. One of the purposes of mixing Labs and poodles was to try and control the high-shedding coats of Labradors, so breeders will usually favor the low-shedding poodle coat. Size And Weight The size and weight of a Labradoodle depends principally on whether the poodle parentage is that of a standard poodle, or of one of the smaller types of poodle. Labradors will measure between .Poodles come in standard, medium, miniature, and toy sizes. Standard poodles are quite large. They measure 18 to 24 inches in height and weigh 44 to 70 pounds. Mixing a Lab with a standard poodle will get you a standard Labradoodle, which measures 21 to 24 inches and can weigh 50 to 70 pounds. Medium poodles measure 14 to 18 inches tall and weigh 33 to 42 pounds. Miniature poodles are 11 to 14 inches tall and weigh 26 to 31 pounds. Toy poodles are 9. Introducing one of these poodles into the Labradoodle mix results in smaller dogs. The smaller poodle will always be the mother to ensure a safe birth. Read our full guide to the different sizes of Labradoodles here. Coat And Color In theory, a Labradoodle can inherit the tightly curled and low-shedding coat of their poodle parent or the straight double coat of their high-shedding Labrador parent. Most of the Labradoodles you come across will have the poodle coat because this is a trait breeders specifically control for. But in some rare cases, the coat may show up as an anomaly further down the line, or a breeder may favor this characteristic. Labradoodles with straight hair will more or less look like they have a medium-length scruffy coat, which makes them look a little like a teddy bear. What exactly the coat will look like can vary. It may look a consistent length over their face and body, or it may sprout in longer tufts in some areas or feather along the tail, legs, and face. The coat might be slick and glossy or have a more matte and flat finish to their coat. It is worth noting that while their coat is straight, they will probably not have the double coat of a Labrador. This means less seasonal change and less shedding than a Labrador. But straight hair Labradoodles will still shed a lot and need to be brushed regularly to remove excess hair and stop them from leaving it everywhere they go! But even with regular brushing, dog hair will be a part of life. On the positive side, they do not need to be taken for a professional cut as often as their curly-haired cousins. Additionally, they can be a variety of different colors. While black, chocolate, and yellow are most common, they might also be cafe, parchment, apricot, red, silver, chalk, or blue. Intelligence Labradoodles are known for their intelligence, since both Labrador retrievers and poodles are considered among the most intelligent dog breeds. Labradors are also eager to please and thrive when they have work to do and receive reward. This makes them highly trainable. Poodles can be a little more independent in their thinking and therefore less cooperative, but they are still sensitive to humans. But despite this, Labradoodles tend to be about as easy to train and control as Labradors. This makes Labradoodles great working dogs for disability assistance and search and rescue. It also means they are excellent and obedient pets, even for first-time owners. Temperament Both Labradors and poodles have a friendly temperament and never tend to be aggressive. They bond quickly with their people. For poodles, this bond can be quite exclusive, and they may be a little bit wary of strangers. Labs, on the other hand, tend to like everyone. This means Labs and their Labradoodle offspring make terrible guard dogs, even if they inherit a little poodle wariness. This means if a Labradoodle is barking, it is usually for a good reason, and you should pay attention. Labradoodles are friendly with children, and they also get on well with other animals. They are more likely to form a close bond with the house cat than chase them around the yard. Socializing your Labradoodle from a young age can foster this behavior. Just like their parent breeds, Labradoodles bond with their humans intensely. They can develop destructive behaviors if left at home for eight hours a day while the rest of the family is at school or at work. They do better in homes where there is usually someone around or if they can go to work with someone. So, while they benefit from outdoor space, they will need to be inside the house. This is something to bear in mind with a straight-hair Labradoodle, since they will shed. Diet And Exercise Labradoodles are high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise, usually a minimum of 60 minutes a day. Also, this should involve running, jumping, pulling, and searching, and not just a casual walk. Labradoodles are adventurous and will enjoy accompanying the family of hikes and day trips. They also love to swim! Their straight coats are actually made to repel water. This means it is easy for them to overeat and put on excess weight. This is not good for their heart and other organs and can also put unnecessary strain on their joints, leading to mobility issues. Remember that all the treats you give them during training or just because you love them also contain calories! Want to know more? Read our guide to the Labradoodle lifespan and what to expect from each life stage. FAQs What is a flat coat Labradoodle? A flat coat Labradoodle is a Lab-poodle mixed breed dog that has inherited the straight hair coat of their Labrador parent rather than the curly coat of their poodle parent. Is an F1 or an F2 Labradoodle better? F1 Labradoodles often tend to be healthier than F2 variations of the dog. But breeders are better able to control for certain characteristics with F2 dogs, so their appearance and temperament can be more predictable. Straight Hair Labradoodles It is very difficult to tell whether a Labradoodle puppy will grow up to have the curly coat of a poodle or a straight coat of a Labrador. So, you may be expecting one and end up with the other. Alternatively, if you are just a fan of the teddy bear look of a straight hair Labradoodle, you can seek one out. Regardless of their coat, Labradoodles have the same wonderful personalities. They are friendly and will want to spend as much time as possible at your side. They are easy to train and will very quickly feel like members of the family. Just remember, if your Labradoodle has straight hair they will shed. Brush them regularly to keep their shedding under control. Read our guide to how much Labradoodles cost. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch. Image Source The summer cut is a fantastic, no-stress option for the warmer summer months. However, it is important not to cut it too short. While it seems logical that removing as much fur as possible would keep your pet cool for the summer, cutting off too much hair coat can lead to dry skin, sunburn, flaky skin, overheating, and irritation. This is especially true for Labradoodles with a straight coat type. Lamb Cut A lamb cut is an adorable option for dogs with hair coats with a lot of volume. In this cut, the whole coat is left a little longer than it is on the puppy cut to make the dog appear more shaggy. Then, the hair of the feet is kept longer but is lightly scissored to blend in with the rest of the body. The hair on the feet can be beveled or rounded. This gives the illusion of the fluffy legs of a newborn lamb. This cut is fantastic for dogs with a smooth coat. The Not-So-Long Cut While the not-so-long cut looks like the style that would need the least work, it can actually be a lot to upkeep. Thus, the upkeep on this coat can be demanding, but it is a great option for a winter coat. Kennel Cut Image Source The kennel cut is a no-nonsense cut for busy dog parents. Keep a 1-inch level coat over the whole body of the Labradoodle. This includes the snout area and the ears. This gives your doodle a younger look, as the short fur seems a lot like a puppy coat. However, be careful not to remove too much while requesting a kennel cut. This works best for doodles with a slightly wavy coat. The hair of the lower legs is kept slightly longer and is blended in with the rest of the body. The face and ears are trimmed short, giving your doodle a puppy-like appearance. This haircut is a lot like a teddy bear cut. The difference is that the teddy bear cut usually refers to doodles with a curly coat, and the puppy coat usually refers to dogs with a smooth coat. Medium Cut Image Source The medium cut is a basic cut that is bound to look great on all Labradoodles. Here, around 2 inches of the fur is kept on and the face area is trimmed neatly. It looks good on Labradoodles with a straight or wavy coat texture. It is very similar to a medium cut, but the eyebrows and mustache of your doodle are kept fairly long, giving him the stereotypical Schnauzer look. To achieve this, your groomer will likely use scissors for the beard and mustache. Beard Trim The beard trim is a variation of the Schnauzer trim, but the eyebrows are trimmed shorter. This is a good option if your pup gets a lot of dirt and debris stuck in their eyes, which you constantly have to clean. However, keep in mind that the long beard will get dirty when your doodle is eating or drinking. Therefore, you might have to keep a small towel handy to dry off this area. Pet owners can do this hairstyle at home with a pair of clippers and a comb. One thing to keep in mind is that the metal clippers can get very hot when using them. Pet owners should own clippers so that you can rapidly switch in between them. Waiting for them to cool down takes a lot of extra time, so switching is a more time-effective option. Natural Coat Image Source The hairstyle that has the lowest level of maintenance is the natural coat. All you need is basic grooming practices; brush your dog regularly and trim areas like the eyebrows and beard, just for comfort. This is very cheap and low-maintenance. You might even find that your smooth coat Labradoodle develops waves if it gets long enough! Ensure that you are brushing frequently to prevent matting. A straight coat Labradoodle is a Labradoodle with no waves or a curly coat. Instead, they have long, straight hair-like fur much like a Labrador Retriever. Breeders may use genetic testing on the parent doodles to figure out how many puppies in the F2 litter, or second-generation Labradoodles, will have a curly coat. In these tests, they check for the Cu Locus quality , which dictates if the Labradoodle has the curlier, more allergy-friendly coat gene, the straight coat gene, or a mix of both. Based on this information, they often breed subsequent generations with poodles to increase the chance of traits like a curly coat and less dander. Are they double coated? Yes, Labradoodles with a straight coat are double coated. This means that they have an inner, softer layer and an oilier, outer layer. These 2 layers work together for efficient temperature regulation. How can I tell if my doodle puppy is straight-haired? Your puppy loses their softer, finer puppy coat at around 6 months. After that, the coarser adult coat begins to come in. It should look like a scruffy labrador retriever with wiry, longer fur. Do straight-haired doodles shed more? In general, these dogs seem to shed more than their curly-coated counterparts. There is a simple reason behind this. Consider a poodle with a fleece coat. However, a straight-coated Labradoodle has finer, straight hair so the hairs that they lose will fall off their body immediately. This is why they seem to shed more than curly-coated doodles. However, they definitely shed less than a purebred Labrador Retriever. Due to this, they are also more allergenic. Essentially, since the poodle has hypoallergenic fur, the less poodle DNA is in your dog, the less hypoallergenic it will be. Thus, flat-coat doodles can cause a more severe allergic reaction than other doodles. Should I get a straight-haired doodle? For example, consider the grooming quality and frequency you can provide. How often will your dog be playing outdoors? How often can you brush them? Brush your doodle regularly with a de-shedding brush, especially in the early spring months. This is because your dog will slowly shed its winter coat as the days get warmer. Only bathe them around once a month using gentle shampoo. If they get dirty in between washes, you can just rinse them with water and rub off any dirt with a wet rag. Make sure to brush them thoroughly after bath time, to catch any loose hairs that fell off. If you have given your Labradoodle a longer hairstyle, then you just need to get it touched up every months. However, if you have a shorter, more shapely style, like the kennel cut or the puppy dog cut, then you must trim it every month or so. In Conclusion It may seem confusing to groom a hair-coated Labradoodle. However, straight-haired doodles are adorable, easy-to-maintain dogs that are actually more common than you might think. Pick out any of these 10 hairstyles, based on how much free time you have and the lifestyle you lead. Make sure to groom your doodle keeping its fur type in mind; you must keep up with regular brushing, bathing, and trimming. As she grew older, this love transformed into a love for dogs. She volunteers in a dog shelter, so she is well-versed in the care and comfort of all breeds of dogs. Leave a Comment. All Labradoodle puppies have fine, soft, straight hair at first. But, as they grow, a curlier adult coat may replace this. But, they have easier grooming requirements. A Labradoodle puppy coat will be softer, finer, and straighter than their adult coat. In fact, many knowledgeable Doodle breeders can do a pretty good job of predicting which type of adult coat type a Labradoodle puppy will inherit. Labradoodle adults with straight fur have the hair type coat. Hair Coat Type The Labradoodle hair coat type is not silky straight, it is often thick and slightly wavy. This coat type is most similar to the Labrador Retriever parent. Either way, like the Lab parent, hair coated Labradoodles will shed year-round and may blow their coat during shedding seasons. Despite this, the hair coat is fairly wash-and-wear. A weekly brushing and occasional bath is all the maintenance it generally needs, unless your Doodle rolls in something stinky. The hair coat type is most likely to trigger allergy symptoms in owners that are allergic to the protein allergen in pet hair. Fleece Coat Type Overall, this coat type takes greater influence from the Poodle parent. It is soft and wavy — think angora wool and you are on the right track. If bred to the Australian Labradoodle breed standard, Labradoodles with a fleece coat will have one layer. This coat type is much less likely to shed out visibly than the hair type, but it does shed. The hairs are just more likely to get trapped in the surrounding coat. So, fleece coats may trigger fewer allergy symptoms. Of course, with less shedding, there is more potential for tangles and mats as the shed-out hair gets trapped in the surrounding coat. So, owners will have more brushing and grooming duties. Wool Type Coat The Labradoodle wool coat type is the main coat type that is considered allergy friendly. But, this coat type still sheds. Like the fleece coat, the hairs just get trapped in the surrounding fur rather than falling to the ground. Because of this, it can be truly time-consuming to brush and groom the true wool Labradoodle coat type. Earlier we mentioned how the puppy coat has a softer, finer, thinner texture than the adult Labradoodle coat — no matter which adult type they have. But how can you know if your Labradoodle puppy will keep their straight hair or grow up to have a wavy, fleece coat or a curly, wool coat? By 14 months old, your puppy should have their full adult coat. So, the sort of time that a puppy will go to their forever home. This is more likely when you are working with a later generation breeder. Many later generation breeders will work specifically with fleece or wool coat Labradoodles as breeding stock. This means a hair coat Labradoodle puppy is less likely. Choosing an Older Dog Another option if you really need or want a Doodle with a wool or fleece coat is to consider rescuing an older Labradoodle. This way, you can spend time with the dog before bringing them home. You can see if your chosen Labradoodle triggers allergy symptoms, if this is a potential issue for you. Of course you will miss out on the puppy stages. The Labradoodle breed was first created in an attempt to get a hypoallergenic guide dog. However, studies have shown that there is really no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. This is because dog allergens are found in dander, saliva, and even urine — not in fur. So, even wool and fleece type Labradoodles are not hypoallergenic. The main reason they may trigger fewer allergy symptoms is that their curly fur catches shedding dander. But, none of the three hair types are hypoallergenic. They could all trigger allergy symptoms. You dog may yet grow up to have that lovable curly fur! Even if not, Labradoodles with straight hair have all the same popular traits, and they require less grooming! Does your Labradoodle puppy have straight hair? References and Resources Byrnell, J. A flat coat Labradoodle is another name for a straight haired Labradoodle. They take more after the Labrador side of the breed with a scruffy medium length coat rather than a curly or wavy coat that people usually associate with the breed. Standard sized Straight Hair Labradoodles grow to 51 to 66cm and weigh 23 to 45kg. On the other hand, Miniature Straight Hair Labradoodles get to 40 to 51cm in height and weigh 12 to 23kg. Yes, Straight Haired Labradoodles need basic grooming like all dogs, requiring a weekly brush to remove shedded hair and the occasional bath to keep them clean. Nevertheless, they do not need to be taken to the groomer for a trim every weeks like their curly coat relatives which can save owners quite a bit of money yearly. Do Straight Haired Labradoodles Shed? Yes, Straight Haired Labradoodles shed quite considerably like their Labrador parents. They are the opposite of Curly or Wavy Haired Labradoodles who hardly shed at all. No, Straight Haired Labradoodles are not hypoallergenic as they shed due to the dominance of Labrador genes over Poodle genes. They are unlike Wavy or Curly Haired Labradoodles which are hypoallergenic due to their long, curly coat that needs to be cut. That being said, straight haired Labradoodles are more hypoallergenic than a purebred Labrador. You can read our full Labradoodle shedding guide here. This is most likely to occur in a first generation Labradoodle F1 Labradoodle when a Labrador and Poodle are bred together rather than two Labradoodles. Whilst most people believe that all Labradoodles have a wavy or curly coat, it is actually very common for Labradoodles to have straight haired coat, taking after their Labrador parent more than the Poodle. Some Labradoodles look more like Labradors then Poodles, especially when they have a straight coat instead of a wavy or curly one. This occurs when Labradoodles do not inherit the curly coat gene called the Cu Locus gene and most commonly occurs for F1 Labradooodles. F2 Labradoodle is when an F1 Labradoodle is bred with another F1 Labradoodle resulting in a fifty-fifty chance of Straight Hair Labradoodles occurring in the litter. If you are looking for a Straight Hair Labradoodle you will want to get an F1 or F2 litter as they have the highest change of the straight hair gene of the Labrador coming through. No, not all F1 Labradoodles will have straight hair however a significant percentage of the litter will. F1 Labradoodles can have any coat type from wavy to curly to straight as it is a first generation breed of a Labrador Retriever and Poodle. No, Straight Hair Labradoodles do not have a double coat like their Labrador parent. Instead they have a single coat. As the weather gets hotter, Straight Hair Labradoodles will start shedding a little more than usual. Nevertheless, colour changes as expected for maturing Labradoodles. The colour of their coats often change colour or fade several shades lighter as they become an adult. Check out the adorable Labradoodle puppies that are currently available here! PuppySpot is a dog adoption website that connects breeders with prospective pet owners. They have a zero tolerance policy for puppy mills which is why they screen every breeder annually! They have placed over , puppies in homes and offer various trusted, USDA-certified transportation options to deliver your puppy to your home safely! What is a Straight Hair Labradoodle? Some may have a scruffy look where tufts of hair sprout out of their body, while also having a short wavy or curly fur undercoat covering their body. Other straight hairs are completely covered in medium-long fur, that grows consistently all over their face and body. Their coats can range from straight to wavy hair, similar to a labrador. They can also be slick and glossy, or flat and matte, with feathering along the tails, and around the legs and face. Typically a straight coat will vary in length and thickness, with no two dogs from the same litter being guaranteed to have the same type of fur growth. As puppies, straight hair coats will not begin to grow out their hair until they are eight weeks old. By the time they are 12 weeks old, it will be clear as to what sort of coat the puppies will have. No, not all labradoodles have curly fur. They have both fur and hair actually. You may have noticed that I have been freely switching between the two during my explanations. This is because hair and fur are the same thing. Can Straight Hair Coats be Shaved? Typically the answer will be no. If you live in a hot country, then during the summer times, it might be worth considering to give them a trim. Not a shave! Just a light trim to help stop their bodies from over heating. The fur coat, actually protects their skin from sun burn, and helps to prevent it from drying out, which can cause skin conditions. Clean up the hair around the dogs face, in particular around the eyes, if it has bushy eyebrows, and around the muzzle. It is best to look at reducing the length of the fur in areas that can could cause health problems or discomfort, if the fur was to become clumped up and mattered. How to Best Control Shedding? Straight haired labradoodles shed a lot more than any other labradoodles. As tempting as it may be to shave your furry companion to help counter shedding. It nonetheless remains inadvisable and should be avoided. It can be lessened however. Just as we humans shed hair, so will a healthy and happy dog. Throughout the year, your pooch will continue to shed hair, more so as the weather warms up and their winter coat falls out. To counter this, get in the habit of giving your dog regular grooming. A little bit of brushing can go a long way. It removes loose hair, and helps to re-affirm the bond between you and your dog, as they enjoy the attention and can even find the grooming to be relaxing. Bathing your dog should be kept to a minimum as the shampoos and warm water can lead to dry skin and other skin conditions. Instead take your dog for swims or use lukewarm water to rinse off their coats. The most important thing to remember is to keep your dog in a comfortable environment, as stress can cause a dog to shed even more. A good diet helps to promote stronger hair follicles and a shinny coat, that can help reduce shedding. Some owners later discover that they are allergic to straight haired labradoodles. While it may be tempting to shave off their fur, in an attempt to eliminate the allergic reactions. This should never be done! Allergies are not triggered by dog fur. They are caused by pet dander — skin particles that are shed by the dog all year long. By shaving the fur off, the owner is actually making things worse for themselves. It drys the skin out, removing moisture and causes rashes to develop. As a result more skin is shed, exposing the pet owner to more dander. As more skin conditions develop or worsen, the dog will start scratching releasing even more dander into the air. How Often Should a Dog be Bathed? Bathing your dog can be effected by many different factors and can be very situational. You may need to bath them more frequently for medical reasons, or because of what they have decided to roll in. Generally speaking, bathing your labradoodle should be more infrequent. Over bathing your dog can strip its fur of natural oils that help to protect their skin and strengthen their hair. Ideally, you should limit proper bathes to when they start to smell a little, or if you need to remove matter from their fur. If they are just dirty with dust and mud, use lukewarm water or a running hose to wash away the dirt. Alternatively encourage them to swim in a body of water such as a river or at the beach while under your supervision. As a precautionary measure you can get a life jacket for your labradoodle. When you do need to give them a proper bath, use a mild oatmeal or coconut based dog shampoo. It will strip away some of the oils from their coat, but these types of shampoos will help to keep the skin moisturized. Over bathing can lead to skin irritations that can be itchy and uncomfortable. Dogs do not need to have baths as much as humans need to. How to Watch Out for Skin Conditions If your Labradoodle has any skin conditions, this could cause them to shed more fur, or even release more dander into the air. They may show signs of a skin condition by excessive scratching or nipping and licking at the same area. Remember mites and parasites can cause just as much damage to the skin as over-bathing. If you are wondering if the straight hair coats are the sort of labradoodles for you, please consider the following points: Their coats require the lowest level of maintenance. They do shed a lot more then other coats. They look more like labradors, than poodles. They may not be suitable for people with dog allergies. No two straight hairs will have the same coat. Related posts:.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Which is why a lack of exercise can be the root cause for many destructive behavioral problems for active dog breeds such as Labs. As WebMD. This is a game that combines both mental and physical activity. To start, teach your dog the specific names for his or her toys by pointing at them and repeating the names. Ask your dog to fetch a particular toy. If they bring back the wrong one, throw it back and ask again until you get the right toy. This can be played indoors—as long as you have enough space—or outdoors. And if your Lab especially a puppy grabs any part of you or your clothes, stop the game for a time before trying again. Make a circle of about 20 feet or more with your Labrador square in the middle and take turns calling him or her to you. Praise your dog or give a treat when they come, and then step back to let someone else call. Once your dog understands how it works, call faster and faster for a great doggie workout. You can also have family members in different parts of the house calling to give your Labrador the exercise they need on a rainy day. If you have the room, you can set up the hurdles indoor and have your dog run through them until blissfully tired. You can also set them up in the yard and create a true agility course, complete with jumps, twists and turns. Your Labrador has an incredible nose. Keep it in top shape by hiding treats around the house or yard and asking your dog to find them all. You can hold one treat in your hand and let your Lab sniff it before sending him or her out to search to give an idea of what to look for. Alternatively, you can use people instead of treats and have your dog find your loved ones instead for a twist on the game. Just make sure to have treats on hand to reward your Labrador for their excellent finds. Kong makes some of the most popular models, but you have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to picking the right toy for your Labrador. Designed to help cut down on boredom, food dispensing toys are like puzzle treats for your dog. Click here for our list of the best chew toys for labs and strong chewers. Upgrade Your Fetch Toy To a Frisbee Unlike balls that tend to sink and roll away, Frisbees hold air much longer, making them a very fun toy for your Labrador. See if you can teach your Lab to jump and grab the Frisbee midair for even more of a workout. As for durability, you can choose between soft Frisbees your dog can easily grip with their teeth yes, even puppy teeth! Then you can scatter multiple toys around the house and give the command for your dog to put them all away. Start by having your dog sit and show them a piece of their favorite treat. Hide it under a plastic or Styrofoam cup right in front of them. Once your Labrador has gotten the idea of how it works, rub a piece of treat over three cups to keep your dog from cheating with his nose. Then place the treat under one of the three cup and ask your dog to find it. If your dog is a whiz at identifying the right cup, you can then make things more challenging by slowly rotating the cups. Have you any favorite games you like to play with your Labrador? Let us know in the comments! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Just perfectly normal! Although can appear really rough.I don't mind my three playing like this.This becomes a learned and highly self rewarding behaviour that in a friendly love everyone labrador can be a challenging issue to address So I have a rule, and maybe let them play with one out of four dogs they meet.With the other dogs I don't want them to meet, I keep mine at a distance, so they are not frustrated and are able to process and learn, and reward heavily for focus on me and ignoring the other dogs. Click to expand.I might start doing that when out on walks then, we have just got in from one actually and she is a lot more "can I sniff you please" I don't know if that is just chance but I think she could be calming down a bit. She is respectful when first meeting new dogs but if they give her just a little hint that they are interested she is their best friend. We have had some comments from people in our puppy class that Harley is "aggressive" and over the top. So we have kept her from those dogs or rather, those owners. We watched a series called Rescue dog to Super dog and in one of the episodes one of the rescue dogs was being introduced to a home with an existing dog. I think it was Nando Brown who eased the concerns of the owners that it is important to read the body language of the dogs in a neutral way and not project our anxieties. So he recommended that the playing dogs get seperated and then the "victim" dog is set free and the "bully" dog is on a harness seperately. If the "victim" dog approaches the "bully" and attempts to re-establish play or positive contact then the chances are good that the "victim" dog is actually okay with the current interaction. I just couldn't forgive myself if she got hurt. Dogs normally greet each other and indulge in some sniffing before inviting play, frequently with a chase game. Bitey face is frequently only played by dogs who are well known to each other as it takes trust in the others actions. It is advisable to stop Poppy practicing this behaviour as it can lead to problems either with a dog that takes exception to her behaviour or an owner who takes exception to their dog being jumped on. The other dog may be recovering from injury or surgery or may be reactive to other dogs etc. One way to think of it is how you would feel if a complete stranger ran up to you in the park, threw his arms around you for a big hug and gave you a big smacker of a kiss Click to expand.Hi Jojo83, yeah very good point, I don't know if Poppy has somehow found out I've been worried but this afternoon has been a little better. Been keeping her on her lead and going up to dogs slowly, shes been a lot sniffier with them rather than just being overly excited and lunging herself at them! Guess she's still a puppy though but I don't want her to think she can get away with it at the same time, as you say, if it was revered roles i'd be a little concerned too. Labrador Retrievers are usually very kind , friendly, and even-tempered, even when they are puppies. It is actually for this reason that Labs make great family dogs. The fact that they love to play with people—whether they are kids, adults, or seniors—contributes to making them one of the most popular dog breeds. Take note, however, that every dog also has its limits. Just like humans, if you push your Lab too hard and annoy them during playtime or while they exercise, they may grow to dislike it and may even snarl, bark, or nip. Additionally, Labradors need obedience training while they are young. Their temperament may change as they age if they do not learn how to obey you. Generally, however, it is fairly easy to play with your Labrador puppy. They love to be around people and enjoy most games that you teach them. If a child tries to play with a Lab puppy, they often play more carefully, but again, that depends on your particular pup. What toys can you use to play with Lab puppies? Here is a quick list of the basic toys that your Labrador Retriever puppy will love: Balls Whether soft or hard, having balls as toys for your Lab puppies is great. Ideally, however, puppies should have softer balls, while older dogs may prefer tougher ones. Just make sure that the ball is always too big for them to swallow to avoid choking hazards. At the same time, however, the ball must be small enough to fit in their mouths. Squeaky toys Some Labs get excited whenever they hear a squeaky toy. Puzzle toys For Labradors that are known for being very smart dogs, mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise. You can also get them activity toys, boxes, and balls to present them with a challenge. These puzzle toys usually have spaces where you can put food inside. Chew toys Chew toys are always great toys, especially when your Lab puppy is teething. For these types of toys, you can try chew toys and rawhide bones, among others. Tug toys Dogs love tug toys because the goal is to win. However, you also need to be careful with these kinds of toys, especially if your puppy shows aggression. How long should Labrador puppy play sessions be? Typically, if your puppy looks energetic and wants to play, they can play as often as they can. They should take breaks, though, whenever they show signs of exhaustion, like lying down, panting, and aggression. However, a lot of people agree that puppies should play for 5 minutes for each month of their age twice in a day. For example, a four-month-old puppy can play for 20 minutes two times a day, while a 5-month old puppy can play for 25 minutes two times a day. Be gentle, however. While Labrador Retrievers are big dogs, it does not mean that they can handle rough play all the time. This is especially true when your Lab is still young. They could get hurt or feel scared of you if you play with them too roughly. Fetch game to play with your labrador puppy A simple game of fetch is a great way of bonding with your Lab puppy. Plus, it helps them exercise their mind and body. When your Labs are still very young puppies, stick to the basics—throw the toy and encourage them to bring it back to you. Once your Labrador Retriever gets good at playing fetch, you can make the game more interesting. For instance, you can get specific toys and name them. Of course, you need to say the names to your dog as well and point at your dog so they can identify the toy. Start slow by throwing two toys in front of your dog and saying the name of one toy that your dog knows. Your dog should get the right toy. To encourage them to make the right choice, give them treats every time they get the right toy. The name game Once your Labrador gets good at playing fetch, you can make the game more interesting. Of course, you need to say the names to your dog and point at the dog so they can identify the toy. Start slowly by throwing two toys in front of your dog and saying the name of one toy that your dog knows. Hidden treasure Another great brain game for Lab puppies is to find yummy treats. Show your Labrador a treat and let them smell it, but do not let them eat it. Make your dog leave the room and hide the treat. Let them enter the room to find the treat. Make sure it is not too hard to hide at first to make sure they understand the game. You can increase the difficulty the more you play the game. Chase game to play with your labrador puppy If you have more than one Lab puppy, then you can encourage them to chase each other. However, you may not need to since puppies love to naturally chase each other to play. Do not be alarmed if it looks like one of your Lab pup is getting bullied. Bubbles game to play with your labrador puppy A fun way to play with your Lab puppy is to blow bubbles! You can get non-toxic bubbles and blow them into the air. Some pet shops will sell flavored play bubbles so your dog will love the game even more. Most Labradors will instinctively try to grab and bite the bubbles, which can be lots of fun for them. Plus, it is definitely cute to watch! However, you need to have a mop or a rag to use after playtime. The bubbles can make your floor very slippery because some bubbles will fall on the floor and leave a soapy, slippery residue. Tug of war With tug of war, you can get a few chew toys and rope toys to play a classic game of tug of war. Your Lab will simply bite on one end as you pull the other. Make sure you take regular breaks, though. Do not be too rough and let your Lab win sometimes. Frisbee game to play with your labrador puppy Does your pup love to jump in the air? Encourage them to run and jump high by playing frisbee! All you have to do is throw the frisbee, and they will run and catch it. Play with sprinklers Most Labs love water, so this is a great game to help them enjoy playtime and get used to water. All you have to do is turn the sprinklers on, and you can run and play with your Lab through the water! Hide and seek If you want to play a fun game, make your Lab sit and stay. Make sure they stay as you find a place to hide. Once you are hidden, call out their name one or two times until they find you. Piggy in the Middle If you co-own a dog or have multiple people in the house, this game is a fun way for many people to play with your pup. Find a way to surround the puppy without making them feel closed in. Grab a ball and throw the ball to the other person. Your dog will probably not get the ball, which is fine, but they will definitely try their best! In short… It is easy to play with a Lab puppy and keep them entertained. You can buy them the appropriate toys, be gentle with them, and play fun games with them to keep them happy and healthy. Post navigation. How to play with a puppy through training. Playing has been a part of social development for both humans and dogs since the days of hunting and gathering. Nowadays, our daily routine has been reduced to mostly hunting burgers and gathering fries, but playing still remains a critical part of human social development. This is true for our canine companions as well. Ensuring adequate and healthy playtime is a big part of raising a well-rounded dog. Some types of puppy games are good for physical development, whereas others are important for mental and social development. Here are a few of my favorite twists on classic puppy games. Puppy Running Games 1. Use a Flirt Pole Flirt poles are fabulously simple and absolutely brilliant. A flirt pole is simply a stick or pole with a rope or bungee hanging from the end. At the other end of the rope is a fabric-type toy that bounces and moves easily. By bouncing the pole or dragging it slowly across the ground, the toy at the end of the rope becomes wildly animated like a small animal. Your dog will go nuts chasing and trying to capture it. But, how do their trainers first start them on that path? Playing hide-n-seek! To initiate the game, trot away from your puppy while looking over your shoulder and calling her name. Stop after a few yards, squat down to your knees and scoop her up into a playful snuggle. Repeat several times, each time going a bit further away and calling her less and less until you are no longer calling her at all. The final phase of hide-n-seek is to wait until your puppy is distracted such as when they first go outside to use the loo! Wait and see if she can find you based on sound and smell cues alone. The following games can be played with your puppy indoors, in the comfort of your sweatpants as your dinner simmers on the stove. Blow bubbles My shepherd mix Lily had a blast chomping at the bubbles and sneezing as they pop on her nose. Be sure to dry off the floor afterward so nobody slips on the little bit of soapy residue bubble-blowing sessions will inevitably leave on the floor! Certain toys work better than others—a knotted rope, length of fabric, or Kong tug toys. Start by initiating tug with the toy. Tug-of-war is only fun when two are playing, so your puppy will drop the toy eventually. If you time it right, you can praise your puppy for dropping the toy and then re-initiate the game right away. And the game will go on and on. This is the easiest indoor game for puppies. It also helps your puppy become desensitized to being touched—useful for future grooming or vet visits! A bored puppy is a destructive puppy! So here are my favorite brain games for puppies. Tracking Games Tracking games are great for dogs to put their awesome olfactory system to work! All you have to do is drag a treat like a milk bone across the ground a few yards and hide. The best hiding places are inside something like a box or overturned flowerpot. Next time you go to the pet store for kibble, bring a few old rags and ask the staff if you can get some scents from the hamsters, birds, and maybe even the fish department! Then move them around, mix them up, and let your puppy use his nose to knock over the tubs and find the right one. Leisurely Sniff-n-Strolls Going for a walk is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to socialize your puppy. The point is to mix it up with keeping your puppy on a tight lead for polite walks, versus leisurely strolls with a little more leash to sniff around and explore. A fun way to desensitize your puppy to a variety of noises is to play this game. Gather a basket of objects from around the house and hide it behind your back. One by one, make noise with each object while your dog looks on, probably confused. Then show him the object and let him sniff it and explore it while you make the noise again with the object in plain sight. This could include your shaking keys, dropping a small pan on the floor, crinkling some plastic wrap, or clicking a ball-point pen. Meet the Car It may not occur to you to introduce your puppy to the family car, but you should! Walking around the car together, opening and closing doors, honking the horn, and letting him jump in and out are good activities. Crate games Getting your puppy comfortable going into a crate or bed is one of the earliest goals of training. So why not make a game out of it? Toss tiny treats inside and around the crate while she gets used to walking in and out without fear. Then up the ante by occasionally closing the door after she walks inside. Then let her out again and start over. This is one of those puppy training games for the whole family to get in on! Have everyone stand in a big circle in the backyard. It seems simple, but we always end up having a laugh at the antics that puppies get into when they start running around the circle looking for who has called! Pick two objects and set them in front of your puppy. Say the name of one object a few times, and wait. Repeat, using the same object as the target a few times before repeating the same thing with another object. Then alternate back and forth and see how many sessions of this game it takes for your dog to know the names of the objects! The secret to successful play with a large dog is to define the boundaries and rules of the game, and to control where it starts and stops. This is almost impossible with free play or rough housing, where dogs often become over-excited and careless. Structured games enable you to remain in control whilst keeping your dog happy and entertained. It is not just bloodhounds that are great at following a trail. Labradors can do it too. Try laying a scent trail for your dog, with a treat at the end, and watch him follow it with his nose. You will lay your trail with a scent marker. A piece of cloth rubbed in some roast meat juices should do the trick. And you will also need some little chunks of roast chicken or beef steak, for the treat at the end of the trail. Your First Scent Trail Lay your first trail in a straight line on an open piece of ground. Keep your dog out of sight while you do this. Step 1 Mark the start of the trail with a cone or a rock, so that you know where to begin tracking Drag your cloth along for 3 feet. Place a little piece of meat or some other yummy treat at the end. Step 2 Now fetch your dog and take him to your start marker. Watch him sniff around and follow the scent to the treat. Step 3 Repeat a few times. Now you can start to make the game more fun. Making scent work it more difficult One way to make the game more challenging, is to make your trails longer. You can also gradually introduce turns or changes in direction so that the trail is wiggly rather than straight. After a few weeks of practicing you will be able to lay quite complicated trails for your dog to play the scent game. The next game can be played indoors 2. Statue Games To Play With Your Dog In this game, your dog has to sit perfectly still without moving a muscle, whilst you walk all around him in a circle. Take care not to step on his tail as you cross behind him. You teach this game in easy stages, using an event marker to let the dog know when he is on the right track. Your event marker The event marker is just a sound that you make each time the dog is successful. Step 1 To begin with, sit your dog next to you, stand still, and watch him carefully. As soon as he is completely still, mark and reward! Step 2 The next step is to mark and reward 3 seconds of not moving. Fidgety dogs may need you to mark 2 seconds first, and then move on to 3. Step 3 When your dog can sit like a statue for 3 seconds, it is time to teach him to keep really still whilst you move your leg. To start with, just lift one foot off the ground and put it back down again. If he keeps still, mark and reward. If he moves or fidgets go back to standing still for 3 seconds, then try and smaller movement of your foot. Making it more difficult Once he can do this, you can progress to bigger movements of your leg. If he moves, make the game easier for a moment. When you give him his treat, let him move around, then bring him back to sit next to you for the next attempt. Over the space of five to ten games of five minutes each, you will be able to progress from lifting your leg, to taking a step to one side, to taking a step backwards. All without the dog moving. Soon you will be able to step forwards, turn and face the dog! You will also be able to step back wards and to one side, so that you step across his tail. It is then just a short step to be able to step all around your dog whilst his sits like a statue. Step 1 Choose a toy your dog really loves. Use the name of the toy a lot whilst your dog is holding and playing with it. Step 2 Now sit your dog or get someone to hold him and let him see you take the toy through and open doorway and place it on the floor in full view in another room. Tell him how clever he is when he gets it. Step 3 Repeat a few times, then begin to make things more complicated. Making it more difficult Try placing the toy where he cannot easily see it until he is in the room. You need to build up his skill gradually. After a few more games, you will be able to make the game more difficult, hiding the toy under a cardboard box or a cushion. You can also teach your dog different names for different toys and see if he can pick up the right one. Teach Your Dog To Freeze! This is great fun to play with an active dog. Step 1 Have your dog move around near to you. Keep throwing him tiny treats to hold his attention and dance around to keep him moving. Step 2 Start dancing around again. Each time you freeze, wait for him to freeze too and immediately mark and reward. Step 3 Now you can start to add a cue word. Mark and reward the dog when he stops. Making it more difficult Now start throwing the treats further away and saying freeze when he has picked up the treat and is starting to return. But as long as you always throw the treat well behind him, he will soon start to freeze further from you. Freeze is not just a fun game, it can also be a useful cue to give a dog that is heading towards danger or getting too far away. Keeping it fun With all these games, it pays to make haste slowly, and to stop whilst the dog is having fun. Many dogs will get bored if you carry on much longer than this.

They are clear of known diseases for the breed and over other genetic diseases and sub-variants. We also apply proper nutritional practices and supplements for joint and muscle health, practice non-impact exercises to decrease possible damage to both bones and joints. Our professional breeders also provide educational information to potential buyers and anyone interested in canine health and genetic testing. We are working with other breeders to proactively address the benefits of genetic testing for health and breed purity. The Importance Of Genetic Testing For American Bulldog Breeding In the past, breeders have relied strongly on phenotype when breeding, which allowed the introduction of other breeds. To reverse this tendency to breed by phenotype only, it is crucial that the American Bulldog community work towards having genetic testing as a fundamental practice in their breeding programs. The coefficient of relationship is a measure of the degree of a biological relationship between two dogs. Our Client Reviews "Awesome farm and knowledgeable breeder! Remy is everything we wanted and more! Words cant describle your devotion to this breed. Great experience with extremely educated breeders! Our Partnership with Experienced Veterinarians Think About It Farms is working with veterinarians from both the genetic and research fields. The veterinarians are assisting us in the proper care, nutritional needs, exercise, determining which hereditary qualities and behaviors are considered beneficial to improving the breed, developing practices of selectively breeding, and raising the dogs to promote these desirable traits. Call us today at to learn more about our American Bulldogs and our efforts to preserve them. While we do respect the achievements of more dog show oriented fellow breeders offering great praise to some of them , and while Blasco dogs have indeed stood in the winner's circle, such beauty contest victories are not our focus. We are professional breed developers, focused exclusively on hybrid, working type American Bulldogs and Bandogge Mastiffs. It is a scientific fact, outcross breeding breeding dogs together of different breeds , promotes vastly superior dog-health across a broad range of metrics. Our goal is to segregate the superior health, structural, performance and protection characteristics of the more ancient dogs, from the modern dog genome. It can be categorically stated, that all Blasco dogs, whether our American Bulldogs or Bandogges, are suitable for stable family companionship, home defense, and personal protection. Our Bandogges also being registered, pedigreed dogs , are the results of outcross breedings between American Bulldogs, South African Boerboels, English Mastiffs, Cane Corsos, Dogue de Bordeaux and other traditional and exotic Mastiff breeds. Sorry if I look a little mean, the sun was in my eyes. Except where otherwise noted, all Blasco dogs can be trained as AKC Canine Good Citizens , while retaining a strong drive towards family protection. Our Bandogges' and American Bulldogs' prey drive is subordinate to their pack drive, motivating protection of the "pack" that's you, your kids and the other animals you've taught the dog to accept. This is a big deal. It is rare that guard dogs and personal protection dogs are also trustworthy family members. Many police dogs and Schutzhund dogs that are "stable" in public on the end of a leash live in professional kennels, not living rooms. Even in hunting American Bulldogs and Bandogges do not typically kill hogs or other large game, much less your cat, chickens, goats or other domestic or livestock animals. They are bred to corral and contain, or to catch and hold a threat; i. Bandogges and other predecessors of American Buldogs were originally developed on medieval European farmyards. With no law enforcement or guns, with ruffians, scoundrels and wild beasts ever present, the Ancient World was dangerous. Children ranged many miles tending flocks, and managing unruly livestock with only their fearsome family farm dogs to protect and assist them. These dogs almost without fail will naturally distinguish between lambs to be protected and predators to be driven off or killed - a distinction clearly not prey driven. Please enjoy the site. It's admittedly long-winded. We use it as a scrap book, for memories, articles and opinion statements wanting you to know who we are, and where your dog comes from. Some basic info follows for your convenience.Please glance through it before emailing. If I'm busy you may wait a few days, but I will answer you. We also do not maintain waiting lists. Such practices attempt to get money from you as fast as possible, preventing you from shopping around. Our typical process is to email Blasco Puppy Announcements to our email contacts as puppies become available. Email me if you require clarifications. Trained adults are only rarely available. Other destinations incur additional costs. We will not ship to any venue with quarantine requirements, or to any country where dog fighting, live animal baiting, or the eating of dogs is not explicitly illegal. We provide standard day in-house evaluation before delivery. There's no cell service at the house and our landline is unreliable. We generally use email, so please don't send me call-back requests. We'll gladly speak by phone to intended buyers before you make a deposit. Just let me know that's your desire and we'll schedule a call. I'm happy to answer questions, and I answer all polite emails. That said, family and dogs keep me busy. I tend to answer emails in bursts every few days, sometimes taking as long as a week. I'm sorry about that. Nonetheless, please do email me by form or directly. Regarding the dogs pictured, some dogs are no longer with us whether having passed on, or been rehomed as adults , and we do own quite a few dogs not pictured on the site as well. Below you'll find the first few photos of our family, and our dogs, to help you get to know both of us better. There's also more pics and useful bits of information in the Dog Profiles and Photos sections. And hey, do you already own a Blasco dog? The first were hunting dogs and the second large herding dogs, who effectively protect sheep and goats. From this description of these herding dogs we quote: The lower jaw is undershot. From it grows two teeth, one on the left, the other on the right, which are only slightly exposed.These dogs have large heads and drooping ears, a strong nape and neck.The tail is thick, the bark sonorous, the jaws large; the color usually is white.I sold several dogs to folks for hog dogs. Judah with his kids. All are over pounds, "kid friendly and mother approved. Kids and American Bulldogs.Daughter Kat and son John with Doc, still a baby at 9-months with a whole lot of growing to do. Look at the peaceful demeanor of this teenage dog, totally trustworthy and gentle with children. All of our dogs develop a similar calm maturity early in life, growing in a calm, loving environment. Treat your dog like a baby bunny for the first months or so, no need to be rough to "raise their aggression. American Bulldog puppies.Our dogs meet human hands and voices at birth. E ach receives extra feedings by bottle from day-one , imprinting them as much on children as on their own mother. That says something about the bond of trust with the mother, and the early socialization these puppies already have when they enter new homes. Abi is special needs and with a unique connection to animals. She called to Mambo when he was less than a week old and still blind. He crawled feet across the floor to her a distant adventure at his age. From that moment on he preferred Abi to his own mother, often refusing to nurse off unless Abi's hand was on him. For the rest of his life, Mambo was inseparable from Abi. Of course, Mambo didn't remain a puppy for long.Mambo grew.Here's John at four hugging Mambo at under a year old. The collar is 24" making his head quite a bit larger. Mambo is over lbs. This profile shot shows Mambo's slightly longer nose. It's an important distinction between straight Johnson or Bully type American Bulldogs and "hybrid type" American Bulldogs. The "hybrid types" still achieve the heavier weights, but gain clear breathing and much better stamina. American Bulldogs like to play.John with Doc at 9-months. At this age, dog, boy and sisters had a blast. The kids would lay on the tile floor holding a leash and Doc would run them around, sliding across the floor. Doc truly loved playing with the kids. Many dogs tolerate kids, but I haven't met a well loved American Bulldog that didn't genuinely enjoy the company of little kids, forming deep and lasting bonds with the children in their families. He can catch a football, crunch up a soup bone or swallow a sock or a toy, so be sure to pick up the laundry and toys! Here the lovely wife Rebecca with Doc having just had his ears and teeth checked. Obviously we use bleach on our counters! Doc is months here, roughly pounds. This breed is not suitable for full-time crating and cages, but do okay in apartments with daily walks. Train them early and they'll be fine. Young Adult Puppies.Mambo, Doc in the rear and Pete on the right, all at or just over lbs. Pete was smallest of the litter and just look at him. He's a pound dog and can leap easily to the roof the roof of my Dodge Durango sitting on 31 inch tires a bit over six feet. Shortest dog in the litter at .Doc is also a regular flying Bulldog, but not the mischief maker Pete is. Pete was our Dennis the Menace, always into stuff, digging holes, pretending he wants to fight, but then when someone turns around snarling, throwing himself dramatically onto his back in surrender, only just teasing them. Pete is just too funny. Doc and Mambo are big fun, but a bit more serious. Not properly socializing these dogs is tantamount to attack training them. Poorly socialized, carelessly trained dogs are a high risk liability LIKELY to bite strangers in an effort to control them by forced herding and attack. To the left, Judah herds me away on Becky's command.Life Span Did You Know? The American Bulldog is a descendant of a generic bulldog type of dog breed brought into the region that is now the Southern United States by working-class immigrants many years ago. These were all-around working dogs used by small farmers and ranchers for several tasks around the farm. They were often found working as catch dogs, stock dogs, and overall farm guardians. When feral pigs were introduced to the New World, they had no natural predators and the population quickly grew out of control. In addition to their farm duties, the settlers found the bulldog-type dog to be the best solution they had for dealing with it. So, the bulldog continued to thrive, especially in the South. Johnson and Alan Scott that we have what we know today as the American Bulldog. Modern American Bulldogs can still be found working as all-around utility dogs, farm dogs, catch dogs, cattle drovers, and more. They can also be found competing in dog sports, working as a guardian, police, or military dog, and are also popular as a family pet. This dog breed is a sweetheart with a gentle, fun-loving nature. The American Bulldog is affectionate and adores their families. They also love children and tend to be good with other animals. American Bulldogs can have a high prey drive, so you will want to make sure you introduce and socialize them properly with other small animals in the household. Due to their protective nature, they can be aloof towards strangers and strange dogs, especially when they are younger. Early socialization can help them be more comfortable navigating their guardian instincts. Overall, this dog breed tends to be confident, social, and are most at ease and relaxed when they are with the people they love. American Bulldogs are an emotional dog breed and thrives on human attention and affection, so they tend to bond strongly with their owners and may come across as clingy sometimes. They will also often convince themselves that they are lap dogs regardless of their size, so make sure you are ready for a lot of love and cuddles with your American Bulldog, drool and all! The American Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are strong, high-energy working dogs that love being around their favorite humans. This makes them better suited to larger homes with space for them to run. They are not generally a good fit for apartment living, but they can adapt as long as they get more than enough exercise and attention. Because they do tend to bond strongly with their owners and want to be near them, they do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but can adapt to well to most climates. There are some health issues that can be found in specific genetic lines and are not common to the breed overall, but these can be ruled out with genetic tests. Some potential health conditions to be aware of in general with the American Bulldog include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid disorders, kidney disorders, bone cancer, and eye-related issues like ectropion, entropion, and cherry eye. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns. American Bulldogs are highly trainable and eager to please, so they are a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. They can have a stubborn streak, so a first-time dog owner may want to consider enrolling in puppy training classes. As with any dog breed, early and ongoing training and socialization are important for your American Bulldog puppy to grow into a well-rounded, and a well-behaved, dog. This dog breed has a short coat that is generally smooth. Common coat colors are white and predominately white with patches of brindle, black, or red. More coat color patterns are emerging and becoming more common like all shades of brindle, fawn, brown, red, and more. The American Bulldog is relatively low maintenance and easy to groom and they are light to moderate shedders. They only require a bath as needed. But, you will need to be prepared to deal with some extra drool! Floppy ears tend to trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to ear infections. The ideal dental care for dogs is using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day. Dental hygiene chews or treats, a specially-formulated dental care diet, and more can be used to supplement your dental care efforts. The American Bulldog is an athletic and high-energy dog breed. They love daily walks and plenty of playtime outside. They may even enjoy plenty of other activities with you like swimming, hiking , and more. With their working dog background, this dog breed does need a job to do in order to stay happy and healthy. They also tend to be a good candidate for dog sports like obedience, weight pulling, the Iron Dog competition, and more. A fully-grown American Bulldog usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. An American Bulldog generally lives for years. Chance, one of the canine stars from the Homeward Bound films, was an American Bulldog. Featured American Bulldog Article.