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What do you call a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix? The easiest way to refer to this cross is Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix. However, these dogs can also be referred to as a Malinois X. Other names include German Malinois and Shepinois. The breed is thought to have been developed in the late s along with the Tervuren, the Groenendael and the Laekonois. They were developed by trainers and working competitors which perhaps explains why Belgian Malinois make great service and working dogs within our society. An ex-German military capital Max von Stephanitz set about attempting to create his perfect working dog. He encountered a dog named Hektor Linksrhein at a dog show in which left such an impression that he bought the dog immediately. He renamed Hektor to Horand von Grafrath, becoming the founder member of the dog breed. German Shepherds are often used by the military, police, drug detection and much more due to their high IQ, impressive obedience and ability to learn. German Shepherds have an identical height range of 22 to 26 inches but they usually weigh a little more between 49 and 88 pounds. So we can deduce that a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix can grow to between 22 and 26 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 90 pounds. Their coat color is reflect of both breeds, with incorporating shades of black, brown, fawn, blue and white. A Malinois X should have a muzzle that is relatively long with a black nose. Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix will have a double coat which sheds. The German Malinois are athletic, good-natured loyal and protective, which are all personality traits that both Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds have. Belgian Malinois have an innate desire to protect their family members, which can make this hybrid a good family pet. However, Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix will require socialization and training from a young age. This gives you the best chance to have a happy, level-headed and well-balanced dog. Although there is no such thing as a per cent hypoallergenic dog, the American Kennel Club outlines that there are some breeds that shed less. Malinois X owners will be required to brush their dogs at least twice a week to remove debris and dead hair. This will help to maintain the health and quality of their coat. Most members of the cross breed will blow out their coats twice a year at the changing of the seasons. Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix exercise requirements German Malinois are high energy dogs, so owners will need to ensure their pet is getting sufficient exercise in order to prevent destructive or unwanted behaviour due to frustration. Dog walking service provider Wag recommend up to minutes a day for a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix. That equates to around 10 miles per week. German Shepherds, on the other hand, can live to between nine and 13 years. The average price of this mix can vary. Other Potential costs include dog food, pet insurance, grooming, vet trips and much more. You can inquire about the availability of this cross. Alternatively, you could contact Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd dedicated rescue organisations for further help. Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd Mix to follow on Instagram If you want to learn more about the cross breed, you can always head to social media to find out more. Dog owners will usually be quite forthcoming with advice and information to followers interested in learning more about the breed. Lifespan Sociability Like any dog, the cost for these pups can vary depending on the breeder and the pedigree of the puppy. Although this is not one of the most common hybrid dogs, there is always a chance that you will be able to provide a wonderful home for a dog in need. This is especially so in the case of any German Shepherd hybrid since they have been bred to be some of the most trainable, obedient dogs known today. The German Malinois can be trained much earlier in life than most other dog breeds. The German Malinois is a cross of two incredible obedient, level-headed dogs. It is because of these traits that their astounding intelligence manifests much earlier. Training can start with these pups much earlier than is typical. They have often completed house training as young as three months old. Many new owners appreciate this aspect of the breed when it comes to purchasing a new puppy. Both the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois are experienced police dogs. German Shepherds were first developed in the s by the Germans. They were bred with several different breeds to try and obtain the most trainable dog at that time. The result was successful, and the German Shepherd still stands out today as one of the most trainable dog breeds. Their temperament was another significant facet of their breeding. The goal was to have a level-headed dog that was obedient and protective. Since the beginning, their breeding may have changed their bone structure and stature slightly, but they still act similarly to the way that they were initially bred. They have become the second most popular dog breed in the U. The Belgian Malinois was bred at approximately the same time as the German Shepherd. The Belgian Malinois has a slightly more confusing timeline because their breed was first recognized as the Belgian Shepherd. Then, the breed was steadily split into three separate dog breeds, with the Belgian Malinois having a short coat and fawn coloring. Both dogs, especially since being imported to America, have been actively and consistently used in the police force. They have the perfect temperament for reliability, a balance of aggressiveness and obedience, and medium to large stature. The German Malinois has a high prey drive. Since both of the dogs involved in the parenting of the German Malinois were bred to be herding dogs, the German Malinois has the drive in their DNA. Watch out for their urge to herd beings smaller than themselves. It is a behavior that you can train out if they are primarily a family dog. If you have any cats, small mammals, or other smaller dogs, make sure the German Malinois is trained, so they know how to behave around these other animals. Unlike small puppies, most would not describe them as energetic dogs because they are also quite serious and controlled. To be content in their living situation, they must have plenty of space to run around in. Beyond their activity levels, they are highly intelligent dogs. Both the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd are incredibly smart, with the latter being ranked for intelligence right after the Poodle and the Border Collie. These pups have a strong desire to please their master or trainer, which is a large part of their acknowledged obedience. Occasionally, they exhibit more difficult tendencies in training, such as stubbornness or overexcitement. However, this is relatively rare and may signify a change in training style is needed. The German Malinois can be aloof toward new animals and humans. Their protective instinct is sometimes too strong for them to have the capacity to accept anything into their trust readily. This feature makes them an excellent guard dog and watchdog. Watch out for any unwanted aggressive behavior, particularly between two male dogs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The reason for this is their heightened prey drive from years of being a herding dog. The German Shepherd side of them is generally good with kids, whereas the Belgian Malinois often is not as friendly, especially if they are pushed or pulled around. Keep a close eye on them around little kids. Due to their overall attitude concerning new animals and humans, it is best to get them accustomed to strangers by having them visit your home or go to the dog park. This will teach them how to act around others appropriately. Although these dogs are quite reserved, they are also social creatures. For the best behavior, it is good to adopt two at once, or at least another pup with these dogs. They need 3—4 cups of food each day. They should have a balanced diet to make sure that they are receiving plenty of nutrients and calories to sustain them. Instead, feed them two or three meals a day. Stick to feeding them during your mealtimes. They can snack a bit in the middle of the day. Make sure that they receive plenty of calcium each day to offset these issues for as long as possible. They need at least 45 minutes of highly engaging activity each day but prefer to receive a mixed amount of exercise for minutes every day. Keeping this in mind, German Malinois are not good dogs to keep in an apartment unless they can go out with you for most of the day. Paired with their high level of intelligence, they pick things up quickly and happily, with few repetitions. They have a high desire to please their trainer, especially if the trainer has positively established dominance. Training is an excellent time to do two things at once, such as working a training session into an agility course. They are quick, with fast reactions and a quicker mind. Either way, they do shed frequently and even more so during changes in the seasons, particularly into spring and autumn. They need to be brushed daily to reduce the amount of hair getting everywhere. Avoid bathing these dogs too often, as the water strips them from natural essential oils produced by their skin. To avoid dental issues, brush their teeth every day. Since the German Shepherd is known to have many spinal and joint issues, it is best to verify. Minor Conditions. It is a cross between the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She has the intelligence and loyalty of a Belgian Malinois. She already knows how to sit and lie down, and can walk off the leash. Piper is one of the greatest dogs we have owned. She gets a long with our cats and my young nieces. This is definitely a breed that needs to be brought up with children in order for them to have a good temperament with them. She is loyal and very protective, yet sociable once warmed up to people. She will remain petite, which she got from her dad, the Malinois. She is currently 35lbs and will mature no more than 10 more pounds. She has a double coat and medium-long hair, no shedding though. Still has her puppy hair, especially behind her ears. She loves the water and the snow, and has a very willing temperament. This is a great mix to own as they are a low maintenance and easy keeper. The only problem with her right now is she had a breakout of mange on her muzzle which the vet said is normal and is treatable. It is common to appear on pups around 6 months in age. This is a picture of her under my desk at work. His dad is a German Shepherd and his mom is a Belgian Malinois. We've never had a Mal before but we have had a GSD. He loves everyone. He's wary of new people. He loves our .Our GSD was my momma's boy. Rhemy can't pick a favorite! It's really sweet that he loves my husband as much as me! Tracked himself home on a walk at 3 months old! In the first picture I sent he was about 4 months old, in this picture he is now 4 years old!! Super smart and a real lover boy. Look at that beautiful face!! He came from a breeder in Cream Ridge, NJ. She said he was a "breeder mistake," but we think he is just perfect!! He is a real clown and loves to lounge on this blanket. He is 4 months old in this picture and is a real face washer!! She has exceptional intelligence. She understands sit, lie down, shake, speak and high-five by both verbal command and hand signals. We're still working on several other commands, of which 'stay' seems to be the hardest. At .She must constantly have something to chew on , otherwise she will shred anything within reach in record time, so rawhide chewbones are a necessity. She also replaced my broken paper shredder. Her herding instincts are very strong and will chase anything that moves, including a leaf blowing across the yard, butterflies, birds, etc. She has a variety of toys, but prefers the stuffed animal ones that squeak or make noise. She loves to play tug-of-war with her toys, be chased and chase you. Her love of water and mud puddles is exceptional and if you have a walk-in shower, don't leave the door open with the water running! She amuses herself by playing with her toys when left alone, but if someone is around, she has to be with them. When she needs to go out, she will find someone and lick their hand kisses until they take her out, otherwise she will lick and nip at your toes and heels to get you moving. She's very alert and will bark and growl at anything unfamiliar as long as she is standing behind your legs. Her worst fault is that if she is out in the open, she does not want to come when you call her. She wants you to come after her and just as you get within reach, she bolts off like a jackrabbit, and there's no catching her. We've learned the best way to get her attention is to ignore her and walk off like we're leaving her. The other fault is her constant attempts to get your attention to play with her, especially if you're trying to get ready for work. She waits until you get one leg into your jeans and then grabs the other, making you hop around on one leg trying to get the other pants leg back. As you pull on a sock, she either grabs the end and pulls it off, or she takes off with the other one so you'll have to chase her down. After you've gone through this same scenario with the shoes, she then follows you around pulling the laces to untie them or pulls back the Velcro straps. Her antics are limitless as is her energy level. Their fur is typically a flat and straight, medium-length double coat. A Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix varies significantly in coat color. Standard coat colors range from fawn, black, and brown, but blue and white are typical. Tan, red, silver, cream, and grey are rare colors that could show up if the Malinois X favors one parent over the other. This designer breed will usually have a dark overlay for markings, which either means their coat will be darker than average, or their marks will be black or brown but never white. Is a Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd cross a good dog? Female Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mixes are usually friendlier and sweeter, whereas males are more territorial and often urinate to mark their territory. They are also prouder. Males are more likely to be aggressive and stubborn but make for better workers. The Malinois X can be a great family pet with early socialization, but due to their watchdog and guard dog intuition and strong prey drive, they are more fit for life on the field than companionship. The Malinois X loves to run, jump, swim, jog, chase, and walk with their owners, but they prefer to have a job to do rather than indulge in playtime. They are great swimmers and enjoy hiking. Is a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix dangerous? While any dog can be aggressive with the wrong owner, the German Shepherd is more likely to have behavioral issues. Therefore, the Malinois X can be a dangerous breed without proper training and socialization. A Shepinois is less likely to be friendly to strangers, other dogs, cats, or five-year-olds. Their high prey drive makes them want to seek out and hunt other animals, which means they are more likely to bark and bite your neighbors. Both parent breeds can be family dog but are more likely to attach themselves to their family. As a significant positive, the Malinois X has a high trainability and will be able to unlearn bad habits. First-time dog owners may have difficulty reining them in due to their stubbornness, especially since this breed is more likely to respond to a strict and diligent leader. How to care for your Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix The Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix has a medium-maintenance double coat and a lot of energy to go around. Overall, you need to have a lot of free time to give this breed the love and attention they need to stay happy and healthy. Exercising Your Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix Shepinois dogs have extremely high energy levels that they require 45 minutes to 2 hours of exercise daily. Keep your doggo entertained and take her hunting, hiking, running, or make her catch flying discs. Smart breeds who are used to doing different canine jobs will also need to stay sharp, so you have to keep your pet challenged mentally, as well. After a trip to the dog park and a walk or jog through the neighborhood, you can let your German Malinois cool down and relax while playing some puzzles or interactive toys. Do you want to hit two birds with one stone? Get your fur buddy join obedience or agility trials. Watch how this video of this Shepinois named Stella have fun being on the move while bonding with her owner: Grooming: Do Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mixes shed? They can be considered as moderate shedders all-year-round, but they shed heavily when the seasons are changing. You can expect minimal drooling and odor, which means bathing should only be done when necessary. Further minimize the chances of diet-related illnesses by avoiding free-feeding or leaving out dog food throughout the day. You should also limit the number of doggy snacks you give your fido. You can use this calorie calculator to help you with that. The health and hereditary conditions of the Malinois German Shepherd mix Your German Malinois will likely suffer from multiple health complications throughout their lifetime. Both the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd are unhealthy breeds. Prepare for potential health complications by screening your pet. Be sure to health screen and take several tests, such as x-rays, dental, ear, eye exams, blood analysis, and blood and urine analysis. Of the multiple health conditions your pup could have, hip and elbow dysplasia are the most common. Other health issues related to the Malinois X include: Bloat. The positives include intelligence, determination, and loyalty. At the same time, German Malinois can be standoffish, potential to be aggressive, and less suited for young children, much like the Belgian Malinois. With this in mind, you need to weigh whether or not a German Malinois is right for you very carefully. If you are debating getting this unique breed, keep reading. In this article, we help you decide if this dog is right for you, or if you should opt for a less energetic dog. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. German Malinois Puppies Image Credit: Alina Ziabrieva, Shutterstock German Malinois puppies are known for their intelligence and trainability, making them a popular choice for those looking for a highly active and intelligent companion. German Malinois puppies are full of energy and require plenty of physical and mental stimulation to help them reach their full potential. Early socialization is crucial to help them develop into confident, well-rounded dogs. In terms of appearance, German Malinois puppies can resemble either parent breed, and their coat color and pattern can vary. They typically have a muscular and athletic build, with a medium-length, dense coat that requires regular grooming. Feeding a high-quality diet and providing plenty of exercise will help them grow into healthy, active dogs. With proper care and attention, German Malinois puppies can grow into loyal, loving companions that form strong bonds with their owners. German Malinois is not suitable for many homes, especially homes with young children. These dogs are also not great for homes that already have other pets. Are These Dogs Good for Families? German Malinois tend to take after the Belgian Malinois, making them a bit more aggressive, but their temperament can be unpredictable. This is why socialization at a young age is important. Some German Malinois can be less tolerant of young children due to their intense herding and hunting instincts. At the same time, other German Malinois take after the German Shepherds, making them relatively calm and tolerant around young children. Because this breed is unpredictable and their tendencies are not shown until they are adults, it is best to avoid getting a German Malinois if you are considering having children or already have young children. Older children will be fine with this breed since German Malinois get along just fine with adults. Although certain German Malinois can be okay with children and other family members, most are not compatible with other pets. Their herding and hunting tendencies mean that they want to herd or hunt small animals, including cats. With other dogs, they can be aggressive and incredibly territorial. This is especially true if both dogs are males and were not introduced to one another at a very young age. For these reasons, a German Malinois is best as the sole pet in the household. Its high energy means that it is best suited for homes with large yards and people who are very active. For this reason, you should feed your German Malinois about 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day. Select a dog food specifically for large dogs and dogs of its specific age group. This breed has a high activity level, meaning they need about 14 miles of walking a week and minutes of playtime a day. Incorporating mental activities into their playtime can make a huge difference. For example, playing fetch, retrieving, and tracking can be a great choice for keeping your German Malinois active. If you are unable to commit to minutes of playtime a day, do not get a German Malinois. This breed needs a whole lot of activity. If you do not exercise it properly, the dog can become mischievous and bored, making you an irresponsible dog owner. The best way to train a German Malinois is by using positive reinforcement but having a strong and firm voice at the same time. By integrating positive reinforcement with a firm voice, the German Malinois will start to listen since you show the dog you mean business. Since this breed is eager to please, using the right technique can make training a breeze. These dogs have coarse fur and shed. This dog breed often develops too much earwax, leading to infections and other ear issues. Cleaning out the earwax frequently will prevent these issues from occurring. As a result, German Malinois are really healthy too. These dogs can live quite a few years and live so healthily. Providing your German Malinois with proper exercise, food, and grooming will help prevent the most common health conditions for this breed. Minor Conditions. They share aspects of their temperament, working style, and physical characteristics. You can think of them as one dog for all intents and purposes. Belgian Shepherd vs. They both possess similar drives and instincts on an instinctual level, but how they express them can vary greatly. For example, the German Shepherd is more prone to being territorial and protective of their family and property. Appearance: The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a beautiful dog that has a lot of characteristics of both the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd. They can weigh anywhere from 40 to 80 pounds and have a height of 22 to 26 inches. They have a long, silky coat that can be black, tan, or red and black. They are also known as Belgian Shepherds. Life Span: Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes can live for anywhere from 10 to 15 years on average, depending on their genetics and any health problems that they may develop. Training And Exercise Requirements: As with any dog, training and exercise are key to a happy, well-adjusted Belgian malinois german shepherd mix. Because of their high energy levels and intelligence, these dogs need a lot of both. Daily walks or runs, plenty of interactive playtimes, and structured obedience training are essential. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, they may become destructive or hyperactive. They will need moderate exercise, between 30 and 60 minutes per day. This could include walks, runs, or playing in the yard. Without enough exercise, they may become destructive or hyperactive. Working dogs, these energetic breeds need jobs to do. Owners of Belgian malinois german shepherd mix often use their dogs for competitive obedience or herding. If a family is spending a lot of time in the yard or at home doing chores. At the same time, the dog is left alone in the backyard, looking into other good breeds with kids but not quite so high energy! The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a beautiful dog that makes an excellent family pet when given the proper training and exercise. These dogs can be a wonderful addition to any family with the right home. Grooming Requirements: For a dog with a dense double coat, the Belgian malinois german shepherd mix sheds fairly little. Weekly brushing is usually enough to keep their coat in good condition. They need occasional bathing and ear cleaning, as well as nail trimmings every few weeks or so. The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix has a dense double layer coat that requires some grooming attention! Daily brushing is required at a minimum. The nails must be trimmed about every weeks for proper foot care, and a professional groomer should give the dog a bath every few months. Ear cleaning is also necessary every weeks to keep those long ears healthy! Health Problems: As with most purebred dogs, common health concerns for the Belgian malinois german shepherd mix include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye disease such as distichiasis where eyelashes grow inwards towards the cornea or entropion where eyelids roll inwards. They are also prone to diseases that affect similar breeds like epilepsy and urinary stones. However, because these dogs are so intelligent and learn commands quickly, they can often be easy to train and manage when it comes to basic health care. As mentioned above, Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes are often used as working dogs. As such, they may be more prone to health problems that develop due to their frequent activity and high-energy lifestyle e. As well as this, make sure your dog gets plenty of regular check-ups and exercise throughout his life to help prevent these conditions from developing in the first place! Living Conditions: The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a hearty breed that can adapt to most living conditions. However, they prefer moderately active families who will take them on plenty of walks and runs. They are not suited for apartment living and should have a large yard to run. These dogs are fairly active and do best in homes where someone is around most of the time. If left alone for extended periods, they may become destructive or hyperactive. However, some generalizations can be made about the temperament of this crossbreed. Belgian Malinois mixes are often high-energy dogs who love to play and need plenty of exercise. They are also very intelligent and eager to please their owners, making them relatively easy to train. On the other hand, they can also be quite independent and strong-willed, so it is important to start training early and be consistent to ensure good behavior. In general, Belgian Malinois mixes are good-natured and affectionate with their family. Still, they may not hesitate to defend themselves in case of a threat. They can also be somewhat protective around strangers or other animals, so socialization is important when they are still young. Since both breeds are highly energetic and very intelligent, Belgian Malinois Shepherd mixes need physical exercise every day. It is also important for them not to get bored; it is recommended that you give them plenty of mental stimulation and their physical activities. This can be done through obedience training, puzzle toys, and plenty of interactive playtimes. However, shelter dogs are also often available for adoption; they may be even cheaper if you can find one in your area! Also, bear in mind that some breeders or shelters may not allow you to adopt or purchase a dog under certain age limits e. Nutrition Requirements: Belgian Malinois and German shepherd mixes are active dogs that require a balanced diet that is rich in protein. Dogs of this breed mix should have a diet of at least 25 percent protein. This can be found in both plant and animal-based proteins. Some good sources of plant-based proteins include beans, lentils, peas, and quinoa. Good sources of animal-based proteins include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. In addition to protein, Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix also need plenty of carbohydrates. Complex carbs such as whole grains are best for these dogs. Vitamins And Minerals: Vitamins and minerals form an important part of a healthy diet for these dog breeds. Vitamin-rich foods include meats, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth, while potassium helps with heart function. Magnesium aids in blood circulation and energy production, while iron supports red blood cell health. Zinc assists with growth and wound healing, while copper supports the proper production of red blood cells. Other Dietary Requirements: In addition to a balanced diet containing plenty of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, the Belgian Malinois and German shepherd mix also needs clean water as well as quality exercise to remain fit and healthy. An inadequate diet can lead to health problems such as allergies, brittle bones, digestive issues including diarrhea or constipation, dental problems like plaque buildup or gum disease, eye problems that include cataracts or glaucoma, obesity-related diseases such as diabetes mellitus or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI , heart conditions including dyspnea shallow breathing or cardiomyopathy weakening of the heart muscles , neurological problems such as epilepsy or seizures, respiratory issues including pneumonia or kennel cough, skin conditions like mange or yeast infections, urinary issues including cystitis inflammation of the bladder and stones in the urethra to name a few. Socialization: Belgian Malinois German shepherd mix is a great breed for those who want to have a working dog. They are very active and need a lot of exercises. They also require good socialization. Proper socialization will help your dog be well-adjusted and friendly with other people and animals. It is important to begin socializing your Belgian Malinois German shepherd mix puppy as soon as possible. Start by introducing him to many different people, dogs, and places. Expose him to a variety of sights, sounds, and smells. Be sure to keep interactions positive and rewarding. Puppy class is a great place to start socializing with your pup. If you have an older Belgian Malinois German shepherd mix, it is never too late to socialize him. Just be sure to take it slowly and always keep things positive. You may want to consider enrolling him in a training class or taking him for walks in different areas. Potential of Belgian malinois german shepherd mix as a family pet: Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a potential family pet because of its friendly nature and intelligence. They can learn commands quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement. These dogs also have high energy levels and like to be active, so they need plenty of exercises. Suppose you are looking for a companion that will keep you active. In that case, a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix may be the perfect pet for you. When considering whether or not to adopt a Belgian Malinois german shepherd mix, it is important to remember that they can be quite destructive if left alone for long periods. They may chew on furniture or other belongings if they become bored. Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes also require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and free of mats. However, as a general rule, these dogs are very active and high-energy. They require a lot of exercise and plenty of stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved. Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes are also very intelligent and trainable dogs. They are often used as working dogs in various fields, such as law enforcement, search and rescue, and military operations. With the right training and plenty of exercises, Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes can make great family pets. As with all mixes, this is not set in stone and can be somewhat different depending on which traits are more dominant in each individual dog. The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a very smart and highly trainable dog. They are built for high-energy performance activities, thus their temperament is also driven to achieve much. This makes them a strong candidate as working dogs because of their strength at such a young age, but it can also be their biggest downfall. Working with your dog from an early age will teach ideal behaviors that you desire from them, whether they are obedient or perform work-related tasks. Families with small children or elderly members should carefully consider whether a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is the right pet for them. Pros of having Belgian malinois german shepherd mix: 1. They are highly intelligent and can be easily trained. They are very loyal and protective of their family and home. They are active and need plenty of exercises, making them great companions for outdoor activities. They have a high energy level and are always ready for a good game or a walk. They are good with children and make great family pets. Cons of having Belgian malinois german shepherd mix: 1. They require a lot of attention and training, so they may not be the best choice for those who work long hours or cannot spend enough time with their pet. They can be quite territorial and bark or growl at strangers or other animals. They need a lot of exercise and can be quite destructive if not given enough activity. They are not always suitable for households with small children due to their large size and active nature. They can be quite expensive to purchase and maintain. So, whether you are thinking about getting a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix as a pet or are just curious about what they are like, these are some of the things you should know. They make wonderful companions and are sure to provide many hours of enjoyment for their families. Still, they do require a lot of care and commitment. If you think you can meet these needs and provide a loving home for a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix, then they may be the perfect pet for you. The most common colors for this mix are yellow, black, tan, and red. This is a relatively new breed of dog; it was developed in the late s by crossing German Shepherds with Belgian sheepdogs. These dogs were originally bred to herd cattle and pull carts filled with milk, which they could do very efficiently due to their superior instincts towards herding and working with humans. Belgian malinois german shepherd mix dogs have a high rate of intelligence. They are quite easy to train, making them prized by many dog owners. Belgian malinois german shepherd mix dogs often become very attached to their families and protective of them, which can cause problems if someone is attempting to harm the family in any way. These breeds require a great deal of attention from their human companions. However, they can still be left alone for short periods every day so long as they receive enough training and exercise to keep them happy during their time by themselves. Although this breed does enjoy playing with other animals, it is recommended that even well-mannered Belgian malinois german shepherd mix dogs not be allowed to mix with other animals. At the same time, they are still puppies, as this can lead to fighting and injury. Despite their working heritage, these dogs are comfortable in almost any kind of environment; they do very well in hot or cold climates both indoors and out and enjoy spending time alone or hanging around with the rest of the family. Belgian malinois german shepherd mix-breed dogs have a high prey drive and should not be left unsupervised around smaller pets that might look like prey, such as rabbits, hamsters, mice, guinea pigs, etc. While training is important for every dog breed, it is especially important for Belgian malinois german shepherd mix puppies so that you can ensure they develop good habits and understand their place in the family hierarchy. This is a great breed but does require a lot of attention and training. With the right preparation, you and your Belgian malinois german shepherd mix can live happily together for many years to come! Final Thoughts: Overall, Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes are great pets. They are intelligent, active, and loyal, and they make wonderful companions for people of all ages. However, they do require a lot of attention and training, so be sure you are prepared to commit to taking care of one before bringing one home. They can be quite expensive to purchase and maintain, but the benefits of having one definitely outweigh the costs. If you think a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is right for you, then go ahead and adopt one today! FAQs: Is a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix the right pet for you? However, remember that these dogs can be quite large and powerful, so make sure you have enough space for them and that everyone in your household is prepared to handle training and exercise them properly. Are German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois a good mix? The Malinois X hybrid canine, being the result of breeding a Belgian Malinois with German Shepherd Dogs, has made this loyal dog one that will fit into any lifestyle. Post navigation. The mix will be considered a medium-large breed. Colors can include black, beige, brown, and other off-tan colorations. Both parent dog breeds shed heavily year-round and seasonally, so the same is expected from the mix. Regular brushing and occasional grooming will be needed. Lifespan: 14 years on average. These high-energy dogs will form very close bonds with their owners. Needs LOTS of exercise. This mix combines two of the ultimate working dogs that were bred specifically with working abilities in mind. Read on to learn what to expect if you decide to add a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix dog to your family, and how to choose a healthy puppy. Suddenly, everyone wanted a Belgian Malinois! German Shepherds are also well known for their talents as protection, military, police, and security K-9s. Their diverse abilities make these dogs a top pick for families who like to have a watchdog in the home. These breeds also share similar origin stories as working livestock herding and guarding dogs. These pups look very much alike, except when it comes to hair type and color. After many years of serving as a herding and livestock guarding dog, the Belgian Malinois became one of the first dog breeds to work with police officers in the New York City K-9 corps. The German Shepherd breed came into existence in Germany under the guidance of a retired cavalry officer named Captain Max von Stephanitz. Rather, he dreamed of creating the perfect working and herding dog. Despite this, these dogs ended up serving in the German Army, and later in the American police and military forces. Today, the Belgian Malinois is now the 43rd most popular purebred dog breed out of breeds registered through the American Kennel Club. The German Shepherd maintains a firm grip on the number two spot on that same list. This is not always the case when a new hybrid dog breed is being developed. However, the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd share similar breed developments and backgrounds. Science Alert ranks the Belgian Malinois as 22nd out of 79 purebred dog breeds in terms of overall intelligence. In practical terms, this means that the Malinois can learn a new command in between 5 and 15 tries. This has made them notoriously stubborn. But this independence is a trait you want in a breed that is meant to guard and protect you during uncertain circumstances. German Shepherd Science Alert ranks the German Shepherd dog as the 3rd most intelligent of all dog breeds out of 79 purebred dog breeds. Dogs that rank in the top 10 are said to be able to learn a new command in less than five tries, and recall it perfectly 95 percent of the time. Like the Belgian Malinois, the German Shepherd has a high prey drive and chase instinct. This is due to their livestock herding and guarding dog background. Both parent dogs of the Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix are intensely people-focused. With the advent of modern hybrid or crossbred breeding programs, more and more dog owners want to own a dog with a hypoallergenic coat. While this is understandable for people with pet allergies, unfortunately, there is no such dog. All dogs can cause allergies. This is because the protein allergen is not in the hair but rather in the saliva, skin, and urine of the dog. But when it comes to the Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix, this is a non-issue since both parent dog breeds shed heavily year-round and seasonally. Belgian Malinois The Belgian Malinois has a short coat with two layers. The under layer near the skin is thick, soft, warm, and insulating. The outer layer is slightly longer, coarser, and naturally water repellant. Bathing too frequently can destroy the protective natural oils on the outer layer of the coat. Belgian Malinois coats are fairly self-maintaining and only need weekly brushing to stay looking neat and healthy. The Belgian Malinois will shed year-round. During this period, the coat will shed out in chunks for several weeks. German Shepherd The German Shepherd dog has a medium-length double layer coat. Like the Belgian Malinois, this double layer coat serves two purposes: protection and insulation. Like the Mal, the German Shepherd will go through a seasonal coat blow that helps the dog adjust to changing temperatures. This will help replenish the coat as well. But other than regular brushing and the occasional bath, the GSD coat is fairly self-maintaining. The adult Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix will typically have a double layer shedding coat that requires only very basic care. But just how large will your crossbred puppy grow up to be? The Belgian Malinois typically weighs between 40 and 80 pounds and stands 22 to 26 inches tall measured from the base of paw pads to tops of shoulders. The German Shepherd typically weighs between 50 and 90 pounds and stands 22 to 26 inches tall. However, gender can influence these sizes. You can normally subtract 10 to 15 pounds and two inches from these estimates if your german malinois puppy is a female. If you need a more exact number, the best way to plan for your crossbred german malinois puppies adult size is to learn the vital statistics of each parent breeds. Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix Exercise and Training The most challenging aspect of owning a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix will be training your dog, and providing sufficient daily exercise and activity. Based on the breed history of each parent breeds , we know that both breeds are considered working dogs. As such, they have the typical high energy and activity levels of herding dog breeds. Both dogs are highly intelligent, able to quickly learn new skills, and very keen to have some kind of job or activity to do. Starting puppy socialization and training right away — ideally from your first day at home together will be important. This is true for all dogs but is especially the case for the German Malinois when considering its unique mix of traits, and powerful size. Socialization exercises with new people and dogs will help your German Malinois puppies learn to differentiate between friendly strangers and actual threats. As PetMD points out, you will need to wait until your Belgian Malinois German Shepherd puppy has finished growing before doing any strenuous training or exercise. Your veterinarian will need to do X-rays of the long leg bones. This is to confirm that the soft growth plates have closed and hardened, which indicates your dog has reached its full adult height. If your dog exercises too vigorously before they are finished growing, this can cause lifelong injuries to the bones, tissues, and ligaments. Once your Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix has finished growing, it will be safe to let it run, plan, and exercise as much as they want. This is a great time to enroll your dog in K-9 training or in canine athletics. Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Health and Life Expectancy One of the biggest drivers for modern crossbreeding programs is to improve the genetic diversity of many purebred dog breeds. The Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd dog breed lines both have some serious genetic heritable health issues. These have arisen because of hyper-focused breeding for appearance or show standards. So you always want to make sure that any breeder you work with has done the required and recommended pre-breeding health tests on the parent breeds. We chose the Shepinois name for it's simplicity. But they are truly the best of both breeds. They typically have the physical characteristics of the Malinois, they tend to be flat coated with a fawn or mahogany coloring with a a dark overlay. The weight for a female is typically pounds and a male is pds. They have the extreme good health and orthopedics of the malinois as well. They have the athleticism of the Malinois, but not the extreme drive. They are good natured and have the general disposition of a German shepherd. They tend to be a little more level headed like the German shepherd. They are not as overly active as the malinois and they are much easier to live with as a house pet. They make for an excellent family dog and companion, but also a great protection dog or competition dog. They are a loyal and devoted companion. They are good with children; they do well with other animals. They are very affectionate and love to be the center of attention. They thrive in a family environment and are very protective of their home and family. They love to travel and be a part of any activity that involves their family. They are very quick to pick up anything and tend to train at the level of a malinois. They are more like the malinois in their training ability and pick up any type of training very quickly. They also have the tenacity of the malinois and can work for long periods of time without becoming winded. They need daily exercise not only to stay healthy, but to burn off energy. The Shepinois needs exercise daily, not just once a week. The Shepinois is quick to alert you of any strangers or visitors making them excellent, loyal Protection dog. We feel that the overall genetics behind both breeds in very important to making sure this cross turns out the best of both breeds, although the malinois breed does not tend to have hip and elbow problems, we still do the hip and elbow certification on all of our dogs and by doing so we hope to continue to produce the best quality of both breeds as well as this new cross. At Camelot Shepherds we believe in orthopedic soundness, solid nerve and overall temperament. We want your family companion to live a long and healthy life and to bring you many years of love and dedication. Here are some pictures of the previous Shepinois puppies: About.

Share Meet Bentley, the adorable six-week-old bulldog puppy everyone is falling in love with. Something you need to know about Bentley: He is very persuasive and has a way with words. This little baby is going to make you melt when he tells his mommy just how much he loves her. Babies and puppies are quite similar in many aspects. However, there are some differences. When you are dealing with a fussy baby, you actually could get a chance to discern what the problem is; but when it comes to fussy pups, God helps you. It is much harder to communicate with a fuming little dog than a fuming little baby. He is angry at his owner over one thing or the other, and the way he vents out his anger is ridiculously adorable! This is the cutest temper tantrum you will ever get to see! It looks like he wants to get up on the couch, so he starts barking and whimpering at his owner. You HAVE to look at this cute little pup! Bulldogs and bulldog mixes are becoming an increasingly popular choice among pet parents who are looking to buy or adopt bulldog puppies. We could not agree more. Don't mess with this peeved pup! In this video, the tiny 8-week-old bundle of flubber growls adorably as his owner continually asks what is the matter. His reaction shifts between growls of annoyance and whimpers of frustration. Videos of frustrated bulldog puppies have a special way of improving my day. Just check out this determined little nugget taking his very first steps! Apparently I'm not the only one who holds this kind of love for these semi-ferocious fatties- the video of Bentley has now garnered over 14 million views since it was first posted three years ago. It just shows how cute bulldog puppies are that even when they're acting their worst, we can't get enough! What's great about Bentley though is that every once in a while he gives up on being angry and for a few seconds settles into being mopey. And honestly, who hasn't felt the teensiest bit annoyed when someone can't stop asking if something is wrong? Bentley speaks for everyone! Nothing can improve my mood like seeing a puppy acting out. I can only hope I'm in the room the next time Bentley throws a tantrum. As the leading platform for native advertising and content recommendation, Revcontent uses interest based targeting to select content that we think will be of particular interest to you. We encourage you to view your opt out options in Revcontent's Privacy Policy. So Bentley voices his objection. And what a cute voice he has. He is quite sensible. When he sees that Mom is not giving in to him, he makes one last statement and walks away. A strong character! This strong character was once required, as originally Bulldogs were bred to work with bulls, according to Pet MD. Once a tougher dog, now, through careful and select breeding, Bulldogs have become the docile and loving family pet that we know them to be. Many are now enjoying the company of the devoted Bulldog and the affection and warmth they bring. Characteristics of Bulldogs Bulldogs are known for their patience with children, as well as their affection for the little ones. They do fine with most family pets. Most Bulldogs are pleasant toward strangers. And if not, the worst scenario is that they are simply indifferent. Dog Bowl designed to slow down fast eaters They love to please us. At the same time, they do have an independent mind. Remember they used to work with bulls. So they need to have that independent thinking. And once they make up their mind, they honor their own judgment. They need daily dental care. Start them early so they are accustomed to getting their teeth brushed, and even looking forward to it. Otherwise, they may get skin infection. You can read more about how to care for the Bulldogs here. Enjoy listening to Bentley insisting that Mom gives him what he wants, and how he deals with her refusal. If you enjoy this video, you might also enjoy this French Bulldog puppy video!

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our home-based, family-owned Australian Labradoodle breeding program is located about 50 miles northwest of Chicago. We are committed to breeding authentic, multigenerational Australian Labradoodles with bloodlines originating from the two breeding research centers in Australia, Rutland Manor and Teagan Park. Multigen Australian Labradoodles are consistently non-shedding, allergy and asthma friendly, loving, calm, intuitive and at times quite comical. All of these qualities make them wonderful family companions as well as excellent therapy and service dogs. Raising puppies is a lot of fun but it is also a lot of work!! As a breeder, it is our responsibility to make the most of our puppy's critical growth periods and introduce them to as many new sights, sounds, smells and situations as possible. At birth, days 3 to 16 with Bio Sensor Stimulation, and right through to the day you take your new fur baby home we are handling and socializing our puppies. Ultimately, it is our goal is to provide you with a healthy, well socialized, intelligent, lovable, easily trained doodle that will be a joyful addition to your family for many years to come. As trusted Labradoodle breeders, we take great care to give every visitor the best labradoodle puppies , including the best health characteristics, a gorgeous appearance, and an adoring personality. Australian Labradoodles are hypoallergenic, non-shedding dogs that are easy to train and easy to care for, providing companionship and love without a lot of work. This breed is intelligent, loyal and friendly, providing protection to their owners and family without excessive barking or aggression. Australian Labradoodle puppies exhibit the best characteristics of their parent breeds, the Labrador and the Poodle. Both breeds are famously intelligent, athletic and loyal, with quick learning attributes and mobility that makes them ideal service dogs. With the docile temperament of the Poodle and the athleticism and energy of the Labrador, the Australian Labradoodle is the perfect mix. As a loyal, friendly, gentle and low-upkeep breed, Australian Labradoodle puppies are great with children, and they are also an ideal breed for older couples. Our Australian Labradoodle puppies are bred from our own prized pets, carefully selected to eliminate health defects and enhance the best qualities of the breed. From the day they are born, we treat our Australian Labradoodles like a member of the family until they become a permanent part of yours. Take a look at the Labradoodle Puppies for sale online and select your new pet. Contact us for more information and have your new puppy personally delivered to your home in Chicago. Puppy Spotlight. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near South Chicago Illinois and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Chicago IL? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Chicago IL. An Australian Labradoodle is a designer dog specifically bred to be the ultimate family companion. How much are Labradoodles for sale Chicago? Will you only connect me with local Labradoodle breeders Chicago? One of the great things about using our network is that our team will connect you with great Labradoodle breeders and businesses around the country, not just in Chicago. How do you screen Labradoodle breeders in Chicago? Bottom line? Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places with Labradoodles Chicago? We made Uptown Puppies to help unite great breeders and businesses with great families—and to help you find a puppy that suits you perfectly. What is a puppy mill for Labradoodle puppies Chicago? Puppy mills are factories for dogs. At mills, dog health and safety go out the window—here, profits are king. When you buy a puppy from a mill, your dog is facing higher risks of genetic disease, behavioral issues, expensive veterinary intervention, and even a shorter life expectancy compared to other dogs. Are there any Labradoodle puppies in Chicago available now? What is the MatchMaker process like for Labradoodle Chicago? In our opinion and according to tons of our customers MatchMaker is the easiest, fastest and most fun way to find a puppy online. I went to meet Mike to talk about an upcoming litter and Bailey was sitting by herself. I pretty much changed my mind and wanted her immediately. She was introduced to a 6 year old cocker spaniel with and IVDD condition and they became best friends. Great Temperament, Incredibly smart and absolutely beautiful addition to my family. Mike has been following up since I got her checking to see if I had any issues. His training packet was detailed and if you follow the crate training and feeding regiment you will have no problems. Angelica I brought home an F2 labradoodle from here. My pups has already learned several commands within a few weeks of having him. The breeder has plenty of space for the pups and you can tell that there is a lot of care put into the environment. My dog has a great temperament and deals with people well. Upon the first meeting my pups was excited to greet people you can tell he had been socialized well. Mike does well with communication and answers any questions. Highly recommended! Javier Sanchez Got my black lab from Mike trained. He is very good and is comfortable with a crate, walking and great temperament. Overall an awesome dog from a great breeder! Maura Eaton My 12 year old son did all the research on Mike and his company. He had 5 star reviews across the board. Once we saw the picture of Zoey, a Chocolate Labradoodle, we knew we had to meet her. Mike's business is clean, the dogs are all loved by him and well trained. Zoey was Stage 1 trained. This is my first dog as an adult and Mike was excellent in providing advice and recommendations. After we adopted Zoey, Mike would periodically check-in on how Zoey was adjusting to her new family and home. As you can see in the pictures, she is very happy. Mike knew her personality well - smart, sweet and social. A perfect fit and addition to our family. He worked on training with the puppy before we brought him home, which was a big help in the adjustment! I would recommend Mike to anyone looking for a labradoodle puppy. Our puppy has been the best addition to our family and we have enjoyed working with Mike. John Schmadeke We were looking for a labradoodle puppy from a reputable and experienced breeder. Mike was super helpful, and we really appreciated that he cared so much about things like genetics and DNA testing for the dogs. Mike has always been available to answer our questions and to give advice. Tom Riniker We found Mike to be very professional, knowledgeable, and helpful when we purchased a puppy from him. His kennels are clean and organized, and his puppies are well cared for. He really loves his career and it shows! He has followed up with us on numerous occasions regarding the health and well-being of our puppy, and I always know I can reach him if I have questions. Thanks for everything, Mike! Yunhua Chen I have bought a stage 2 F1 labradoodle from Mike. His name is Zen, and just like his name, he is a well-behaved and well-trained little man. He only cried about 15 - 30 minutes during the first few nights and later he was sound asleep. I highly recommend Mike as a breeder because not only he deeply cares about the dogs, but also he has the expertise to make the dog the perfect match for you. Michelle Balchunas Mike was absolutely wonderful to deal with and very helpful with adding a new puppy to our family. If you are looking for a lab to add to your family we would highly recommend working with Mike. Charles Arnold Mike was a great help with our new puppy, Archie. Great experience… and a great dog. Junie is gentle, kind and very loving. She's also extremely athletic and smart. Working with Mike was a very smooth process and his "dog siting" service has proved helpful as I do travel on occasion. Having someone I could trust to care for Junie is super helpful. Mike James I recently had the fortunate privilege of working with Mike to find my next pup. For multiple reasons, the breed is perfect for me - the temperament, lifestyle often on the water , and hypoallergenic fits a tough lifestyle. I without hesitation recommend you work with Mike if you are looking for an amazing pup and great support network. Charlie is so gentle. He was just outside getting petted by his fan club, the neighbors. He licks. I got him the week of July 4th he was outside during that noise. He looks at noise. One of his other puppies was the same way, gentle. Day one he knew the trail through the woods back to our house. Charlie is a beautiful Chocolate lab with the softest hair. I got him at 16 weeks. You have no idea how helpful that is. Of course you want a healthy dog. Took the shots like a champ. The Vet remarked how firm his joints were. Yes he lets you brush his teeth! He goes to the door when he has to go. Another reason I wanted a 16 week pup. Peanut butter to continue gentle licks on my fingers. He always gets small chicken or liver for COME. You should see him come. Is Charlie gentle because some hunting dogs have a gentle mouth or is he gentle because Mike treated him right? Oh do exactly as Mike says on the take home instructions, he knows his dogs! Highly recommend! We brought our pup home with all the documentation of his superior genetics. Mike also sends several handouts which help prepare you for puppy ownership and ensure a smooth transition for your pup to his new home! In addition to his exceptional breeding he is exceptionally well-trained. We opted for a stage 2 puppy and not only does he sit, lay down, stay, he has an incredibly calm demeanor and his additional exposure to other dogs was also incredible. He is so well-tempered and well-behaved due to his additional training. We are so happy and in love with our sweet boy! Brent Viditz-Ward We were looking for a chocolate lab puppy for a long time from a reputable breeder and our experience with Mike was wonderful. He took time to get to know us and make sure that the dog was going to a good home and is always available to answer questions, give advice, etc. I highly recommend Mike and his puppies! M Fowkes Mike is a fantastic breeder. We got an F1 puppy from Mike. She is a sweet beautiful girl. Before she was born Mike knew what the puppies would look like generally, and was really easy to communicate with. He is very responsive when I had a lot of questions. He is like that even now that my puppy is 4 months old…available to answer questions and be supportive. Josie Palma-Aurelio We stumbled on this website when we were looking for our next fur baby. All the reviews speak truthful about Mike. He calls us to check on Nala for updates and gives us pointers on how to take care of her. Nala is such a lovable puppy and we are so happy to have her. We highly recommend! Juan Tellez Mike was a great helping my family and puppy get adjusted to our home. You can tell Mike has a lot of dedication and love towards his dogs. Snoop has been a great addition to our family! We are first time pet owners and Mike handheld us through the entire adoption process. His reference material, responsiveness and his genuine care for the puppies has helped us navigate the critical period of 12 weeks smoothly. The puppy is super smart outwitted me in a game of hide n seek when he was 10 weeks old! He is a bundle of joy! We are first time pet owners and had a lot of questions! He is always enthusiastic in answering any questions we have and supporting us before and after getting the pup! He cares about his dogs and pups and it shows in the research he has done and the knowledge he has about them! He has a lot of information on his website about the breed, food, toys and snacks! He also gives a couple of handouts when we book a pup with him and some when we take them home! Those helped a lot in the preparation for our pup! When you take them home, he also gives you details about the breed, vaccination records, and DNA testing done for the litter! Our girl, Shuri, is very energetic and curious! She does really well when we train her and has already learnt so much! For anyone looking for a labradoodle, Mike is the best! Jocelyn I highly recommend Mike. We are first time dog owners and he made the process so easy for us. Our labradoodle has made an excellent addition to our family!

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. And large dogs need to have many care factors taken care of to thrive. So, the first step is preparing for a home suitable for a German Shepherd puppy that will one day become a big dog. First, make sure you have enough space for them to run and play. If you have a small yard, consider getting a dog run or fence to give them extra room as well as space for you to do important obedience training exercises. And finally, be sure to stock up on puppy food, treats, toys , and other essentials. Separation Anxiety It is common for month-old German Shepherd puppies to develop separation anxiety when they are first separated from their parents and litter mates. It is because they have not yet learned how to cope with being away from their pack, especially in the first few weeks. Separation anxiety can manifest in several ways, including howling, barking , chewing, and pacing. If your German Shepherd shows separation anxiety, seek professional help from a vet or an animal behaviorist. With time, patience, and guidance, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to cope with being away from other dogs and, little by little, start getting used to you and your family. First, it is crucial to understand that basic training for your German Shepherd to potty is a process and will take time, patience, and consistency. No magic solution will instantly train your month-old German Shepherd puppy to use the bathroom outside. Instead, it requires positive reinforcement, consistent follow-through, and a lot of patience. It means taking your puppy out to relieve themselves regularly throughout the day. Your one-month-old German Shepherd puppy should have a potty training schedule first thing in the morning, after every meal, after naps and playtime, and before bedtime. If you stick to this schedule, you will succeed. German Shepherd puppies generally have to relieve themselves every two to three hours, so be sure to set a timer or alarm to remind yourself to take them out. Introducing a Puppy Crate Choose a designated potty area, a. You can find puppy crates for your German Shepherd puppy at most pet stores or online retailers. Start by taking them to the designated area on a leash and letting them explore. Give it a treat if it shows interest in the space. Try again later if the puppy shows no interest or seems scared of the room. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started: Use a leash: When taking your German Shepherd out to relieve themselves, use a leash to keep them focused and prevent them from running off and exploring. Fixed routine: Try to take your German Shepherd to his designated potty area at the same time each day. It will help him develop a regular bathroom schedule. Give them time: When you get to the designated potty area, give your German Shepherd puppy plenty of time to relieve themselves. Reward good behavior: When your German Shepherd uses the bathroom in their designated potty area, praise them and give them a tasty treat. It will reinforce correct behavior and help your German Shepherd puppy learn that going potty outside is good. It will only scare your German Shepherd puppy and could cause it to hold urine or feces in, leading to health problems. German Shepherd puppies that are weaning for a few weeks to 12 years require four meals daily. After 12 weeks, you can switch to 3 meals per day. Your German Shepherd should maintain a diet of cups of puppy food per day, depending on their activity level. The German Shepherd breed is also prone to joint problems, so ensure they get the proper nutrients for healthy joints and bones. A quality dog food for your German Shepherd will have the right balance of calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin. The most common health issues seen in the German Shepherd dog breed are the following. These conditions are caused by a hip or elbow joint malformation, leading to pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis. German Shepherds with these conditions will require lifelong pain medication and surgery management. Bloating Bloating is another common health problem seen in German Shepherds. This condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and then twists on itself, cutting off the blood supply. Some of the most common signs of bloating include restlessness, pacing, drooling, and abdominal pain. Contact your vet immediately if you think your German Shepherd is bloated. Hemophilia Hemophilia is a blood clotting disorder that can affect German Shepherds. This condition can lead to excessive bleeding, even from minor injuries. German Shepherds with hemophilia will require lifelong management with medication and close monitoring by a vet. The best way to prevent health problems in your German Shepherd breed is to get them from reputable breeders who do health testing on their dogs. Be sure to ask about the health history of the parents, grandparents, and brothers or sisters. Having your German Shepherd examined by a vet within the first few days of bringing them home is also essential. It will allow you to catch any health problems early and get treatment immediately. Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that can occur in German Shepherds. This condition is caused by the deterioration of the discs in the spine. It can lead to pain and paralysis. German Shepherds with this condition will require lifelong management with pain medication and surgery. Allergies German Shepherds are also susceptible to allergies , which can be caused by anything from food to environmental allergens. The most common signs of an allergic reaction include itching, redness, and hair loss. If you think your German Shepherd has allergies, it is vital to speak to your vet so they can recommend the best course of treatment. While there is no guarantee that your German Shepherd will never experience any health problems, working with a reputable breeder and taking good care of your German Shepherd will help to minimize the risk. It is essential for their growth. German Shepherd puppies usually wake up several times during the night for a potty break or a quick snack. Over time, your German Shepherd will learn to sleep through the night as they grow and mature. In the meantime, enjoy those cute German Shepherd puppy naps. Also read:. It is also a vital element for brain and eye development. Fresh chicken meat in the diet provides protein with high biological value. Natural Prebiotics to boost the overall digestive process. The benefits of Orijen Puppy Large: A calorie limited diet to promote a healthy weight and to put less pressure on joints. Rich in protein for making German Shepherd pups healthy and strong. Highly delicious chicken and turkey liver tempt the pickiest of eaters. The crusty and crunchy kibble texture of this food promotes good periodontal health and helps in curbing problems like Tartar and Plaque buildup. An essential fatty acid like Omega 3 has been added in the diet for boosting the overall skin health of the dogs. A natural antioxidant like Vitamin E fortifies the natural immunity of the pups, keeping them strong and healthy. You can feed your adult German Shepherd 2 times a day. You should avoid feeding them synthetic preservatives. High in Fibres: Natural fibres maintain superior digestive health and also an ideal body weight. Vitamin C: Vitamin C keeps the joints healthy, preventing problems like hip dysplasia and arthritis. Natural fibres promote excellent digestion and maximum nutrient absorption. The benefits of Fidele Adult Large Breed: Contains a substantial amount of protein for enhancing strength and endurance in grown up German Shepherds. Omega fatty acids boost skin health and also maintain good eyesight. It consists of Real Chicken meat as the main constituent which is favourite for German Shepherds. It has a good combination of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that significantly improves the skin health of the dogs. They do not contain any fillers or preservatives which makes this diet completely safe for German Shepherds to savour. Breed Specified Recipe specially made for German Shepherds Real Chicken meat offers good protein content for supporting strong muscle mass Excellent blend of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids endow the dogs with good skin health. This dog food has a rich protein content that fortifies the muscle mass in the dogs. Moreover, the crusty texture of this food helps in removing Tartar and Plaque build-up. Ideal dog food for a large breed like German Shepherd Consists of Calcium and Phosphorus that boosts bone density Glucosamine and Chondroitin provides anti-inflammatory effect to the dogs Beet Pulp and FOS prebiotics boosts overall digestive health of the dogs Crusty kibble texture of the food eliminates Tartar and Plaque build-up 5 Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dog A highly nourishing meal that has Chicken and Barley as its primary constituents, the Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed is an easy-to-digest meal offering a nutritional profile that suits an adult German Shepherd. Omega 6 and Vitamin E promote beautiful skin and coat in German Shepherds. Ample amounts of protein maintain lean muscle mass and endurance. They need foods that are low in protein and fat content while richer in fibres. However, an overall moderate diet with all the components is also considered healthy, provided your dog trains and exercises regularly. A senior German Shepherd consumes around calories daily. They can be fed 2 times a day. Fish Oil Omega 3 : Fish oil is an excellent source of Omega fatty acids that provides a good anti-inflammatory effect to senior dogs. Fewer Carbs: As elderly German Shepherds are quite vulnerable to obesity and diabetes, a diet that has a low glycemic index is most preferred to them. A combination of Vitamin E and C, builds a stronger immune system. Devoid of artificial flavors and preservatives. Fresh meat and freeze-dried liver make the meal highly delectable. A biologically appropriate diet that nurtures your older German Shepherds according to their biological and evolutionary needs. Thus, when you adopt a German shepherd pup, make sure that you provide it with a fully nutrition loaded diet and maintain a lifestyle with lots of physical activities. A comprehensive diet including all the above parameters will lead to a healthy and long life span of your little beasts. An avid nature and animal lover, Akhil likes to read and watch anything related to wildlife. He also has a great interest in athletics, mainly track and field events and is a big Masala Dosa fan. More like this.

Request Barking One reason your Golden Retriever may bark is to communicate a need or desire to you. Meals, potty time , fetch, ear rubs, access to the yard, walks , car rides, bully sticks , etc. A dog who is request barking may stare at you intently between barks, and their feet may be a bit dancey. They may also run between you and the thing they want while barking, such as trotting to the door and then back to you to bark. Your dog might bark in the direction of the thing they want, rather than at you. Sometimes a request bark is accompanied by some whining and tail wagging as well. An owner might unintentionally reward a dog for barking, which then can result in more barking. For example, your Golden starts getting antsy because they know dinner time is soon, and they let out a few barks in your direction. This prompts you to get up and feed them. You can bet your bottomless pit took note of that and will be barking more to try to get you to feed them. If a bark works to get what they want, they will keep barking because it has been proven effective. One way to approach request barking is to stay a few steps ahead of your dog. If you know your dog will need to go potty a certain amount of time after a meal, for example, take them out before they can start barking at you. This prevents your dog from practicing the barking behavior and avoids you unintentionally rewarding the barking by giving them what they want. Another way to address request barking is to give them an alternative consequence. If your Golden Retriever starts asking for dinner through barking, you can put a leash on them and bring them over with you while you finish up your emails, or put them in a covered crate. Wait until your pup is chilling on their bed, then pick up their favorite toy for some playtime. This will teach your dog that if they act in calm, quiet ways, good things happen. Alarm Barking Some Golden Retrievers will bark to announce the presence of something, usually a person or animal, near their house or property. Alarm barks can vary by dog, but are usually a sequence of one or two barks, a pause, and then more barks. Some dogs may bark incessantly while the object in question is within sight outside the house, and others may mix in some growls too. Many dogs will run to the door or window where the potential threat is located, and some pace around a bit too. Alarm barking is a natural behavior for dogs, but if you prefer your dog respond in a calmer way to the daily occurrences outside your home or yard, there are some things you can do. An easy fix is to put up some frosted window film on windows where your Golden Retriever plays neighborhood watch. Another solution is to train a positive interrupter. This can work well for dogs who alarm bark at things they see, and also for dogs that alert to noises. Repeat a few times in a row. Step 3: Practice this in different rooms at different times of day for a couple of days. Step 7: Now that the cue is well-established, it can be used to interrupt alarm barking! As they show success, you can call out from further away in the house. With time, you may notice your Golden Retriever skipping the barking and simply coming to find you when they see or hear something. If they do, be sure to reward them with some treats! Follow all the steps and be generous with the rewards before using it in a real-life situation. Excitement Barking You may notice that your Golden Retriever starts barking when they get excited. A Golden Retriever who is barking out of excitement shows wiggly, loose body language. A pup who is carrying their favorite ball or stuffed toy is unlikely to bark. Keep a stash of toys near locations where your dog tends to bark out of excitement so you can help calm them down. You can also train your dog to go find a toy, which creates a positive new routine in exciting scenarios. Rather than barking like a happy fool, they know to grab a puppy pacifier. If your dog is overexcited, a short time-out can also help them learn to be quiet. Calmly guide them to their crate, your car, a mat, or just further away until they can show some self-control. This helps them understand that calm and quiet behavior is what gets them back to having fun. Another solution for excitement barking is to teach your dog to focus on you. Step 2: Toss a treat a couple of feet away, let your dog eat it. Toss another treat to repeat the pattern. Step 3: Take the game to new locations, starting with low distraction spaces and building up to more challenging places. Step 4: Add in other distractions. Instead of tossing a treat, use an easy distraction to play the game, perhaps a family member walking by, or a toy set on the ground at a distance. Step 5: Build up to more challenging distractions. Practice this focus game in increasingly hard situations, working up to the situation that causes them to bark out of excitement. You can reward at a high rate for their focus. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Fear Barking Sometimes Golden Retrievers will bark out of fear. There may be something in their environment, such as a person, dog or object, that causes them concern or stress. Golden Retrievers are known for being very friendly dogs, but some may be more sensitive than others and will exhibit fearful barking. Barking that comes from fear can look differently depending on the dog. Some dogs may lunge forward while barking at whatever is causing them discomfort. Others may retreat from the scary or weird thing while looking back and barking. Fearful barking may also be accompanied by growling, bared teeth, and raised hackles. Is it men with beards? Kids on bikes? Large dogs? There are two games you can play to help your fearful dog feel more calm and confident: Look at That and Treat and Retreat. Simply give them a treat. Repeat this ten times. Repeat this another 10 times. Play steps one and two a few times at home. You can use different people or dogs that your dog is comfortable with to start. Keep your dog at a distance where they can be successful as they learn how the game works. Step 3: Take the game on the road. Perhaps you can chill in a quiet corner of the park where your dog can spot a trigger without reacting. Find a way to create more distance and try again. As your dog shows success, you can gradually get closer to the trigger. As you progress with this game, your dog will begin to point out triggers they see in their environment and then check back in with you, rather than reacting. Step 1: The person throws treats away from your dog. Give the person a supply of treats. Ask them not to make direct eye contact with your dog. When they enter your house, or your general vicinity if doing this outside, have them toss a treat behind the dog. The dog will have to move away from the person to get the treat. Not only do they get a yummy snack, but they also get more distance from the person. And that distance is what they want. So they are getting double rewards! Step 2: The person alternates tossing the treat behind the dog, and between them and the dog. Start with a treat toss behind the dog. Then have the person toss a treat in front of the dog. The dog will have to move toward the person to get it. Then another toss behind the dog. Go back and forth between these two treat placements. Again, repeat this with different people and environments. You want to see your dog looking happy and confident with this. Loose body language and easy movement are good signs. As they show success, the person can toss the treats closer and closer to their feet. Aggression Barking Some Golden Retrievers may bark out of aggression in certain situations. Aggression is a broad term to describe a wide variety of dog behavior, but in general can be defined as threatening or intentionally harmful behavior directed toward another dog or human. Goldens are notorious for their friendly demeanors, but aggression can show up even within this typically social breed. Aggression is complex, and sometimes a dog may bark aggressively in an attempt to avoid a potential conflict, rather than trying to start one. A dog may bark aggressively if someone infringes upon what they perceive as their territory, such as a home, yard or vehicle. Your Golden may also bark aggressively at other dogs due to a social conflict. Pain can also result in aggressive barking, as a dog may not want to be touched or approached out of fear of making the pain worse. Typically an aggressive bark is loud and deep, though it can vary from dog to dog. You can usually hear a difference in an aggressive bark compared to other kinds of barks — it sounds more intense and serious. A Golden Retriever who is barking aggressively may also growl, show their teeth, lunge, snap or bite. Their body may be stiff and they may give a hard stare in the direction of the person or other dog. Your Golden may also pin their ears back and quickly flick her tongue or lick her lips. The first thing to do in order to stop barking due to aggression is to prevent the behavior from happening. If you know your dog acts aggressively in a certain scenario, do everything you can to avoid putting them in that situation. Then, get help from a certified professional, such as your vet or a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. Aggression needs to be taken seriously, so that you, your dog and the public remain safe. You can find a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant here ; many work virtually, so even if there is not a professional in your city, you can get the help you and your dog need. If you, another person, or another dog approaches the valuable thing or reaches for it, your dog may bark and show other signs of aggression. Resource guarding is a normal, natural behavior for dogs, but it can become dangerous. Your Golden can escalate from a bark to a bite if the behavior is not properly handled. A resource guarding bark will look like an aggressive bark described above in the Aggressive Barking section. You may see body stiffness, growling, snapping, and other aggressive behaviors accompany the barking. You might also see your Golden Retriever bark and then pick up the item if they are guarding a bone or toy, for example and take it further away. Your pup may put themselves in between the valuable thing and whoever they think may be trying to take it away while they bark. Resource guarding is a serious issue and can put your safety, as well as the safety of family members and other pets, at risk. First, do what you can to prevent the guarding behavior from happening. Perhaps that means not giving your dog a bully stick, or putting toys in a cabinet. Then, get help from a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, which you can find here. A very common solution that is recommended for dogs who guard their food bowl is to feed the food from your hand, or to stick your hand in the food bowl so they learn to tolerate your hand around their food. Not only is this not an effective solution, but it can actually make resource guarding worse! Always let your Golden Retriever eat in peace, without touching them or their food. Your Golden is the same way. You might think that punishing your dog will get them to stop barking. Resorting to physically punishing a dog is not recommended by dog behavior experts. It can really damage the relationship between you and your dog, and can create other behavior issues. Some dogs will actually bark more if you start making noise too. And if your dog is barking out of aggression or resource guarding, trying to punish your dog may very well make the behavior worse and put you at greater risk of a bite. You got your Golden Retriever because you want a loving, loyal companion, not because you want to intimidate or scare them. Getting help from a certified, professional trainer or a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant is also a great resource to help you work through the barking. How much and what kind of exercise are they getting? Are they getting quality sleep? Are they receiving appropriate mental stimulation? Are they eating a healthy, balanced diet? Are they experiencing pain or chronic health issues? Is your home a stressful living environment? A Golden Retriever whose needs are not met is more likely to resort to barking. If your Golden is in pain or sick , they may bark more. If your pup is living with a lot of stress or anxiety , barking may become their go-to behavior. Have any questions about golden retriever barking? Let us know down in the comments! Related articles:. By Tom Massey Jan 25, Known as a friendly and devoted family dog, the Golden Retriever has been one of the most popular breeds for 30 years. These energetic animals come in various golden shades and make excellent pets, working dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and more. The Golden Retriever is a remarkably intelligent dog and learns quickly when properly trained as a puppy. They are active animals who love to play, seeking attention from their owners to expend physical and mental energy. Most Labrador and Golden Retrievers are not known to engage in excessive barking and any dog owner of a Golden Retriever will tell you that this is not an aggressive animal. This is a genuinely happy-go-lucky dog breed, and if it starts barking without stopping, something is clearly amiss. Some speculate that the lack of excessive barking is because they were bred to help hunters, so barking would scare the prey away. Golden Retrievers are also friendly dogs and are not known to behave aggressively. They will let out several usual dog sounds , including howling, growling, chortling, whimpering, yelping, and fear or alarm dog barks. Sometimes, you will encounter dogs who simply like the sound of their voice and will bark for fun or attention. Then, you can take the appropriate training measures to reduce barking. Why Do Golden Retrievers Bark? A Golden Retriever bark can signify multiple things, but there are a few general feelings your dog may be trying to communicate. And they will start barking when they feel ignored. Repeated barking, which could get louder as time passes, is a sign that your Golden insists you pay attention to it, whether to play, feed, or pet it. They might start barking when you mention dog parks or pick up a toy and start playing with your dog. A Golden Retriever might also indicate that they want to play or visit the dog park by using body language and barking. These fears can range from being scared of thunderstorms and fireworks to acting terrified around the vacuum cleaner. Whether the fear is legitimate or not, your Golden Retriever is bound to release some extra barking when stressed or scared. And, as your puppy grows, you can reduce these stressors in its life. You can also train it to let go of irrational fears—for example, showing your dog that it has nothing to worry about when you run the vacuum. Their frustration can result from several things: their squeaker toy is too loud, they want more water in their bowl, or they want you to play. When they are frustrated, Goldens might repeatedly bark at the object of their frustration. They might also become a bit aggressive or destructive. They love their owners and are eager to please them. So when the time comes for its owners to leave for work, the dog might start experiencing separation anxiety and express it through barking. Addressing separation anxiety is crucial to having a healthy Golden Retriever. Your dog will not only be loud because of its anxiety, but it can also engage in destructive behavior, like chewing your belongings in the house. Training to help it overcome such anxiety from an early age is key to good behavior in the future. This type of barking is also accompanied by different body postures that make your Golden seem more threatening. According to the American Kennel Club, you can use a variety of training methods and strategies to reduce barking and promote good behavior. It should all start with determining why your Golden Retriever barks a lot, identifying any other stressors in its life, and then spending time to correct this behavior through training or working through stressors. There are different ways to train your Golden pup to reduce the different types of barking. Reducing Boredom and Attention Barking Most of your barking problems will be solved by mental and physical stimulation. Spend more time playing with your dog and stimulating it physically or mentally. A tired dog is less likely to have the energy to bark, so whenever you feel like your Golden Retriever is barking a lot, try playing with it. A better way to address playfulness barking is to create a fulfilling play schedule. If you follow a routine of playing with your Golden a few times per day, it will learn that schedule and know when it can expect to have fun. If even after setting a play schedule, your Golden is still barking, you need to increase the frequency of play. Reducing Alarm and Fear Barking If you hear your Golden barking out of fear or alarm, you should go to them and acknowledge the object of their fear. Then, wait until the dog has stopped barking to give it a treat. They need to know you are confident in the situation so they do not feel like they have to handle it. Once the dog understands that these sounds are not a threat, it will have no cause for alarm or fear. If you find it challenging to train your dog, you should look to get your Golden from a reputable breeder who has invested time into socializing and training it. They are trying to get something from you by barking, so if we acknowledge their barking, it shows them they are getting what they want. Reducing Aggressiveness Barking When your Golden is becoming aggressive or territorial, you need to train it to understand that you are the one who takes care of threats. When you hear loud barking with growling and see your dog in a protective stance, immediately step in to reassure it that you will deal with it. Golden Retrievers are particularly smart, and they can learn how to behave the way you want them to without punishment. While you should avoid rewarding them for bad behavior, punishment is not a solution. Spending time with your dog and giving it the attention and stimulation it needs is key to addressing unwanted behavior. Ask yourself the following questions: Is there anything scaring or alarming your Golden Retriever? Have you played enough with your Golden Retriever? Has your Golden Retriever received enough attention and pets? Are you establishing a regular training schedule for your dog? Does your Golden Retriever feel threatened? Conclusion Golden Retrievers are loyal companions, and they are an ideal dog breed for families. And to avoid buying a puppy that could have barking problems, you can get your Golden Retriever from an experienced breeder who has spent time training the dog and teaching them healthy behaviors. We train our purebred puppies so they form healthy habits at a young age. We also feed them the best diet to maximize their well-being. Get one of the most popular dog breeds in the country with the passionate and loving team of breeders at Snowy Pines today. Share on.

Less than 1 hour per day, e. Overfeeding and Underfeeding Underfeeding and overfeeding both carry significant health risks for your GSD. As a guide, your German Shepherd should have a defined waistline and you can feel her ribs. Obesity is costly, both in terms of veterinary bills and health. An overweight German Shepherd is at an increased risk of arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. German Shepherds love to exercise and keeping them in good body condition is part of maintaining their diet. But, puppies tire much more quickly and are still developing their joints. How often should I feed my adult German Shepherd? Full-grown German Shepherds do well on a twice-a-day feeding schedule. For most adult German Shepherds, feeding twice per day, around 10 to 12 hours apart is healthy. Regardless of the feeding schedule you choose, avoid allowing your German Shepherd to exercise vigorously after consuming a large meal for at least 1 — 2 hours. This is especially true if your dog eats its food rapidly. Giving your dog time to fully digest her meal will help minimize problems with bloat, intestinal obstruction, or other serious digestive disorders. What food do German Shepherds need? The German Shepherd Dog is an athletic powerhouse! The German Shepherd is an Olympic athlete at heart! They love to exercise, play, run, and generally stay in motion most of the time. Giving them the best food is essential to their natural drive. Due to its convenience and ease of feeding, dry kibble is the most common way to give a German Shepherd her dietary requirements. Common commercial foods are made with chicken, beef, lamb, or fish products and by-products, grains such as corn, wheat, rice, barley, or oats. They contain added vitamins and minerals to ensure that the final diet is balanced. Some owners prefer to mix dry kibble with wet food, make their own homemade food, and only serve a raw diet, or any combination they feel is the right fit for their dog and lifestyle. Any mixture of food you feed your GSD must meet their dietary requirements. Dog food sales in the United States are a huge business. German Shepherd owners must not only stay alert as wise consumers but also monitor the health of their beautiful breed, which is an indicator of the quality of food you feed them. Many German Shepherds can carry on for a long time on a substandard diet, but inadequate nutrition can lead to more than health problems. In fact, poor nutrition could cause your German Shepherd to develop: behavior problems susceptibility to disease and even shorten their lifespan! What are the nutritional requirements for German Shepherds? Nutrition gives your dog the fuel they need to power through her day. The six basic nutrients are water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Good nutrition plays a large part in the appearance and vitality of your dog. The minimum dietary requirement has been established for many nutrients. Keep in mind, these are the minimum requirements, and not what will give your German Shepherd optimal health. Proteins The main nutritional requirement of German Shepherds is protein. Protein has several functions that keep your dog healthy. Proteins provide energy, help build and repair muscles, form new skin, hair, and nail cells, and even keep the immune and musculoskeletal systems strong. Protein requirements vary with age, activity level, temperament, life stage, health status, and the specific protein quality of the diet. Estimating Protein needs Although energy requirements vary widely between dogs, protein needs are fairly constant. Adult dogs generally need at least 1 gram of protein per pound. However, younger and geriatric dogs may need more; young pets for early growth, and old pets because they appear less able to take advantage of dietary protein than their younger counterparts. But these amounts are only the minimums. Remember that you want your dog to thrive, not just subsist on the minimum industry standard. Fats Fat is the second main nutritional requirement for your German Shepherd. Fat provides energy and is necessary for the normal development and function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and tissues. But these minimums will only sustain your German Shepherd, not provide optimum health and sustained growth. Manufacturers further combine fiber, vitamins, and minerals to meet the minimum nutrient profiles of commercial dog food. Most German Shepherd owners use treats daily either in the training or for general fun with their dogs. Treats and Snacks German Shepherds rarely turn down a tasty treat or snack. There are a wide variety of treats available commercially, but these vary in quality. Try to limit treats to reward good behavior or for enrichment exercises to avoid the dreaded German Shepherd boredom. These are good alternatives as they are lower in calories. Examples of safe natural treats to feed include: Sliced cooked or raw carrot Frozen blueberries great for teething puppies and on hot days Slices of apple with the core and seeds removed If you have questions regarding which treats to feed, start with one of these healthy German Shepherd treat options. Feeding Habits Create good feeding habits for your German Shepherd from a young age. Follow these diet tips to keep your athletic dog in top form. Any uneaten food should be removed after about 20 minutes to encourage good eating behaviors. Some German Shepherds may develop fussy eating habits. In many cases, this is down to an owner being too quick to offer something tastier. Stay mindful of this and resist giving in to your dog immediately. Provide access to fresh water at all times. Always leave their water bowl available and check it regularly. This is normal, as German Shepherds are notoriously messy drinkers and tend to splash out more water than they drink sometimes. Plus, bits of food tend to wind up in the water dish, making the water turn cloudy quickly. Last, here are a few tips to make feeding your German Shepherd easier. Choose the best diet for your German Shepherd to match their life stage and activity, as well as dog food that is: Complete — includes all required nutrients. Balanced —all nutrients are present in the appropriate balance. Appetizing— your dog enjoys eating the food in sufficient amounts to keep them in optimum body condition. Safe — is free of weaknesses, excesses, toxins, unnecessary sugars, salts, additives, and dyes. Feeding a German Shepherd requires a balanced combination of nutrition to keep their energy reserves in check while not adding any excess weight which could harm their larger frames and bones. Additional References Coile, D. Henriksson J, et al. Journal of Experimental Biology. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Image used with permission by copyright holder How much should a German Shepherd eat per day? When determining how much to feed your German Shepherd you need to consider his age, size, and activity level. Puppies need to be fed a specially formulated puppy diet focused on growth. Adult dog diets should focus on maintaining a healthy weight. An adult male German Shepherd can weigh between 75 and pounds, while a female can weigh between 55 and 70 pounds. Experts at Prudent Pet Insurance offer the following feeding guidelines for large breed dogs. Many fruits and vegetables such as apples, blueberries, carrots, and broccoli can make healthy treats for your German Shepherd. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the following popular people foods are toxic to pets: Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, and even death. Chocolate, coffee, and, caffeine all contain methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure. Almonds, pecans, and walnuts contain high amounts of oils and fats that can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and they can potentially cause pancreatitis. Onions, garlic, and chives can cause gastrointestinal irritation and can lead to red blood cell damage and anemia. What dog food brands are affordable but healthy? When shopping on a budget, steer clear of cheap, low-quality dog foods. According to an article in The Whole Dog Journal , these foods are made with the cheapest ingredients available in the pet food industry and are not healthy for dogs. Instead, look for an affordable high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet that will keep your dog happy and healthy. Of course, if your dog is on a prescription diet for health reasons, you will have to pay more for that food. Following are three top-rated foods manufactured by experienced pet food companies that have veterinary nutritionists on staff. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal. We all want the best for our pets and want to feed our German Shepherd the best diet. The best dog food for German Shepherds is dry food, which is more practical for large breeds. It is also the least expensive, even if you choose a high-quality brand. Of course, you can feed other diets, such as wet, a mix of dry and wet, raw, home-produced, dehydrated, or freeze-dried. Most owners feed commercial dry food or wet canned food. You should check that vitamins and minerals are also included. The best quality commercial dog foods will consist of additional protein sources, like fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins, like vegetables, legumes, and grains. The best diet for your German Shepherd should suit his size and lifestyle. I will explain what I mean when we take a unique look at the different types of food you can feed your dog see below. Many pet food companies have invested millions of dollars into researching what ingredients contain the maximum levels to achieve a healthy, balanced diet that aids in essential puppy growth and mental and physical development. Dry Foods Dry dog foods are one of the most popular choices. The latter is gaining popularity in the United States and other regions and is widespread in the UK and Europe. Cold-pressed food is deemed a higher quality kibble due to its cooking process. So what exactly is kibble? Kibble is dry dog food made either through extrusion or oven baking. The food is produced under high pressure and high temperatures. All kibble is made the same way and using the same machinery. What is cold-pressed dog food? Cold-pressed dog food is dry food made at much lower temperatures and cooked quickly before being pressed into the desired shape. This unique method means the food retains more nutritional value, flavor, aroma, and vitamins. All the goodness is retained in bite-size pieces. Dry dog food provides more nutrients per bite than wet food because they contain less moisture. Dogs with dental problems may also benefit from dry food as it helps to clean their teeth and gums. Dry dog food is the most practical choice for a large dog, especially a German Shepherd. However, dry food comes in all shapes and sizes, so a smaller sized variety can be suitable for smaller breeds. It is also okay to feed your dog a pure dry diet and add cooked meat, fish, or vegetables, and this is what I do. I feed Willow cold-pressed dog food, and although this is a complete, balanced, high-quality food, I like to mix things up for my German Shepherd. Willow eating dry food with a natural yogurt topping Occasionally my dog will have some tinned tuna or mackerel in oil, which is also excellent for her skin and coat. If I add a topping, I always slightly reduce the quantity of the food to ensure that she is not gaining extra calories. There are some things to be wary of; not every canned food brand provides the protein your German Shepherd needs. Also, the higher the water content, the fewer nutrients, so your dog has to consume more food to get the nutritional value their body needs. Additionally, be wary of low-quality canned foods, as manufacturers often add wheat flour as a thickener or extra white rice or other grains. Canned dog food can be more expensive, especially if you have a large dog breed, but it may be ideal if your dog enjoys eating a more considerable portion. Other advantages of wet food are that it may be more suitable if your GSD is a fussy eater or if you have a senior dog who may have lost his appetite and find wet food more palatable. Semi-moist Dog Foods Semi-moist dog foods are not as popular as other types as they offer the least nutritional value and can be pretty expensive. Unfortunately, manufacturers add sugar and salts to preserve moisture and shelf life. Therefore, a semi-moist diet may not be appropriate for your German Shepherd, especially if he is overweight and needs to lose a few pounds. Many semi-moist foods are also loaded with artificial colors, chemical preservatives, and flavor enhancers. However, semi-moist food may be the best choice if your German Shepherd finds it challenging to digest all other types of dog food. Your dog may also enjoy the meaty taste and find this food more palatable if they are incredibly picky. Dry Dog Food vs. You can mix the foods in the same bowl or feed dry for the morning and wet for the afternoon feed or vice-versa. Some German Shepherd owners that feed dry dog food like to add wet food as a topping. If you choose this option, keeping to the same brand is advisable. They believe their pets will not like or refuse commercial dog food. They may need a home-prepared diet to help with a diagnosis e. They may require a home-prepared diet if a dog has a combination of diseases for which no commercial diet exists. They sought comfort as a home-feeder for dogs with chronic or terminal illnesses. There are several drawbacks to the home preparation of dog food. You can do it, but it takes a lot of dedication and hard work, and it may be more expensive than even the best quality dog food on the market. Homemade diets can provide complete nutrition. However, you need to ensure your German Shepherd gets the right mix of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins, which is not easy. Suppose you wish to prepare a home-cooked diet. It is recommended to cook all animal products to kill bacteria that could make your German Shepherd sick. However, if you are a raw feeder see below , you will likely disagree with this statement. Grains, beans, and starchy vegetables must also be cooked to make them easier for your dog to digest. Never add foods that are toxic to dogs. These include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, avocados, and macadamia nuts, to name but a few. Do you want to know more about homemade diets? My final thoughts on helping you decide on whether to become a home feeder would be: Do you have the time to become a home feeder? There are plenty of high-quality commercial dog foods on the market. Your dog will require regular health checks to check for any nutrient deficiencies. The nutrient percentages can vary widely and as mentioned, grains might or might not be included in kibble varieties. This is why answering these basic questions: what breed is your dog, how active is it, how old is it and what health issues does it have, are so important. Your answers can help guide you toward the best formulas for your dog. If you purchase an inexpensive food, the ingredients will be inexpensive, and in many cases—inferior. Know what proportions of these primary ingredients are in the foods you feed and read pet food labels. Also note there are commercially prepared kibbles—with high concentrations of carbohydrates—that can be excellent choices for some German Shepherds. Check out Reebok's blog article on omnivores vs. Has domestication altered canine physiology and digestion? Dog Food Types Dog foods come in many forms and most can be fed to your German Shepherd either singularly or in combination. They include dry, moist, semi-moist, dehydrated, freeze-dried, raw and homemade. Let take a brief look as each. The ingredients of raw diets include muscle meat, organ meat liver, kidney, etc. Raw diets can also include raw eggs with the shell , dog-friendly fruits and vegetables and dairy cottage cheese and yogurt. Benefits can include much smaller, firmer stools, improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, reduced allergies and better weight management. Raw diets are an excellent alternative for dogs struggling to thrive on commercially prepared food products. Dehydrated and Freeze Dried — Dehydrated and freeze-dried dog foods consist of raw, healthy ingredients with the water removed so increase shelf life and use less space, i. Most varieties include an identified meat protein, while others are meant to be used as a base and you add your preferred meat source. These mixes are great for dogs with food sensitivities and most of are also gluten-free. The down side to these products is they are very expensive and cost prohibitive to most large-breed dog fanciers. Homemade — Homemade diets are another alternative to commercially prepared food products. Homemade diets require a better understanding of canine nutrition to maintain completeness and balance, but is not a difficult process with a little research, good planning and consistency. Moist canned — Moist dog foods have a very high moisture content. Refrigerated and frozen moist dog foods are also available. Moist foods are traditionally more expensive than dry foods, though usually has a fairly long shelf life. Special attention should be paid the protein and water content of these foods. The higher the water content, the less nutrients in the food. This means your dog will need to consumer more of this food to meet his basic nutritional requirements. Dry Kibble — Dry dog food, or kibble, is the most commonly fed form of dog food because it can be the most economical and require little or no preparation time. Dry foods are also easy to store and have a long shelf life. They do not need to be frozen or refrigerated. Because of the very low moisture content of these products, kibble-fed dogs should always have plenty of fresh water available—at all times—as they need to consume more water than dogs that are fed higher-moisture foods. Semi-moist — Semi-moist dog foods are the least popular form of food sold in the U. Most experts do not recommend semi-moist foods as they are the least nutritional of all the pet foods and usually contain many artificial flavors, coloring and preservatives to make the food more palatable to dogs. Do not feed these products to any dog as a primary dietary source. Vegetarian — Recently introduced into the market are vegetarian diets for dogs. While some of these products are nutritionally complete, if your dog does not like the taste, feeding time can be challenging and vegetarian diets for the most part do not taste good to most dogs. There are a couple positive aspects to these diets, however. Since vegetarian diets do not contain meat or dairy products, owners can start their dogs initially on these diets and slowly add back in animal protein and dairy products—one at a time. By doing so, they can determine which foods are causing issues for their dogs and eliminate these products from their meal plan. Keep fresh, clean water available at all times While food is the central component of any diet, it is critical to ensure your German Shepherd drinks sufficient amounts of water—daily. Water is vital for maintaining biological systems and function and if you feed primarily kibble which has a very low moisture content , then water becomes even more important. Feed your German Shepherd at least twice daily German Shepherds are a large, deep-chested breed and are therefore predisposed to developing life-threatening bloat or gastric torsion. To decrease these risks, feed your German Shepherd at least two smaller meals daily and at regularly scheduled times. Avoid late night feeding and make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise during the day. Excitable states and eating can contribute to stomach problems, flatulence and other digestive issues. As an alternative, you can—with a little research—make homemade meals for your dog at home that are nutritionally balanced. And due to the ever increasing number of pet food recalls each year, making your own dog food can not only be more safe and even less expensive—but you will actually know what is in the foods you are feeding. While it might be convenient to fill a bowl with food and leave it out all day, allowing your dog to graze at will is never a good thing. Dog food attracts bugs and collects moisture. Kibble is prone to mold in regions of high humidity. If you are house training a puppy, free feeding makes it impossible to establish a routine. Free-fed dogs are also notoriously over or under weight. They either eat too much because they can or eat too little because their food is stale and uninviting. And lastly, German Shepherds need to know their food did not just fall from the sky. Fresh foods are great for German Shepherds German Shepherd love to eat healthy, human foods such as meat and cheese products and certain fruits and vegetables—and these foods make awesome treats. Fresh foods also contain natural enzymes that commerical dog foods have lost due to processing. Feeding too many treats daily can lead to nutrient imbalances and digestive upsets. Some lines of German Shepherds are also prone to nutritional irregularities that can lead to weight loss. If you feel your dog is underweight, seek the advice of a veterinarian who can recommend supplements—or test for underlying conditions. Note also that many German Shepherds have a naturally thin builds. You should be able to run your fingers along the rib cage of your German Shepherd—with slight pressure—and feel its ribs. Begin by adding a small percentage of the new food to the existing food and gradually increase the amount over a period of weeks. This gradual transition decreases chances of digestive upset. As a side note, at GSDLiving, we feed our dogs a great variety of foods—both kibble and canned food and raw food products. We switch protein sources and food brands regularly—from the time our dogs are puppies. Your veterinarian would most likely frown upon this practice, but it has been wildly successful for us. Not all dogs will be able to do this of course, but if started young, most have few issues. Experts recommend you stick with the same diet for several weeks before evaluating the results and making adjustments. Other than sticking with raw bones only, what makes a bone a good choice depends on your dog. Know how your dog chews. If you have an aggressive chewer or gulper, bones might not be a good option—or if offered, they should be large and meaty and chewing should be closely supervised. Pick up and discard bones once the majority of the meat has been consumed. Cooked bones are brittle, splinter easily and are much less digestible than uncooked bones. Raw bones are great for dogs because they add bulk to their diet and are a good source of calcium, phosphorous and other nutrients. Raw bones should be covered with lots of meat and be soft enough to be eaten without causing damage or excessive wear to their teeth. Good bone choices include poultry, rabbit, goat, lamb, beef calf. Do not let your dog chew endlessly. Removed bones once the easily eaten portions are consumed. While advertisements display images of healthy, happy dogs, it is important to remember that most manufacturers put profit before health. To ensure that you are feeding your German Shepherd a high-quality, safe food product, read the ingredient list and learn what ingredients are not good for your dog. If one of the first ingredients listed is a meat by-product, this is an indication that the product consists of primary low-quality ingredients. And when a meat source is not identified meat by-products , this means the product is inferior and neither you—or the manufacturer—know what is actually in the foods they are selling and you are buying. Others reasons to be careful about the dog foods you purchase: Just because a commercial dog food is labeled complete and balanced, does not mean it does not come without risk. So far, in , there have been dozens of recalls on major brand dog foods. Some of the issues include excessive amounts of vitamin D which has shown to be fatal to some dogs , elevated levels of beef thyroid hormones and even food contaminated with pentobarbital, lethal bacteria and heavy metals. Choose your pet foods carefully and keep up with current product recalls. There are many good sources for recall information. DogFoodAdvisor is one such resource. Leave a Reply.

View fullsize Both our chocolate Labradoodle and our Poodle are beautiful dogs with excellent temperaments. They are our family pets. Because we begin with a Labradoodle and a Poodle, rather than a Lab and a Poodle, our puppies are much more likely to have the non-shedding Poodle coat. A F1b Labradoodle has been back-crossed to a poodle in an effort to insure a non-shedding coat. Even though most f1b Labradoodles shed very little or not all, it is impossible to guarantee that any dog even doodles or purebred poodles will not shed at all. Hypo- means less hypothermia is having a lower than normal body temperature. No dog can be said to be completely non-allergenic. Studies have shown that doodles are less likely to cause allergies, particularly f1b doodles. The ideal is to keep as much of the Lab head shape and super-friendly personality as possible while getting the non-shedding Poodle coat as well as the dignified, less vocal characteristics of the Poodle. Our Labradoodle methodology is quite simple. First, we get quality dogs. This is why we wanted to have pick of the litter for our Labradoodle and our Poodle and why we only obtained puppies from reputable breeders that we knew we could trust. Second, we try to treat our dogs Labradoodle and Poodle well. We feed our Labradoodle and Poodle high quality food with plenty of protein, and give them wonderful socialization and opportunities for exercise. We have 12 acres along the Enoree River with trails, additional property next to a Greenville state park, and property on Lake Hartwell giving us the opportunity to take the dogs kayaking. We recognize the importance of socializing young Labradoodle puppies so they will not be fearful as they mature. Our Labradoodle puppies have lots of opportunities to play with our children, and water games are definitely on top of the list. Labradoodles love the water and so do my kids, as you can see below. Third, we try to find appropriate families for our Chocolate Labradoodle puppies. To learn more about our process, check out this resource that gives a step-by-step guide between the application to receiving your puppy! A Chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle is not for everyone, and a puppy is not for everyone. If your family is not prepared for a Labradoodle puppy financially, time investment, etc. When can you get your puppy? Because we have only one Labradoodle mother and a couple guardian homes , puppies are available only occasionally. Contact us nathan crockettdoodles. We have a flexible waiting list and offer your deposit back if we do not have the ideal Labradoodle puppy for you within a certain window of time. Sometimes with mini Labradoodles we prefer to wait until they are a little older than 8 weeks because accidents tend to happen more easily with really small puppies. We will take several pictures of you with your Labradoodle puppy. We will send you the pictures for free place them on a USB thumb drive for you , and you will have full copyright privileges to all of the pictures to use at your discretion. You have the option of whether or not the photos appear here on the ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Although we never ship puppies, we will sometimes personally deliver puppies for a reasonable fee. Why should you consider getting a Chocolate Labradoodle from us? If a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy is right for your family, and if you are within driving distance of Greenville, SC, you may want to consider getting a chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle from us. If you read our Labradoodle puppy methodology and like what you read, you should consider adopting one of our puppies. We have a three-year health guarantee on each of our puppies if the forever home continues to feed TLC one year health guarantee on all others. How can you get a Chocolate Labradoodle or Labradoodle mini from us? If you think your family would be a good match for one of our Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppies, then start the conversation by emailing us at nathan crockettdoodles. You will have full access to all pictures and hold the copyright to make as many pictures as you desire. You keep all the pictures. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality collar. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality leash. We give you a bag of high quality dog food. We believe that you should give your new Labradoodle puppy or mini Labradoodle puppy the best food. Instructional materials about crate training and house training. Our goal is to do everything we can to assist in the house training and crate training process. A Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy or any puppy cannot be completely reliable in the house until the puppy is about 6 months old. The simple point is that no matter what some breeders tell you you will be partially involved in the house training process unless you buy an older Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle , but we want to help you with that process. A one-year health guarantee; extended to three years for all who continue to feed TLC. We are concerned with finding really good homes for our Labradoodle and mini Labradoodle puppies. Labradoodle Color To see a list of available colors, check out this page. At ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Ultimately we cannot completely control the color of puppies. Even though chocolate is the most desirable color, we sometimes have puppies of other colors even occasional merles. These puppies, will of course, also make excellent pets. These non-chocolate Labradoodle puppies are also available to great families, but we know that Chocolate Labradoodles are the most desirable. The Labrador Retriever has a short coat that sheds. By breeding the F1 Labradoodle back to an unrelated Poodle, the chances of getting the highly desirable non-shedding Poodle coat increase exponentially. Some F1B Labradoodles are bred back another time to a Poodle in an effort to guarantee a Poodle coat. If high quality dogs are chosen to breed that have the head shape of a Labrador Retriever it is possible to get a puppy that is very similar in many ways to a Labrador, but has the beautiful non-shedding Poodle coat. Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are highly intelligent dogs, helping Labradoodles excel in smarts, train-ability, and a general desire to always please their owner. If you desire a family-friendly, kid loving, medium energy dog that is comfortable inside or outside, that loves the water and the land, you should definitely consider a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle. For more info about Labradoodle puppies or mini Labradoodle puppies, please email nathan crockettdoodles. Check out our sister site miniLabradoodlePuppies. We specialize in Chocolate Labradoodles and mini Labradoodles, but often we have other colors as well. Occasionally someone travels from Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh-Durham or Knoxville, but our proximity to North Carolina and the popularity of Labradoodles in North Carolina make Charlotte and Asheville our most serviced locations. We also have some who are interested from distant states, but we primarily serve the Southeast U. Cafe Parchment The above terms refer to solid brown variations. But, you can also find Labradoodles with different brown markings. For instance: phantom, tri color, abstract, parti, and more. Labradoodles can inherit any of the shades or markings possible in their original purebred ancestors — which will vary depending on whether you have an Australian Labradoodle or an American Labradoodle. Color Fading in Brown Labradoodles There are two major ways that your Labradoodle may have a faded coat. A grey coat from birth can be caused by the dilute gene. This gene dilutes the regular brown coloring into something paler, resulting in silver Labradoodles. Puppies will have this from birth, so you will never see a rich, or dark brown coloring on them. Alternatively, puppies may inherit the graying gene from their Poodle side. These puppies will have brown coats for their first few years. But, they will prematurely turn grey as they age. Not all Labradoodles will experience this, only those who receive the greying gene from their Poodle parent. Are Brown Labradoodles Healthy? Brown Labradoodles will be at risk of the same health problems as any other color. But, chocolate colored fur has been linked to some specific issues in the purebred Labrador Retriever. Choosing a reputable breeder and attending regular veterinary check ups will help. On top of this, if your Labradoodle has a dilute brown coat, they may suffer from skin problems, such as color dilution alopecia. After all, caramel and russet are quite different from one another! Especially given some of the health problems that are linked to brown coats in the purebred Labrador. Particularly those relating to skin problems, which are more common in chocolate Labs. You should be allowed to meet the mother dog — both parents if possible. This will give you a better idea of what colors and markings your puppy may have, as well as their personality. Do You Have a Brown Labradoodle? Brown Labradoodles are popular and make wonderful dogs for the right family. They will be just as energetic, clever, and loving as any other color. But, there are some health problems linked to this coloring in Labs that owners should be aware of! Do you already have a brown Labradoodle puppy at home? Or are you still trying to decide which color is right for you? Find Out More. Silver beige White The Poodle breed also includes 18 potential color combinations! On top of this, the genes necessary for brown coats are recessive. So, a more dominant gene, like the one for a black coat, will often overpower it if it is present. With such a wide range of possible coat color combinations and patterns in the Poodle breed line, breeders often find it hard to breed for a true chocolate Labradoodle coat color that remains consistent throughout life. Chocolate Puppies Can Change Color Unique among the other possible Labradoodle coat colors, the chocolate coat color has a tendency to fade over time. Sometimes the coat color will stay a deep, rich, dark chocolate tone. But more often than not, the dark chocolate will start to fade. Even the most color-knowledgeable Labradoodle breeders are generally hard-pressed to determine what the chocolate coat will do over time. This is the reason the chocolate coat color is considered to be rare in doodles. Later in life you might find your gorgeous brown doodle starts to change color again. Breeding a true chocolate Labradoodle that stays a true chocolate all through life can be as much of a surprise to the breeder as to the dog owners. Does Labradoodle Coat Color Matter? It is true the Labrador Retriever dog parent contributes simpler coat color genetics to the Labradoodle breed. But Labrador Retriever enthusiasts are known to have their own opinions about the three classic coat colors and which one is best for what roles. For example, yellow Labradors are the top pick for service dogs and guide dogs. Black Labradors are prized for hunting, retrieving and hunting roles. Chocolate Labradors are considered ideally suited for show dog competitions and family pets. Is this factual? Or is it just so much personal opinion codified into fact? Here, the answer really depends on what types of activities you want to pursue with your pup. For most owners, as long as their Labradoodle puppy is sound and healthy, coat color is incidental. There is nothing wrong with wanting a Labradoodle dog with a specific coat color. We all have our preferences, which is what makes our world so colorful and fascinating. Often, this is just a method that less reputable breeders will use to try to inflate puppy prices. And, remember that Labradoodle puppies are just as likely to inherit one of the many Poodle colors, rather than the three standard Labrador shades. Their temperament will be very similar. However, there will still be variations between puppies, as mixed breeds can inherit any traits from either parent, and how they are raised plays a large part. As long as you train and socialize your chocolate doodle dog well from a young age, they will most likely be very friendly, energetic, and intelligent. Most Labradoodles, chocolate ones included, are eager to please and love spending time with people, particularly their closest family members. These large dogs are energetic, too. They do best in active families that have plenty of time to spend with them. Chocolate Doodle Health A few year ago, a research study made waves by announcing that chocolate Labrador Retrievers might be less healthy. They reported that they are more likely to become obese, suffer from ear infections and joint disorders and die earlier than yellow or black Labrador Retrievers. But is this a concern for Labradoodle dogs, who have one Labrador Retriever parent dog and one Poodle parent dog? It is hard to say. So if you want a brown Labradoodle, just be sure you work with a responsible, health-focused breeder. One who has deep knowledge of the canine genome and keeps careful health records for her breeding dogs and their puppies. When the breeder invests the time and expense to pre-screen parent dogs for all known heritable genetically transmissible health conditions before allowing a mating, there will always be less risk that the puppies will grow up to develop serious health issues. Health Issues to Watch Out For There are some health problems that all Labradoodles, including chocolate ones, are prone to. These are just a few of the major problems that can affect Labradoodles. This will decrease the risk of an unhealthy puppy. They may be willing to contact you if they get a chocolate colored puppy in their future litters. Always avoid puppy mills, pet stores, and backyard breeders, even if their chocolate Labradoodles are cheaper. These places usually give their puppies worse care and are less interested in their health. Some dogs are given up to rescue centers because of behavioral issues, but there are lots of reasons for dogs to end up there. Many go on to make wonderful, loving family pets. Work closely with rescue center staff to make sure you find a dog that will suit your family. Let them know your situation, including if you have other pets and children. As the Labradoodle breed gains popularity, breed-specific rescue centers are becoming more common. But, if there are still none near you, check rescue centers dedicated to the parent breeds. They may accept mixed breeds, too. Rescue Labradoodles will often be cheaper than puppies from breeders, and they may have some basic training. Do You Love the Chocolate Labradoodle? Chocolate Labradoodles can make great canine companions. These high-energy dogs love to run and romp and play — and their favorite playmate will always be you! If you love the idea of making your new dog the center of your family and world, a dark brown Labradoodle might be your perfect new family pet. References and Resources Lewis .Labradoodle Coat Colors. Australian Labradoodle Association. Coopshaw .Two Different Types of Pigment. Dog Coat Color Genetics. Mattinson .Which Labrador Color is Best? The Labrador Site. Attaway .McGreevy et al. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology. Post navigation. Liver brown or chocolate Phaeomelanin When genes interact with the phaeomelanin pigment, coat color can express as the full range of reds. Focusing on the Brown Color There are eight genes in the canine genome that control coat color. They each have a specific location locus and two alleles variants. At the B locus there are two alleles. When a gene is dominant, a puppy only needs to inherit a copy from one parent to express the color. But, when a gene is recessive, the puppy needs to inherit a copy from both parent dogs to express the coat color. So, Labradoodle puppies need to inherit the recessive brown allele from both the Labrador and Poodle parents. Recessive genes can go hidden for generations. Instead, a breeder must know the genetics of their parent dogs very well to reliably breed chocolate brown Labradoodle puppies. But, in actuality, a true brown Labradoodle can be quite challenging to breed for. This is because, as we now know, brown is a recessive trait. Puppies need the allele from both parents. To further complicate the challenge, Labradoodle coat colors can fade over time. So, a Doodle pup could start out life with a black coat, only to grow up and have a pale liver one. Labs come in three colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. Poodles, on the other hand, have 11 solid coat colors and 17 coat color patterns. The Poodle genome also includes the G series locus, which stands for progressive greying. Will my Brown Labradoodle Stay Brown? The progressive greying gene is not the only cause of Labradoodle coat color fading over time. Other factors that can cause a dark coat color to fade include: Diet.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Labradoodle Highlights Friendly and intelligent: Labradoodles are known for being friendly and intelligent dogs. They are good with children and other animals, and they are easy to train. Hypoallergenic: Labradoodles are often considered to be hypoallergenic, which means that they do not shed as much as other dogs. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Active and playful: Labradoodles are active dogs that need regular exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and swimming. Loyal and devoted: Labradoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and they love to cuddle. Versatile: Labradoodles are versatile dogs that can be trained for a variety of tasks, including therapy work, obedience, and agility. They can be expensive to purchase and maintain. They require regular grooming, especially if they have a curly coat. They are prone to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Overall, Labradoodles are wonderful dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. If you are looking for a friendly, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, a Labradoodle may be a good choice for you. Labradoodle History Wally Conron, who was in charge of the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, purposefully crossbred a Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever in to develop the Labradoodle as a hypoallergenic guide dog. The first cross produced Sultan, a dog with a hypoallergenic coat, aptitude, intelligence, and personality suitable for being an effective guide dog. Sultan worked successfully with a woman in Hawaii. Other breeders saw the merit of crossing these two breeds, and the Labradoodle quickly rose in popularity like its Labrador Retriever parent. These dogs are often produced by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, but multigenerational breeding has begun in an attempt to produce a viable and recognizable breed. The Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association are taking steps to move this designer breed into registered breed status in the next few years. These groups have made great efforts to bring breeders together so that they are working to achieve the same standards through multigenerational breeding. Labradoodle Size The Labradoodle comes in three size variations, depending on the size of the Poodle used for the first-generation breeding. The three sizes are Standard, Medium, and Miniature. The Standard Labradoodle should be 22 to 24 inches in height for a male and 21 to 23 inches in height for a female, while both can range in weight from 50 to 65 pounds. The Medium Labradoodle should be 18 to 20 inches high for a male and 17 to 19 inches high for a female, with both weighing from 30 to 45 pounds. The average size for a Miniature Labradoodle is between 14 to 16 inches and 15 to 25 pounds. All of that said, there is a lot of variation in Labradoodle sizes. Some can be smaller or larger than expected. Labradoodle Personality The Labradoodle is an intelligent dog who can make the ideal family pet if properly trained. They are friendly and accept and treat everyone like their best friend. They can be gentle, but they can also be joyful, showing their happiness through exuberant jumping and playing. They also tend to be easygoing, since the Labradoodle was bred not to be aggressive. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings, parents, or other relatives of the dog is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when they grow up. Socialization helps ensure that your Labradoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. Here are a few conditions to watch out for: Ear Infections: These can plague Labradoodles because of their floppy ears. The ears trap moisture and should be regularly checked. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : Similar to hip dysplasia, this is also a degenerative disease. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simply develop arthritis, or they could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior—such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding—or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Labradoodle is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Diabetes Mellitus: This is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. The dog will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Symptoms of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and the administration of insulin. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Hypothyroidism : This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It is treated with medication and diet. They require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day and would do better with a fenced yard in which to expel some energy. Some Labradoodles, especially in the first generation, can require even more exercise. The Labradoodle makes an excellent jogging companion but also needs some time off-leash to burn off steam. The Labradoodle is an intelligent and eager-to-please dog. Training should be easy as long as consistency and positive reinforcement are the methods. Socialize them from puppyhood, since they tend to hurl themselves headlong into canine situations without regard to the feelings of other dogs. This can lead to some problems if the unknown dog is aggressive. Despite their activity levels, a Labradoodle can adjust to living in suburban or city environments and can do well in rural settings. A crate is also a place where they can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your Labradoodle accept confinement if they ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. Never stick your Labradoodle in a crate all day long, however. Labradoodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 2. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Labradoodle in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at them. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Labradoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Labradoodle Coat Color And Grooming Although a Labradoodle can have one of a range of coat types, the desired length is four to six inches. They have a single coat with hair ranging from straight to loose curls. There are three types of texture: The Hair coat, which is similar to fur in shedding breeds, is the least popular. Hair coats shed and usually have a normal doggy odor. This coat is seen in first generations, although breeders try to avoid it. The Fleece coat has a silky texture often described as an Angora goat texture. This coat ranges from straight to wavy. Labradoodles are considered to be non- to low shedders, especially those with a Fleece or Wool coat. Hair coats tend to shed just as they do in other breeds, ranging from very low to average shedding. The Labradoodle comes in a wide variety of colors. They can also have parti-colored coats, which consist of brindles, phantom, patched, or sable colors. Grooming requirements vary depending on the length and type of coat the dog has. Generally speaking, you can expect to brush a Labradoodle about once or twice per week. Some can be clipped or trimmed every six to eight weeks to keep the coat easy to maintain. Like Labs, Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, so take a little extra time caring for their ears. Dry and clean them after a swim, and check them once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. Then wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding—and your dog may not cooperate the next time they see the nail clippers come out. Handle their paws frequently—dogs are touchy about their feet—and look inside their mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Labradoodle Children And Other Pets The Labradoodle does well with children and can be an affectionate and gentle companion for any child. They can also be exuberant and might knock down smaller children, but they will love them with all their heart. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Labradoodles usually get along well with other dogs and pets. Like most dogs, they need training and socialization for optimum success at living with and visiting other animals. Labradoodle Rescue Groups Labradoodles are often brought home without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. Many end up in the care of shelters or rescues because of this. It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labradoodles because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. Origin and history of the Labradoodle To fully understand the history of the Labradoodle, it's best to have a look at both parent breeds. History of the Labrador Labradors originated in Newfoundland, a large island off the east coast of Canada. The island is actually part of the Newfoundland and Labrador province — which is where these pups get their name from. They're closely related to St John's Water Dogs, a breed that no longer exists and eventually divided into two breeds — the larger Newfoundland dogs and the original Labrador. These pups were incredibly talented at helping fishermen retrieve nets, long lines, and fish that had managed to escape. In the s, European settlers saw how impressive these dogs were and decided to take them back home with them. They were then bred with local hunting dogs to create what we know as the adorable Labrador Retriever today. History of the Poodle Poodles are an ancient breed. In fact, poodle-like images have been found on Egyptian and Roman artifacts and tombs. This naturally makes it more challenging to know precisely when these pups originated and where they come from. Most experts agree that Poodles originated in Germany but were further developed in France. Some think that they are the result of crossbreeding various different European Waterdogs and others believe they arrived in Portugal in the 8th century and originated in Asia. What is sure is that they're a very old breed and that Miniature Poodles and Toy Poodles were further bred in France. Standard Poodles were used for hunting ducks, Miniature Poodles to hunt truffles , and Toy Poodles as cute little companion dogs for the French elite. History of the Labradoodle Often, with mixed breeds, little is known about the exact origin because it's difficult to pinpoint whether a pup was first bred naturally or not. That's not, however, the case with the Labradoodle. They were first bred in the s in Australia by a guide dog trainer named Wally Conron. He specialized in breeding hardworking Labradors and Golden Retrievers but wanted to breed a hypoallergenic one that could help blind allergy sufferers too. Poodles are well known for being great non-shedders, so Wally decided to breed these intelligent canines with his working Labradors. The result was a great success! Many people, however, didn't want a mixed breed assistance dog, and it took him many years to prove how great these dogs are. Both the Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association are trying to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so that these pups can officially be recognized as purebred. Temperament and personality of the Labradoodle Labradoodle puppies and adult dogs are adoring and devoted. They're very sweet-natured and love to be around their whole family. Playing is a huge part of any Labradoodle's day, and they'll love to spend time running after a ball or working out a particularly difficult puzzle toy. These fluffy dogs are very sociable and confident around strangers. They get on well with children, dogs, and other pets and love to make new friends. In all likelihood, they'll be the first to run up to other dogs in the dog park and introduce themselves. These hybrids are very energetic and need a good amount of space to explore and run around in. They're also just as happy to snuggle up with you on the couch and enjoy a good film. Training a Labradoodle Just like the purebred Poodle and Labrador, Labradoodles are very intelligent. They excel in all sorts of dog sports and training classes and really benefit from new and exciting things to do. These intelligent dogs love to please their owners, make them laugh, and are keen to do as they're told. For example, if taught from a young age not to bark unless they need to Labradoodle puppies are pretty quiet dogs. Lots of socialization is important for Labradoodles — they'll love playing with other dogs in a puppy kindergarten class and will benefit from learning for older pups. In fact, Labradoodles generally enjoy everything they do — including training! Because they're so affectionate, they can be a little sensitive. They also respond best to exciting training and positive reinforcement and don't like being told off or raised voices. If you want your Labradoodle to learn, it's essential to encourage them rather than scold them. They also respond well to the odd treat! Appearance of the Labradoodle As well as their loving and affectionate personalities, the unique appearance of a Labradoodle is something else that makes them very popular. These dogs look like little teddy bears! They have large, wide eyes and a happy and curious expression. Because there isn't a standard for this dog breed yet, they come in all different shapes and sizes, and their coat color and texture can vary quite a lot. How big do Labradoodles get? We really have to consider the purebred dogs behind this amazing hybrid to know this. Labradors are always medium to large canines , stand at roughly 23 inches tall, and weigh between 55 and 70 pounds. Poodles, however, come in 3 different sizes standard, miniature, and toy. Because a Labrador Retriever is mixed with a Poodle, the Labradoodle also comes in 3 sizes standard, medium, and miniature. Just like the Miniature Poodle, the miniature Labradoodle is especially cute. These little dogs can be between 14 and 16 inches tall, the medium 17 and 20, and the Standard Labradoodle can grow to be inches. Depending on which Labradoodle you adopt, they can weigh between 15 and 65 pounds. Generally speaking, male Labradoodles will be a bit bigger than female Labradoodles. Labradoodle color The American Kennel Club recognizes 3 Labrador colors — black, yellow, and chocolate. But these pups can also come in red, silver, and white. On the other hand, Poodles come in many different colors everything from black to apricot. So, as you can imagine, Labradoodle puppies can be many different colors and combinations too. Some are caramel, chocolate, black, red, chalk, gold, and sable. Labradoodle coat Whether you get a chocolate Labradoodle or a particolored one, their coat texture can vary a lot. There are three main types of coat: Hairy: this coat is usually shorter and wirier think Terrier. It's likely to shed a little more and will smell when your pup inevitably goes for a swim. This coat type is found in first-generation Labradoodles puppies with Poodle and Labrador Retriever parents. Wooly: this coat is dense and very soft, kind of like a sheep's or Poodle's. Fleecy: a Labradoodle with a fleece coat will have long, wavy hair. In many people's opinion, this is the most attractive coat. Are Labradoodles hypoallergenic? No dogs are fully hypoallergenic; they all shed at least a little bit. But many Doodle breeds Poodle mixed breeds were originally bred specifically because Poodles are low-shedders. Labradoodle breeders wanted the fun personality of a Labrador but with the low-shedding coat of a Poodle. If you suffer from allergies and don't want dog hair all over your furniture, the Labradoodle could be a really good choice. Grooming a Labradoodle Labrador Retrievers have a double coat and therefore shed quite a lot — especially before the seasons change, and they need to grow a warmer or cooler one. Luckily, Labradoodles inherit the single coat of their purebred Poodle parent and therefore shed less. Even though they don't shed as much as other dog breeds, it's still worth giving your pup a weekly brush to remove any loose hairs and dirt. This helps their coat stay sleek and smelling good. Depending on whether your Labradoodle inherits a fleecy coat or not, you may need to trim the hair around their eyes and in between their toes, so it doesn't irritate them. You might also want to consider taking them to a professional groomer every so often. Health of a Labradoodle A mixed-breed adult dog is usually healthier than a purebred pup as the gene pool is a little bigger. To ensure you get a healthy Labradoodle puppy, make sure you do your research and get them from a responsible and ethical breeder. Even if they're cheaper, avoid puppy mills at all costs. Unethical breeders don't care about the health or welfare of your Labradoodle, and you can't be sure they've been properly tested. Taking your standard, medium, and miniature Labradoodles to the vet regularly can help catch any conditions early on. That being said, depending on the parent dogs and your Labradoodle size, some pups can suffer from the following conditions: Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia common in both Labrador Retrievers and Standard Poodles Ear infections. Lifespan Sociability As puppies, Labradoodles look like tiny, fuzzy teddy bears. In reality, this cross-breed can be a great deal to handle for first-time dog owners or those looking for a more hands-off canine companion. What does this mean? The Lab Poodle mix awkwardly straddles the worlds of purebred and mutt. On the one hand, Labradoodles are purposely bred and sold for tons of cash. On the other, the cross-breed is not recognized or regulated by any major dog organization at least in the United States. Many breeders also turn to in-breeding to achieve desirable puppies. Yes, Labradoodles can make incredible pets, and there are countless well-intentioned breeders out there. Unfortunately, this also means many Labradoodles end up causing discomfort for misinformed households. The Labradoodle might boast a Poodle-like coat, but hair type has nothing to do with canine allergens. Instead, your allergies are probably triggered by the dander a. If you or a family member requires a hypoallergenic dog, then the Labradoodle might not be the best option! While the regular Labradoodle is just a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Australian Labradoodle includes genetics from the Cocker Spaniel and other unknown breeds. Labradoodles come in a variety of colors and patterns, from stark white to tri-colored. In this regard, the Labradoodle definitely takes after the Poodle. Despite what many lovers of the cross-breed believe, Labradoodles can also have more than one type of fur. While the most popular coat texture is wavy, you can also find puppies with extremely curly and straight fur! With consistent socialization and training, though, these traits can be easily managed. A well-adjusted Labradoodle is friendly, mellow, and ready for anything the world has to offer. Labradoodles who have not been taught to manage their excitement, especially around strangers and other dogs, can quickly cause issues. Before bringing home a Labradoodle puppy, take note that poor genetics often lead to behavioral and temperamental issues. While this is true for any dog — purebred, hybrid, or full-on mutt — it is a well-documented problem within the Labradoodle community. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Most Labradoodles are fairly large, reaching up to 65 pounds, so these eager playmates will easily mow down small children. Labradoodles are bred to be friendly and relaxed around strangers, making them terrible guard dogs. Because of its generally low prey drive, the Labradoodle is a great option for households with cats or small dogs. Please reference the feeding guidelines of your chosen food — every formula has slightly different serving recommendations. You should also aim to go on two long walks per day. While puzzles are a great way to meet these needs, adventure walks meandering walks or hikes where your dog can sniff and explore a new environment are also an excellent choice. A lack of room to run around and burn excess energy can rapidly breed destructive habits. The combination of high intelligence and overall friendliness makes the Labradoodle great for experienced and first-time dog owners who are willing to invest in lifelong training. Even naturally friendly dogs can suffer if not properly socialized from an early age. Like Poodles, Labradoodle coats can be cut in a variety of functional and fashionable ways. However, the lack of standardized breeding and immense popularity means many Labradoodles carry poor genetics. Labradoodles are most affected by conditions common among Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. Regular vet visits can help keep your pup healthy and catch early signs of disease. Here are the most common health conditions known to affect Labradoodles: Minor Conditions. This is a pretty great list of attributes. No wonder people love Labradoodles so much! What About Undesirable Traits? Be that the nervousness of some Poodles. Or the destructive chewing habit of some Labradors. But with so many positive traits, it makes sense that the Labradoodle was first bred to be a guide dog in service. In fact, Labradoodles continue to be in high demand as service dogs worldwide. This is because of their friendly, happy, intelligent, loving temperament. Does Coat Color Impact Temperament? The Labradoodle hybrid dog breed as a whole is still quite young and has not got a great deal of temperament or genetic history. They will try to take advantage of the demand. They do this by passing off poorly-bred or unverifiable puppies as true Labradoodles. Here, it truly will be up to you, the owner, to thoroughly research any Labradoodle breeder you want to work with. Or perhaps you want to adopt a Labradoodle from a rescue shelter or charity. Rescue golden Labradoodles may have none, some, or all of the characteristics of any dog who has been abandoned or given up for any number of reasons. In this case, taking the help of expert dog trainers can ease the transition for you both. Golden Labradoodle Health There is no evidence to date that suggests the golden Labradoodle coat color is directly associated with any breed-specific health issues. But, both the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle dog breeds have known heritable genetic health issues. It is impossible to know in advance how two sets of genes will mix to influence a particular puppy in any litter. Reputable breeders will always ensure prospective parent dogs are health-tested for all known genetic diseases. This helps to avoid breeding puppies with genetic or other health defects. What are these Health Problems? Then you can ask your Labradoodle breeder for verification that both parent dogs have been cleared of all known genetic health issues. But, we will also look briefly at these problems here. Make sure your potential breeder does these health tests. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This condition is where the hip or elbow sockets form abnormally. It is a painful issue that can lead to difficulty walking, and arthritis. Labradors are prone to this, especially if they are overweight. Fortunately, breeders can carry out x-rays on potential parents to assess the quality of their joints. Testing for eye problems is important. Especially as PRA causes vision loss and eventually blindness. The severity of this can vary. But it involves muscle weakness and inability to move after intense periods of exercise. Cardiac Problems Heart issues are another common health problem in Labrador Retrievers that can be tested. Many larger breeds are prone to this. It is a fatal condition. The CHIC database for Standard Poodle dogs states that all breeding stock should be pre-tested for the following genetic health conditions. Hip Dysplasia We have looked at this briefly above. But Poodles are also prone to hip dysplasia and malformed joints. So, it is even more important that both parent breeds get tested for this problem. Hip scores are tested. So eye exams are another important test to ensure the healthiest puppies. This breed is also prone to eye issues like cataracts. There is no specific test for this. But eye examinations are still important. DNA tests are available for this. So, ensure your breeder tests for this disease. Epilepsy Another potential problem Standard Poodles can face is idiopathic epilepsy. Sebaceous Adenitis This is a skin disorder that has been seen in Poodles. There is no DNA test. So make sure parent dogs have no history of skin problems. Sebaceous Adenitis can cause blistering, itching, hair-loss, and infections. It is a hormone disorder that unfortunately has no DNA test. So, once again, breeders must know the family history of the dogs they want to breed. Not All Problems can be Tested For Not all genetic or idiopathic of unknown origin health issues can be tested for in advance. So, it is also important to learn as much as you can about the individual health and temperament history of each parent dog involved in breeding your puppy. If at all possible, arrange with the breeder to meet and interact with each parent dog. This will help you get a good idea of the temperament your Labradoodle puppy might inherit. Do this and also verify that all testable health issues have been performed on each parent dog. This will give you the best possible chance of bringing home a healthy, happy golden Labradoodle puppy. Golden Labradoodle Grooming All Labradoodle puppies will have a puppy coat for at least the first six months of their life. An adult Golden Labradoodle dog can have three different coat types: fleece, wool, or hair. You might wonder how this could be possible! But the answer boils down to the amount of genetic influence each purebred parent dog has over each puppy in a litter. And these two purebred dog breeds have very different coat types. It sheds seasonally and year-round, to hear most Lab owners tell it. Rather, it means that shed hair gets caught in the surrounding coat and must be brushed out manually. Dog Allergies If you have an allergy to dog dander, you will want to select a Labradoodle with a coat type more like the Standard Poodle parent. But, it can be hard to know in the first six months of life what coat type a given Labradoodle puppy may have inherited. So, if it is very important that your Labradoodle puppy grow up to have a non-shedding coat, ask the breeder about DNA coat testing. Golden Labradoodle with Fleece Coat This Labradoodle has fairly equal influence from each parent dog. It tends to arise most frequently in F1b litters one hybrid Labradoodle parent dog and one purebred Standard Poodle parent dog or F2 and later litters both parent dogs are hybrid Labradoodles. If your puppy grows up to have a fleece coat type as an adult, the coat will be very soft to the touch. Just like angora goat fleece. The coat will either be wavy or have soft spiral curls. If your puppy grows up to have a wool coat type as an adult, the coat will look and feel much like a Standard Poodle coat. It will be wiry and dense with tight curls. The wool coat needs a lot of grooming to brush out shed, dead hair before it can turn into skin-damaging tangles and mats. Owners often take wool-coated Labradoodles for professional grooming and clipping every six weeks to keep coat growth manageable. Often puppies with hair coats come from F1 generation litters one purebred Labrador Retriever parent dog and one purebred Standard Poodle parent dog. If your puppy grows up to have a hair coat type as an adult, the coat will look like a straight or wavy much longer and shaggier version of the Labrador Retriever coat. This hair coat type is fairly wash-and-wear. Plus lots of vacuuming to keep your home from being blanketed in dead, shed dog hair. And if you have dog dander allergies this is not the coat type for you! Your Golden Labradoodle We hope you have enjoyed learning more about all the factors that contribute to creating the most wonderful of hybrid dog breeds, the golden Labradoodle! Are you sharing your life with a golden Labradoodle now? Or are you thinking of adding a Doodle dog to your family? Please post a comment below to share your questions and experiences with the whole community! Take a look at a few of them below! Shelter dogs vs puppies Origin Of The Labradoodle There are now first crosses being deliberately bred from a wide variety of pedigree dog mixes. But it was the Labradoodle that kicked off this entire trend. And the mix started in Australia in the s. It began as part of an attempt to create a low shedding guide dog for those people who were both visually impaired and sensitive to the allergens in dog hair. And he set up a breeding program to try to create a line of hypoallergenic or low shedding guide dogs. According to Stanley Coren, who later interviewed Conron, all 33 puppies failed the guide dog training program. Moving onwards Today, the Royal Guide Dogs Association no longer incorporates doodles into its breeding program, though some other Guide Dog Associations do. This is due, not to the dogs themselves, but the fear that a sharp increase in popularity could lead to a greater number of abandoned dogs. Labradors vary less in height than Standard Poodles, with a recommended height of about 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder. A standard Labradoodle full grown may reach anything from 15 to 24 inches tall, but is more likely to come in at the top end of that spectrum. When it comes to weight, an adult male Labradoodle may reach anywhere from 60 to 80 pounds. Females tend to weigh in at around ten pounds less than males. Colors Standard Labradoodles are commonly solid-colored, such as a typical brown or a beautiful apricot. However, Standard Poodles are sometimes particolored white patches on a dark background , and a Labradoodle may inherit that. A bicolored Labradoodle may be referred to as a Parti Labradoodle. Expressed Labrador genes may result in a chocolate, black or yellow Labradoodle. Apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, red, white or even silver Labradoodle dogs are possible too. However, not every Labradoodle will exhibit the fleece. In fact, whether or not a Doodle is a first generation or later cross can greatly impact its fur coat. The first-generation cross F1 results from the initial breeding of a Labrador Retriever to a Poodle. According to the breeders at Deer Creek Labradoodles, the first generation is the least likely to have a fleece coat and most likely will still shed like a Lab. According to the breeders at Apple Creek Doodles, the first generation is most likely to have a somewhat shaggy coat that requires grooming, although minimal, due to the coarseness of the fur. The second-generation cross F1b results from breeding a first-generation Lab Poodle mix with a Poodle. This combination seems to consistently produce litters with the fleecy, low-shedding coat, thanks to the influx of Poodle genes. Crossing an F1b Labradoodle with a Poodle produces the F1b. This combination seems to produce pups with the most Poodle-like coats and Labrador-type personalities, making them highly sought after by the general public. Do Labradoodles Shed? The allergen to which some people are sensitive can be found in every home where there is a dog. This is true regardless of breed. Every dog, regardless of how low-shedding its coat may be, still produces some dander. Most of the time, a good brush once or twice a week should keep their coats in great shape. We recommend taking any dog with a Poodle-type coat to the groomer once per month for a clip. Sometimes, the Labradoodle coat can be a problem for owners that lack the time or inclination for thorough grooming. Just as with Poodles, lack of grooming can occasionally become a health issue, with matted fur getting out of hand and covering the dogs eyes and bottom. This can escalate as the owner becomes embarrassed to seek help. Typical Temperament Traits Labradoodles are known for their highly energetic but easy-going natures. However, each Labradoodle is a unique individual with his or her own quirks and mannerisms, some of which may be passed from their parents. Therefore, knowing whether or not a Labradoodle puppy will show more of a Lab or Poodle personality is kind of a toss-up. First-generation Doodle temperaments are especially hard to predict, but it seems that later generations act more like Labradors. However, breeding later Doodle generations back with Poodles to maintain the Poodle coat can result in more Poodle-like temperament. Poodles and Labs have quite different personalities, though both have the potential to display strong, loyal attachment to their family. Some people associate them with being snappy. In addition, socializing your Doodle or any dog, for that matter from a young age will help to prevent fearfulness and unpleasant behavior toward people and pets later in life. Poodles are active dogs who enjoy lots of physical and mentally stimulating activity. They like having a job and interacting with their owners, which is part of the reason why they are such contenders in the show ring! Labrador Side of the Family On the other side of the coin, Labrador Retriever temperament is generally happy-go-lucky. They are dogs who are content with anyone as long as they are being lathered with attention. These playful pups are also pretty tolerant of other dogs in the household. They are also dogs that need company. Get help with chewing or destructive behavior here. Like Poodles, these are energetic dogs who love to go for walks, runs, bike rides, and swims. They will thrive in an active household or in a job that lets them use their energy and their powerful nose! Labradoodle Socialization Socialization is important for any breed, even outgoing and friendly dogs like Labradors. Regular training and socialization is what helps a puppy to grow up to be a happy, healthy dog who is comfortable in different situations and around new people and animals. A lack of socialization could lead to a dog who is unsure of himself in a new situation, and therefore anxious or fearful. This may lead to acting out. Additionally, because the Poodle parent may potentially be a little more aloof, a Labradoodle will need socialization to counteract that tendency. Puppies should begin to be socialized from the time that they are brought home. Regularly introduce them to new people and other animals, and take them out into new environments. Training And Exercise Plan for at least an hour of exercise each day for an adult Labradoodle, and try to add in additional playtime in an enclosed yard, and tasks such as retrieving. Plenty of physical activity will keep their joints moving and flexible, plus the mental stimulation will keep a Doodle both physically and mentally fit. Just like ensuring that your child goes to school, training is a vital part of raising a well-adjusted dog of any breed. The training needs of a dog vary throughout the different ages of life. Labradoodles should also be trained to walk without straining at their leash, and to come back when given a recall signal. Check out our in-depth guide to training a Labrador or Labrador cross here. However, with mixes, dog owners need to take into account the risks for both parent breeds, as any and all could potentially be handed down to the mix puppy. Most of our purebred dog breeds are predisposed to certain health conditions. These are diseases that can only harm the individual dog if he or she carries inherits two faulty genes — one from each parent. With recessive diseases, if either parent passes a healthy gene to the puppy, the faulty gene is switched off and remains harmless. Which is why mongrels are often genetically more healthy than purebred dogs. A first cross like a Labradoodle may, genetically speaking, be an improvement on either of the parent breeds. Labrador Health Labradors are generally healthy dogs. But there are some inheritable issues that they do face. And they absolutely should be, before the Lab is allowed to breed. Whether the Lab is the mother or father of Labradoodle puppies, they should be health tested and cleared first. Labs also have a tendency to become overweight, especially as they get a little older. Lab owners should always keep an eye on the amount and quality of the food they give their dogs. Labs can also suffer from some more minor issues, such as ear problems and skin allergies. To learn more about the diseases and health conditions that commonly affect Labrador Retrievers, refer to our health article on Labrador Retrievers. Poodle Health Unfortunately, Poodles, while also being generally healthy, suffer from some of the same problems as Labradors. When both parent breeds have diseases in common, those diseases have a greater risk of being passed down to the Labradoodle puppy. Common major health problems include: Hip dysplasia. Black, cream, white, apricot, gold, caramel, chocolate, red, tan, sable Suitable for: Active families, families with children, those looking for a playful and active dog Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent, friendly, energetic, playful, easy-going While Labradoodles are known for being sweet, their consistency in other characteristics is lacking. The demand for these dogs contributes to irresponsible and hasty breeding, and the results are litters of puppies with varying personalities. Not all Labradoodles are exactly alike but they do share similar characteristics. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Labradoodle Puppies Image Credit: Danii Brown Photography, Shutterstock Labradoodle puppies are highly intelligent and social, and tend to be good with children and other pets. They are also known for being easily trained and make great family pets. Labradoodles come in a variety of sizes, coat types, and colors, which can range from straight to curly and from black to cream. Labradoodles, like all hybrid breeds, can exhibit a range of physical and behavioral traits from both parent breeds, so it is important to research the background of the individual dog to get a sense of what to expect. These are smart and loveable dogs that enjoy following commands and completing tasks. This is another reason that Labradoodles are used as service and therapy dogs. Their gentle dispositions combined with their intelligence and love for people make them ideal for anyone, from first-time dog owners to those with a house full of pets. They are low-maintenance dogs that are happy to spend time with their families. They can suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long. This can manifest through barking, howling, pacing, urinating in the house, and being destructive. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They get along well with kids, but their large size and playful natures could overwhelm small children. If this breed is properly trained and socialized, they make loyal companions that are devoted to their families. Labradoodles love people and other animals alike and get along well with other pets in the home. Their gentle and accepting personalities make them ideal for a home with other animals. The best way to ensure that your Labradoodle will be friends with the other animals in the household is to raise the animals together. Puppies will grow to love and accept other housemates as family. Adding a Labradoodle puppy to a house with other pets is easier than adding an adult Labradoodle to the mix. That said, while it may take longer for the adult dog to become familiar with everyone, they will be happy to do so. Training and socialization when the Labradoodle is a puppy, though, are crucial to their success living with other animals. However, there are several requirements to be aware of when welcoming this dog into your home. Here are a few things to consider about owning Labradoodles. When you bring your puppy home, they should be kept on the same diet that they were eating previously. This will help you avoid any digestive distress from a sudden change in food. A high-quality, protein-packed kibble will work well for puppies and adult Labradoodles. There is no one universal dog food that will offer the same nutrients to every dog. Just like people, different dogs need specialized diets suited to their needs. Treats are always welcome by Labradoodles and are motivators during training. A handful of dry kibble offered piece by piece will also work, depending on how food-motivated your dog is and how much they enjoy their food. They can go from sleeping on the sofa to up and waiting at the door to go outside in seconds. They require exercise to be healthy and happy but also to avoid them becoming bored. A bored Labradoodle will make up their own activities, and these may not always be the things that you want them to be doing. A minute play session per day in a fenced-in area where the dog can run or chase a ball will provide the mental and physical stimulation that they need. However you choose to do it, your Labradoodle will enjoy the exercise and the time with you. They like learning new things and following commands. Their trainability makes them reliable and competent service dogs. If you welcome this dog to your home as a pet, there are a few things that you can do to help them be the best they can be. Socializing your new puppy is the most important step to take from the time that you bring them home. This encourages your dog to not fear new experiences, people, or places and instead, to be intrigued by new things. A puppy socialization class is a good place to start. Playdates with your friends and their dogs will help your dog learn to make friends. Obedience classes will teach your dog basic manners and how to follow simple instructions. From there, you can move on to agility classes, to help your dog get the exercise that they need while focusing on an activity. Patience and repetition are required from you so your dog associates learning with a positive experience. If you get this done professionally, it will include a haircut, nail trim, and bath. Regular nail trims are important for paw health. Overgrown nails can be painful and make walking difficult for your dog. In addition, the popularity of Labradoodles has increased, leading to overbreeding and irresponsible breeding. If you have a Labradoodle, these are potential issues that could arise down the road. Regular veterinary exams are important for the prevention and detection of these conditions. Minor Conditions. A miniature will weigh 15 to 25 pounds and stand 14 to 16 inches tall. A medium will weigh 30 to 45 pounds and stand 17 to 20 inches tall. And a standard will weigh 50 to 65 pounds and stand 21 to 24 inches tall. But remember, our Labradoodle Poodle puppy is going to receive more genetic influence from the Poodle gene pool. Purebred Poodles are bred in three sizes, which are toy, miniature and standard. Toy Poodles weigh four to six pounds and stand less than 10 inches tall. Miniature Poodles weigh 10 to 15 pounds and stand 10 to 15 inches tall. Standard Poodles weigh 40 to 70 pounds and stand over 15 inches. This means it is really important to learn the size of the Poodle parent before you commit to a Labradoodle Poodle mix puppy. And unfortunately, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. But when you choose a Labradoodle Poodle, you are much more likely to find your puppy grows up into a single layer curly coat that sheds only indirectly into the surrounding fur rather than onto the floor. This may mean daily grooming to avoid tangles and mats. But the tradeoff is less contact with the irritating allergen, so possibly fewer allergy symptoms for you. Are Labradoodle Poodle Mixes Friendly? The Labrador Retriever is known to have a friendly, outgoing temperament to all. The Poodle, however, is more likely to be standoffish with strangers. We say this because — at least where strangers are concerned — your Labradoodle Poodle mix may be more likely to inherit the natural reserve and stronger guard dog temperament of the Poodle parent. Labradoodle Poodle Training Labradoodles have really smart parents. And the Poodle is the second smartest purebred dog and the Labrador Retriever is the seventh smartest, according to a survey of dog breeds. This means you are not likely to have any trouble at all training your Labradoodle Poodle mix puppy. Are Labradoodle Poodle Mixes Healthy? Just as with people, dog genetics dictates breed health. Two healthy dog parents are very likely to produce healthy Labradoodle Poodle puppies. That being said, both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are known to have certain heritable health issues. Be sure the breeder you select can show you records from all pre-breeding health screening tests, including dysplasia, eye health, cardiac and thyroid health screenings. Labradoodle Poodle Mix Lifespan Labradoodle Poodle mix dogs benefit from the longevity built into the Poodle gene pool. While most Labrador Retrievers only live 10 to 12 years, purebred Poodles can live up to 18 years. The size of the Poodle parent can give you a better idea of what type of longevity your puppy may enjoy. The general rule of thumb is, the smaller the dog, the longer they are likely to live. However, as you are now aware, Labradors and Poodles also have some different traits to contribute that can make one Labradoodle Poodle puppy a better fit for you than another. Ultimately, if your Labradoodle Poodle mix puppy comes from a quality dog breeder, you have a high probability of bringing home a wonderful new family pet! More About Labradoodle Poodle Mixes. Those with Lab-type coats are lower maintenance than those with wavy coats. Wavy fur is more likely to knot and tangle, particularly if it grows long, like a fleece type Labradoodle. No matter what fur type your mix has, the Labradoodle Lab mix will likely shed more than a standard Labradoodle mix. Shedding hairs are less likely to get caught in straight fur. But, no matter what type of fur your mix has, grooming can help to control and remove shedding hairs. Start grooming from a young age, to ensure your mix is comfortable with all aspects of the process. Are Labradoodle Lab Mixes Hypoallergenic? However, studies into hypoallergenic dogs draw mixed conclusions. But, others find no different between hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic breeds. Generally, Labradoodle Lab mix dogs will not be hypoallergenic dogs. The best way to see if a certain dog triggers allergy symptoms for you is to spend time with them before committing and bringing them home. You can also enforce a strict cleaning regimen, and recruit someone else in your home to complete grooming tasks. The Labrador and Labradoodle mix can make a great family companion in the right home. These dogs are people-oriented, eager to please, and playful. They are very social dogs that do best in homes where they have lots of company. This is also a very high energy dog. Daily training and exercise are a must. But, since they are likely to have a more Lab-like coat, they may not suit people who suffer from dog allergies. Finding a Labradoodle Lab Mix Puppy Labradoodles are popular dogs, so finding a Labradoodle breeder who backcrosses their dogs is not likely to pose a challenge. However, finding a breeder who backcrosses to the Labrador is going to be harder. Most breeders will backcross to Poodles in order to achieve a low-shedding, curly coat. Some breeders may have litters, or will at least be able to point you in the direction of someone who can help. Puppy mills, pet stores, and backyard breeders tend to jump on trends like the Labradoodle to make a quick profit. But, the puppies they sell are often poorly cared for and much more likely to have health and behavioral problems. So, above all else, you should prioritise finding a reputable breeder. Puppy prices will vary from one location to the next. Factors like demand for a certain breed, puppy colors, coat type, and so on, can all influence puppy price. The Labradoodle Labrador mix is less common than a Poodle backcross. And, much less popular. So, whilst they might be harder to find, they also tend to cost less. Rescuing a Labradoodle Labrador Mix An alternative option to buying a puppy from a breeder is to search for one in rescue centers. Puppies from rescue centers are often cheaper than those from a breeder. They might be slightly older, but this can be an advantage, as many will have some basic training. The major disadvantage of rescue center mixed breeds is that staff might not know exactly what parentage the dogs have. These dogs are best suited to families that have plenty of time for training, exercise and mental stimulation. They may be too energetic for apartment living, unless you have access to an open, safe space to give them exercise and a chance to stretch their legs a few times each day. Do you have this uncommon backcross at home already? Or are you still considering whether this mix is right for you? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments! Readers Also Liked. Life Span Did You Know? A Labradoodle is a popular designer dog breed. It is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. This designer dog breed originated in Australia around .The main goal of the Labradoodle was to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for people living with disabilities who were also allergic to dog fur and dander. Now, they are still a popular choice for service, guide, and therapy dogs and are also a popular companion dog. Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are both friendly, gentle, intelligent, and affectionate dog breeds. The Labradoodle tends to be similar. They are open and friendly and crave human attention and affection. They are happiest when they are with people. Labradoodles also tend to have an energetic and playful personality. They get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and strangers. They are alert enough to bark or let you know when someone is at the door, but they are not generally good watchdogs or guard dogs as they are more interested in making friends. A Labradoodle is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do very well in homes with space to run and they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They also do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Because they enjoy being around people, they do not generally like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also become bored if not given enough attention, exercise, or mental stimulation, which can result in destructive behavior. This dog breed is generally healthy, but they do have the chance of inheriting common health conditions from both of the parent breeds. Some health conditions to be aware of include elbow and hip dysplasia, ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy. Good breeding practices can reduce the likelihood of passing on many of these health issues. Be sure to talk with the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and ask to see any health clearances; this can help allay potential health concerns. A Labradoodle tends to be eager to please and highly intelligent, which makes them highly trainable. They are a good fit for dog owners of any experience level. As with most dog breeds, Labradoodles respond best to training that is consistent and uses positive reinforcement. There are some grooming tasks that are common to every dog breed. When it comes to coat care, it can vary with a Labradoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that is also high maintenance in terms of brushing, trimming, and professional grooming. Labs tend to have a higher shedding coat that needs minimal brushing and grooming. For the most part, a Labradoodle will have a low or non-shedding coat that will need to be brushed a few times a week. But, they can have a higher shedding coat should they take after their Labrador parent. You may also need a few professional grooming sessions throughout the year. Nail trimming once a month is usually enough to keep movement comfortable and prevent longer nails from snagging on things. Proper dental care for your dog will help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Drop-down ears are more prone to infection because floppy ears are more likely to trap moisture, dirt, and debris. This will make grooming throughout their life a much more enjoyable process for both you and your dog. It can even become a bonding time for you both as well. Labradoodles tend to be high-energy dogs. They require a few daily walks plus some time to run and play in order to stay happy and healthy. They certainly love to play and you may tire out before they do sometimes. They may calm down a little as they get to be a couple of years old, but they tend to be quite energetic as puppies. Going swimming with your dog , taking a hike with them, going on a trip to the dog park, playing a game of fetch, and more are all great supplemental activities to ensure your Labradoodle gets plenty of exercise. You can even train them to compete in dog sports like dock diving, flyball, agility, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Labradoodle will usually stand between 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Labradoodles generally live 12 — 14 years. However, it did not become popular until when the mix was specifically bred to create hypoallergenic guide dogs. Featured Labradoodle Article.

We are located in New Durham, New Hampshire. We have been in business for 11 years. Because of our love for American Bulldogs, we want to breed great companions and provide them a forever home. However, most are a hybrid mix between the two bloodlines. We do this in order to bring out the best in both. We also enjoy the many different shapes, sizes and colors this breed comes in. We have established a fourth generation Morrison's American Bulldog bloodline, with no future plans to retire. This is a family business and our children regularly express their desire to help grow us in their future. So we hope you enjoy watching us continue to grow and place our efforts towards producing a more happier, healthier lovable dog! Our dogs are raised around other animals and are well-socialized. They are protectors of our family while also trustworthy around our small children. We actually did not consider ourselves "dog people" until after we met her. After we brought Madison home we quickly fell in love with her sweet, smart and loving personality. She was always gentle around our young children and protected them. After we had her for a few years we knew that her bloodline had to be continued to share her love and joy to other families. When we decided to breed her we loved every moment of her pregnancy and delivery. After we announced her litter we met the amazing American Bulldog community and never looked back. Sharing the joy that Madison brought to our family is something we desire to share with other families. We used to not be "dog people" but now we could not picture our lives without them. Being able to breed, meet new people, see the puppies grow and bring joy to families is what keeps us going. Welcome to Morrison's American Bulldogs. 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.Because of their similar looks, the Scott American Bulldog is often mistaken as a Pitbull. Their respective breeding programs resulted in the American Bulldog lineage around today. American Bulldogs were once in the brink of extinction after they were extensively used in the cruel sport known as bull-baiting. But breeders like Scott and Johnson decided to bring back the species, creating two distinct dog varieties in the process. Today, the breed is healthy and thriving. Physical Characteristics of the Scott American Bulldog Often mistaken as a larger white Pitbull, this breed comes with longer legs positioned directly underneath their body instead of towards the sides. The face comes with a longer muzzle with a slightly undershot bite or none at all. Their necks are arched coupled with a muscular yet sleek head. The eyes of a Scott American Bulldog is almond or round-shaped. Usually, this is a dark brown to brown. Most of the breed sport a soft coat and feature markings ranging from red, brindle, black, tan, or brown. Once properly trained, they can become loyal, independent, and friendly dogs with plenty of energy to spare. They are friendly towards children and affectionate with their owners. When they are not in play mode, they can be quiet and relaxed. In fact, a lot of owners say they make giant lap dogs. They are also fantastic guard dogs because they can be protective and territorial. While indoors making them behaved and mellow, once you get them outside to play fetch or run, they will go wild. They also work great with other dogs and pets, provided there is a proper introduction on neutral ground. A lot of Southern farm owners love this breed because of their dual nature of being excellent hunting and guarding dogs, as well as their capacity for affection. Because of their size and looks, a lot of people can feel intimidated by them and sometimes this will lead to misunderstandings. Common Health Concerns Found in This Breed Generally, they are a healthy breed with a life span ranging from years. But like any breed, they do have a natural predisposition to certain health issues. These include the following: Demodectic Mange: These mites are inherited by the pups from their moms. They cannot affect other dogs or humans and are normally inert. But if the dog or puppy has a weakened immune system, they can show up causing scaly red skin and hair loss. Bone Cancer: Most American Bulldogs have a propensity for osteosarcoma. This is an aggressive type of cancer that quickly spreads around the bones of the animal. They might require immediate amputation or chemotherapy. However, the prognosis can still be poor despite immediate medical attention. Brachycephalic Syndrome: This is found in dogs with short muzzles. This can result in snoring, difficult breathing, nasal discharge, a blue tongue and gums or noisy breathing. Deafness: This can be hereditary with the breed. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Usually an abnormal development of the hip and elbow joints while the dog is still young. This can lead to a lot of pain or even lameness. Caring for a Scott American Bulldog Caring for the Scott American Bulldog mostly involves meeting their energy and exercise requirements. Take your American Bulldog outside or in the yard and let them exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. You can take them for a walk, a hike, or even have them run beside you while you bike or skateboard. They are also keen on playing fetch or any interactive sport where both of you can play together. The type of food they will need will change as they grow older. Weight management is important for this breed since they have a tendency towards obesity. Physically, their ears should be checked weekly and their nails cut each month. Their coats are moderate and require only weekly brushing. Take them to the vet on a regular basis, so they can get physical health checks. Because of their tendency to excessively drool, you might also want to wipe off their drool when possible. Training your dog, as mentioned, is crucial while they are still young. They need someone who is firm and consistent in order for them to learn. Positive reinforcement is important. Before buying a Scott American Bulldog puppy, make sure to understand the type of lifestyle this dog breed requires. Even more, you also need to consider the legislation surrounding this breed. Some people or government organizations might register your dog as a Pitbull and as a result, could put you in a tight spot with certain Breed Specific Legislation. You can find plenty of legitimate organizations online offering assistance in helping you find the perfect American Bulldog for you. You can get in touch with any of these organizations to find out more:. 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. Contact Us Cornerstone American Bulldog is a breeder dedicated to bringing the world quality standard performance bulldogs that are as close to the original American Bulldog as you can get. Producing sound dogs with special attention given to disposition, alertness, drive and intelligence. We monitor temperament as any good breeder should by keeping our puppies around our other dogs, helping to keep dog aggression under control, this way we can effectively tailor behavior with the potential owner. We have been breeding the Scott type standard American Bulldog for 20 years and have attained, in our opinion, dogs of the highest quality. American Bulldog puppies from Cornerstone grow to be the epitome of what Cindy Cooke VP of events for the UKC says about the present day standard American Bulldog; "A dog that can work on a ranch or on a hunt for hours a day and not get winded. Cornerstone American Bulldog puppies are sold with full confidence that they will meet or exceed the expectations of even the most demanding dog enthusiast. A Cornerstone performance American Bulldog is along the standard Scott Type line, which are smaller than the Johnson line and bigger than the Painter line. We strive to produce a structurally sound bulldog that is ready and able to perform any task put before it. We have chosen our breed stock carefully to ensure strong, athletic and genetically-sound dogs for extreme performance. Males usually weigh between lbs, though some can get up to lbs. Performance American Bulldog people will refer to Williamson, Tate and Bailey as three distinct bulldog lines from Scott, but the distinctions are minor. The Williamson American Bulldog is known for a lighter build, narrower head, longer legs and a slightly longer muzzle. Some people say these dogs are easier to train, which makes them good for sports like Schutzhound. The Tate American Bulldog is closely related to the Williamson strain, though they may have a medium build like the Scott American Bulldog and tend to have more color. A couple of breeders started breeding them seriously as 'all-around' working dogs after World War ll, and that's really what they are now. A few are used in police work and they excel in iron dog competitions. Although they are not for everyone, we believe that the American Bulldog is the greatest of all dog breeds. We will not perpetuate this by selling puppies to just anyone. Cornerstone will ask all potential buyers what they intend to use their American Bulldog for, their level of knowledge about the breed and their experience with dogs of similar temperament. We want all of our bulldog puppies to go to a home where they will be happy and taken care of properly. With proper research and understanding, the joy of having an American Bulldog far outweighs the extra efforts of responsible ownership. A Cornerstone American Bulldog is bred for superior breed quality, so if you are looking for excellent standard American Bulldog puppies, you've come to the right place!!! Will my puppy be registered with papers? Yes, all puppies are registered with the National Kennel Club 3. Will my puppy come dewormed and vaccinated? Yes, all puppies are dewormed, and vaccinated with their 8 week shots 4. Will my puppy be seen by a veterinarian? Yes, all puppies are seen and receive their health certificate by our trusted Doctor, George Lewis; which has provided us with his excellent services for over 30 years, 5. What age can I get my puppy? What do you feed your puppy? At the time of pick up, your puppy will be weaned and eating canned dog food, mixed with dry puppy food, and a little bit of Goats milk. I normally use the canned pedigree, mixed with dry Showtime Testimonials I bought my dog Miss Molly here a year and a half ago. I flew from California to get her, Scott brought her to the airport to me.Nice folks and great dogs! You have a person who has a passion and dedication for his Bulldogs. His Bulldogs are well taken care of, healthy, and socialized. I highly recommend Scott Conley for anyone interested in having a quality Bulldog. John E FishwickCustomer I got our dog from him he's a good man. Magenbrian CochranCustomer Previous Next On average the males will mature out to pounds, and the females .They have nice heads and athletic bodies. Quick Links.