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They are a small group of reputable pug breeders in the state. All their puppies have registration papers from the American Kennel Club to ensure quality and purity. All their happy pugs are vet certified and great family members to have. They undergo behavioral and crate training to ensure they have a good temperament. If you want to know more about their available puppies, you can visit their website or call their office. Yellow Frame Pugs judybasto yahoo. Yellow Frame Pugs is one of the best pug breeders you can contact today. They breed AKC quality litter which you can have inside your small space home or apartments. Judi Basto is the founder of this pug breeder group. Being one of the current PDCA members, you are confident of buying top quality dogs from them. You can find different breeds of pugs in their facility. Whether you like white pugs or silver brindle, you can find it there. All their dog breeds come from strong genetic lines that guarantee their purity. All of their litters are also vet checked for the health guarantee of their pug for sale in New Jersey. If you want all the details of their dogs, you can email them at judybasto yahoo. You can call their NJ phone line. They started breeding the former in while the latter in .She is also an officer of the Delaware Valley Pug Club. As one of the reputable breeders in NJ, they give more importance to quality rather than quantity of litter. All their puppies have health clearances to ensure they are in good shape before giving to new owners. All three dog breeds have been exceptional. Mastiffs are loyal and caring giants. They are easy to train like the short coat pugs. Black Russian Terriers are also smart and highly trainable. All their puppies for sale in NJ are healthy and friendly. You can see their sale listings on their website. Visit their site to view them. You can also call their NJ phone line to book an appointment or to ask for more details. Happy Pugs. They are friendly to new people and agrees with kids and other house animals, they are house and potty trained, they will come with all necessary papers including food menu, interested persons should feel free to contact us with the name of the breed directly via xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. View Detail Pug puppies available now They are home trained, AKC registered and up to date on all their shots and vaccines. These Pug puppies will make a perfect addition to any pet loving home since they are well socialized with kids and other pets. Please contact us with the name of the breed directly via xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. I am looking for someone to play with. When I get tired, I will come and curl up next to you so we can go to sleep. I love to go to parks and meet new people and animals. I am very affectionate and love to give kisses. I promise if you take me home, I will brighten your days and will always love you unconditionally. I will come home to you up to date on my vaccinations and vet checked. I am excited to meet you and become your new best Buy Now 2 montg old pug very cute. Very cute. No shots yet or fixe weight about 2Lbs. Handsome male dog. View Detail Meet Oliver Mr. Oliver is a fun, loving, energetic, cuddle buddy. Lol Owner is allergic to him. They are vet-checked, registered and have complete shots. Super calm with everyone and friendly with other home pets. Perfect companions. All vet and health papers are available. Puppies are potty and crate trained. Text or WhatsApp at.Adorable little female pug puppy looking for her forever home. Born August 6th, she will be 8 weeks old on October 1st. Playful and loving! Both parents are youngers and we have DNA certificate for pure breed 4th Generation level. Price for each is firm, No for resellers, price I am asking, is only looking to recover maternity and care costs. We are looking for a good family that give time and love they deserve, they are playful, beautiful, and healthy. The buyer must take them to the Vet for their first vaccination and physical checkup. View Detail Adorable pugs for sale Pure bred pugs. Cute female and males available. Home raised with up to date shots and dewormed. Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Great choice. Pugs are popular pets for a reason. This delightful, friendly breed makes a wonderful family pet or companion. But these in-demand pooches can be tricky to track down. Our team has put together a list of top Pug breeders in New Jersey. We know exactly what to look for in a breeder. They have over 25 years of experience breeding Mastiffs and have also been breeding Pugs since .All Agincourt dogs are bred selectively. She is now in the process of becoming an American Kennel Club judge herself and has already participated in numerous educational seminars and workshops. They produce standard and rare Pugs of color including black, fawn, apricot, brindle, reverse brindle, silver, silver brindle, platinum white, and white Pugs. All their puppies are healthy with a certificate and guarantee. Their dogs are all AKC registered with strong genetic lines. Christina and Richard love their dogs and make sure to socialize them with other dogs, cats, and young children. They also come with a health guarantee, first shots, and deworming. Please note that Happy Pugs does not ship their dogs due to the associated risks. They are raised indoors around small children and fed both wet and dry food. Nicole picks only good, safe homes for her pups and does not ship due to the associated risks. MeshugaDogs Phone: Website: meshugadogs. They own, breed, and inseminate themselves. Some of their dogs have even featured in commercials. Meshuga has black, fawn, white, brindle, silver, and apricot Pugs. All their pups have excellent temperaments, health lines, and all studs are PDE tested. They raise and breed AKC standard black and fawn Pug pedigrees only. Pugz Pawz strives to keep their Pug breed top-quality, healthy, and happy. Puppies are raised at home, not in kennels. Pugz Pawz always prioritizes finding safe, loving homes for their pups. To offer the finest Pug-specific products to the world. Pug Envy has litters available at various points throughout the year. Due to high demand, they operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tracy is a registered AKC breeder who has been working with Pugs for nineteen years. She prioritizes the health and wellbeing of her dogs to guarantee you well-socialized, loving, healthy pets. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time.

Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The Boxer is playful, exuberant, inquisitive, attentive, demonstrative, devoted, and outgoing; this dog is a perfect companion for an active family. Boxers can be stubborn, but are sensitive and responsive to commands. They may be assertive toward strange dogs, but are generally good with other family dogs and pets. Upkeep The Boxer needs daily mental and physical exertion. They likes to run, but their exercise needs can also be met with a good jog or long walk on leash. They do not do well in hot weather. Some snore. The coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: boxer cardiomyopathy, SAS, CHD Minor concerns: gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, corneal erosion, colitis Occasionally seen: brain tumors, degenerative myelopathy Suggested tests: thyroid, hip, cardiac Holter monitoring Life span: 8—10 years Note: Sensitive to heat. White boxers may be deaf. The drug acepromazine can cause severe reactions. History The Boxer derives from two central European breeds of dog that no longer exist: the larger Danziger Bullenbeiser and smaller Brabenter Bullenbeiser. Bullenbeiser means bull-biter, and these dogs were used to chase large game through the forest. This required a strong but agile dog with a broad powerful jaw and a recessed nose. In England, the Bulldog was the favored breed for the sport, whereas in Germany large mastiff-type dogs were used. Around the s, German hunters began a concerted effort to create a new breed, crossing their Bullenbeisers with mastiff-type dogs for size, terriers for tenacity, and, finally, Bulldogs. The result was a tough agile dog with a streamlined body and strong grip. By , an entirely new breed, the Boxer, had been established. Although the exact origin of the name Boxer is obscure, it may have been derived from the German Boxl. The Boxer was one of the first breeds to be employed as a police and military dog in Germany. By , the breed had become established as a general utility dog, family pet, and even show dog. The AKC recognized the breed soon after, but only in the s did the breed begin its steady rise to the top of the popularity charts, eventually peaking as the fourth most popular breed in America. Related Content. Oakley is a handsome 5. His fosters think he's also mixed with Lab and will grow to be approximately pounds. A few Fun Facts about Oakley: He has two dew claws on each of his rear legs, when he hears his food or treats getting prepared he will chatter his teeth in excitement, he is SO cuddly and loves snuggles! Oakley is a sweet puppy who just wants to be by your side. He gets along great with other dogs and loves playing and following their lead. Oakley also enjoys going for walks and is fantastic on a leash! He knows that when he's done eating, it's time to go in the yard to use the bathroom. Oakley is very smart and eager to please. He is also very treat motivated and has mastered the command "sit". He also sleeps through the night in his crate. Some of his favorite things are kongs stuffed with peanut better , snuggling with his humans, sun bathing, playing in his kiddie pool and squeaky toys! If your family wants the sweetest, most loyal pup who will snuggle up next to you and loves to be in your company, Oakley is the perfect match! Oakley is currently being fostered in Avenel, NJ. The adoption fee covers a portion of these services, and makes it possible for us to continue rescuing animals. An application does not obligate you to adopt. Please understand that due to the volume of applications some animals receive, we are unable to contact all applicants. If your application is considered a good fit for the animal you are interested in, or even a different pet, a volunteer will give you a call as soon as possible. We are a foster based rescue and do not have a shelter location where animals can be seen during the week. Not all animals attend every adoption event, please check our Facebook page for animal event times and locations before you make a trip to meet a specific animal.

Rescue dog walks 40 miles across country to his old family home 4 May , Cooper walked 40 miles to his old family home. This week, the most amazing story of a dog's journey back to his old home surfaced online and it is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking. Cooper is a Golden Retriever who was recently adopted by a new owner, Nigel, after his former family gave him up. The reasons he was given up for adoption are unknown. Nigel adopted Cooper with hopes that he would make a good companion for his other dog, Molly. It turns out Cooper had travelled from the town centre of Dungannon, through Cookstown and Magherafelt and all the way to Tobermore, where his old family live. The charity calculated that Cooper must have walked a total of 40 miles, with sighting reports suggesting he travelled across main A roads, forests, fields and country roads over 27 days. Cooper was spotted travelling across main roads, forests and fields on his journey back to his old home. Posted by Lost Paws NI - Lost and Found Pets on Thursday, April 27, While many people may find the story sad, Lost Paws NI said that Nigel is "one of the most dedicated owners [they've] had the pleasure of meeting" and that Cooper's story is one of "positivity, perseverance, loyalty, battling for what you want in life and never giving up". Read more:. A heartbroken rescue dog broke free from his new owners and travelled 40 miles back to his original home. Cooper the Golden Retriever has lived a film-plot life that not many would believe. After being handed to the dog pound by his old family, his days in kennels came to an end when he was re-homed. But the devoted new owner couldn't stop him thinking of his old home - so he bolted from the car and spent the next 27 days on the run! The dog walked more than 40 miles alone, through back woods and along main roads, moving mostly at night and surviving without humans to feed him. He eventually found his way back after walking for 40 miles Cooper's missing poster put up by his worried new family BelfastLive report he travelled from the town centre of Dungannon via Cookstown to Magherafelt and finally to the place he had lived as a puppy, Tobermore, in Northern Ireland. Cooper evaded organised searches day and night, he avoided traffic and human contact, darting into secret safety holes to bed down. He even avoided the sheep farmers watchful over new born lambs at the height of their busiest season as he flanked Co Tyrone farmlands. No one is sure how he managed it, perhaps the big dog was looking for his old family after being handed to the pound, maybe he missed the dog brother he had been separated from. He could have had no idea where he was setting off from, he had no map and no logical understanding of the route to take - just a cold, wet nose nose that guided him all the way back to a place he once thought of as home. All the while he had an army of dog lovers trying to find him and reunite him with his new owner who was desperate to bring him home. But they couldn't find him after his mega journey Charity Lost Paws claimed the dog's 'instinct' guided him home New owner Nigel, a photographer from Dungannon, Co Tyrone, explained: "I'm sitting here looking at him and I cannot believe he's home. We had literally driven from the dog pound to my home when he bolted. I'd met Cooper a few days before in the hope he'd be good company for my Golden Retriever Molly. I felt she'd love a dog companion and found Cooper and his brother George in a dog pound. I paid his rehoming fee and we went home for a new start. He literally jumped over Holly, prized the car door open enough to get past me and ran for it. The poor boy had no idea where he was and he was in the wind. I tried to chase after him but he was gone in an instant - so then the search was on. I was determined not to give up on him and with the help of Lost Paws NI, co-ordinated searches, sightings, social media and sheer determination got us there in the end. A frantic search started, but the pup knew where he was heading "Just as I was about to do a big story with DogsLive asking more people to look out for Cooper, I got a call from Lost Paws NI to say a member of the public had reported seeing him in the Tobermore area, back to where he had started all those weeks ago. In the end all we had to do was follow a dog's nose home to familiar surroundings. If only we'd known, we could have saved big Cooper all that anxiety. Hopefully now he is home for good but I've some added precautions in place if he ever feels the need to bolt again. He has been through a lot. Instinct took him back to a place he was familiar with. How he did it, I'll never know but he managed it. No food, no shelter, no help, just dogged determination and that incredible nose. It seems incredible that he was able to do this - but dogs are incredible and that's what we work to hard to help them every day. We are absolutely delighted to have been part of his rescue and a story that will live on in his family for generations to come. You are the reason why we exist and why we keep going. After being surrendered to the dog pound by his family, his days in kennels came to an end when he was rehomed to live with a new doggie sister and a devoted new owner. But moments after meeting his new roomie, Molly, Cooper bolted from the car and spent the next 27 days on the run, heading more than 40 miles right back to his old stomping ground. Read more: Stena opens 70 new dog friendly cabins for holiday sailings The team at Lost Paws NI have calculated he walked more than 40 miles alone, through back woods and along main roads, moving mostly at night and surviving without humans to feed him, until he got back to where he had started and the property from which he had been surrendered. Cooper evaded organised searches day and night, he avoided traffic and human contact, darting into secret safety holes to bed down. He even avoided the sheep farmers watchful over new born lambs at the height of their busiest season as he flanked Co Tyrone farmlands. Cooper's missing poster Image: Lost Paws NI No one is sure how he managed it, perhaps the big dog was looking for his old family after being handed to the pound, maybe he missed the dog brother he had been separated from. He could have had no idea where he was setting off from, he had no map and no logical understanding of the route to take - just a cold, wet nose nose that guided him all the way back to a place he once thought of as home. He travelled from the town centre of Dungannon to Cookstown to Magherafelt and finally to the place he had been a puppy, Tobermore, 26 miles as the crow flies, plus by the Golden Retriever. Cooper's solo journey took him the length of Lough Neagh and more, zigzagging across more than 40 miles Image: Google Maps All the while he had an army of dog lovers trying to find him and reunite him with his new owner who was desperate to bring him home. New owner Nigel, a photographer from Dungannon , Co Tyrone, explained: "I'm sitting here looking at him and I cannot believe he's home. We had literally driven from the dog pound to my home when he bolted. I'd met Cooper a few days before in the hope he'd be good company for my Golden Retriever Molly. I felt she'd love a dog companion and found Cooper and his brother George in a dog pound. Video Loading Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon8Cancel Play now "After a successful meeting with Molly, I got all the arrangements sorted and Cooper's microchip was transferred to my name. I paid his rehoming fee and we went home for a new start. But I was just about to get the dogs out of the car on their leads for their first walk together when Cooper bolted. He literally jumped over Holly, prized the car door open enough to get past me and ran for it. The poor boy had no idea where he was and he was in the wind. I tried to chase after him but he was gone in an instant - so then the search was on. I was determined not to give up on him and with the help of Lost Paws NI, co-ordinated searches, sightings, social media and sheer determination got us there in the end. In the end all we had to do was follow a dog's nose home to familiar surroundings. If only we'd known, we could have saved big Cooper all that anxiety. Sightings were posted across social media in the hope of securing Cooper Image: Pets Lost and Found Mid Ulster "He's safe now, he's is eating small meals to build up his strength and put some weight back on slowly - he has lost a lot of weight and he desperately needs a warm bath, but that can wait until he is stronger. Hopefully now he is home for good but I've some added precautions in place if he ever feels the need to bolt again. He has been through a lot. Instinct took him back to a place he was familiar with. How he did it, I'll never know but he managed it. No food, no shelter, no help, just dogged determination and that incredible nose. It seems incredible that he was able to do this - but dogs are incredible and that's what we work to hard to help them every day. Lost Paws Ni calculated Cooper had travelled more than 40 miles in 27 days Image: Lost Paws NI "Cooper crossed main 'A' roads, forests, fields, country roads all over 27 days to make his way back to his old home from an area he'd never been in before. We are absolutely delighted to have been part of his rescue and a story that will live on in his family for generations to come. You are the reason why we exist and why we keep going. Several farmers reported seeing him, but thankfully as he was not posing any risk to his sheep they let him on his way. There was then an unconfirmed sighting of Cooper close to Drum Manor Forest Park, Cookstown; we postered and leafleted but again radio silence for 6 days. We quickly contacted Nigel his new owner, and around 20 minutes later a photo arrived in our inbox of Cooper, dishevelled but alive, something we were absolutely elated to see.

For the complete list please see our German Shepherd Breeders list by regions page. The price for a German Shepherd puppy will vary depending on the breeder. When buying a German Shepherd puppy, it is important to remember that this is not a cheap dog breed. They are an investment, but they are also one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, a German Shepherd can be an excellent addition to your family. The AKC is a national organization that registers purebred dogs and maintains a directory of reputable breeders. The NDBA is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible dog breeding practices. They maintain a directory of member breeders who meet their stringent criteria. This makes it easy to find a breeder near you who has puppies available for sale. When you contact a breeder, be sure to ask about their breeding practices. Make sure the parents have been cleared for any hereditary or congenital health conditions. You should also ask to see documentation for all vaccinations and dewormings that the puppy has received thus far. If you are serious about buying a puppy from this breeder, they should be willing to invite you into their home so that you can meet the parents of the puppy. This will give you an opportunity to see how big the parents are and how healthy they look. By meeting both the mother and father of a German Shepherd puppy, you will have peace of mind knowing that these dogs were responsibly raised by breeders who care about their breeding practices. A good breeder will be happy to provide you with contact information for previous buyers. These references can be very helpful in making your decision. Ask the reference owners how much they have enjoyed owning their German Shepherd, whether the dog has been easy to train, and if there have been any health or behavior problems. Taking the time to find a responsible German shepherd breeder in Idaho is well worth it. Not only will you end up with a healthy and well-socialized puppy, but you will also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are supporting responsible breeding practices. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy from an Idaho breeder, you should ask the breeder if they have a good veterinarian they use. Good breeders will have a list of veterinarians they work with and will be happy to provide you with contact information. When you bring your new puppy home, it is important to get them checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible. This will ensure that your puppy is healthy and has not been exposed to any diseases. Finding a responsible German shepherd breeder in Idaho can take some effort, but it is well worth it in the end. Not only will you have a healthy and well-socialized dog, but you will also know that you are supporting responsible breeding practices. If you are not careful, you may end up buying a puppy from one of these breeders. So, how can you tell if a breeder is unethical? Here are some signs to look out for: The breeder does not health test their dogs for hereditary conditions. The breeder does not screen their puppies for genetic defects. The puppies are sold at a very young age. The breeding stock is kept in poor conditions. The breeder is not willing to provide references or contact information for previous buyers. The puppies are not well socialized. Before you buy your puppy, take some time to ask the breeder if they know of any hereditary conditions that run in the parents bloodline. A good breeder will be able to tell you whether or not their dogs are tested for these conditions. Be sure to take notice of how your potential German shepherd breeder responds when asked this question. If they cannot provide a list of health tests done on their breeding stock, it may be because they do not actually screen their dogs for hereditary problems before breeding them. Just like you would not want to be separated from your mother at birth, dogs do not either. If the breeder tells you that they sell their German Shepherd puppies when they are very young, it is a warning sign. If a breeder tries to sell you a puppy earlier than 8 weeks old, just walk away. Not only does this practice leave the dogs developmentally stunted, but it also increases the chance of serious health problems later in life. If the breeder you are talking to is reluctant to do this, it may be because they have something to hide. Take the time to call some of the references and ask them about their experience with the breeder. Were they happy with the quality of the puppies? Was the breeder willing to help with any problems that arose after purchase? If the breeder cannot provide any references, or if all of their references are family members or friends, it is best to move on. There are plenty of responsible breeders out there who would be more than happy to help you find the perfect puppy. An ethical and responsible German shepherd breeder will always be happy to provide references from past customers. This may include moving, allergies, or behavioral problems. If the breeder you are talking to will not agree to this policy, it is best to move on. They may be more interested in making a sale than in the welfare of their puppies. A good German shepherd breeder will always have the best interests of their puppies at heart. If you cannot find one that meets all of your other criteria, it is probably best to look elsewhere. All reputable breeders will take their puppies back if the buyer is unable to keep them for any reason. How to Prepare Your Home for You German Shepherd Puppy When you bring your adorable German Shepherd puppy home for the first time, it is important to make sure that your house is ready for them. Some things you will want to do include: Putting away any small objects or items that the puppy could choke on Closing off any spaces that the puppy could get stuck in, such as under a desk or in between furniture Buying a crate and puppy pads for the puppy to use when they cannot be supervised It is also important to start obedience training as soon as possible. A well-trained German Shepherd is much easier to live with than one who is allowed to run wild. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy One of the most important things to do when you get a new German Shepherd puppy is to start potty training them as soon as possible. Socializing Your New German Shepherd Puppy One of the most important aspects of raising your new German Shepherd puppy is socializing them with other people and animals. If they do not get enough socialization, they may become shy or aggressive. Some ways you can socialize your puppy include: Taking them to the park and introducing them to other dogs Introducing them to new people of all ages Taking them on car rides to different neighborhoods Visiting the pet store Meeting friends and family members who have pets Make sure to socialize your puppy as much as possible during their first few months of life. It will help ensure that they grow up into well-adjusted adults. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. We are located in the foothills of Boise, Idaho, and our breeding partner who will be whelping litters for us is located in Hood River, Oregon. In our program, we focus on producing beautiful and healthy dogs who are structurally sound and have excellent temperaments. Our breeding stock consists of the bloodlines of precious old working foundation lines from the countries of Germany, Czech Republic and Slovakia. Our dogs are descendants of the most influential and highly sought after bloodlines. Additionally, our dogs are titled and excel in venues such as Personal Protection, Dock Diving and Obedience. Our puppies come with a 2-Year Health Guarantee. And in this case, raise them. We expect stock coat sables with moderate to high drives, great off switches, super temperaments and high trainability. Puppies will be raised in a family home environment with Early Neurological Stimulation and will be started on crate training and potty training. Professional Training is available and recommended. If you would like to be put on our waiting list for one of our German Shepherd puppies, please email valorprotectiondogs gmail. We will ask you to complete an application, and we will conduct a phone interview prior to approving you for one of our puppies. Working German Shepherds are not for everyone. We ask that you please do your research in advance. Our goal is to ensure that each of our puppies is placed in loving homes where they will be well cared-for and utilized to their utmost abilities. About Us Based near Hailey, Idaho, North 40 German Shepherds selectively breeds long coat German shepherds that exemplify the loyalty, protectiveness, obedience, beauty, and intelligence this great breed is famous for. Our mission is to foster shepherds best suited for families, service, and therapy. We breed only one litter at a time in our home, with the puppies being raised from birth with constant human contact and love to best prepare them for a life of companionship. Contact us with any questions or to get added to our waiting list for upcoming litters. I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive. If you would like to be on our waiting list, please contact us and follow our Facebook page to be notified. Calico Junction, the breeder of our dam, Bella, and Evans Shepherds, the breeder of the sire of the May litter, Iconic, have litters available more often. Their websites are below. All our pups from this litter have been sold Ready to pick up July 11, .Four beautiful, healthy pups.Dam is in the video but the other GSD is not the sire, just one of our other non-breeding dogs who is great at helping the puppies socialize with other dogs. An amazing dog who will likely produce the same sort of high-quality offspring.

History Where are German Shepherd Dogs from? Perhaps never in the history of any breed has such concerted effort been put into improving a dog, mostly due to the formation in of the Verein fur Deutsche Scharferhunde SV, an organization in Germany devoted to overseeing the breeding of the German Shepherd. Breeders sought to develop not only a herding dog but also one that could excel at jobs requiring courage, athleticism, and intelligence. During World War I, they were the obvious choice for a war sentry. The Wolfdog was later dropped as it caused many people to fear the dogs. How big do German Shepherd Dogs get? The double-coat, with a thick undercoat that sheds twice annually, loses hair continuously but can be maintained with regular brushing one or two times weekly. What are the German Shepherd Dog colors? Black, tan, solid black and solid sable. How long do German Shepherd Dogs live? Lifespan: 10—12 years What are some German Shepherd Dogs facts and information? The German Shepherd held the number one spot in American popularity for many years. Although presently it has dropped from the top spot, the German Shepherd remains as one of the most versatile dogs ever created, serving as a police dog, war dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, narcotics- or explosives-detecting dog, show dog, pet—and even shepherd. Related Content. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. As your dog grows and develops its own personality, you may begin to think about breeding them. It is well known that breeding a female dog before they are mature can cause health issues, but what about a male. What is the right breeding age for male and female Golden Retrievers? A male Golden Retriever can mate after just 12 months. Female Goldens are more complicated; you should wait until after their third heat cycle before breeding, which usually occurs around 18 to 24 months of age. It's best to wait two years before breeding a female to ensure they are fully developed. Before breeding a Golden Retriever, it is essential to understand what heat cycles are, the importance of the third cycle, and physical development. If your female Golden Retriever is bred too young, you should know how to make sure she is healthy and ready to conceive. Males A male Golden Retriever can reproduce after six months of age and gains full sexual maturity at 12 to 15 months. Males can mate at any point in time since they don't follow hormonal cycles. If the male maintains his health, he may stay fertile and sexually active into old age. Breeding males is a pretty simple concept. But, unfortunately, several other factors need to be considered when breeding a female. Females Like males, female Golden Retrievers become fertile around six months of age during their first heat cycle. This cycle repeats every six months but we'll get to that later! Female Golden Retrievers should never be bred during their first heat cycle. Dogs are not fully developed at this point in their lives. If a female becomes pregnant this early in her life, it can cause stress during pregnancy and pose more health risks as her body develops. Even though she may be fertile, she isn't physically or mentally mature. Young females that are bred during their first heat cycle are at an increased risk of becoming pregnant and developing health complications. Since Golden Retrievers are classified as a large breed, they physically mature around 18 to 24 months. Since we don't want to breed a female before they reach maturity, you should not breed a female Golden Retriever until after her third heat cycle and she reaches two years of age. Understanding Female Heat Cycles No one wants a surprise puppy litter or a bunch of failed breeding attempts. So, understanding the heat cycle of your female Golden Retriever is essential to create your desired outcome. A female's heat is her body's way of preparing for potential conception. In other words: your dog's reproductive cycle. There is not a definite number but Golden Retrievers usually stay in heat for around three to four weeks. However, your dog is fertile for about nine days. A Golden Retriever's most fertile period is days into the heat cycle. However, the highest fertility period lasts about five days, so you should try to breed two Retrievers between the 10th and 14th day of the female's heat cycle. Stages of the Female Heat Cycle Proestrus: the female is preparing for pregnancy. Intact males will become attracted to her, but she will not allow breeding. This stage typically lasts nine days. You'll see signs such as a swollen vulva and bloody vaginal discharge. Estrus: The ovaries release an egg at the beginning of this stage. As the estrogen levels in your dog's body decrease, her progesterone levels will increase. This means your female is fertile. She is ready and willing to mate. This stage also lasts about nine days. Diestrus: This stage will last about two to three months or until the female Golden Retriever gives birth provided she's pregnant. She will no longer allow males to mate. A bloody discharge may continue but will gradually stop. By the end of this stage, the hormone will level out. Anestrus: This is the final stage of your dog's cycle. She is not fertile and will not allow breeding during this stage. Most female Golden Retrievers go into heat twice a year, though some larger dogs may only menstruate once a year. The ovarian activity of a female starts to decline in the sixth year of her life. Most females stop conceiving after they're seven, so the female Golden Retriever breeding age is from two to five years of age. We know that we should wait until the end of the third heat cycle of a female Golden Retriever before breeding. But what happens if a Golden Retriever gets pregnant too early? You need to allow your Golden Retriever to fully mature physically. If your Golden Retriever gets pregnant before reaching maturity, it will put extra stress on her. The physical strain of carrying a belly full of puppies puts a burden on her growing joints. Pregnancy will also suck nutrients from your dog. Since the female Golden Retriever is young, her immune system isn't fully developed. This makes her more vulnerable to diseases and infections than a mature dog would be. Bacteria can infect her vaginal tract and cause stillbirths, miscarriages, and the death of newborn puppies. Your dog may even die while giving birth to the puppies. Since her pelvic canal may not be large enough for puppies to fit through, if this happens, it will endanger both the puppies' life and her own. In addition, if this happens, she will need surgery, which increases the chance of health complications. Since she is not mentally mature, she is more likely to reject the puppies than a mature mother. Motherhood is mentally and physically taxing on both dogs and humans! You can consult your veterinarian about terminating the pregnancy. Your veterinarian will perform a full risk and side effect evaluation on your Golden Retriever. During this evaluation, your vet will try to determine when the dog was bred so they can evaluate how far along she is. If you are not sure of the date of conception, they will most likely perform an ultrasound to measure the fetuses and determine their age. Once you have determined the stage of pregnancy there are two options in terminating the pregnancy. Desexing a pregnant female can be done up to five weeks after conception. Desexing is the process of removing the ovaries from your dog. She will not be able to have puppies after this procedure. Your dog will require significant aftercare following the procedure. Crate rest is crucial for the 10 days following the procedure. The incision wound will also need to be kept clean and dry to prevent infection. The second option of terminating a pregnancy is abortion. Pregnant dogs can have an abortion up to 45 days after conception. Your veterinarian will most likely use Alizin , which is injected in two doses, 24 hours apart. Before deciding to terminate a pregnancy you should consult with your veterinarian, you should never attempt to terminate a pregnancy at home. If you decide to allow the pregnancy, your dog will need extensive observation and monitoring as the pregnancy continues. It is important they are both physically and mentally healthy. They should have decent muscle tone and a balanced weight before breeding. Physical health isn't everything; good mental condition is also essential when breeding two Golden Retrievers. A mentally stable female will make a better mother than one that's insecure or has an unstable temperament. A month before breeding, the female should go through a pre-breeding physical examination by a vet. You want to get her checked for common health problems, like joint dysplasia and eye disorders. If she has these issues, pregnancy will be more difficult and she may pass the issues onto the puppies. Vaccinations for both parent Golden Retrievers should be current, and the female should be tested for parasites. DNA Post-Partum Care Caring for your dog after they give birth is just as important as caring for them while they were pregnant. You should keep your dog on a high-calorie diet, not only is she providing nutrients to her puppies, but she is also chasing them around and caring for them. Making sure your dog has a private space for her and her puppies is crucial in making sure she is able to care for them properly. Provide a clean, dry, peaceful area of the house for your dog. With too much traffic around her, your dog may become distracted and neglect her puppies in favor of you. If you are worried about your dog neglecting her puppies, a good way to monitor them is by weighing them. Should the puppies not gain weight appropriately, contact your veterinarian. You may want to constantly love on the new puppies, but you need to be cautious of how you do this. Give your dog time to adjust to the new responsibility she has, and allow her to come to you with the puppies. Around weeks, you should begin weaning the puppies from the mother. Weaning is done by slowly incorporating dog food into their diet and separating them from their mother for increasing periods of time. If you are considering having more liters of puppies from your dog, you should consult your veterinarian to make sure your dog can carry another litter safely. I recommend waiting at least one heat cycle after weaning before attempting to breed again. This will allow your dog to recover from the last pregnancy. Main Takeaways Male Golden Retrievers reach reproductive age after 12 to 15 months of age Female Golden Retrievers have their first heat cycle after six months of age. Females should not be bred until after their third heat cycle, which happens after 18 to 24 months of age. Mating will be most successful between the 10th and 14th day of the female Golden Retriever's heat cycle, as she is most fertile during this period If your Golden Retriever develops an unwanted pregnancy, there are options to terminating the pregnancy Conception before physical maturity can cause health problems Performing a pre-breeding health check ensures that the female Golden Retriever is healthy and ready to conceive Post-partum care is extremely important when trying to raise a successful litter. You should give your dog space to bond with her puppies Waiting at least one heat cycle before breeding again will help your dog recover from the previous pregnancy. Jan 20, Share Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States. They are known for their loyal and friendly personalities, and many people choose them as their first dogs. Such a popular breed is always in demand, and more Golden Retriever puppies are born every day. However, there is some uncertainty about how many puppies Golden Retrievers typically have. Due to their size, larger dogs tend to have larger litters, while smaller dogs tend to have smaller litters. As a bigger dog breed, Goldens can have anywhere from one to twelve puppies per litter, but six to eight puppies are about average. Some litters may have as few as four. Read on below to find out more. Why the Size of the Dog Breed Affects Litter Size The different sizes of litter between breeds are due to the fact that larger breeds have more room in their uterus to grow puppies, while smaller breeds have less room. This is likely due, in part, to the fact that smaller dogs have a shorter gestational period and thus less time to mature a large number of offspring at a more rapid rate than larger dogs. This difference in litter size can be important for breeders, as they need to consider the size of the breed when planning how many puppies to produce. However, it is also worth noting that different breeds of dogs will exhibit different average litter sizes, even within the same size class. For example, the German Shorthaired Pointer is around the same size as a Golden Retriever, but has an average of nine pups per litter. The first litter of puppies for a female Golden Retriever is typically smaller in size than later litters. Additionally, since the first litter is typically born earlier than later litters, the puppies may not have as much time to grow and develop before being born. She should, however, have regular checkups with a veterinarian to ensure everything is going well. Despite Golden Retriever mothers being able to deliver many puppies, not every pup will survive birth. A dam may give birth to four puppies, but only two or three will survive. Pregnant dogs require high-quality vitamins, minerals, and premium proteins in addition to a healthy and balanced diet. Additives and fillers in dog food can lead to poor nutrition and ultimately affect litter size. In addition, diet plays an important role in the health and survival rate of puppies after birth. The chances of a Golden Retriever producing a small litter are higher if they are unhealthy. It is also possible that the puppies are born weak and have a lower chance of surviving. Age of Parents Female Golden Retrievers should not be bred too young or too old. Ideally, a female should be between the ages of 2 and 5 when she is first bred. It is also important to consider the age of the male. Once a male reaches the age of 5, their sperm count will decrease. Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock Lineage Overly inbred dogs are less likely to have large litters than dogs with a diverse gene pool. Ask your breeder about their parents and whether they have been tested for defects if you are looking for a puppy. Conception Method and Timing It may surprise you to learn that the way your Golden becomes impregnated may determine how many puppies she will have. Having a larger litter is more likely for Golden Retrievers that become pregnant naturally while conceiving artificially is more likely to lead to a smaller litter. This is because the freezing process kills many sperm cells in preserved semen, resulting in fewer pups. Dogs that conceive within 48 hours of ovulation have a higher chance of having a larger litter. These larger litters usually occur in the third, fourth, and fifth pregnancy. Puppy Mills Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities that mass-produce puppies for sale to the public. In a puppy mill, the mother dog is often bred repeatedly until she no longer can bear puppies. There are many reasons why one should avoid buying a dog from a puppy mill. First and foremost, puppy mills are notorious for breeding unhealthy dogs. Dogs from puppy mills typically have a variety of genetic health problems, ranging from joint problems to heart disease. In addition, puppy mills often keep dogs in horrible conditions, with little or no veterinary care. Dogs in puppy mills may also be malnourished and abused. Conclusion In conclusion, Golden Retrievers have an average of eight puppies. However, a breeder or owner can mate their Goldie at the right time, exercise them, keep them healthy, and feed them high-quality food all year long, but ultimately they cannot control the litter size. Thanks for reading! Golden Retriever Heat Cycles Explained: Complete Guide Posted on May 9, by Galen Kauffman Share: Golden Retrievers are not only adorable and loving companions but also fascinating creatures when it comes to their reproductive cycles. As a first-time Golden Retriever owner, you may find yourself wondering how to handle your furry friend during her heat cycle. Fear not, as this article will provide you with all the essential information and practical advice to navigate this journey with ease. Key Takeaways: Golden Retrievers go through heat cycles, also known as estrus, which is a natural part of their reproductive process. Responsible pet ownership includes considering the best time for breeding, potential health risks, and the importance of spaying or neutering. Plan for potential behavioral changes and be patient and understanding with your dog. Stock up on washable doggy diapers and designate a comfortable resting area for your dog during her heat. Allowing your Golden Retriever to roam freely outside during heat may lead to unplanned breeding. Designate a comfortable and secluded area for your dog to rest during her heat. Regularly clean and sanitize the designated area to ensure a hygienic environment. The first heat cycle usually occurs around the age of six to fifteen months. Dogs usually experience two heat cycles per year, although this can vary. Breeding a Golden Retriever during her heat cycle is not mandatory and should be a carefully considered decision. Responsible breeding requires thorough research, proper planning, and finding suitable mates. Estrus: This is the fertile phase, lasting around 5 to 13 days. Your dog will be receptive to mating and may seek out male dogs. It lasts approximately 60 to 90 days and involves a gradual decline in hormone levels. Anestrus: The resting phase of the reproductive cycle before the next heat cycle begins. Silent Heat Sometimes, Golden Retrievers may experience a silent heat, where there are minimal or no obvious signs of the estrus phase. This can make it challenging to detect when your dog is fertile, emphasizing the need for vigilance and responsible pet management. This irregularity in timing can be confusing for pet owners and may require additional monitoring. Be sure to spend quality time with her. Increase playtime and mental stimulation to keep your dog engaged and distracted from mating urges. Limit outdoor walks to avoid encounters with intact males and reduce the likelihood of unplanned breeding. Consult with your veterinarian before using any natural remedies to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your dog. If your dog displays signs of extreme discomfort or unusual behavior during her heat, consult your veterinarian. Any indications of illness or abnormal bleeding should be addressed promptly by a professional. Timing is crucial for successful breeding, so accurate monitoring is essential. Various tests, such as hormone level assessments, can help determine the ideal time for mating. Unplanned pregnancies can occur if your dog mates with an intact male during her fertile phase. Proper management and supervision are essential to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Keep her away from intact males to avoid unwanted advances. Phantom Pregnancy in Golden Retrievers Signs A phantom pregnancy, also known as pseudocyesis, is when a non-pregnant dog displays signs of pregnancy. Common signs include nesting behavior, enlarged mammary glands, and maternal instincts. Phantom pregnancies can last for several weeks and can be emotionally challenging for your dog. Provide comfort and reassurance during this time, and consult your veterinarian if necessary. Differentiating False vs. Real Pregnancy A false pregnancy can closely mimic the symptoms of a real pregnancy, making it difficult to differentiate without professional assistance. Consult with your veterinarian to confirm whether your dog is experiencing a real or phantom pregnancy. What To Do Provide a calm and secure environment for your dog during this period to ease any anxiety she may be experiencing. Avoid encouraging nesting behavior, as this can reinforce false pregnancy symptoms. The Importance of Spaying or Neutering Golden Retrievers Spaying or neutering your Golden Retriever is a responsible decision that can prevent unwanted litters and reduce health risks. Engage in interactive games and activities that keep your dog mentally engaged and physically active. By understanding the different phases, signs, and potential health risks, you can provide the best care for your furry friend during this time. Golden Retrievers are pregnant for approximately 63 days, from conception to birth. Do Golden Retrievers go through menopause? No, Golden Retrievers do not go through menopause. They continue to have heat cycles throughout their lives. Is it normal for my Golden Retriever to lose her appetite during heat? Yes, it is common for some Golden Retrievers to experience a decreased appetite during their heat cycle. Monitor her food intake and consult your veterinarian if you have concerns. Can I spay my Golden Retriever while she is in heat? It is generally recommended to wait until your dog is out of heat before spaying to reduce surgical risks and complications. What age should you spay a Golden Retriever? Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best timing for your pet. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Golden Retriever puppies are fluffy balls of joy, and you must be thrilled to welcome them into your home. But how many puppies should you be expecting from this upcoming litter? On average, Golden Retrievers can have around eight puppies. Litter sizes can vary depending on the breed of dog, so there are a few factors that can determine the litter size of your Golden Retriever. This article goes over what kind of litter you could be expecting based on your Golden Retriever mother. Litter Size: First-Time vs. This is the national average for first-time mothers, so it is normal for your dog to give birth to a few less or a few more. However, it is always important for her to have check-ups with a vet to ensure everything is going well with her puppies. It is very rare that your Goldie will have a single puppy birth. Litter sizes of over a dozen puppies are also possible with Golden Retrievers, but not as common. If your Golden Retriever is pregnant, it is safe to assume that she will give birth to four to nine puppies. While it is always important to feed your dog a healthy and balanced diet, pregnant dogs need high-quality vitamins and minerals and premium protein. Dog food that is filled with additives and fillers can affect the litter size. Diet will also be a factor in how healthy the puppies will be after birth and what their survival rate will be. Health: If your Golden Retriever is obese or not given enough exercise, this can affect the litter. An unhealthy Goldie will more than likely produce a small litter. The puppies might also be born weak and have a smaller chance of survival. Age of both parents. You do not want to breed your female Golden Retriever too young or too old. The age range for the female to be bred is 2 to 5 years old. However, if you wait to breed your Goldie for the first time after they are five years old, their litters will always be smaller in number. The age of the male is also a factor. The sperm count in males will decrease once they reach 5 years old. Genetics: Dogs that have a more diverse gene pool are more likely to have larger litters than dogs that have been overly inbred. This is why if you go to a breeder, ask them about the parents and if they have been tested for defects. Image Credit: PorChonlawit, Shutterstock Final Considerations If you are a dog owner, you already know how important health, diet, and exercise are for raising a strong and happy dog. These factors must also be considered when deciding if you want to breed your Golden Retriever. Have her checked with the vet before she gets pregnant to make sure she is healthy and able to carry a litter safely. Ensure the potential mate is also healthy and the right age. However, no matter the litter size, each puppy will be a bundle of pure joy! A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. Read the full disclosure here. So what is correct? What is the best age to bring a Golden Retriever puppy home? I think the most important things to consider are any long-lasting negative effects on the puppy by taking it away too early. Lessons that are vital to the early development of a normal puppy. There are many things a puppy learns from its mother and litter-mates that are vitally important to their early development and could take you an extreme amount of time and effort to make up for if they miss out: Bite Inhibition When a puppy bites and hurts their mother or litter-mates they get growled and snapped at. Combined with being the victim of biting from their litter-mates in return, this gives continuous feedback and an education in how painful biting can sometimes be. And so they very quickly learn to inhibit their bite, to not go full force and to hold back when play biting. If a puppy is taken from the nest too soon they miss out on this learning process and the responsibility passes to their new owners who will at first have a puppy who bites hard. And sometimes extremely hard. Acceptance Of Discipline When a puppy does wrong in the nest, their mother regularly disciplines them to keep them in line. And a puppy will often throw a little hissy fit but the mother will be unmoving. They learn that bad behavior gets you disciplined and they have to accept it. They learn their actions have consequences and they cannot have things their own way. The puppy then becomes a dog that is so much harder to train and is less controllable for their owners. In the nest, a puppy will be constantly pawed, clawed, rubbed against and climbed all over, all day every day by their litter-mates. This results in your puppy getting used to being touched and becoming highly tolerant of it. They learn about appropriate play and how to interact with others of their species safely, considerately and happily. This can mean less time…or no time…interacting with his own species, having to be on the leash in dog parks and woods when other dogs are around and ultimately living a less fulfilling life than they could otherwise have had. And this is the important thing when it comes to leaving a puppy in the nest for too long. A puppy must be introduced to as many sights, sounds, environments, people and other dogs and animals as possible before they reach 14 weeks of age. This 14 week window of opportunity is a time where a puppy has little fear and instead has heightened curiosity that compels it to explore and test things out. The first 14 weeks is also the time when a puppy will form its strongest bonds with people and other animals. And so for the best possible relationship and strongest bond between your puppy and you, this is a time when you want your puppy living with you, seeing your entire family and social network so your puppy truly integrates and feels a part of the pack of humans around it. So think to yourself, if you get a puppy at 8 weeks of age, you have 6 weeks to take them to the shopping mall, the park, the pet shop, to meet as many people as possible, get them in the car, on the beach, in a swimming pool etc. I did this for a reason! Yes, 8 weeks old is the recommended perfect time to take a puppy away from its mother and litter-mates and home with you to live. But you would be doing far from the best for your new puppy and could be stunting their development, leading them toward behavioral issues and affecting their entire future lives. On the other end of the spectrum, leaving it later than 8 weeks to take your puppy home they could be missing out on essential socialization opportunities. Conclusion Take your puppy home at 8 weeks of age. A breeder telling you to take them any earlier is trying to avoid investing further time and effort into caring for them and possibly trying to save a little money by moving them on faster. And this early time spent with their mother ensures the best development of a puppy that will result in a dog far better suited to spending an entire life with you. May 10, Jun 22, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Having a pregnant dog welcome a new litter into the world is one of the greatest things a dog owner can experience. If you are ready to experience all the joys of doggy pregnancy, you may be wondering: can dogs be too old to get pregnant, and how old can dogs still have puppies? I was very surprised to discover that dogs are never too old to have puppies! Yup, you read that right—in fact, there is no such thing as doggy menopause, and female dogs go into heat during their whole lives. Pregnancy can be tough even for young dogs that are in their prime, but older dogs are at a much higher risk of health problems and stillborn puppies. Whether you want a new puppy or you are a breeder thinking about retiring your dogs, it is important to consider the ages of your male and female dogs before breeding them! Our 1 puppy product we recommend you send home with all new puppy owners is the Calmeroos Puppy Heartbeat Toy. In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about responsible breeding and dog fertility. Knowing that your pooch is an elderly citizen will help you determine whether it is safe and appropriate for your dog to get pregnant in the first place. Most dogs enter their senior years when they are around seven years old; however, the aging process is slightly different for small and large breed dogs. A tiny Chihuahua , for example, is considered a senior when they reach 11 years of age. On the other hand, a giant breed such as a Great Dane is considered a senior by the time they are five years old. The aging difference between smaller and larger breeds is mainly due to their size. Several studies have confirmed that larger breeds tend to age much faster than their smaller counterparts. Therefore, how old is too old for a dog to have puppies is directly related to the size of that particular dog. Unlike people, female and male dogs technically remain fertile their whole lives. However, their fertility and ability to whelp healthy puppies decrease as they get older. A healthy male dog can still sire puppies until very old age. In fact, most professional breeders will retire male dogs much later than their females. According to AKC rules, you can register a litter of puppies sired by a male dog that was no more than 12 years old at the time of mating. In practice, most reputable breeders will retire their male dogs when they are between 10 and 12 years old. Age is just one of several factors that affect the ability of a male dog to sire puppies. The age at which a male dog can have puppies also depends on the quality and quantity of its sperm. So, many professional breeders will check the sperm count of their male dogs regularly, at least once a month, to see if they are still capable of siring litters. Additionally, breeders will check many other things to determine whether their male dogs are too old for breeding and ready to be retired. Low conception rate is another sign that a dog is getting too old to sire puppies regularly. This means that a male dog fails to get a female dog pregnant during ideal conditions: one mating per day and a completely healthy female. Furthermore, a breeder may decide that the male dog is too old to sire puppies if their partner continually produces smaller litters, or if the puppies are weak and sick. Our 1 pick is the Basic Whelping Kit for puppies. Check out our Whelping Supplies Checklist for more of our favorites. According to the AKC rules, a dam must not be more than 12 years of age at the time of mating, if you want to register the litter. However, a lot of breed clubs, including the UK Kennel Club, set eight years as a maximum limit for breeding female dogs. However, at this grand age most female dogs have birthing difficulties and serious complications are often seen during labor. When they become pregnant, older female dogs may have trouble giving birth, and seeing stillborn puppies in a litter is unfortunately quite common. Additionally, older dogs may have trouble producing enough milk to nurse their puppies, who often die if not bottle-fed by their human caregivers. Due to all these risks and complications, most reputable breeders decide to retire their dams when they are around five or six years old. To determine whether or not to retire a female dog from a breeding program, the breeders consider the same factors as for male dogs. Taking all of these criteria into account can give you a good idea of whether it is safe to continue breeding your female dog or not. Our Golden Retriever , Raven was a breeding dog. She was retired by her breeder when she was 6 years old at which time we officially adopted her. If you own a female dog, the most important thing to remember is that she can get pregnant at any time during her life. Although older dogs are less fertile than their younger counterparts, there is still a risk of unwanted pregnancy. Now that you know that dogs can become pregnant their entire lives, talk with your vet about the best ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies. We use these tools to help keep our dogs separate. You read that right: Your cute, fluffy puppy can have puppies of its own! Once they reach sexual maturity, male dogs can mate at any time, even every day! Females, on the other hand, can mate only when they are in heat, which usually happens twice a year. However, some dogs can go into heat up to four times a year, while others will be ready to mate once a year, depending on their size and breed. Male dogs generally become fertile earlier than their female counterparts, usually when they are around five or six months old. Toy and small breeds such as Chihuahuas become sexually mature earlier than large breeds. In most cases, you should wait until your dog is at least one year old to mate him with a female. Keep in mind that large and giant breeds need more time to fully grow, so you should wait until your pooch is 18 to 24 months old to breed him for the first time. If you decide to use your male dog for siring litters, you will first have to ensure that he is completely healthy and fertile. Your vet can help with that and provide health clearances that your dog is a qualified stud dog ready for breeding. Once a male dog reaches sexual maturity, he remains fertile his entire life. However, their sperm count tends to be low during the beginning and the end of their reproductive cycle. Unlike male dogs, who can mate literally every single day once they reach puberty, female dogs can breed only when they are in heat. Female dogs usually reach sexual maturity when they are six months old, but smaller breeds can go into heat as early as four months of age. As with male dogs, you should wait until your female is fully grown before attempting to mate her for the first time. The size and breed of your dog will determine when the best time is to mate your female for the first time. Smaller breeds reach adulthood earlier than their larger counterparts and can consequently become pregnant safely much earlier. After having their first estrus, also known as heat or season, female dogs usually go into heat every six months until they get old. However, this time frame can vary from one dog to another and can depend on the size of the dog. Generally, smaller dogs go into heat more regularly than larger breeds and can produce more litters during their lifetime. The heat cycle is divided into four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. The estrus phase also lasts around nine days, at which time the female is fertile and will allow being mounted by a male dog. In most cases, ovulation happens within the first 48 hours of the estrus phase, but this can vary greatly. This phase happens whether or not the dog has gotten pregnant, and some dogs may develop signs of false pregnancy during this stage. Lastly, the anestrus phase is the time when a female dog can no longer become pregnant and is a period without sexual activity. In most cases, this stage lasts between three to four months. Technically, both female and male dogs can have puppies their whole lives. The actual labor is also more difficult and risky for older dogs and is commonly accompanied by complications. Older dogs also may have problems producing the milk and nursing their puppies. What is the age limit for breeding a dog? Can a 9-year-old dog have puppies? A 9-year-old dog can technically get pregnant and give birth to a litter of puppies. However, an older female dog can absolutely get pregnant if mounted by a fertile male during her heat cycle. To prevent any health problems and unwanted pregnancies, keep a close eye on your dog while in heat and consider spaying her. Is it bad for a 1-year-old dog to have puppies? Small breeds reach adulthood when they are one year old and can safely have puppies if they are done growing. A one-year-old Great Dane is still a puppy, and it would be bad for a growing pup to get pregnant and have to take care of a litter of newborn puppies. Conclusion Knowing how old dogs can be to have puppies is an important piece of information if you plan to breed your dog at some point in their life. While technically dogs are fertile and can have puppies their whole lives, older female dogs are at risk of premature labor, stillborn puppies, and birthing complications. Before breeding your pooch, talk with your vet and have your dog throughout examined. Are you a breeder? Have you worked with our bought a dog from a breeder? If so, do you know how old their breeding dogs are? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Since the Labrador could grow to a hefty size, its yearly upkeep still falls within the expected price range of other big dogs. Always take your puppy to regular vet checkups, even if it looks like the very picture of health. Though these things are not high on the priority list, consider them nice-to-haves once the budget allows. Besides, we all want the best for our four-legged friends, and that alone is reason enough for most of us! Boarding Kennels: This service is a lifesaver for owners who have to travel for days or weeks at a time and cannot bring their dog along with them. Professional Grooming: As we said earlier, Labrador Retrievers shed a lot, so an afternoon at the groomer will help keep your pooch looking clean and tidy. You can put off spending on these things until the budget allows. However, give some serious thought to investing in an emergency fund, as this would take a big worry off your mind in case of any unexpected trips to the vet. Though it is tempting to buy a dog from pet stores or backyard breeders because of their low puppy prices, getting Lab puppies from a reputable source is still a more responsible and ethical choice. Here is a list of responsible breeders where you can find Labrador puppies for sale: Rhumbline Retrievers — This New York-based kennel has been breeding quality Labrador Retriever puppies since , and a good number of their dogs have participated in agility, obedience, and hunting tests at the national level. Due to their commitment to only breed dogs of the highest quality, they have limited puppies for sale at a time; thus, expect a long waitlist. All their puppies are tested for genetic disorders such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They raise show-quality Labs and have championship bloodline puppies as well. For a more comprehensive list of reputable Labrador Retriever breeders, take a peek at our 10 best Labrador breeders article. All their dogs are fostered and given medical care before being turned over to their new family. Based in Colorado and licensed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities, they foster and provide medical care to Labs until they can get adopted. American Lab Rescue — This organization makes use of foster homes to rehabilitate and care for their rescued dogs. For your adoption application to be approved, they will require a fenced-in yard and will also do a home visit to your place before releasing a dog. Alternatively, you can also check out our top 10 picks of Labrador Retriever Rescues and our dog adoption guide. The Labrador Retriever is popular for its great temperament and personality. Unfortunately, most people fail to expect its high energy level as well, which is why some Labs find themselves in animal shelters. That said, doing your research about the Labrador Retriever before buying or adopting a puppy is necessary to make sure that the Lab is the best dog for you. Money-Saving Tips for Labrador Retriever Owners We all want to give our dog the best life possible, and if we can do that without breaking the bank, then even better! The trick is finding the right balance on which expenses to let go of and which ones to keep. To help you achieve this, here are some money-saving tips for Labrador Retriever owners: DIY dog food and treats. Not only is this a more practical option, but this is also healthier for your dog. Practice your grooming skills. Watch a good tutorial and practice your skills on your pooch. Invest in high-quality supplies. You may want to scrimp on supplies such as food and water bowls, but investing in high-quality and durable essentials will save you more money in the long run. Training Labrador Retrievers is a fairly easy task, even for novice dog owners. A lot of great tutorials can be found on the internet, and being the intelligent dogs that they are, they will learn all their tricks in no time! Like pet insurance, regular vet visits will save you from procedures and medications that could cost thousands of dollars later. Pet quality pups are affordable and budget-friendly to most people who are looking for an intelligent and well-tempered canine companion. However, like most dogs, their lifetime cost would still require you to spend considerable money. As such, think long and hard about the commitment and financial implications of taking in a dog. These canines make great family pets, even for those looking for their first dog. So, if your budget is enough to shoulder the price and long-term costs of the Labrador Retriever, then it might just be the pooch for you! Tell us in the comment box below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Your Labrador puppy will need a bed, collar, leash, poop bags, food bowls, food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and a dog crate. It is important to get any dog licensed to avoid legal issues. Training Labrador Retrievers are easy to train and do not require professional training. But, some keepers choose to take their Lab to puppy school. Because they are highly motivated, Labradors also do great in agility training. This is also a great way for them to use up their energy. Owners can either build their own agility course or pay to put their dog in agility classes. Vet Fees and Insurance One of the most expensive parts of owning a dog is all the vet visits. This includes all of their shots and monthly checkups. A way to help reduce the cost of veterinary bills is through buying pet insurance. It is best to start paying for a pet insurance policy when your Labrador is a puppy. Senior dogs are more expensive to cover since they are more likely to develop health problems. Food When it comes to feeding a Labrador, they are not cheap. Labradors eat a lot of food. They are medium to large-sized dogs and weigh around 70 pounds. These prices are based on feeding a high quality kibble. Wet food can easily cost several hundred dollars more. Backyard Breeders One important thing every potential owner should remember is to avoid backyard breeders and pet shops. It is true that these places sell dogs for a much lower price. But, that does not mean they will be cheaper over their lifespan. Backyard breeders do not screen their dogs to determine if they have inheritable health problems. This results in Lab puppies being born that are more likely to develop health issues such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. These breeders also do not provide proper veterinary care for their puppies. Many are sold while having worms or fleas and having received no socialization. Ethical Labrador breeders ensure their breeding stock is screened and their puppies are healthy and socialized before placing them into their new homes. Labrador Retrievers can develop diseases of the eye. The form of this disease that is very common is Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration. Caused by an inheritable genetic mutation, it ultimately leads to blindness. Screening will help to prevent you from buying a puppy that may become blind later on in life. Dogs with this disease will lose their sight between one and eight years of age. Hip and Elbow Scores Another health problem that Labradors are prone to is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a genetic skeletal disease that causes the hip joint to not form properly. This results in the femur grinding against the hip causing deterioration and loss of function. Many Labradors with this condition end up having to undergo surgery to reduce pain and regain function in their hips. The average hip score for a Labrador retriever is 12, so any score below that is considered good. Ideally, good breeders will only breed dogs with hip scores under .This will prevent you from purchasing a Labrador puppy that will require expensive surgery later on in its life. Purpose American Labradors are best suited for active families. Families that enjoy activities such as swimming, running, and hiking. They are great for families with older children who can engage and play with them more. American Labs would also do best with owners who can dedicate more time to them because they require a lot of exercise every day. People who work from home or part time would be ideal. English Labradors would make great pets for quieter families because they have a calmer personality. They are also gentler and would do well with a family that has young children. Since they are less active, they are suitable for a busier family who has less time to exercise them. Their docile, patient attitude also makes them excellent candidates to be service dogs so they would be a great dog for people who need one in their life. Summary The price of a Labrador can vary depending on if you get one from a breeder or rescue. Its color, pedigree and health will also influence the price. All Labradors are prone to health conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and hip or elbow dysplasia. Make sure the breeder screens for these health conditions before breeding. This will help to ensure your puppy is healthy. The cost to keep a Labrador healthy, exercised and happy can get pricey. But, if an owner has done their research and prepared themselves, then Labradors make an excellent addition. What Lab do you prefer? American, English, or mixed? Let us know! He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. Outside of Marvelous Dogs, he enjoys trail running and agility work with his working Labrador Retriever. You May Also Like. Have you ever wondered how much a service dog costs? Total Lifetime Cost of a Lab Puppy The average lifespan of a dog varies depending on many different factors. Our first family dog, a Golden Retriever lived until she was 10 years old. Our second family dog who was rescued from the animal shelter, a border collie mix lived until he was approximately 20 years old. Additional Costs There are several costs we are lucky enough to avoid, but many of you will have to endure. As you can see on top of the lifetime cost you may also have the added unforeseen costs that could end up in the thousands of dollars. A few months back Linus was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. We spent a good chunk of the next 10 days at the emergency vet. Linus was not improving and every day he got worse so we made the extremely difficult decision to put him to sleep. Linus chewed up a cell phone. They looked like they had termites. Those are just a few things our puppies have chewed to bits. Beware, there are a few things you may need to replace after you bring home your puppy. Your puppy needs your time, love, and affection. After seeing all the expenses associated with getting a Labrador Retriever puppy do you think you can fit a new pup into your budget? Tell us about your puppy especially if you have a Labrador Retriever. Are we missing anything from this list? How much do you spend on your puppy? Have you hit any unforeseen costs? Tell us about it in the comment section below. How much does a Labrador Retriever puppy cost? It might be more than you think. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Life Span Did You Know? A Puginese is a cross between a Pug and a Pekingese. Puginese are small, energetic, and playful dogs. They tend to be social and thrive on attention and affection, especially from their favorite humans. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable dog organizations. Puginese are affectionate dogs with cheerful, playful personalities that bond closely with their families and love spending time with them. They tend to have a sweet disposition. As long as they have been properly socialized, they tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They also tend to open up quickly to strangers and are happy to receive attention from them once they have been introduced. Although they tend to be social and friendly dogs, Puginese are alert watchdogs and are prone to barking. Puginese tend to be highly adaptable dogs that do well in just about any living situation. They thrive in homes with yards and adapt well to apartment living. As a snub-nosed breed, they are particularly sensitive to heat and will need some winter dog products to stay warm when temperatures drop. Because they bond so closely with their families, they do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone. Potential health conditions to be aware of in the Puginese include skin issues, heart issues, epilepsy, luxating patella , hip dysplasia, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable health issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a brachycephalic dog breed, Puginese are also prone to allergies and developing respiratory problems. Because they are a small dog breed, they are also more prone to developing gum disease and other dental diseases, which makes practicing good dental care for dogs throughout their life even more important. The Puginese is a moderately trainable dog breed. Although they do tend to respond well to consistent training focused on positive reward and praise, they are also known for being stubborn. This can be a challenge for first-time dog owners to handle alone. So, puppy training classes are recommended. Not only do they strengthen the bond you have with your puppy and help reinforce training, but they also tend to offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. A Puginese could have a shorter coat like their Pug parent, a longer coat like their Pekingese parent, or something in between. They will shed moderately year-round and require brushing at least a few times a week. Bathing is on an as-needed basis, but you may need to visit the groomer every weeks to maintain your preferred clip on Puginese with longer coats. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing teeth daily or using an enzyme toothpaste every day in addition to cleanings at the vet when needed are recommended to help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Puginese usually fall into a low to moderate activity range. They will often have short bouts of higher energy while they are playing, but they tend to get tired quickly. Daily walks plus some playtime or another activity are usually enough for this small dog. Your Puginese will likely be up for more if you are and will usually just be happy to be spending more time with you. There are plenty of safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs. A fully-grown Puginese usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Puginese generally live for years on average. Puginese Puppies for Sale Thanks for visiting our Puginese page! Currently, we do not have any Puginese puppies available, but we can alert you when new Puginese puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. These friendly animals are always willing to please their masters and love spending long hours with them. At some point, the Puginese might display obstinacy and willfulness, though they are mostly playful as well as well-behaved with kids. Some of them seem to snore when sleeping; a trait inherited from their Pekingese parent. Their barking tendency on seeing strangers or other animals make them good watchdogs. Care Exercise Puginese dog does not need robust activities since it is already playful by itself. Only a moderate amount of jogging or daily walks, especially to some dog park, is sufficient. Grooming Brush their body hair around twice a week, or even thrice in case your Puginese has long hair. Bathe them only when you feel the need. Health Problems Like most mutts, the Puginese are healthy and do not suffer from any breed-specific issues. Training To help them avoid snoring, train them to curl up and sleep on their stomachs rather than on their backs. Sleeping positions can be a big reason to trigger snoring habits. Expose them more and more to other animals and pet from childhood. This practice would surely grow an instinct in them to tolerate other animals. Obedience training is necessary to control stubborn behavior, in particular for issues like incessant barking. Hold on for a few seconds before giving away the reward. Puginese Highlights The Puginese is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Pug or Pekingese parents. The main colors of Puginese dogs are cream, brown, gray, black, or brindle. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. They are not a good choice for allergy sufferers, as they tend to shed a moderate amount, especially in the summertime. Their coats require weekly brushing. The Puginese is prone to weight gain as well as diabetes, and has medium energy levels. They have moderate exercise needs and do not require a lot of walks. Make sure your dog gets a short daily walk, weather permitting, and some indoor playtime mixed in as well. The Puginese is prone to being frightened by loud noises and stressed in hectic environments. Some Puginese pups are difficult to train and are described by owners as not being the most intelligent mixed breed. Patience and early training are key. Puginese History The Puginese mixed dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Pugs and Pekingese in the early s. It is not known why these breeds were crossed, but designer breeders continued to create Puginese pups as the demand for them increased. Even though the Puginese got its start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Puginese rescues, or check with breed-specific Pug or Pekingese rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. Puginese Size As the Puginese is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Pug and a Pekingese parents, you can expect a Puginese to be on the small side. Most weigh in at seven to 18 pounds and range in height from six to 14 inches at the shoulder. However, many can be smaller or larger than average. They require only a moderate amount of exercise and would much rather stay indoors on the couch with their owner than play at a dog park. Patience and early training are key, as well as using plenty of positive reinforcement while obedience training. These dogs tend to have a short attention span and will become frustrated if overwhelmed with learning new tricks. Again, patience is key! While it is common for the Puginese to be startled rather easily, their loyalty and desire to protect those they care about makes them excellent watchdogs. Since the Puginese is prone to being frightened by loud noises and stressed in hectic environments, they do best in smaller, calmer households. They make wonderful pets for those with busy schedules, as they are independent little dogs, but will also love being the companion of a senior just as much as being a family pet. Puginese Health The Puginese mixed breed is predisposed to the same conditions that the Pug and Pekingese also face. While most are fairly healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Lifespan Sociability We know that all puppies are adorable. So, each pup, even those from the same litter, will be a little different! Of course, this is part of the charm of choosing a hybrid pup. Your Puginese may end up with the longer coat of a Pekingese but the coloring of a Pug, or vice versa! They might also end up as a complete blend of both parent breeds. The only sensible way to prepare yourself is to make sure you like the appearance and characteristics of both the Pekingese and the Pug. Pugs were kept as a closely guarded secret from the rest of the world until the 16th century, when Dutch traders started to return home with Pugs. From there, their popularity across Europe and the U. The Pug was recognized by the American Kennel Club in and is currently the 28th most popular breed in the U. The Pekingese also hails from China and was a prized pet. Legend states that this breed was created by Buddha when he shrank a lion. The Chinese emperors managed to keep this breed hidden until well into the 19th century, when British troops stormed the palaces and found Pekingese dogs there. Once these dogs were brought back as a present for Queen Victoria, they became a highly prized breed. A Pekingese dog was one of only three pups to survive the shipwreck of the Titanic. While this is a cute look, it can also lead to health problems. They can suffer from eye problems due to the fact that their eyes protrude from their skulls. You need to look out for dry eye and corneal ulcers. These pups can also suffer from breathing problems in hotter weather or when they exercise excessively. Hot weather is not the friend of the Puginese, and they much prefer a colder environment. For this reason, they can make good little guard dogs, and while they will bark to warn you of visitors, they soon settle down. This hybrid breed can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training, so consistency and positive techniques are key here. Are These Dogs Good for Families? If you do want to keep your Puginese in a multi-pet household, then make sure to keep initial introductions brief. Your pup may not enjoy living in a house with an energetic dog that wants to play all the time, as your Puginese would probably rather just chill out! Before you make your decision, here are more details to help you make up your mind. They can have tooth problems, so make sure to check their teeth regularly. Hot weather can be particularly stressful for Puginese dogs, as they can struggle to breathe. Many owners choose to use air conditioning and cooling pads during warmer weather. They can also be a little stubborn, so consistent and patient training is the key with this breed! With that said, they are also eager to please their owners. While they can pick up a new command, it might just take them a little longer than most! If your pup has a longer coat, you may decide to have them clipped to reduce maintenance. This can also help them feel more comfortable over the summer. Using a pet wipe every few days to clean these areas is a good idea. The Puginese has sensitive skin and can easily develop allergies or dermatitis. Make sure you bathe them only when absolutely necessary, and always choose hypoallergenic grooming products. In addition to those, there are a few other conditions that can affect this breed. Minor Conditions. Temperament:Cheerful, playful, friendly, affectionate, loyal Kids-Friendly:Yes; though they prefer to be around kids who handle them gently Stranger-friendly:No; they have the Pekingese-like aloofness and warn their owner on spotting any unfamiliar face near their household Animal-Friendly:Yes Climate Compatibility:Moderate; cannot withstand extreme heat or cold Apartment-friendly:Yes Exercise Requirements:Moderate; Walking: 30 — 40 minutes; Playing: 10 minutes Grooming Needs:Moderate Coat Brushing:Regular; Thrice or four times a week Bathing:Occasional; once a month Eyes and Ears Cleaning:Regular; once a week Brushing of Teeth:Regular; daily, as they have an underbite like the Pekingese, making them more prone to dental infection Nail Clipping:Occasional; once or twice a month Feeding:Adults: 1. Those living in less noisy areas. Nuclear families would be better than homes with many people since these dogs could get overwhelmed with too much congestion. People desiring an alert watchdog that would be loud and prompt in alerting owners of any impending danger. Owners who would not have trouble handling a noisy dog who not just barks for every unusual thing but even snores. Other Breeds to Explore.

Color variations Blue merle French Bulldog Blue merle French Bulldogs are one of our most sought-after puppies of all the colors. They got their name after the blue patches on their light-colored coat, which are essentially grey with a bluish shine in the light. The shade of the grey parts may vary from very light to almost black, while their base color also ranges from a yellowish cream color to light grey. Lilac merle French Bulldog Lilac merle French Bulldogs are often mistaken for blue merle Frenchies, but they are much more unique and harder to come by. Lilac merle Frenchies have very light, almost ashy or silver colored patches on their light coat. To produce this rare and beautiful color, the parents have to carry the blue, chocolate and merle gene. Lilac merle French Bulldogs usually have light-colored eyes which are glowing red. Chocolate merle French Bulldog Chocolate merle French Bulldogs have dark brown mottled patches all over their light-colored bodies. Choco merle pups also have unique genetics so they are quite rare and hard to come by. Similarly to lilac Frenchies, they are the combination of blue and chocolate but their grey shade is more of a champagne color. Breeders have managed to mix in the merle gene as well producing the Isabella merle French Bulldog, but these dogs are extremely rare. Black merle French Bulldog Black merle French Bulldogs have black mottled patches often covering most of their bodies. Their base coat is also slightly darker than in other merle Frenchies, ranging from light grey to light brown. Fawn merle French Bulldog There are a number of different variations of fawn merle French Bulldogs, like blue fawn merle, lilac fawn merle or chocolate fawn merle. The dark patches these Frenchies have are less distinct looking than in other merles, as they are only a bit darker than their light fawn base color. One of these rare traits is their sparkling blue eyes. Since the merle gene affects the skin pigment as well, when a merle patch crosses the eye area the Frenchie will have bright forever blue eyes. Sometimes only one of the eyes will remain blue, which is a phenomenon called heterochromia. Because of how dominant the merle gene is, merle Frenchies should only be bred to a dog with a solid coat color. They are insanely affectionate making them the perfect companion dogs, they just want to spend every minute of their time with their owners. They are extremely friendly with kids and other animals too; they love basically anyone they meet! Thanks to their easy-going nature, a Merle Frenchie will adapt to your lifestyle very quickly no matter where you live. As you might expect, colors that are considered common for the breed have the lowest prices, while colors which are more unique and harder to produce are more expensive as well. When it comes to Merle French Bulldogs, they are already in a higher price range, but depending on the color variation their prices may further vary a lot. Permanent blue eyes also push the prices up a bit: we charge USD per blue eye. Life Span Did You Know? While the name of this breed is the French Bulldog, their origins cannot be credited to only France. One of the facts about French Bulldogs is that the idea and reason for the creation of the breed originated in England. This adorable dog breed, which has always been meant to be a companion, started as a miniature version of the English Bulldog. This mini-version accompanied lace workers across the English Channel and into France during the Industrial Revolution. Once the dog breed became prominent in France, the subsequent successful crossbreeding of the English Bulldog, Pug, and Terrier led to the creation of the modern-day Frenchie. The French Bulldog we know today originally came to the United States with groups of wealthy Americans who came across them and fell in love while touring Europe in the late s. The French Bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in and is a member of the non-sporting group. The French Bulldog is an easygoing, affectionate, and playful dog that loves their family and gets along well with children. They also love to make new friends, which means they get along well with other dogs, animals, and people. Intelligent and affectionate, this small dog breed certainly wins over hearts and earns its status as a popular companion dog. Frenchies are not known to bark much, unless you train them into it, but they are naturally alert and make excellent watchdogs. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, they tend to have an open and friendly nature. The Frenchie is a highly adaptable dog that pretty much adapts to any living situation that includes plenty of love and attention. Being a short-snouted, snub-nosed dog breed, they do not tolerate heat very well and are also sensitive to cold. This tends to make them one of the dog breeds that hate winter and you will want to make sure to bundle them up to stay warm while out on cold winter walks. Because Frenchies bond closely with their families and thrive on attention from them, they do not tolerate long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if they are poorly socialized or you do not work with them on this when they are young. Potential health concerns to be aware of in French Bulldogs can include cataracts, cherry eye, and entropion. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances. Heart and joint certifications are recommended for this breed. Playful and happy, the French Bulldog is a great fit for a novice dog owner. They are sweet-tempered, eager to please, and eager to train. Occasionally, Frenchies can be stubborn and they do tend to have big personalities. Although this can sometimes be a challenge for first-time dog owners, it can usually be overcome with consistent and patient training. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training. Standard coat colors for Frenchies are Brindle, Cream, Fawn, and combinations of these. They have a short coat that will shed a little year-round. Nail trims once or twice a month keep nails from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, the Frenchie is more prone to developing gum disease. Daily dental care plus cleanings at the vet as needed can help prevent this and other painful dental diseases later in life. You will also need to take care of the wrinkles. Frenchies have hereditary face wrinkles and it is important to keep them clean and dry to prevent skin irritation or possible infection. The French Bulldog is an easygoing companion breed. They can be one of the laziest dog breeds that are couch potatoes. Frenchies will often be energetic when they play and will try to match their activity to yours. So, if you live a more active lifestyle, you need to be careful that your French Bulldog is not overexerting themselves trying to keep up with you. As a Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dog, they cannot cool themselves as easily and are extra sensitive to heat. They can also get winded easily, so be aware of this when playing with your dog or puppy and watch for signs of overexertion. There are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs and you can work with your vet on specifics for your Frenchie if needed. French Bulldogs usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Frenchies generally live for years on average. With this dog breed being so popular, there are plenty of celebrities who have chosen the French Bulldog as their companion, which also means there are plenty of famous Frenchies out there. Also, French Bulldogs cannot swim, at least without a life vest. They can be taught to swim while wearing one, but they should never be left unattended around bodies of water or swimming pools and require constant supervision while in the water. Featured French Bulldog Article. This practice ended in with the Cruelty to Animals Act, but the name has since stuck. The Bulldog eventually made its way over to France with Normandy lace-workers who fled England after being displaced by the industrial revolution. Here in France, the Bulldog was crossed with local French ratters. Ratters were small in size and had large erect ears similar to a bat. Over the years, the size of the companion Bulldog was reduced to a mere 16 — 25 lbs. As the new, smaller French Bulldogs gained popularity in France, they became highly sought after by creatives, such as artists, writers, and fashion designers as well as society ladies and Parisian prostitutes alike! The Frenchie is a compact, muscular dog with a smooth coat, wrinkly face, and pushed in nose. The French Bulldog is a cheerful, fairly low-maintenance companion dog. They are pleasant, affectionate, sweet, and they have a propensity to be very clownish. They are alert, curious, and even-tempered. This breed usually forms a strong bond with one person. While French Bulldogs are generally accepting of strangers and other animals, some males may be aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex. The French Bulldog needs human companionship and attention. If left ignored or unattended for long periods of time, they can become mischievous and depressed. Although somewhat willful at times, they can be trained relatively easily by a patient owner. The French Bulldog is not a loud or hyper breed, but they are very enthusiastic and persistent. As a flat faced breed, the French Bulldog cannot survive outdoors. Its compromised breathing system makes it impossible to regulate its body temperature efficiently, so the French Bulldog has trouble cooling off in hot weather and can easily suffer from heatstroke. Most French Bulldogs are born through cesarean section, as they have very broad heads — even as puppies! Today, the French Bulldog is ranked the 6th most popular of all the dog breeds in the United States. The French Bulldog is in such high demand, in fact, that many of our French Bulldog puppies are reserved for customers who had previously placed special orders for them in advance. To place a special order for a beautiful French Bulldog puppy, call today! August 4,