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The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Learn more » Congratulations on your new golden retriever puppy! You now have a beautiful, smart, and loyal dog who will love you for life. To make sure they grow into a healthy and happy companion, you need to feed them the right amount of food. At months old, which is usually when they are ready to leave their mother, a golden retriever puppy should be eating 3 cups of dog food divided into three meals per day. This is based on a typical large-breed puppy food. Different brands will give a feeding guide on their packaging. However, how much and how often to feed your golden retriever will keep changing during this time of rapid growth. Golden Retriever Puppy Feeding Timeline Image Credit: PxHere All puppies are different as are the foods, but some general guidelines for feeding your golden retriever during their first year are: 0—6 weeks: A golden retriever puppy can start eating solid food when they are 3—4 weeks old. Give them a total of 3 cups of dog food per day by their third month, 3 to 4 cups by the time they are 6 months old. The AKC recommends waiting until large breed puppies are at least 12 months old before switching them over to adult dog food and more likely 18 months. The amount will depend on their weight and activity level, but a rough guide is 1—2 cups per meal. Image Credit: Kinek00, Shutterstock Large breed puppies like golden retrievers should eat three to four small meals a day for the first 3—6 months of their lives. Smaller portions spread throughout the day are easier on their tummies and help prevent bloat, a serious condition that can be deadly for dogs. It also helps them maintain their energy level throughout the day. Puppy food has more calories and fat to support their growth, as well as extra vitamins and minerals for their developing immune and nervous systems and bones. The protein source matters, too. Puppies need animal-based proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb for their growing muscles. Choose a Large Breed Formula: Large breed puppies grow quickly, which means they need extra support for their bones and joints. Formulations for large breeds contain the correct calcium and phosphorus ratio for strong bones and glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. They can help you choose the right food for your puppy based on their age, weight, and activity level. But puppies need to be fed on a schedule to prevent them from overeating and becoming overweight. How do you know if your puppy is getting enough to eat? After that, their growth will start to slow down. He Has a Healthy Appetite: A healthy puppy is interested in food and eager to eat. He Has Plenty of Energy: A well-fed puppy is full of energy and ready to play. Make the most of mealtime with these tips: 1. It also helps other aspects of puppy training, such as potty training and crate training. Image Credit: Alena Marchuk, Shutterstock This means leaving food out all day for them to graze on whenever they want. Leave food down for 10 minutes and then pick up what is not eaten. If they have not eaten anything, offer it again in an hour. Slow them down by scattering their kibble around the bowl, using a puzzle feeder or snuffle mat. This will help them learn to eat slowly and enjoy their food more. If your puppy is not drinking enough water for your liking, try adding a bit of broth to their bowl to make it more appealing and help them stay hydrated. Resist the Urge to Sneak Them Table Scraps Puppies are experts at giving those big, soulful eyes that make it hard to say no. But resist the temptation to give them table scraps or human food. Aside from teaching them bad manners, it can also lead to health problems, like obesity. A lot of human foods are not safe or healthy for dogs. For instance, garlic and onions are toxic to dogs. Oily food can upset their stomach, and carbs add a lot of calories. This helps them learn that mealtime is a specific time and place and not something that happens all over the house. Let Your Puppy Eat in Peace. This includes other pets in the house and small children who might want to bother them or try to steal their food. Otherwise, meals can become a stressful experience for your puppy instead of a happy one. Conclusion Feeding your golden retriever puppy the right amount of quality dog food will establish a strong foundation for their health and happiness. In addition, make mealtimes more meaningful by turning them into lessons and bonding moments between you and your dog. The puppy phase is over before you know it, so enjoy it while it lasts! Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the 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. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months. There is also info on how to keep your puppy and your adult at his or her optimum weight. Scroll down to find growth charts to make sure your puppy is growing at the proper rate and is within the right weight range for his age. If you are looking for information on what to feed, go to How to Choose a Dog Food. Unlike with human children, a puppy that is overfed will grow too fast before they grow too fat. A good example is where a smaller puppy at 10 weeks was overfed and his growth was compared to a puppy that was correctly fed. The growth of your puppy needs to be controlled. General Guidelines for Puppies Below are some general guidelines on how much to feed puppies. Most dog food bags suggest feeding too much. Increase to about 3 cups a day by 5 months for boys and by 6 months for girls. Golden Retrievers at this age are supposed to look lanky and all Golden Retrievers act like they are starving when fed the correct amount. If left to eat as much as they want, they will all grow too fast. In the wild, dogs do not have unlimited access to eat as much as they want. They work for their food. Caloric Needs Greatly Decrease at About a Year When puppies reach about months, their caloric needs begin to decrease. Some males might need 4 cups if active and are fed a less expensive food. Make sure you take into consideration the number of extra calories being fed as treats. You should be able to feel their ribs, but not see them even when the dog is wet. If you can see the ribs, increase their food. Decrease the food if you cannot feel them. I always tell people that it is better to underfeed than to overfeed, especially when feeding puppies. Weight Range Charts Following are charts of how puppies should generally grow in weight. Keep in mind that very few puppies need to be at the top of these ranges and if you cannot feel ribs, your dog is overweight even if she is in this weight range. If your dog is still a puppy and she is over these weight ranges, you are feeding her too much. Female Golden Retriever Weight Chart Here is a chart of how girls should generally grow in weight: 2 Months — pounds.

Often, the reason this happened is because of irresponsible breeding. To increase your chances of having a happy, healthy, good-natured dog, you want to choose a reputable breeder. But how do you find one? Keep on reading to learn how! If you have two healthy parents as well as healthy grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles, previous litters from these parents, etc. Temperament is inherited. Everything that was said about health also goes for temperament. Inbreeding is a major problem with golden retrievers where dogs that are too closely related can produce unhealthy puppies. Responsible breeders will know and take steps to prevent this. If anything were to go wrong, you would want a breeder with integrity to help navigate the problems, whether that ends up in a refund, a replacement puppy, etc. For a new and inexperienced puppy buyer, it can be hard to distinguish a good breeder from an irresponsible one. For one, the mom and dad will have received OFA clearances for their hips, elbows, and heart, as well as clearances for their eyes, which is a yearly exam. To help further decide on whether or not a breeder is reputable, the next section covers a big list of questions for you to ask a breeder. What Questions To Ask A Breeder This section is broken down into questions to ask about the breeder themselves, questions to ask about the sire and dam, and questions to ask about the puppies. Questions to ask about the breeder themselves Why did you choose to breed golden retrievers? You want a breeder that truly has a passion for the golden retriever breed. How long have you been breeding golden retrievers? At what age do you start to breed your dogs? Goldens must be two years old to receive final clearances on their hips and elbows, so if a breeder tells you they start to breed their dogs before two years old, watch out. Do you provide registration papers? They should provide AKC registration papers for you. Do you participate in any dog sport or activities? Most good breeders are involved in something other than just breeding. Their dogs participate in sports, shows, or are even therapy dogs. Is there a contract when I buy the puppy? There should be a contract that covers costs, refunds, responsibilities, etc. If they do require the pups to be spayed or neutered , this will be in the contract. What happens in case something goes wrong? This is also a good time to feel them out and see if this has ever happened before. Do you have any references I can talk to? Good breeders will have previous happy customers. Are you a member of the Golden Retriever Club of America or any local golden retriever clubs? Most breeders have a specific reason they were excited to breed two dogs together. How many litters has this mom had? And how old is she? Can you provide proof of the health clearances for these two dogs? Do these dogs have any titles? Can I meet the parents? The parents should be friendly and outgoing to you and any other dogs around. Questions to ask about the puppies How do you socialize the puppies? A good breeder will be able to talk to you about this. Where are the puppies born and raised? Are they raised in the home, or out back in the shed? Will they be examined by a vet before they go home? The answer should be yes. What are the puppies bred for? This may include being bred for companions pets , or show, sport, or hunting. They may ask you: Have you owned a dog before? Do you currently have a dog? What type of lifestyle are you expecting with your new golden? Why do you want a golden retriever? Do you have children? What kind of home do you live in? How much time will you be able to spend with the puppy? Is it because the breeder is inexperienced and just trying to get started? Is it because they come from champion bloodlines? Is the breeder is experienced and takes their time to properly care for the mother, socialize and stimulate the puppies, feed them the best food, and take them to the best veterinarian? Or is it because the breeder is a good salesman and can charge a premium for their puppies? Check out this article to learn more about how much golden retrievers cost. One of the best ways is to go to a local club check out this list of them by location , email or call them, and ask them to refer you to a good breeder. Another way is to ask your friends who have golden retrievers where they got them. This is how we found our golden, Oliver. A friend from church had a golden and we went over to their house and met him. We instantly fell in love and decided we needed to get his brother. You can also find breeders on Google, Facebook, or Instagram. To find a good breeder ask about health clearances, pedigree, temperament, ask to meet the parents and try to get a referral. Have any other questions about choosing a golden retriever breeder? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. Special Note: You can contact them through their Facebook page. He considers his Goldens as an extension of his family so he makes sure that they are well taken care of. This breeder does not advertise puppies that much and in most cases, the litters are sold through referrals or repeat purchases. You would really have to reach out to him for his available puppies. Since his dogs are often repeated purchases, several families already own second and third-generation Golden Retrievers from this breeder. If this also sounds appealing to you, check the dogs out through their webpage. The main breeder of Eirlys named Marina Hall Phillips has an extensive background in animal genetics, behavior, and husbandry. She has been in the service dog industry for 20 years before she decided to start breeding Golden Retrievers. As a result of her years of experience, the Goldens that her kennel produces are very much delightful as they have a balanced temperament, excellent working ability, perfect structure, and penchant for family companionship. Nevertheless, if you want to take your chances, please do so. Their litter is well-planned so they really offer quality puppies. However, if you want to verify their legitimacy, read our ultimate puppy buying guide for some proven tips on how to safely find a breeder online or how to find a puppy for sale while avoiding scams. The majority of the puppies being advertised here came from AKC champion bloodlines. Similar to the AKC, they have member breeders who also sell their puppies through the organization. My Golden Retriever Puppies — Originally, this began as a partnership between two families of breeders but grew to become a network of multiple breeders based in Ohio. Essentially, this is an advertising website where one can post their litter for sale. Anyone can buy a puppy from this bunch of Ohio breeders even though they are not from the same state. They screen breeders intensively before allowing them to post their puppies on their website and they also ensure that their dogs underwent health checks. They ship worldwide and most dogs come with health guarantees. Of course, if you want a dog from a champion bloodline, that would be more costly. Aside from this initial cost, you also have to provide some necessary items for your pup. As long as they are socialised well as a puppy, Golden Retrievers can happily fit into family life. They are gentle but need to be treated with respect by all members of the family, including young children, as like any dog their patience will eventually run out. Common health problems in Golden Retrievers Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may encounter some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions. For Golden Retrievers, this is because they can have short legs in proportion to their body and a tendency to become overweight. Eye problems — screening tests are available and dogs should be screened on a yearly basis, especially if intended for breeding. Multifocal retinal dysplasia - abnormal development and growth of the back of the eye retina which can lead to blindness. Generalised progressive retinal atrophy GPRA — slowly leads to progressive blindness over months or years. Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy RPED, or central progressive retinal atrophy — a genetic problem which causes issues in the back of the eye retina and loss of vision. Glaucoma — high pressure within the eye causing pain and loss of vision. Ichthyosis — a skin disease that causes thickening of the footpads and makes other areas of skin rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair. Caring for your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are usually real big softies and can make a great addition to a home. How much noise they make will be down to the individual dog. Training and socialisation Golden Retrievers thrive off training and are very intelligent dogs. They love nothing more than to be given tasks to do to keep them occupied and have fairly good problem-solving skills — for a dog! As long as your Retriever is properly socialised from a young age , they should be confident around new people and situations. Retrievers also like their chill out time but will be more than happy to show you plenty of affection on their own terms. Exercise Golden Retrievers are very active dogs and need plenty of opportunities to exercise , play and get rid of excess energy. Your Golden Retriever will need a minimum of two hours of good exercise per day. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together. Because they are intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers can get bored easily so make sure you keep their brains active as well as their bodies. As their name suggests, retrieving is what they were bred for, so nearly all Golden Retrievers love a good game of fetch! Grooming Golden Retrievers have medium to long coats and generally do shed a lot. They are not a dog to take on if you hate hoovering! Ideally, they should be brushed or combed three times a week at a minimum. Where necessary you can trim their coat with the right tools, but seek advice from a professional dog groomer or vet first. You may also find that your Retriever loves water including any and all muddy puddles and swimming. Make sure they stay safe around the water and if they get mucky, use a dog safe shampoo. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate Golden Retrievers and children If you have a young family then Golden Retrievers can be fantastic with children. If socialised properly from a young age, Retrievers can be quite calm and tolerant. Always supervise children and vulnerable adults with your Golden Retriever and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Golden Retrievers and other pets Well-socialised Golden Retrievers are very easy-going, which usually means they can be great around other dogs and pets, too. Any introductions should be done carefully and following the right advice for your other pet, too. Always supervise your dog with other pets, even if they have known them for a long time. Obesity can cause other health problems for your Golden Retriever, so keeping them in shape is extra important. Make sure to monitor their weight and keep an eye out for any sneaky snacking. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. Use healthy treats in moderation instead. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap before exercising and after eating. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. If you want to buy a pedigree puppy, we recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they have to do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts As they were bred to fetch game, they have a naturally gentle grip, called a 'soft mouth', so they don't damage the birds they carry back in their mouths. Golden Retrievers have an amazing sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs in other parts of the world. They absolutely love water well, most of them do. Most Retrievers will take any opportunity to have a swim. Luckily, their coats are thick to keep out water and keep them warm. Golden Retrievers make really good assistance dogs and are often a top choice for training to be Guide Dogs for the Blind. Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Golden Retriever. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Golden Retrievers are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if the Golden Retriever is the right pet for you? Buying A Golden Retriever From A Respectable, Professional Breeder Purchasing a Golden retriever Puppy from a respected, responsible professional breeder is by far the best option when it comes to getting yourself a good quality, healthy puppy given the best start in life. A responsible professional breeder: Cares greatly about the overall quality and welfare of the breed and selectively breeds for the betterment of the Golden Retriever population as a whole. Screen sire and dam for health issues in trying to breed puppies with the lowest possible chance of inherited disease. Will help you to select the right puppy for you from the many different personalities in their litter. Not all dogs are created equal! Some are more energetic, more headstrong, more confident, others less so. They will match you to the perfect puppy for your hopes and lifestyle. They handle, care for, and socialize puppies in such an expert way that the puppies have had the best possible start in life and the greatest chance of growing up a confident, happy dog of good temperament. They provide some of the best advice and support that can be given about how you should care for your new family member, from the moment you make the decision right through your Goldens entire life. So as you can see, there are many benefits to buying from a professional breeder. But surely there must be some cons you may be thinking? Well it depends how you look at it, but: A professional breeder will ask you many questions to be sure you are a good fit and have the right lifestyle that fits in with owning a Golden Retriever. You could have a long wait. Good breeders are popular and do not breed excessively, so you may have to wait a year or more before a puppy becomes available. But a benefit to this is that it weeds out the impulse buyers which cuts down on puppies that are given up after rushed decisions. Compared to some other options, you will pay quite a high price. I say a high price but what I mean is a fair price really. A fair price for a good quality, healthy puppy. But mostly backyard breeders are the unscrupulous types. You usually will not be able to see the premises on which the puppies are bred, they will not ask any questions of prospective owners and there will be no commitment or offer of help and advice for the future of the puppies they breed. This results in a poorer quality of life for the animals, and expensive vet bills for the owners. One positive of backyard breeders though is the price. Yes, they are considerably cheaper than professional breeders. And the savings you make up front are more than lost for extra vet bills down the road. So the risk is your puppy has a higher chance of inherited disease and behavior problems than the general population. There will be no true guarantee of pedigree. But if your friend has taken steps to get veterinary advice and care for the puppies, has looked after and socialized them well, maybe even knows the father of the puppies and can prove he is of good health and pedigree then this option may not be so bad. However they got into the situation, there are way too many homeless dogs in the world. Lack of space and insufficient funding inevitably means that many dogs each year are euthanized. Maybe you could give a second chance at life to such a dog? But you should also be aware that some rescued dogs will have behavioral issues, though the center staff will inform you of this. They may also have suffered some level of abuse and have psychological issues, phobias or anxieties that may not be evident until a certain situation arises. So there is some due diligence and this greatly increases the success rate of finding happy homes for dogs that suit their new human family. This is obviously a good thing for both the dogs and hopeful owners too! Buying From A Pet Store Or A Puppy Mill A large number of dogs bought from pet stores originate from puppy farms, also known as puppy mills, which are profit driven businesses that mass-produce dogs and sell through pet stores and classifieds. In puppy mills, dogs are bred in appalling conditions, kept in overcrowded small wire cages, given little exercise or socialization, enjoy no human contact and receive nothing in the way of veterinary care. The puppies are usually taken away from their mothers and litter-mates at such a young age that behavioral issues in the adult dog are extremely common. The dogs in puppy mills are no more than a commodity, a cash crop to be produced and harvested while spending as little as possible to maximize profits as far as possible. Yes, many people have been lucky enough to have purchased the most glorious of family pets from a pet store, but for each one a lot of suffering has occurred for countless more. I strongly advise that you do not support the puppy mill industry and never buy a dog from a puppy mill or pet store. The risks of not getting a quality, healthy dog are too high, and the ethics of the industry are shocking with many dogs suffering at their hands. Everybody should work to eradicate the entire industry and the first step is by not supporting them financially. There are many places and options available to get a Golden Retriever puppy, some good, some bad, and puppy mills and pet stores just an appalling option to be avoided. In my opinion your 2 best options are to source a puppy from a professional breeder or to adopt from a rescue center. But there are other options available and I hope this article has given you some information to help you in your decision. Please let us know about your experiences of getting a GR from any of the sources above, or even one I may have forgotten. Thank you. Do your research — Before purchasing anything online, including pets, look up reviews for the site, or person, you are buying from. If the seller declines, challenge them on why. Choose your payment method wisely — If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, avoid paying by bank transfer as that offers you little protection if you become a victim of fraud. Instead, use a credit card or a payment service such as PayPal. Buying a Puppy The Golden Retriever is an excellent choice for a family pet, and though a sporting breed, it is one of the most adaptable. A Golden can be all things to all people, from fulfilling its original function in the shooting field, to service dog for search and rescue, guide dog, hearing dog for the deaf and working dog for the police and customs. Most are intelligent, unfailingly cheerful and gentle making them ideal companions for families with children. As family pets they can be taught to compete successfully in obedience, agility and working trials as well as in the show ring. There are, however several points to bear in mind before you purchase your new puppy. Owning a puppy is a responsibility requiring a serious commitment from all members of the family, for this will be a partnership that can last anything up to 12 — 15 years. Perhaps at this point we ought to remind you of a few of their less attractive traits. Goldens shed their coats frequently and copiously. Do not buy one if you are house-proud, have pale coloured carpets or a dodgy vacuum cleaner. Goldens are large dogs with an uncanny knack of finding all the muddiest puddles. Some are great wallowers — yours is bound to be one of them! Faeces are a by-product of all dogs, which we all have to dispose of responsibly. It is one of the more unpleasant facts of dog ownership, and most public places now require you to pick up after your dog. Veterinary fees are expensive, so it makes sense to insure your dog, indeed most breeders will insist you do so. Goldens do not make good kennel dogs, most are real couch potatoes, who unerringly find the most comfortable sofas and the choicest position in front of the fire. Some Goldens are great landscape architects, if your garden is a show piece, having your own Ground Force team may not go down too well. The garden must also be well fenced with sturdy boundaries, like Anne Robinson, puppies will always find the Weakest Link. Although usually tractable and obedient, given an inch, most will take the whole nine yards! If you still insist that a Golden is the dog for you, read on. Choosing your puppy. Always buy from a breeder where you can see the mother with her puppies. This will give you an idea of how the puppies will turn out. If the breeder does not own the stud dog, ask to see photographs of him. Make sure that both the sire and the dam of the puppies have the appropriate health clearances, and ask to see the certificates. Click on the diamond for an explanation of the health schemes. Reputable breeders will have their puppies checked out by their veterinary surgeon prior to sale and bear in mind you may be asked to sign a sales contract. Are they scrupulously clean? Is the breeder making provision for proper socialisation of the litter? Are the puppies happy and out-going, with clear eyes and skin? If yours is a family with very young children, do not go for the cute, shy puppy sitting on his own in the corner. Opt for the middle-of-the-road puppy that interacts well with his siblings, is lively and happy without being too dominant, bold or brash. A Golden puppy should be confident and interested to explore his surroundings. If colour is important to you, bear in mind the puppies will all look considerably lighter at this age than they will end up. The colour of their ears gives an approximate guide to their ultimate colour. What may appear to be a quiet puppy may be the life and soul of the litter who has just had a mad half hour and worn himself out! Make sure you have been given all the Kennel Club documentation and copies of all appropriate health clearances with the puppy, an advice sheet and a diet sheet. Stick to the diet suggested by the breeder until the puppy has settled well into his new home before you make any changes. Well bred puppies should also be Kennel Club Registered, this is proof of lineage. There is no reason not to register a litter, it cost very little. Be wary of breeders offering puppies un-registered. Puppies should also come with advice of worming, vaccination and some offer an insurance cover note to cover pups for first few weeks. Do your homework. Buy, or borrow from the library, all the books you can on Goldens. Puppies do not sit gift wrapped on a shelf — be prepared to wait for the puppy of your choice. Caring for your new puppy. Training should start as soon as you arrive home. Have one set of rules for all the family and stick to them. Puppies, like young children, need routine and firmly established ground rules. Goldens are good with children, but make sure your children are taught to be caring and responsible with dogs. A puppy is a living, breathing real-life creature, not a toy and should be treated with respect. Your children and your puppy. Provide the puppy with its own bed and do not allow the children to disturb the puppy when it is sleeping. Always make sure there are no staples that the puppy could swallow. Do not allow young children to pick up the puppy. Do not allow very young children to play with the puppy unsupervised. Do not allow children to become over excited around the puppy. This means no screaming, no jumping and no fighting. Do not allow young children to feed the puppy or disturb the puppy while it is eating. The First Night. The first night is always a little fraught. It will be the first time your puppy has been separated from his mother and siblings, so expect him to cry a little and do not be unduly alarmed when he does so. Be calm and matter of fact, do not excite the puppy and make sure it has relieved itself before putting it to bed. Most breeders will have given you a small piece of blanket with the scent of his family on it, that you can put inside his bed and which will help to settle the puppy. Provide a warm comfortable blanket such as Vet Bed, which is hard-wearing and easily cleaned. Dogs are den animals and so prefer their bed to be tucked in a corner. House Training As a rule Goldens learn quite quickly and although at times it seems as though they will never be clean, most are by around four months. Puppies are not really capable of controlling bladder function much before this time, so anticipation and vigilance on your part is of prime importance. So as soon as you arrive home with your new pup carry him straight to the spot in the garden and stay with him until he has performed, then make a fuss of him, then he can go and explore his new home. The odd accident is an inevitable part of house training your puppy, so be prepared to experience it. Remember, prevention is better than cure! View accidents as a lack of vigilance on your part. Times to watch are after a meal and a sleep. Take the puppy outside to his spot in the garden. An eight-week-old puppy can spend a penny for England, so be warned! Remember that these dogs are retrievers, so it would be going against their nature if they were never allowed to pick things up. All puppies chew: It is a natural process that enables baby teeth to be expelled. If anything precious gets spoiled it is your own fault. Your puppy is an instinctive animal. There is no point in getting cross if your puppy chews things if he is unsupervised for long periods The Devil makes work for idle paws! If you do have to be away from home for more than a couple of hours, you will need to arrange for a puppy-sitter. Though Goldens are usually extremely biddable and kind to people, children and other animals, as youngsters they can be lively and boisterous and appear to be in trouble more than they are out of it Your puppy has no concept of the social graces unless you teach it, and people usually get the dogs they deserve. We strongly recommend obedience classes for you and your puppy to learn to become responsible members of society. Your breeder will be able to advise you of local classes. The very first lesson should be for the puppy to learn his own name and to come when called. Call him and make a fuss of him when he bounds over and give him a food reward. Hopefully by the time he has gained the confidence to go off exploring, the lesson will have been learnt and the thought of a treat will bring him back. If he is told off at this point he will associate the punishment with coming to you, not the fact that it was in his own time. NEVER hit a young puppy; violence solves nothing and your dog will associate pain to being with you and it will take weeks of patience to win him round again. Teach your puppy to accept you as his new pack-leader and that what you say goes. Use short one-word commands, but try to make learning fun. If you have a dominant, greedy puppy who guards his food, hand feeding him for several meals often works. If the puppy growls and guards a prized possession, remove the article and spend time giving the item back and then gently removing it again, until the puppy accepts your supremacy. Initially, a play in your garden is quite sufficient for your new puppy. After he has received his vaccinations, start with 10 to 15 minutes exercise off the lead in a safe area allowing him to set the pace. Exercise can be increased as the puppy grows, but very gradually. Remember your puppy is growing at an alarming rate and over-exercise and too boisterous play can cause damage to joints and cartilage later on. A good way to monitor exercise is a guide of 5 minutes for each month of the puppies life, ie: at 3 month 15 minutes lead exercise twice a day, which is then increased every month by 5 minutes. Take it slowly at first, and by the time your dog is 12 to18 months old he will be able to take all the exercise you care to give him, and more. The new Nobivac and Canigen vaccines out now, enable the vaccination programs to be completed earlier, so your puppy can be socialised earlier. Until last injection has taken effect, he should not leave the confines of your garden, unless he is carried. The breeder, using a proprietary brand of wormer should have wormed your puppy at least three times. Even so, it makes sense to be certain that children wash their hands after playing with the puppy and before eating. Worm again every couple of weeks until 3 months, then once or twice a year as a precaution. Ask your Vet for a recommended brand of wormer. Groom your puppy every day. This not only helps to keep him clean, but also establishes a bond between the two of you. Get your puppy used to having his ears looked at, his feet picked up and his teeth checked on a daily basis, so that any veterinary examination, should it be necessary at a later date, will not be too much of an ordeal. Initially, grooming will just consist of a thorough brushing, though later as the adult coat and feathering comes through, a daily check for knots and tangles will become necessary. And Finally. With just a little effort and training, your puppy will mature into a wonderful companion and a fully fledged member of the family that you can take anywhere and whom you will be proud to own. Should the unthinkable happen and your circumstances change so that you are unable to keep your puppy or older dog, please remember to inform the breeder in the first instance. If you live outside the UK, we would suggest you go to our links page and contact your nearest Golden Retriever Club. Club members: 1 Will properly house, feed, water and exercise all dogs under their care and arrange for appropriate veterinary attention if and when required. Puppies which may not conform to the Breed Standard should be placed in suitable homes. Will not sell by sale or auction Kennel Club registration certificates as stand alone items not accompanying a dog. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Puppies supplied to Pet Stores come from Puppy Farms or Back Yard Breeders whose only intention is to make money, not to improve the breed. Imagine the conditions under which some of these dogs lives. Females are bred non-stop to make unscrupulous breeders rich! This is the daily suffering pet shop owners either do not understand or do not want you to see. How to solve this problem? The answer is quite simple — do not buy a dog from a Pet Store. Legislation is never as powerful as the consumer. Change or go out of business. If you buy, even if its because you feel sorry for the puppy, you are directly responsible for creating the demand to put more puppies in the same situation. The pet shop owner is not to blame. You are. You create the demand. You prove by your actions what business practices you support. Your words mean nothing. Your money is everything to the business decision. Choose wisely www. If you are not allowed to see the mother and other puppies in the litter please do not purchase a puppy from this kind of breeder. DO NOT accept picking the puppy up from anyone but the breeder. Insist on seeing their living environment — this should give you insight into how the puppies are housed and raised. If they do not let you see where the puppies are kept, they are hiding something. You are better to wait for the right puppy then to buy from the wrong person………….

Consider Using Deodorizing Litter Cats have famously used litter boxes for a long time, so pet product manufacturers have developed many unique products that absorb pee effectively and suppress odor. By offering your old dog accessible litter boxes, you can almost eliminate the possibility of accidents, all while empowering your aging dog. By giving your dog a huge amount of praise and an immediate reward, you can override any other thoughts they may have, like a compulsion to mark. Watch for Digging or Coprophagia Dog owners encounter some of the most common issues when litter box training their dogs are digging and coprophagia. Unfortunately, the best way to address these issues is using a different potty training method. Buy a Litter Box With High Sides To avoid accidental spills, you should consider buying a litter box made of sturdy material with high sides. These prevent spills with male dogs since they can block any splashing. A flat litter box tray has drawbacks but is significantly better for large dogs. Generally, you will have an easier time litter box training a smaller dog, as a large dog will have difficulty containing their mess in a cat litter box that is entirely too small for their body. If you are set on litter box training a large dog, you will need to get creative with what you use as the litter box itself — using a large metal tray or a shallow plastic storage bin may be your best bet! A small dog can use a standard large litter box and keep the mess in the potty area. High sided litter box, intened for dog use 4. While litter box training a dog is not for everyone, you can teach your dog how to use one with persistence, treats, and positive reinforcement! How useful was this post? Click on a star to rate it! Submit Rating Please give us feedback on this post: Let us improve this post! Tell us how we can improve this post? Throughout the site, you will find a variety of helpful dog training articles, insightful dog behavior tips, and truthful product reviews from nationally-recognized canine trainers and professionals. Post navigation. We all know cats are typically the fur family members to use a litter box. But what about dogs? Are there any good arguments for litter box training your canine friend? A dog litter box? Or an artificial grass pad? So I rarely advise pet parents to skip this opportunity. That said, there are a few instances when using a dog litter box is preferable. Is it right for your dog? This is especially true if you have a small dog, or tiny tinkler as I call them, since they often have more difficulty holding their urine than bigger dogs. This leads to more accidents in the house and bigger frustrations, which puts a damper on your relationship. I wrote an entirely different article that goes into more detail about why your dog is peeing in the house. But if you live in an area that sees several feet of snow or is primarily paved and gets very hot, an indoor dog litter box might actually be safer for your pet. You or Your Dog Have Mobility Issues If you or your dog have mobility issues, dog litter box training might be a good idea. Some companies, like doggybathroom. All you need to do is change out the pads and keep the inside clean. This can be a good option for medium-sized dogs that raise their leg to pee. The downside is the cost. The pee pads are disposable and will need to be replaced frequently. If you want to use dog litter, the sides of the litter box should be low enough for your dog to easily step over but high enough to contain the litter. Now what about artificial grass pads? The initial investment for a grass pad like this one is minimal. Can Dogs Use Cat Litter? Yes, technically, dogs can use cat litter. However, cat litter can be harmful if ingested, which is a risk since our canine friends are known to eat strange things from time to time. Dog litter typically consists of larger, more absorbent pellets, which are safer if ingested. Some are also made with recycled material, like wood or paper. Pin me! Whether you choose a litter box or a grass pad, will your dog really use it? This is the million doggie bone question. Can pet parents actually get their pups to use a dog litter box? In many cases, the answer is yes, you can. Trying to contain a Bull Mastiff in a box while they do their business would be quite a feat! And large dogs tend to raise their leg to pee, so the sides of the dog litter box would have to be very high to avoid soaking surrounding objects. Step 1: Find the Right Spot When house training dogs, we usually bring them outside. Do this by getting a paper towel or pee pad containing a little of their urine and placing it where you want them to go. Step 3: Praise Them for Using the Right Spot Again, just as you would do if training a dog to go outside, be sure to give them lots of praise and some training treats when they do their business in the right spot. But with time, your dog will understand how to use their new pee spot. And of course, you want your home to be sanitary. It can be a rollercoaster of emotions, with several successes combining with moments of failure to finally reach a desired outcome. Some pups love to go outside to use the bathroom, but some individuals may be resistant to that idea. Some dog breeds are quite adaptive to the idea of litter box training. How do you convince your dog that the litter box is the best place to use the bathroom? It may take several months for some breeds to adapt, but puppies and adult dogs will eventually get to know the process. It is very easy to get the supplies that you need. Certain breeds of dog can excel with litter box training. The process is similar to what you would teach a cat, providing them with a large tray as a place to use the bathroom. If you give your pup a lot of positive reinforcement with this process, then it can be a rewarding experience that controls messes for you. Most breeds can adapt to this training option in a couple of weeks, and some individuals may take to it right away. You can eliminate the threat of urine odors and stains. Dogs that need to go to the bathroom will hold it until they no longer can. Litter box training your pup will help you to manage the problems with liquid waste because they can manage their bathroom needs independently of your presence. Litter box training allows for liquid and solid waste. This option gives your pup an opportunity to relieve themselves of the liquid and solid waste when it is time to go. There are several different varieties of litter from which to choose. Dog litter is similar to the products that you can find for kitties in the store. When you need to replace what is in the tray, then you can find everything from activated charcoal to paper pellets. Simple clay litters are sold almost everywhere to provide pet parents with a suitable entry-level option. If you have concerns about the odors that come from the tray, then try sprinkling some baking soda along the bottom of the box every time you empty it to have more control over this issue. It helps senior dogs who may have bladder control issues. If your dog is over the age of 8, then their senior status can impact how and when they need to relieve themselves. Instead of relying on diapers to manage the mess, you can work with your older pup on transitioning to the litter box. You can reduce the amount of physical pain they experience trying to walk outside, especially if you live in a high-rise apartment. They might not have enough time to let you know they need to go at that age too, so having a usable tray gives you mess containment. You will give confidence to some breeds with this training option. Some breeds, with the Maltese being the most notorious for the issue, can struggle to fully adapt to the idea of going outside. Their small bladder size can make it challenging to get them to a patch of grass on time. Instead of dealing with messes or scolding behaviors, you can create a positive environment that involves the litter tray instead. It works well for small breeds only. A bigger pup also means that more waste products must be managed, which could overwhelm the capabilities of this system. If your dog weighs more than 20 pounds, then you might want to look for an alternative solution for their bathroom needs. Some dogs love to dig in the litter tray. If your dog is a digger, then a litter box is not the best solution for your potty training needs. You will want to watch their behaviors during the training process as well since some individuals like to eat the litter or their waste after leaving it behind. There can be severe odors with a litter box. Cats do well with a litter box because the product absorbs their urine and covers up the odors of their waste — to an extent. Because dogs will leave more waste products behind, this training option can be quite odiferous, changing the entire environment of your home if you live in a small place. You might want to consider litter box training if you have a garage, laundry room, or bathroom that has venting in place that will help you to control air movement if it offers easy access and some privacy. The cost for the initial setup can be high for some pet parents. If you have a larger dog, then you must use a bigger container to hold all of the waste. Liquids will absorb into the litter, which means the container must have some capacity to manage the expansion. Male dogs need to have a tray with high sides. If you decide to pursue litter box training for your dog, then you will need to have a product that offers high sides if you have a male pup at home. There can be enthusiastic leg lifting when it is time to go to the bathroom, so something without the appropriate height will still encourage a mess in your home. Since a pup needs the tray to be low enough for them to step over it as well, this option tends to work better with female dogs unless you have a toy breed as a pet parent. You will need separate boxes for your pets. If you have a dog and a cat at home, then neither one will be satisfied with the idea of sharing a little box. Pet parents who try to force this issue will often encourage their cats to spray urine throughout the room with their little box as a way to mark their territory. Dogs can be the same way. You might even need to have separate trays for each pup at home if you have a pack. Placement away from other items that your dog might think is part of the litter box, like an area rug, scratching post, or another upright item, is essential for success. A dog litter box needs to be cleaned every day. Many pups refuse to use this option if their tray is not clean. The only advantage here for some pet parents is that you get to pick up the waste inside instead of outside. The litter can get into the spaces between the pads and their paw. Unless you use paper products, this waste can cause small injuries that can lead to swelling and infections that could restrict their movement. It will take some time and plenty of patience to teach your dog how to use a litter box. Although some pups never take to this idea very well, most small breeds can eventually learn this skill. Do you really have a house dog if they are spending half of their time outside trying to go to the bathroom?

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. Although I am not a veterinarian myself, I have been a lab owner for 11 years and been in the pet food industry for the last 6 years. However, if this is not the case for your pupper, no need to worry. Be sure not to feed normal cerelac or cow milk as that will result in loose motion as well as stunted growth. At this tender age, you need to feed your lab pup via feeding bottle like you would feed a human baby of age 2 months. Milk is the only food apart from purified water which your dog is gonna need till 1. After this age, till 3 months you have two options. You can either continue with milk or look at starter food options like Royal Canin Maxi starter , Drools starter, Farmina Puppy Starter, Canine Creek Starter , Orijen puppy and plenty of other brands which are available in the market. The kibble for starter food is small and most probably, your puppy will be able to chew it. Certain dry food can be extremely hard to chew, so depending on the toughness of the kibble you might have to break i. Puppies of age 1. You should be following this diet of starter food till 3 months age at least. Also, make sure you are vaccinating as well as deworming your pup at the right intervals. So, a proper nutritious diet is essential to achieve good growth. You can either go for Royal Canin Maxi Junior or Royal Canin Labrador Junior or puppy variants of other brands like drools, canine creek, Orijen Puppy and Junior Recommended , Acana large breed puppy, pedigree not recommended at this age. If you are giving a good diet like Royal Canin, farmina or even home-made food, growth should be good. For those who can extend their budget, you can go for something even more premium like Acana, Orijen, Arden Grange and the likes. No need to add additional supplements. If you are feeding home-made food like boiled chicken which itself is a very good food option, consider adding some fish oils like Beaphar Salmon Oil. However, a good diet is recommended to ensure a good life span above 12 years and muscle development. Homemade food can be a healthy option as well. Feeding guide amount to feed in grams depends on dog weight and varies from brand to brand. You will find the recommended portion for your brand based on the calories it carries on the packet you will buy. At other times, you can give chews or treats but whole meal should be fed not more than twice a day. Do not keep food available in front of the dog except during his eating time. However, you can keep water available in a bowl all the time. Sticking to schedule regularly is recommended. Wait, till now we have been speaking about commercial dry food. Yes, this happens to many dogs. While some dogs like pugs are voracious eaters, labs or goldens can be extremely choosy. They will eat whatever liquid you put in the feeding bottle at this age. However, once puppies mature and learn to eat themselves, they may not like dry food, rarely touch it. In these cases, the best option is to first add a home-made additive with the dry food. You may add many things dog like in small quantities of chicken stalk, chicken pieces boneless for puppies , curd, egg and others to the dry food. Changing or trying out another brand helps as well. I have seen many dogs who hate Drools but like Canine Creek although they are manufactured by same company. Every dog has a mind of his own. Most common diseases of Indian bred dogs like canine hyp dysplasia, ear infections, bent hind legs can happen to any dog. Take your dog to a registered veterinary practitioner in case such situations arise. Lack of appetite is also observed during this age at times. For not-so-severe cases, you may administer Himalaya Liv52 syrup or tabs or other appetite stimulants of various brands twice a day for days. In case, your dog has gastrointestinal disorders, referring to a prescription diet under the guidance of a veterinarian can be immensely helpful. This entry was posted in Pet Blog. Bookmark the permalink. You are planning to adopt a Labrador puppy, or already are a proud pet parent of one, you must be anxious about how best to assure optimum growth and health to your pup. This piece of writing is an attempt to give you some useful information about the kind of food which you can feed and also about how best you can feed it. In earlier times, the breed was mostly utilized and appreciated for being a versatile hunter. It can hunt on land as well as water; besides, this intelligent dog is a possessor of a gentle temperament, which makes it easily fit into the role of a friendly family dog. Types of Dog food Broadly speaking, the food for your pet is available in three forms — Wet, Dry and Raw. Wet food is the commercially manufactured food which offers chunks of meat, with or without gravy, with added vitamins, minerals and other important elements to make it nutritionally complete and balanced. Dry food consists of pellets called kibbles of food, which are easy to store and convenient to serve. The ready-made food bits meant for puppies consist of nutrients in the right proportions to support a healthy growth. Raw diet consists of raw meat, bones, fruits and vegetables. There are benefits and risks involved in administering a raw diet, which one should be aware of before adopting a fully raw diet. You may go for dry, wet or raw diet, or a combination of them. You may also consult your vet to guide in case you are confused about your choices. Labradors are always hungry and that is because of their huge appetites. As a pet owner you need to monitor the amount of food they eat, as their greed for food can easily drive them towards obesity, and consequently towards various diseases. Commercially made food Many companies categorize their foods on the basis of life stage puppy, adult, senior , breed large, medium or small , or may offer pet food specifically targeting a particular breed like Royal Canin Labrador Junior , which seeks to take care of a Labrador dog up to 15 months of age. The formulation of diets like this are based on the assumption that all pure breed dogs have their unique needs, which if addressed would bring the dog to an optimum level of health. Information from the breeders If you have brought the puppy from a breeder, then he would supply you a diet routine which needs to be followed, some food or may be some information regarding feeding. Follow it religiously for some days to give some sort of familiar touch to the puppy that is undergoing the stress of being separated from its mother and siblings. In absence of any information from the breeder, best thing would be to consult a vet. Milk for the puppy? Beware of confusing food labels Learn how to read a food label. The food label is given in decreasing order, making the first ingredient the biggest element in the food. That is why it is very important to know what the first two or three ingredients of the food are. Ideally, the first element of any dog food should be a specific kind of meat like chicken, duck, beef ; meat-by-product, meat or animal should not be mentioned on the package as they present an ambiguous picture. Leftover of slaughter houses can find its way to your dog food, something which cannot be classed in the category of healthy and complete food. So if you care for your dog, be aware and make the right selection. Water Make sure that water is available to the puppies at all times of the day, except for one hour before sleeping time. Divide the daily diet The daily dietary requirement of your Labrador pup should be properly divided into portions of meal to be fed at regular intervals. This would help in managing digestion and for keeping its overall health at a good level. You can begin by feeding four meals a day to your 8 to 12 weeks old puppy, and have a time marked for each. Have a gap of at least 3 hours in between each meal so that the little doggie is able to digest it well. Two meals a day is also something which most dog owners continue to feed even after the dog grows up. Feeding your dog once a day after 12 months of age can work as long as you feed it raw meat. The dry kibbles tend to swell once the dog drinks water, and this may cause bloating and also damage its stomach, hence is strictly not recommended. Teach the dog to eat at meal times Your dog would learn to eat the food when it is offered to it if you take back the bowl after a specific interval of time, say 15 to 20 minutes. Household scraps Avoid giving leftovers from your own meals to your puppy, unless you have enough knowledge and experience in dealing with the nutritional requirements of a growing canine. The nutritional needs of your puppy are different than that of humans; also it may differ from one breed of dog to another. The growing pup needs complete and balanced diet to achieve its potential growth, otherwise lifelong disabilities or problems can find easy entry into its life. As, your heartfelt, but nutritionally lacking edible additions might unbalance the diet of your dog. How much to feed? How much food to feed your dog each day is something no one can precisely tell. But the guidelines on the package of the food you are feeding, along with your observation of how the dog is doing with the quantity fed, would help you decide an adequate quantity. The important thing to remember is that the dog should neither be too fat or too slim. Following some instructions related to diet, regular appointments with vet, observing the puppy and showering it with lots and lots of love would give such environment to the little canine in which it would thrive. About Petsworld Team The blog editor of Pets World is a pet aficionado and fervently follows her pet-obsession. A pet parent to animals big and small for the past two decades. The sum of all experiences gathered is an amalgamation of useful knowledge and research. More like this. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

It is a medium to large-sized dog very well known for its strength, trainability, and intelligence. Discover more about our German Shepherd puppies for sale below! Breed History In the 19th century, Shepherds bred all kinds of dogs mainly to herd and guard flocks. Thus, the dogs needed to display a high level of intelligence, extra normal strength, resilience, courage and bravery, a keen sense of smell, and trainability qualities, etc. These mongrel combinations provided dog breeds that could efficiently guard and herd flocks but differed in appearance and ability, from one locality to another. Temperament German Shepherd dogs are well known to be highly inquisitive which makes them excellent for rescue mission training. The German Shepherd has a noble character and shows very high levels of loyalty to its owners. The dog is also described as extremely territorial and has displayed characteristics of overprotectiveness in some cases. Environment The German shepherd can survive in all types of environment; their thick furriness makes them better prepared for cold climates. Exercise German Shepherds are considered extremely playful and active. These breeds spend half of their daily routine with activities. The German Shepherd is popularly known as an athletic natured dog and requires a good dose of daily exercise to keep up muscle tone, build and development. If improperly exercised the German Shepherd has been known to become frustrated and exhibit undesirable behaviors. Grooming The German Shepherd requires an occasional brushing, as this helps with removing loose hair from its fur. The German Shepherd sheds fur once or twice a year and in this time the breed requires a lot of soft brushing. This can be done using a soft to medium bristle brush. The German Shepherd occasionally requires that its nails are trimmed off when they grow too long, however, some breeds instinctually file their nails against any hard surface that can be fine. Excessive nail growth can cause much pain and even lead to structural concerns. In choosing a German Shepherd breed you must ask yourself what it is you want in a dog and what kind of person are you? Our German Shepherd puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Contact us today to learn more about the availability of our German Shepherd puppies for sale. We look forward to helping you find your next family member. Our pet counselors can answer any questions you have about our German Shepherd puppies. A: Healthy German Shepherds live for as long as between nine to thirteen years, however, some german shepherd has lived much longer than Thirteen years. Q2: How fast can German Shepherds run? A: An adult German Shepherd can run approximately 30miles per hour. A: Originally the German Shepherd was bred for guarding and herding of flocks. The German Shepherd dog is highly intelligent and a fairly quick learner and that is why Police and Military institutions use them in operations. Q4: What is the perfect diet plan for my German Shepherd dog? A: The German Shepherd must get all required nourishment in its daily meal, which includes all types of animal protein this enables muscle development and growth , Calcium-rich food, MultiVitamin supplements, and glucose water. Real meat, bone and organ meat liver, heart, kidney is the best food for your dog. Q5: How do I care for a German Shepherd dog? A: The German Shepherd sheds lightly all through the year so be sure to brush it at least twice weekly. Bathe it after each shedding season. Brush its teeth at least once a month. Feed with healthy meals. Routine exercise of at least 45 minutes each day is crucial to the existence of a German Shepherd. Q6: Do they shed a lot? A: Yes, German Shepherds sheds heavily all year round and blows the thick, dense fur under its harsh topcoat twice a year. Q7: Are German Shepherds good with kids? A: German Shepherds are good with kids, however, they can become very protective because of this adult supervisor is highly recommended. Q8: At what age are German Shepherds fully grown? A: In moderation German Shepherds, reach full maturity between months i. There have been known cases of some Eastern European lines taking up to 3years i. Q9: Why do German shepherd ears stand up? A: During the early puppy age weeks German shepherds have floppy ears but this usually becomes pointed ears, standing up due to the cartilage in the ear becoming hard and strong thereby making the ears stand permanently. Q Are male or female German shepherd more affectionate? The female may also be less tolerable than the male when it comes to playing with children. German Shepherd Puppies Pensacola, Fl are available from breeders that specialize in these dogs. Also, a good breeder will be more than happy to show you the pedigree of the dog, as well as a health clearance. Also, a good breeder will ask you for more things before he or she will ship you off with a pup. Besides, they are not in a hurry to send a puppy away. Another thing to consider when looking for a German Shepherd puppy is its personality. Because they need a lot of activity, German Shepherds need a lot of exercises. They also need a lot of attention. They can bite if they feel threatened. This breeder specializes in German Shepherds and imports them from Germany. They also offer training services. They are a great choice for those who want a companion and work in the community. German Shepherds are easy to train, and they do best in a structured environment. Another great reason to choose a German Shepherd puppy is because of its high intelligence and loyalty. While originally bred for herding sheep, German Shepherds now make excellent family pets and security dogs. The breeders of German Shepherds in Florida are specially qualified to offer the best service to your family. They have extensive experience with police dogs and specialized training for these animals. They use these techniques to breed their dogs to be the best in the business. And you can rest assured that your puppy will be healthy and happy thanks to the food the breeder feeds them. Each puppy comes with a warranty. Share this:. Sponsor Meet Martini Meet Martini.DNA doesn't lie, right?! She's still young at less than a year old, plenty of time to make lots of great memories with her new family! Though Martini might seem a bit shy around people at first it really just adds to her charm. She's tall dark and mysterious, but ultimately just wants to have a caring and committed family who will never give up on her. Once Martini knows she can trust you, she'll be your most loyal and devoted furry buddy. She's a friendly and kind pup who gets along well with other dogs and even cats, making her the perfect companion for any pet-loving family. Tini is waiting for that special someone who will shower her with love and provide her a forever home full of adventures and lots of snuggles. If you're ready to make a lifetime of memories with a sweet and loyal four-legged companion by your side, give Tini a chance! Black dogs are often overlooked down here in the south, but let's prove the statistics wrong and send Tini off to her happily ever after! She is fully vaccinated, including bordetella, microchipped and spayed and ready to go to her new home once an adopter is approved. So don't delay, inquire about Tini today! We review all applications within days. If you seem like a good fit for Martini we will reply with a phone call. The dog you are considering is located in South Mississippi. We conduct virtual meet and greets for out-of-town applicants and can provide for transport fee added to cost of adoption to many northeastern states. To follow our rescue and all of the animals we help, like our Facebook page - Animal AID Mississippi, follow animalaidms on Instagram or visit www. Considering Martini for adoption?

We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Golden Retrievers have been bred to assist their owners in retrieving fish and other game. Their webbed toes and double coats enhanced their ability to thrive in frigid conditions. Even with these adaptations, Golden Retrievers are still susceptible to cold, but how cold is too cold? Golden Retrievers should not be taken outside in temperatures below 20F -7C for any period of time without proper protective gear, such as jackets and snow boots. A general rule of thumb is to not let them outside longer than ten minutes, even with their protective equipment on. Golden Retrievers can get cold in the winter. If your dog becomes too cold, it can develop severe health complications such as hypothermia and frostbite. Knowing the signs of these complications and how to avoid them can be the difference between life and death during winter. Even though they are covered in a thick double coat, Golden Retrievers can get cold in the winter. This is because dogs have higher body temperatures than humans. If your Golden Retriever's body temperature drops below F, they are at risk for health complications. If your Golden Retriever becomes too cold, they will be susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. We'll talk about how to keep your Golden Retriever safe in a minute! The Ideal Temperature for Golden Retrievers Golden Retrievers are part of a particular coat group called double-coated. This means that they have two layers to their coats; the top, water-proof layer, protects the bottom layer, which keeps your dog warm. A Golden Retriever's double coat helps keep them warmer in the winter months, but not as much as you might think. The ideal external temperature for a Golden Retriever is between F. In addition, your Golden Retriever's internal body temperature should be between .That being said, it doesn't mean that your Golden Retriever can't go out in cold weather! Golden Retrievers love playing outdoors, snow or sun. I see my fur baby as what he is, a furry five-year-old that just wants to have fun all day. While playing outside with your Golden Retriever is fun, monitoring how long they are playing is essential, so they don't become too cold. So how long can Golden Retrievers play in the snow? Your Golden Retriever should not play in the snow for more than 30 minutes. Be sure to watch them for signs of hypothermia. It would be best to give them protective wear like a jacket to protect their sensitive parts, like their ears and tail, from frostbite. Once playtime is over, make sure to warm your dog up. Do Golden Retrievers need Snow Boots? Snow boots are incredibly important in cold climates. Chemicals used for deicing sidewalks as well as salt can damage your Golden Retriever's paw pads. Snow can also freeze your dog's toes, causing frostbite. This can be very painful for your dog. If I lived in a colder climate, I would use Easiestsuck dog boots when taking my dog outside in the colder months. Fortunately, it doesn't get cold enough in Central Florida to warrant snow boots, but it does get chilly in the winter, so I use Dogcheer's Fleece Collar Dog Coat to keep my dog comfortable. Golden Retriever Swimming in Winter Months Golden Retrievers are a water-loving breed; I know it's hard to keep my dogs out of the pool in the colder months. So, I make sure to monitor how long they swim and the pool's temperature. There are many things to consider when letting your Golden Retriever swim in the winter months, such as water temperature, the age of the dog, and the surrounding environment. You should never let your Golden Retriever swim in waters that are colder than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you cannot read the temperature of the water with a thermometer, stick your hand in for a minute; if the water is too cold for you to stand, then it is too cold to let your Golden Retriever swim in. I don't recommend letting your Golden Retriever swim in cold waters for longer than 10 minutes at a time. Letting your Golden Retriever swim in water that is too cold can lead to hypothermia and frostbite. We'll go over the symptoms and treatments to these next. In addition, products used to combat freezing temperatures, such as antifreeze, also pose a threat to your dog's health. Hypothermia Hypothermia occurs when your dog's body temperature drops abnormally and dangerously low. If left untreated, coma, heart failure, and even death may occur. However, if caught early enough, it is not life-threatening. Signs of Hypothermia If your dog is displaying any of these signs, it may be hypothermic. If caught early enough, you can attempt to rewarm them at home. However, some symptoms will require immediate veterinary attention in addition to rewarming. While they might enjoy playing in the snow, and their double coats help keep them warm, it is often difficult to know how cold is too cold for your Golden Retriever and how long they should be allowed to be outside. Knowing what temperature is too cold for your Golden Retriever is essential. In addition, it will play the primary role in determining when caution must be taken outdoors. In general, it gets too cold for Golden Retrievers below 14 F - 10 C , so adjust activities accordingly while limiting time outdoors. However, healthy adult Golden Retrievers can still engage in suitable outdoor activities for 30 to 60 minutes when temperatures are between 14 to 32 F 0 to — 10 C. Remember that the temperature discussed above are ranges and a general guide. Many factors can impact what temperature your Golden Retriever can tolerate and the time limit for it being outdoors. As well, some Golden Retrievers may tolerate colder temperatures better than others. They are individuals and, just like us, have their own preferences. As owners, we need to be aware of what activities are appropriate for our dogs when the thermometer drops, and when to limit time outdoors. So, we must know our dogs and watch for signs that they are uncomfortable while using common sense. However, those recommendations fail to account for the various traits of a dog. Obviously, a Husky is better equipped to handle cold than a Chihuahua. Coat Golden Retrievers possess a dense double coat, which helps keep them warm. While not as long as some double-coated breeds, such as the Bernese Mountain Dog or Newfoundland, the coat does add an extra layer of protection versus dogs without a double coat. The coat enables the Golden Retriever to do well in water and tolerate cooler temperatures. The Goldens coat is made up of two layers. The outer coat is long and lustrous and is often referred to as the guard layer for the inner coat. The undercoat consists of a downy feathery fur that is water repellant and helps protect the skin from sun and cold. The double coat provides thermal insulation for your Golden Retriever to keep warm in the cold. Even still, caution must be exercised. The Golden was not bred to withstand cold temperatures to the same degree as dogs bred for more frigid temperatures, such as Huskies or St. Size Golden Retrievers are medium to large dogs. While the breed standard for the dog is between 55 to 75 lbs, Golden Retrievers can get much larger and grow upwards of lbs. Our purebred Golden Bailey is just under 90lbs at just over a year old. Why is size important for cold tolerance? Because the bigger the dog, the better tolerance they have for the cold. Smaller dogs cannot generate the same degree as larger dogs. In addition, smaller dogs are lower to the ground, so their bodies are typically closer to the cold ground or even touching the snow. With their larger size and double coats, Golden Retrievers can generally tolerate the cold and snow much better. Weight As discussed in the previous section, bigger dogs tolerate cold better than smaller dogs. However, a Golden Retriever that is overweight or obese or underweight and too skinny may not handle cold as well. In addition, the extra weight makes it more challenging to exercise, and deep snow and colder temperatures may add to the stress. Consider a fit person versus an unfit person shoveling snow in the winter. Which is more at risk for an injury or health issue? Conversely, an underweight Golden with very little fat might be in a poor state of health due to malnutrition, thereby making the cold an additional stressor. Not only is an underweight Golden Retriever more likely to be less cold tolerant, but the lack of nutrition may impact the coat as well. If you believe your Golden Retriever is too skinny then take a few minutes to read my article on that topic. Signs to Look For , I discuss how to know when your Golden is too skinny, what to do, and much more. A Golden Retriever that is healthy and fit with a full double coat is better equipped to handle the colder temperatures than one that is overweight or too skinny. Health Golden Retrievers that are in poor health are particularly susceptible to the cold. Therefore, Golden Retrievers that are not generally in good health, should not be exposed to winter weather for an extended period. Talk to your veterinarian about what is appropriate. Age Age is another factor in cold tolerance for Golden Retrievers. Older or very young puppies Golden Retriever may have less tolerance for the cold than dogs in their prime. Like hot temperatures in the summer, cold temperatures can be very taxing on an older or very young dog. In addition, older dogs and puppies have more difficulty regulating their body temperature. Hold up. I wrote an article on what temperatures are too hot for a Golden Retriever. Like the cold, heat can cause issues for dogs, namely heatstroke. Puppies are smaller, and as discussed earlier, smaller dogs cannot generate the same heat as their larger counterparts. Their smaller size may also mean they are touching the snow with their bellies or more fully immersed. Older dogs often have joint issues and other health issues which can be exasperated by colder temperatures. In addition, older dogs may no longer have the same metabolism or degree of muscle mass, reducing their tolerance to exercise and temperature extremes. Be mindful of your Golden Retrievers weight, age, and health status. Puppies or senior Golden Retrievers, dogs that are overweight or too skinny and ones that have health issues may be less suited for cold temperatures. Adjust the activity and the time spent outdoor accordingly and consult your vet on what may be appropriate. As pet owners, we must always advocate for our Golden Retrievers. Although our Golden Retrievers often love outdoor activities, they are not the best judge of when they are too cold or at risk from the cold weather. Golden Retrievers outside in cold weather for too long are at risk of hypothermia and frostbite. The cold can also add additional stress to pre-existing health issues like kidney, heart, or joint problems. Therefore, limit time outdoors when temperatures are frigid, and never leave the dog unattended in cold weather. Extreme temperatures are unpleasant for us, and this includes our Golden Retrievers. That unpleasantness is exacerbated by the risk of cold if outside for too long. Like sweltering temperatures that can cause heatstroke, cold temperatures are equally formidable with their potential for severity. Hypothermia Hypothermia occurs when your Golden Retriever has an abnormally low body temperature. According to the AKC, hypothermia can be classified as mild, moderate, and severe, defending the body temperature as illustrated below. Severity of Hypothermia. Best Types of Dog Houses for Summer The golden retriever is a popular dog breed and people love them for their patience, intelligence, and loyalty. Golden retrievers also have a high tolerance for temperature which makes them suitable for all kinds of climates. To be specific, they can withstand cold temperatures of up to degrees Fahrenheit degrees Celsius and hot temperatures up to degrees Fahrenheit 38 degrees Celsius But you still want to be careful with your golden retriever to keep them safe and happy. What are the factors that affect temperature tolerance in dogs? Since dogs are mammals, like humans, they are able to withstand a certain range of temperatures. This range is usually between degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above that and the dog will start to shiver and pant excessively from the overheating. How does a Golden Retriever's temperature tolerance compare to a human's? A Golden Retriever's temperature tolerance is not as great as a human's. This can be attributed to their fur, which prevents them from cooling down or warming up very quickly. In general, their fur should not be removed and they should have a coat during the colder months of the year. The best thing you can do is keep your golden retriever at a comfortable temperature at all times. In order to keep them healthy, owners need to know what their ideal temperature ranges are. It is important for golden retrievers to have a temperate environment, but not too hot or cold. Temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit are best for them. If they get too hot, they can have heat stroke or even die. If they get too cold, their immune system will weaken and they can catch a cold or fever easily. What is the average temperature that a golden retriever can tolerate? Golden retrievers have an average body temperature of .They are intelligent and gentle dogs. They need a lot of attention and they need to have an ideal environment that provides them with the levels of humidity that they need which is not too high or too low. What does that entail, however, for golden retrievers, a low-humidity environment for dogs is best for them because it keeps their coats healthy, shiny, and free from tangles? How the Golden Retriever's Temperature is Affected in Different Weather Conditions The golden retriever is a breed of dog that has a coat colouration of rich, medium to dark honey-golden in appearance. The Golden Retriever's temperature is affected by the weather and environment. They have a thick, double-layered coat which helps to keep them warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. This means golden retrievers can adapt to most weather conditions. However, golden retrievers can still be susceptible to heatstroke if they are not provided with adequate access to water and shade during hot summer days. How does temperature affect the canine body? Dogs are known to be the best friends of a man with a dog having an average lifespan of 14 years. Dogs can live well in a range of temperatures that would make humans uncomfortable. However surprisingly, temperatures tend to affect the human and canine bodies in some similar ways. Like humans, dogs can have a heat stroke. Additionally, dogs can shiver or seem uncomfortable during cold weather. How does weather affect temperature tolerance in dogs? Dogs are not humans and their tolerance to temperature changes will be different. The best way to know what is the perfect temperature for your dog is to take its body temperature or watch for signs of your dog being uncomfortable. The dangers of heat stroke for your golden retriever can be significant. Golden retrievers are known to have a high tolerance for heat, but they cannot handle it when they are exposed to it too long. Signs of heatstroke in your dog include: Excessive panting. They are lively, active, athletic, smart, playful, and loyal to their family members. Golden Retrievers can live in both hot and cold climates. You may be wondering just how cold of a climate your Golden Retriever can put up with, though. The short answer is that Golden Retrievers can tolerate very low temperatures before they start to get too cold or become susceptible to hypothermia. Here is what you should know. It may snow instead of rain, or the puddles in the driveway might ice over. This typically happens when the temperature reaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit. However, just because your Golden Retriever can handle freezing temperatures does not mean they should spend long periods of time outside. They are just as susceptible to getting too cold as we are. It is recommended that you strongly limit outdoor time when temperatures near 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Further, your dog should never be left to sleep outdoors in freezing temperatures. Do Golden Retrievers Like Snow? Most Golden Retrievers love to spend time in the snow! They will run and play as if it were a spring day in the park. They might roll around in the snow, jump into it and dig a tunnel, or even try to eat it. Bringing your dog inside as soon as any signs of being too cold are displayed is the best way to avoid the onset of problems like hypothermia. However, they can display signs of discomfort and coldness that you should be aware of. Here is what to look for: Reluctance to move or walk Shivering Trying to keep their paws off the snow Consistently seeking shelter Limping Anxiety If any of these signs develop, it means your dog needs to get warm as soon as possible. Make sure your dog is completely dry as soon as you get indoors. Use a towel or hair dryer to aid in the process if necessary. Consider lighting a fire or turning a portable heater on, then settling in near the heat source with your dog until they warm up and get their pep back. They will show signs of the problem, so you will know when it happens. Here are the most common signs of hypothermia in dogs: Dilated pupils Stiff muscle movement Lethargy If the hypothermia gets too bad, your Golden Retriever may lose consciousness. It is important to get your dog to a veterinarian at the first sign of hypothermia. For one thing, make sure they are totally dry before letting them outdoors. If they are wet, the water in their coat may freeze and make them much colder. Make sure your Golden Retriever stays active while outside. This will help keep their heart rate up and encourage the body to produce extra heat. A Quick Recap If your Golden Retriever wants to go out and play in the snow or spend time in freezing weather, there is no reason to stop them from doing so. Consider investing in protective clothing for your dog, and keep an eye out for signs that they are getting too cold or even hypothermic. How cold is too cold for dogs to be outside? When does a fun frolic become risky? In truth, it depends on a number of factors. While one dog might be overjoyed to roll in the snow, another small dog might not even want to step foot outside. Here are some of the factors that affect cold tolerance: Coat Type The double-layered, thick coats of dog breeds like Siberian huskies, Newfoundlands, Alaskan malamutes, and Bernese mountain dogs tend to be the most cold-tolerant. On the other hand, dogs like Greyhounds, German shorthaired pointers, or American pit bull terriers who have short, thin coats will have a more difficult time maintaining a warm body temperature in colder weather. Size Smaller dogs and toy breeds like Chihuahuas have a harder time in the cold. They tend to lose body heat faster than larger dogs. Deep snow can reach their chest and make them cold and wet, so they are more at risk in colder temperatures. Weight Thinner dogs generally get colder faster when temperatures drop than heavier dogs because body fat is a good insulator. There are greater health risks for overweight dogs than any warmth benefit of a little extra fat. Making your dog overweight is animal cruelty. Age, Health, and Activity Level Older dogs, puppies, and sick dogs have weaker immune systems and might not be able to generate or retain body heat compared to healthy dogs. These dogs normally need assistance to help stay warm, such as a dog coat or jacket. Temperature, wind chill, snow, rain, and cloud cover also play a role in cold-weather safety. Never leave them outside in these conditions. Keep potty breaks short. Symptoms of Hypothermia in Dogs Pet parents should prevent hypothermia at all costs. But you might wonder if that coat makes them good outside dogs. If you live in cold climates even those places that just get cold at night , then you have asked: Can Golden Retrievers tolerate cold weather? And, if so, how do I know when it is time to bring my Golden inside? As the weather gets colder, people start worrying about their Retrievers outside—especially at night. If you have a Retriever that stays outside at night, you need to be aware of the temperature and cold is too cold for your dog. Safety has to be your number one concern. It is hard to say how Golden Retrievers experience cold and when it is too cold. Even though they can tolerate cold weather, Golden Retrievers still get cold at night—especially during the winter in northern climates. If you are looking for a way to keep your dog warm on cold nights, then you really should consider an insulated kennel cover by Mud River. There is a size for almost any dog kennel you already own. Click here to see what it costs today on Amazon! Insulated covers are a must if you own a Golden Retriever in cold climates. This my Labrador, Lady, and her insulated cover from Mud River dog products. This is without question the best cover on the market. As the seasons change, our questions about temperatures change from when is it too cold to what is too hot. If you are reading this in the spring or summer, you will want to know how to keep your Golden Retriever cool in the upcoming hot months. I have 9 great tips to keep a Retriever cool when the temps start to increase. I also address when it is just too hot for your Golden Retriever to stay outside. While the article focuses on Labradors, the same will be true for our Golden Retrievers as well. Golden Retrievers History in the Cold For a long time, there was some significant controversy over where the Golden Retrievers originated. In the last fifty years or so, historians have concluded that all Golden Retrievers trace back to two dogs, Nous and Belle. So, it is not wrong to say that Golden Retrievers are a Scottish contribution to the world of dogs. Scotland is no stranger to cold temperatures. According to www. It is significant to recognize that the early breeders of Golden Retrievers had to keep the climate in mind and bred dogs that would be able to endure the colder temperatures. That is to say, Golden Retrievers were bred for cold weather. With some common-sense precautions, your Golden can thrive in chilly weather. If you are not interested in learning more about this incredible breed and just need the down low on cold weather, scroll down and keep reading. If, however, you would like more general knowledge about Goldens and how to best take care of them, check out my new book on Amazon. I discuss all of the things you need to know to pick out a new puppy up until taking care of an older dog with health problems. You will find something in the book that will help you out with your dog. Check it out today by clicking on this link or the image below. There is, however, something very special about that coat. It is specifically designed to protect them from the cold weather. The top layer is called the Guard or Topcoat. This is the long, flowing golden hair that you see when you look at your dog and it is a little coarser than the Undercoat. The undercoat keeps your Golden warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Additionally, the undercoat produces a protective oil that repels water and keeps their skin dry even while they are swimming. Check out this little tidbit of cold-weather-dog trivia. Dogs with thick, double-layered coats tend to be the most cold-tolerant think Siberian Huskies, Newfoundlands, or Samoyeds. Golden Retrievers and Labradors fall under this same umbrella—albeit not quite as cold-tolerant as the breeds mentioned in the quote. These dogs have been bred to thrive in cold weather. Instead, we need to be aware of all the factors and make an informed decision each night. Just like all temperatures vary according to several variables, the same can be said of dogs. Other things you should consider in addition to just temperature include: Dampness has your dog been for a swim or just returned from a bath Cloud Cover a cloudless night will be significantly colder than a cloudy one Weight fat is great insulation against the cold and if your Golden is extra skinny, you should bring him in earlier rather than later Conditioning if your dog is used to being outside, then it will fare better longer than the show dog that hardly ever gets its paws dirty Age you should never leave the old or the young outside on a chilly night because they are not able to regulate their body temperature like dogs in their prime Bringing your dog inside is sometimes the only way to keep him safe during a cold spell. Never leave Golden Retriever puppies outside at night. Cold Weather Can Aggravate Certain Health Conditions It is really important to remember that cold weather can worsen some Golden Retriever health conditions such as arthritis or other joint disorders. Check out this article to learn more about Hip Dysplasia, one of the most common joint disorders in Golden Retrievers. If you know that your dog suffers from a condition that might be aggravated by a dip on the thermometer, then get him inside. It is one of their attributes that make them so versatile—and ultimately, one of the most popular breeds in America for the last twenty years. You cannot assume that he will be fine without regard to the overnight lows. Besides, your only concern should not be: Can he survive the temperatures? There are lots of conditions that you and I could survive that we would not want to experience. Instead, the real question should be: Is my dog comfortable at night? In addition to the Mud River Kennel Cover I mentioned above, another little product you can use to make your dog more comfortable and protect against the cold is a kennel mat. Check out this one from Mud River on Amazon. Insulating the kennel is only part of the solution. Insulate the floor of wherever your dog is sleeping to make sure that he can safely endure cold weather spells. Like humans, dogs can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite if they are left out in freezing temps for extended periods of time. The Right Doghouse for Cold Weather There are lots of ways to make sure dogs stay warm and comfortable during the night. The most important piece of equipment you can purchase for a Golden Retriever that lives outside is an insulated kennel or doghouse. The right doghouse will also help keep your dog cool in the summer as well as warm in the winter. Double bonus—so get a quality dog house. Make sure your choice of doghouse comes with a heavy-duty flap to keep the wind out. You will also want to make sure that there is a comfortable surface for your dog to lay down on to insulate the floor. You want your doghouse to be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, stretch out and lay down in. If it is too small, then your dog will feel cramped. Did you know that your Golden Retriever is his own heat source if you have an appropriately sized doghouse? To maximize the insulation value of the doghouse, make sure you put it in a protected area of your yard. The more you can protect it from the wind and other elements, the easier it will be for your pooch to keep warm and dry. Food and Water Did you know that shivering actually uses up more calories than just sitting still? The other thing that you might overlook is the danger of dehydration. Make sure that your dog has sufficient fresh, unfrozen water. As soon as you are finished reading the post, you should go and make sure your dog has fresh water to drink. Proper hydration is important for every climate and keeping your dog properly hydrated is one of the first steps to keeping your dog healthy. It is pretty certain that Goldens get cold at night when temperatures drop that low, regardless of what other factors are present. At these temperatures, your dog risks cold-related problems like hypothermia and frostbite. Pay attention to her and see what she is saying with her body language. Being a good dog owner requires that you recognize the signs your Retriever gives you. If you notice that she is shivering, acting anxious, or just slowing down, it is time to bring them inside for the night. Do Golden Retriever puppies tolerate cold weather and how cold is too cold for them? Although Golden Retrievers as a breed are hardy dogs, puppies are more vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite. Piloerection When the dog is cold, its hairs stand up and create a pocket of air between hair shafts, similar to goosebumps. That prevents warm air from escaping and cold air from getting close to the skin. Padding of the paws Cold-tolerant breeds, such as Goldens, have paws with a thick layer of subcutaneous fat and connective tissue, supported by an extensive network of blood vessels. Good blood circulation to the paws is a way for the body to keep them as warm as possible. Shivering Like any mammal, dogs shiver to generate heat. Slowing of the metabolism Dogs slow the chemical processes in their bodies to reduce energy expenditure to give off less energy to the environment around them. Body fat, or subcutaneous tissue, insulates the animal from cold air. Muscle mass allows for generating energy to keep the animal warm. Golden puppies remain at a higher risk for hypothermia until they mature and become more muscular, and accumulate the appropriate amount of fat tissue. Less Efficient Perfusion To The Paws Most animal babies have imperfect perfusion to their extremities in the first few months of their lives. Their bodies prioritize essential organs, which increases the chances of survival in the wild. That is why youngsters often have cool paws. Paws, tails, and ears are at a high risk of frostbite. Frostbite is dangerous to any animal, especially a very young one, whose immune system is not mature yet. Lack Of Conditioning If your pet lives in a cool climate, it acclimates over time and becomes more stoic in cold weather. Moving to a colder climate could be a little shocking at first even to a mature dog. Puppies are not used to cold air and cold surfaces, nor do they have the fitness that helps an animal withstand harsh conditions. Your puppy will become conditioned, gradually and only to some extent, to the weather conditions that are typical in the area where you live. Ears, tails, and paws are especially vulnerable, but other parts of the body can be affected. So, rain, snow, and hail put your puppy at an even higher risk. Puppies have lower body temperature but it normalizes a few weeks after being born. These are some common signs of mild and moderate hypothermia: Behavioral changes, for example, nervousness Picking up and holding up a paw Whining, vocalizing Pale skin, noticeable around the mouth, pale mucous membranes Shivering The signs of severe hypothermia: Weakness and lethargy Stiffness of paws and eventually the torso Slow breathing Slow pulse Dilated pupils The progression of hypothermia is very quick in puppies. If your pet is stiff and confused, or lethargic, take him or her to a veterinarian without delay. If your puppy is shivering and appears cold but without any confusion or lethargy, take him or her home as soon as possible to warm up gradually under close supervision. A puppy should always spend very limited periods of time if the temperature is below freezing, for example. A puppy who is very young in particular should only spend a few minutes outdoors when it is chilly, especially in sub-zero temperatures. Make sure your puppy has eaten well before heading outside on a cold day. It is important to regularly feed your puppy good quality food to promote general health and better tolerance to extreme conditions but the cold season is the time for more nutritious and higher-calorie meals. Clean the paws to remove ice and rocks. Consider purchasing a waterproof warm vest if your puppy goes for walks in cold weather frequently. It is important to measure your pet to make sure you are getting the right size. Any brand you choose should provide a size chart. Waterproof boots are important and protect the paws from contact with both cold and hot surfaces. Your Golden puppy might not need any clothing for the season because puppies should not spend long periods outside in the cold. Spending just a few minutes outside is generally fine, as long as your pup is moving the entire time. If your dog is shivering and looks uncomfortable but is generally acting appropriately, your pet could be mildly hypothermic. Take the dog home and treat her to a warm meal. Frostbite Puppies are particularly at risk, which is why they should spend very limited time outdoors in sub-zero temperatures. Socks Or Boots The most reliable way to protect the paws is a physical barrier, such as dog boots or socks. Most dogs take time to get used to the idea of wearing boots. If your pup still hates the idea after a few tries, paw balm, or another petroleum-based product is the next best thing. Paw Wax Paw balm , or wax, is a great way to protect the paws from both cold and hot surfaces. Beeswax and paraffin are the main ingredients of manufactured paw wax products. These products seal off the paw and protect it from ice, cold, and chemicals. Petroleum Jelly Products Purified petroleum-based products are safe to use on pet paws and could be a cheaper alternative to paw balm products, with similar protective value. The most commonly used products are Vaseline and Aquaphor. Aquaphor may be a better option because it creates a barrier and moisturizes the paws at the same time. For best results, you can melt some beeswax and mix it with olive and coconut oils 1 half beeswax to 1 half mixture of other oils: Use a small boiler to melt the beeswax and oils on low heat for a minute. Mix them well while the beeswax is melting. You could use containers of your choice to pour the mixture into to be able to use the product more comfortably. When it cools down and hardens, it is ready to use. The process of making paw butter is simple and quick, which is why many dog owners choose to make it rather than purchase it.

An adorable crossbreed of the Labrador Retriever and Miniature Poodle, Mini Labradoodles are celebrated for their hypoallergenic coats, lively personalities, and the wonderful companionship they bring to any home. At Lone Star Pups, our Mini Labradoodle puppies are raised with an abundance of love and meticulous care, growing in a warm, nurturing environment. Each puppy is a cherished part of our family, fostering their development into well-rounded, sociable pets that are ready to brighten up your home. Mini Labradoodles combine the Labrador Retriever's friendly and outgoing nature with the Miniature Poodle's intelligence and hypoallergenic qualities. Their manageable size and adaptable temperament make them an excellent fit for diverse households, from bustling families to serene singles. Upholding the highest breeding standards, we at Lone Star Pups carefully select the parents of our Mini Labradoodle puppies based on their robust health and commendable temperaments. This careful selection ensures that our Mini Labradoodle puppies for sale in Kerrville, Texas exhibit the finest attributes of both their parent breeds. At Lone Star Pups, we prioritize the health and well-being of our puppies. Each Mini Labradoodle puppy undergoes comprehensive health inspections to ensure they're in prime health when they step paw into their new homes. Our year health guarantee underlines our confidence in our breeding practices and our dedication to the health of our puppies. A few of our Mini Labradoodle Pups. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Kerrville, TX? We have answers. What's the most interesting thing about Labradoodle puppies for sale near Kerrville? Labradoodles are an incredibly unique breed of dog that can provide their owners with a unique opportunity. They are a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle and are often considered to be "designer dogs". This combination of two highly intelligent and social breeds of dogs can result in a loving and loyal dog with the intelligence and versatility of both the Lab and the Poodle. They can make a great companion, with their even dispositions, and can even be well-suited for families with children. How can I manage allergies with Labradoodle puppies for sale in Kerrville? Managing allergies with Labradoodles can be done by regularly brushing their coat, cleaning the dust and dander from their fur, and wiping away their saliva with a damp cloth. It is important to remember that all Labradoodles can shed, so it is important to vacuum your home thoroughly on a regular basis. Unlike other breeds, Labradoodles seldom cause an allergic reaction, but their coat can still potentially cause an allergic reaction. To help prevent reactions, you should also bathe your Labradoodle frequently as this can help lift allergens off their coat. What do Kerrville Labradoodle puppies for sale eat? Labradoodles are highly intelligent and sociable dogs, and their nutritional requirements vary depending on their age and size. Generally, these pups should be fed a high-quality, balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Dog food is usually the best source of nutrition for Labradoodles, and it's important that the food is appropriate for their size and activity level. Do Labradoodle puppies in Kerrville have any kind of special requirements? Labradoodles, like many dog breeds, require exercise, companionship, and TLC to stay happy and healthy. They generally have the same basic needs as any other breed, such as plenty of physical and mental stimulation, plenty of fresh water, good nutrition, socialisation, and regular vet visits. Beyond that, Labradoodles benefit from regular grooming. Because of their special mix of fur they require more attention than a single-breed pooch, including brushing, clipping, or haircuts. They may need to have their ears checked as often as once a month too. How fast do Labradoodles for sale in Kerrville grow? The size of your Labradoodle puppy depends on a number of factors. Generally, age, gender, and genetics will all play a role in how big your pup will be. Depending on the cross-bred parents, your Labradoodle's growth can vary in size. Mini Labradoodles usually weigh less than 15 pounds and reach heights of up to 15 inches. Can I take my Labradoodle puppies near Kerrville running? Yes, you can take your Labradoodle running! However, it is important to be mindful of the physical limitations of your breed and take the appropriate precautions for a safe running experience. For example, because Labradoodles are more prone to heat exhaustion, it is important to make sure the temperature is relatively cool when you take your pup for a run. It is also important that you make sure your pup is wearing proper running shoes to protect its feet from any sharp objects. Additionally, consider the age of your pup puppies should not be running over long distances until they are fully grown. Are Labradoodles in Kerrville good for first-time owners? Labradoodles can certainly be a great choice for first-time owners. Many Labradoodles are sizably smaller than other dogs, making them easier to manage, while their temperament is often considered to be even-keeled, energetic, but also laid back when need be. They require discipline and consistency from their owners, as with any breed, so first-time owners should be prepared to provide training and properly socialize their pup. Labradoodles also benefit greatly from the companionship of their owners, so they will flourish in households that are often home with their pup. Are Kerrville Labradoodles for sale smart? Labradoodles are renowned for their intelligent nature. They are active problem solvers and highly trainable, making them a great option for those looking for a smart companion. Labradoodles are known for their steady temperament, alertness, and eagerness to please their owners, and they often excel in obedience classes and agility courses. Labradoodles learn commands quickly and with reinforcement they can master more complex tasks, such as fetching items and delivering them to a designated person. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Kerrville Texas and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

Many pug puppies claim the moniker of cutest pug in the world. With little funny pug faces and little funny pug butts, these puppies definitely have a chance of winning our annual cutest pug in the world contest! If popularity was the only determinant of cuteness in fact itsdougthepug would probably be the winner with some 2. Posing with food, pugs in costumes, pugs with other cute animals, all these "tricks" or cute puppy hacks definitely are good for upping your cute pug game but they will also disqualified from winning the title of "cutest pug in the world". Well, the critics have spoken and the votes for the cutest pug in the world are in! We have the hands down cutest pug puppy in the whole world! There are of course plenty of cute pug adults, and super cute senior pugs out there. There are cute one eyed pugs and amazingly cute fat pugs. There are even mega cute pug drawings, but thats not why you came here! You came here to find out hands down who the cutest pug is! And drum roll please! The winner of cutest pug in the world is.His cute little puppy paws probably smell like popcorn yes thats a thing! I can bet these pictures will make your day. At the end of this cute pictures of Pug puppies, you will find the information about their origin and path to their natural behavior and instincts. A cute Pug puppy hanging on a wood swing. This is not what i asked for, I am hungry. Can you please offer me treat? This is what i am excellent at. Tongue Tuesday. This shake has become my favorite drink. Image Source: Instagram imapugnamedhamilton They call me chubby. If yes, you can see me working very hard. Image Source: Wallpaperplay Giving an innocent look for a photo. My hooman finally decided to take me on a trip. Image Source: Instagram cutepuglovers A cute Pug puppy laying upside down. This is what you get when you wake me from a deep sleep. This is mine! Source: YouTube The Pug is a lap dog that originated from China and has a docile, friendly and charming personality. You will definitely want to buy this cute dog after seeing some of the cute pictures of it. The small-sized Pug is one of the oldest breeds of dog that has flourished since before the B. It is a lean and leggy dog with short legs and a long body.

Standard Poodles! Poodles are goofy, social, fun-loving, intelligent, highly-trainable, and desire human companionship. It is thought that the Poodle originated in Germany as far back as the Middle ages. Taking its name from the German word pudeln, which means "to splash in water". The Poodle was once exceptional at retrieving ducks from the marshes. The versatile Poodle is among the most intelligent and capable of breeds. It is easily trained and remains a popular family pet to this day. Our Poodles are all from Standard lines and are regal and calm, though they love to play. They bark to alert when someone arrives at the house, but are not barkers without purpose. Standard Poodles love to be near their family and are wonderful with other dogs and children. We produce solids, parti-factor or abstract, as well as Parti Standard Poodle Puppies! Our Parti Standard Poodle Puppies range from red and white, apricot and white, brown and white, black and white, and sable parti puppies. Our Poodle Dams and Sires are AKC Registered from excellent bloodlines and have obtained extensive health clearances prior to being bred. All three varieties have the same build and proportions. We do not currently offer miniature or toy puppies. Poodles can be black, red, white, apricot, brown, cream, Cafe Au Lait, silver beige, silver or blue, and may be a combination of these colors. Poodles carry the color patterns brindle, sable, ticking, abstract, tuxedo, parti, and phantom. They require brushing a few times a week, plus clipping and shaping every months. This longer clip though does require more frequent brushing at home to prevent matting of the Poodles curly coat. According to Slate Magazine, Poodles were originally used as foul hunting dogs. An unshorn Poodle's thick coat could weigh it down in the water. With the bottom half of its body shaved, the animal was more buoyant and could swim more freely. The long mane and hair around the chest were left intact to keep the poodle's vital organs warm in the cold water, and owners also kept the hair around the joints to protect them from cold and injury and to help prevent rheumatism. Shaving the hair around the face left the poodle's mouth and eyes free so it could fulfill its retrieving responsibilities, and tying the hair on a poodle's head into a "top knot" also kept hair out of its eyes. Owners eventually tied these knots with brightly colored ribbons to help them identify their dogs from afar. Daily walks are a must if you don't have a safely enclosed area for them to run freely. They love games and many are attracted to water and love to swim. As with any dog, socialization and training should start while the dog is still a puppy and continue throughout its life. Look for a puppy kindergarten class locally or join the AKC S. Puppy Program , training based on positive techniques. Find a class here. This is a great place to start socializing and training. A well-socialized, well-trained Poodle makes a wonderful family companion. Early socialization and training establishes those lifetime bonds between the family and puppy as these programs teach you how to communicate with your new puppy and get started on the right foot. Multi-color refers to any Poodle that is more than one color at the skin. Multi-Color Poodles are recognized by the Poodle Club of America as purebred Poodles; however, PCA decided long ago that multi-color was a disqualification in conformation. This means that while multis are recognized as Poodles, they cannot compete in AKC conformation. In Europe they actually have their own multi-color kennel club shows! Please do not be fooled by breeders trying to sell you dogs registered with these clubs. However, dogs registered or shown in the clubs above do not guarantee quality dogs or an ethical breeder. UKC, the venue we primarily show in, has their own kennel club for multi-color Poodles called the United Poodle Association. Our breed standard is primarily identical to the PCA breed standard, but our breed standard allows for not only multi-colors, but we are allowed to show in multiple breed cuts besides the traditional puppy cut and continental cut. The UPA is so far the only club to take a public stand against merles. Now, onto Poodle colors! Dogs posted either have verified testing results or are pedigree certified. Huge thanks to their owners and breeders! Click here to go to a color genetics page that covers all breeds, but taught me a lot and helped me apply the all-breed knowledge to Poodles specifically. Not every color rule posted in the above website applies to Poodles as we seem to break a lot of rules! As the creator of this website, I do not give any other breeder permission to use this content. I do not give permission to any other social media page or user to redistribute this content. It presents many different way in Poodles. Genetically, they can be either brown or black based; pheonotypically they can look silver based like Kovu and red based like the bottom dog in the above collage, or cream. A very typical expression of sable you will see is a dog with a solid cream body with brown and black tipped ears. Genetically, sable is "Ay" and is the dominant A locus gene. Since sable can present in so many ways, I always suggest color testing. Sable can also present in a "phantom" pattern like Kovu, but it is important to know that a dog cannot be both sable and phantom as they are both located on the A locus. Sables except for brown should have dark eyes, and dark inky black pigment on their eyes rims, nose, lips, and paw pads. Browns should have liver points, reds should have black points and dark eyes but can have liver points Apricots can have liver points with amber eyes but it is undesirable. Phantom is a recessive on the A locus. Phantom in Poodles is what other breeds call "tan points" such as the coloring on a Doberman. However, phantom Poodles can be many more colors than just black and tan! Some phantoms will hold their pattern, others will fade. In this collage we have two silver phantoms on the top, both actually related! Halo was thought to be a blue phantom when she was brought home, but as she has matured she has really silvered out. On the bottom we have an exciting new addition, a phantom parti! Phantom partis will only retain their phantom phenotype on their faces as the parti patern will generally block all other coloring out. While it isn't a true Poodle term, some will refer to phantom parti's as tri color. Next we have a brindle phantom and to round it out a brown and cream phantom. Phantoms should have dark eyes and dark inky black pigment on their eye rims, nose, lips, and paw pads. Reds should have dark points, but may have liver though it is undesirable. Apricots are preferred to have dark points and eyes, but they are allowed to have amber eyes and light points. Brown phantoms will only have liver points. Brown dogs, solid or multi, can only have brown points. Parti "Sp" S locus And now the one everyone knows, onto Partis!! You will also hear people talk about tuxedos, and that just refers to how the secondary color pattern presents, they are still parti Poodles. Partis should have dark colored eyes with dark inky black pigment on their eye rims, nose, lips, and paw pads. Partis will sometimes have what is called a white haw showing on their eyes, which is acceptable. They should have black or self colored nails. Brown partis should have liver points, red partis can have liver points but it is undesireable, apricot partis can have amber eyes and liver points, but that is not preferred. Seal "unknown" the genetic locus for this is unknown Seal is one of those patterns that very, very little is known about it. Most dogs who are seal test as dogs that shouldn't show any color patterns, so we aren't really sure which locus it comes from. What is thought about it currently is that it has a play on the K locus, the A locus, or a modifier that works on one or both. There are seal Poodles who have a brownish coat color but they will have dark eyes and dark inky black eye rims, nose, lips, and paw pads. Brown based seal Poodles will have brown points and self colored nails. A wild sable Poodle will have banded hair strands, meaning the hair goes from a dark color, to a light color, to dark again. The difference between a sable and an agouti comes down to the banded hairs, because even normal sables can retain their nose band. Black based sables should have dark eyes and dark inky black eye rims, lips, nose, and paw pads. Brown based should have liver points. Recessive Black "a" A locus Recessive black is the last a locus gene and is also a recessive, it is simply "a" on genetic tests. However, a dog born from two dogs that carry recessive black can be born solid black. The dog pictured here is a solid born from two multi colors who both carry recessive black. Blue is the recessive to Black. Since this dog was born from two multis with the recessive "a", he will be able to produce multis and will only pass on one copy of "a" unless bred to another dog who carries "a", if that's the case there will be both multis and solids like this boy in the litter. Genetics are fun! Brindle "kbr" K locus Brindle is a fun one, because it plays off the A locus patterns of sable and phantom! As I mentioned earlier, sable is Ay and phantom is at with brindle being kbr on genetic tests. Brindle is typically red stripes on a black base, but in Poodles you can also have silver brindles. There is a common misconception with abstract marked dogs that they came from or carry parti sp. This has been proven false through genetic testing and litters from other breeders. There isn't much known about what exactly causes abstract markings, because those white spots aren't necessarily due to carrying parti in parti carriers. This is a screenshot of Kovu's color testing results from Paw Print Genetics, I want to explain some things that aren't seen in pictures of the dogs themselves. To break down his results, we will start with the D locus. Blue and silver do not play off the D Locus nor do they have anything to do with it. The K locus is what determines what you see on the A locus. Ky is what allows the A locus to express itself. Next we go to B locus which is black and brown. So to tie it together, if he were KB, he would be a solid black dog! He is not any of those and he cannot produce them. S locus is parti, he is not parti and he cannot produce it. I hope seeing this will help color genetics make some sense now! It's a very complicated subject but one that is very fun to learn about! You are visitor number: All photos are property of Alue Standard Poodles and are not to be used without written permission. Phantom, Tri color, Brindle and Sable Poodles What are brindle, phantom, sable and tri colored standard poodles? Brindle standard poodles have two colors that form a striped pattern. They come in a variety of colors including silver, blue, grey, black, and brown. The brindle pattern may cover the whole body or be on the colored part of the dog not the white areas. It is possible to have a tuxedo or spotted parti poodle with a brindle pattern. Phantom poodles have markings often compared to those of a doberman pincher. There are several other breeds that have this color pattern. While phantom-patterned dogs have 2 coat colors, the markings of a phantom poodle are in a specific pattern, unlike a parti colored dog. Phantom poodles have lighter markings on their legs, across the cheeks on the face, across the chest, on the eyebrows, and below the tail. A true phantom will hold these marking throughout its lifetime. Phantom colors can be found in these combinations: Black phantoms: black and apricot, black and red, black and cream, black and brown, or black and silver Brown phantoms: brown and apricot or brown and creme Red phantoms: red and apricot or red and creme Silver or blue phantoms: silver and creme or blue and creme. On a silver, the markings may become almost indistinguishable as the color changes it is common for silver poodles to fade in color over time. Sable poodles are usually born black or brown and clear a kind of lightening with age. Sable dogs will mature to a lighter dog with black tips. When a poodle is groomed you often may see dark markings only on the longer hair such as the tips of the ears. A puppy that is born a dark brown or black that is also a sable may lighten to a creme with just dark tips. Tricolored poodles are genetically two color patterns. They are a parti colored poodle with phantom markings. The legs may be white as is often seen on a parti dog. The only phantom marking that occur may be seen on the face and eyebrows. You may see poodles with multiple patterns such as a brindle parti or brindle tuxedo. There are also brindle and phantom poodles, sable and phantom, and sable and brindle combinations all with or without parti markings. Dogs may have a black or dark mask on the face which is considered rare. The markings of a multi-colored dog may also change over time, which can be interesting to see. Watch Willow, a tuxedo brindle puppy, change colors. Phantom standard poodles We have phantom, brindle, sable and tri colored standard poodle puppies for sale, make sure to check back often to see available puppies. Our waiting list fills up quickly, fill out an application and get the process started. Our first priority, in the process of selecting our standard poodles, is health and temperament. Because of research and selection, we are able to combine these two conformation types to produce a superb, well-rounded Standard Poodle puppy who can be your newest family member. The Poodle Club of America is, of course, made up of humans that are pretty special, amazing and dedicated people. They write the standards for the breed, and the standard has to some extent changed the original look and purpose of the Standard Poodle. Our primary goal is to enrich the very small gene bank of the Standard Poodle pedigrees, which is and will continue to be the best weapon against genetic disorders. The preceding statements may raise some eyebrows and ruffle some feathers. It might even become a topic on Poodle Forum, but we stand firm in our belief and respect those who disagree. Again, because of our selective breeding, we can produce every color available in the breed of Standard Poodles. We have white standard poodles, cream standard poodles, apricot standard poodles, and red standard poodles. We offer the striking colors of jet black standard poodles, blue standard poodles, grey standard poodles, and silver standard poodles. In , after lots of research and prayer, we added the ability to produce the very controversial colors of phantom standard poodles and parti standard poodles. We also have brindle standard poodles and sable standard poodles. We are concentrating on the diversity of these colors by crossing our solid color Gentlemen with our parti and phantom Ladies. In the selection of our color variety of Standard Poodle Ladies we are striving to improve on the health and conformation. These colors are allowed to be registered with the AKC but not allowed in the conformation show ring. Our hope someday is that the non-solid variety of a Standard Poodle will be accepted in the show ring as a color variety just as the Cocker Spaniels and other breeds of color. However, a self-portrait of Rembrandt shows him with his parti colored standard poodle, in ! To see early history pictures and read more about the origin of these poodles of color, please click here. Below are slideshows of our Canine Ladies and along with links to their Pedigrees and any Health Testing. I have worked very close with my mom now for many years. I try very hard to be the manager, but my mom, who is supposed to be retiring in , sometimes has a hard time letting go. My mom and my sister Holley, helped me design and write the website in the beginning. I did all the technical work on the website as well as the routine updates. I was finally able to pass that on to my Aunt Beth when she came on board. I designed and created all of our forms and records we use in our daily work and routines, i. One of the most fascinating things I do is the research on color genetics and then studying the pedigrees for low co-efficiency. I give advice where needed as a nurse and mid-wife. I also spend a great deal of time with our Standard Poodle puppies. I thoroughly enjoy the responsibility of examining and performing our socializing protocol with our Standard Poodle puppies. In addition to taking care of our puppies at a young age, I work with the ones we keep and the ones we buy for our breeding program; on leash training, crate training, basic commands and socialization. I can often be found in the pictures and videos as well. During these times I receive a lot of puppy kisses and I get to smell the sweet scent of puppy breath. I am very involved and busy in the public relations department. I take very serious the responsibility of placing our puppies into the right forever home. This is exceptionally important to all of us and I assure you we all take it very seriously! I also manage our relationships with other reputable Standard Poodle breeders. I appreciate all your phone calls and emails, so daily, many hours are spent fielding your questions about Standard Poodles. All Standard Poodles possess specific qualities, but with varying degrees of these qualities. I make it my mission to get to know each potential new puppy owner and introduce them to puppies who match their lifestyle and personality. Darlene and April and the other ladies here, also meet and greet our families and help in the role of placing puppies in their forever home as well. Her wisdom and talent have proven to be outstanding in the design of our breeding facility and the structure of the entire breeding program. The knowledge she has passed on to me is invaluable. It makes me so conscious of the importance of superior maintenance and routine repair of the grounds. Mom still helps me answer health questions or training issues that her years of experience better qualify her to answer. I am still learning and am sure I will for many more years to come. Most of the website photography, up until was done by my mom with all of us behind the scenes making all kinds of weird noises to get the canine Ladies and Gentlemen as well as puppies to look at the camera and smile. She still is editing and preparing the photos for the website which she enjoys very much. She also did our co-efficiency work-ups and kept our pedigrees up to date with our canine Lady and Gentlemen information. In addition to all of this, Holley handled our litter registrations and all of our AKC paperwork. She was in charge of getting our contracts and guarantees to you. She also helped me reply to emails and phone calls from you about our standard poodle babies. Late in Holley weaned herself from working full time with our Standard Poodles because she was offered a wonderful opportunity to go back to her first love of training and showing American Saddlebreds. She works with an amazing woman who has shown and trained Saddlebreds for years. My mom is very thankful to Mary Ann for giving Holley the chance to do what she loves best and is such a great mentor and friend to Holley. Holley helps train and works the horses and has a great riding lesson program for children. Now I have been able to relinquish those responsibilities to April and my Aunt Beth. Blake is now a wonderful stay at home dad to our son born July 28, .She started out doing the daily poop scooping, cleaning, feeding and watering. She gave vaccines and medications. The list was endless. No one can deal with all of us with a smile every day. Her winning smile and her bubbly personality adds to the comradery among our team. Darlene now helps me manage the kennel and is the official full time groomer of all our Family Affair Standard Poodles. Our Standard Poodle puppies get their first face and tail haircut, ear cleaning and nail cutting from Darlene. Each of our adult Standard Poodles get groomed every 8 to 10 weeks, so the grooming is a never-ending cycle. Then moms and puppies are let out into their yards and exercise runs to potty and play all day. We are so blessed to have Darlene. She is pictured below with her beloved Raven. Although her first canine love is her Miniature Dachshunds, she is as dedicated to our Standard Poodle Ladies and Gentlemen and our Standard Poodle puppies as we are. Darlene is loved and appreciated by all of us, and enjoys spending time with us even on her days off. I think we can make it happen! She was very responsible and dedicated at that young age. When she wanted to join our team again at the age of 25, we were very pleased. She came back to us on a part time basis in early .She was reliable and observant when examining and observing puppies and adults. We quickly realized she was also a great asset in the office and computer department as well. In just a few months, she started full time and then took over a lot of the task Darlene had been responsible for over the years. Erica begins her day with a quick hands-on inspection of all the babies. She gives medication, routine wormers and vaccines. Erica weighs and individually identifies each puppy with different colors of fingernail polish the day they are born. For three weeks all our Standard Poodle puppies are weighed every day. All of that attention to babies must have affected her, because in early , Erica gave birth to a beautiful baby girl that looks like a china doll. Her name is Kaelyn. We are looking forward to working with Erica for many years to come and watching Kaelyn grow up.